Governor Sherrill Selects Former CFPB Official Christopher Peterson to Lead New Jersey Consumer Affairs Division
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has announced her intention to nominate Christopher L. Peterson as Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
A former senior Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) official and nationally recognized consumer financial services law scholar, Peterson would lead one of the state’s principal consumer protection agencies.
Peterson will begin serving as Acting Director on August 3, pending his formal nomination and confirmation by the New Jersey Senate.
Former CFPB Official Brings Extensive Consumer Finance Experience
Peterson is widely recognized for his work in consumer financial services law, combining experience in academia, federal government, and public policy. He has served for many years on the faculty of the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where his research has focused on consumer credit, mortgage lending, fintech, military lending protections, and consumer financial regulation.
During the CFPB’s formative years, Peterson served as a senior advisor, contributing to the agency’s policy development and enforcement strategy. He later worked with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he helped strengthen protections for military families through implementation of the Military Lending Act.
His academic publications, public speaking, and legal scholarship have made him a well-known figure within the consumer financial services industry.
Division Plays a Broad Consumer Protection Role
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is responsible for enforcing the state’s Consumer Fraud Act, regulating the securities industry, and overseeing 51 professional licensing boards. The agency also investigates consumer complaints, pursues enforcement actions, and administers licensing and regulatory programs across numerous professions and industries.
Because of its broad regulatory authority, the Division plays a significant role in consumer protection and marketplace oversight throughout New Jersey. Its enforcement responsibilities extend across a wide range of industries, including financial services, making its leadership closely watched by both consumer advocates and regulated businesses.
Industry Watches Future Enforcement Priorities
Peterson’s appointment is expected to draw attention across the consumer financial services sector given his longstanding work in consumer protection law and financial regulation.
Legal observers have noted that his experience provides him with both a strong understanding of consumer protection principles and familiarity with the operational and compliance challenges faced by financial services providers. His background spans academic research, regulatory policy, and public service, offering experience across multiple aspects of consumer finance.
One area expected to remain under scrutiny is the Division’s recently issued guidance concerning so-called “junk fees.” Organizations operating in New Jersey may continue monitoring developments related to fee disclosures and other consumer protection requirements as the Division establishes priorities under its new leadership.
Looking Ahead
Peterson will assume the role of Acting Director on August 3 while awaiting confirmation by the New Jersey Senate. His appointment places an experienced consumer financial services attorney and former federal regulator at the helm of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
The agency is responsible for enforcing the state’s consumer protection laws and overseeing a broad range of regulatory and licensing programs.
