Fed opens kimono on bank stress test secrets slightly
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Big banks and financial institutions will see clearer and more open stress tests starting November 2, 2026. The Federal Reserve is updating how it checks banks’ financial health during tough times and sharing more info with the public. These changes aim to keep banks safer and more accountable without adding extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
FR Y-14 data collection changes (new items)
The Board finalized revisions to the FR Y-14A/Q/M stress-test data collections to add or revise items and supporting documentation, including collection of mailing address information and additional data items related to private equity, hedges, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and credit card revenue and loss sharing agreements.
Annual public disclosure of stress-test models
The Federal Reserve will annually publish comprehensive documentation of the supervisory stress test models and invite public comment on any material model changes. The Board will publish any proposed material model changes for public input by August 31 of the year prior to the stress test.
Public comment timeline for stress-test scenarios
The Board will publish proposed supervisory stress test scenarios on January 10 of the stress-test year, provide a public input period of at least 30 days, and publish final scenarios on February 28. The Board will publish proposed scenarios after the jump-off date (it retained the December 31 jump-off date).
Category IV participation decision date change
Firms subject to Category IV standards must now decide whether to elect to participate in an odd-numbered year's supervisory stress test by January 5, instead of January 15.
2027 stress-test models finalized; further changes proposed
The Board is finalizing the models it will use for the 2027 supervisory stress test and is proposing additional changes to those models for public input as part of the transparency enhancements.
Participation and scheduling rules retained for jump-off date
The Board retained the December 31 supervisory stress test jump-off date (did not move it to September 30), and kept the existing practice that firms subject to Category I through III standards must participate in the supervisory stress test every year while firms subject to Category IV standards are generally required to participate only every other year.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-20243, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
If you want to buy or control shares in a bank or bank holding company, you need to tell the Federal Reserve first. They review these requests carefully and let the public see the details and share their thoughts by October 19, 2026. This keeps bank ownership clear and fair, so everyone knows who’s in charge and when changes happen.
2026-20245, Request for Comment on Model Changes for the Board's 2027 Supervisory Stress Test
The Federal Reserve wants your thoughts on changes to the 2027 stress test models that big banks use to show they can handle tough times. These updates aim to make the test smarter and more accurate, helping banks and regulators spot risks better. If you have ideas, send them in by December 1, 2026—because these changes could affect how banks plan and protect your money.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20246, Modifications to the Capital Plan Rule and Stress Capital Buffer Requirement
Oops! The document about changes to the Capital Plan Rule and Stress Capital Buffer isn’t available right now. This rule usually affects big banks and how they plan their money to stay safe during tough times. Keep an eye out for updates so you don’t miss important deadlines or money-related changes!
Next: 2026-20262, Commission Quorum Requirement
The Securities and Exchange Commission updated its quorum rules to be more flexible and clear. Now, even if only one or two commissioners are available—due to fewer members or disqualifications—they can still make decisions. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, helping the Commission work smoothly without delays.