President Trump announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs amid a sharp selloff in Treasury bonds, and scientists claim to have resurrected the dire wolf, which has been extinct for more than 10,000 years. Suffering from seasonal allergies? Check out these doctor-recommended products. Here's what else you might want to read this week:
"French Hill Promises Republican-Led Bank Deregulation"
Bankers heard from several key policymakers and regulators at the American Bankers Association's Washington summit: House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill, R-AR, discussed GOP lawmakers' deregulatory agenda, including addressing the compliance burdens associated with Section 1071 of Dodd-Frank and limiting the CFPB's authority.
FDIC acting Chair Travis Hill outlined efforts to simplify reporting requirements and improve the resolution process for failed banks. He also discussed updating regulatory thresholds for inflation, revisiting stablecoin and crypto rules, and three ways the agency aims to stimulate new-bank formation.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled the Treasury department's intention to play a greater role in financial regulation. He emphasized the need for reforms to support community banks, particularly in the areas of tailoring, liquidity, capital, supervision, and AML policies.
Finally, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, who is working closely with Rep. Hill on the GOP's deregulatory agenda, remarked that consumers would be better served by a smaller CFPB and that a full Senate vote to confirm Jonathan McKernan as head of the agency was "imminent."
"Trump Tariff Pause Gives Banks a Reprieve, but Threats Remain"
While markets rallied after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of his tariffs, banks and other financial institutions continue to face economic uncertainty and volatility. One key risk to be mindful of: instability in the Treasury market.
On Tuesday, the OCC announced that hackers had accessed 103 executive and staff email accounts, compromising highly sensitive financial information from regulated institutions. Acting Director Rodney Hood cited "long-held organizational and structural deficiencies" as contributing factors.
"Can US Banks Protect Their Card-Issuing Business?"
Despite strong competitive advantages, U.S. banks must act aggressively to defend their dominance in the card-issuing and payments space, according to this report from Bain & Company.
"Despite Surging Economic Unease, Consumers Say They Are Happier with Their Banks (For Now)"
Amid economic uncertainty, consumers tend to lash out at easy targets, such as banks. However, new J.D. Power research indicates that consumers are more satisfied with their banks than they were a year ago, largely due to enhanced transparency and clearer communication about fees. That said, access to funds remains a sore spot for many.
"How Community Banks Open Doors for Local Restaurants"
Restaurants are key to local economies, but they often operate on razor-thin margins. Review tips and suggestions from other community bankers on how to help these high-risk businesses succeed.
"Exclusive: Barr Offers CRA Resolution for OCC Bank Merger Rule"
Rep. Andy Barr, R-KY, has introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to unwind the OCC's updated rule on bank mergers from last September, which eliminated an expedited review process for certain deals, among other measures. Should the resolution pass, the OCC would also be prevented from pursuing a similar rule in the future.
"Big Bank CEOs Reckon With Their Lack of Influence on Trump"
Big bank execs are increasingly uneasy about the impact of President Trump's tariff strategy on their institutions and the broader economy. Perhaps even more concerning is their limited sway and lack of direct communication with the administration.
"The 'Godfather' Returns to the SEC Amid Market Chaos, Staff Exodus"
Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner dubbed the "the intellectual godfather" of GOP capital markets policy, is set to return to the agency as its chair. He's expected to push for sweeping deregulation, but staffing issues and a turbulent political environment could pose challenges to his agenda.
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Rob Blackwell
Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs
IntraFi
Arlington, VA
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