FDIC Gives Banks Extra Time for 'FDIC Insured' Signs

2026-17823, Unsafe or Unsound Practices, Matters Requiring Attention

The OCC and FDIC are rolling out a new rule starting November 2, 2026, that clearly defines what counts as 'unsafe or unsound practices' for banks and savings institutions. This update helps banks focus on big financial risks instead of small paperwork issues, making supervision smarter and fairer. Banks will need to adjust how they handle these risks, which could affect their operations and how they communicate with regulators.

2026-08298, Regulatory Capital Rule: Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework

Starting July 1, 2026, community banks get a break! The minimum leverage ratio drops from 9% to 8%, making it easier for smaller banks to meet rules. Plus, banks can now stay in this easier framework longer—up to four straight quarters instead of two—helping them manage their money better without rushing.

2026-05960, Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital and Standardized Approach for Risk-Weighted Assets

Big banks and community banks are getting new rules to better measure the risks in their loans and investments. The changes update how banks count certain assets and income when figuring out their safety net money, called regulatory capital. These updates aim to make banks safer and smarter with their money, with some rules kicking in soon and affecting how much capital banks need to hold.

2025-21625, Regulatory Capital Rule: Revisions to the Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework

The government wants to make it easier for small banks to stay in a special low-risk capital program by lowering the required leverage ratio from 9% to 8%. They’re also giving banks more time—up to four quarters instead of two—to fix any issues without losing their spot. Banks and bank holding companies should weigh in by January 30, 2026, as these changes could save them money and reduce red tape.

2025-21626, Regulatory Capital Rule: Modifications to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio Standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies and Their Subsidiary Depository Institutions; Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity and Long-Term Debt Requirements for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies

Big U.S. banks that are super important to the economy are getting new rules to keep them safer and stronger. These changes tweak how much money they must keep on hand and how they handle long-term debt, helping prevent financial trouble. The new rules kick in soon and could affect how these banks manage billions in assets and debt.

2026-20735, Extensions of Credit to Insiders

The FDIC is giving banks and insiders more time to share their thoughts on new rules about loans to insiders by extending the comment deadline to November 4, 2026. These rules aim to keep lending fair and safe, especially when insiders like executives or board members borrow money. If you’re involved with banks or interested in fair lending, now’s your chance to speak up before the final rules are set!

Previous: 2025-03768, Orders: Reporting by Regulated Entities of Stress Testing Results as of December 31, 2024; Summary Instructions and Guidance

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) just issued new orders for certain financial companies to report their stress test results as of December 31, 2024. These tests check how well these companies can handle tough economic times. The orders take effect on March 4, 2025, and help keep our housing finance system safe and strong without any surprise costs.

Next: 2025-03799, Certifying the Use of a Merit Personnel System as Required by the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970

The Office of Personnel Management updated its rules on March 11, 2025, about how state and local agencies must use fair hiring systems when managing federally funded low-income programs. This change affects agencies receiving federal grants, requiring them to stick to merit-based hiring to keep their funding. The update reverses earlier flexibility and aims to keep hiring fair and transparent without extra costs or delays.