Regulatory reform

Lawmakers fear that regional banks could still get stung as the central bank implements a new law meant to ease their burden.

The Community Reinvestment Act can lower — not increase — bank credit availability in some low-income regions, and the OCC should reconsider holding fintechs to the same standards with its new charter.

The letter from lawmakers to the bureau follows a report that the agency does not view the exams as explicitly required by the law.

While the industry's trend of supporting Republicans continues, Senate Democrats who backed reg relief are drawing key industry support.

While bankers typically donate more to the political re-election campaigns of Republicans, their giving has shifted more to Democratic incumbents in the Senate for the upcoming midterms.

All five are Republicans and they include senior House GOP leaders, contenders to head the Financial Services Committee and strong voices in favor of regulatory relief.

The regulator of the government-sponsored enterprises has substantial authority to intervene as a legislative stalemate continues.

The Ohio special election is the latest sign that Democrats are well positioned to retake the House in midterm elections this fall.

The House Financial Services Committee has scheduled an FHFA oversight hearing for September in the wake of waste, fraud and abuse allegations.

The biggest impact may be to focus the administration’s efforts on selecting a nominee to succeed Director Mel Watt, whose term ends in January.