Navigating the Updated FDIC Logo Requirements: What Banks Need to Know

In December 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued updated regulations that significantly impact how banks and financial institutions must display their FDIC membership. These changes, which became effective on April 1, 2024, have a compliance date of January 1, 2025, and are part of the FDIC’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and ensure that consumers are accurately informed about the protections available to them through FDIC-insured institutions.

The Purpose Behind the New Regulations

With the increasing reliance on digital banking, the FDIC recognized the need to modernize its regulations to address the complexities of the digital age. The revised guidelines focus on ensuring that the FDIC membership logo is clearly visible and accurately presented across all digital and physical platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media profiles. These updates are designed to prevent consumer confusion and protect against the misrepresentation of FDIC insurance coverage.

Key Changes to FDIC Logo Display Requirements

The FDIC’s new rules introduce several important changes that banks must comply with by the January 1, 2025 deadline:

1. Digital Platform Signage: Beginning in 2025, banks will be required to display the FDIC logo near the name of the bank on all websites and mobile applications. The logo must be easily identifiable and placed where consumers can see it without needing to scroll or search for it.

2. Size and Visibility: The updated guidelines specify that the FDIC logo must be displayed at a minimum size of 12.8 pixels in height when shown on digital platforms. The logo should be in black and set against a white or light-colored background to ensure maximum contrast and visibility.

3. Color and Contrast: The regulations also clarify that the FDIC logo must maintain a high level of contrast to ensure readability. This means it must be displayed in black on a light background, or in white on a dark background, without any alterations to its design or color scheme.

4. Use of FDIC Logo on Mobile Apps and ATMs: In addition to websites, the FDIC now requires that the logo be prominently displayed within mobile banking apps, particularly on the login screen and account overview pages. Furthermore, the FDIC logo must also be displayed on certain ATMs, ensuring that users are consistently reminded of FDIC insurance protection when accessing their accounts.

5. Prohibited Practices: The updated regulations specify practices that are no longer permissible. For example, banks are prohibited from altering the FDIC logo, using it in a way that could mislead consumers, or displaying it alongside products or services that are not FDIC-insured.

6. Additional Clarifications from the FDIC: The FDIC has also released a Q&A document to help institutions understand the nuances of these new regulations. For instance, one common question addressed is whether the FDIC logo must appear on every page of a bank’s website. The FDIC clarifies that while the logo should be prominently displayed on key pages like the homepage, it does not need to appear on every page of the site, provided it is clearly visible where appropriate.

How Shatterproof Can Help

At Shatterproof, we have extensive experience in building and managing websites for financial institutions, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements while also providing a seamless user experience. Over the years, we’ve partnered with numerous banks and financial entities to develop digital platforms that not only comply with industry regulations but also engage and inform customers effectively.

With the upcoming FDIC logo changes, our team is well-prepared to assist your institution in making the necessary updates to your digital and physical platforms. We can conduct a thorough audit of your current assets, provide strategic recommendations, and implement the changes required to ensure compliance with the new FDIC guidelines.

In addition, our experience in the financial sector allows us to anticipate potential challenges and provide solutions that are both effective and efficient. Whether you need to update your website, mobile app, or other digital channels, Shatterproof is here to help you navigate these changes and maintain your institution’s reputation for transparency and trustworthiness.

Sources:

? Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2023). “FDIC Announces Final Rule on Updated Signage Requirements.” FDIC Press Release

? Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2023). “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: FDIC Signage Requirements.” FDIC Regulatory Notice

? Code of Federal Regulations. (2023). “Section 328.5 Signs for Digital Deposit-Taking Channels.” Casetext

? Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2024). “Questions and Answers Related to the FDIC’s Part 328 Final Rule.” FDIC Q&A