2020 is a Leap Year! How Do Lenders Properly Account for it in Their Loan Computations?

I have always been intrigued by the mysterious “free” day that appears every Leap Year. Many questions come quickly to mind. For instance, how would one discover a year was not actually a full year in the first place? Or was there any pushback against Caesar’s changes to the calendar? (He was a dictator, so probably not much.) And, what possible advantages would having a birthday on Leap Year actually provide? Spoiler alert: nothing tangible.

As compliance officials and loan calculation software providers know, Leap Day isn’t a free day. In fact, it can be more troublesome than many would care to discover. In the consumer lending industry, the various effects of Leap Day on loan origination and loan servicing systems and the compliant implementation of proper loan software parameters are quietly downplayed. That shouldn’t be the case! As we at Carleton have stated before: simple interest quickly becomes quite complicated. For starters:

Does interest accrue on the balance at 1/366 of the annual interest rate? Or 1/365?

Is it ‘fair’ for the creditor to get a lesser charge all year long when Leap Day only occurs in February? An illustration: a consumer loan or retail installment sales contract originated in December of a Leap Year involving simple interest at 1/366 daily rate will always receive less charge than any identical transaction originated the following three years on the exact same date and time. That does not seem fair or just. Here is another:

Does a finance company or lender’s servicing system collect the actual interest agreed to by contract?

If a 1/365 annual interest rate is used to calculate the daily charge, does the creditor intend to collect interest on February 29th or not? If the consumer lending organization does charge interest on Leap Day, does that align with their contractual disclosures? Frankly, these are questions that may even be too advanced—do all servicing systems even have the capability of accounting for Leap Day? Finally, one more:

If a payment is received and posted on Leap Day, is it recognized as 2/29/20?

For banks and institutions that ignore Leap Year altogether and have coded their loan origination and loan servicing software systems to do the same, what actually occurs on Leap Day? Seems like it would make posting a payment on February 29th very problematic. This may seem tongue-in-cheek, but should that bank even be OPEN on February 29th?

These are just a few of the types of questions that intrigue me now regarding our free day. My largest wonder is whether it’s all simply an academic exercise or does Leap Year indeed impact the nuts and bolts of principal and interest. Either way, there definitely are ramifications for having a year which is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds long.

It is critical that leap year is properly accounted for and in alignment between front and back-end systems to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Contact us today for an evaluation and learn how Carleton can handle your compliance needs.

Kasasa Partners With Carleton for Configurable and Compliant Loan Calculations

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Carleton Sales Team
574.243.6040 option #3
sales@carletoninc.com

 

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, January 16, 2019 – Kasasa, LTD. adds value to their award-winning financial technology and marketing services platform through its new partnership with Carleton, Inc. by integrating configurable and accurate insurance and debt protection calculations within its latest award-winning product, the Kasasa Loan®.

The Kasasa Loan® is the only auto and personal loan that allows consumers to reduce debt by paying ahead, while maintaining access to those funds if needed. Using CarletonCalcs®, Kasasa’s community bank and credit union clients can easily add debt protection or credit insurance products to the Kasasa Loan® accurately and in compliance with their insurance company’s underwriting requirements. CarletonCalcs® enables Kasasa to apply client-specific limits and methods that meet their client’s institutional, state and federal compliance requirements.

“We wanted to ensure the Kasasa Loan® added a high level of configurability and compliance support to meet our client’s needs, in addition to providing consumers the greatest flexibility when choosing their loans,” said Chris Cohen, EVP, Product Management for Kasasa. “Carleton’s expertise in consumer loan calculation compliance provides our clients that extra level of comfort knowing the Kasasa Loan® is supported by 50 years of experience and accuracy, while providing unique consumer benefits unavailable through other loan products.”

“Kasasa recognized the importance of having a versatile loan structure to deliver a flexible and compliant loan product. By integrating CarletonCalcs® throughout the Kasasa service platform, Carleton will ensure compliant loan computations and precise amortization schedules through Kasasa’s dashboard and mobile app,” stated Matt Ruszkowski, President and COO of Carleton. “Our proven track record of providing nationwide support to the lending industry is why Kasasa partnered with Carleton. We are excited to be part of the Kasasa team, as we are both committed to providing the highest quality level of innovative consumer lending technology products and service to drive our clients’ success.”

About Kasasa, LTD:

Based in Austin, Texas with 450 employees, Kasasa is a financial technology and marketing provider committed to driving results for over 900 community financial institutions by attracting, engaging, and retaining consumers. With innovative products, a national consumer brand, and comprehensive solutions and support, Kasasa helps local banks and credit unions compete for their rightful share of the market against even the largest banks. Together we can Take Back Banking. For more information, please visit www.kasasa.com, or visit them on TwitterFacebook, or LinkedIn.

About Carleton, Inc.

Carleton is the country’s leading provider of financial calculation software, loan origination compliance support, and document generation software. Based in South Bend, Indiana, Carleton possesses over 50 years of leadership in this rapidly changing regulatory industry. Carleton guarantees accuracy in all their calculations and disclosures, enabling their partners to fulfill compliance requirements today and into the future. To learn more about Carleton’s lending solutions, contact our sales team at sales@carletoninc.com or 574-243-6040 option #3.

