Skip to main content

McWatters’ name has surfaced along with three or four others to head the CFPB

WASHINGTON–NCUA Chairman J. Mark McWatters is on the shortlist to potentially head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to one industry report.
McWatters’ name has surfaced along with three to four others, according to “industry sources” as reported by American Banker.
“He’s pragmatic and measured, which will make it very difficult for Democrats to vilify him during the nomination process,” Isaac Boltansky, an analyst at Compass Point Research & Trading, was quoted by American Banker as saying.
American Banker reported that others in the running for the appointment to the position include Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University; Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), who chairs the House Financial Services Committee; and Keith Noreika, the former acting comptroller of the currency.Any appointment to lead the CFPB, of course, could be affected by a lawsuit currently working its way through the courts that challenges President Trump’s authority to appoint Mick Mulvaney as the current acting director. That suit was filed by Leandra English, the deputy director of the CFPB who is arguing that as the result of the resignation by former director Richard Cordray the Dodd-Frank Act states the deputy director should be elevated to the top position.
Sources told American Banker the president hopes to announce a permanent appointment in January, allowing Mulvaney to return to his other position as director of the Office of Management and Budget.
“McWatters would potentially offer the administration another way forward,” American Banker reported. “He was confirmed to head the credit union agency over the summer, suggesting he’d be able to secure the necessary votes. And while he’s solicited the CFPB to roll back its oversight of credit unions in several cases, McWatters has not openly criticized the consumer agency — its operations or its structure — as others being considered have done.”
This is not the first time McWatters’ name has surfaced as a potential nominee to another agency leadership position beyond NCUA. He was previously considered for appointment to the board of the Export-Import Bank, but that move was blocked in Congress.
McWatters, an attorney and CPA, joined NCUA in 2014 after being appointed by President Obama, and was named chairman in January of this year. Should McWatters leave NCUA, it would give President Trump the opportunity to appoint all three NCUA board members immediately, should he chose to do so. The term of current NCUA Board Member Rick Metsger has already expired, and the third board seat is currently vacant. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday Reading - Individual Retirement Accounts

  Individual Retirement Accounts     Inside IRAs Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are tax-advantaged   investment accounts that help individuals save for retirement. The money you put into an IRA is used to invest in stocks, bonds, and other assets. Anyone who earns an income—regardless of whether they are a full-timer, a part-timer, or a contractor—can open and invest in an IRA. IRAs are often good solutions for people who don’t have the option to invest in a 401(k) ( 1440 Topics )—or for those who want to put even more money aside for retirement.   Depending on the type of IRA someone gets, they will have access to either a tax-deferred or...

Sheehans Consulting LLC - "We only have one goal in mind!"

We have one goal in mind: “What is best for you? We achieve strategic initiatives, develop products, optimize profitability and productivity through best practices, and make our firm a strong asset for professional services.  With over 30 years of experience in public administration, credit union, and association management, I have developed a solid track record in leadership and development.  Please visit us at https://www.sheehansconsultingllc.com/ to learn more about what we can do for you.   _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

Trump Administration Reverses Course, Restores CDFI Fund Staff In Major Win for Credit Unions

WASHINGTON—In a sharp reversal of the Trump Administration’s earlier move, the mass reduction-in-force (RIF) notices issued to all employees of the CDFI Fund last month have been rescinded, according to internal emails reviewed by Punchbowl News. The notices had threatened terminations in December as part of a broader effort by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Director Russ Vought to pressure congressional Democrats to drop their objections in the budget-funding fight. For the credit-union movement, the signal is loud and clear: critical community-development infrastructure may yet be preserved, sources stated. “Reinstating the entire CDFI Fund staff is an essential and welcome step toward restoring a program that has proven itself indispensable to underserved and military communities,” said DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jaso Stverak. “The CDFI Fund isn’t just another federal initiative—it is a lifeline for servicemembers, veterans, and low-income families who rely on miss...

