Acting FDIC Chairman Hill discussed views changes needed to strengthen resolution planning rules.

Hill said that the FDIC will soon issue an FAQ document waiving certain resolution planning requirements to focus banks on providing information the FDIC would need to market the institution (rather than keep it operating as a bridge bank after failure). This is a problem because it allows systemically important banks to ignore an important part of their resolution plans.

Acting FDIC Chairman Hill discussed views on adjusting the “tailoring” categories for inflation. Hill said that the asset size thresholds that limit regulations for some banks need to be adjusted upward for inflation. In other words, this would make larger banks exempt from certain rules related to capital, stress testing, resolution planning, etc.

New CFPB leadership continues its trend of dismissing prior CFPB enforcement actions against alleged corporate wrongdoers—this time against a remittance provider that allegedly repeatedly violated federal law by repeatedly lying to consumers about when transfers would be available, delaying transfers and refunds, failing to investigate and resolve disputes and error notices from consumers, and failing to retain certain documents.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memorandum announcing the Administration will no longer bring enforcement actions against certain crypto market firms for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, a law that prevents money laundering and other illicit uses of crypto assets.

The SEC issued guidance stating its view that most stablecoins do not involve the offer or sale of securities. The guidance misrepresents stablecoins as safe assets with adequate reserves to cover redemptions.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants for existing and future projects that reduce damage from flooding, tornadoes, and other weather-related events have been cancelled.

Climate disasters cause billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, and communities each year. Banks are vulnerable to climate risk because of the loans they extend to communities, secured by real estate or other assets. BRIC grants made homes and other structures more resilient to climate disasters. Without these grants, banks, families, and entire communities are more vulnerable to financial losses from inevitable future climate disasters.