FHFA Boosts Small Bank Perks to Fight Inflation Blues

2026-14036, Suspended Counterparty Program

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) wants to update its Suspended Counterparty Program by removing the phrase “reputational harm” to focus only on real, measurable risks. This change affects companies that do business with FHFA and aims to make supervision clearer and more straightforward. Comments on this proposal are open until August 12, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!

2026-17586, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Financial Management System, FHFA-2." This system of records contains documentation pertaining to prospective, present, and former FHFA employees, contractors, and vendors relating to government travel, vendor accounts, employee reimbursements, interagency transactions, aggregated employee pay records, vendor registration data, purchase- card accounts and transactions, and program payment agreements. The purpose of the system is to support the management and administration of FHFA's accounting and financial operations, travel and purchase-card programs, and acquisition and contract management services. FHFA collects and maintains these records to ensure the orderly processing of the Agency's financial transactions and payments, including travel arrangements, reimbursements, employee payroll, and purchase-card payments. The system organizes and enables the retrieval of these records, which ensures that all financial transactions and payments are processed timely, consistently and in compliance with federal requirements. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, and legal authorities for maintenance of the system; clarifying the purpose of the system, categories of individuals covered by the system, and categories of records maintained in the system; the revision, removal, and addition of routine uses; removal of the Disclosure to Consumer Reporting Agencies section; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, the policies and practices for retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17585, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Employee Benefits Records, FHFA-10." This system of records contains documentation pertaining to current and former FHFA employees and their spouses, domestic partners, dependents, and beneficiaries who are enrolled in, apply for, or participate in any FHFA employee benefits program including health club memberships; health, life, and other insurance programs; retirement savings programs; and other FHFA- sponsored benefit programs. The purpose of the system is to collect, maintain, and use the records necessary to administer and manage FHFA's employee benefits programs. The system supports the full lifecycle of benefits-related activities, and ensures the accurate processing of claims, reimbursements, contributions, payroll deductions, and benefit payments. The system also facilitates the recording and tracking of key program functions, including eligibility determinations, enrollments, changes in coverage, and termination of benefits. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, legal authorities for maintenance of the system, categories of individuals covered by the system, categories of records maintained in the system, and record source categories; the revision, removal, and addition of routine uses; removal of the Disclosure to Consumer Reporting Agencies section; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, the policies and practices for retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17587, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Payroll, Retirement, Time and Attendance, and Leave Records, FHFA-15." This system of records contains records pertaining to current and former employees, detailees, and other persons who work at FHFA under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, as well as these individuals' spouses, domestic partners, dependents, emergency contacts, beneficiaries, or estate trustees. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, legal authorities for maintenance of the system, purpose of the system, and categories of records maintained in the system; the revision and addition of routine uses; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, policies and practices for the retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and other minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17307, Interagency Rescission of the Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B

FDIC, NCUA, OCC, CFPB, HUD, DOJ, and FHFA (collectively, the agencies) are issuing this notice to inform the public of the rescission of the "Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B" (Interagency Statement), dated February 22, 2022. The agencies are rescinding the Interagency Statement to make clear that (1) creditors may not discriminate against borrowers based on prohibited characteristics and (2) creditors should not rely upon the Interagency Statement or other related issuances going forward.

2026-12750, Enterprise Duty To Serve Underserved Markets

The Federal Housing Finance Agency wants to update rules so Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can better help families with low to moderate incomes, especially in manufactured, affordable, and rural housing. The new plan aims to make it easier for these companies to innovate and serve these communities without lots of red tape. People can send their thoughts on this proposal by July 24, 2026.

Previous: 2025-24206, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Formerly Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Goodyear, which bought Cooper Tire, found some Cooper Discoverer SRX tires don’t meet safety rules. They asked the government to ignore this issue, but the request was denied, meaning Goodyear must follow safety rules and fix the problem. About 730 tires are affected, and this decision keeps drivers safer without any shortcuts.

Next: 2025-24209, New Postal Products

The Postal Service wants to add or change special deals for competitive mail services, and the Postal Regulatory Commission is asking the public to share their thoughts by January 7, 2026. This affects businesses and customers who use these special mail options, with possible new pricing or service tweaks coming soon. It’s a chance to weigh in before any changes take effect!