The Free Toaster

E027 - The State of Compliance In Lead Gen, With John Henson, Founder at Henson Legal


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I sat down with John Henson, a fintech-savvy lawyer who formerly worked at LendingTree (both as an attorney and a general manager). He unpacks the regulatory chaos swirling around lead generation in 2025 — what’s changed, what’s still risky, and how fintech marketers can navigate it without getting burned.

In today's discussion:
  • The CFPB Rolled Back Rules: Credit card and personal loan lead gen just got a little more breathing room. John explains what’s safe and what’s not.
  • Mortgage Lead Gen Isn’t Dead: Despite RESPA, there are ways to play without federal headaches.
  • State Privacy Laws Are Tightening: You might be a “data broker” without knowing it — and that’s a compliance minefield.
  • Banks Fear AI: Rumor has it that some big banks are banning generative AI in lead gen. John weighs in on the reality.
  • Some Lead Gen Is Still Garbage: Learn how to spot sketchy providers before you get sued.
  • ...and much more. 

    Memorable Quotes
    “Everything is UDAP.” 
    “If you don’t understand how they’re generating the leads, you’re buying problems.”
    “Nobody ever got fired at a bank for saying no.”
    About John Henson

    John Henson is a rare breed: a lawyer who understands marketing. He spent 6 years at LendingTree running lead gen and compliance, so he knows the real-world challenges fintechs face. Now, he helps companies stay out of trouble while growing smart. Follow him on LinkedIn for sharp insights.




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    A word from our sponsor, New Market Growth:

     

    New Market Growth helps fintech consumer lenders generate explosive growth on affiliate marketing channels like Credit Karma, Experian Marketplace, LendingTree, and others.


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    The Free ToasterBy thefreetoaster