Microsoft shares jump after fourth-quarter earnings beat on AI-fueled cloud growth
Investing.com - Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman has suggested potential regulatory changes that could benefit mid-cap banks in the $50-100 billion asset range, according to a note from UBS. These changes could significantly impact the banking sector, where many institutions are currently trading at compelling valuations according to InvestingPro data.
The comments from Bowman, who recently assumed her role, indicate that banks approaching the $100 billion asset threshold might gain "more room to grow without triggering enhanced oversight," UBS analyst Nicholas Holowko wrote in the research note.
UBS highlighted that while recent deregulation efforts have primarily focused on larger financial institutions, including potential reforms to Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR), Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test (DFAST), and Global Systemically Important Bank (GSIB) surcharge requirements, mid-cap institutions have "largely been left hanging."
Changes to the Large Financial Institution (LFI) threshold could particularly benefit higher-growth banks nearing the $100 billion asset mark, including Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL), Wintrust Financial (NASDAQ:WTFC), Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS), and East West Bancorp (NASDAQ:EWBC), according to the UBS analysis. Western Alliance, currently valued at $8.4 billion in market cap, has demonstrated strong fundamentals with 11.4% revenue growth and a P/E ratio of 10.4. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently slightly undervalued, with analysts setting price targets between $80-100.
The timing and specific mechanism of these potential regulatory adjustments remain uncertain, though Bowman has mentioned the possibility twice in her first two weeks as Vice Chair for Supervision, the note indicated. For deeper insights into how these regulatory changes might affect banking sector valuations, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive financial health scores and detailed analysis covering over 1,400 US stocks, including in-depth Pro Research Reports that transform complex Wall Street data into actionable intelligence.
In other recent news, Western Alliance Bancorporation announced the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where all thirteen board nominees were elected, and a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation was approved. Additionally, RSM US LLP was ratified as the independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Jefferies initiated coverage of Western Alliance with a Buy rating and a $95 price target, highlighting the company’s strong growth trajectory and valuation. The firm noted Western Alliance’s impressive loan and deposit growth rates, which surpass those of its peers. Meanwhile, DA Davidson adjusted their price target for Western Alliance to $90 from $106, maintaining a Buy recommendation despite concerns over criticized loans. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods also revised their price target to $95 from $110, while keeping an Outperform rating, citing the bank’s strong capital position. Furthermore, Western Alliance declared quarterly dividends on both common and preferred stock, reflecting its policy of returning value to shareholders. These developments provide investors with insights into the company’s financial health and strategic direction.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.