There have been significant regulatory and compliance updates for banks and credit unions in 2025. Below are the key changes and their potential impact on you and your institution.
July 2025 Regulatory Updates
This month’s updates come from the OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve:
Federal Bank Regulatory Agencies Seek Further Comment on Interagency Effort to Reduce Regulatory Burden | OCC
The federal bank regulatory agencies issued a fourth notice requesting public comment as part of their ongoing Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act review. This process aims to identify outdated, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations for supervised institutions.
Why this matters:
- The agencies are specifically seeking input on regulations related to Banking Operations, Capital, and the Community Reinvestment Act. Institutions have 90 days to submit feedback—an opportunity to shape future rulemaking and reduce unnecessary compliance tasks.
FDIC Proposes Regulatory Threshold Adjustments and Indexing to Reflect Inflation | FDIC.gov
The FDIC Board approved a notice of proposed rulemaking to update certain regulatory thresholds, such as those under 12 CFR part 363 related to annual audit and reporting requirements, to better reflect historical inflation. The proposal also introduces an indexing method to adjust these thresholds in the future.
Why this matters:
- If adopted, this rule would create a more stable and predictable framework for determining audit requirements and reduce the chances of abrupt changes in compliance obligations due to inflation shifts.
Federal Reserve Board – Agencies Issue Joint Proposal to Rescind 2023 CRA Final Rule
Federal regulators have jointly proposed rescinding the 2023 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) final rule and reinstating the original 1995 regulations with some technical updates.
Why this matters:
- This move aims to restore consistency in the CRA framework, ease regulatory burdens, and ensure banks remain focused on serving their communities. Stakeholders can expect greater clarity and fewer shifting requirements if the proposal is finalized.
June 2025 Regulatory Updates
This month’s updates come from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, CFPB, and the Federal Reserve:
Treasury Department Outlines Guiding Principles for Bank Secrecy Act Modernization
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender shared the Trump Administration’s regulatory priorities for modernizing the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) during the 62nd BSA Advisory Group plenary meeting. Four key principles were emphasized:
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Regulation should stem from a clear statutory mandate (e.g., safety, soundness, financial stability, and consumer protection)
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Efficiency should be balanced with risk and cost
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Consistency and fairness must guide enforcement
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Regulators should operate transparently and use taxpayer resources efficiently
Why this matters:
- As modernization progresses, your institution may need to update training to ensure staff understand and apply new compliance expectations rooted in these guiding principles.
CFPB Extends Compliance Deadlines for Small Business Lending Rule
The CFPB has amended Regulation B to extend the compliance dates for its Section 1071 small business lending rule. This follows recent litigation and anticipates a future rulemaking effort. Updated compliance dates are:
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Tier 1 (Highest volume lenders): July 1, 2026 | First filing: June 1, 2027
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Tier 2 (Moderate volume): January 1, 2027 | First filing: June 1, 2028
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Tier 3 (Smallest volume): October 1, 2027 | First filing: June 1, 2028
Institutions may use origination data from different consecutive year periods (2022–2023, 2023–2024, or 2024–2025) to determine their tier. Optional early data collection is permitted 12 months prior to each compliance date.
Why this matters:
- These extensions likely push back the need for staff training around small business lending compliance through the end of 2025, giving institutions more time to prepare.
Federal Agencies Seek Comment on Combatting Payments and Check Fraud
Federal banking regulators are requesting public feedback on how to better address payments fraud, especially check fraud. The request aims to uncover actionable ways to reduce risk for consumers, businesses, and institutions.
Why this matters:
- Payments fraud continues to be a critical challenge in 2025, especially given the complexity of check fraud across multiple channels. Institutions should stay alert for upcoming regulatory guidance or collaborative frameworks that could impact fraud training and risk protocols.
May 2025 Regulatory Updates
Catch up on the latest regulatory and industry news affecting your institution. This month’s updates come from OFAC, the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve:
OFAC Releases “OFAC Basics” Video Series
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) launched a new video series providing a high-level introduction to OFAC and the sanctions it administers.
Why this matters:
- These videos are ideal for team members who need a foundational understanding of OFAC. Share across departments to raise awareness.
FDIC Releases Semiannual Update on Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) Restoration Plan
The FDIC reports that the DIF reserve ratio remains on track to meet the statutory minimum of 1.35% by the September 30, 2028 deadline.
Why this matters:
- This ensures the FDIC can protect insured deposits in the event of bank failures—supporting financial stability and public confidence.
OCC Comptroller Outlines Strategic Priorities
In a recent speech, Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood highlighted four key priorities for the OCC:
- Reducing regulatory burden
- Supporting bank-fintech partnerships
- Expanding responsible digital asset activity
- Promoting financial inclusion
Why this matters:
- Understanding regulatory priorities helps your institution stay aligned with OCC expectations and upcoming supervisory focus.
Federal Reserve Issues May FOMC Statement
The Fed decided to hold the federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50% in May to support employment and manage inflation. The statement also notes rising uncertainty around the economic outlook.
Why this matters:
- Macroeconomic shifts can affect interest rates, lending activity, and training needs. Staying informed allows teams to adapt strategies accordingly.
