(Adds comments)
NEW YORK, Sept 10 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve's
regulatory chief on Tuesday outlined a sweeping overhaul easing
two major draft bank capital rules following intense industry
opposition that delayed the projects and sparked divisions among
the top federal banking regulators.
Shares of major U.S. banks fell after Fed Vice Chair for
Supervision Michael Barr unveiled the plan for the so-called
Basel endgame bank capital hike.
Here are comments from the industry:
BANK OF AMERICA ( BAC ) CEO BRIAN MOYNIHAN (DURING THE
BARCLAYS GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FORUM)
"We're fine. We can continue to buy back stock. Now on the
other hand, you've had successive chairs of the Federal Reserve
saying the capital's right in the industry and suddenly we
needed more capital. If our capital goes up by 10%, it stops us
from making $160 billion loans we would otherwise make. Those
loans would go to small businesses and middle-market companies
at competitive rates."
CHRIS STANLEY, MOODY'S BANKING INDUSTRY PRACTICE LEAD:
"We're close to the election, which will slow progress,
but Basel Endgame and GSIB Surcharge rules will survive no
matter who wins."
STEPHEN BIGGAR, BANKING ANALYST, ARGUS RESEARCH:
"This is less than half the percent increase that was
proposed, but its disappointing to see the negative bank stock
price reaction. The Street may have been looking for a greater
reduction from the original proposal."
KEVIN FROMER, PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES FORUM (IN A
STATEMENT):
"It is essential that capital regulations avoid unnecessary
and harmful impacts across the U.S. economy. The revisions
should comprehensively address the concerns that have been
raised by a wide range of commenters citing the likely costs on
families and businesses of all sizes. The agencies should also
provide detailed quantitative analysis and policy justification.
"We look forward to reviewing the revisions and
participating fully in the public comment process. Getting this
right is essential for the U.S. economy."
JPMORGAN CHASE ( JPM ) PRESIDENT DANIEL PINTO (DURING THE
BARCLAYS GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FORUM)
"Obviously 10 is better than 20. So that's good. The issue
is we have no idea what they have changed."
Pinto said the bank would be closely examining changes to
how the draft weighs markets risks.
CHRISTOPHER WOLFE, HEAD OF NORTH AMERICAN BANKS, FITCH
RATINGS:
"This was largely expected given the stiff pushback to the
original proposal. The big question will be around whether the
election changes anything from the new draft proposal."