Ag Lenders Support CFPB Data Rule Scope Reduction

A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.

TCR Classics 3 - tiny bank.png

Texas Country Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agricultural and rural lenders are backing proposed revisions to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s small-business lending data rule, saying a narrower scope could help preserve access to credit in farm-dependent communities. The American Bankers Association, joined by 52 state bankers’ associations, supports scaling back data-collection requirements under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, citing concerns about compliance costs and operational strain on community lenders.

The CFPB finalized its original Section 1071 rule in 2023, requiring financial institutions to report detailed data on small-business lending to support fair-lending oversight. That rule prompted lawsuits from banking groups, including the ABA and the Texas Bankers Association, arguing that expanded data mandates exceeded congressional intent and risked discouraging lending by smaller institutions.

Under the revised proposal, the CFPB would limit reporting to core lending products and raise thresholds for covered lenders. Banking groups also support moving the compliance date to January 1, 2028, while seeking added flexibility in determining loan-volume thresholds.

Farm and rural lenders have long warned that broad reporting rules could slow operating, equipment, and land loans by diverting staff time and resources.

Farm-Level Takeaway: A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.