Politics

The House Financial Services Committee unanimously passed bills that would give the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. more options in resolving failed banks, including by waiving the "least-cost resolution" requirement in some circumstances.

The Financial Services Forum, which represents the largest U.S. banks, formed a new 501(c)(4) advocacy group to amplify big banks' policy preferences, a move that could counter the crypto industry's growing political influence.

New research from American Banker explores how bankers predict stablecoins, subprime credit, cyber security and other factors will shape the industry at large.

Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller said monetary policy must remain insulated from political pressure, arguing that communication with the White House should be limited. Waller is slated to meet with President Trump Wednesday afternoon.

Bank groups, crypto firms and regulators are divided over whether fiduciary digital-asset custody fits naturally within the national trust charter model — or whether, as critics argue, the agency is quietly reinventing the charter.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. issued a proposal setting application criteria for banks to issue stablecoins and sets a strict timeline under which banks may have their applications reviewed. The agency also reduced deposit insurance assessments for banks and slashed its 2026 proposed budget at a board meeting Tuesday morning.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday reported that the economy added 64,000 jobs in November after posting a loss of 105,000 jobs in October, which was largely attributable to the onset of the government's deferred resignation program. Unemployment also ticked up to 4.6% from 4.4% in November.

These are the executives, regulators, investors, disruptors and firebrands who will have the biggest impact on bankers in the coming year.

A new report from the Basel, Switzerland-based Financial Stability Board found that nonbank financial institutions grew considerably faster than banks in 2024 and now control more than half of the world's financial assets.

Federal Reserve Gov. Stephen Miran said higher goods prices could be the trade-off for bolstering national security and addressing geo-economic risks.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Friday approved national trust charter applications for five crypto firms, affirming the administration's push to allow crypto companies the ability to take deposits. 

Leading Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee sent a letter to Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., pointing out the as-yet unsatisfied legal requirement for prudential regulators to appear in Congress semiannually.

Treasury Secretary Bessent said FSOC is readjusting its approach to avoid stifling growth in moves with implications for capital, technology and mortgages.

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted Wednesday to reappoint 11 sitting regional Fed presidents, without any dissents. The move precludes any effort the White House might have made to pressure the board to deny reappointments.

The Brazilian fintech is on the hunt for an acquisition since new rules approved in November forbid the use of "bank" in a brand unless the company holds a banking license, which Nubank does not.

The House Financial Services Committee discussed allowing banks to experiment with artificial intelligence with a waiver from regulatory penalties, including consumer protection laws, in a hearing.

The Federal Reserve's interest rate-setting committee is widely expected to cut rates by 25 basis points today, but where the central bank goes from here is an open question.

Pornographers, private-prison operators and digital-asset firms were among the industries that major banks curbed ties with over moral or reputational concerns, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's preliminary findings in its "debanking" probe launched earlier this year.

A new bill from Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., would streamline the Securities and Exchange Commission's small-business surveys, which the agency uses to consider the needs of small businesses in rulemakings.

In a new interpretive letter, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will allow banks to serve as middlemen for "riskless" crypto trades, extending existing brokerage authority for securities to digital assets.