Fed Checks Bank Buyouts: Yawn-Worthy Merger Notices Drop
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy shares in banks, and the Federal Reserve is reviewing their applications. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by September 4, 2025. This process affects banks, investors, and the public by making sure bank ownership changes are safe and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
ESOP seeks 45.45% stake in Fargo bank
The Bank Forward Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust filed to acquire up to 45.45% of the voting shares of Security State Bank Holding Company and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Bank Forward, both in Fargo, North Dakota. The Federal Reserve is reviewing that application under the Bank Holding Company Act and Regulation Y.
Public comment, disclosure, and inspection rights
Interested persons may submit written comments about these bank holding company applications to the Federal Reserve by September 4, 2025. The public portions of the applications are available for inspection at the listed Federal Reserve Bank and the Board offices, and comments are generally made publicly available without change; applications or related filings can also be requested via the Board's FOIA page at https://www.federalreserve.gov/foia/request.htm.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-11978 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
If someone wants to buy enough shares to control a bank or bank holding company, they have to tell the Federal Reserve first. People can check these plans and share their thoughts by June 30, 2026. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, making sure big changes don’t sneak by unnoticed.
2026-11522 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
If you or your family want to buy or control shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve and wait for approval. The Federal Reserve reviews these requests carefully and invites the public to share their thoughts by June 24, 2026. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, making sure big money moves get the green light before they happen.
2026-11523 — Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies
Some companies want to become bank holding companies or merge with others, which means they’ll control banks or other financial businesses. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 9, 2026, to send comments. These changes could shake up local banking, so keep an eye on who’s joining forces and when!
2026-11448 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks want to buy shares in banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications to make sure everything’s fair and safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 23, 2026, to speak up! This process helps keep banks strong and protects everyone’s money.
2026-11355 — Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies
Mascoma Mutual Financial Services from New Hampshire is merging with Androscoggin Bancorp in Maine and will also take over Portland Trust Company to offer trust services. This means bigger banking options and new services for customers in these areas. The Federal Reserve fixed a previous notice to make sure everyone knows the details clearly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14811 — Notice of Proposals To Engage in or To Acquire Companies Engaged in Permissible Nonbanking Activities
Some companies want to start or buy businesses that do special activities allowed for banks but aren’t actually banking, like data processing. If you’re interested, you can check out their plans and share your thoughts by August 20, 2025. This helps keep banking activities safe and smart while letting companies grow in new ways across the U.S.
Next: 2025-14813 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks and trusts want to buy shares in banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications carefully. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 20, 2025, to speak up! This process helps keep bank ownership clear and fair, with all info open for anyone curious.