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 DFPI joined in a $106 million, multi-state settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corp. and The Vanguard Group, Inc. Vanguard was accused of failing to properly supervise its representatives and not warning investors about possible tax consequences after lowering investment minimums for certain retirement funds.
On April 15, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and its common-sense regulations providing protections for small businesses.
The DFPI has reached an agreement with Southern California-based money transmitter Sigue Corporation for failure to meet outstanding liabilities following its collapse in 2024.
The DFPI announced today that through its nationally-recognized Crypto Scam Tracker and a new partnership with the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the state has shut down more than 26 different crypto scam websites and uncovered $4.6 million in consumer losses.
The DFPI announced today it has reached a settlement with a group of affiliated entities, collectively known as GSPartners, and its owner and chairman, Josip Heit.
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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
KC Mohseni
Commissioner, Department of Financial Protection and Innovation