Membership Information
Who Can Become a Member of the Federal Reserve System
Any state-chartered bank (mutual or stock-formed) may become a member of the Federal Reserve System. The twelve regional Reserve Banks supervise state member banks as part of the Federal Reserve System's mandate to assure strength and stability in the nation's domestic markets and banking system. Reserve Bank supervision is carried out in partnership with the state regulators, assuring a consistent and unified regulatory environment. Regional and community banking organizations constitute the largest number of banking organizations supervised by the Federal Reserve System. Through its decentralized structure, use of emerging technology and partnerships with state regulators, the Federal Reserve has developed a risk-focused approach that is responsive and provides member banks with a high quality and efficient supervisory process.
Apply for Membership
To apply for membership, complete and submit application for membership: Form FR 2083A/B/C. A bank seeking membership should contact the Federal Reserve prior to submitting a final application to allow for the completion of a pre-membership examination, if needed.
File an Application
Application Information by Organization
Regulatory applications are required for member banks and bank holding companies to engage in expansionary activity. Individuals may be required to file an application to acquire a controlling interest in a banking organization. See this page for more on the types of activities that require an application. Read more...
E-Apps Tool
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is able to accept all regulatory applications through the E-Apps tool. This web-based application allows banking organizations supervised by the Federal Reserve System to submit applications online, either directly or through their authorized representatives. The system has been designed to ensure confidentiality is maintained. For Seventh District questions on regulatory applications, or on utilizing E-Apps, please contact applications manager Chameen Letourneau and include FRB Application Questions in the subject line. Read more...
Borrow from the Federal Reserve's Discount Window
This website includes an introduction to the discount window function as well as FAQs and information on the mechanics of borrowing, the primary and secondary lending programs, the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation A and the seasonal lending program. Read more...
Manage Your Federal Reserve Account
Manage your reserves and/or clearing balances and learn about Payments System Risk policy. Read more...
Access the H.2
This bulletin identifies currently pending applications and notices that have been filed with the Chicago Fed and have open comment periods. The bulletin also discloses the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination ratings for State Member Banks whose CRA examination rating became publicly available during the previous week. Read more...
Resources
Comment on Applications and Notices Filed
View applications and notices filed with the Federal Reserve System that are open for public comment. Read more...
Enforcement Actions
View formal enforcement actions for violations of laws, rules, or regulations, unsafe or unsound practices, breaches of fiduciary duty, and violations of final orders. Read more...
Orders on Banking Applications
View orders issued under the Bank Holding Company Act, the Bank Merger Act, and the International Banking Act. Read more...
Public Information Documents
Weekly actions taken by the Board, its staff and the Federal Reserve Banks are listed in the Board's H.2 release. The H.2 also lists reports from the Federal Reserve Banks on applications received and on ratings under the Community Reinvestment Act. Read more...
Public Meeting Transcripts
Under the Bank Holding Company Act, the Federal Reserve Board is required to consider the effects of proposed mergers and acquisitions involving bank holding companies. Read more...
