Federal Reserve Reviews Proposed Bank Holding Company Deals and Mergers

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: 2026-22501, Announcement of the Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CRTAP) Test

Starting December 4, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is testing a new online tool called the Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal (CRTAP) to make asking for help easier and more secure. Trade members can join this 45-day test to try out the portal instead of calling or emailing. This change aims to speed up support without extra costs, and you can sign up anytime before the test ends!

Next: 2026-22503, 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 and follow their rules. People listed here have applied to do just that, and the public can share their thoughts by November 19, 2026. This process helps keep banks safe and fair while letting folks know who’s taking charge.