On February 7, 2022, Acting Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg released a statement outlining the FDIC’s 2022 priorities. He also recognized the contributions of former Chairman Jelena McWilliams, who resigned on February 4, 2022.

The FDIC has been the recent subject of uncommon public infighting, as the FDIC board faces internal and external turmoil related to political and intra-agency pressures brought into focus due to the change in presidential administrations. Many on the board support a more pro-active and progressive approach, while Ms. McWilliams favored a more conservative style of oversight. With her resignation, as well as the recent FDIC, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network actions related to bank oversight, it appears the activist wing has succeeded for now.

Entities operating in the financial services industry should pay close attention to the agenda, and specifically to two of these priorities in particular:Continue Reading FDIC Announces 2022 Priorities in the Wake of Chairman Jelena McWilliams Resignation; Financial Services Entities Should Take Note of FDIC Focus on Bank Mergers and Crypto