Federal banking agencies have a standing record of offering guidance to entities in areas affected by natural disasters. This regulatory roundup includes details about how banks and credit unions affected by recent flooding in Texas can access these materials, as well as other information:
OCC issues emergency proclamation related to Texas flooding
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a proclamation allowing national banks, federal savings associations and federal branches and agencies of foreign banks to close offices in areas of Texas affected by flooding. The OCC noted it expects only those bank offices directly affected by potentially unsafe conditions will close and those offices should make every effort to reopen as quickly as possible to address the banking needs of their customers. The agency recommended banks refer to OCC Bulletin 2012-28, “Supervisory Guidance on Natural Disasters and Other Emergency Conditions,” for guidance on actions bankers could consider while operating in areas affected by natural disasters and other emergency situations. Learn more here.
NCUA offers guidance to credit unions affected by flooding in Texas
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) said it is monitoring the flooding in Texas and urged credit union officials to utilize resources available on its website to help affected institutions. NCUA examiners have been working to stay in contact with credit unions in the affected areas, determine their status and offer assistance as needed. Credit unions in need of assistance are being encouraged to contact their regional offices. Find more information here.
Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr discusses community development
During a speaking engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Fed Gov. Michael Barr emphasized the essential role community development plays in achieving the agency’s goals of maximum employment and price stability. He described it as a tool for economic resilience, financial inclusion and early risk detection. Barr noted the importance of expanding access to credit and ensuring Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance initiatives account for modern forms of credit, including through digital banking. He also stressed the importance of incorporating climate-related risks into bank supervision. Read his full comments here.
FDIC releases lists banks recently assessed for CRA compliance
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) published a list of state nonmember banks recently evaluated for compliance with the CRA. The list covers evaluation ratings that the FDIC assigned to institutions in April 2025. Seven of the 71 entities assessed during that period received “outstanding” ratings – Fowler State Bank (Texas), Hancock Whitney Bank (Texas), The First State Bank of Ransom (Kansas), Tri Counties Bank (California), Banner Bank (Washington), The Pitney Bowes Bank, Inc. (Utah) and Flushing Bank (New York). The rest of the listed banks were rated “satisfactory.” Learn more about the CRA evaluations here.