Raj Date Steps Down at CFPB; Steve Antonakes Named as Acting Deputy Director
On January 31, 2013, Deputy Director Raj Date officially stepped down from his position as the second-highest official in the CFPB. Date was the first deputy director of the agency, and was closely involved with Elizabeth Warren in the formation of the CFPB. Date’s departure was confirmed in November 2012. Date has been a notable leader in the CFPB, and there was early speculation that he was a possible appointee for the director position. Date took a major role in the agency’s mortgage-related initiatives.
CFPB Director Cordray stated:
“We will be forever grateful to Deputy Director Raj Date for his tremendous work to protect American consumers. As the CFPB’s first deputy director, Raj has helped to lead the agency’s organizational, strategic, and policy efforts and put in place key new mortgage rules that will benefit all Americans.”
Although the agency has yet to name a permanent replacement for Date, Cordray announced that Steven Antonakes will serve as acting deputy director as the search is in progress. Antonakes joined the CFPB in November 2010 and is currently the associate director for Supervision, Enforcement, and Fair Lending. He will continue to maintain the responsibilities of his current position while temporarily stepping into the deputy director role.