Fed Seeks Comments on Bank Ownership Shake-Ups
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
If you want to buy or control shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They’re checking applications and want your comments by February 26, 2026. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, so everyone knows who’s in charge and when changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
You must notify the Fed before buying bank shares
If you want to buy or control shares in a bank or a bank holding company, you must apply to the Federal Reserve under the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.41). The public portions of applications are available for inspection at the indicated Federal Reserve Bank and at the Board of Governors.
Public comment deadline and disclosure rules
Interested persons may submit written comments on these applications, and comments must be received by February 26, 2026. Comments are subject to public disclosure and will generally be made available without changes, so do not include confidential information in your comment.
Specific notice: Smith family retaining Dawson bank control
The notice lists an application by the Harry Phillips Smith 2020 Trust and named co-trustees to form the Smith Family Control Group to retain voting shares of Dawson Bancshares, Inc., and thereby indirectly retain voting shares of Bank of Dawson in Dawson, Georgia. The public may inspect the application at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and may submit comments by February 26, 2026.
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Key Dates
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