New Blog: DC Metropolitan Business Law Alert

Kelley Drye & Warren is pleased to announce the launch of a new blog on the Kelley Drye website. The DC Metropolitan Business Law Alert (www.dcbusinesslawalert.com) analyzes the key court decisions, statutory and regulatory developments and other legal trends affecting business in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The blog is a joint venture between the Kelley Drye DC Business Law and Litigation Groups.

Outgoing Ohio Attorney General to Head CFPB Enforcement Division

Outgoing Ohio Attorney General, Richard Cordray, has been selected to lead the enforcement division of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).  While serving as the Attorney General, Cordray filed lawsuits against national financial institutions such as Wells Fargo, GMAC Mortgage, and AIG, that, according to Cordray's bio, resulted in more than $2.5 billion in settlements.  He, however, felt restricted by the federal laws limiting actions that states can take against nationally-chartered banks and has stated that, in his new post, “I’ll have a clearer field . . . right now, my focus will be big banks.”  That focus will likely include unfair mortgage, foreclosure, credit card, and debt collection practices.

The Wall Street Journal also recently reported that White House adviser Elizabeth Warren and her senior adviser have solicited input from business and consumer groups regarding possible candidates to head the CFPB.  Prior to appointing her as White House adviser, the Obama administration considered nominating Ms. Warren to head the agency, but reportedly had concerns that Republicans might have blocked her appointment during the Senate confirmation process.