Fed Reviews Bank Deals: Acquisitions and Mergers Under Scrutiny

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.

2026-20668, 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: 2025-13779, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Greater Atlantic Region Logbook Family of Forms

Fishermen in the Greater Atlantic Region will keep using logbook forms to track their catches, helping protect fish populations and follow smart fishing rules. NOAA is asking to extend the approval for these forms, which take just 5 minutes each to fill out, affecting about 4,000 fishers. You’ve got 30 more days to share your thoughts before the extension is finalized—no extra costs, just keeping things running smoothly!

Next: 2025-13782, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority

The FCC is checking in with the public and businesses to make sure its paperwork isn’t too tricky or time-consuming. They want to hear if the info they collect is useful, clear, and fair—especially for small businesses. If you’ve got thoughts, now’s the time to share before they finalize the rules and keep things running smoothly!