by Christian Whittle | Mar 19, 2019 | Mercatus Center Publications
Thomas Miller writes on a new regulatory proposal by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding payday lenders. Read more at Mercatus.org
by Christian Whittle | Dec 12, 2018 | Mercatus Center Publications
New and returning members of a soon-to-be divided Congress might be tempted to heed the words of the late Sen. Russell B. Long (D-La.), who once summed up tax reform nicely: “Don’t tax you. Don’t tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree.” Read more at...
by Christian Whittle | May 25, 2018 | Mercatus Center Publications
In my opinion, quantitative, not qualitative, analysis should underpin nearly all the endeavors of the Office of Research. The Academic Research Council has not fulfilled its original purpose. I base my opinion on a preliminary analysis of the published output of the...
by Christian Whittle | Mar 19, 2018 | Mercatus Center Publications
Are credit cards going away in five years in favor of new payment technologies or new ways to transfer funds? Not likely. For most Americans, plastic credit cards are an example of “low tech, good tech.” Read more at Mercatus.org
by Christian Whittle | Nov 20, 2017 | Mercatus Center Publications
After discussing the history of consumer credit in the United States, the current state of regulatory affairs surrounding consumer credit, and the future of consumer credit products with all of the participants, I began to wonder how this information might apply to...
by Christian Whittle | Oct 23, 2017 | Mercatus Center Publications
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a new rule focusing on alleged “debt traps” caused by payday loans. It is hard to know exactly what is in this 1,590-page rule, but it includes a “Full Payment Test” requiring lenders to “determine whether the...
by Christian Whittle | Oct 12, 2017 | Mercatus Center Publications
Many Americans today live paycheck to paycheck and use credit to pay unexpected bills or to cover normal bills in the event of an unplanned income disruption. The availability of consumer credit is limited and shaped through ongoing legislative and regulatory action....
by Christian Whittle | Dec 14, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
The financial system is a critical engine that keeps the economy vibrant. Serving consumers faced with unanticipated expenses, investors planning their futures, and small businesses looking to expand, it creates economic opportunities for all participants in society....
by Christian Whittle | Nov 11, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
Consumers benefit greatly from increased competition in any market, especially a credit market. Read more at Mercatus.org
by Christian Whittle | Oct 7, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the proposed rulemaking by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB or Bureau) on payday, vehicle title, and certain high-cost installment loans. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is dedicated to...
