Ben's Compliance Corner -May 15th

To all MMBA members, 

Join us May 15th for the next edition of Ben's Compliance Corner, a monthly compliance webinar presented by Ben Giumarra that's free and exclusive for MMBA members. This month Ben and our other experts will go in-depth on the CFPB’s finalized changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act / Regulation B discouragement prohibition—the most significant narrowing of this rule in nearly 50 years. 

Description of Friday's program

On April 22, 2026, the CFPB published final amendments to Regulation B that substantially revise the long-standing discouragement rule under § 1002.4(b). The revised rule shifts from a broad, effects-based standard covering “acts or practices” to a narrower, intent-focused prohibition limited to specific statements that a creditor knows or should know would cause a reasonable person to believe the creditor would discriminate on a prohibited basis.

This session will equip compliance officers, in-house counsel, fair lending professionals, and senior leadership with clear guidance on:

• The exact changes to ECOA § 1002.4(b)
• Historical context and rationale, including responses to public comments
• Key differences from the prior rule
• How the new rule impacts day-to-day marketing, advertising, outreach, branch operations, and more, including opportunities created by the change as well as remaining risks
• Practical examples of impacted activities—such as targeted marketing to underserved communities or specific geographic areas
• Implementation considerations ahead of the July 21, 2026 effective date

The changes to ECOA's disparate impact rule have gotten most of the attention lately. But the changes to the discouragement rule are pretty important too. This timely and practical sessions will cut through the legalese to bring you insights you can apply to real-life decisions you need to make.