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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published its 37th edition of Supervisory Highlights, which outlines recent findings from examinations of financial institutions completed in 2024. The report highlights unfair practices in the areas of deposits, such as unauthorized overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees, and issues with credit reporting related to identity theft and dispute investigations. It also discusses problems with short-term lending, including misleading loan terms and denial of credit under unfair conditions. The document emphasizes the importance of accurate information and consumer protection in financial services, noting efforts to correct violations and implement safeguards.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is inviting comments on the proposed renewal of an information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves a revision of their annual stress test reporting template for financial institutions with assets of $250 billion or more, under the Dodd-Frank Act. The proposed updates aim to align with existing Federal Reserve reporting forms and exclude outdated or unnecessary components. Public comments are encouraged and can be submitted by various methods outlined in the notice until March 7, 2025.

The Department of Labor has issued a notice to request public comments on an information collection related to foreign currency transactions involving employee benefit plans. This is conducted under a class exemption that allows certain financial institutions to engage in such transactions with the plans, provided certain conditions are met. The public can submit comments or feedback until April 14, 2025, and the Department aims to ensure the transaction processes protect the interests of plan participants. The collection seeks to gather input on the necessity, accuracy, and impact of the information collection, which is subject to approval by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has issued an Advisory Opinion to clarify rules under Regulation B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act regarding special purpose credit programs. This opinion provides guidance to for-profit organizations on how to develop credit programs that serve specific social needs and explains what information must be included in programs' written plans. It aims to address regulatory uncertainties and encourage financial institutions to create programs that improve credit access for disadvantaged groups. The Advisory Opinion became effective on January 15, 2021.

The Depository Institutions Disaster Relief Act of 1992 (DIDRA) allows agencies to temporarily suspend some appraisal requirements under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) for real estate transactions in disaster areas. Following the President's declaration of a major disaster in Los Angeles County, California due to wildfires and straight-line winds starting January 7, 2025, these exceptions have been granted for affected real estate transactions until January 8, 2028. The exceptions aim to facilitate recovery and are consistent with safe banking practices, as long as certain conditions are met, like having a commitment to fund transactions and ensuring the property's value is supportive.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is inviting public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to "Market Risk," as part of its ongoing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. According to this rule, national banks and federal savings associations with significant market risk exposure are required to adhere to specific guidelines for managing and disclosing this risk. Public comments on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to improve the information collection process are due by June 17, 2025. The OCC aims to ensure that these financial institutions maintain sufficient capital adequacy for their market risk level through these regulations.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has provided final guidance clarifying that its existing Guidelines for accessing accounts and services at the Federal Reserve Banks now include Excess Balance Accounts (EBAs). This means that EBAs, which allow eligible institutions to earn interest on surplus funds without affecting correspondent-respondent bank relationships, must adhere to the same risk-based principles and review standards as other accounts and services. The change prevents entities that don't qualify for standard Federal Reserve accounts from accessing the Reserve Bank's balance sheet indirectly through EBAs. Implementation of this guidance begins on December 12, 2024.

FinCEN, part of the U.S. Treasury, is seeking nominations for new members to join the Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group (BSAAG) for three-year terms. They are inviting financial institutions, trade groups, and non-federal regulators or law enforcement agencies located in the U.S. These members will provide insights on compliance with laws like the Corporate Transparency Act and other regulations. Interested organizations can submit their nominations by January 6, 2025, and must include specific information about their eligibility and the value they bring to the group.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the Treasury Department, has proposed a new rule to prohibit U.S. financial institutions from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for Huione Group. This is because Huione Group, a Cambodian financial institution, has been identified as a serious risk for money laundering, particularly concerning illicit proceeds from cybercrimes and activities linked to North Korea's operations. U.S. financial institutions must also take special measures to ensure they are not processing transactions that involve Huione Group. The public has 30 days to comment on this proposal.

The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund under the Treasury Department has announced the availability of grants for the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program for the fiscal year 2025. These grants, which include Financial Assistance (FA) and Technical Assistance (TA), are aimed at aiding financial institutions that serve Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations to enhance their lending capacity. The program aims to strengthen both for-profit and non-profit community-based organizations to support various markets, and the awards are contingent on funding availability. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete their submissions through designated platforms by the stated deadlines.