Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

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A new program addresses innovative banking activities such as bank-fintech partnerships and digital assets while reinforcing guardrails around stablecoin activity.

By Arthur S. Long, Parag Patel, Pia Naib, Ja Hyeon Park, and Deric Behar

On August 8, 2023, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB) issued guidance to the banking organizations that it oversees regarding its supervision of novel activities. The guidance also provides information on the process that state banks can follow to engage in certain stablecoin activities.

The guidance outlines principles and key considerations for banking organizations as they navigate risks associated with third parties, including fintechs.

By Arthur S. Long, Parag Patel, Barrie VanBrackle, Pia Naib, Ja Hyeon Park, Victor Razon, and Deric Behar

On June 6, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued final supervisory guidelines for banking organizations on managing risks associated with third-party relationships (Joint Guidance). The Joint Guidance replaces existing individual agency guidelines, and harmonizes the principles- and risk-based approach of the three agencies concerning risk management of third-party relationships.

Although the Joint Guidance applies to all banking organizations that the agencies supervise, it does not create any new legal obligations or offer prescriptive requirements. It does, however, provide important considerations for banking organizations and the third parties with which they engage, and will help banks develop tailored approaches to third-party risk management.

The Federal Reserve is taking measured steps to better understand the types of cryptoasset-related activities contemplated by its supervised banking organizations.

By Alan W. Avery, Pia Naib, and Deric Behar

On August 16, 2022, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB) issued a Supervision and Regulation Letter outlining its expectations for FRB-supervised banking organizations engaged in cryptoasset-related activities (SR Letter 22-6). This follows the publication of a financial institution letter issued by the Federal Deposit…

Treasury officials believe congressional action is “highly appropriate” this year to address the risks that the latest financial stability report underscores.

By Alan W. Avery, Pia Naib, and Deric Behar

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB) published its semi-annual Financial Stability Report (Report). The Report, which covers a variety of topics, briefly repeated some familiar warnings regarding digital assets and potential risks to the wider financial system. In particular, the FRB expressed concern about funding risks posed by stablecoins.