The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) is seeking a ruling that would block Chicago-based Opportunity Financial (OppFi) from offering loans with an interest rate above California s maximum of 36%.
California case could deal blow to high-interest online lenders By Reuters investing.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from investing.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A California judge is poised to decide if an online lender offering small loans at over 150% interest violates state law, which would deal a blow to finance companies that critics argue have.
The subprime lender OppFi sued California's consumer protection agency last year, arguing its loans are not subject to the state's interest rate cap of 36%. State officials are asking a judge for an injunction on new loans until the broader fight is resolved.
A 2019 state law limits annual interest rates on many loans to 36%, but some high-cost lenders have found a way to continue operating in California by partnering with banks. Now Democratic legislators want the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to take action.