FDIC Plans to Cut Premiums for Most Small Banks

American Banker
Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Small banks could pay less in assessment fee premiums under a new FDIC proposal. The proposal would change the calculus used in determining assessment fees, incorporating metrics based on banks’ loan portfolios. The proposal would result in 60% of small banks paying lower premiums. The plan is intended to be revenue-neutral, reallocating a greater percentage of assessment fees to riskier institutions. It would also add a "loan mix" category in its risk assessment that takes into account the types of loans a bank holds. It would apply only to banks with less than $10 billion of assets that have been insured for at least 5 years. The proposal would go into effect one quarter after the Deposit Insurance Fund reaches 1.15%; it currently stands at 1.03%.