Marketplace All-in-One Do banks need less of a cushion in case of disaster?
Feb 17, 2026
Regulators are weighing rolling back post-2008 bank rules to spur more mortgage lending, and what that could mean for future financial stability. Reporters tour the physical infrastructure behind the AI boom, from data centers hidden in historic buildings to the internet exchanges that keep the cloud humming. The show also previews how building codes complicate factory-built housing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fed Sees Room To Recalibrate Mortgage Rules
- The Fed is considering easing post-2008 mortgage regulations to revive bank mortgage activity.
- Michelle Bowman argues regulators now better understand mortgage risks and can safely recalibrate rules.
Lower Cushions Could Raise Systemic Risk
- Easing capital requirements would lower the cash and asset cushions banks hold against risk.
- Changing mortgage risk calculations could make banks more willing to lend but raise systemic vulnerability.
Recalibrate Rules With Guardrails
- Revisit rules only with stronger oversight and updated risk models to avoid repeating past mistakes.
- Balance easing requirements with safeguards to protect consumers and system stability.