Best Places to Retire

  List: Best Places to Retire Midland, Michigan , was ranked the best place to retire , according to a ranking of 850 cities by U.S. News . The top locations had the best mix of affordability, quality of life, health care access, and other benefits. The top five were rounded out by Weirton, West Virginia , Homosassa Springs, Florida , The Woodlands, Texas , and Spring, Texas . Midland scored top marks on walkability , culture , retail establishments , and restaurants . The town is just a short drive from beaches at the edge of Lake Huron . The top 25 included nine cities in Florida and six in Texas. See the full list here . _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

Now Available - "Financial Literacy" From NCOFCU

https://www.ncofcu.org/financial-literacy The National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among our members, members, particularly targeting the Millennial and Gen Z demographics. We are excited to share our engaging financial education video series, designed to address their key concerns regarding earning, saving, and spending money wisely. Here are several critical financial lessons that can significantly impact your personal finance management and long-term financial health. Discover how staying informed and educated about financial products and market trends can empower you to make smarter financial decisions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT3lzRTXnHw4LjHuOIk31eTDxaQ7J7B0f   _________________________________________ Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

Trump Administration Declares CFPB Funding Illegal, Bureau’s Cash To Run Out By Early 2026

WASHINGTON—Credit-unions face a potential regulatory vacuum as the Trump Administration formally has determined the CFPB’s current self-funding mechanism unlawful—a move that could put the agency on a path to closure in early 2026 unless Congress steps in. For credit-union leaders, who rely on the Bureau’s oversight of consumer-finance markets and enforcement of unfair practices, the decision signals a major disruption to the regulatory environment CUs navigate daily. In a court filing released late Monday, the Administration declared that the CFPB is now legally barred from seeking additional funds from the Federal Reserve System—the agency’s usual funding source under the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, POLITICO reported. That means the Bureau’s remaining resources will likely carry it only through the end of the year, after which it “anticipates exhausting its currently available funds in early 2026.” CUToday.info has tracked this story, noting in  Oct...

Vehicle Shortage Wreaking Havoc with Car Buyer’s Pocketbooks

Washington, D.C. – As Americans begin to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, record numbers of buyers are venturing back into auto showrooms. “The problem,” says Jack Gillis, CFA’s Executive Director and author of The Car Book, “is that vehicle inventories are way down which means it’s a sellers’ market. Limited supply is a price-conscious car buyer’s biggest enemy.” Vehicle inventory is down by about 30 percent which means car dealers have little incentive to negotiate. “The rule of thumb that nobody pays ‘sticker price’ for a new car has fallen by the wayside as dealers stick to the manufacturers suggest retail price (MSRP) on the vehicle label,” said Gillis. In fact, for some particularly popular vehicles in short supply, dealers are charging prices above sticker price. Gillis’s advice on the best way to deal with this reality: “If you don’t need to replace your car right now, you should wait.” The widely reported computer chip shortage and other repercussions from th...

Who's Wearing Swim Trunks, and Who Isn't?

01/21/2023 CUToday By Chip Filson  “Everyone looks like a business genius when interest rates are at historic lows and money is incredibly cheap. But when the tide goes out, you see who isn’t wearing any swimming trunks.” – Warren Buffett, among others Last week, all major banks reported their 4th quarter earnings.   Credit union 5300 call reports for the same period will not be available for 60 days or more from NCUA, unless individual firms post their financials independently. There are three observations from these commercial investment and consumer banking leaders so far. Fourth quarter earnings compared with the same period of 2021 are at b...

Navigating Cryptocurrency Risks: Education Is Key

 By Lou Grilli PSCU Interest often outpaces understanding in this space; avoid scams by boosting knowledge. Although the first cryptocurrency launched in 2009, participation and speculation accelerated rapidly over the last two years with terms like NFT and dogecoin entering the daily lexicon. However, interest often outpaces understanding in the cryptocurrency discussion, and people who are just getting involved need to be aware of the security risks. Although most credit unions may not yet be involved in the cryptocurrency sphere, education is essential to avoid dangerous crypto scams. Crypto 101 Designed to unlock new forms of financial operation, cryptocurrency has the potential to ease and expedite payments. Transactions move at the speed of blockchain, typically requiring minutes, unlike the next-business-day timeframes for the automated clearing house network. In addition, payments made via cryptocurrency do ...

House Vote Ends Longest Shutdown In U.S. History

WASHINGTON—The House late Wednesday approved a sweeping funding measure to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, clearing the way for federal agencies to reopen within hours and for hundreds of thousands of workers and service members to receive long-delayed pay. The vote was 222-209, with just six Democrats breaking with their leadership, POLITOCO said. President Trump is expected to sign the measure before night’s end, allowing federal operations to resume Thursday morning. The chamber’s vote—coming after days of intense negotiations and following the Senate’s 60–40 passage—sent the bipartisan agreement to President Donald Trump for his signature, effectively ending a shutdown that stretched well past six weeks and rattled everything from military readiness to basic government services. The package includes a continuing resolution funding the government through Jan. 30. The measure also includes a three-bill “minibus” of full-year funding for the Department...