Risk-based capital

Europe's top finance ministers are questioning the U.S.'s commitment to the global capital standards. The mistrust could have consequences for international regulatory efforts.

The Federal Reserve chair said he supports the revised proposal outlined by Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr and said the new proposal would get a vote by the full Board of Governors early next year.

The 45% charge provides an interim step toward a longer-term risk-based capital schema for insurers.

In congressional testimony, the Federal Reserve chair said the Board of Governors is processing the comments on its capital reform proposal. Putting forth an entirely new proposal is "very plausible."

Large and regional banks are taking different approaches to buybacks in light of the proposed new capital rules. Some plan to buy back stock at moderate levels this year, while others say they will to remain on the sidelines until there is more clarity about the reforms.

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr said feedback received will be incorporated into the final version of the capital reform rule.

Regulators will now accept feedback until Jan 16, 2024 — a six-week extension — concurrent with a Federal Reserve effort to gather additional information about the potential implications of the proposed capital changes.

Junior tranches are at the heart of the debate around whether the capital that insurers currently hold against CLOs is sufficient, and the NAIC may soon impose stiffer risk-based capital requirements.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's proposal could undermine the companies’ mission to support the housing market and penalize consumers in underserved communities, industry and consumer groups say.

The FHFA’s proposal is intended to strengthen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but many experts warn that it could boost guarantee fees for lenders that they say may be passed on to borrowers.