Geithner says regulatory overhaul must guard consumers

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told representatives from consumer groups on Wednesday that he won't accept a financial regulatory bill that fails to provide strong market protection for consumers.

According to a summary provided by a Treasury spokesman, Geithner said there should be a dedicated authority with independence to ensure consumers' interests are guarded, but he did not say it should be a stand-alone agency, as some have advocated.

(Reporting by Glenn Somerville)