Fed Reviews Another Round of Would-Be Bank Owners

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.

2025-21626, 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.

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.

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!

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.

Previous: 2026-22332, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EIB 10-04, Notice of Claim and Proof of Loss, Working Capital Guarantee

The Export-Import Bank is asking for public feedback on a form used when lenders claim money after a borrower defaults on a working capital loan. This helps make sure claims follow the rules and keeps paperwork simple. Comments are due by December 2, 2026, so exporters and lenders should act fast to have their say!

Next: 2026-22335, Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Union Pacific Railroad asked for a break from some safety inspection rules for their trains, and the government is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts. If you want to comment, you now have until December 2, 2026, to speak up. This could change how inspections happen but won’t cost extra money right now.