Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

US Regulators Unveil Plans to Ease Capital Rules for Big Banks

Proposals would lower capital requirements by up to 7.8% for smaller banks, freeing billions for lending and buybacks, with regulators aiming to balance safety and economic support.

  • The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will approve the Basel draft Thursday morning and open it for public comment.
  • Years of industry lobbying and political shifts have shaped the reversal as Wall Street banks campaigned to ease post-2008 rules, with Michael Barr earlier pushing a plan to hike capital by 20, but lenders influenced the process.
  • Wall Street banks would see capital fall 4.8%, larger regional banks 5.2%, and banks below $100 billion in assets 7.8%, with the Fed also proposing GSIB surcharge tweaks on Thursday.
  • Regulators say the changes could unleash billions for lending, dividends, and buybacks, while analysts at Morgan Stanley estimate large banks could free up US$100 billion in excess capital; Bowman states capital remains 'robust', but Barr plans to dissent.
  • Critics warn the changes come as risks are rising, saying the proposals will weaken safeguards amid surging geopolitical and private credit risks, while Fed staff say they streamline the capital framework and KBW analyst Chris McGratty cautions 'the devil will be in the details'.
Insights by Ground AI

13 Articles

Lean Right

New rules for large US banks could soon release billions. While supervisors are praising the plans, critics warn of risks to financial stability.

·Düsseldorf, Germany
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Semafor broke the news in New York, United States on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal