Federal Reserve Demands Notice Before You Buy a Bank

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.

2026-20668, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

If you want to buy shares in a bank or 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. If you’re interested, you have until October 23, 2026, to share your thoughts or concerns about these deals.

2026-20509, Loans to Executive Officers, Directors, and Principal Shareholders of Member Banks: Bank Holding Companies

The Federal Reserve is updating rules about loans to bank insiders like executives and big shareholders to make things clearer and fairer. They’re giving everyone more time—until November 4, 2026—to share their thoughts on these changes. This affects banks and their top people, aiming to boost transparency and keep things running smoothly.

Previous: 2025-06699, Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability

The EPA just shared new Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for projects like military training, watershed plans, and nuclear plant license renewals. If you live near these projects or work in related fields, now’s the time to check them out and share your thoughts before the deadlines in May and June. These reviews help protect the environment while keeping important projects moving forward smoothly and safely.

Next: 2025-06701, Termination of the Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program

The USPTO is officially ending the Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which was paused on January 28, 2025. This means no new petitions to speed up climate-related patent reviews will be accepted, and the office will now focus on speeding up all patent applications equally. If you wanted to join the program, you had to apply before the January deadline—no exceptions!