New Executive Order Expands Presidential Oversight of Federal Agencies 

A recent executive order has expanded presidential supervision over both the executive branch and independent regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The order introduces new oversight measures aimed at ensuring greater accountability and coordination across federal agencies.  Increased Oversight and Regulatory Review  The order, Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies, mandates that all executive departments and independent agencies submit proposed and final […]

You’re Going the Wrong Way! The Right Approach to Collector Feedback 

One of my favorite lines in Planes, Trains and Automobiles is when a car barrels down the highway in the wrong direction, and a frantic husband and wife scream, “You’re going the wrong way!”  Instead of heeding the warning, the driver (John Candy) and passenger (Steve Martin) dismiss them, saying, “How would he know where we’re going?”  Wouldn’t it be nice if a giant “wrong way” sign appeared whenever feedback […]

Mixed Signals: Why Auditing Third-Party Vendors is a Must 

A roadside sign displaying both “Speed Limit 25” and “Speed Limit 35” sends a mixed message. The main point may be clear to some—there’s road construction ahead, so slow down. But the conflicting limits create confusion. Is the speed limit 25 or 35? Or, as my husband so sarcastically put it, I would probably think it meant to add them together for a speed limit of 60. Wow. Harsh… but […]

Who Is the Collection G.O.A.T?

One Bad Game: FYI… G.O.A.T. means Greatest of All Time.  I find it funny how everyone loves to identify the G.O.A.T. in every walk of life. There is a G.O.A.T. for every sport, author, singer, actor, and I would imagine even clubs and communities across the country. The debate usually focuses on someone currently excelling, but what about those who changed the game in their time? Simone Biles is widely […]

Trump Administration Moves to Suspend CFPB Operations Amid Overhaul

The Trump administration took steps over the weekend to significantly limit the operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent agency established to safeguard consumers from corporate fraud. The move is part of a broader effort to restructure federal agencies.  CFPB Ordered to Cease Operations  Russ Vought, the newly confirmed director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and acting head of the CFPB, issued an email […]

Lawmakers Push for Changes to the CFPB’s Funding and Oversight

New proposals introduced last week in both the House and Senate are aiming to cut off the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) funding from the Federal Reserve, while reinstating congressional oversight of the agency.  In the Senate, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced the Defund the CFPB Act, which would eliminate the transfer of funds from the Federal Reserve to the CFPB. This bill seeks to stop the CFPB from […]

New York City Delays Debt Collector Rules—What You Need to Know 

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has once again responded to industry feedback by pushing back the effective date for its new rules affecting debt collectors. This delay follows ongoing requests from the accounts receivable management industry and aims to give everyone more time to adjust to the changes.  On Wednesday, the DCWP announced through the New York City Record that the effective date for […]

Call Monitoring – the Crown Jewel for Monitoring Collector Compliance 

Have you ever woken up and thought, “I hope I get a call from a Collector today”?  It’s unlikely anyone has, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of those conversations. Every call from a collector holds a critical opportunity to understand the customer’s situation and balance two essential goals: customer satisfaction and dollars collected. Third-party collectors represent more than just themselves—they are an extension of the creditor. Yet, in many […]

Beyond the Pitch: Why Reference Checks Are Key When Hiring Vendors

Everywhere you look, people are talking about the rising delinquencies.  Having been around the collection industry for a while, I anticipate the next step will be hiring additional vendors – whether it’s collection agencies, or collection attorneys or repossession forwarders or agents.  Due diligence is time-consuming and can be draining – particularly when you spend efforts to evaluate a prospective vendor and then decide against that company.  Bringing on a […]

From NFL Apps to Repossession Compliance: The Importance of Staying Informed 

Since the Detroit Lions are officially out of the Super Bowl hunt, my husband has made a bold move: deleting all his NFL apps. His mission? To escape the endless negativity from the talking heads until Training Camp kicks off. By then, he plans to reinstall them and dive back into the action. Until then, I’ve stepped up as his primary source for coaching updates and off-season news—a role I’ve […]