FDIC Joins Fed In Proposing Stricter Capital Rules

WASHINGTON — U.S. banks would have to keep a bigger cushion against unexpected losses under rules being proposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The requirements are intended to prevent another financial crisis.

The FDIC voted 5-0 Tuesday to join the Federal Reserve in advancing the proposals. The Fed acted last week. All U.S. banks would be required to hold capital, stable money not at risk, that's worth at least 7 percent of their assets. That's up from a current minimum of 2 percent and is in line with international standards.

The requirements were mandated under the 2010 financial overhaul.

Officials said nearly all U.S. banks already meet the requirements, which will be phased in over seven years.

The rules are open to comment until September and will be finalized after that.