Regulatory reform

It was a decidedly mixed bag for banks and credit unions in the Senate regulatory relief bill, with some institutions doing quite well while others were left out in the cold. Following is a guide to who was helped — and who lost out.

The regulatory relief bill would raise the SIFI threshold to $250 billion of assets and allow mortgages held in portfolio to be counted as "qualified," among other items, but it is far less sweeping than institutions had hoped.

While some community bankers and Washington advocates doubt the likelihood of achieving meaningful regulatory relief in the 115th Congress, the many measures advancing on Capitol Hill leave plenty of room for optimism.

During the past year, many have hoped for action from Washington that would alleviate regulatory burden and stem the rapid pace of consolidation. But in the current political environment, that appears increasingly unlikely.

Trump officials have made clear their intent to reexamine how Federal Housing Administration lenders are cited under the False Claims Act, but whether that means lenders can rest easier is an open question.

A bill that would ease Basel III capital requirements on commercial real estate loans could level the playing field between depository and nonbank lenders and spur more construction lending if it passes in the Senate.

The authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council to label a firm a “systemically important financial institution” triggers duplicative regulation even if banklike rules are not appropriate to the company.

Democrats' victories in Virginia and New Jersey fueled speculation that they may be able retake the House during midterm elections next year. That could have a big impact on regulatory relief, housing finance reform and other priorities for banks and credit unions.

Democrats' recent electoral victories signal that they may be able retake the House during midterm elections next year. That could have a big impact on regulatory relief, housing finance reform and other bank priorities.

Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer is calling on bank regulators to draw up a list of guidance going back 20 years to determine whether it should be submitted under the Congressional Review Act.