Ep. 132 - How the 2024 election could reshape bank regulation and M&A

The U.S. election could change the legislative, supervisory and regulatory framework for the banking industry. In the episode, we discuss what different election outcomes could mean for banks with three guests focused on policy, regulation and rulemaking: Paul Merski, executive vice president, congressional relations and strategy at the Independent Community Bankers of America; Naomi Camper, chief policy officer at the American Bankers Association; and Isaac Boltansky, managing director and director of policy research at BTIG. The group outlined the current regulatory framework under the Biden administration and how it has differed from the Trump administration. The panelists agreed that a Harris presidency could be seen as a continuation of the existing regulatory framework and noted that a Trump victory could lead to significant regulatory shifts, particularly around consumer issues, fintech and bank M&A activity. But, they also noted that both candidates have shared populist views, creating a horseshoe effect of the ideological specturm.