Federal Reserve Reviews Proposed Changes in Bank Ownership

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: 2026-22069, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is asking for public feedback on its plan to collect information from railroads, aiming to reduce paperwork and improve safety tracking. This affects railroad companies who’ll see fewer forms to fill out, with comments due by November 30, 2026. FRA is making sure the new rules fit better with how railroads actually work, saving time and hassle without cutting corners.

Next: 2026-22071, Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

The Sauk-Suiattle, Swinomish, and Upper Skagit Tribes, along with Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Department, want to run hatchery programs for fall-run chum salmon in the Skagit River. After review, NOAA says these plans won’t hurt the survival or homes of Puget Sound Chinook salmon or steelhead. This means the programs can move forward without risking these threatened fish, keeping the river’s ecosystem safe and sound.