Regulatory Updates

OCC: CRA Act Bank Type Determinations, Distressed and Underserved Areas, and Banking Industry Compensation Value Released

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced the availability of the 2021 list of bank type determinations, the 2021 list of distressed and underserved areas, and the banking industry median hourly compensation value. These two lists and the determined compensation value apply only to national banks, federal and state savings associations,…

OCC: Fair Access Rule Put on Hold

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced it has paused publication of its rule to ensure large banks provide all customers fair access to their services. The agency proposed the rule in November 2020 to codify more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should conduct risk assessments of individual customers,…

SBA: One Year 8(a) Program Extension Provided to Participants Due to COVID-19

Public Comments Due by March 15, 2021 The U.S. Small Business Administration  published an interim final rule effective January 13, 2021 allowing 8(a) Program participants to elect a one-year program extension in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program due to the challenges of COVID-19. Eligible 8(a) firms must meet the following qualifications: Any firm that participated in the 8(a) Program…

HUD: Proposed Rule Issued for Implementation of National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)

Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). This new approach incorporates extensive stakeholder input to redesign the methods HUD uses to ensure properties are in a safe, decent, and sanitary condition. Since taking office, Secretary Carson…

HUD: Final Rule Published to Expand Availability of Affordable Manufactured Housing

Key step finalized today updates Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards to eliminate decades-old regulatory barriers while protecting safety The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a final rule on January 12, 2021 in the Federal Register which revises the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. The final rule represents the…

FDIC: Rule on the Role of Supervisory Guidance Approved

 The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved a final rule outlining and confirming the agency’s use of supervisory guidance for regulated institutions. The final rule codifies the interagency statement on the role of supervisory guidance, as amended, issued in September 2018 to clarify the differences between regulations and guidance, and states that the Statement is…

OCC: Final Rule on Supervisory Guidance Approved

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today approved a final rule confirming the OCC’s use of supervisory guidance for banks. The final rule codifies a statement, as amended, that was issued by the OCC, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, and Bureau…

OCC: Final Rule Requiring Large Banks to Provide Fair Access to Bank Services, Capital, and Credit Effective April 1, 2021

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released its finalized rule to ensure fair access to banking services provided by large national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations. The rule codifies more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should conduct risk assessment…

OCC: Proposed Rule Regarding Permissible Bank Premises Published

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today invited comment on a notice of proposed rulemaking to codify permissibility standards for real estate used as national bank or federal savings association premises. The proposed rule would clarify standards for determining when real estate is necessary for the transaction of an institution’s business. Comments…

FHFA: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Issued on Enterprise Resolution Plans

Proposed rule would require Enterprises to submit “living will” resolution plans The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that it is seeking comment on a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) to develop credible resolution plans, also known as living wills. These resolution plans would facilitate…