On March 19, 2026, U.S. federal banking agencies released a series of proposed rules that would lower the amount of capital banks are required to hold against potential losses, change the risk weights that other banking organizations apply to credit exposures and change the method for calculating the capital surcharge for global systemically important banking organizations. If finalized, the 2026 banking proposals would represent some of the most significant changes to bank capital standards since the reforms enacted in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Comments on the proposals are due by June 18, 2026.
Closing the Loophole – Oregon Takes Aim at Out-of-State Lender Interest Rates
On March 6, 2026, the Oregon state Senate passed HB 4116, a bill aimed at restricting out-of-state lenders from charging interest rates above Oregon’s 36 percent cap when lending to Oregon borrowers. The bill, which previously cleared the Oregon House of Representatives, now heads to Governor Tina Kotek, who has indicated she plans to sign it into law. This Alert examines the background of state interest rate caps and the “loophole” that has allowed lenders to circumvent them, details Oregon’s recent legislative response to that loophole, and outlines the potential implications for the consumer lending market if other states implement similar legislation.
Web accessibility: What e-retailers need to know
A few years ago, many banks found themselves to be the targets of class action lawyers for alleged failure to comply with ADA standards regarding access to ATMs. We believe that it is likely that we will soon see a new spate of cases directed at banks and retailers relating to accessibility to their websites by persons with visual, hearing, and hand disabilities. To read more on the subject, please read the recent article Web accessibility: What e-retailers need to know by Duane Morris partner Colin Knisely .