Fed Reviews Bank Mergers: Financial Snoozefest Alert

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.

2026-11355 — 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.

2026-11100 — Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Bank companies want to grow by forming new groups, buying other banks, or merging with them. If you’re involved with these companies, you can share your thoughts by July 3, 2026. These moves could change who controls local banks and might affect money and services in your community.

2026-10376 — Regulation A: Extensions of Credit by Federal Reserve Banks

The Federal Reserve is proposing a rule that says if you have a special-purpose payment account, you can’t borrow money from the Fed’s discount window. This change won’t affect the usual borrowing programs or interest rates. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until July 27, 2026, to speak up!

2026-10375 — Proposed Revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the Guidelines for Account and Services Requests

The Federal Reserve is updating its rules to create special Payment Accounts for certain payment activities and changing how banks request access to these accounts and other services. Banks labeled as Tier 3 should hold off on new account requests while these updates are finalized. Comments on these changes are open until July 27, 2026, and the updates aim to make payment systems safer and smoother without extra costs for most users.

2026-10377 — Regulation D: Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions

The Federal Reserve is proposing a change to how it treats special-purpose payment accounts, called Payment Accounts, by not paying interest on the money held in them. This update affects banks with master accounts and these new Payment Accounts but won’t change reserve requirements, which stay at zero. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until July 27, 2026, to comment!

Previous: 2026-00279 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on January 23, 2026, to review and improve their Risk Policy, which helps manage fishing rules in New England waters. This affects fishermen, businesses, and communities relying on these fisheries by aiming for smarter, longer-term decisions that balance risk and sustainability. The meeting will shape future fishing limits and policies, with no immediate costs but important impacts on how fishing is managed over the next five years.

Next: 2026-00282 — Request for Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Nominations

The Government Accountability Office is looking for awesome people to join the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission starting May 2026. If you or someone you know wants to help shape Medicare decisions, send in a nomination and resume by February 6, 2026. This is a cool chance to influence how Medicare works, with no money needed to apply—just your passion and expertise!