Banks Get New Size Labels Under Inflation-Boosted CRA Thresholds
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting January 7, 2026, banks with less than $1.649 billion in assets are now called "small banks," and those with assets between $412 million and $1.649 billion are "intermediate small banks." These new thresholds are bumped up a bit to keep up with inflation, affecting how banks are classified under the Community Reinvestment Act for the whole year. This means some banks might see changes in their rules and reporting starting in 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
CRA bank-size thresholds raised
Starting January 7, 2026 and through December 31, 2026, a "small bank" is a bank that had assets of less than $1.649 billion as of December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years, and an "intermediate small bank" is a small bank with assets of at least $412 million (as of December 31 of both of the prior two calendar years) but less than $1.649 billion. These thresholds were increased from $1.609 billion and $402 million after applying a 2.51% change in the CPI-W for the 12-month period ending November 2025, and the Agencies say some banks may see changes in their rules and reporting starting in 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-05958 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00041 — Application for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest for Lands Underlying Portions of the Kwethluk River in Alaska
The State of Alaska wants the U.S. government to officially say it doesn’t own the land under parts of the Kwethluk River. This could change who controls these riverbed areas near Kwethluk, Alaska. People have until February 6, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made after April 7, 2026.
Next: 2026-00044 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on its paperwork for farm loans that help family farmers buy land and equipment. They want to make sure the forms are useful, clear, and not too much work to fill out. Comments are open until February 6, 2026, so farmers and others affected should speak up soon!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in