November 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective State Changes 

ILLINOIS

The document preparation fee or “doc fee” has been increased for 2020 to $300. Effective January 1, 2020.

Effective Federal Changes

CFPB ANNUAL REGULATION M & Z ADJUSTMENTS

The CFPB published its annual Truth in Lending Act threshold adjustment, as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. For 2020 the exemption threshold amount for Regulation M and Z is increased from $57,200 to $58,300. Effective January 1, 2020.

PAYDAY, VEHICLE TITLE, AND CERTAIN HIGH-COST INSTALLMENT LOANS

The CFPB issued a final rule to delay the August 2019 compliance date for certain provisions of the Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans. Compliance for the mandatory underwriting provisions is now delayed until November 19, 2020. Effective August 16, 2019.

October 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective State Changes  

CALIFORNIA

On October 10, 2019 California governor Gavin Newsome signed AB 539 into law. This statute amends the California Financing Law. Once this bill goes into effect, a loan with a principal amount of $2,500 to $10,000 may receive charge on a rate not exceeding 36% plus the Federal Funds Rate. Existing law has no rate cap for loans in this range. The law also allows a licensee to contract for an administrative fee. The law also includes provisions relating to term limits, reporting requirements, and open-end loan requirements. Effective in part January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021.

Governor Newsome signed AB 179 into law on October 12, 2019. This bill allows the New Motor Vehicle Board in the Department of Motor Vehicles to hear protests and appeals of their rulings, policies and decisions affecting manufacturers, distributors, and the public. Effective January 1, 2020.

The governor approved of AB 1146 on October 11, 2019. This bill alters the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 and exempts certain data sharing from its provisions. The law allows for a new motor vehicle dealer and the vehicle’s manufacturer to share certain information regarding vehicle ownership. The information must be used in relation to or in anticipation of a vehicle repair under warranty or recall. Effective in part January 1, 2020.

California’s governor also signed a series of amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act on October 11, 2019. The following amendments were signed into law AB 1355 (clarifying amendments and exemptions),  AB 1202 (data broker registration), AB 25 (employee exemption), AB 1564 (consumer request for disclosure methods), AB 874 (publicly available information), and AB 1130 (data breach notification). Effective January 1, 2020.

NEW YORK

The State of New York adopted regulations on October 1, 2016 in regard to the regulating of student loan servicers. Effective October 16, 2019.

OKLAHOMA

In our April Newsletter, we reported on the annual bracket adjustments published in a Bulletin from the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit. In our May Newsletter, we cited SB 732, which modified the charges allowed for loans made pursuant to § 3-508B by adding two additional tiers. The Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit released updated bracket adjustments to align with the new tiers in SB 732. The adjusted tiers are as follows:

Loan Amount Acquisition Charge Handling Charge
Up to $155.95 $5.20 per $26.00 of principal
$155.96-$182.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $15.60 per month
$182.01-$364.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $18.20 per month
$364.01-$520.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $20.80 per month
$520.01-$780.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $23.40 per month
$780.01-$1,040.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $26.00 per month
$1,040.01-$1,300.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $28.60 per month
$1,300.01-$1,560.00 1/10 of the amount of principal $31.20 per month

Effective November 1, 2019.

Update Reminders

OKLAHOMA

SB 720 creates a new license for “small lenders,” beginning on January 1, 2020. Under the new Oklahoma Small Lenders Act, a “small loan” is an unsecured loan that’s term is between 60 days and 12 months. Effective November 1, 2019.

August & September 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective  State Changes 

FLORIDA

On August 15, 2019 Florida released credit life and disability rules 690-163.009 and 690-163.011. The new rates for credit disability changed for the first time in 10 years and appear to decrease as much as 20% from current rates. Additionally, a new rule was implemented regarding rate deviation requests. The Consumer Credit Industry Association (“CCIA”), a lobbying and advocacy group for credit insurance institutions, asked the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“FOIR”) for the date when the new rates were to be implemented. Although the FOIR provided no “effective date”, CCIA has counseled its members and believes the prudent course is for insurance companies to file for the new prima facie rates in an expeditious manner.

ILLINOIS

Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 1758 into law on August 23, 2019. This bill makes changes to the Consumer Installment Loan Act by defining “substantially equal installment” as “a last regularly scheduled payment that may be less than, but not more than 5% larger than the previous scheduled payments…” Effective immediately.

Senate Bill 1624 was signed into law on July 9, 2019. The act made changes to the Personal Information Protection Act by putting in place new reporting requirements following a breach of personal information that affects 500 or more residents of the State of Illinois. Effective January 1, 2020.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire enacted Senate Bill 194 on August 2, 2019 which created a new Insurance Data Security Law. Effective January 1, 2020.

NEW JERSEY

Assembly Bill 4420 became law on August 8, 2019. It modifies certain fees charged by check casher licensees. Check Cashers may charge a fee of up to 3% of the face amount of the check on checks that are payable to an entity or are in excess of $2,500. Effective immediately.