April 2025 Regulatory Updates
Catch up on key regulatory changes and what they could mean for your institution. This month’s updates come from the FDIC and Federal Reserve:
Agencies Withdraw Joint Statements on Crypto-Assets
The FDIC, along with the Federal Reserve Board, has withdrawn two joint statements related to crypto-asset activities by banking organizations. This move clarifies that banks may engage in permissible crypto-related activities and offer services to firms involved in crypto, provided they follow safety, soundness, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Why this matters:
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The agencies are expected to issue further clarity around crypto-asset activities in the coming weeks. OnCourse Learning will support any necessary training once updated guidance is released.
Federal Reserve Releases March 2025 FOMC Meeting Minutes
The Federal Reserve published the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on March 18–19, 2025. The minutes include updates on economic indicators, inflation trends, and potential future monetary policy adjustments.
Why this matters:
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Staying current on FOMC discussions can help institutions anticipate changes to interest rates, lending environments, and economic challenges. Monitoring these updates allows your teams to plan and adjust strategies accordingly.
March 2025 Regulatory Updates
Stay informed on recent federal announcements and what they mean for your institution. Here's what’s new from FinCEN, the OCC, and the FDIC this month:
FinCEN Revises Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirement
FinCEN has issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act. Now, only entities formed under the laws of a foreign country and registered to do business in a U.S. state or Tribal jurisdiction are considered “reporting companies.”
Why this matters:
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FinCEN is accepting public comments on the interim rule for 60 days following its Federal Register publication.
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Finalization of the rule is expected later this year.
OCC Ceases Examinations for Reputation Risk
The OCC has announced it will no longer conduct examinations focused on reputation risk. References to this risk category will be removed from the Comptroller’s Handbook and related guidance.
Why this matters:
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While reputation risk exams are ending, the OCC still expects institutions to follow sound risk management practices across all risk areas.
OCC Launches Digitization Resource Page
A new Digitization page is now available on the OCC website, designed to support community banks in meeting digital transformation goals. The page includes relevant rules, guidance, and best practices.
Why this matters:
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A helpful tool for teams working on digital strategy, share this resource internally to support informed planning and compliance.
FDIC Extends Compliance Date for Digital Sign Requirements
The FDIC has extended the compliance date for certain digital signage requirements under its updated advertising and misrepresentation rules (12 CFR 328.5) from May 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. The extension gives time to gather public input on potential regulatory clarifications.
Why this matters:
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The delay applies only to digital sign and ATM requirements.
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All other amendments under Subpart A remain in effect and must be implemented by May 1, 2025.
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OnCourse Learning courses have been updated to reflect the unchanged requirements.
February 2025 Regulatory Updates
This month’s highlights include speeches, guidance, and scenarios from federal agencies, plus a presidential order worth tracking. Here's what to know:
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michael Barr Addresses Industry Risks
In a recent speech, Fed Vice Chair Michael Barr outlined key risks and regulatory challenges facing the banking industry today. Topics included:
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Finalizing post-financial crisis reforms
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Ensuring the credibility of stress testing
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Maintaining consistent supervision
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Supporting responsible innovation
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Mitigating cyber and third-party risks
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Monitoring risks in the nonbank sector
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Addressing climate-related financial risks
Why this matters:
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The full speech offers a roadmap of supervisory priorities and emerging risks that regulators are watching closely.
Consumer Compliance Outlook – Q4 2024 Issue Now Available
The Federal Reserve has released the Q4 2024 issue of Consumer Compliance Outlook. This issue covers:
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Developments in fair lending
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Insights into bank–fintech partnerships
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A refreshed regulatory calendar for 2025
Why this matters:
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A valuable resource for staying current on regulatory priorities and compliance challenges heading into the new year.
OCC Releases 2025 Stress Test Scenarios
The OCC has published its updated economic and financial market stress test scenarios for 2025. Institutions subject to stress testing should review the new materials.
Why this matters:
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A must-share for teams responsible for capital planning and model validation.
Executive Order Calls for Review of FCPA Enforcement
President Trump has signed an Executive Order directing the Attorney General to conduct a 180-day review of the guidelines related to the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Why this matters:
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No changes to current FCPA regulations at this time—this is primarily an early-stage policy development to monitor.
January 2025 Regulatory Updates
Start the year informed with key federal announcements impacting privacy, interest rates, and regulatory reporting.
FTC Finalizes Changes to COPPA
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized updates to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), introducing new requirements for how children’s personal data is collected, used, and shared. The rule also gives parents more control over third-party data disclosures.
Why this matters:
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Once published in the Federal Register, OnCourse Learning’s Advertising Compliance courses will be updated to reflect the changes.
Federal Reserve Adjusts Rates in Regulations A and D
The Fed has amended Reg A and Reg D to update the interest rates for primary and secondary credit and the rate paid on reserve balances held at Reserve Banks.
Why this matters:
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Institutions with Fed account relationships should be aware of the revised rates—share with finance, treasury, or ALCO teams as needed.
HMDA Filing Period Now Open
The filing window for 2024 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data officially opened on January 1, 2025. Submissions are due by Monday, March 3, 2025.
Why this matters:
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Ensure your HMDA team is aware of the deadline and has systems in place to complete timely, accurate submissions.
About the Author
Rachel Wieting
Senior Product Manager at OnCourse Learning
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