Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act

119 HR 6556 EH: Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 6556

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To prohibit the use of certain concentration limit exceptions with respect to mergers involving a failed bank unless the applicable agency determines such use is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act.

2.Concentration limit exceptions only available to avoid serious adverse economic or financial effects (a)Concentration limits with respect to deposits (1)Federal Deposit Insurance ActThe Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended— (A)in section 18(c)(13)— (i)by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: (B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an interstate merger transaction if— (i)such interstate merger transaction involves 1 or more insured depository institutions in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A); or (ii)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13 to facilitate such interstate merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A).; and (ii)in subparagraph (C)— (I)in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (II)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (III)by adding at the end the following: (iii)the term qualified bid means an application, proposed application, or bid from a company where— (I)if applicable, the company, any affiliate insured depository institution, and any affiliate depository institution holding company is well capitalized and well managed, as of the date of the application, proposed application, or bid; and (II)upon consummation of the transaction, the resulting insured depository institution is well capitalized; (iv)the term well capitalized— (I)with respect to an insured depository institution, has the meaning given such term in section 38(b) (12 U.S.C. 1831o(b)); (II)with respect to a bank holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(1)(B) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(1)(B)); (III)with respect to a savings and loan holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 238.2 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations; and (IV)with respect to a company that is not an insured depository institution, bank holding company, or savings and loan holding company, means maintaining equity capital that the Corporation determines is commensurate with the capital maintained by an insured depository institution that is well capitalized; and (v)the term well managed has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(9) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(9)).; and (B)in section 44, by amending subsection (e) to read as follows: (e)Exception for Banks in Default or in Danger of Default (1)General exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (b) or paragraph (2), (4), or (5) of subsection (a), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if— (A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or (B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction. (2)Concentration limit exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to subsection (b)(2), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if— (A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2); or (B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2). (3)Qualified bid definedIn this subsection, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C).. (2)Bank Holding Company Act of 1956The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) is amended— (A)in section 3(d), by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows: (5)Exception for banks in default or in danger of default (A)General exceptionThe Board may, without regard to subparagraph (B) or (D) of paragraph (1) or paragraph (3), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if— (i)the application is for an acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or (ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (B)Concentration limit exceptionThe Board may, without regard to paragraph (2), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if— (i)the application is for the acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or (ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2). (C)Qualified bid definedIn this paragraph, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.; and (B)in section 4(i)(8), by amending subsection (B) to read as follows: (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to an acquisition if— (i)such acquisition involves an insured depository institution in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or (ii)the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to facilitate such acquisition and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2). . (b)Concentration limit with respect to consolidated liabilitiesSection 14(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1852(c)) is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively; (2)by striking With the and inserting the following: (1)In generalWith the; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (2)LimitationThe Board may provide written consent for an acquisition described in paragraph (1)(A) or in paragraph (1)(B) only if the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)..

3.Congressional notification and justification for waivers (a)In generalWhenever the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation waives a concentration limit under section 18(c)(13)(B) or section 44(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under section 3(d)(5), section 4(i)(8)(B), or section 14(c)(2) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, in connection with the acquisition of a bank or insured depository institution in default or in danger of default, or in connection with an acquisition with respect to which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the waiving agency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, jointly, shall, not later than 30 days after such waiver, submit a written report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate containing— (1)a justification for the waiver, including an analysis of why it was necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability; (2)a description of alternative bids or outcomes considered, including efforts to solicit and encourage bids from entities that would not require a waiver; (3)an explanation of why alternative bids were not selected, if applicable; and (4)any recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to improve competition in future insured depository institution resolutions. (b)Public disclosureThe waiving agency submitting a report under subsection (a) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall make the report publicly available on their respective websites, subject to redactions for confidential supervisory information and any other information described under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.

4.Limitation on considering bad faith bids in least cost determinationSection 13(c)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (I)Limitation on considering bad faith bidsIn making a determination under this paragraph of whether an exercise of authority is the least costly to the Deposit Insurance Fund, any application, proposed application, or bid that would result in violation of— (i)section 18(c)(13) or 44(b)(2), or (ii)section 3(d)(2), 4(i)(8), or 14 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,shall not be considered a possible method for meeting the Corporation’s obligation under this section for purposes of subparagraph (A)..

