Banks Plot Mergers: Fed Calls for Public Commentary
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Notice
Summary
Bank companies want to join forces, buy, or merge with other banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you’re involved with these companies or just curious, you can share your thoughts by February 25, 2026. These moves could change who controls certain banks and might affect money flow in your community.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Federal Reserve Reviewing Bank Deals
The Federal Reserve is reviewing applications under the Bank Holding Company Act and Regulation Y for companies that want to form, acquire, or merge with bank holding companies or banks. These applications seek approval to acquire ownership, control, or voting power of banks and related nonbank companies.
Public Comment, Deadline, and Disclosure
Anyone may submit written comments on these applications, and comments must be received by February 25, 2026. Comments are subject to public disclosure and will generally be made available without change, so you should not include confidential contact or business information in your submission.
Burke & Herbert Proposed LinkBank Purchase
Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp., Alexandria, Virginia, has applied to acquire LINKBANCORP, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire LINKBANK of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. This specific application is listed for public inspection and comment under the Federal Reserve review process.
Application Materials Available to Public
The public portions of the applications and related filings are available for inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated in each notice and at the Board of Governors' offices, and can also be requested via the Board's Freedom of Information Office at https://www.federalreserve.gov/foia/request.htm.
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
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.
2026-13690 — Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies
Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy other banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by August 6, 2026. This affects banks in Oklahoma, Texas, and even a Canadian bank looking to expand in the U.S., with no big money changes announced yet.
2026-13689 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
If you want to buy shares in a bank or a bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They’re checking these requests carefully and want to hear from the public by July 22, 2026. This helps keep banks safe and fair while making sure everyone knows who’s in charge.
2026-13287 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some families and trusts want to buy shares in banks in Texas, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications to make sure everything’s fair and safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 16, 2026, to speak up. This process helps keep bank ownership clear and protects everyone’s money.
2026-13067 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks want to buy more shares in banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their plans to keep things safe and fair. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 14, 2026, to speak up! This process helps make sure big money moves in banks happen smoothly and openly.
2026-12697 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks want to buy shares in banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications to make sure everything’s on the up and up. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 9, 2026, to speak up. This process helps keep banks safe and sound while letting new owners step in with the right approvals.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01425 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks want to buy or keep big chunks of banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their plans to make sure everything’s fair and safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until February 10, 2026, to speak up! This process helps keep banks steady and protects everyone’s money.
Next: 2026-01427 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Education Reservation Request Form
The National Park Service wants to keep using its Education Reservation Request Form just like before—no changes! This affects teachers, students, and groups planning educational visits to parks. They’re asking for your thoughts by February 25, 2026, but there’s no new cost or extra paperwork coming your way.