How Regulators May Revamp CRA Enforcement

American Banker
Friday, April 11, 2014

Regulators' recent signals that they are planning changes to Community Reinvestment Act exams have reignited speculation about possible alterations. Comprehensive refor appears unlikely, but observers see potential for limited action. Changes may include crediting community-related activities done outside a bank's market and broadening the section of the exam focused on branch offerings. Regulators may also heighten the focus on products that specifically benefit low income borrowers and expand the list of community service activities eligible for CRA credit. Other reforms may include awarding credit for initiatives that improve healthcare in low income areas and adding more detailed data to exams about how products benefit low income customers.