5.Discretionary Surplus Fund (a)In generalThe dollar amount specified under section 7(a)(3)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 289(a)(3)(A)) is reduced by $2,000,000. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on September 1, 2036. Passed the House of Representatives July 14, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

119 HR 6556 IH: Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-12-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 6556IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 10, 2025Mr. Lynch introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo prohibit the use of certain concentration limit exceptions with respect to mergers involving a failed bank unless the applicable agency determines such use is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act.2.Concentration limit exceptions only available to avoid serious adverse economic or financial effects(a)Concentration limits with respect to deposits(1)Federal Deposit Insurance ActThe Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 18(c)(13)—(i)by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an interstate merger transaction if—(i)such interstate merger transaction involves 1 or more insured depository institutions in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A); or(ii)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13 to facilitate such interstate merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A).; and(ii)in subparagraph (C)—(I)in clause (i), by striking and at the end;(II)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(III)by adding at the end the following:(iii)the term qualified bid means an application, proposed application, or bid from a company where—(I)if applicable, the company, any affiliate insured depository institution, and any affiliate depository institution holding company is well capitalized and well managed, as of the date of the application, proposed application, or bid; and(II)upon consummation of the transaction, the resulting insured depository institution is well capitalized;(iv)the term well capitalized—(I)with respect to an insured depository institution, has the meaning given such term in section 38(b) (12 U.S.C. 1831o(b));(II)with respect to a bank holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(1)(B) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(1)(B));(III)with respect to a savings and loan holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 238.2 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations; and(IV)with respect to a company that is not an insured depository institution, bank holding company, or savings and loan holding company, means maintaining equity capital that the Corporation determines is commensurate with the capital maintained by an insured depository institution that is well capitalized; and(v)the term well managed has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(9) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(9)).; and(B)in section 44, by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:(e)Exception for Banks in Default or in Danger of Default(1)General exceptionThe responsible agency, may without regard to paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (b) or paragraph (2), (4), or (5) of subsection (a), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction. (2)Concentration limit exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to subsection (b)(2), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2); or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2).(3)Qualified bid definedIn this subsection, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C)..(2)Bank Holding Company Act of 1956The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 3(d), by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:(5)Exception for banks in default or in danger of default(A)General exceptionThe Board may, without regard to subparagraph (B) or (D) of paragraph (1) or paragraph (3), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for an acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.(B)Concentration limit exceptionThe Board may, without regard to paragraph (2), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for the acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2).(C)Qualified bid definedIn this paragraph, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.; and(B)in section 4(i)(8), by amending subsection (B) to read as follows:(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to an acquisition if—(i)such acquisition involves an insured depository institution in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to facilitate such acquisition and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2). .(b)Concentration limit with respect to consolidated liabilitiesSection 14(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1852(c)) is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively;(2)by striking With the and inserting the following:(1)In generalWith the; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(2)LimitationThe Board may provide written consent for an acquisition described in paragraph (1)(A) or in paragraph (1)(B) only if the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)..3.Congressional notification and justification for waivers(a)In generalWhenever the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation waives a concentration limit under section 18(c)(13)(B) or section 44(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under section 3(d)(5), section 4(i)(8)(B), or section 14(c)(2) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, in connection with the acquisition of a bank or insured depository institution in default or in danger of default, or in connection with an acquisition with respect to which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the waiving agency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, jointly, shall, not later than 30 days after such waiver, submit a written report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate containing—(1)a justification for the waiver, including an analysis of why it was necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability;(2)a description of alternative bids or outcomes considered, including efforts to solicit and encourage bids from entities that would not require a waiver;(3)an explanation of why alternative bids were not selected, if applicable; and(4)any recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to improve competition in future insured depository institution resolutions.(b)Public disclosureThe waiving agency submitting a report under subsection (a) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall make the report publicly available on their respective websites, subject to redactions for confidential supervisory information and any other information described under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.4.Limitation on considering bad faith bids in least cost determinationSection 13(c)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(I)Limitation on considering bad faith bidsIn making a determination under this paragraph of whether an exercise of authority is the least costly to the Deposit Insurance Fund, the Corporation may not consider any application, proposed application, or bid from a company, if such application, proposed application, or bid would result in violation of—(i)section 18(c)(13) or 44(b)(2); or(ii)section 3(d)(2), 4(i)(8), or 14 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956..

