Lauren Ashcraft

6 days ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The news: The Trump administration just tried to fire over 1,400 of the 1,700 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) employees, per Wired. But a federal judge blocked the administration from immediately moving forward with plans, per AP News. How we got here: In February, CFPB employees were directed to stop all supervision, enforcement, rulemaking, investigations, and public communications. Final rules’ effective dates were suspended.

2 weeks ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The news: Tariffs won’t hit banks directly, since they don’t trade goods—but the broader economic impact will affect them significantly, according to The Wall Street Journal. What banks should expect: Should the US fail to reverse course soon, financial institutions (FIs) face a multi-pronged threat. Experts are warning of the rising probability of a recession. Consumers and businesses will reduce their borrowing in response, and their defaults will also rise.

3 weeks ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

Nonbank lenders face lighter regulatory oversight than traditional lenders, allowing them to take on more risk when it comes to AI. When used in the lending process, AI can speed up approvals and communications while personalizing service. The five largest US nonbank mortgage lenders use it throughout the application and approval process. But privacy concerns and a lack of regulatory certainty around AI have caused FIs to approach its implementation in mortgage underwriting more cautiously.

3 weeks ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

Mortgage rates continue to rise, leading to historically sluggish home sales. Factors like inflation concerns, global economic instability, and elevated 10-year Treasury bond yields are driving up already high rates, per CBS News. That’s pricing many aspiring homebuyers out of the market. Current homeowners with low existing mortgage rates are also hesitant to sell, limiting inventory and keeping home prices elevated. That pressure on aspiring homebuyers circles back to lenders.

3 weeks ago | emarketer.com | Lauren Ashcraft

The trend: We knew Gen Zers’ top financial priority is saving, but new GOBankingRates research shows they’re taking real action to make that happen. What are they doing? Once Gen Zers receive their paychecks, they:Budget: Gen Z is diligent about using budgeting apps and a traditional form of budgeting called “cash stuffing.” They track their expenses to make informed financial decisions and avoid overspending.