Banks' Reg W Paper Trail Extended: Snooze Fest Continues

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.

2025-21626, 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.

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.

2026-20478, Agency Information Collection Activities: Announcement of Board Approval Under Delegated Authority and Submission to OMB

The Federal Reserve is updating and extending its job application form for three more years starting October 5, 2026. This affects anyone applying to work at the Federal Reserve, making sure their info is up-to-date and easier to handle. No big costs or delays—just a smoother hiring process ahead!

2026-20340, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

If you want to buy a big chunk of a bank or a bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They check to make sure everything’s fair and safe before you can take control. People have until October 20, 2026, to share their thoughts on these deals, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!

Previous: 2025-05648, Agency Information Collection Activities: Announcement of Board Approval Under Delegated Authority and Submission to OMB

The Federal Reserve Board is extending for three more years the rules that banks follow to keep records for monitoring money laundering, without making any changes. This affects state member banks who must keep their procedures up to date to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act. No new costs or deadlines are introduced, just a smooth continuation of current requirements.

Next: 2025-05650, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Notice of Closed Meeting

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is holding a closed virtual meeting on June 11, 2025, to review grant applications. This meeting affects researchers seeking funding and keeps sensitive info private. No money changes are announced, but decisions made here could impact future research funding.