Opinions

Large and regional banks again proved their resiliency in the Fed's annual exams. But analysts noted that a few lenders faced some negative surprises — a development that may scuttle investor hopes for share buybacks by those banks.

The Consumer Federation of America and Consumer Reports sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging it to require banks to search for less discriminatory models. Later the same day, the CFPB issued a report saying it's doing just that.

The plan from the Heritage Foundation, a group the first Trump administration was largely in line with, would shutter CFPB, break up HUD and raise FHA premiums.

The Federal Reserve attributes the uptick in simulated losses in this year's stress test examination to heightened risks on bank balance sheets and higher expense levels. Credit cards and corporate lending were top areas of concern for the central bank.

Last year, the CFPB referred 18 matters to the Department of Justice and initiated 28 fair lending examinations or targeted reviews, the highest number of such actions by the agency ever.

Four large banks were dinged in their resolution plan reviews for shortcomings in their plans to unwind their derivatives positions in times of stress. But whether the problem is with the banks' plans or the regulators' expectations for a legally ambiguous product is a matter of debate.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau extended the deadline for lenders with the highest volume of small-business loans to July 18, 2025, and will not assess penalties for reporting errors for a year.

Ransomware group LockBit threatened on Sunday to publish the stolen data Tuesday evening. Ransomware experts said it was likely that the group was bluffing.

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors issued a cease and desist order against Indiana-based United Fidelity Bank over concerns that the bank was deficient in its board oversight policies.

By adopting more inclusive lending practices and actively seeking to support minority-owned businesses, banks can help bridge the financing gap that often stifles the growth of these businesses.