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.
Consumer Success Stories
The Consumer Services Office (CSO) helps to address numerous complaints that have arisen between consumers and various financial institutions that DFPI regulates. We facilitate communication between the parties and help to resolve disputes, often returning thousands of dollars to consumers while ensuring their rights and protections are upheld. Read some of the CSO stories here.
News and Updates
The DFPI announced that $3.2 million in grants is available through the 2026–2028 CalMoneySmart program for nonprofit organizations that provide free financial empowerment services to California residents.
DFPI and the Attorney General shut down fraudulent websites; learn how to help protect your family and friends from scams; and take part in our survey on tech-enabled fraud.
The DFPI today announced that it has ordered Coinme, one of the largest crypto kiosk operators in the state, to refund an additional $175,000 to California consumers who were unlawfully overcharged.
The DFPI announced that Nexo Capital Inc. (Nexo) will pay $500,000 in penalties for violating California financial laws, including making loans to California residents without a valid license.
The DFPI announced that a Concord-based lender, Apoyo Financiero, Inc., must pay a hefty $1 million penalty for charging excessive interest and fees to its customers.
Enforcement Actions
in 2025
Regulated companies
and professionals
Consumer Complaints
Received in 2025
returned to consumers
in 2025
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
About the DFPI
The California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation is dedicated to helping California consumers. We believe in supporting a healthy and trusted financial marketplace in California and that innovation can exist alongside fair and honest business practices.
Gavin Newsom
