About Banking Supervision
The Federal Reserve is responsible for the supervision of certain financial institutions to ensure that they comply with rules and regulations, and that they operate in a safe and sound manner. We supervise all state-chartered banks in the Fifth District that have elected to become members of the Federal Reserve. In addition, we supervise all bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and the operations of any foreign bank conducting business in our District.
We operate under a relationship structure that allows us to be responsive, and we have an experienced team with diverse skills located in Richmond, Baltimore and Charlotte.
By continually seeking feedback from leaders of our member banks on the quality and efficiency of the examination and overall supervisory process, we provide value added supervision through helpful training and learning opportunities outside of our examination program.
Community and Regional Banking Supervision
Our Community and Regional Banking Supervision team oversees all state member banks as well as bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with assets below $100 billion.
We assess and monitor the safety and soundness of these entities through on-site and off-site examinations and inspections, analysis of reported financials, and ongoing two-way communications between the Richmond Fed and the financial institutions. Additionally, Consumer Affairs examiners evaluate a state member bank’s compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations.
Large Financial Institution Supervision
When financial institutions have assets over $100 billion, it substantially increases the supervisory rigor that’s required. If a firm is considered “systemically significant” to the American economy, then even more oversight is necessary. Our Large Financial Institution Supervision unit focuses on the large firms that are headquartered within the Fifth District and works with Reserve Banks across the country to coordinate oversight of large firms nationwide. We work with firms to make sure they are handling their risks appropriately and are well positioned to be resilient in the face of challenging business conditions.
Safety and Soundness
Examiners conduct commercial bank examinations and bank holding company inspections to evaluate the soundness of the institution's assets and the effectiveness of its internal operations, policies and management. Examiners analyze asset quality, capital, earnings and liquidity and assess the institution's sensitivity to certain risks. They also check for compliance with banking laws and regulations.
Consumer Affairs
The Consumer Affairs section of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has responsibility for ensuring that Fifth District state member banks comply with the provisions of federal consumer protection laws and regulations governing the activities of financial institutions.
Enforcement Actions
Enforcement actions are necessary for violations of laws, rules, or regulations, unsafe or unsound practices, breaches of fiduciary duty, and violations of final orders. Actions can be assessed against any entity the Federal Reserve has authority to supervise, including officers, directors, and employees. Formal enforcement actions include written agreements, cease and desist orders, removal and prohibition orders, and orders assessing civil money penalties.
Additional Resources
Appeals
The Federal Register and SR 20-28 / CA 20-14 provide information on filing an appeal in response to a material supervisory determination. Filing institutions should direct appeals to the Board of Governors' Ombudsman.
SR Letters
Supervision and Regulation Letters, commonly known as SR Letters, address significant policy and procedural matters related to the Federal Reserve System's supervisory responsibilities.
Understanding Federal Reserve Supervision
Bank supervision is government oversight of banks. Examiners work to understand banks' operations, major risks, how well banks manage those risks and whether banks have sufficient financial and managerial resources.
Regulations
Congress has assigned to the Board of Governors responsibility for implementing the Federal Reserve Act, which established the Federal Reserve System, and certain other laws pertaining to a wide range of banking and financial activities.