SMART Payment Plan Resolves CFPB Investigation
SMART has completed a 4 year investigation with the CFPB.

SMART has completed a 4 year investigation with the CFPB.
SMART Payment Plan’s CEO, David Engelman, and Chief Compliance Officer, Jackson Bigham, are pleased to announce that SMART has completed a 4-year investigation with the CFPB.
The result of this investigation and settlement demonstrates our focus on compliance and the value of our service to consumers.
After a thorough and rigorous investigation, SMART Payment Plan agreed to a Consent Order with a "Relevant Period" from January 1, 2012 to March 15, 2015. Although SMART does not admit to any of the CFPB's alleged facts or findings, SMART found it more economical and time-efficient to settle the matter. Notably, all of SMART's current marketing materials, contracts and disclosures are compliant with the terms of the Consent Order.
“We are glad to close this matter and to continue serving our customers who love our lower and easier payments and the dealers who offer our valued service,” said Engelman.
“The result of this investigation and settlement demonstrates our focus on compliance and the value of our service to consumers,” said Bigham. “We are excited to have crossed this significant regulatory hurdle so we can continue focusing on helping leading automotive dealers better serve their customers with our lower and more affordable payments that match their paydays,” said Bigham.
Originally posted on F&I and Showroom
More Industry

Nebraska Rooftop Changes Hands
The Gregg Young Automotive Group has sold its second dealership to Janssen Auto Group, both in Plattsmouth, Neb.
Read More →
Penske Auto Group Deal a Record
The deal to take the dealership and transportation services company private sets a new pace for industry buy-sell transactions.
Read More →
War Toll a Damper on Used Auto Prices
Cox Automotive found wholesale depreciation to be elevated in September amid high fuel prices and this year's unusual hurricane season.
Read More →
Bridge the Maintenance Gap
With many drivers missing recommended maintenance, service departments offering transparency and efficiency have a better chance of reaching financially strained consumers.
Read More →
California Store Has New Owner
The longtime dealership in the northern part of the state is known for robust fleet sales and has served the state capital for 115 years.
Read More →
BMW Plant Pursues Cleaner Energy
BMW Group Plant Leipzig has utilized hydrogen to help power its production since 2013, but a new pipeline is planned to take it to another level.
Read More →
Auto Affordability Inches Up
The latest Cox Automotive and Moody’s Analytics index shows a slight increase in new-vehicle affordability despite high prices.
Read More →
Ohio Auto Group Under New Ownership
After 79 years with the Schluter family, Mansfield Auto Group has been acquired by Missouri-based Clement Auto Group.
Read More →
RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint
Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Agent Acumen
An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.
Read More →