Risk-based capital

GSE reform

Could capital plan for Fannie and Freddie stymie homeownership?

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposal could undermine the companies’ mission to support the housing market and penalize consumers in underserved communities, industry and consumer groups say.

By Hannah Lang

September 8

Diversity and equality

Does Fed already have the power to tackle racial inequality?

The Federal Reserve could ease capital rules, foster the creation of special-purpose banks and take other steps to strengthen minority communities and businesses without legislation being sought in Congress — if it has the will to do so, experts say.

By Neil Haggerty

August 23

Federal Reserve

Fed's Powell makes case why Congress should relax bank capital rule

As Senate Republicans consider a new coronavirus relief package, the Federal Reserve chairman said easing the so-called Collins amendment would help financial institutions support the economy.

By Hannah Lang

July 29

“Many, many bank regulators around the world have given leverage ratio relief,” Powell said at a news conference following a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee.

BankThink Capital relief is good for big banks and the economy

Some criticized the Fed’s decision to temporarily lift capital restrictions for megabanks, but the move will help ease the crisis.

July 15

Sean Campbell

Chief Economist and Head of Policy Research

Financial Services Forum

Law and regulation

Week ahead: NCUA to address exams, possible capital changes

Though the agenda is unclear, the National Credit Union Administration's board meeting could include the long-awaited credit union version of the Community Bank Leverage Ratio.

By Melissa Angell

June 22

Housing affordability

GSE capital plan would make buying a home more expensive, critics say

The FHFA’s proposal is intended to strengthen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but many experts warn that it could boost guarantee fees for lenders that they say may be passed on to borrowers.

By Hannah Lang

June 8

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's business model relies on competing for high-quality loans to subsidize other mortgages. But some suggest the FHFA proposal could make them less competitive for higher-quality loans.

GSE reform

Will GSEs' record-high capital requirements scare investors away?

Some observers wonder if proposed regulatory targets for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will stoke concerns about low shareholder returns. But others suggest those fears are unfounded.

By Hannah Lang

May 25

GSE reform

FHFA plan would make GSEs hold banklike capital amounts

The much-anticipated proposal, which would not go into effect until after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are privatized, reflects Director Mark Calabria’s aggressive efforts to get the companies on a strong financial footing.

By Hannah Lang

May 20

“We must chart a course for the enterprises toward a sound capital footing so they can help all Americans in times of stress,” said FHFA Director Mark Calabria.

BankThink Coup for community banks could spell disaster for industry

The recent Dodd-Frank rollbacks for smaller banks could encourage risk-taking that leads to a systemic issue.

January 28

Jeremy Kress

Assistant Professor

Ross School of Business

BankThink Fix CRA before cracking down on bank mergers

Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s proposal to subject bank deals to greater public scrutiny should instead be addressed through reforms to the Community Reinvestment Act.

December 18

Thomas P. Vartanian

Executive Director and Professor of Law

George Mason University's Scalia Law School, Program on Financial Regulation & Technology