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FEDERAL RESERVE TO EASE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AT BANKS, RELEASING $175B IN CAPITAL (VOTE NEXT WEEK) $GS $BAC $MS $JPM $C $WFC $XLF The Federal Reserve, under Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, announced that large bank capital requirements will be slightly reduced, returning to roughly 2019 levels, a big victory for banks. Speaking at the Cato Institute in Washington, Bowman outlined the adjustments ​to the so-called Basel rules and GSIB surcharge, which determine how much money banks must set aside to absorb potential losses. ⁠She said the adjustments would better calibrate requirements in line with actual risks. The Fed will vote on the proposal at a board meeting next ​week, the central bank announced after her speech. · Revised Basel rules lower large bank capital requirements slightly · Bowman argues excessive capital requirements harm credit provision · Critics warn plan will weaken financial system as risks rise · Morgan Stanley notes $175 billion excess capital in large banks · Banks' ​capital may revert to 2019 levels if changes adopted Overview of the Policy Change Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman outlined a series of proposed reforms to the U.S. bank capital framework, aimed at easing requirements for the largest banks while maintaining financial stability. The changes primarily affect the Basel III risk-based capital rules, the G-SIB (Global Systemically Important Bank) surcharge, and the supplementary leverage ratio, with the goal of aligning capital requirements more closely with actual risk. Bowman emphasized that excessive capital requirements can constrain credit availability and impede economic growth. Key Features of the Proposal Reduction in Capital Requirements: Large banks will see a modest decrease in capital requirements, effectively rolling back increases proposed in 2023 and returning to levels similar to 2019. Streamlined Calculations: The proposal eliminates duplicative capital calculations for large banks, replacing the dual-stack approach with a single standardized method. Risk Sensitivity: Adjustments improve alignment between capital requirements and the actual risk of lending, trading, and operational activities, including mortgage and consumer lending. GSIB Surcharge Revision: The surcharge for systemically important banks is recalibrated to better reflect risk, reducing unnecessary capital burdens. · Support for Smaller Banks: Community and non-GSIB banks will also benefit from slightly larger reductions in capital requirements, enhancing flexibility for traditional lending activities. Rationale and Expected Impact Bowman highlighted that overly stringent capital rules can push banking activity into less-regulated sectors, increase costs, and reduce credit to households and businesses. By easing requirements, banks are expected to deploy excess capital, estimated at over $175 billion—toward lending, dividends, and share buybacks, potentially stimulating economic activity. The reforms aim to maintain resilience while reducing regulatory complexity and promoting efficiency. Reactions and Concerns The banking industry has largely welcomed the changes, citing improved risk sensitivity and reduced operational burdens. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have warned that lowering capital requirements could weaken financial safeguards amid rising economic and geopolitical risks. The proposals will undergo a 90day public comment period before finalization, with implementation expected in 2027. Historical Context The move represents a shift from the post 2008 financial crisis trend of continuously increasing capital buffers under Basel III and related U.S. regulations. Bowman’s approach emphasizes a “bottom up” evaluation of each requirement rather than setting aggregate targets, aiming to balance safety with economic growth. In summary, the Federal Reserve’s easing of capital requirements under Bowman is designed to reduce regulatory burdens, better align capital with risk, and free up resources for lending and shareholder returns, while maintaining the overall stability of the U.S. banking system.