Agencies release list of distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies
Federal Reserve and other agencies released an updated list of distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies, which may affect debt collection practices under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and related regulations. This list is used to determine certain lending and investment obligations, but may also impact debt collection activities in these areas.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Debt Collection (FDCPA / State) space on July 8, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Low urgency. Collection agencies, debt buyers, collection law firms, and creditor first-parties operating in nonmetropolitan middle-income areas. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: No immediate deadline; however, businesses should incorporate the updated list into their compliance monitoring within 30 days.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Debt Collection (FDCPA / State) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The list of designated distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies has been updated. This may affect compliance with state or federal requirements for collection activities in these areas, such as licensing or reporting obligations.
Who it affects
Collection agencies, debt buyers, collection law firms, and creditor first-parties operating in nonmetropolitan middle-income areas.
What you must do
Review the updated list to determine if your business operates in any newly designated areas. Assess whether any state-specific collection laws or licensing requirements apply to these geographies.
Deadline
No immediate deadline; however, businesses should incorporate the updated list into their compliance monitoring within 30 days.
Source: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20260630a.htm
Never miss a change like this again
Aforeworn watches Debt Collection (FDCPA / State) around the clock and alerts you the moment a rule moves — with a plain-English brief on what to do.
Start your free trialRelated changes in Debt Collection (FDCPA / State)
- Agencies publish resolution plan feedback letters for certain domestic and foreign banking organizations
- Agencies remove additional references to reputation risk
- Federal Reserve Board announces final rule that establishes data standards for certain information collections
- Federal Reserve Board's annual bank stress test confirms that large banks are well positioned to weather a severe recession and able to continue to lend to households and businesses
- Still, David v. Wayfair Inc.