PUB. 11 2021-2022 Issue 2

coloradobankers.org 6 The Pandemic and the Continuing Supervisory Guidelines By Kevin Kim Compliance Alliance O n March 9, 2020, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued guidance encouraging financial institutions to assist customers and communities affected by COVID-19. With the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, many banks were faced with their own set of challenges. During this time, many banks took steps to assist consumers, including allowing loan modifications with no fees, waiving fees on accounts and offering in-home banking services. Many were also participating in providing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses. Because of these accommodations, many banks struggled with high volumes of COVID-related mortgage requests, questions from customers and PPP loans. Banks were overcoming these overwhelming volumes while also maintaining their efforts to keep the physical locations of the banks safe for both customers and employees. Through these difficult times, financial institutions created and revised policies and procedures to adjust and provide excellent service to customers. Throughout the pandemic, the FDIC shifted to conduct all consumer compliance examinations and industry meetings virtually. At the beginning of the pandemic, the FDIC paused examination activities to allow financial institutions to focus on meeting the needs of their customers. As the examinations resumed, the FDIC allowed flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the institution’s needs. Some hurdles occurred in the earlier stages due to operational and staffing challenges limiting the ability of management to respond to supervisory requests because of the shift to