The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced the withdrawal of numerous guidance documents that have been issued since the agency began its operations in 2011. This decision is effective as of May 12, 2025. The CFPB's leadership has determined that these documents often imposed compliance burdens that were not aligned with statutory requirements and lacked the necessary procedural rigor.

The withdrawal aligns with principles articulated in Executive Order 13891, which emphasized that agencies should not use guidance documents to create new rights or obligations for entities outside the federal government. Although this executive order was rescinded by the Biden Administration, the underlying principles remain relevant under existing laws such as the Administrative Procedure Act.

The CFPB's review process aims to ensure that any future guidance issued is necessary and reduces compliance burdens rather than increasing them. The Bureau has identified specific guidance materials for withdrawal, including policy statements, interpretive rules, and advisory opinions that may not conform to statutory requirements or that could impose unnecessary compliance costs.

The Bureau's decision to withdraw these documents is also influenced by a broader regulatory environment that seeks to streamline compliance and reduce overlap with other federal and state regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. The CFPB intends to prioritize its enforcement activities in areas that are statutorily required, thereby minimizing the potential for duplicative regulatory oversight.

The withdrawal of these guidance documents reflects a shift in the Bureau's approach to regulation, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency in regulatory practices while also addressing the compliance challenges faced by regulated entities. The CFPB will continue to evaluate its guidance materials to determine which, if any, should be retained or reissued in the future.