Treasury Simplifies Bank Rules: Less Red Tape, More Clarity Ahead
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency wants to simplify some banking rules by removing outdated or confusing parts. This affects banks, loan arrangers, and federal savings groups by cutting unnecessary steps and duplications, making things clearer and easier. Comments on these changes are open until May 27, 2026, and the updates aim to save time and reduce hassle without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove Minority/Women-Owned PWI References
The OCC proposes to remove references to "minority- and women-owned" small businesses, small farms, and depository institutions from the Public Welfare Investments rule at 12 CFR part 24 (including amendments to Sec. 24.2(h) and Sec. 24.6). The proposal says national banks and their subsidiaries would generally be permitted to continue making public welfare investments to the same extent as now. Comments are due by May 27, 2026.
Remove Lead-Arranger CLO Option
The OCC proposes to rescind the alternative credit risk retention option that allowed a lead arranger to hold risk for open-market collateralized loan obligations (removing Sec. 43.9 and conforming cross-references in part 43). The proposal notes a 2018 court decision affecting CLO managers and says the lead-arranger option is now irrelevant. Comments are due by May 27, 2026.
Rescind FSA Nondiscrimination Rule
The OCC proposes to remove 12 CFR part 128, its Nondiscrimination Requirements for Federal savings associations, because the OCC finds the part duplicative of other legal authorities (for example, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act) and lacking clear statutory authority. The OCC says rescinding part 128 would reduce burden for Federal savings associations. Comments are due by May 27, 2026.
OCC Says Minimal Small-Entity Costs
The OCC certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The OCC states it currently supervises approximately 609 small entities and estimates the proposed rule's costs would be de minimis and would not result in $100 million or more in annual expenditures. Comments are due by May 27, 2026.
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.
2026-08444 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Recordkeeping Requirements for Securities Transactions
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules for keeping records of securities transactions. This affects banks and financial firms who must keep these records up to date. They’re asking for public comments by June 1, 2026, to make sure the rules stay clear and not too burdensome, with no new fees or big changes expected.
2026-08328 — National Bank Non-Interest Charges and Fees
Starting June 30, 2026, national banks can clearly charge all kinds of non-interest fees, like card swipe fees, even if set with help from others. This rule makes it official that banks have the power to collect these fees, and the public can share their thoughts until May 29, 2026. If you use or work with banks, this could affect the fees you see on your statements!
2026-08298 — Regulatory Capital Rule: Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework
Starting July 1, 2026, small community banks can meet a lower leverage ratio of 8% instead of 9%, making it easier to qualify for a simpler capital rule. Plus, banks now have more time—up to four straight quarters instead of two—to stay in this easier framework even if they don’t meet all the rules, helping them manage their money better without rushing. This change helps community banks save time and money while keeping things safe and sound.
2026-08341 — Order Preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act
The government says Illinois can’t stop national banks from charging fees on certain parts of card payments, like taxes and tips. This change starts June 30, 2026, and affects banks and customers in Illinois by allowing these fees again. People can share their thoughts on this decision until May 29, 2026.
2026-07664 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Retail Foreign Exchange Transactions
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules for banks handling retail foreign exchange (forex) transactions. They want your thoughts by May 20, 2026, to keep things clear and simple while following federal rules. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep the paperwork smooth and fair for everyone involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08083 — Pipeline Safety: Eliminating Limitations on Welders and Welding Operators
This new rule would let welders who pass special tests (called nondestructive testing) work on compressor station pipes and parts, removing old limits that kept them out. It affects welders and pipeline companies by making it easier and more flexible to get jobs done safely. Comments on this change are open until June 23, 2026, and it aims to save time without extra costs.
Next: 2026-08145 — Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Rulemaking
The Department of Energy got a request from gas and propane groups to change the deadlines for new energy-saving rules on commercial water heaters and home furnaces. DOE wants your thoughts on whether to approve this and possibly update the rules. If you care about energy bills or equipment rules, now’s the time to speak up before May 27, 2026!