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Congress·Reported·6 months ago

Congress pushes regulators to streamline approvals for new banks and credit unions

Also known as: American Access to Banking Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Small Business Owner
Helps

Key Points

  • Tells federal bank and credit union regulators to make it easier to apply to start a brand-new bank or credit union, including applications for federal deposit or share insurance.
  • Requires regulators to review their forms, pull needed info from other government sources when possible, and reduce extra paperwork asked of applicants.
  • Directs regulators to look at how new banks raise startup money while still protecting investors, including limits that affect everyday (non-wealthy) investors.
  • Lets applicants request a dedicated agency caseworker to walk them through the process and serve as their main contact until a decision is made.
  • Creates outreach plans and mentoring options, including workshops and coordination with state regulators, with regular public reports to Congress.
EconomySmall BusinessConsumer Protection

Milestones

3 milestones7 actions
Sep 8, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 210.

Sep 8, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-253.

Jul 23, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.

Jul 23, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jul 22, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the bill becomes law

Regulators begin reviewing and simplifying new-bank and new-credit-union application forms

If you’re applying, you may see clearer forms and fewer back-and-forth requests for the same information

After agencies set up the caseworker process

Applicants can request a dedicated agency caseworker during the application process

Organizers may get one main contact person to explain steps and help avoid delays caused by confusion

Rolling schedule after the bill becomes law

Agencies hold guidance, training materials, and regular workshops for interested groups

Potential applicants may learn the process earlier and avoid wasting money on avoidable application problems

Related News

5 articles
Nasdaq·8 months ago

New Bill: Representative Maxine Waters introduces H.R. 4544: American Access to Banking Act

Overview of H.R. 4544’s requirements for regulators to streamline de novo bank/credit union applications, reduce duplicative info requests, and provide applicant caseworkers plus mentorship/outreach programs.

C=
America's Credit Unions·7 months ago

House Financial Services Committee advances 4 credit union-backed bills

Reports the committee advanced several bills, including H.R. 4544 (American Access to Banking Act), and summarizes the set of measures supported by the credit union trade group.

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America's Credit Unions·7 months ago

Exam relief, anti-regulation by guidance bills set for markup

Preview of the House Financial Services Committee markup agenda that includes H.R. 4544; frames the bill among other items the trade group says would provide regulatory relief for credit unions.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

American Access to Banking Act

Bill NumberHR 4544
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 210.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.