Government News

New York City Finalizes Expanded Debt Collection Rules Covering Original Creditors and Third-Party Collectors

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC DCWP) has adopted a comprehensive set of amendments to its debt collection rules, effective September 1, 2026. The final rule clarifies that New York City’s consumer protection framework applies not only…

Government spending lifts global debt to a record $348 trillion in 2025, says IIF

Global debt climbed to a record $348 trillion at the end of 2025, after nearly $29 trillion was added over the year in the fastest yearly build-up since the pandemic surge, a banking trade group reported on Wednesday. The increase…

$49 billion in medical debt will be wiped off Americans’ credit reports

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans owe some amount of medical debt, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And while paying it back may be a significant burden on its own, it will now have a smaller impact on Americans’ overall financial health. Medical…

Medical emergencies can lead to debt and bankruptcy even for insured Americans

Even Americans who are covered by health insurance can emerge from medical emergencies with long-lasting financial scars. In a study published this month in the journal Health Affairs, researchers found that 18 months after being hospitalized for a traumatic injury — such as a…

Millions may drop ACA coverage — and raise health insurance costs for everyone else

Millions of people are likely to drop their health insurance now that enhanced premium subsidies for consumers who buy coverage on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have expired. That could increase costs for remaining enrollees, leading some experts to warn of a potential “death…

Trump wants lower borrowing costs but a Fed rate cut may be months away

The Federal Reserve is set to announce if it will adjust its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump pushing for a rate cut. Trump renewed his call for interest rate cuts in a speech at the World Economic Forum on Jan.…

Bond sell-off accelerates as Trump ramps up tariff threats

U.S. Treasurys and other countries’ government bonds continued to sell off on Tuesday, as the White House’s rhetoric on tariffs fueled fresh fears of a trade war between the U.S. and Europe. By 6:10 a.m. ET, yields on U.S. Treasury…

What’s Changing in US Debt Collections in 2026 and Why It Matters Now for Creditors

January is typically when creditors reassess risk, performance, and partners. In 2026, that reassessment carries more weight than usual. Consumer financial pressure remains elevated, regulatory expectations are firm, and borrower behavior continues to evolve. Together, these forces are reshaping how…

Venezuela’s billions in distressed debt: Who is in line to collect?

The toppling of President Nicolas Maduro has thrust Venezuela’s debt crisis — one of the world’s largest unresolved sovereign defaults — into the limelight. Following years of economic crisis and U.S. sanctions that severed the country from international capital markets, Venezuela defaulted in late…

Claire’s new owner Ames Watson feuds with Asia-based suppliers over millions in unpaid debt

Tween retailer Claire’s is facing legal challenges from some of its Asia-based suppliers over millions in unpaid debts as it tries to emerge from a second bankruptcy under new ownership, according to claims the suppliers filed in Hong Kong.  The clash with…