The Conference of State Bank Supervisors said the FDIC’s proposed bank merger policy would create more challenges than benefits for the banking industry, especially for community banks.

Details: In a comment letter, CSBS said new charters and beneficial mergers are crucial components of a dynamic and competitive banking system, but the FDIC’s proposed merger policy would add uncertainty, cost, and burden to an already complex merger application process.

ICBA View: In comments last week on the OCC’s proposal to amend Bank Merger Act rules, ICBA recommended several changes to make the bank merger approval processes speedy, consistent, and equitable. In its comment letter, ICBA called on the agency to create unified, interagency bank merger guidelines and an interagency statement of policy while preserving expedited reviews and streamlined applications.