Who heads the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is led by a director who is appointed by the President of the United States. This structure was established to ensure that the CFPB operates independently from the traditional banking and regulatory agencies while still being accountable to the executive branch of government. The director is responsible for overseeing the agency's various functions, including educating consumers about financial products, enforcing federal consumer financial laws, and supervising financial institutions for compliance.

This leadership model of having a single director enables the CFPB to respond quickly to financial issues impacting consumers. While other options involve significant government positions and bodies, such as the Secretary of the Treasury, a board of directors, or the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, none have the specific authority or role of heading the CFPB as directly as the director appointed by the President. The establishment and leadership of the CFPB reflect a commitment to protecting consumers in financial markets, making the appointed director vital for its mission and operations.