The webinar, moderated by Dennis Barton and sponsored by Cornerstone Licensing Services, brought together industry experts to discuss regulatory shifts shaping compliance strategies in 2026. Panelists included Sarah Auchterlonie, Stefanie Jackman, David Reid, and Nathan Willner, who highlighted developments at both federal and state levels, as well as emerging trends in technology and enforcement.
Key Highlights:
- California Licensing Proposal: David Reid revealed that California’s DFPI is considering rules requiring all creditors holding delinquent debt beyond 90 days to be licensed as debt collectors. He noted, “Think of all the businesses… doctor’s offices, plumbers, electricians… they’d all need licenses.”
- Federal Housing Legislation: Sarah Auchterlonie discussed the Road to Housing Act, which amends over 100 sections of federal law to address affordability by increasing housing supply rather than just subsidies.
- AI Regulation and Adoption: Stefanie Jackman emphasized AI’s potential for efficiency and consumer experience, while cautioning that state-level rules are rapidly evolving. She stressed, “Now is not the time to take your foot off the gas when it comes to compliance.”
Panelists agreed that while the CFPB is downsizing, it remains active, particularly around consumer data. Enforcement risks are shifting to state and local regulators, with jurisdictions like New York City, California, Colorado, and Washington aggressively hiring enforcement staff and interpreting statutes broadly.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
- Stay vigilant on state-level enforcement: States are expanding oversight and hiring aggressively, making compliance more complex.
- Prepare for AI-related compliance: Track emerging state rules on AI usage, offshore servers, and data centers to avoid regulatory pitfalls.
- Maintain strong compliance programs: Do not assume reduced CFPB staffing means reduced risk; consumer data practices remain under scrutiny.
This mid-year check-in underscores that compliance risks are diversifying, requiring firms to balance federal baselines with increasingly aggressive state-level regulations.
