FDIC

A historic influx of deposits has brought the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund’s equity ratio close to the point where premiums would be required, but the regulator’s plan is intended to boost it.

The Federal Reserve Board will discuss an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on the Community Reinvestment Act at an open meeting. The central bank had previously declined to support an OCC rule overhauling the 1977 law.

The agency’s insurance fund dipped below its statutory minimum last quarter thanks to the rapid rise in deposits, but officials say it should bounce back without a hike in premiums.

The plan would encourage more risk-taking by big banks, which would put the industry and taxpayers in harm’s way, write former CFPB Director Richard Cordray and Camden Fine, onetime head of the Independent Community Bankers of America.

A pandemic-driven surge in bank deposits helped drive the agency's insurance reserves below their statutory minimum.

Backers of lawsuits challenging federal charter and interest rate policies for nonbanks say states are sticking up for consumer protection. Others say the legal quagmire could slow efforts to improve the regulatory framework.

The division asked for public feedback as it weighs changes "to reflect emerging trends in the banking and financial services sector."

The Justice Department alleges that the bankers worked with “higher-ranking bank officials” at Washington Federal Bank for Savings in Chicago to falsify records and hide funds before the bank's December 2017 collapse.

The e-commerce leader’s return to the drawing board alleviates immediate concerns about its banking plans. But the company intends to reapply, and it will be harder for the industry to persuade policymakers to block industrial loan companies more broadly.

The agencies completed steps to ease a community bank capital measure temporarily and to delay a new credit-loss accounting standard.