Adapting to Change: Navigating the New CRA Regulations and Planning Regions in Connecticut

This webinar, presented by Len Suzio, focused on the new Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations and their implications, especially considering the introduction of new planning regions in Connecticut. The key points of the webinar included:

  1. Postponement of Applicable CRA Provisions: Initially set for April 1, 2024, the implementation of certain CRA provisions has been delayed to 2026. This includes changes to facility-based assessment areas.
  2. Concerns of Connected Banks: Banks should be particularly concerned about the new planning regions in Connecticut, which have significant implications for CRA compliance.
  3. Discussion on Effective and Applicable Dates: The webinar covered the timeline for the implementation of various aspects of the new CRA regulations.
  4. New Planning Regions and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs): Detailed discussions were held about the new planning regions and MSAs in Connecticut and their impact on bank assessment areas.
  5. Bank Size Categories under New CRA Rule: Changes in bank size categories were discussed, highlighting the difference between current and future regulations.
  6. Public File Requirements: There was a discussion about the confusion surrounding public file requirements, including what needs to be included and retention periods for documents in the public file
  7. Facility-Based Assessment Areas: The implications of new facility-based assessment areas were briefly mentioned, noting they will not be effective until 2026.
  8. Bank Size Definitions and Implications: A significant portion of the webinar was dedicated to explaining how the redefinition of bank sizes under the new CRA will affect banks' operations and compliance.
  9. Impact on Fair Lending: The changes in the planning regions and MSAs are not significant for only CRA but also for fair lending purposes.
  10. Questions and Answers Session: The webinar concluded with a Q&A session where participants could ask specific questions or clarify doubts related to the new CRA regulations.

Overall, the webinar served as a comprehensive guide to understand the upcoming changes in the CRA and their specific impacts on banks in Connecticut, with a focus on the new regional planning regions and their implications.


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