Regulatory Updates

CFPB: Final Rule Issued on Consumer Disclosures Related to Debt Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) issued today a final rule to implement Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requirements regarding certain disclosures for consumers. The rule requires debt collectors to provide, at the outset of collection communications, detailed disclosures about the consumer’s debt and rights in debt collection, along with information to help consumers…

FHFA: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Issued for Enterprise Liquidity Requirements

Today, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it is seeking comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding liquidity requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). The proposed rule builds on existing FHFA guidance and the experience gained from managing the Enterprises’ liquidity positions in conservatorship. Among other things, the proposed…

Agencies Release CRA Asset-Size Thresholds Adjustments for Small and Intermediate Small Institutions for 2021

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation today announced the annual adjustment to the asset-size thresholds used to define small bank and intermediate small bank under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations. The annual adjustments are required by the CRA rules. Financial institutions are evaluated under different…

FHFA: 2021 Affordable Housing Goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announced

Also publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking input on future housing goals rulemaking Today, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced its 2021 affordable housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). Due to the economic uncertainty related to the COVID-19 national pandemic, FHFA is announcing the benchmarks for calendar year…

FDIC: Final Rule on Brokered Deposits and Interest Rate Restrictions Approved

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board of Directors today approved a final rule to establish a new framework for analyzing whether deposits made through deposit arrangements qualify as brokered deposits, including those between insured depository institutions (IDIs) and third parties, such as financial technology companies.  The final rule also amends the methodology for calculating…

CFPB: Two Final Rules Issued to Promote Access to Responsible, Affordable Mortgage Credit

Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) issued final rules related to qualified mortgage (QM) loans. Lenders are required under the law to determine that consumers have the ability to repay mortgage loans before lenders make those loans. Loans that meet legal standards for QM loans are presumed to be loans for which consumers have…

SBA: Small Business Size Standard Revisions in Five Industrial Sectors Proposed

Change Aimed at Increasing Eligibility for Contracting and Loan Programs. Public Comments Due by Jan. 26, 2021 The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking public comments on a proposed rule that would revise the small business size standards for businesses in five North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) sectors to increase small business eligibility for SBA’s loan and contracting…

OCC: Proposed Rule Issued Regarding the CRA General Performance Standards

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today invited comment on a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the Community Reinvestment Act’s (CRA) general performance standards. The OCC published a final rule in June 2020 to strengthen and modernize the agency’s regulations under the CRA to encourage banks to engage in more activities to serve the…

OCC: Proposed Rule Would Ensure Fair Access to Bank Services, Capital and Credit

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today proposed a rule to ensure fair access to banking services provided by national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations. The proposal would codify more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should provide access to services,…

Interim Final Rule Provides Temporary Relief to Community Banking Organizations Due to Coronavirus Response

The federal bank regulatory agencies on Friday announced an interim final rule that provides temporary relief for certain community banking organizations related to certain regulations and reporting requirements as a result, in large part, of their growth in size from the coronavirus response.  Community banking organizations are subject to different rules and requirements based on…