Senate Bill 1149 created an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. This bill regulates student loan servicers and requires those entities to register with the National Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. Effective 120 days after enactment.

NEW YORK

On July 25, 2019 Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the SHIELD Act (SB5575) into law. The “Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act” amends New York’s current data breach notification law by imposing more expansive data security and data breach notification requirements. Effective March 21, 2020.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed NY SB 4019 on September 5, 2019. The bill requires that a retail lessee shall not be financially liable for charges when the early termination of a motor vehicle retail lease agreement occurs because he or she has passed away before the lease’s conclusion.

NY AB 7080 amended current law to include keys or key fobs as falling under the definition of items covered under Service Contracts for motor vehicle repairs. Effective immediately.

NORTH CAROLINA

Senate Bill 385 was signed by Governor Roy Cooper on July 26, 2019. The law primarily concerns motor vehicle dealer licensing requirements and fees and referral requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes that a motor vehicle dealer that does not market or extend to a covered borrower a loan or credit transaction covered by specified federal law is not in violation of North Carolina state law (which prohibits private discrimination against military personnel). This provision is retroactively extended by law to October 3, 2016. This bill defines a “covered borrower” by cross-reference to federal law. Effective July 26, 2019.

On July 25, 2019 Senate Bill 420 was approved by the governor. The North Carolina Servicemembers Civil Relief Act codifies into state law many provisions of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Additionally, servicemembers may terminate some service contracts when called into duty and may have the extension of certain lease agreements based on that status. Effective July 25, 2019.

OHIO

The Ohio Department of Insurance has issued a memorandum revising prima facie credit insurance rates effective January 1, 2020. Credit Life rates remain unchanged for 12 months at $0.627 per $1000 per month. The Credit Disability rates will decrease 9.7%. for 12 months at $1.19 per $100 for the 14-day retroactive plan

Credit Life Premium Rates

Single Decreasing Life Coverage                                       $0.41/$100/ @ 12 Months

Single Level Life Coverage                                                  $0.75/$100/ @ 12 Months

Joint Decreasing Life Coverage                                         $0.71/$100/ @ 12 Months

Joint Level Life Coverage                                                    $1.31/$100/ @ 12 Months

*Joint life rates are 175% of corresponding single life rates.

Credit Disability Rates

14-Day Retroactive                               $1.20 per month per $100 of coverage @ 12 Months

14-Day Elimination                               $1.04 per month per $100 of coverage @ 12 Months

30-Day Retroactive                               $0.90 per month per $100 of coverage @ 12 Months

30-Day Elimination                               $0.63 per month per $100 of coverage @ 12 Months

RHODE ISLAND

Following a national trend, Rhode Island has enacted a Student Loan Bill of Rights. House Bill 5936 gives guidance to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit and other entities to review complaints of student loan borrowers. Additionally, it sets out the duties and responsibilities of loan servicers. Effective immediately.

SOUTH CAROLINA

On September 13, 2019, the South Carolina Department of Insurance published orders 2019-04, 2019-05, and 2019-06 confirming Prima Facie Credit A&H and Credit Property rates for 2020. The A&H rates for insurance sold in conjunction with consumer credit transactions in 2020 will remain unchanged from their current rates in 2019. The 12-month rate for $100 of Initial Insured Indebtedness will be as follows:

  • 14-day Retro: $1.53
  • 30-day Retro: $1.44

Pursuant to Order 2019-04, the 3-day retroactive A&H rate for insurance sold in conjunction with loans will remain at $0.28 per $5.00 of monthly indemnity. Effective January 1, 2020.

Effective Federal Changes

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

Specific dollar threshold adjustments were announced on August 1, 2019 through the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau. The CPFB is required to make adjustments to dollar thresholds based on annual changes in the Consumer Price Index. Updates to the Ability to Repay/ Qualified Mortgage Rule, (“ATR/QM”) and Home Ownership Equity Protection Act (“HOEPA”), among others, were announced and become effective January 1, 2020.

HOEPA Annual Threshold Adjustments:

  • The adjusted total amount of the loan threshold will be $21,980, up from $21,549
  • The adjusted points and fees trigger will be $1,099, up from $1,077

ATR/QM Threshold Adjustments – To meet qualified mortgage criteria, the combined points and fees can’t exceed the following:

  • 8% of total loan amount for loans less than $13,737
  • $1,099 for loans greater than or equal to $13,737 but less than $21,980
  • 5% of total loan amount for loans greater than or equal to $21,980 but less than $65,939
  • $3,297 for loans greater than or equal to $65,939 but less than $109,898
  • 3% of total loan amount for loans greater than or equal to $109,898

Update Reminders

NEW JERSEY

Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 2994 on July 19. The act requires GAP waivers to be cancellable and requires a pro rata refund of the purchase price following the cancellation of such waiver. Effective October 17, 2019.

NORTH CAROLINA

On July 5, 2019, Senate Bill 529 became law in North Carolina. This legislation changes the processing fee for a returned check from $25 to $35. Effective October 1, 2019.

TEXAS

HB 3855 affects consumer loans made under Section 342.201 of the Finance Code. The bill adds language that interest must be charged using the scheduled installment earnings method or the true daily earnings method.  Effective September 1, 2019.

July 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective State Changes

DELAWARE

Governor John Carney signed House Bill 106 into law on June 26, 2019. This bill codifies existing legal practice allowing the Department of Justice to regulate service contracts and product warranties. These contracts and products are not regulated like insurance products. The Department of Justice began regulating these markets following a letter issued by the Department of Insurance in 1993 and Domestic/Foreign Insurers Bulletin No. 5 in 1997. Effective immediately.

HAWAII

On June 26, 2019 Governor David Ige signed House Bill 154 into law. The legislation clarifies the scope of motor vehicle service contracts subject to regulation by the Department of Insurance. Services specifically allowed in this bill include the repair or replacement of tires following contact with road hazards, the use of paintless dent removal services, windshield replacement from road hazard damage, and the replacement of key-fobs. Effective in part on July 1, 2019.

Senate Bill 409 was signed into law by the governor on July 10, 2019. The bill establishes an annual registration surcharge of $50.00 for electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Effective January 1, 2020.

MAINE

Senate Bill 995 was signed by the governor on June 20, 2019. This bill establishes a Student Loan Bill of Rights and regulates student loan servicers. Additionally, the bill institutes a licensing procedure for servicers, complete with a background investigation. Effective January 1, 2020.

NEW JERSEY

Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 2994 on July 19. The act requires GAP waivers to be cancellable and requires a pro rata refund of the purchase price following the cancellation of such waiver. A fee no greater than $50 may be deducted from the refund. The law also requires any refund due from early termination to be received within 60 days of termination or the receipt of such termination. Effective October 17, 2019.

NORTH CAROLINA

On July 5, 2019, Senate Bill 529 became law in North Carolina. This legislation changes the processing fee for a returned check from $25 to $35. Effective October 1, 2019.

RHODE ISLAND

House Bill 5674 was signed July 15, 2019 by Governor Gina Raimondo. This act would define service contracts and clarify that service contracts are not insurance and not subject to the insurance code. This legislation defines service contracts and details numerous items which are subject to removal, replacement, or repair. Effective January 1, 2020.

TEXAS

House Bill 4390 was signed into law on June 14, 2019 by Governor Greg Abbott. This legislation increases the requirements following a computerized-data breach of sensitive personal information. The bill inserts a 60-day limit to notify the Attorney General of said breach and details the information which must be included in the notification. Effective January 1, 2020.

VERMONT

Senate Bill 18 / Act 74 became law in Vermont without the Governor’s signature on June 19, 2019. The law is entitled the “Model State Consumer Justice Enforcement Act” and lists out numerous terms which are prohibited in standard-form contracts. Unconscionable terms include a waiver to an individual’s right to a jury trial, a waiver of an individual’s right to seek punitive damages, and any requirement that resolution of legal claims must take place in an “inconvenient venue.” Additionally, this legislation provides for damages, attorney’s fees, and a reasonable cost reimbursement if the drafting party includes any of these unconscionable provisions in a standard-form contract and a court determines an unfair and deceptive practice has been committed. Effective October 1, 2020.

Simple Interest Isn’t Simple After All – Part 2

In Part 1 of this Thought Leadership series on simple interest, Carleton discussed how simple interest transactions have complicated previously held beliefs about consumer credit computations. While periodic interest calculations may closely align and appear identical to actuarial method APR computations, simple interest calculations do not always follow suit.

By measuring actual days elapsed and not simply counting a month as 1/12 of a year, simple interest added a layer of complexity to what was previously considered “easy” math.

Part 2 addresses another complication brought about by the use of simple interest—the fact that there can be multiple “right” payments.

Simple interest’s biggest impact can be seen when prospective interest charges accrue on the actual calendar days elapsed between scheduled payment dates. This is a departure from the historical “periodic” interest charges that accompanied precomputed transactions. For the purpose of interest accrual, periodic interest considers all months equal and interest accrues at 1/12 the stated annual interest rate. Periodic interest does not recognize that months have differing numbers of days.

Why is that important? Because merely looking at the stated interest rate leaves a skewed picture. The rate is merely one component of the process. The application of the rate to accrue interest is often the overlooked key parameter. Simply put, this is the reason we see such confusion in the credit industry when the contract interest rate and Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) annual percentage rate (“APR”) are not the same value.

Click here to access the printable PDF of this publication

Key Considerations Regarding Simple Interest

  1. There are different methods of accrual calendars and the month in which the loan originates
  2. When accounting for a maximum charge on a loan, loan data must be evaluated when using applicable parameters identified in statutes

Urban Myths

Part 1 addressed the first urban myth that: “If there are no fees included in the finance charge, the interest rate and APR are the same.”

Urban Myth #2: There is only one “right” payment for a set of data

With simple interest, a set of data could potentially have a dozen different amortizing payments depending on the month in which it was originated. The amount of interest calculated on using a daily accrual method is dependent upon the month of origination and the number of days of interest which accrue early in the transaction. For that reason, the exact same set of data will accrue less interest on a deal beginning in February (28 days) than one that begins in March (31 days). If there are more days accruing interest at the beginning of a loan when the balances are at their highest, the entire profile of prospective interest accrual changes. So too does the comparison between the applied interest rate and the APR when utilizing a periodic calendar vs. a daily accrual calendar.

Carleton has seen at least 13 different payment accrual calendars, all utilizing different combinations of time counting, including for example: periodic or daily accrual, counting 365 days a year or 366 days a year on leap year, or counting whole months and days. Based on these different methods of accrual calendars and the month in which the loan originates, there can be varying effects on the applicable amortizing payment and interest calculations.

Urban Myth #3: A State’s maximum rate provision is simply a nominal rate comparison. The method of charge accrual is irrelevant

So how do regulators view the industry shift towards simple interest? Many jurisdictions’ statutes written in the 1970’s and 1980’s state that for the purposes of computing the maximum finance/credit service charge “the differences in the lengths of months are disregarded.” That would imply that a periodic calendar is to be used when determining if there is an overcharge.  The key point here is that a majority of state statutes regulate the dollar charge contracted for by the creditor.  So, the application of the published maximum rate becomes a crucial data point.

Even when a statute employs language that makes the maximum rate synonymous with the TILA Appendix J APR value, Appendix J allows a compliant APR to be computed by both the actuarial and U.S. Rule methods.  Often, the methods return identical results, but just as often they provide distinct APR values.  So, which one is “right”?

This notion can be illustrated when the consequences of applying a daily interest rate of 18% results in a TILA APR of 18.03% (which uses the periodic calendar). That means that if the differences in the lengths of months are disregarded, the effective interest rate is 18.03%. But when a daily calendar is used, the effective interest rate is 18%. Using the effective interest rate of 18.03% technically results in a violation of the maximum charge provisions in the statute. This violation is a result of a daily calendar used to accrue interest charges and another mandated to assess the result. If an actuarial method APR is disclosed, the APR box itself may be evidence of an overcharge.

Of course, a creditor can compute and disclose an APR by the United States Rule method and employ daily charge accrual. In that situation, the interest method and APR method are identical resulting in an APR which will match the interest rate.

One practical consideration that needs to be made by disclosing parties is that nearly every examiner in the United States carries a free download of the OCC’s APRWIN Software Program on their laptop. APRWIN is a credible tool, but it only computes by the actuarial method APR and cannot validate a U.S. Rule value. A creditor needs to be able to strongly justify and prove their APR disclosures at every examination—it’s a fact that most don’t have the proper tools to do so.

One final operational effect of the movement from the precomputed environment is the difficulty of porting a TILA APR into a servicing system to accrue actual interest earnings and service the loan. One of the main features of a precomputed contract is that the consumer is agreeing to repay a total of payments and that is synonymous with the rate found in the APR. When the APR and contract interest rate were interchangeable—during the era of precomputed contracts—the practice of porting an APR into the service system was widespread. Now, when utilizing daily simple interest the resulting APR for an 18% contract interest rate may be anywhere from 17.97% to 18.04%.

Thus, when accounting for a maximum charge on a loan, the loan data must be evaluated when using the applicable parameters identified in the statute.

Keeping it Simple: Resources for Compliance

Carleton’s products and services are synonymous with consumer credit calculation compliance since 1969. Priority is given to maintain its position as the industry’s leading authority with respect to loan calculation accuracy.

Carleton clients receive compliance support from Carleton’s Compliance team in three critical areas: constant monitoring for change in regulations through state and federal databases, continual testing and implementation of new quality control methods to ensure software calculation accuracy, and litigation support providing backup in any client legal support needs, including:

  • State & Federal Law Database – Carleton’s Compliance Department maintains a regulatory library and constantly monitors changes in state and federal regulations related to loan calculations. Carleton is also able to remain at the forefront of breaking legislative developments through a myriad of subscription services related to lending, professional legal relationships, active participation on law committees of national lending associations, and the compliance departments of many of the major lenders who are clients of Carleton.
  • Verification of Calculations – Our Compliance Department is involved in designing programs to test the accuracy of all Carleton calculations and ensures that an updated quality control program is in place to support the changes in regulatory compliance for all state and federal regulations.
  • Litigation Support – As part of Carleton’s maintenance and customer support, the Compliance Department is available as a resource to assist clients in providing the basis of the computations and validation of the calculation accuracy in the event a state or federal examination results in a requirement to defend or explain our company’s loan computations.

Carleton, Inc. also provides a range of Compliance Support Services, including:

  • TILA Reimbursement & Adjustment Calculations
  • Recasting of loans
  • Creating amortization Schedules to “prove” a lending transaction
  • Examination support through providing dollar and cent illustrations
  • Analysis of client’s internal system calculation requirements

Carleton, Inc. is the leading provider of compliant lending and leasing calculation software and dynamic document generation software serving the banking, credit union, and auto lending industry.  Founded on compliance expertise at a federal and state level in 1969, the company’s client list has grown to include most of the major lenders, credit insurance companies, and loan origination software providers in the United States.

