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ARTICLE · 22 APRIL 2026

Regulation B Rulemaking Finalized: CFPB Issues Final Rule Amending ECOA Provisions On Disparate Impact, Discouragement, And Special Purpose Credit Programs

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
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On April 22, 2026, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a final rule amending Regulation B – the implementing regulation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

United StatesFinance and Banking
Andrew J. Narod
Andrew J. Narod
Christy Hancock
Christy Hancock
Keith Anderson
Keith Anderson
Britney M. Crawford
Britney M. Crawford

On April 22, 2026, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a final rule amending Regulation B – the implementing regulation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Building on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued on November 13, 2025, the final rule addresses three principal areas: (1) It clarifies that ECOA does not authorize disparate-impact liability; (2) it narrows the “discouragement” prohibition under 12 CFR § 1002.4(b); and (3) it establishes new prohibitions and restrictions applicable to special purpose credit programs (SPCPs) offered or participated in by for-profit creditors. The final rule takes effect 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.

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