13 October 2025
/ Donald A. Mausar
The Roulette Wheel of Compliance: Key Insights from Don Mausar at the 2025 CCAA Annual Meeting
At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Commercial Collection Agencies of America (CCAA), Weltman Shareholder Don Mausar explored the complex and ever-evolving risks facing creditors and collection agencies in his presentation, “The Roulette Wheel of Compliance.” From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to regulatory oversight and political change, Don emphasized that compliance is not a static concept—it’s a continuous process requiring vigilance, adaptability, and proactive leadership. Now, he’s sharing his top 5 takeaways!
Electronic communications are a major focus of compliance in the collections industry. Regulation F (Reg F) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) govern the use of email and text messaging with consumers, making clear consent, simple opt-out options, and careful management of third-party vendors essential. Emails and texts are not subject to the 7/7/7 call frequency limits, but they still require attention to challenges such as renewing consent every 60 days and maintaining proper authentication controls. Best practice: balance effective outreach with strict regulatory adherence to minimize risk and maintain consumer trust.
Artificial intelligence can improve efficiency in consumer communications, but it introduces new compliance and ethical considerations. Key areas to watch include privacy, data security, ethical use, legal compliance, and algorithmic bias. Organizations should ensure transparency, regularly audit AI systems, and maintain human oversight for sensitive or emotionally charged interactions. Clear communication and empathetic responses are essential for building trust while leveraging AI to streamline collection processes.
Protecting consumer information is a company-wide responsibility, not just an IT concern. Robust cybersecurity practices—including encryption, fraud detection, and physical safeguards like clean desk policies—help prevent breaches and maintain compliance. An effective Compliance Management System (CMS) should integrate clear policies, risk assessments, training, audits, and continuous improvement. A dynamic CMS ensures that potential compliance gaps are addressed proactively rather than reactively.
Regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state Attorneys General are increasingly active in areas like transparency, “junk fees,” and fair consumer treatment. Changes in the political landscape can also shift enforcement priorities, regulatory costs, and compliance expectations. To stay ahead, agencies should monitor regulatory guidance, self-assess risks regularly, and participate in rulemaking processes when possible. Staying proactive helps organizations maintain both legal compliance and consumer trust.
Compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Agencies that cultivate a culture of integrity, continuous learning, and adaptability are better positioned to respond to regulatory shifts and technological changes. From ethical AI use to effective communication practices and robust cybersecurity, building compliance into daily operations strengthens consumer relationships and reduces risk. In a rapidly evolving industry, staying proactive is the key to long-term success.
Our team is constantly monitoring the changes in our industry. If you have a question about this article or would like to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, feel free to contact Don at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
Navigating Electronic Communication Compliance
Electronic communications are a major focus of compliance in the collections industry. Regulation F (Reg F) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) govern the use of email and text messaging with consumers, making clear consent, simple opt-out options, and careful management of third-party vendors essential. Emails and texts are not subject to the 7/7/7 call frequency limits, but they still require attention to challenges such as renewing consent every 60 days and maintaining proper authentication controls. Best practice: balance effective outreach with strict regulatory adherence to minimize risk and maintain consumer trust.
Using AI Responsibly: Opportunities and Challenges
Artificial intelligence can improve efficiency in consumer communications, but it introduces new compliance and ethical considerations. Key areas to watch include privacy, data security, ethical use, legal compliance, and algorithmic bias. Organizations should ensure transparency, regularly audit AI systems, and maintain human oversight for sensitive or emotionally charged interactions. Clear communication and empathetic responses are essential for building trust while leveraging AI to streamline collection processes.
Cybersecurity and Compliance Management Systems
Protecting consumer information is a company-wide responsibility, not just an IT concern. Robust cybersecurity practices—including encryption, fraud detection, and physical safeguards like clean desk policies—help prevent breaches and maintain compliance. An effective Compliance Management System (CMS) should integrate clear policies, risk assessments, training, audits, and continuous improvement. A dynamic CMS ensures that potential compliance gaps are addressed proactively rather than reactively.
Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes
Regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and state Attorneys General are increasingly active in areas like transparency, “junk fees,” and fair consumer treatment. Changes in the political landscape can also shift enforcement priorities, regulatory costs, and compliance expectations. To stay ahead, agencies should monitor regulatory guidance, self-assess risks regularly, and participate in rulemaking processes when possible. Staying proactive helps organizations maintain both legal compliance and consumer trust.
Building a Culture of Compliance
Compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Agencies that cultivate a culture of integrity, continuous learning, and adaptability are better positioned to respond to regulatory shifts and technological changes. From ethical AI use to effective communication practices and robust cybersecurity, building compliance into daily operations strengthens consumer relationships and reduces risk. In a rapidly evolving industry, staying proactive is the key to long-term success.
Our team is constantly monitoring the changes in our industry. If you have a question about this article or would like to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, feel free to contact Don at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
