ABA played a significant role in completing the CRA resolution, working to educate lawmakers and their staff on the harm this rule would cause if allowed to take effect. Some in our industry didn’t think we could get this done, but ABA and our members pushed hard, and our industry is stronger for it. We continue our advocacy on Capitol Hill in support of longstanding ABA priorities like the Access to Credit for our Rural Communities Act, or ACRE — which was reintroduced with strong bipartisan support in this Congress — as well as bills that would encourage de novo formation and support the important work of community development financial institutions and minority depository institutions. On the regulatory side, we’ve seen rollbacks of several misguided rules or policy statements, and the banking agencies have signaled forthcoming changes to the 2023 Community Reinvestment Act final rule, as well as changes to rules implementing Sections 1071 and 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act. And — after sustained advocacy by ABA — the CFPB rescinded a package of “guidance” documents that we felt set new regulatory expectations while circumventing the rule-writing process. Coupled with several recent victories in court — including favorable settlements with the CFPB over their appeal of our UDAAP win and late fee final rule — it seems that a regulatory recalibration is well underway. We continue to hear commitments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about working constructively with our sector to cut through the red tape. While they might not be making national headlines, these changes are happening, and they are incredibly meaningful, not just for banks but for the American economy. Email Rob at nichols@aba.com. 14 NEBRASKA BANKER
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