Payments Pros – The Payments Law Podcast

In this episode of Payments Pros, hosts Keith Barnett and Carlin McCrory examine the recent $5 million settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Paddle.com, a UK-based payment processor. The discussion centers on the FTC's allegations against Paddle for violating the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA) and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). Paddle's practice of aggregating merchant transactions under its own name led to significant compliance issues with card network rules and masked chargeback levels and disputes. The settlement imposes strict prohibitions on Paddle, including barring it from processing payments for tech support merchants and requiring enhanced client screening and monitoring.Keith and Carlin highlight the critical need for businesses to comply with card network rules. The FTC held Paddle responsible as the merchant of record for the noncompliant negative option billing practices of the merchants whose transactions it processed . The hosts stress the FTC's ongoing vigilance in the payments industry and urge companies to ensure adherence to all regulatory standards.

In this episode of Payments Pros, Carlin McCrory is joined by Matthew Goldman, founder of Totavi, LLC and publisher of CardsFTW, to discuss operational compliance for card issuers. Their conversation highlights essential practices for maintaining compliance, such as tracking transactions and monitoring systems effectively.Carlin and Matthew examine the complexities of card programs, identifying common pitfalls and exploring strategies to enhance partnerships with banks and customers. They emphasize how compliance can serve as a revenue enabler rather than merely a cost center. Through practical approaches, such as refining marketing collateral approval processes, they discuss ways to streamline operations and support growth effectively.Matthew shares insights from his extensive fintech experience, offering perspectives into industry expectations and the complexities of card products. Carlin and Matthew's discussion underscores the importance of having the right team and partners to navigate compliance challenges successfully.

In this episode of Payments Pros, Carlin McCrory is joined by Pete Jeydel, a partner in the firm's White Collar Litigation + Investigations Practice Group, to discuss the new Department of Justice (DOJ) Data Security Program (DSP), which took effect earlier this year. The DSP, administered by the DOJ's National Security Division, aims to enhance protection for sensitive personal data linked to U.S. persons for activity involving countries of concern like China and Russia. Pete explains that this regulatory framework is distinct from traditional data privacy laws, emphasizing national security over individual consent and contractual protections. The program emerged rapidly following an executive order from President Biden in February 2024, reflecting long-standing concerns about foreign data access.As the episode concludes, Pete emphasizes the critical need for companies to understand the scope and impact of the DOJ's new data security rules. These rules include broad exemptions, including for financial services, but they are complex and require careful interpretation. Noncompliance could result in substantial civil and criminal penalties, making it essential for companies to establish a robust compliance strategy. The DOJ rules necessitate a focus on high-risk areas and a risk-based approach to compliance. Companies are encouraged to proactively assess their data security practices to align with DOJ objectives and effectively mitigate potential risks.

In this special joint episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, Chris Willis, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke's Consumer Financial Services Regulatory Practice, is joined by Keith Barnett and Jason Cover from the Payments Pros podcast, along with Troutman Pepper Locke Consumer Financial Services Partner Mark Furletti. They discuss the future of earned-wage access (EWA) products following the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) rescission of previous guidance. The conversation explores the history and evolution of EWA products, initially designed as employer-based solutions to provide employees early access to earned wages without extending credit.The group highlights regulatory challenges, including the CFPB's changing stance and the impact of state laws on EWA offerings. They examine how these products are structured to avoid being classified as credit, focusing on optional fees and the absence of repayment obligations. The discussion also addresses the legal landscape, noting potential state-level regulatory landmines and private litigation. The episode emphasizes the importance for fintechs and payroll processors to navigate these complexities carefully, especially in states with stringent regulations like California and New York. The podcast concludes with insights into the future of EWA, stressing the need for compliance with evolving state and federal laws.

In this special crossover edition of the Payments Pros and Consumer Finance podcasts, Carlin McCrory and Jason Cover are joined by their colleague Caleb Rosenberg to explore the evolving landscape of small business financing. They highlight the significant growth in diverse financing products and providers, which have expanded funding access for small businesses, particularly startups.The discussion outlines the evolution from traditional bank lending to the rise of online and fintech solutions, which have filled gaps left by conventional lenders. The group also examines the complexities of the regulatory environment, focusing on the increased scrutiny from state legislatures and the introduction of consumer-like disclosure requirements for small business lending.Additionally, they consider the impact of recent legislative changes in states like Texas and Louisiana, which could transform financing practices. The conversation includes best practices for structuring and servicing financial products while also speculating on future regulatory trends and the potential influence of federal oversight by the FTC.

In this episode of Payments Pros, Carlin McCrory is joined by Mary Zinsner, a partner in the Consumer Financial Services Practice Group, to explore the increasing litigation trends in the payments industry, with a focus on elder fraud and financial exploitation.Mary provides valuable insights into how these fraud cases frequently involve diverse payment systems, such as wire transfers and electronic fund transfers. The conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by financial institutions, including the delicate balance between compliance and customer satisfaction, as well as navigating claims related to negligence and breach of contract.Additionally, Mary and Carlin discuss the shifting legal landscape, highlighting state legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding the elderly.

In this episode of Payments Pros, Carlin McCrory welcomes Melissa Sneed from the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and James Stevens, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke's Financial Services Industry Group, to explore Merchant Acquirer Limited Purpose Bank (MALPB) charters.Melissa, the deputy commissioner for supervision, outlines the application process for obtaining a MALPB charter, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive review of financials, management, IT systems, and compliance. She explains the timeline for the process, noting a six-month review period followed by a 90-day decision window after accepting the application, with conditional approvals extending through a three-year de novo period. James also provides insights from the applicant's perspective, stressing the need for thorough preparation and collaboration with legal and consulting experts before engaging with the Department of Banking and Finance.The episode also covers ongoing examination and oversight, highlighting the role of card networks and the unique regulatory requirements involved. The group's discussion emphasizes the collaborative effort required among applicants, card networks, and regulatory bodies to ensure successful charter implementation.

In this episode of Payments Pros, Carlin McCrory introduces Jason Cover as a new co-host. Jason, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke's Consumer Financial Services practice, brings extensive knowledge in consumer lending and payments laws. He advises clients on electronic payments, online small business lending, electronic consents, contracts, disclosures, and recurring payment methods. As a fintech consumer credit attorney, Jason focuses on regulatory compliance and product design, covering both federal and state laws. His insights into payment authorizations, Regulation E, and Nacha rules are invaluable.

In this episode of Payments Pros, host Carlin McCrory welcomes Jason Mikula, a seasoned fintech and banking advisor, to explore various topics within the payments industry. They begin by examining the implications of U.S. sanctions on global payment systems and the potential shift away from U.S.-controlled payment rails. The discussion then moves to the viability of pay-by-bank systems in the U.S., focusing on the challenges posed by entrenched card payment behaviors.Carlin and Jason further discuss the sustainability of nonbank fintech businesses that rely solely on interchange fees, highlighting the necessity for diversified revenue streams. The episode also covers the adoption of real-time payments like FedNow, noting the limited consumer use cases compared to commercial applications. Additionally, they explore the innovation of network flexible payment credentials and the complexities surrounding consumer understanding of new payments products. The conversation concludes with insights into new types of financial charters and the potential role of stablecoins in international payments.

In this special crossover edition of the Payments Pros and Crypto Exchange podcast, Carlin McCrory is joined by colleagues Alex Barrage and Ethan Ostroff to discuss recent legislative updates surrounding payment stablecoins. The group begins by exploring the advantages of payment stablecoins, such as their 24/7 availability and programmability, and the merits of having robust competition for stablecoin issuance and use cases.They also highlight the introduction of the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act and the potential for states like Wyoming to issue their own stablecoins. The discussion covers the Securities and Exchange Commission's recent statement on USD-backed stablecoins, clarifying that they do not require Securities Act registration under certain conditions. The group emphasizes the importance of a robust legislative framework to ensure stablecoin proliferation and trust, considering factors like Know Your Customer, Anti-Money Laundering, and global regulatory alignment. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of stablecoins and the possibility of them being widely used for retail payments, contingent on effective regulation and industry trust.

In this episode of Payments Pros, host Carlin McCrory discusses a recent consent order between Patriot Bank and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) following a $27 million loss. The order addresses unsafe practices and legal violations, focusing on prepaid card program oversight. Key areas of concern include the need for a strategic plan, evaluation of internal operations, and staffing requirements. The bank must also enhance its Customer Identification Program (CIP) and ensure adequate monitoring of third-party program managers.Carlin discusses key takeaways from the OCC's consent order with Patriot Bank, emphasizing that other banks should maintain high compliance standards, particularly in BSA/AML programs, and tailor policies and procedures to specific business lines. She underscores the importance of thorough monitoring of fintech partners. Additionally, banks should implement robust suspicious activity reporting, conduct detailed BSA/AML risk assessments, and ensure effective internal audit coverage.

In the latest episode of Payments Pros, hosts Keith Barnett and Carlin McCrory discuss the latest FinCEN and OFAC guidance on virtual currency transactions, specifically tailored for companies in the payments industry. They explore when businesses need to register as money services businesses (MSBs) under federal law and discuss the roles of users, exchangers, and administrators of virtual currencies. Carlin provides a detailed look at the regulatory requirements for both centralized and decentralized virtual currencies.Keith then shifts the focus to OFAC's expectations for screening virtual currency transactions, emphasizing the importance of compliance with sanctions regulations. He explains the need for a risk-based OFAC sanctions compliance program to avoid prohibited transactions.This episode provides valuable insights for payments companies navigating the complex virtual currency landscape.

