Blog & Insights
RMAi 2026: Collections Compliance Enters a New Era
The 2026 annual RMAi conference offered a forward-thinking view of the receivables industry, blending discussions on regulatory preparedness, operational excellence, transparency, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation. Throughout the event, a consistent message emerged: staying ahead in today’s environment requires both a strong compliance foundation and a readiness to evolve.
Compliance in 2026 and Beyond: Agility Is Key to Business Growth
Compliance-focused sessions such as “Riding the Tailwinds: Staying Compliant Amid Opportunity and an Evolving Regulatory Landscape” highlighted the critical reality that even as federal pressures seem to be easing, the core laws governing consumer financial protection remain firmly in place.
Compliance professionals continue to bear the responsibility of ensuring their organizations can meet these legal standards, regardless of shifting political or enforcement priorities. Speakers emphasized that regulators such as the FTC, state attorneys general, and private litigants continue to shape expectations, and companies that ease up on compliance programs risk being surprised by rapid enforcement changes.
This theme echoed across multiple educational tracks, reinforcing that compliance now acts as both a protective measure and a strategic advantage. Organizations with mature, well-structured compliance frameworks tend to be better positioned to:
- Interpret changes in supervisory priorities
- Manage enforcement risk
- Demonstrate credibility to originating creditors, buyers, and service providers
Strong compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it is increasingly a core component of responsible growth.
Curious about the latest requirements and trends in collections? Get up to speed with Angie Erwin’s snackable Compliance Bytes video series, covering everything from statute of limitation and eSign consent to AI-driven consumer engagement. Watch the videos here.
Proactive Is the New Standard
Proactive planning emerged as another significant theme. With state-level scrutiny continuing to rise, particularly in areas related to consumer protection, data governance, and fair treatment, compliance teams were encouraged to build programs that are agile and adaptable.
Several sessions explored how compliance considerations should inform operational planning, collections strategy, documentation standards, and overall supervisory readiness. The message was clear: reactive compliance is no longer sufficient.
Modernize with Compliance at the Core
Modernization, as expected, was also a major focus — especially the growing need to weave compliance into technology initiatives. As automation, analytics, and AI driven tools become more widely adopted across the receivables ecosystem, compliance professionals play a vital role in ensuring these innovations do not inadvertently create new risks.
Attendees received practical guidance on how to stay diligent when approaching AI: asking the right questions, understanding system behavior, defining the human role in oversight, and establishing ongoing monitoring. Clarity around who is accountable for AI enabled decisions was highlighted as an essential step in reducing risk and supporting responsible use.
How can you introduce the benefits of AI to your collections operation without increasing your compliance risk? Use our AI provider checklist as a guide to ensure you’re asking all the right questions. Download the checklist today.
Adaptable Compliance for the Win
In the end, the conference delivered a strong and consistent message: compliance is not just a safeguard, it is a cornerstone of responsible growth. As the industry adopts new tools and navigates shifting regulatory landscapes, organizations that invest in adaptable, forward thinking compliance capabilities will be best positioned to manage uncertainty, build trust, and seize new opportunities.
Is Your Compliance Strategy Built for What’s Next?
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Angela Erwin
As the Vice President Risk and Compliance and a Certified Compliance Receivables Professional (CRCP), Angela plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the risk and compliance landscape. Her expertise enables Finvi’s products and services to be at the forefront of compliance, meeting applicable regulatory, security, and privacy standards. Angela is an internationally recognized compliance innovator and has garnered many professional awards for her achievements within her field. As a recognized national speaker, she shares her insights on critical legislation such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, federal and state consumer protection regulations, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Angela’s dedication to excellence, coupled with her commitment to advancing industry standards, cements her reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the risk and compliance arenas.