“Is Third Time the Charm for Basel III Endgame?”
Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman is determined to finalize the U.S. implementation of the Basel III framework, with plans for a conference next month to engage bankers, academics, and other industry players on capital reform. Experts see her approach as a fresh chance to succeed where previous efforts failed, all while potentially avoiding higher capital requirements for large banks. Be sure to read six key takeaways from Bowman’s first speech as Fed vice chair.
“Beyond Promotional Rates: Building a Sustainable Strategy for Deposit Growth”
As promotional rates and sign-up bonuses lose their appeal, banks seeking sustainable deposit growth should focus on customer relationships, digital innovation, and personalized solutions, this article says.
“Bessent Emerging as a Contender to Succeed Fed’s Powell”
Advisers from the Trump administration and outside circles are advocating for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair after Powell’s term ends in May 2026, Bloomberg reported. Bessent, who is currently leading President Trump’s efforts to boost the U.S. economy through trade policy, deregulation, and tax reform, has emerged as “the star of the cabinet,” according to former White House strategist Steve Bannon. However, the administration has dismissed reports of his rumored nomination, and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh is still the likely frontrunner. Late last week, Trump said he’d name Powell’s successor “very soon.”
“CFPB’s Top Enforcement Official Resigns”
Cara Petersen, the CFPB’s enforcement chief, is stepping down after a 15-year tenure. “Never before have I seen the ability to perform our core mission so under attack,” Petersen wrote in an email to staff, adding that the agency’s current leaders “have no intention to enforce the law in any meaningful way.”
“A Strategic Playbook for Payments Success for Regional and Community Banks”
To succeed in payments, community and regional banks should focus on meeting consumer and small business needs, leveraging technology for execution, and using partnerships to enhance engagement and retention, rather than competing directly with major players, this article says.
“Former FDIC Chair Fears Deregulation Could Spur New Crisis”
Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair warned during a speech at the Brookings Institution that aggressive bank deregulation could spark another financial crisis and called for balanced reforms to maintain stability.
“Some Banks Welcome Private Credit. Others See a Time Bomb.”
Some bank executives view private credit as a profitable way to diversify portfolios, while others—such as JPMorgan Chase and Zions Bancorp—warn of systemic risks from its rapid, unregulated growth.