FDIC announces Oklahoma winter storm relief

Federal Issues FDIC Disaster Relief CRA Bank Regulatory

On March 3, the FDIC issued FIL-13-2021 to provide regulatory relief to financial institutions and help facilitate recovery in areas of Oklahoma affected by severe winter storms. The guidance notes that the FDIC will consider the unusual circumstances faced by institutions affected by the winter storms. The guidance highlights suggest that institutions work with impacted borrowers to, among other things: (i) extend repayment terms; (ii) restructure existing loans; or (iii) ease terms for new loans to those affected by the severe weather, provided the measures are done “in a manner consistent with sound banking practices.” Additionally, the FDIC notes that institutions “may receive Community Reinvestment Act consideration for community development loans, investments, and services in support of disaster recovery.” The FDIC will also consider relief from certain reporting and publishing requirements.