119 HR 6556 : Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-07-15 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6556IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 15, 2026 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsAN ACTTo prohibit the use of certain concentration limit exceptions with respect to mergers involving a failed bank unless the applicable agency determines such use is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act.2.Concentration limit exceptions only available to avoid serious adverse economic or financial effects(a)Concentration limits with respect to deposits(1)Federal Deposit Insurance ActThe Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 18(c)(13)—(i)by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an interstate merger transaction if—(i)such interstate merger transaction involves 1 or more insured depository institutions in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A); or(ii)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13 to facilitate such interstate merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A).; and(ii)in subparagraph (C)—(I)in clause (i), by striking and at the end;(II)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(III)by adding at the end the following:(iii)the term qualified bid means an application, proposed application, or bid from a company where—(I)if applicable, the company, any affiliate insured depository institution, and any affiliate depository institution holding company is well capitalized and well managed, as of the date of the application, proposed application, or bid; and(II)upon consummation of the transaction, the resulting insured depository institution is well capitalized;(iv)the term well capitalized—(I)with respect to an insured depository institution, has the meaning given such term in section 38(b) (12 U.S.C. 1831o(b));(II)with respect to a bank holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(1)(B) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(1)(B));(III)with respect to a savings and loan holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 238.2 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations; and(IV)with respect to a company that is not an insured depository institution, bank holding company, or savings and loan holding company, means maintaining equity capital that the Corporation determines is commensurate with the capital maintained by an insured depository institution that is well capitalized; and(v)the term well managed has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(9) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(9)).; and(B)in section 44, by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:(e)Exception for Banks in Default or in Danger of Default(1)General exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (b) or paragraph (2), (4), or (5) of subsection (a), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction. (2)Concentration limit exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to subsection (b)(2), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2); or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2).(3)Qualified bid definedIn this subsection, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C)..(2)Bank Holding Company Act of 1956The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 3(d), by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:(5)Exception for banks in default or in danger of default(A)General exceptionThe Board may, without regard to subparagraph (B) or (D) of paragraph (1) or paragraph (3), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for an acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.(B)Concentration limit exceptionThe Board may, without regard to paragraph (2), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for the acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2).(C)Qualified bid definedIn this paragraph, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.; and(B)in section 4(i)(8), by amending subsection (B) to read as follows:(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to an acquisition if—(i)such acquisition involves an insured depository institution in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to facilitate such acquisition and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2). .(b)Concentration limit with respect to consolidated liabilitiesSection 14(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1852(c)) is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively;(2)by striking With the and inserting the following:(1)In generalWith the; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(2)LimitationThe Board may provide written consent for an acquisition described in paragraph (1)(A) or in paragraph (1)(B) only if the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)..3.Congressional notification and justification for waivers(a)In generalWhenever the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation waives a concentration limit under section 18(c)(13)(B) or section 44(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under section 3(d)(5), section 4(i)(8)(B), or section 14(c)(2) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, in connection with the acquisition of a bank or insured depository institution in default or in danger of default, or in connection with an acquisition with respect to which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the waiving agency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, jointly, shall, not later than 30 days after such waiver, submit a written report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate containing—(1)a justification for the waiver, including an analysis of why it was necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability;(2)a description of alternative bids or outcomes considered, including efforts to solicit and encourage bids from entities that would not require a waiver;(3)an explanation of why alternative bids were not selected, if applicable; and(4)any recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to improve competition in future insured depository institution resolutions.(b)Public disclosureThe waiving agency submitting a report under subsection (a) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall make the report publicly available on their respective websites, subject to redactions for confidential supervisory information and any other information described under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.4.Limitation on considering bad faith bids in least cost determinationSection 13(c)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(I)Limitation on considering bad faith bidsIn making a determination under this paragraph of whether an exercise of authority is the least costly to the Deposit Insurance Fund, any application, proposed application, or bid that would result in violation of—(i)section 18(c)(13) or 44(b)(2), or(ii)section 3(d)(2), 4(i)(8), or 14 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956,shall not be considered a possible method for meeting the Corporation’s obligation under this section for purposes of subparagraph (A)..5.Discretionary Surplus Fund(a)In generalThe dollar amount specified under section 7(a)(3)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 289(a)(3)(A)) is reduced by $2,000,000.(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on September 1, 2036.Passed the House of Representatives July 14, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

