Breaking Banks

Are Interest Rate Caps Bad For Consumers?

Jan 29, 2026
Rhett Roberts, CEO of LoanPro, lending tech leader focused on payments and product design, and Ron Shevlin, Cornerstone Advisors research chief and fintech critic, debate a proposed 10% interest cap. They explore credit evaporation and access shrinkage. They discuss stablecoins and new rails, BNPL and bespoke lending, regulatory arbitrage, and where innovation could reshape consumer credit.
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INSIGHT

Temporary Cap Lacks Clarity

  • The proposed 10% APR cap is framed as a one-year, temporary fix but lacks clear implementation details.
  • Ron Shevlin argues the policy is politically driven and creates confusion rather than solving affordability.
INSIGHT

Cap Would Shrink Available Credit

  • Rhett Roberts warns a 10% cap would likely evaporate available credit and cancel many cards.
  • He cites industry estimates that roughly 80% of existing cards could be canceled or see cuts.
INSIGHT

Stablecoins Could Recast Credit Rails

  • Stablecoins and alternative lending rails could recreate card convenience while changing underlying instruments.
  • Rhett suggests closed-end installment or line-of-credit structures accessible via card-like wallets.
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