Bank Regulators Increase Asset-size Threshold for CRA Examinations

WASHINGTON — Federal bank regulators increased the asset-size thresholds for the definition of a "small bank" and "intermediate small bank" for certain bank exams on Friday.

The changes that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2015 adjust the definition of a "small bank" or "small savings association" for Community Reinvestment Act examinations to include institutions that have had less than $1.221 billion in assets in one of the prior calendar years. This is an increase from the $1.202 billion asset threshold that took effect in 2014.

The definition of an "intermediate small bank" or "small savings association" for CRA exams was also increased to include institutions that have had at least $305 million in assets in one of the prior calendar years, but less than $1.221 billion. This is an increase from the $300 million to $1.202 billion range that was in place in 2014.

The federal regulators making the announcement are the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the annual adjustment is required under the CRA.

The regulators said the upward adjustment is based on a 1.6% increase in the 12-month unadjusted Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers as of November.

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