In the latest episode of Payments Pros, host Carlin McCrory welcomes Kim Phan to discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) recent inquiries into enhancing privacy protections.On January 10, the CFPB sought public input on improving privacy safeguards and curbing harmful surveillance and digital payments, particularly those offered by large technology platforms. The CFPB is particularly interested in comments on existing financial privacy laws and issues related to intrusive data collection and personalized pricing.Carlin and Kim highlight the CFPB's ongoing efforts to regulate big tech firms, which they view as operating outside traditional banking controls. The discussion also covers the CFPB's approach to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and its effectiveness in addressing modern data surveillance.They wrap up their conversation by examining potential shifts in the CFPB's regulatory focus under new administration leadership.NOTE: At the time of recording, this podcast may not have captured the most recent events relating to the change in CFPB leadership and resulting instructions to CFPB staff regarding CFPB rulemakings. Stay tuned for future podcast episodes addressing these important developments.

In the final installment of the four-part "Payments Year in Review" series, hosts Keith Barnett and Carlin McCrory discuss significant enforcement actions and regulatory trends. The discussion begins with the increased scrutiny from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on bank and nonbank partnerships, emphasizing sound risk management and compliance. Key themes include third-party risk management, board governance, Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering compliance, and liquidity risk. The episode also addresses the proposed FDIC deposit insurance record-keeping rule.The discussion then shifts to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) enforcement actions, highlighting more than 50 actions in 2024, many involving payment elements. The CFPB primarily targeted Regulation E violations and overdraft fees, while the FTC focused on telemarketing sales rules, chargeback rates, and returns. It is anticipated that regulatory enforcement will be lighter in 2025 due to the administration change.

In the third installment of the four-part "Payments Year in Review" series, hosts Keith Barnett, Josh McBeain, and Carlin McCrory discuss the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) actions in 2024 and their expectations for 2025.They begin by examining amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which now includes inbound calls for technical support services. The discussion then shifts to the FTC's annual report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), highlighting enforcement activities in areas such as automobile financing, electronic fund transfers, and deceptive fees. Finally, the co-hosts review the finalized amendments to the Negative Option Rule, which impose stricter requirements on recurring subscription services across various industries. This rule mandates clear disclosures, easy cancellation processes, and prohibits misrepresentations.

In the second installment of a four-part Payments Year in Review series, Keith Barnett and Josh McBeain discuss significant developments in the payments landscape from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2024 and expectations for 2025.Our co-hosts continue with a discussion of the CFPB's proposed interpretive rule on earned wage access products, highlighting its broad definitions and aggressive stance on fees, which conflict with many state laws.They also discuss significant CFPB rulemakings, including the final credit card late fee rule and the overdraft rule, both of which face legal challenges. Keith and Josh close out this episode by discussing the interpretive rule on buy now, pay later transactions and the CFPB's circular on credit card rewards programs.

In the first installment of a four-part Payments Year in Review series, Keith Barnett and Carlin McCrory discuss significant developments in the payments landscape from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2024 and expectations for 2025.Our co-hosts begin with an overview of the CFPB's new rule for supervising large tech companies offering digital wallets and payment apps. Despite its finalization, and since our episode has been recorded, the rule has been challenged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.The discussion then shifts to the CFPB's final rule on personal financial data rights, aimed at enhancing consumer control over financial data. This rule includes provisions for data access, revocation, and standardized formats but may lead to increased costs for financial institutions.The episode concludes by highlighting changes to the remittance transfer rule, emphasizing the importance of accurate marketing regarding transfer speed and fees.

In the latest episode of Payments Pros, host Carlin McCrory welcomes Jesse Silverman to discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) recent order asserting supervisory authority over Google Payment Corp.The CFPB's claim is based on Dodd-Frank Section 1024, which includes a category for entities posing a risk to consumers. The CFPB cited 267 consumer complaints about Google Pay products as the basis for its action. Jesse highlights the ambiguity in terms like "risk" and "reasonable cause" within the Dodd-Frank Act and questions the material impact of CFPB supervision. Google Payment Corp. has sued the CFPB, arguing that the products in question are no longer offered and that the complaints are not substantial enough to warrant supervision. The episode delves into the broader implications of this precedent and the potential outcomes of Google Payment Corp.'s lawsuit.

In this special crossover episode of the Payments Pros and Crypto Exchange podcasts, our hosts are joined by colleague Alexandra Steinberg Barrage to discuss California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s proposed rulemaking under the Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL).The group discusses various aspects of the new cryptocurrency licensing regime, including licensure exemptions, required disclosures, conditional licensing, and digital asset kiosk requirements. They provide an overview of the DFAL, highlighting its broad licensing and enforcement framework, as well as recent legislative updates extending licensure deadlines. Comparisons are drawn between DFAL and New York's BitLicense, emphasizing the importance of harmonization across state regulations. The conversation also covers the exclusion of digital asset activities from money transmission licensure and the specific requirements for digital asset kiosks. Additionally, the episode touches on the potential impact of federal regulation and the ongoing tension between state and federal oversight in the cryptocurrency space.

In the latest episode of Payments Pros, hosts Keith Barnett and Carlin McCrory discuss a significant Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) enforcement action against Global Tel Link Corporation (GTL), issued on November 14. This action resulted in a consent order addressing chargebacks, alternate payment channel fees, and handling of inactive accounts.