Welcome to this episode and launch of a new series of podcasts around regulatory reform. Most of you know that we are in the midst of regulatory reform and things are heating up! In today’s episode of the CRA Podcast, I switch gears and share a podcast episode I recently recorded with Michael Delucchi of ElevateTALKS. Enjoy this short interview and then check the show notes below to learn more about the innovative work of Elevate for today’s community bankers and the regulatory reform concepts shared in the episode.

After nearly two years of anticipation, financial regulators unveiled their proposal in December to reform how they implement the Community Reinvestment Act and is now taking comments on these recommended changes through April 8, 2020. The plan will overhaul CRA assessment boundaries, criteria for activities earning credit in CRA exams and how banks are scored overall for their performance. If finalized, the proposal would be the first significant update to the 1977 law in over two decades. While the plan has a carve-out for banks with under $500 million of assets, it may have a significant impact for the more than 650 financial institutions in the U.S. between $500 million and $1 billion in assets.

In this episode of ElevateTALKS CRA authority, Linda Ezuka joins host Michael Delucchi and discusses the current state of CRA reform, some of the key changes within the proposed rules, and how they may impact community banks.

Founder of CRA Today, Linda has over 25 years of community development experience, with an emphasis on CRA, compliance, training, community development lending, and CDFI initiatives. Linda works with financial institutions to provide comprehensive CRA training, up-to-date resources, and proven strategies. She helps banks to remain compliant and to provide a positive and supportive environment for both employees and community partners.

If you are a community bank executive, lender, compliance officer, or responsible for CRA at your institution then this episode of ElevateTALKS is for you.

Get your free guide here! https://www.cratoday.com/opt-in-e8c7c97c-f35e-4d90-b60b-7b42612647f2

Still formulating your approach on what to comment on? Click above to get a free guide that may help you hone in on the key questions and how you might respond during the public comment period. Remember, comments are due on April 8, 2020!

And more!

• CRA Today: www.cratoday.com

• Twitter – https://twitter.com/Cra_Today

• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-ezuka-cra-today/

• Federal Register Proposed Rules and Comment – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/09/2019-27940/community-reinvestment-act-regulations

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Bulletin regarding CRA Reform – https://www.occ.treas.gov/news-issuances/bulletins/2020/bulletin-2020-3.html

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation CRA Page – https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/cra/

• 2020 Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference – https://www.nicrc.us/event/163e427b-55af-45ed-8c89-02072489a1d2/summary

• LinkedIn Article Regarding Regulatory Reform –https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bankers-dyk-occ-fdic-have-new-definition-small-bank-linda-ezuka/