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On September 1, 2026, the New Jersey attorney general and Division of Consumer Affairs announced that Match Group, Inc. (MGI), the Texas-based operator of several major online dating platforms, will pay $650,000 and implement changes to its business practices to settle allegations that it violated New Jersey’s consumer protection and internet dating safety laws. The resulting consent order resolves an investigation into MGI’s disclosures related to criminal background screening, or lack thereof, to its New Jersey users. While the settlement’s implications are greatest for online dating services and the vendors they use to vet their users, all companies that make public representations about their criminal background screening and identity verification procedures should take heed.

The 2026 attorney general (AG) primary season has largely come to a close, and while the November general elections will ultimately determine the partisan composition of several key offices, the enforcement agenda is already well underway. State AGs have been active across a broad range of industries and issue areas in the first half of 2026 – and the activity shows no signs of slowing. From artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer financial services to privacy, marketing, and advertising, state AGs are filling enforcement gaps left by reduced federal activity and staking out independent regulatory ground. The following is an overview of the key areas where companies should expect continued and intensified state AG scrutiny through the remainder of the year, beginning with an update on the races that will shape the enforcement landscape heading into 2027.

In this episode of Payments Pros, host Keith Barnett examines a recent FTC enforcement action targeting an alleged unlawful subscription scheme involving 15 corporations and eight individuals operating through Cyprus- and Ukraine-based entities with access to U.S. payment rails. Keith discusses the FTC’s continued focus on deceptive advertising, undisclosed recurring charges, unauthorized billing, and burdensome cancellation practices, and explains why these issues carry significant implications for companies operating in the payments ecosystem. He walks through the FTC’s five-stage playbook allegations, including the failure to clearly disclose subscription terms, the use of engaging online tasks to drive purchases, and the deliberate obstruction of cancellation mechanisms. Keith also highlights the broad temporary restraining order agreed to by several defendants, covering asset freezes, foreign asset repatriation, customer data protections, and expedited discovery extending to third-party banks and payment processors. The episode closes with a reminder that the Trump-era FTC remains active and aggressive in the payments space, with businesses advised to prioritize clear disclosures, simple cancellation options, and strong BSA compliance practices.

In this episode of Payments Pros, host Keith Barnett examines a recent FTC enforcement action involving alleged violations of the FTC Act and ROSCA. Keith discusses the FTC’s continued focus on negative option features, automatic renewals, subscription disclosures, free trial conversions, and cancellation practices, and explains why these issues remain important for companies operating in the payments ecosystem. He walks through the FTC’s allegations regarding insufficient disclosure of key subscription terms, including automatic renewal provisions and early cancellation fees, as well as concerns about burdensome cancellation processes for consumers. Keith also highlights how the action reflects a broader enforcement trend, with the FTC remaining active in the payments space despite increased attention on changes at the CFPB. The episode closes with practical takeaways for businesses, including the importance of clear disclosures, simple cancellation mechanisms, and careful internal communications regarding subscription and billing practices.

Chambers and Partners has spoken — and Troutman Pepper Locke’s regulatory capabilities have earned the profession’s most respected recognition. In the 2026 Chambers USA guide, the firm received Band 1 Nationwide rankings, the highest available, in both its State Attorneys General and Consumer Financial Services practices:

In this special crossover episode of Payments Pros and The Consumer Finance podcasts, Carlin McCrory, Keith Barnett, and Chris Willis explore the federal government’s increasing attention to “debanking” and what it means for payment processors, money transmitters, banks, and other financial services providers. They discuss recent federal initiatives and agency activity that have heightened scrutiny of decisions to onboard, maintain, or terminate customers and merchants, particularly where those decisions may be perceived as based on political or religious viewpoints.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis, Lori Sommerfield, Taylor Gess, and Lane Page discuss the CFPB’s sweeping final amendments to Subpart A of Regulation B. The group unpacks the elimination of the disparate impact legal theory from ECOA, the narrowing of the discouragement standard (including what it means for targeted advertising), and the significant new limits on special purpose credit programs (SPCPs). They also explore expected litigation challenges, the continuing role of the Fair Housing Act and state laws in bringing cases under the disparate impact theory, and the practical steps lenders should be taking now to reassess fair lending testing, SPCP design, and redlining risk in light of the final rule.

In this joint episode of Payments Pros and The Consumer Finance Podcast, guest host Taylor Gess is joined by Stefanie Jackman to discuss amended debt collection regulations and restrictions for creditors, including tight communication limits and enhanced validation requirements. The conversation dives into the rise of coerced debt statutes, shortcomings of traditional identity theft frameworks, and how creditors should adjust training, intake, and escalation protocols to avoid reputational and legal risk. The discussion also explores state medical debt reporting bans, the preemption challenges, and cautious furnishing in the FCRA landscape.

On April 14, Iowa Attorney General (AG) Brenna Bird, leading a coalition of 13 state AGs, sent a pointed letter to Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Their message was clear: payment networks are expected to help shut down the U.S. market for unauthorized e‑cigarette products.