Alex Barrage, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Industry Group, was quoted in the March 13, 2025 American Banker article, “Banks Are Pushing Back Against Stablecoin Legislation.”
OCC Clarifies Bank Authority to Engage in Certain Cryptocurrency Activities
On March 7, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a significant update regarding the involvement of national banks and federal savings associations in cryptocurrency activities. Interpretive Letter 1183 reaffirms the permissibility of various crypto-asset activities and aims to streamline the regulatory process for banks engaging in these activities.
Troutman Pepper Locke Advises Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC in Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc.’s $25 Million Subordinated Notes Offering
Troutman Pepper Locke advised Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC in the successful completion of Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc.’s private placement of $25 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes. The offering, which was significantly oversubscribed due to robust investor demand, will provide Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. with the capital needed to pursue growth opportunities and strengthen its balance sheet. For more information, read the press release.
Legislation Introduced in the House Aims to Support New and Rural Banks by Easing Regulatory Requirements
On January 16, U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced H.R. 478, the “Promoting New Bank Formation Act,” which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services. This bill aims to support the establishment and growth of new financial institutions, particularly in rural areas, by easing regulatory requirements.
Patriot Bank and OCC Sign Agreement to Strengthen Oversight and Payment Activities
On January 14, Patriot Bank, N.A. entered into an agreement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to address and rectify several unsafe or unsound practices and violations of law. This agreement follows the bank’s reported loss of nearly $27 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2024.
Congress Narrows in on Stablecoin Legislation: An Analysis of the STABLE and GENIUS Acts
The payment stablecoin (PS) legislative endgame is near. There is a clear imperative from the White House to prioritize stablecoin legislation and preserve the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Both chambers of Congress are forming a working group to deliver a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. Bipartisan agreement appears within reach.
Concerns Mount Over FDIC Staffing Challenges
Alex Barrage, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Industry Group, was quoted in the February 6, 2025 Banking Dive article, “Concerns Mount Over FDIC Staffing Challenges.”
Securities Investigations and Enforcement Newsletter – January 2025
You Are Invited: SEC Enforcement Priorities Webinar
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET
Please join Troutman Pepper Locke for a discussion hosted by the Atlanta Bar Association with Regional Securities and Exchange Commission Directors Nicholas Grippo (Philadelphia Regional Office) and Nekia Jones (Atlanta Regional Office) on the SEC’s 2025 enforcement and examination priorities.
Banking Regulator Rescinds More Than 200 Job Offers for Examiners It Needs
Alex Barrage, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Financial Services Industry Group, was quoted in the January 27, 2025 Washington Post article, “Banking Regulator Rescinds More Than 200 Job Offers for Examiners It Needs.”
Troutman Pepper Locke Joins Klaros and Other Banking Professionals in Proposal to Facilitate New and Innovative Bank Formation
Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys Alexandra Steinberg Barrage, Matthew Bornfreund, and James Stevens, along with Michele Alt of Klaros Group and other leading banking and financial services professionals, released an open letter to the incoming administration outlining concrete ways the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve Board (Agencies) could encourage new and innovative bank formation.