Bank Regulators Promise Easier CRA Homework for Community Lenders
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are proposing to amend their Community Reinvestment Act rules by making certain substantive, technical, and process-oriented changes to refocus on the statutory objective of encouraging banks to meet the credit needs of their communities; to better ensure that community development grants reach the communities they are intended to benefit; to reduce unnecessary burden, particularly for community banks; and to provide greater clarity for how to obtain CRA consideration. The OCC and the FDIC are also proposing certain technical changes to their rules implementing the Community Reinvestment Act sunshine requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. In addition, the OCC is proposing similar technical changes to its Public Welfare Investments rule and its Rules, Policies, and Procedures for Corporate Activities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Refocus Banks on Local Credit Needs
The agencies propose to refocus the Community Reinvestment Act on its statutory goal of encouraging banks to meet the credit needs of their communities. This change is aimed at directing bank lending activity toward local borrowers and community credit needs.
Ensure Grants Reach Intended Communities
The agencies propose steps to better ensure that community development grants actually reach the communities they are intended to benefit. This is meant to direct grant-funded activities toward targeted community development outcomes.
Reduce Burden on Community Banks
The agencies propose to reduce unnecessary burden, particularly for community banks, as part of the CRA rule changes. The goal is to ease regulatory or compliance burdens that small, local banks face under current rules.
Clearer Rules for Getting CRA Consideration
The agencies propose to provide greater clarity about how to obtain Community Reinvestment Act consideration. This would make it clearer what activities or actions receive CRA credit from regulators.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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