The Financial Frontier: Financial Freedom, Payday Lending, & “Operation Choke Point”

In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice decided to investigate banks across the country, looking into the business they did with payday lenders. While payday loans are controversial, they are legal in most circumstances. Proponents of this campaign celebrate the push as crucial for consumer protection. Critics claim it sets a dangerous precedent by unfairly targeting lawful businesses. Jamie Fulmer (Advance America), Chris Peterson (The University of Utah), and Brian Knight (Mercatus Center) explore the questions behind “Operation Choke Point”.

A Fourth Branch video in association with Motivo Media.


Differing Views:

Jamie Fulmer

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

Advance America


Brian Knight

Director of Innovation and Governance and Senior Research Fellow

Mercatus Center, George Mason University


Chris Peterson

John J. Flynn Endowed Professor of Law

University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law


Financial Services & Corporate Governance

The Federalist Society and Regulatory Transparency Project take no position on particular legal or public policy matters. All expressions of opinion are those of the speaker(s). To join the debate, please email us at [email protected].

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