On April 22, 2026, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a final rule to change substantive provisions in Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The final rule implements, without changes, the proposed rule issued back on Nov. 13, 2025. It impacts major areas of Regulation B, including disparate impact, redlining and special purpose credit programs. The focus is now on intentional discrimination. The final rule includes the following updates:

• Removes disparate-impact claims.
• Clarifies the prohibition on discouraging applicants or prospective applicants by prohibiting oral or written statements of intent to discriminate instead of “merely by negative consumer impressions.”
• Stipulates that encouraging statements by creditors directed at one group of consumers is not prohibited discouragement as to applicants or prospective applicants who were not the intended recipients of the statements.
• Amends the standards for Special Purpose Credit Programs offered, or participated in, by for-profit organizations to include new standards and related conditions.

The final rule takes effect July 21, 2026, barring any legal challenges delaying implantation of the rule. Doeren Mayhew’s compliance pros stand ready to support financial institutions navigate these changes and compliance with other applicable regulations.