June 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective State Changes

ARKANSAS

On April 8, 2019 the Governor signed HB 1672 (Act 787), creating the Guaranteed Asset Protector Waivers subchapter of the Arkansas Code (“GAP Waiver Law”). The Law regulates the sale of GAP waivers in vehicle transactions. It outlines the various requirements and definitions related to the sale of GAP waivers. Motor vehicles are broadly defined to include “a self-propelled or towed vehicle designed for personal or commercial use.” This includes motorcycles, RV’s, boats, etc. Effective July 23, 2019.

CALIFORNIA

California is one of the states that has recently instituted regulations for licensing and operational requirements for student loan servicers. These new requirements instituted by the Department of Business Oversight went into effect on March 28. Under the new requirements, all student loan servicers must now register under the state’s registry system. Effective March 28, 2019.

On June 8, 2019, California published the fee adjustments to the Vehicle Code under 13 CA ADC § 423.00. These fee adjustments affect, among other fees: processing, registration and title fees. Effective January 1, 2020.

COLORADO

HB 1289 was signed by the Governor on May 23, 2019. The bill amends the definition of “unfair or deceptive trade practices” and modifies the allowable penalty for a violation of Article 1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (up to $20,000 for a single violation; removing the $500,000 cap for related series of violations). Effective May 23, 2019.

SB 2 enacts Article 20 – the Colorado Student Loan Servicers Act. The Act regulates Student Loan Servicers. A license is required for Student Loan Servicers beginning on January 31, 2020. The Act addresses licensing requirements and prohibited acts of licensees. Effective August 2, 2019.

GEORGIA

SB 122 was signed by the Georgia Governor on May 6, 2019. The bill addresses privacy requirements related to the purchase or lease of a motor vehicle. It includes certain safeguards, notice requirements, and record retention requirements. The bill limits the use of consumer data. Unrelated to privacy requirements, the bill also addresses uniform warranty reimbursement policies among dealers and unlawful activities by franchisors. Effective July 1, 2019.

IOWA

The Governor signed SF 619 on May 16, 2019. The Act modifies provisions related to service contract providers. The bill provides a definition for a “motor vehicle service contract,” listing specified types of services and products. It also clarifies certain licensing requirements. The bill amends and replaces the contract form requirements for service contracts. Effective May 16, 2019.

KANSAS

On April 30, 2019, the Office of the State Bank Commissioner published Amended Administrative Interpretation No. 1004 regarding Guaranteed Asset Protection waiver agreements. The interpretation provided certain guidelines for excluding the cost of GAP waiver agreements from the calculation of the finance charge under the UCCC. If the guidelines are not followed, the cost of GAP products must be included in the finance charge and disclosed accordingly. The interpretation exclusively applies to finance agreements for a consumer vehicle. Effective on GAP waiver agreements executed on or after May 15, 2019.

KENTUCKY

Regulation 174143r places restrictions on deferred deposit transactions. Included in these restrictions are limitations that licensees can only have two deferred deposit transactions from an individual customer at one time and the total proceeds received from a customer cannot exceed $500. The regulation also requires the commissioner to implement a common database for licensees to access and verify deferred deposit transactions.

MARYLAND

Like California and Colorado, Maryland modified its laws relating to Student Loan Servicers under HB 594. Effective October 1, 2019.

NEVADA

AB 477 adds a new chapter to the code entitled “Consumer Protection from the Accrual of Predatory Interest After Default Act.” The Act voids choice-of-law provisions selecting other state jurisdictions for contracts entered into while the consumer resides in Nevada. Enforcement of the contract must be governed by Nevada. Similarly, forum selection clauses are void. The Act adds additional contract provision requirements and restrictions. And it specifies allowable pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. Effective October 1, 2019.

SB 161 establishes a “Regulatory Experimentation Program for Product Innovation” which provides temporary exemptions from some statutory and regulatory requirements related to financial products and services. To participate in the program, the act requires, among other things: a written application, establishment of a physical or virtual location, and a description of how the product or services is innovative. Absent special permission, participants cannot receive or transmit more than $2,500 in any single transaction, or more than $25,000 in any series of transactions. The bill also revises provisions relating to lenders who loan exclusively over the internet. Effective January 1, 2020.

SB 201 adopts certain provisions to align the state code with the federal Military Lending Act. Included in these provisions is the limitation against a lender charging an APR greater than 36%. It also requires specified disclosures and prohibitions on additional loan terms. Effective October 1, 2019, with other portions of the bill effective July 1, 2019 or July 1, 2020.

NEW JERSEY

S52 was approved by the Governor on May 10, 2019. The bill adds additional items to the definition of “personal information” for the purpose of security breaches. The new definition includes user names and email addresses. The bill adds notification requirements specifically related to breaches of security involving user names or passwords. Effective September 1, 2019.

