The CFPB Can Enhance Certain Aspects of Its Examiner Commissioning Program

CFPB examiners assess supervised institutions' compliance with federal consumer financial laws. Examiners must successfully complete the Examiner Commissioning Program to receive their commissions, which signifies technical expertise in their duties.

We found that the CFPB can make its commissioning program more consistent in terms of opportunity, mentoring, and other support for examiners. It can also provide examiners specific, constructive feedback following a key component of the commissioning test. Finally, the CFPB should consider formalizing an approach for diversifying assessment panels and periodically collect qualitative information to alleviate concerns about the program's fairness.

Our report includes recommendations to enhance the CFPB's commissioning program.