119 HR 6556 RH: Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-02-02 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 406119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6556[Report No. 119–475]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 10, 2025Mr. Lynch introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesFebruary 2, 2026Additional sponsor: Mr. GottheimerFebruary 2, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on December 10, 2025A BILLTo prohibit the use of certain concentration limit exceptions with respect to mergers involving a failed bank unless the applicable agency determines such use is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act.2.Concentration limit exceptions only available to avoid serious adverse economic or financial effects(a)Concentration limits with respect to deposits(1)Federal Deposit Insurance ActThe Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 18(c)(13)—(i)by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an interstate merger transaction if—(i)such interstate merger transaction involves 1 or more insured depository institutions in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A); or(ii)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13 to facilitate such interstate merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from a company that is not subject to the prohibition in subparagraph (A).; and(ii)in subparagraph (C)—(I)in clause (i), by striking and at the end;(II)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(III)by adding at the end the following:(iii)the term qualified bid means an application, proposed application, or bid from a company where—(I)if applicable, the company, any affiliate insured depository institution, and any affiliate depository institution holding company is well capitalized and well managed, as of the date of the application, proposed application, or bid; and(II)upon consummation of the transaction, the resulting insured depository institution is well capitalized;(iv)the term well capitalized—(I)with respect to an insured depository institution, has the meaning given such term in section 38(b) (12 U.S.C. 1831o(b));(II)with respect to a bank holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(1)(B) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(1)(B));(III)with respect to a savings and loan holding company, has the meaning given such term in section 238.2 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations; and(IV)with respect to a company that is not an insured depository institution, bank holding company, or savings and loan holding company, means maintaining equity capital that the Corporation determines is commensurate with the capital maintained by an insured depository institution that is well capitalized; and(v)the term well managed has the meaning given such term in section 2(o)(9) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(9)).; and(B)in section 44, by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:(e)Exception for Banks in Default or in Danger of Default(1)General exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to paragraph (1), (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (b) or paragraph (2), (4), or (5) of subsection (a), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction. (2)Concentration limit exceptionThe responsible agency may, without regard to subsection (b)(2), approve an application under subsection (a)(1) for approval of a merger transaction if—(A)the merger transaction involves 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2); or(B)the Corporation provides assistance under section 13(c) to facilitate such merger transaction and the responsible agency determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed interstate merger transaction is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)(2).(3)Qualified bid definedIn this subsection, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C)..(2)Bank Holding Company Act of 1956The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) is amended—(A)in section 3(d), by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:(5)Exception for banks in default or in danger of default(A)General exceptionThe Board may, without regard to subparagraph (B) or (D) of paragraph (1) or paragraph (3), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for an acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default; or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.(B)Concentration limit exceptionThe Board may, without regard to paragraph (2), approve an application pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) if—(i)the application is for the acquisition of 1 or more banks in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the application is for an acquisition with respect to which assistance is provided under section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2).(C)Qualified bid definedIn this paragraph, the term qualified bid has the meaning given that term in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.; and(B)in section 4(i)(8), by amending subsection (B) to read as follows:(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to an acquisition if—(i)such acquisition involves an insured depository institution in default or in danger of default and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2); or(ii)the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to facilitate such acquisition and the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in paragraph (2). .(b)Concentration limit with respect to consolidated liabilitiesSection 14(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1852(c)) is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively;(2)by striking With the and inserting the following:(1)In generalWith the; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(2)LimitationThe Board may provide written consent for an acquisition described in paragraph (1)(A) or in paragraph (1)(B) only if the Board determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that consummation of the proposed acquisition is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability, and the Corporation has not received any qualified bid (as defined in section 18(c)(13)(C) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) from another institution that is not subject to the prohibition in subsection (b)..3.Congressional notification and justification for waivers(a)In generalWhenever the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation waives a concentration limit under section 18(c)(13)(B) or section 44(e) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or under section 3(d)(5), section 4(i)(8)(B), or section 14(c)(2) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, in connection with the acquisition of a bank or insured depository institution in default or in danger of default, or in connection with an acquisition with respect to which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the waiving agency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, jointly, shall, not later than 30 days after such waiver, submit a written report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate containing—(1)a justification for the waiver, including an analysis of why it was necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or significant adverse effects on financial stability;(2)a description of alternative bids or outcomes considered, including efforts to solicit and encourage bids from entities that would not require a waiver;(3)an explanation of why alternative bids were not selected, if applicable; and(4)any recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to improve competition in future insured depository institution resolutions.(b)Public disclosureThe waiving agency submitting a report under subsection (a) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall make the report publicly available on their respective websites, subject to redactions for confidential supervisory information and any other information described under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.4.Limitation on considering bad faith bids in least cost determinationSection 13(c)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(I)Limitation on considering bad faith bidsIn making a determination under this paragraph of whether an exercise of authority is the least costly to the Deposit Insurance Fund, the Corporation may not consider any application, proposed application, or bid from a company, if such application, proposed application, or bid would result in violation of—(i)section 18(c)(13) or 44(b)(2); or(ii)section 3(d)(2), 4(i)(8), or 14 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956..February 2, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed