FDIC CRA Examination Schedules 2026 2027 Released

• The FDIC has published its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination schedules for the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
• These schedules are crucial for financial institutions to prepare for regulatory assessments of their community credit needs, particularly in low- and moderate-income areas.
• CRA examination frequency for institutions with $350 million or less in assets is typically no more often than once every 66-78 months for both 'Satisfactory' and 'Outstanding' ratings, absent reasonable cause.
• The published schedules are based on current information and are subject to change, with provisions for unscheduled examinations or delays.
• The public is encouraged to submit comments on institutions slated for examination, which will be considered before the review's completion.

Legal counsel and compliance officers at financial institutions should immediately review these newly released FDIC CRA examination schedules for Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 to ascertain if their institution is listed.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently made public its comprehensive lists detailing financial institutions slated for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examinations during the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. This announcement provides crucial foresight for banks and thrifts, allowing them to proactively prepare for regulatory scrutiny concerning their community lending practices. The schedules specifically cover the period from October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and subsequently from January 1, 2027, through March 31, 2027.

Legal counsel and compliance officers at financial institutions should immediately review these newly released FDIC CRA examination schedules for Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 to ascertain if their institution is listed. This early notification is designed to provide ample time for preparation, ensuring full compliance with CRA obligations and facilitating a smooth regulatory review process. The publication aligns with established regulatory requirements for transparency in the examination process.

The Community Reinvestment Act, enacted in 1977, serves as a foundational piece of legislation requiring federal bank and thrift regulators, including the FDIC, to evaluate how well banks address the credit needs of their entire service areas. This mandate specifically includes an emphasis on low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, all while maintaining safe and sound operational practices. CRA examinations are the primary mechanism through which federal regulators assess an institution's performance in fulfilling these critical community development responsibilities.

Federal regulations stipulate that each federal bank and thrift regulator must make its quarterly CRA examination schedule publicly available at least 30 days prior to the commencement of that quarter. This ensures that both institutions and the public are informed about upcoming regulatory assessments. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation CRA oversight is a continuous process, designed to encourage financial institutions to meet the credit demands of all segments of their communities.

The scheduling of these vital CRA examinations is determined by an institution's asset size and its most recent CRA rating. Specific guidelines dictate the frequency of these reviews for smaller institutions. For instance, a financial institution with total assets of $350 million or less that has achieved a 'Satisfactory' CRA rating will generally not undergo a CRA examination more often than once every 66-78 months, unless there is a compelling reason for an earlier review. Similarly, institutions falling within the same asset threshold of $350 million or less, but boasting an 'Outstanding' CRA rating, benefit from an even longer interval, typically facing examination no more frequently than once every 66-78 months, absent reasonable cause. These guidelines aim to balance regulatory oversight with the operational realities of smaller banks, while still ensuring robust bank CRA compliance requirements are met across the board.

While the FDIC has released these lists for Q4 2026 Q1 2027 CRA examinations based on the best available information, it is important for financial institutions to recognize that these schedules are subject to change. Various factors can lead to adjustments; for example, a regulated entity not initially listed for a review might still be examined in connection with an application for a deposit facility. Conversely, some scheduled examinations may be delayed if an institution requires more time or resources than initially allocated, potentially impacting the timing of other financial institution regulatory exams.

Should an institution's examination be rescheduled for a different quarter, this updated information will be reflected in a subsequent list. Federal bank and thrift regulators actively encourage public comment regarding the institutions slated for CRA examination. For FDIC-supervised entities, comments should be directed either to the institutions themselves or to the Deputy Regional Director of the relevant FDIC regional office. All public comments received before the completion of a CRA examination will be thoroughly considered. The complete Community Reinvestment Act exam list can be obtained by calling (703) 562-2200 or (877) 275-3342, or by writing to the FDIC Public Information Center at 3501 Fairfax Drive, Room E-1005, Arlington, VA 22226.

Compliance officers and legal counsel at financial institutions should immediately review the newly released FDIC CRA examination schedules for Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 to ascertain if their institution is listed, allowing ample time to prepare for the upcoming regulatory review and ensure full compliance with CRA obligations.

Source: Original reporting via FDIC press release