Fed Says: Want to Buy a Bank? Wait for Our Okay First

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.

2026-20243, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

If you want to buy or control shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They review these requests carefully and let the public see the details and share their thoughts by October 19, 2026. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, so everyone knows who’s in charge and when changes happen.

2026-20247, Enhanced Transparency and Public Accountability of the Supervisory Stress Test Models and Scenarios; Modifications to the Capital Planning and Stress Capital Buffer Requirement Rule, Enhanced Prudential Standards Rule, and Regulation LL

Big banks and financial institutions will see clearer and more open stress tests starting November 2, 2026. The Federal Reserve is updating how it checks banks’ financial health during tough times and sharing more info with the public. These changes aim to keep banks safer and more accountable without adding extra costs right now.

Previous: 2025-22970, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Collection; Comment Request; Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is asking for your thoughts on keeping their public product safety database going. This affects businesses and consumers who rely on product safety info, with no new costs but a deadline to comment by February 17, 2026. They want to make sure the info collection stays helpful and easy to use for everyone.

Next: 2025-22972, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until January 15, 2026, to send comments. This process affects banks and their owners and helps keep banking safe and fair.