What is the primary function of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?

The primary function of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to ensure fair practices in lending. This agency was established to promote consumer protection in the financial sector, focusing specifically on ensuring that consumers are treated fairly by lenders and financial institutions. The CFPB's responsibilities include enforcing laws designed to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and taking action against those who violate these laws.

The CFPB also provides resources and information to help consumers understand their rights when it comes to financial products, such as mortgages, credit cards, and student loans. By overseeing and regulating activities in the lending space, the CFPB seeks to enhance transparency, improve the competitive landscape for consumers, and ultimately ensure that individuals can make informed financial decisions without being subjected to predatory practices. This focus on consumer fairness and education underscores the importance of its role in the financial system.

Other options, such as regulating stock market transactions, overseeing the insurance industry, or managing federal monetary policy, fall outside the CFPB's mandate, which is specifically related to consumer finance and protecting individuals in their financial dealings.