Update Regarding CFPB Proposed Rule on Arbitration Agreements

CFPB Arbitration Agency Rule-Making & Guidance

As previously announced, the CFPB published its proposed rule on arbitration agreements in the Federal Register on May 24. To clarify prior summaries, the proposed rule seeks to impose two restrictions on the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements by covered providers of certain consumer financial products and services. First, the proposed rule would prohibit covered providers from using pre-dispute arbitration agreements to bar consumer class actions in court and would require providers to include a provision in their pre-dispute arbitration agreements reflecting this limitation. Second, the proposed rule would require covered providers to submit certain records related to arbitral proceedings to the CFPB if the covered provider uses pre-dispute arbitration agreements. Comments to the proposed rule must be received by the CFPB on or before August 22, 2016.