U.S. consumer bureau seeks input on military financial products

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking public comment on financial products aimed especially at members of the military. The bureau, which is charged with educating consumers about potentially fraudulent financial products, is seeking information on services used by members of the military including those “specifically tailored to their needs,” according to a statement e-mailed today. The agency is also seeking information on homeowner assistance programs, such as those for mortgage modification, and marketing and communications strategies aimed at members of the military. “Military families face unique challenges especially when it comes to their finances,” Holly Petraeus, the bureau's assistant director for the Office of Servicemember Affairs, said in the statement. “By identifying the products and services that aim to assist their particular needs, our office will be able to better serve service members and their families.” Public comments will be due 14 days after a notice is published in the Federal Register. --Bloomberg News