In this edition of the AFSA Extra Credit Podcast, we chat with Robert Steenbergh, Founder & CEO of AutoPayPlus which offers consumers a flexible auto financing schedule that matches payments with paychecks. We have a broad conversation about Robert’s journey, the benefits of changing the perspective on how consumers pay for vehicles and the importance of affordability. […]

In light of the Biden Administration’s policy initiative targeting “junk fees,” the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection held a hearing today entitled, Taking Account of Fees and Tactics Impacting Americans’ Wallets. Witnesses were Michelle Henry, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Lindsey Siegel, Director of Housing Advocacy at the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, […]

Alfa, provider of Alfa Systems, the class-leading technology platform for auto and equipment finance, has reported an impressive haul for its customers at the 2023 Asset Finance Connect awards. Outstanding Achievement Award: Louise McIntosh, Head of Operations at United Trust Bank (UTB). Environment Award and Lender of the Year: Close Brothers Asset Finance. Equipment Finance […]

With election politics, the final financial quarter of 2023, the holiday shopping season, and financial planning for 2024 around the corner, discussions about the U.S. economy are no joke. So, what better time to hear from AFSA Chief Economist Tim Gill and a panel of economists from a variety of industries for a discussion tackling the tough fiscal questions? What’s in store […]

PayNearMe clients can now offer their customers alternative bill payment options using all major mobile wallets and payment apps. Digital wallets have become increasingly popular among consumers, as many millennials and Gen Z customers are ditching traditional bank accounts in favor of these apps. In addition, Cash App Pay gives lenders a fast, convenient and […]

  Our 2023 Annual Meeting is just around the corner at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, from Oct. 1-4! What better way to start your fall off than a thought-provoking, engaging conference in the Best State as rated by U.S. News and World Report. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, […]

The American Financial Services Association supports efforts for passage of a bipartisan federal data privacy law, via United for Privacy, a coalition of almost 30 trade groups that supports federal privacy legislation. Clarity is needed from Washington as the rapidly growing landscape of state-level privacy laws creates a fragmented patchwork of rules and regulations that […]

The AFSA Extra Credit Podcast Industry Icon series continues, featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry. This episode features Suzi Straffon, Director, Finance Company Markets with Allied Solutions Suzi has had a successful career because of her tenacity and importance she places on learning, particularly from her mentors.  She chats with Danielle Fagre Arlowe, […]

Today, AFSA, with several other trade associations, submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) v. Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA). The brief argues in favor of CFSA, noting that the CFPB’s funding structure, which is free from congressional oversight and budgetary process, is unconstitutional. The […]

This spring, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a proposed Statement of Policy Regarding Prohibition on Abusive Acts or Practices.  While the Statement is meant to produce “clearer and simpler guidance,” it instead sows more confusion.  AFSA submitted a letter on the policy outlining some key objections to the Statement:  It is inconsistent with […]