Keeping the US banking system safe and stable has been a persistent challenge for policymakers. Over the past 150 years, Congress has enacted several measures to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for banks in response to episodic banking crises, and through its actions, deepened the social compact with banks.
Through the passage of laws like the
- National Bank Act (1864);
- Federal Reserve Act (1913);
- Federal Deposit Insurance Act (1950); and
- Bank Holding Company Act (1956)
Congress articulated a clear view that to enjoy the benefits of being a bank – the right to accept deposits, lend and process payments with the benefit of the federal safety net (FDIC insurance or access to the discount window) – banks are expected to act prudently and comply with a meaningful regulatory and supervisory framework.
This framework has been significantly strengthened over the years, most recently through the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999) and the Dodd-Frank Act (2010), to ensure that banks are and remain sound and that their customers’ money, privacy and data are protected. In totality, this framework — commonly referred to as the prudential regulatory framework or prudential regulation — provides the bedrock for a safe and stable banking system in the United States, where banks focus on financing the real economy, keeping customer money safe, and helping Americans secure their financial futures.
Keeping the US banking system safe and stable has been a persistent challenge for policymakers. Over the past 150 years, Congress has enacted several measures to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for banks in response to episodic banking crises, and through its actions, deepened the social compact with banks.
Through the passage of laws like the
- National Bank Act (1864);
- Federal Reserve Act (1913);
- Federal Deposit Insurance Act (1950); and
- Bank Holding Company Act (1956)
Congress articulated a clear view that to enjoy the benefits of being a bank – the right to accept deposits, lend and process payments with the benefit of the federal safety net (FDIC insurance or access to the discount window) – banks are expected to act prudently and comply with a meaningful regulatory and supervisory framework.
This framework has been significantly strengthened over the years, most recently through the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999) and the Dodd-Frank Act (2010), to ensure that banks are and remain sound and that their customers’ money, privacy and data are protected. In totality, this framework — commonly referred to as the prudential regulatory framework or prudential regulation — provides the bedrock for a safe and stable banking system in the United States, where banks focus on financing the real economy, keeping customer money safe, and helping Americans secure their financial futures.




Unfortunately, the safety and stability of our system is at risk as technology companies seek to act more and more like banks, but without adhering to a prudential framework. They seek all the benefits of being a bank without taking on the duties and responsibilities that come along with it.
Why do tech firms want in?
These tech firms are essentially after two things: revenues and profits attributed to banking activities, like payments and lending; and sensitive customer data they can monetize (read: sell in one form or another).
Technology companies could go through the more difficult process of getting an ordinary bank license and be subject to the prudential framework. And admittedly, some chose this route, but those firms are the exception to the rule. Rather, most of these tech companies are taking the easier route by exploiting loopholes or cracks in the existing framework. They do so by pursuing novel or special types of charters offered by certain States competing for business through a charter race-to-the-bottom or by the OCC.
What are these novel and special charters?
This charter would allow tech companies that do not accept insured deposits, but either pay checks or lend money to enjoy the benefits of a national banking charter, without being subject to the many supervisory requirements applicable to insured depository institutions.
This charter would allow tech companies that process payments, but don’t accept deposits, to forgo FDIC deposit insurance, but be able to access the Fed’s payment system.
Banks by another name, essentially. Some cannot offer checking accounts, but they otherwise do what commercial banks do. The ILC parent company lacks the necessary Fed supervision and capital requirements as well as consumer and data privacy protections.
Some states have been moving towards charters for crypto companies, and other tech firms, that would not require being FDIC insured. As an example, the Wyoming State Banking Board has in place a novel charter known as a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI), which permits institutions to accept customer deposits, without FDIC deposit insurance and the obligation to meet federal bank minimum capital requirements.
How are they able to operate without bank regulations?
The common element among each of these charters is that they are not treated like an ordinary bank under federal law and therefore avoid the vast majority of (or all of) the prudential regulatory framework established by Congress and federal regulators. By doing so, they operate outside of the safety perimeter in which ordinary banks operate. Importantly, these special charters also allow tech companies to skirt federal requirements that they support the communities in which they operate, like the Community Reinvestment Act. These charters also escape federal measures designed to keep banking and commerce separate, a long-standing U.S. policy. Where FinTech is leading, Big Tech is sure to follow.
