CFPB issues ANPR on consumer access to financial records

Agency Rule-Making & Guidance CFPB Dodd-Frank Section 1033 Consumer Finance

On October 22, the CFPB released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR), which seeks comments to assist the Bureau in developing regulations covering consumers’ access to financial records. The Bureau is required to promulgate regulations to implement Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which provides, among other things, that consumer financial services providers must make certain product or service information available to consumers. The Bureau’s press release notes that access to this information would allow consumers’ enhanced control of their financial matters. Additionally, should consumers allow third parties to access the information, those parties may “deliver new or improved financial products and services,” such as personal financial management and making or receiving payments. However, the Bureau acknowledges certain risks associated with access to financial records, including risks related to the methods of authorization and risks related to an institution’s collection and use of the records. The ANPR seeks comments on questions grouped into nine categories: (i) costs and benefits of consumer data access; (ii) competitive incentives; (iii) standard-setting; (iv) access scope; (v) consumer control and privacy; (vi) legal requirements outside of Section 1033; (vii) data security; (viii) data accuracy; and (ix) other information. Comments are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.