Banking Politics & Policy News
American Banker's Politics & Policy coverage delivers news and analysis on how legislative action, federal agency rulemaking, regulatory politics, and public policy debates shape banking strategy, risk, competition, and compliance. Coverage explores congressional priorities, executive branch initiatives, regulatory agency actions, and the political forces that shape and impact the operating environment for financial institutions, payments companies, fintechs and distributed finance companies.
Bank leaders must navigate a dynamic policy environment where congressional action, regulatory priorities, and political forces influence capital standards, supervisory expectations, digital asset frameworks, deposit insurance, consumer rules, and competitive dynamics.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued separate policy statements on "sandbox approvals" and no-action letters for fintechs — measures whose longevity is questionable with the incoming Trump administration.
January 10
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In a speech outlining his priorities for the FDIC, Vice Chair Travis Hill stressed the need for a more flexible regulatory approach, addressing capital requirements, digital assets, climate policy, and bank oversight, while emphasizing transparency and timely action.
January 10
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an interpretive rule and a separate request for information aimed at Big Tech companies, digital payments and crypto assets.
January 10
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The Labor Department estimates the economy added 256,000 jobs in December, indicating a resilient economy and labor market. For the Federal Reserve, which was already signaling a slowdown in rate cuts, the reading could justify holding rates steady.
January 10
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Seen by many as a logical pick for the Federal Reserve's next vice chair for supervision, Gov. Michelle Bowman wants the institution to focus on safety and soundness issues, tailoring and transparency.
January 9
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Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., will take the No. 2 spot on the House Financial Services Committee, while Reps. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania and Mike Flood of Nebraska are elevated to subcommittee leadership.
January 9
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While most of the Biden administration's prudential banking regulations can't be overturned under the Congressional Review Act, late-breaking rules by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's M&A rules could be overturned.
January 9
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As stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies enter the mainstream, lawmakers in Illinois have imposed a new transaction tax on digital assets. It will raise costs for everyday consumers and drive away businesses.
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Yes, banks' capital burden will decline, leaving more potential funds available for lending. But the big question is which banks will find a way to deploy those funds to generate meaningful returns.
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Restrictions that limit access to private market investments are harmful to ordinary investors, who are denied better returns. They also seal off a large potential source of funding for long-term infrastructure investments.
