How We Protect Consumers
Consumer Education
We provide information and resources to give consumers the tools to make smart financial decisions. Learn about your rights as a borrower and plan for the future.
Regulation
We regulate a wide variety of financial services, products, and professionals in California. In 2020, our mission broadened to include emerging markets and financial innovations.
Enforcement
Violators are held responsible through actions, orders, and administrative hearings. We also publish consumer alerts to alert the public to fraudulent activity.
News and Updates
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) today announced it has revoked crypto lender BlockFi Lending LLC’s California Financing Law (CFL) license.
Beginning in February 2025, the DFPI will register and regulate debt settlement services, education financing, income-based advances, and student debt relief providers – all to protect California consumers and provide more transparency.
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) announced today it has taken enforcement actions against three companies to prevent them from unlawfully charging fees for student loan debt relief services to California consumers before any actual work has been performed.
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) announced today that the Superior Court for Los Angeles County has upheld the Digital Financial Assets Law’s landmark consumer protections for users of crypto asset kiosks, commonly known as “Bitcoin ATMs.”
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) today announced it has awarded $4 million in CalMoneySmart grants for the 2024-2026 grant cycle. This year’s slate of 15 nonprofit organizations expands the program’s geographic coverage to include the North State and Central Coast regions of the state.
600+
ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS in 2023
500,000+
Regulated companies and professionals
13,800
Consumer Complaints RECEIVED in 2023
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
About the DFPI
The California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation is dedicated to helping California consumers. We believe innovation can exist alongside fair and honest business practices.
Gavin Newsom
Clothilde V. Hewlett
Commissioner, Department of Financial Protection and Innovation