

The Consumer Finance Podcast
Chris Willis, Troutman Pepper Locke
The Consumer Finance Podcast provides reliable, insightful, and entertaining industry-specific content central to consumer finance services. Hosted by veteran Troutman Pepper Locke CFS Partner Chris Willis, this podcast features industry experts, insiders, and other Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys delivering easily digestible segments on a variety of topics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2025 • 22min
Point-of-Sale Finance Series: Door-to-Door Sales and Home Improvement Financing
In this special crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Jason Cover is joined by colleagues Taylor Gess and Andrew Thurmond to unpack the legal and operational complexities of home solicitation and home improvement finance. The conversation analyzes the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule and state analogs, highlighting practical pitfalls around oral and written cancellation notices, dealer obligations, and extended rescission periods or differing notice requirements in certain jurisdictions. The team explores how funding timing, change orders, electronic contracting, and foreign-language sales can impact risk. They also dive into contractor and home improvement laws, e.g., down payment and progress payment restrictions, licensing, and conspicuous disclosure obligations plus state home improvement financing acts that may impose registration requirements, finance charge or fee limits, and specialized disclosures. The episode offers practical insights on issues to consider when doing business as in-home sales or under home improvement/contractor laws. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 13, 2025 • 25min
The New Wave of Web Tracking Litigation: Wiretap Statutes, VPPA Risk, and Consent Strategies
In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by colleagues Jason Manning, Angelo Stio, and Rob Jenkin to unpack the surge of litigations arising from the use of tracking technologies (e.g., cookies, pixels, and session tools) on websites. This episode explains how plaintiff firms are repurposing federal and state wiretap and “trap-and-trace” laws, as well as the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), to assert claims associated with a business’s use of tracking technologies without consent.The Troutman attorneys tackle the state law statutes and the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) that plaintiffs typically rely on, the statutory damages that may be available, and the defenses and mitigation options to prevent and combat the claims being pursued, including the use of consent banners, transparent disclosures, the supervision of vendors, and regular audits of the tracking technologies being deployed and the information being shared. Tune in for a concise, actionable guide to reducing litigation risk while maintaining marketing and analytics capabilities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov 6, 2025 • 22min
Point-of-Sale Finance Series: Navigating Home Improvement Finance Risks and Regulations
In this insightful crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Jason Cover is joined by colleagues Mark Furletti and Taylor Gess to explore the complexities of home improvement finance. The discussion delves into the unique risks associated with point-of-sale financing in the home improvement sector, such as contractor oversight issues, promotions, and the intricacies of state and federal regulations. Gain valuable insights into best practices for lenders and finance companies to mitigate these risks, ensure compliance, and protect consumers. This episode offers essential guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of home improvement finance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 30, 2025 • 15min
Navigating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Protections and Litigation Trends
In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by colleagues Jason Manning and Carter Nichols to explore the intricacies of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). As the current administration emphasizes the protection of servicemembers, understanding the SCRA's provisions is more crucial than ever. The discussion covers the array of legal protections offered to active duty military members, reservists, and National Guard members, including interest rate caps, eviction protections, and lease terminations. The episode also delves into the complexities of active duty status and the differences between the SCRA and the Military Lending Act. With a surge in litigation and regulatory scrutiny, this episode provides timely insights for financial institutions navigating compliance and litigation risks. Tune in to grasp the nuances of these critical statutes and their implications for the consumer finance industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 23, 2025 • 23min
Point-of-Sale Finance Series: Navigating Merchant and Dealer Contracting
In this engaging crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Taylor Gess is joined by colleagues Jason Cover, Andrew Thurmond, and Samer Roshdy to explore the complexities of contracting with merchants and dealers in the point-of-sale finance sector. The discussion highlights the diverse needs of merchants and finance administrators, the impact of industry-specific regulations, and the importance of clear contractual terms. Discover the common pain points in negotiations, the role of regulatory compliance, and the evolving nature of contracts in this dynamic space. Gain valuable insights into how businesses can effectively manage these relationships and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 16, 2025 • 29min
Executive Order 14331: Navigating the New Era of Fair Banking
In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Lori Sommerfield and James Stevens to delve into the implications of President Trump's Executive Order 14331, "Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans." This order aims to eliminate politicized or unlawful de-banking practices by prohibiting financial institutions from denying access to banking services based on political, religious, or ideological beliefs. The trio discusses the historical context of de-banking, tracing its roots back to the Obama-era Operation Choke Point, and explores the current regulatory landscape shaped by the executive order. They analyze the directives issued to federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the potential risks and challenges facing financial institutions. Tune in to understand how this regulatory push will likely impact the banking industry and what steps institutions can take now to mitigate risks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
Point-of-Sale Finance Series: Understanding State Licensing for Nonbank Providers
In this insightful crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Taylor Gess is joined by Joseph Reilly and Paul Boller to explore the intricacies of state licensing in the point-of-sale finance sector. The discussion delves into the distinctions between licensing and notification requirements, the role of sales finance agencies, and the implications for third-party facilitators and direct lenders. Gain insights into how state-specific regulations impact nonbank entities and learn about the unique challenges sellers and third-party providers face in navigating these regulatory landscapes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 2, 2025 • 18min
The 1033 Shake-Up: CFPB's New Rulemaking Adventure
In this crossover episode of Payments Pros and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Carlin McCrory is joined by colleague Kim Phan to discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) recent developments regarding Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA). This summer, the CFPB initiated a new rulemaking process, inviting industry comments on its final rule concerning personal financial data rights. With a deadline of October 21 for public comments, industry participants are encouraged to weigh in on access to consumer financial information.Kim and Carlin discuss the strategic implications of the CFPB's reconsideration of the 1033 open banking rule, highlighting the agency's focus on consumer representatives, privacy, security, fee structures, and compliance timelines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 29, 2025 • 27min
New York's FAIR Act: A Game-Changer for Regulatory Enforcement and Litigation
In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, Chris Willis is joined by Joseph DeFazio, Bill Foley, and Michael Yaghi to discuss the implications of New York's FAIR Act, a significant amendment to the state's UDAAP statute. The FAIR Act aims to broaden consumer protection by lowering the threshold for legal action against unfair and abusive business practices. With expanded enforcement powers for the state, this legislation could dramatically increase litigation risks for financial services companies operating in New York if the governor signs the bill. Tune in to understand how this legislative shift might affect the industry and what steps businesses can take to prepare. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 25, 2025 • 28min
Point-of-Sale Finance Series: Navigating the Complexities of Credit Card Rewards Programs
In this insightful crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, host Jason Cover is joined by Mark Furletti and Jeremy Sairsingh to delve into the intricate world of credit card rewards programs. Discover the various types of rewards, from points-based systems to cashback and travel miles, and learn how these programs are funded. The episode also explores regulatory perspectives, including recent CFPB guidance and state-specific laws affecting rewards programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


