Bank Holding Firms Eye Nonbank Buys: Fed Opens Comment Period

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.

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.

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.

2026-19449, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

If you want to buy a big chunk of a bank or a company that owns a bank, you have to tell the Federal Reserve first. They check to make sure everything’s fair and safe. People have until October 8, 2026, to share their thoughts about these bank buyouts, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!

2026-19451, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 23, 2026, to send comments. This process affects banks, companies, and the public by making sure these deals are safe and fair.

Previous: 2026-19449, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

If you want to buy a big chunk of a bank or a company that owns a bank, you have to tell the Federal Reserve first. They check to make sure everything’s fair and safe. People have until October 8, 2026, to share their thoughts about these bank buyouts, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!

Next: 2026-19451, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 23, 2026, to send comments. This process affects banks, companies, and the public by making sure these deals are safe and fair.