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.
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 Davis
Senior Product Manager at OnCourse Learning
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