Annual fair lending report issued; CFPB’s COO Kate Fulton to join FHFA; consumer complaint database enhanced.

The Supreme Court justices hearing oral arguments in the CFPB constitutionality case appeared divided, which means any sweeping change to the consumer watchdog is unlikely, according to industry attorneys.

A panel in the Fifth Circuit Court ruled the CFPB’s leadership structure is constitutional. Interestingly, the circuit court last year said the structure of the FHFA — which is similar to the CFPB — is unconstitutional.

Senate Democrats during a hearing last week questioned CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger on the bureau’s plans to help out borrowers impacted by the coronavirus.

The Sword of Damocles hung over his head during his last year at the helm of the bureau, former CFPB Director Richard Cordray disclosed in his new book.

The U.S. Supreme Court this week will hear oral arguments on whether the leadership structure of the CFPB is constitutional.

Though it believes the CFPB’s leadership structure is unconstitutional, the Department of Justice in a new reply brief urged the Supreme Court to preserve the bureau for its “critical work.”

It is widely expected that if a Democrat wins the presidential election, the new administration will once again strengthen the CFPB.

Brian Johnson, deputy director at the CFPB, has left the agency for a position at law firm Alston & Bird. His departure brings the tally of political appointees leaving the bureau to four.