Election 2020

Following similar decisions by big banks, the Consumer Bankers Association and Mortgage Bankers Association said they will halt all political contributions to elected officials as some lawmakers face harsh criticism for comments that incited the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio signaled a change in direction for the Banking Committee under Democratic control, on the same day he called for President Trump's ouster after the U.S. Capitol riot.

JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon and Citi's Michael Corbat condemned the actions of Trump supporters who stormed the halls of Congress Wednesday.

Several members of Congress challenging the result of the 2020 presidential contest received financial support from trade groups that could find themselves in hot water with some constituents.

The Georgia runoffs and resulting balance of power in Congress will help determine which bills on bankers’ wish list gain traction. But regardless, existing coronavirus relief such as the Paycheck Protection Program and a push for more economic aid will remain top of mind for lawmakers and the industry.

Incoming administration officials, especially Treasury Secretary-designate Janet Yellen, are expected to push for stress tests, public disclosures and other requirements aimed at gauging banks' climate exposure and minimizing the threat of global warming to the financial system.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has all but ruled out letting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exit U.S. control before he steps down, leaving it to the Biden administration to decide the fates of the mortgage giants.

The head of the House Financial Services Committee is already exerting influence by handing the president-elect a laundry list of Trump regulatory policies that she wants the incoming administration to reverse.

The Biden administration could curtail federal support for farmers, even with bankruptcies and requests for loan workouts on the rise. Banks are hoping that increases in crop prices and exports to China could help avert a credit crisis.

House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters urged the incoming administration to overhaul policies on payday lending and the Community Reinvestment Act and make personnel changes at two agencies.