Processing Content Key insight: Banks made $295.6 billion in net income in 2025. Supporting data: Banks’ net interest margin hit 3.39%. Forward look: Shortly after the data window, which showed no bank failures in Q4 2025, a small Chicago bank failed in January. Banks closed 2025 profitably, with higher rates of lending and stable credit […]
Banks close 2025 with strong profits, higher lending Read More »
Key Insight: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is restructuring its supervisory appeals process. Supporting data: The final rule requires the three-member appeal panel to have at least one member with supervisory or examination experience and another with industry experience. Forward look: Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould said the Office of the Comptroller of the
FDIC adds banker to regulatory appeals board in final rule Read More »
Key insight: The Senate Banking Committee hasn’t had an oversight hearing of prudential banking regulators since May 2024. What’s at stake: The lack of oversight comes as the agencies slash staff and change policy direction according to the direction of the Trump administration. Forward look: The Senate Banking Committee has a tight calendar until the
Senate Dems press for oversight hearing before year-end Read More »
Key Insight: The enhanced supplemental leverage ratio was adjusted to be half of a bank’s Global Systemically Important Bank surcharge, cutting headline capital requirements while reaffirming risk-based capital rules as the primary binding constraint for banks. Supporting data: The new rule cuts banks’ Tier 1 capital needs by less than 2% for the GSIBs, but
Regulators finalize revised leverage rule for big banks Read More »
Key insight: Hill’s continued tenure at the FDIC isn’t likely to change the agency’s direction on bank policy. Forward look: His nomination now goes to the full Senate, where he’s expected to be confirmed. What’s at stake: Hill’s policies at the FDIC have included rescinding ILC rules and pursuing policies that he has said will
Senate Banking Committee approves Hill to lead FDIC Read More »
Key Insight: McKernan’s confirmation comes as the Trump administration’s deregulatory financial agenda begins in earnest, positioning a seasoned industry ally in a key Treasury post. Supporting data: McKernan was confirmed in a 51–47 vote. McKernan was nominated to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau earlier this year but his nomination was withdrawn in May. Forward
Former FDIC board member confirmed to top Treasury role Read More »
Key insight: Hill has overseen a sharp deregulatory pivot at the FDIC, with priorities centered on rolling back Biden-era rules and limiting the agency’s role in liberal-aligned issues like climate change and diversity. Supporting data: If confirmed, Hill would serve a five-year term, succeeding Martin Gruenberg; the FDIC board is now entirely Republican, giving him
Trump nominates Travis Hill for permanent FDIC chair Read More »
Adobe Stock Federal regulators have formally begun the process of nullifying their 2023 update to implementing regulations for the Community Reinvestment Act, a Civil Rights-era anti-redlining law that requires banks to invest in the communities they serve. The Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a
Regulators begin process of undoing 2023 CRA rule Read More »
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg The banking industry demonstrated steady earnings performance in the first quarter despite signs of stress in real estate portfolios, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. FDIC acting Chairman Travis Hill offered a measured outlook for the industry during a Tuesday press conference announcing the quarterly report, noting banks were putting aside slightly
Banks’ net income rises in first quarter, FDIC says Read More »