BRIEFLY: Waller joins Fed Board (nothing more yet on Shelton); Big banks pass stress test (but get no relief on capital); NCUA plans human trafficking webinar; NASCUS Report takes a break next week (see you again Jan. 8); Happy Holidays – and have a terrific New Year!
(Dec. 23, 2020) The Federal Reserve Board now has six (out of a total seven) members, as newest Gov. Christopher Waller joined the board after taking his oath of office last Friday. Waller was confirmed by the Senate Dec. 3; he is the former research director for the St. Louis Fed, and a former professor. Meanwhile, there is still no word on confirming the nominee to the seventh and final seat on the board. A vote on controversial nominee Judy Shelton has been stalled in the Senate since at least November; Senate leadership has yet to announce plans to take up the nomination again … Big banks saw their losses rise to more than $600 billion under conditions simulated in a second stress test conducted by the Federal Reserve – but the banks’ capital ratios, despite the losses, would continue to be well above the minimum required (falling from 12.2% to 9.6%, but still above the 4.5% minimum), the central bank said late last week. Nevertheless, the Fed plans to keep restrictions on the banks’ distributions to investors and share repurchases, and won’t make changes to capital requirements … How to spot warning signs of human trafficking is in the spotlight for a webinar next month sponsored by NCUA, set for Jan. 7. The agency said the event will provide an overview of human trafficking and its impact on communities, law enforcement’s efforts to combat it, and potential red flags in credit unions. Attendees will also learn how to report concerns about human trafficking to the proper authorities, the agency said. There is no charge for attending, although advance registration is required … This is the final issue of NASCUS Report for 2020; we’ll see you again on Jan. 8. In the meantime: Happy Holidays – and have a terrific New Year!
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Federal Reserve Board releases second round of bank stress test results