On October 27, the CFPB released its semi-annual report to Congress, which covers January 1 through June 30. The report highlights changes to the Bureau’s consumer complaint system (covered by InfoBytes here), including steps to cease publishing “unverified” complaint narratives (covered here). On fair lending, the report summarizes the April 22 final rule (covered here), effective July 21, amending Regulation B to, among other things, eliminate provisions supporting disparate impact liability. It also summarizes the May 1 final rule revising the Section 1071 small business lending rule, which, among other things, changes the scope of what constitutes a covered financial institution and covered credit transaction, reduces the gross annual revenue threshold in the definition of small business, and extends the compliance date to January 1, 2028.

On supervision and enforcement, the report states that the Bureau acted consistently with its April 2025 priorities (covered here) and the “Humility Pledge” for examiners (covered here). According to the report, from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the Bureau closed 1,327 of 1,552 open supervisory actions and 66 of 80 open examinations, reduced scheduled examinations by approximately 50 percent, and shifted its focus toward depository institutions. The report also describes new enforcement principles announced in May, and states that the Bureau closed approximately 40 percent of its pending investigations while continuing to pursue matters involving servicemembers, veterans, and their families.