Warren Criticizes Fed Oversight Changes Amid SVB Collapse Fallout
Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ruben Gallego have raised concerns over potential shifts in Federal Reserve oversight following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2023. The lawmakers argue it would be "highly inappropriate" to remove bank examiners at the request of financial institutions. The failure of SVB occurred during a severe crypto market downturn, though the letter does not explicitly link the bank's collapse to digital assets.
The Fed, alongside the OCC and FDIC, has been revising capital requirements for major banks, including adjustments to stress tests, leverage ratios, and Basel III implementation. These changes aim to clarify that leverage rules should not hinder low-risk activities like holding U.S. Treasuries. Michelle, a Trump-appointed regulator, has spearheaded efforts to reduce supervisory staff and curb what she describes as "abusive" practices.