Bank Regulators High-Five: No Rule Differences Found
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The big banking agencies checked their rules for how banks count money and keep enough cash to stay safe. Good news: they found no big differences in these rules as of September 30, 2025, so banks can keep doing business without confusion. This means no sudden changes or surprises for banks or customers anytime soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Tangible Capital Rule for Savings Associations
Federal law requires savings associations to maintain tangible capital of at least 1.5 percent of total assets, and the OCC and FDIC include a 1.5 percent tangible capital ratio for savings associations in their capital rules. Under the Prompt Corrective Action framework, institutions are considered critically undercapitalized if tangible equity falls below 2 percent of total assets, and the appropriate agency generally must appoint a receiver within 90 days after an institution becomes critically undercapitalized.
Agencies Found No Material Differences
The OCC, the Board, and the FDIC reported that, as of September 30, 2025, they have not identified any material differences in the accounting and capital standards that apply to insured depository institutions. The report says this means banks can continue operating under largely consistent rules and customers should not expect sudden regulatory changes or surprises tied to differences among these agencies.
FDIC Requires Deduction of Examiner-Identified Losses
The FDIC's capital rule explicitly requires FDIC-supervised institutions to deduct examiner-identified losses from common equity tier 1 capital to the extent those losses would have reduced capital if recorded. The OCC and the Board expect institutions they supervise to recognize such losses but do not include the same explicit deduction requirement in their capital rules.
Board Allows Dividends From Related Surplus
The Board's capital rule allows cash dividend payments for certain capital instruments to be paid out of related surplus in addition to net income and retained earnings. The report states this additional language practically affects bank holding companies (BHCs) and savings and loan holding companies (SLHCs) and is not a difference as applied to insured depository institutions.
Different Scope for Enhanced Leverage Ratio
Enhanced supplementary leverage ratio standards adopted beginning January 1, 2018, apply to certain bank holding companies, but the rule text that defines which institutions are in scope differs across agencies. The Board and FDIC apply the enhanced standards based on whether the parent BHC is a global systemically important BHC (G-SIB), while the OCC applies them to institution subsidiaries of a top-tier BHC with more than $700 billion in total assets or more than $10 trillion in assets under custody.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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.
2026-08298 — 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.
2026-05958 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC want your thoughts on updating rules about how banks report their money and risks. These changes affect banks of all sizes, especially those with big trading activities, and aim to keep things clear and fair for the next three years. You’ve got until May 26, 2026, to share your ideas—no extra costs for banks, just smarter paperwork!
2025-22481 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC are updating important bank reports called Call Reports, which big banks use to share financial info. These changes, starting June 30, 2026, tweak how banks report certain capital rules to keep things clear and fair. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until January 12, 2026, to speak up—no cost to respond, but your input matters!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00641 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 17d-1
The SEC is asking for comments to keep Rule 17d-1 going, which stops certain fund affiliates from making deals that could hurt the fund without approval. This rule mainly affects investment funds and their related companies, ensuring fair play in joint transactions. No big changes or costs are expected, but the rule’s approval needs to be extended soon to keep things running smoothly.
Next: 2026-00643 — Announcement of Fiscal Year 2025 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 Low or No Emission Program Project Selections
The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding over $2 billion to fund 165 projects that will improve bus services and support cleaner, low-emission buses in 2025 and 2026. This funding helps cities and transit agencies upgrade their bus fleets and facilities, making public transit greener and better for everyone. If you applied, check your status soon and get ready to start your project!