FDIC Promises Guidance on Bank Payment Processing

FDIC Payday Lending Internet Lending Payment Processors

On September 17, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg responded to a letter sent recently by Republican members of the House of Representatives, in which the members objected to the agency’s approach toward online lending and the banks that process payments on behalf of online lenders. In his response letter, Chairman Gruenberg explains the FDIC’s approach to the issue, describes the challenges for banks who do business with online lenders and third party payment processors, and promises “ a Financial Institution Letter . . . to make it clear that the FDIC's focus is the proper management of the banks' relationships with their customers, particularly those engaged in higher risk activities, and not underlying activities that are permissible under state and federal law.”