CFPB Director Delivers Remarks on Financial Literacy at Annual ABA Convention

CFPB Financial Literacy

On November 10, CFPB Director Richard Cordray delivered remarks at the annual American Bankers Association convention. Cordray addressed efforts by the CFPB and financial institutions to collaborate in strengthening financial education, identifying the following areas of focus: (i) working with schools and teachers to provide young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to become financially successful adults; (ii) encouraging workplace financial education; and (iii) educating older Americans and those who care for them on how to avoid financial scams. Cordray called on community banks to implement financial education programs in school systems, urging bank leaders to “set the goal of making sure that financial education is required learning in all 50 states.” Cordray encouraged banks to lead by example in promoting financial education in the workplace, and to “make it a priority to educate their own employees and help them develop and use sound financial strategies, including savings for both emergencies and retirement.” Finally, Cordray applauded banks for launching the “Safe Banking for Seniors” campaign and urged them to do more to protect older consumers from financial exploitation, noting that bankers are often the first to spot red flags and should act quickly to report any suspected abuse.