California DFPI Appeals Trial Court Decision Rejecting Its “True Lender” Theory in OppFi Case

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has taken the next step in its challenge to a bank-fintech lending program by appealing the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s decision in Opportunity Financial, LLC v. Hewlett . According to the Superior Court docket, a Notice of Appeal was filed on July 21, 2026 , ensuring that the closely watched dispute over the “true lender” doctrine will now move to the California Second Appellate District Court of Appeal.