A number of US community bankers and state banking supervisors are pushing back against proposals to consolidate federal banking regulators, warning that such a move could increase politicization and undermine financial stability, as reported by Politico.
"Federal banking regulators should be objective, nonpartisan, and protected from political influence, which is essential to promoting a safe and sound banking system, consumer confidence, and a strong national economy," said Rebeca Romero Rainey, CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America. Brandon Milhorn, President and CEO of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, also criticized the idea, warning against a one-size-fits-all approach. "Does anyone seriously believe that these problems would be better under one massive federal regulator?" he asked.
In contrast, Wall Street executives have expressed support for consolidation. Bank of America's Brian Moynihan recently said that he is "all ears" regarding efforts to merge regulators. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon has pitched lawmakers on a regulatory overhaul, emphasizing the complexity of compliance under the current regime.
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