Neil Haggerty

The heads of the six largest banks aimed to promote their COVID-19 relief in testimony to the Banking Committee. Democrats said their efforts were insufficient while Republicans criticized the executives for taking public stances on issues like climate change and voting rights.

Despite concerns about the scope of information that companies would have to provide about risks linked to climate change, some of the largest institutions are seeking to collaborate with the agency as it develops a framework for informing investors.

During a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Democrats largely praised the policy decisions of acting regulators named by the Biden administration and knocked their predecessors. But Republicans warned that moves to reverse Trump-era policies would leave financial institutions without a clear road map.

In letters to regulators and lawmakers, bankers and their trade groups argued that deals like Vystar Credit Union's proposed acquisition of a small Georgia bank could result in less community development lending and declines in federal tax receipts.

The legislation, which the chamber passed Thursday, would ban collectors from making threatening statements to military service members and prevent credit bureaus from including debt arising from certain medical procedures.

Three Republicans joined Senate Democrats in voting to overturn a rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that makes it easier for national banks to sell loans to nonbanks. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House.

Chairman Jelena McWilliams said the agency will issue a request for information "to learn more about what banks are doing, what banks are considering doing and what, if anything, the FDIC should be doing in this space.”

The heads of the biggest banks have a chance to tout the industry's community outreach during the pandemic. But they can also expect tough questions about the Paycheck Protection Program as well as what banks are doing to address climate change, racial inequities and other hot-button issues.

The industry has raised concerns about nontraditional bank owners, and some lawmakers have backed limits for industrial loan companies and cryptocurrency firms. But members of the House and Senate have been unable to reach a consensus on legislation.

The Senate Banking Committee chairman told an audience of community bankers that he supports legislation to close "chartering loopholes" for industrial loan companies and financial technology firms. He also pitched a plan to give all consumers a free digital wallet backed by the Federal Reserve.

Three months into President Biden’s term, the White House has yet to select a nominee to run the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or pick an acting chief. That inaction will make it more difficult for Democrats to unwind Trump-era policies, critics say.

The 2020 elections buoyed hopes that Congress would finally make it easier for financial institutions to serve cannabis businesses. But Democrats’ push to decriminalize marijuana — a nonstarter for most Republicans — threatens the more targeted effort.

The agency's new policy requires collectors seeking to evict tenants to provide written notice of their rights under a federal moratorium.

Federal standards “are apt to gum up the works,” says Sen. Cynthia Lummis.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Republican, leads a new congressional caucus aimed at educating members about fintech issues. She says her state could serve as a model for regulating digital assets.

Called by House and Senate Democrats, the hearings with the heads of the nation's six largest banks will take place over two days and will likely examine the industry's response to the pandemic and efforts to address climate change and racial equity.

Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., has introduced legislation to make it easier for new community banks to open in areas that are underserved by the banking system.

As Fincen implements an anti-money-laundering law requiring businesses to add their beneficial owners to a new database, bankers worry they'll still be on the hook to provide that information on behalf of customers for some time.

Policymakers have scrutinized social disparities in the financial system and banks' climate-change risks. That has led to a new line of attack from Republicans who say agencies such as the Federal Reserve should stay in their lane.

The full Senate could deadlock on Rohit Chopra’s nomination as the Banking Committee did. If that happens, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to cast the decisive vote in his favor.