April 2023

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Navigating College Financing

Learn about college financing options with expert tips to ease the financial burden and make informed decisions. Read more...

Private and For-Profit College Financing Scams

Private postsecondary education financing is an alternative for students seeking education funding who are not eligible for government financial aid programs. Learn how to protect yourself from private student loan scams.

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Embracing Sustainable Investment Practices with ESG Investing  

Learn more about how investors can use the power of their money to influence social change, lower environmental impacts, and reduce financial risk through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments. 

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In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, the DFPI will be hosting this popular annual event highlighting the many organizations across California that promote financial empowerment. This year’s event features special remarks from DFPI Commissioner Cloey Hewlett and a roundtable discussion on “Creating Wealth for all Californians” with an emphasis on generational wealth building. 

EVENTS 

For more events happening in your community, visit the DFPI Events Calendar. Recordings of select events can be viewed on the DFPI YouTube Channel. 

Financial Literacy Resource Webinar 

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

VIRTUAL EVENT

Community Resource Fair 

9 a.m. - 1 p.m

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (FRESNO, CA)

All Things New – Education Summit and Senior Resource Fair  

8 a.m. - 2 p.m

NORTHPOINT COMMUNITY CHURCH (FRESNO, CA)

The DFPI is taking action against crypto asset ponzi and pyramid schemes targeting investors. Always stay vigilant and thoroughly research investments before committing. If you've experienced unfair practices by a financial service provider, file a complaint with the DFPI. Your actions help protect others and ensure our financial marketplace is safe from bad actors. 

DFPI NEWS & UPDATES 

• CalMoneySmart Grant Program 2023-24: The DFPI will begin accepting applications for the fourth Round of CalMoneySmart grants on Apr. 24, 2023. The program awards grants of up to $200,000 each for nonprofit organizations to offer free financial education and empowerment programs targeting unbanked and underbanked communities. Application deadline is May 26, 2023. Live Q&A Sessions will be held at which applicants can ask general questions and receive assistance with accessing the grants portal on the following dates:
  • Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11 am (PST)
  • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm (PST)
• CalMoneySmart Grant Program 2021-22 Annual Report: The DFPI has published the results of the second round of the CalMoneySmart grant program, which awarded nearly $2 million to 22 nonprofits from across California. 
• Silicon Valley Bank Oversight: The DFPI announced it is conducting a comprehensive review of its oversight and regulation of Silicon Valley Bank. Report to be released in May 2023. 
• First Republic Bank Oversight: The DFPI released a statement regarding a successful effort to attract investment from 11 large banks to improve the liquidity and solvency of First Republic Bank, a state-chartered bank based in San Francisco. 

CONSUMER ALERTS & ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS 

• Robinhood Settlement: The DFPI partnered with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) to announce a $10 million multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial, LLC. The settlement is related to the mismanagement of Robinhood's retail securities trading platforms.
• BlockFi Restitution: The DFPI announced that BlockFi Lending, LLC has agreed to provide over $100,000 in refunds to Californians, pending bankruptcy court approval, following the FTX crash. 
• Imposter Website CALFCB.COM: The fake website was fraudulently posing as First Credit Bank, a California-based, FDIC-regulated entity.