Tell the CFPB to rescind the “humility” pledge now!

This is one of the most alarming developments yet — and major outlets like Bloomberg Law, the New York Times, and the CFPB Union’s public statements are confirming it.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s examiners are being told to begin bank reviews by reciting a new “humility pledge” meant to reassure the very banks they’re supposed to hold accountable. Bloomberg Law reports the pledge will narrow the scope of exams and make oversight more deferential. The New York Times says staff are already protesting what they see as a direct attack on the bureau’s mission.

And it’s only one piece of a larger plan. Earlier this year, the CFPB shifted its enforcement strategy to focus almost entirely on narrow cases of fraud with individually identifiable victims, abandoning broader investigations into abuses in student lending, digital payments, credit reporting, and medical debt. At the same time, the agency is preparing deep staff cuts that would gut its enforcement capacity. These steps, taken together, form a roadmap to hollow out the CFPB — and ultimately shut it down.

If we don’t create a national backlash now, this could take effect quietly — and permanently. 

Add your name to demand the CFPB rescind the “humility pledge,” restore full investigative authority, and stop the enforcement layoffs before it’s too late.

Thanks,
Mary