And until policymakers patch the cracks and close the loopholes, these tech companies will continue to pursue the creation of a “banking wild west,” where they can shirk responsibility, avoid the rules that require everyone else to act prudently, and put at risk our otherwise safe and stable banking system. The “move fast and break stuff” mentality of Silicon Valley should not be given a free pass when it comes to the banking system and Americans’ financial health.
What should policymakers do?
Policymakers must decide whether the prudential regulatory framework that currently provides for a safe and stable banking system continues to make sense and, if so, then consider whether it should apply only to traditional banks or also be extended to tech companies that engage in banking activities by examining the cracks and loopholes that create very real regulatory arbitrage opportunities.
Unfortunately, absent urgent action from policymakers, the existing social compact is quickly unraveling. Each time a technology company is approved for a new special bank charter that allows them to operate outside the regulatory perimeter, the safety and stability of the U.S. banking system is eroding. In the near term, only significant and expeditious action to address the existing cracks and loopholes can ensure the continued safety and stability of the banking system.
Banking is Safe, Strong and Stable. Keep It That Way.
3/4
of adults trust banks to protect their personal data, compared to 62 percent who trust tech companies to do so and 44 percent who trust FinTech firms with their information.1
2/3+
of adults say large tech companies should be regulated the same as or more than banks if they offer a full range of banking services. Nearly two thirds (66 percent) say the same of FinTech firms.2
FinTech Access to Fed Accounts and the Nation’s Payments Systems: A Primer
Research and Analysis
FAQs and Additional Resources
What risks does a National Payments charter pose to the financial system?
NEws
“If a tech company wants to be regulated like a bank, they’re welcome to come on board...we have 6,000 employees and we will hire 6,000 more.” FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams in response to tech companies seeking to exploit ILC charters. #tchbpi2019 pic.twitter.com/cgtK1BDwjR
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) November 20, 2019
This is bonkers: pic.twitter.com/st2u0LNDOB
— Morgan Ricks (@MorganRicks1) September 2, 2020
Consumers trust banks more than Big Tech to protect data.
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) March 29, 2021
Voters are 7x more likely to say that banks do a better job at protecting consumer data compared to technology firms.
Learn more at https://t.co/k5Wrl6qUOt. #KeepBankingSafe pic.twitter.com/LeVAydbcRi
78% of voters say if technology companies were to offer financial services to customers, technology companies should be regulated the same as or more than banks, according to a survey conducted by Morning Consult.
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) March 25, 2021
Learn more at https://t.co/k5Wrl69jWV. #KeepBankingSafe pic.twitter.com/MO5QmCjVFb
What do @bankpolicy @ICBA @ABABankers and @TCHtweets have in common? For one, they are all emphatic non-fans of the @USOCC payments charter idea.
— John Heltman (@JohnHeltman) September 29, 2020
via @BrendanPedersen https://t.co/jlIKiXT1MR
The @USOCC's Chief Economist authored a paper accusing state authorities, traditional and universal banks, the Federal Reserve and possibly even the members of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition as opposing the OCC’s plans to provide bank charters to #FinTechs. (1/6)
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) December 16, 2020
BPI and a coalition of trades including @ABABankers, @ConsumerBankers @CUNA, @ICBA, @NAFCU and @TCHtweets urge the OCC to undertake an open and transparent process before considering a new narrow-purpose payments charter: https://t.co/YZwiAq3Kh3
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) July 29, 2020
Wall Street wants Biden to crimp tech rivals https://t.co/6xiLNUFvyl via @financialtimes
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) February 10, 2021
“These new ersatz bank charters lack protections for US consumers and are a risk to financial stability,' said Greg Baer, president of the Bank Policy Institute..."
Tech companies are known for being disruptors, but when it comes to paying rent or saving money for a big purchase, disruption is the last thing you need.
— Bank Policy Institute (@bankpolicy) March 18, 2021
The banking system is safe strong and stable. Let’s keep it that way.
Learn more: https://t.co/k5Wrl69jWV #KeepBankingSafe pic.twitter.com/KNKUJSaFIl
Banking and Consumer Groups Urge Congress to Close Statutory Loophole in Response to FDIC Final Rule on ILCs
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