OREGON

HB 2089 affects title loan lenders and payday loan lenders. The bill adds a new restriction that a lender cannot make a loan to a consumer who has not fully repaid an outstanding payday or title loan. Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

SB 366 was signed by the Governor on May 24. The bill repeals the sunset provision in Section 11 of Chapter 523, which specifies requirements for GAP waivers. The GAP waiver provisions now are still in effect. Effective January 1, 2020.

SB 684 amends data breach notification requirements related to third-party vendors. The bill expands the definition of “Covered Entity” but states this does not include a person acting solely as a vendor. A “Vendor” is defined separately. Under the bill, there are data breach requirements that specifically apply to vendors, including notification provisions. The bill also includes a user name or other identifying data in the definition of “Personal information.” Effective January 1, 2020.

TEXAS

HB 3855 affects consumer loans made under Section 342.201 of the Finance Code. The bill adds language that interest must be charged using the scheduled installment earnings method or the true daily earnings method by either “(1) applying the applicable daily rate to each part of the unpaid principal balance corresponding to the brackets described by Subsection (e) for the actual or scheduled number of days during a payment period; or (2) applying a single equivalent daily rate to the unpaid principal balance for the actual or scheduled number of days during a payment period, where the single equivalent daily rate is determined at the inception of the loan using the scheduled installment earnings method and would earn an amount of interest authorized under Subsection (e) if the debt were paid to maturity according to the schedule of payments.” Effective September 1, 2019.

 

Reminders

INDIANA

HB 1136 / SB 80 amended the Indiana UCCC by modifying the allowable delinquency charge for consumer credit sales and consumer loans based on the payment frequency. The bill also modifies the allowable transaction fees for a revolving loan account. Effective July 1, 2019.

IOWA

HF 260 updated the threshold for the regulation of consumer loans, increasing the threshold from $10,000 to $30,000. Effective July 1, 2019.

KENTUCKY

HB 285 created new licensing requirements for licensing consumer loan companies. The bill also replaced a credit investigation fee with a loan processing fee. Effective June 27, 2019.

SB 145 was signed on March 19, 2019. This bill creates two distinct licenses for check cashing and deferred deposit services. Effective June 27, 2019.

OKLAHOMA

The Department of Consumer Credit published its dollar bracket adjustments for Retail Installment Sales and Consumer Loans. Effective July 1, 2019.

TEXAS

Texas published its dollar brackets and ceilings subject to adjustment for Retail Installment Sales and Consumer Loans. Effective July 1, 2019.

UTAH

HB 95 increased the collection costs for a dishonored check from $20 to $35. Effective May 14, 2019.

WEST VIRGINIA

HB 3143 altered the rate structure of regulated consumer lenders under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, modifying the limits from $2,000 to $3,500 and $10,000 to $15,000. Effective Date June 7, 2019.

You’ve Disclosed Inaccurate APRs, Now What?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Carleton Sales Team
574.243.6040 option #3
sales@carletoninc.com

 

TILA Adjustment & Reimbursement Review

A Maintenance Fee has been incorrectly disclosed in the FedBox on your contract. Your Truth in Lending Act disclosures are incorrect for hundreds, maybe thousands of transactions. What do you do?

The Truth in Lending Act requires restitution when a disclosure error involves an understated APR or the finance charge exceeds the allowed tolerance. Penalties may result if the error was caused by gross negligence, a willful violation with intent to mislead, or a clear and consistent pattern or practice of violations emerge.

When mistakes have been made, what is a Lender to do? Especially if that Lender is under pressure with a 60-day ‘cure’ window and thousands of transactions to recast?

The Solution: Turn to Carleton

Carleton has 50 years in the Consumer Credit Industry. Our software calculates all different loan types in every state and territory every day of the week. Recasting thousands of transactions in a limited timeframe can only be done by an industry leader with a proven history of processing these difficult calculations. Our process computes reimbursement figures by applying the consensus approach found in the FFIEC’s Joint Statement of Policy regarding restitution.

Jeff Buysse, Vice President of Compliance Services, summed up the benefits of the Carleton reimbursement review services. “We have the ability to assist creditors in providing accurate remediation results addressing APR disclosure errors on either a small or large scale. A handful of transactions to remediate may be manageable for most creditors but if the issue is systemic in nature, there is a need to provide compliant reimbursement amounts for hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of non-compliant disclosures within a very tight time frame. Our primary objective is to help our clients redisclose accurate and compliant contract values and avoid potentially severe penalties.”

Carleton’s loan adjustment and reimbursement analysis computes an accurate adjusted APR and cure sums, if required. Additionally, we can configure the TILA Adjustment & Reimbursement Review to meet your preferred tolerances and objectives. And we will finish in your timeframe with verifiable results!

  • Reimbursement Calculations can be configured by:
    • The Lump Sum/Payment Reduction Method
    • The Lump Sum Method
    • A combination of both methods depending upon account status
  • Qualifying loans will be cured as of your desired cure date
  • Appropriate tolerance levels for the Adjusted APR can be set at different values:
    • 0%
    • 0.125%
    • 0.25%

We will produce a confidential detailed spreadsheet of output results, including the adjusted APR and reimbursement results for each transaction, with more than enough time to implement findings.

