I think the regulatory pressure to consolidate is well known by the Fed leadership, and they've at least announced a desire to protect small institutions and do

I think the regulatory pressure to consolidate is well known by the Fed leadership, and they've at least announced a desire to protect small institutions and do more to encourage de novo institutions[0]. But I disagree with the idea that Dodd-Frank in particular has much to do with encouraging smaller banks to consolidate, considering its provisions kick in at defined levels of capitalization. The practice of "charter stripping", which is when fintech/crypto startups purchase a small community bank for their Federal banking charter and discard the rest, probably has a bit more impact, and that's exactly what relaxing the rules against de novo charters would alleviate. [0]: https://www.bankingdive.com/news/federal-reserve-governor-Michelle-bowman-de-novo-banks/647832/ https://www.bankingdive.com/news/federal-reserve-governor-Mi...