by Jeremy Webster | 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 Jeremy Webster | 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 Jeremy Webster | 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 Jeremy Webster | 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 Jeremy Webster | 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 Jeremy Webster | 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...
by Jeremy Webster | Sep 29, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
Thomas Miller appears on the Dividends Show to discuss his recent testimony on consumer finance and the small-dollar loan landscape before the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee. He also shares with host, Jeffrey Rupp, how small-dollar loan markets work and...
by Jeremy Webster | Jun 1, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
Competition guarantees that the borrowers will receive loans at the lowest possible cost and highest possible customer service—in both large- and small-dollar loan markets. Read more at Mercatus.org
by Jeremy Webster | May 25, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
We remain puzzled by Google’s decision. Protecting and helping consumers is a noble goal. Limiting access to credit, however, isn’t the way to do it. Read more at Mercatus.org
by Jeremy Webster | Feb 11, 2016 | Mercatus Center Publications
Conversations about consumer credit often reflect utopian visions of the world. Many people imagine that a few tweaks to regulations can ensure that everyone has the money needed to feed, clothe, and shelter the family. According to this logic, if households need to...
