FDIC sets CRA examination schedule for U.S. banks in second-half 2026

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FDIC CRA exam schedule 2026

Highlights

FDIC published CRA examination schedules for U.S. banks covering July 1-September 30, 2026 and October 1-December 31, 2026, as mandated by regulation.
Institutions with $250 million or less in assets and a Satisfactory or Outstanding CRA rating may be examined no more frequently than every 48 or 60 months, respectively.
Examination schedule may change based on application reviews or supervisory demands, with public comments on CRA performance accepted for consideration before final evaluations.

Examination timetable and regulatory criteria

As reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the agency issued schedules for CRA examinations covering July 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, and October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. CRA rules require each federal bank and thrift regulator to publish its quarterly examination schedule at least 30 days before the start of each quarter.

The CRA, enacted in 1977, requires the FDIC to assess how a bank serves the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, while maintaining safe and sound operations. These examinations are used by federal regulators to evaluate an institution's record of meeting those needs.

Scheduling is based on an institution's asset size and CRA rating. Absent reasonable cause, an institution with $250 million or less in assets and a Satisfactory rating may be examined no more frequently than once every 48 months, while an institution of the same size with an Outstanding rating may be examined no more frequently than once every 60 months.

Implications for banks and public comment process

The FDIC said the lists are based on the best information currently available and remain subject to change. A bank not otherwise scheduled for review may still be examined in connection with an application for a deposit facility, while other reviews may be delayed if an institution requires more time and supervisory resources than originally planned.

If an institution is moved to a different quarter, the updated timing will appear on a later list. Federal bank and thrift regulators are also encouraging public comment on institutions under CRA review, with comments on FDIC-supervised institutions directed either to the institutions themselves or to the deputy regional director of the relevant FDIC regional office.

Public comments received before the completion of a CRA examination will be taken into account. The process gives community groups and other stakeholders a formal channel to weigh in on how supervised banks are serving local credit needs.

Our earlier article on United Casualty & Surety Insurance Company’s ratings review explained that the insurer’s A- financial strength rating and “a-” issuer credit rating were placed under review with positive implications after CopperPoint announced an all-cash acquisition of its parent, General Indemnity Group. We noted that the outcome depends on regulatory approvals and ongoing discussions about post-deal strategy, highlighting how supervisory processes can influence timelines and expectations across financial institutions.

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