FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Fed rescinds guidelines for weighing crypto requests from non-FDIC insured banks
The Federal Reserve rescinded a 2023 statement on how it would evaluate requests from banks not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to engage in cryptocurrencies and replaced it with a new statement to potentially lower the barrier for those institutions to get approval.
OCC proposes ‘simplified’ CRA planning option for community banks
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency proposed “a simplified strategic plan process” aimed at reducing community banks' compliance burden under the Community Reinvestment Act. The proposal is designed to make the CRA strategic plan option more accessible and less resource-intensive for banks with assets up to $30 billion.
FDIC proposes application process for banks seeking to issue stablecoins
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. proposed rulemaking to establish a process under which banks and savings institutions can seek agency approval to issue stablecoins through a subsidiary, as allowed by the GENIUS Act passed by Congress earlier this year.
FDIC board adopts measures on agency budget, special assessment, bank branches
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. board adopted a 2026 operating budget that slashes the agency’s staffing levels by nearly 20%, voted to lower the special assessment charged to certain banks to recover losses associated with the protection of uninsured depositors following the 2023 bank failure, and finalized a rule to speed up the bank branch application process.
Banking agencies announce annual threshold adjustments
Agencies announced the 2026 dollar thresholds for higher-priced mortgage loans subject to special appraisal requirements, Regulation Z and Regulation M compliance, and more.
House Financial Services Committee releases housing package
The House Financial Services Committee released bipartisan legislation designed to streamline housing development and increase local flexibility.
CISA releases updated cybersecurity goals for private sector, critical infrastructure
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released version 2.0 of its list of voluntary practices that businesses and critical infrastructure can incorporate to bolster their cybersecurity.