To learn more about Carleton’s TILA Adjustment & Reimbursement Review, please contact our sales team at sales@carletoninc.com or 574-243-6040 option #3.

May 2019 Compliance Updates

Effective State Changes

ARIZONA

HB 2674 was signed by the Governor on April 22, 2019. The bill clarifies that Guaranteed Asset Protection Waivers are not insurance and provides a definition of Guarantee Asset Protection Waivers. Effective 90 days after sine die adjournment.

INDIANA

HB 1136 was signed by the Governor on May 6, 2019. The bill amends the Indiana Uniform Consumer Credit Code and addresses the allowable delinquency charge. The bill applies to consumer credit sales (§24-4.5-2-203.5) and consumer loans (§24-4.5-3-203.5). It changes the permitted delinquency charge from an adjustable amount to a set amount, depending on the transaction’s payment frequency. Delinquent payments are payments that are not paid within 10 days after the scheduled due date. Under the bill, the allowable delinquency charges are:

  • $5, if installments are due every 14 days or less
  • $25, if installments are due every 15 days or more; or
  • $25, on a single installment due at least 30 days after the sale or loan is made.

The bill adds a provision that states a creditor may not charge a delinquency charge if the only delinquency is attributable to a delinquency charge assessed on an earlier installment.

The bill also modifies the allowable transaction fees for a revolving loan account, stating the fee may not exceed the greater (previously the “lesser”) of 2% of the amount of the transaction or $10. SB 80 similarly changes the language to “the greater of.” Effective July 1, 2019.

HB 1237 became Public Law 245 on May 5, 2019. The bill retroactively creates a ceiling of $200 for a “fair” document preparation fee. The bill retroactively applies, effective July 1, 2013.

MARYLAND

HB 1154 and SB 693 modify the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act. The Act creates security breach investigation and notification requirements. Effective October 1, 2019.

NEW YORK

On April 29, 2019, the Department of Financial Services announced the appointment of Katherine A. Lemire to its newly created Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division (also known as the “mini-CFPB”).

OKLAHOMA

SB 720 creates the Oklahoma Small Lenders Act. The bill creates a new license for “small lenders,” beginning on January 1, 2020. The bill terminates all Deferred Deposit Lending Act licenses, effective August 1, 2020. Under the new Oklahoma Small Lenders Act, a “small loan” is an unsecured loan that’s term is between 60 days and 12 months. To make a small loan, the lender must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Credit, beginning on August 1, 2020. The act specifies the applicable license requirements. It also creates disclosure requirements, including that each customer must be given a written explanation, in clear, understandable language, of the fees and charges to be charged by the licensee. Effective November 1, 2019.

SB 732 was signed by the Governor on April 25, 2019. The bill modifies the charges allowed for loans made pursuant to § 3-508B, as follows:

Loan Amount*                  Acquisition Charge                                    Handling Charge

Up to $29.99                     1/10 of the amount of principal              $1.00 per $5.00 of principal

$30.00-$35.00                 1/10 of the amount of principal              $3.00 per month

$35.01-$70.00                  1/10 of the amount of principal              $3.50 per month

$70.01-$100.00                1/10 of the amount of principal              $4.00 per month

$100.01-$150.00              1/10 of the amount of principal              $4.50 per month

$150.01-$200.00             1/10 of the amount of principal              $5.00 per month

$200.01-$250.00            1/10 of the amount of principal              $5.50 per month

$250.01-$300.00            1/10 of the amount of principal              $6.00 per month

Effective November 1, 2019.

*Note: The Loan Amounts are as listed in the Code, but these are subject to the annual changes in dollar amounts by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit. We reported the 2019 dollar adjustments in the April newsletter.  At the moment, there does not appear to be alignment between the provisions of this bill and the 2019 bracket adjustments.

TEXAS

The dollar amount brackets and ceilings subject to adjustment in the Texas Financial Code will increase as follows:

Consumer Loans – §342.201

(Add-On Rates)

$18 per $100 per annum of the cash advance to $2,130 plus,

$  8 per $100 per annum of the excess to $17,750

OR

(Simple Melded Rates)

30% per annum of the cash advance to $3,550 plus,

24% of the excess to $7,455 plus,

18% of the remainder to $17,750

Retail Installment Sales (“Other Goods”) – §345.055

$12 per $100 per annum of the principal balance to $3,550 plus,

$10 per $100 per annum of the excess to $7,100 plus,

$  8 per $100 per annum of the remainder.

Effective July 1, 2019.

WASHINGTON

HB 1071 regulates breaches of security systems that protect personal information. The bill adds new definitions relating to the “breach of the security of the system.” The bill amends certain notice requirements for breaches of particular types of data, such as username and password. The act also provides the specific information which must be included in a notice of a potential breach to the attorney general. Notice to consumers must be provided within 30 calendar days of when the breach was discovered (changed from 45 days). The bill identifies what constitutes compliance with the security requirements based on the type of institution (e.g. a financial institution as certain criteria). Effective March 1, 2020.