The Bureau
We aim to make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole. We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.
The Bureau
We are a government agency created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers. Allow us to introduce ourselves.
In a market that works, the prices, risks, and terms of the deal are clear upfront so that consumers can understand their options and comparison shop. Companies all play by the same consumer protection rules and compete fairly on providing quality and service. To achieve this vision, the CFPB works to:
Empower
We create tools, answer common questions, and provide tips that help consumers navigate their financial choices and shop for the deal that works best for them.
Enforce
We take action against predatory companies and practices that violate the law and have already returned billions of dollars to harmed consumers.
Educate
We encourage financial education and capability from childhood through retirement, publish research, and educate financial companies about their responsibilities.
Our core functions
The CFPB was created to provide a single point of accountability for enforcing federal consumer financial laws and protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. Before, that responsibility was divided among several agencies. Today, it’s our primary focus.
Our work includes:
- Rooting out unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices by writing rules, supervising companies, and enforcing the law
- Enforcing laws that outlaw discrimination in consumer finance
- Taking consumer complaints
- Enhancing financial education
- Researching the consumer experience of using financial products
- Monitoring financial markets for new risks to consumers