Fed Opens Door for Public Input on Bank Ownership Shifts
Published Date: 8/13/2025
Notice
Summary
If you want to buy or control shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They’re checking applications and letting the public comment until August 28, 2025. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, so everyone knows who’s in charge and when changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Notify Fed Before Buying Bank Control
If you want to acquire or control shares of a bank or a bank holding company, you must file a notice with the Federal Reserve under the Change in Bank Control Act and Regulation Y before completing the purchase. The Board considers applications under paragraph 7 of the Act and is accepting public comments on listed applications until August 28, 2025.
Public Access to Applications and FOIA
The public portions of change-in-control applications are available for inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank listed (here, the St. Louis Fed) and at the Board of Governors, and may be requested via the Board's Freedom of Information Office. You can request expedited access by contacting the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank or the Board's FOIA office.
Comments Are Publicly Disclosed
If you submit a written comment about a change-in-control application, that comment will be subject to public disclosure and generally made available without change. Do not include confidential information in comments because the Board will not modify submissions to remove personal or business identifying details.
Specific Application: Farmers Bancorp Trustees
A listed application notifies that the Farmers Bank and Trust Company 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan and named trustees are seeking to retain voting shares of Farmers Bancorp, Inc., and thereby indirectly retain voting shares of Farmers Bank & Trust Company. The public may inspect the filing at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and submit comments by August 28, 2025.
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Key Dates
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