Federal Reserve Opens Comment Period on Bank Company Plans

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.

2026-21894, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy banks and related businesses. The Federal Reserve is checking their applications and wants your thoughts by November 27, 2026. If approved, these moves could change who controls certain banks and how they operate across the U.S., but no big money changes are announced yet.

2026-21841, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC want your thoughts on updating a key financial report called the Call Report, which banks fill out to show their health. These updates tie into a new housing law and will last for three more years. If you’re involved with banks or finance, you’ve got until December 28, 2026, to share your feedback—no extra costs, just your voice!

Previous: 2026-21969, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Training and Exercises at Airfields in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

The Air Force plans to study how training flights at airports in the Northern Mariana Islands might affect the environment, local communities, and economy. They’re asking for public input now through November 2026 and expect to share a draft report by Fall 2027. This means locals and visitors could see changes at Saipan, Tinian, and Rota airports, with careful planning to keep things safe and balanced.

Next: 2026-21971, New Postal Products

The Postal Regulatory Commission is reviewing new deals the Postal Service wants to add or change for competitive mail products. This affects businesses and customers using special mail services, with opportunities to comment before decisions are made. No immediate price changes are announced, but stay tuned for updates as these new postal products roll out.