When Wells Fargo first rolled out its Flex Loan program, it was heralded by advocates like The Pew Charitable Trusts as evidence that America’s largest banks were finally offering an “affordable” alternative to short-term credit products. Bankrate’s own review of the Flex Loan paints a favorable picture, touting fast approval, lower fees than payday loans, […]
Good intentions don’t pay the bills. But choice, transparency, and access can.
Last week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Alaska Senate Finance Committee on the dangers of Senate Bill 39, a proposal to impose a 36% APR cap on consumer credit. Additional testimony was submitted to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee before the bill was advanced to the Senate Finance Committee. This legislation […]
Alaska’s Senate Bill 39 (SB 39) proposes a 36% APR cap on consumer loans up to $25,000. The bill aims to regulate financial services, prevent “predatory” lending, and bring state laws in line with federal consumer protection measures. However, while the bill’s intentions may seem noble, its real-world consequences will devastate Alaskan consumers—especially those with […]
