News
Policy Map has announced new overlays to help users visualize data relevant to bank compliance under reforms to the Community Reinvestment Act. Per Policy Map:
"To enhance clarity and promote compliance, regulatory agencies have established 12 impact review factors to evaluate the impact and responsiveness of a bank's qualifying activities, particularly in community development financing...
PolicyMap's geospatial analysis and visualization tools effectively address nine of these 12 impact review factors, enabling stakeholders to identify opportunities for impactful community development while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards."
[Two-time consecutive Peer Forum guest] "Mark Calabria, who headed up a key mortgage regulator during the first Trump administration, has taken a post involving financial reviews of government entities, according to multiple reports.
Calabria told members of the Exchequer Club on Wednesday that he is working with the Office of Management and Budget, and will be a liaison to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Free-market think tank Cato Institute, where he most recently was a senior advisor, confirmed he has left the organization.
[Washington Post reporter Andrew] Ackerman said Calabria will be 'bringing all the independent agencies into OMB' and will be at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau until Jonathan McKernan, a former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. board member and Trump's CFPB nominee, can be confirmed. The CFPB and Calabria had not responded to inquiries about the details at deadline."
"Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Thursday that he won't seek reelection next year, ending a decades long tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, chose his 83rd birthday to share his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky and to retire when his current term ends. He informed The Associated Press of his decision before he addressed colleagues in a speech on the Senate floor.
'Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,' McConnell said, as aides lined the back chamber and senators listened from seats. 'Every day in between I've been humbled by the trust they've placed in me to do their business right here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.'"
"A group of House Republicans raised alarms Wednesday about the minimum $1.5 trillion in spending cuts required by the chamber's budget resolution, as House leadership tries to shore up support for a floor vote on the measure when the chamber returns next week.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, co-chair of his party's Congressional Hispanic Conference, led a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., highlighting the damage cuts to programs including Medicaid, Pell Grants and food stamps would have on their constituents and others around the country."
"The senior Republican senator negotiating a deal to avoid a government shutdown in less than one month says the Trump administration might be breaking the law — and flouting the U.S. Constitution.
As Elon Musk and the White House budget office seek to block spending that has already been approved by Congress, 'I think it's pretty clear that this violates Article One of the Constitution,' said Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in an interview.
'You would see lawsuits' if the actions continue, Collins said. 'A lot of these issues are going to end up in court.'"
"Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order ensuring that all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the Constitution. Under this Executive Order:
- The Order notes that Article II of the U.S. Constitution vests all executive power in the President, meaning that all executive branch officials and employees are subject to his supervision.
- Therefore, because all executive power is vested in the President, all agencies must: (1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards..."
Continued: Trump Takes Control of 'Independent Agencies'
Consumer Finance Monitor | February 26th, 2025
"While Trump specifically mentioned the FTC, FCC and SEC, the definition of 'agency' used in the order also includes such financial regulators as the FDIC, OCC, CFPB and NCUA."
"The Colorado Bankers Association (CBA) has named Sherry Waner, chief development officer at First Southwest Bank, a recipient of the 2025 Bankers of Distinction Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to community development. With 32 years in banking, Waner specializes in creative business financing, public-private partnerships and complex capital stacks that drive economic growth.
At First Southwest Bank, a CDFI, she has been instrumental in bridging financing gaps for underserved businesses across Colorado. She is also CEO of HelloBello, a tech platform that simplifies lending for borrowers and lenders alike. 'Sherry's innovative approach to lending and leadership exemplify the values of the Bankers of Distinction Award,' said Jenifer Waller, CBA president and CEO. This award honors professionals who make lasting contributions through leadership, innovation and financial empowerment, making Waner a well-deserving recipient."
"House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement in response to Acting FDIC Chairman Travis Hill's outline of several priorities that echo calls from Chairman French Hill's Making Community Banking Great Again (MCBGA) principles.
'I congratulate Travis Hill on his designation as Acting Chairman of the FDIC," said Chairman Hill. "The priorities Acting Chairman Travis Hill outlined this week demonstrate that he understands how critically important it is that the FDIC focus on its mission of maintaining stability and public confidence in our nation's financial system. I look forward to working with the FDIC to ensure that banks of all sizes can serve communities across our nation and remain a source of strength for our economy.'"
"Peoples Bank (MS) has been awarded Coleman's SBA 7(a) Community Bank of the Year. This prestigious honor underscores the bank's commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth in underserved communities.
This award from Coleman Publishing recognizes Peoples Bank's outstanding contributions to small business lending, highlighting its role in strengthening local economies and providing crucial financial support to entrepreneurs."
"Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has shut down a wide variety of operations inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his new role as acting director.
Bessent ordered the CFPB to stop all rulemaking, communications, litigation, and other activities, according to a Monday email to staff obtained by Bloomberg Law.
Bessent took over the CFPB as acting director after President Donald Trump fired Biden-era Director Rohit Chopra."