Charles E. "Chuck" Washburn, Jr.

As co-chair of the firm’s national consumer financial services practice, Chuck Washburn navigates the complex web of laws governing consumer financial services. Much of his work revolves around rules issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created by the Dodd-Frank Act.

In addition to proactively helping clients comply with laws, Chuck negotiates with CFPB staff attorneys and other representatives on behalf of clients who allegedly have violated compliance laws. He also interacts with Federal Trade Commission personnel, federal and state financial service regulators, and state attorneys general.

Chuck advises clients on federal and state laws governing consumer credit, including the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, Gramm-Leach-Bliley privacy rules, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and Regulation E, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Regulation B, and other fair lending rules. He counsels clients with regional and nationwide businesses on applicable state laws, including state lender licensing, usury, disclosure and privacy laws.

In California and other states, Chuck helps clients obtain lender and money transmitter licenses to offer consumer credit such as installment loans and sales; credit, debit and prepaid cards; mortgages; and electronic commerce, including mobile payments and mobile banking. His clients include:

• Fortune 500 telecommunications and entertainment companies, nationwide big-box retailers and direct marketers
• Emerging companies and their venture capital and other investors, including peer-to-peer and online marketplace lending platforms
• Traditional consumer financial services providers, such as banks, auto and other finance companies, mortgage lenders and S&Ls

A frequent speaker, Chuck teaches trade groups about new developments in consumer financial protection laws. He also participates in panels with representatives of federal and state agencies to discuss regulatory developments.