Banking and Finance Law Daily Wrap Up, WORTH NOTING—Other regulatory, legislative, litigation, and industry developments, (Jul 8, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

A weekly roundup of other items of interest to the banking and finance law community.

BANKING OPERATIONS—The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council member entities issued a statement supporting the formation of new (de novo) depository institutions. The FFIEC member entities encourage ongoing communication and coordination among its member entities that promote de novo formations. According to the statement, “the formation of new depository institutions is crucial for maintaining a healthy financial system.” De novos help maintain competition in the banking sector, foster innovation in products and services, and broaden consumer access to credit and other banking services. The statement provides a list of resources and contact information for applicants.

BANKING OPERATIONS—Financial institutions have been alerted by the three bank regulatory agencies—Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Reserve Board—that materials pertaining to the Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Reports) for the June 30 report date are available. Except for certain institutions with foreign offices, completed Call Reports must be received by July 30, 2026. Institutions are encouraged to complete the preparation, editing and review of Call Report data and submission to the Central Data Repository as early as possible.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT—The federal bank regulatory agencies released the 2026 list of certain geographies where certain bank activities are eligible for Community Reinvestment Act credit. The list released by the agencies includes distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies where revitalization or stabilization activities are eligible to receive CRA consideration. The designations reflect local economic conditions, including unemployment, poverty, and population changes. Included in the release is source information and methodology.

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM—The Federal Reserve Board on July 1 released initial findings from its 2025 triennial payments study, showing continued growth in noncash transactions across the U.S. Consumers and businesses made 236.6 billion noncash payments in 2024, more than triple the volume recorded in 2000. Cards remained the dominant method by number, with debit cards leading overall use and credit cards posting their fastest growth in nearly a decade. ACH payments accounted for nearly three quarters of noncash payment value for the first time, while checks and ATM withdrawals continued to decline. The study, conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Federal Reserve Board, draws on voluntary surveys of financial institutions and payment processors. Additional analysis will be released as work continues.

MORTGAGES—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency published the findings of a report on the performance of first-lien mortgages in the federal banking system during the first quarter of 2026. According to the OCC’s Mortgage Metrics Report, mortgage performance in the federal banking system remained broadly stable in the first quarter of 2026, with current loans edging higher and serious delinquencies flat from a year earlier. The data showed that 97.7 percent of mortgages included in the report were current and performing at the end of the quarter. The rate was a slight increase from 97.6 percent in 2025. For banks and servicers, the quarterly metrics offer a concise indicator of covered portfolio performance as foreclosure starts and loan modifications move in different directions.

IndustryNews: BankingOperations ChecksElectronicTransfers CommunityDevelopment ConsumerCredit CreditDebitGiftCards FederalReserveSystem FinancialIntermediaries Loans Mortgages