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Washington Roundup

Fed expected to release proposals for bank oversight
The Federal Reserve this week is likely to issue bank-oversight proposals, including requirements for bank capital and liquidity, that were mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, a source said. The new rules are intended to ensure that major banks are more financially stable and have the capital and liquidity they need to weather market and economic storms. Reuters(12/19)

Debate continues over Volcker rule
Regulatory proposals tend to draw comments from affected parties, but average people are contacting federal authorities who are writing new rules governing the banking industry. The Volcker rule, which would prevent major banks from engaging in proprietary trading, is a focal point. The banking industry has cautioned that the draft released in October is too stringent. "The rule as crafted is overly complex; I think everyone agrees with that," said SIFMA's Ken Bentsen. Learn more about SIFMA's position on the Volcker rule. Roll Call (free content)(12/19)

Basel Committee issues templates for capital disclosure
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision proposed rules for banks to disclose the size and quality of capital buffers starting in 2013. "It is often suggested that lack of clarity on the quality of capital contributed to uncertainty during the financial crisis," the committee said. "Furthermore, the interventions carried out by the authorities may have been more effective if capital positions of the banks were more transparent." Reuters(12/19)