InfoBytes Blog
Senator Warren urges Fed vote on Basel III requirements
On June 17, in a letter to Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) requested information regarding discussions of potentially cutting the Basel III capital requirements in half.
Warren highlighted reports that Powell was considering reducing Basel III capital requirements and was allegedly influenced by lobbying efforts. Warren also referenced Powell's public comments suggesting significant changes or elimination of these requirements. She cited a news article detailing the Fed's alleged plan to lessen the mandated capital increase for major U.S. banks and reports of lobbying efforts, bypassing the Fed's Vice Chair for Banking Supervision, Michael Barr.
Warren expressed concern that such a move could compromise the financial stability and security of middle-class and working families, while benefiting wealthy investors and CEOs. She argued that this contradicted the purpose of the Basel III rules, which were designed to prevent financial crises.
Warren also discussed ongoing risks in the banking and financial sector, including reports of potential regional bank failures due to troubled commercial real estate loans. She challenged the arguments made by large banks against increasing capital reserves and accused Powell of taking lucrative deals following bank failures, suggesting that Powell's actions undermined the role of the Vice Chair for Banking Supervision.