FDIC Updates its Consumer Compliance Examination Schedule

11/12/25

The FDIC recently announced changes to how often it conducts consumer-compliance and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) exams for the banks it supervises. The goal is to better match exam frequency with each institution's size, risk level, and past performance.

Under the new schedule, most community banks will fall into one of three exam cycles - roughly every 2-3 years, 4-5 years, or 5-6½ years between full compliance and CRA exams. Banks with strong compliance records and solid CRA ratings will now be reviewed less often, while those with ongoing issues will continue to see more frequent supervision. Even for banks on the longer cycle, the FDIC will conduct a mid-point check-in to assess any new risks that may have developed since the last review.

For most Ohio banks, this is a positive development. Institutions with proven track records in compliance will face less exam disruption, giving them more time to focus on serving customers and communities. The change also offers greater predictability so banks can plan ahead for when exam teams are likely to arrive. The OBL welcomes this move as a sign of trust in well-managed community banks. Below you will find a chart to help you determine your length of exam cycle.