Regulatory relief

By cutting back on paperwork requirements and regulatory red tape, policymakers can unleash the power of community banks to spur lending and economic growth.

With Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, smaller banks see a window of opportunity.

On earnings calls this week CEOs expressed optimism for increased loan demand, a softer tone from regulators, a higher SIFI threshold and, potentially, a surge of interest in health savings accounts.

In just under a year, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp has emerged as a key player on the Banking Committee, helping to work on a bipartisan housing finance reform bill and championing legislation to provide relief to small banks.