U.S. regulators: Release proposed guidelines for third-party risk management in banks

According to Bloomberg, U.S. regulators released a statement on Friday announcing a proposed guideline on third-party risk management for banks. The Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration stated that the proposal aims to help banks and credit unions "better align and customize their third-party risk management practices to match the risks of various third-party relationships."

Federal Reserve staff indicated in a memorandum that as this plan is introduced, banks are increasingly outsourcing certain functions and relying on third-party relationships to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The plan will be open for public comment, is non-binding, and aims to focus institutions' regulatory attention on a principles-based approach to such risks. Federal Reserve Governor Barr opposed the proposal, citing concerns about the standards for "significant financial risks."