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 Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy grew 177,000 jobs in April, beating expectations and giving the Federal Reserve little reason to adjust interest rates in the near term.
May 2
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The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, suggesting uncertainty over President Donald Trump's trade policy has yet to materially impact hiring plans.
May 2
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After building capital for years in anticipation of higher requirements, banks now face a lighter regulatory outlook under President Trump. But experts don't expect capital levels to come down quickly.
May 2
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Executives at the San Antonio bank say their business customers should be able to pass along higher costs from tariffs to consumers. Still, the bank acknowledged the risk of a recession.
May 1
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The Small Business Administration is backing new legislation that would double the size limit on its manufacturing loans. Supporters say the bill has support on both sides of the aisle in Washington.
May 1
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Ex-National Credit Union Administration board member Todd Harper outlined legal, economic and political dangers of recent firings of independent regulators.
May 1
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In a recent executive order, President Trump tried to wipe out a legal concept used to root out discrimination. But banks, worried about what will happen the next time a Democrat is in the White House, may be reluctant to change their policies.
May 1
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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.
