Big Banks Get Tweaked Rules to Stay Super Safe

2026-05958 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC want your thoughts on updating rules about how banks report their money and risks. These changes affect banks of all sizes, especially those with big trading activities, and aim to keep things clear and fair for the next three years. You’ve got until May 26, 2026, to share your ideas—no extra costs for banks, just smarter paperwork!

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.

2025-22481 — Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC are updating important bank reports called Call Reports, which big banks use to share financial info. These changes, starting June 30, 2026, tweak how banks report certain capital rules to keep things clear and fair. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until January 12, 2026, to speak up—no cost to respond, but your input matters!

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.

2025-06748 — Temporary Exceptions to FIRREA Appraisal Requirements in Los Angeles County as Affected by California Wildfires and Straight-Line Winds

If you’re dealing with real estate loans or sales in Los Angeles County after the recent wildfires and strong winds, good news! The usual strict property appraisal rules are temporarily relaxed to help speed things up. These special rules last until January 8, 2028, giving banks and buyers more flexibility during recovery.

2026-05959 — Regulatory Capital Rule: Category I and II Banking Organizations, Banking Organizations With Significant Trading Activity, and Optional Adoption for Other Banking Organizations

Big banks and those with lots of trading will see new rules to make sure they keep enough money safe and sound. These changes make the rules clearer, fairer, and better at handling risks, helping banks lend money steadily even when the economy wobbles. Banks and holding companies should get ready to comment by June 18, 2026, as these updates could affect how they manage their money.

Previous: 2025-21579 — Cost of Living Adjustment to Public Broadcasters Compulsory License Royalty Rate

Starting January 1, 2026, certain noncommercial college and university radio stations not linked to NPR will pay a slightly higher royalty fee for playing music from SESAC and GMR catalogs. This increase matches the cost of living rise or a minimum 1.5% bump, whichever is higher. The new rates kick in on November 28, 2025, and apply through the end of 2026, helping keep royalty payments fair and up-to-date.

Next: 2025-21628 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; 2025 Commercial Closure for Gag in the South Atlantic

Starting December 1, 2025, commercial fishing for gag grouper in the South Atlantic will be closed because fishermen are about to hit the yearly catch limit. This temporary shutdown helps protect the gag population from overfishing and lasts until the end of the year. Both commercial and recreational fishers need to follow these rules to keep the fishery healthy and sustainable.