Which federal regulation limits how long adverse collection information can appear in a consumer's credit report?

The correct response pertains to Reg V, which is the regulation that governs the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This regulation specifically addresses how long adverse collection information can remain on a consumer's credit report. Under Reg V, negative information such as late payments, charged-off accounts, or collections must be removed after seven years from the date of the delinquency that led to the adverse event. This provision is designed to protect consumers by ensuring that their credit histories do not hold undue negative information indefinitely, thus allowing them the ability to improve their credit scores over time.

The other regulations listed do not pertain to credit reporting timelines. Reg C deals with Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) requirements, Reg B outlines equal credit opportunity provisions to prevent discrimination, and Reg Z focuses on the Truth in Lending Act, primarily covering disclosure of terms for consumer credit. Each of these regulations serves a distinct purpose, but it is Reg V that specifically addresses the duration of adverse information on credit reports.