Agencies propose joint amendments to CRA rules
US banking agencies issued a joint proposal amending Community Reinvestment Act rules for OCC-regulated banks, federal savings associations, and federal banks and agencies.
The joint proposal revises the CRA framework applicable to national banks and federal savings associations. Changes are expected to affect how CRA performance is evaluated, potentially shifting geographic assessment areas and qualifying activity definitions relevant to retail and community lending.
Material for US retail banks' compliance programs, lending strategy, and public CRA ratings that affect M&A and branch approvals.
Action Required
Assess impact of proposed CRA amendments on assessment areas, performance metrics, and community lending strategy.
CRA reform is a strategic supervisory priority affecting fair lending, community reinvestment, and expansion approvals.
Track OCC/interagency CRA proposal; evaluate revised assessment area methodology and qualifying activities; prepare gap analysis against current CRA program and comment submission.
“OCC announced that agencies issued a joint proposal amending Community Reinvestment Act rules, alongside release of CRA performance evaluations for 14 national banks and federal savings associations.”
Published: 2026-08-02