(As published in BankBeat magazine)
In the world of financial services regulations, with each new year come changes. Among 2025 changes are new FDIC deposit insurance rules and use of a new, digital logo that takes effect May 1 requiring updates to financial institutions’ compliance and digital content. The following are considerations and additional resources to help navigate these changes.
What is the new FDIC logo?
The new FDIC logo is the addition of an FDIC official digital sign. To be clear, the traditional official FDIC sign, with the black lettering on a gold background, has not changed. The new FDIC official digital sign is a digital black and navy blue logo for use by financial institutions that are FDIC-insured.
How does the new FDIC digital logo need to be used?
In general, the rule requires an insured depository institution to feature this new digital logo on certain webpages, mobile apps, and on ATMS, if the ATM allows for deposit-taking activities. There are a lot of subtle requirements IDIs will have to comply with when updating their digital content to incorporate the new FDIC official digital sign. For example, if the specified colors, navy blue and black, would not be legible against the background of the IDI’s webpage or mobile app, an alternative color (white) may be used. In addition, IDIs are required to display the new signage on the IDI’s homepage, landing and login pages, and on pages where the customer may transact with deposits. Placement of the sign also matters as the sign must appear at the top of the page, near the name of the financial institution. To ensure compliance, IDIs will need to have this new logo in place, on all applicable platforms, by May 1.
Is the new FDIC official digital sign required to be included on my deposit disclosures when those disclosures are presented online or in a mobile app?
The answer to this question likely depends on the design of an institution’s website or mobile app. As stated, the new digital logo needs to be on the IDI’s homepage, landing and login pages, and on pages where the customer may transact with deposits. So, if the disclosures are visible on such a page, the new logo needs to be included on the page in the manner prescribed by the rule. However, if the disclosures are accessed through a link or on a standalone page, the logo probably does not need to be present. Regardless, if the logo is included, it would probably be best to follow the location, color, size, and other requirements of the revised regulation.
What is the additional advertising statement that was added and how is it used?
The additional advertising statement that was added by the FDIC is the phrase “FDIC-insured.” This phrase may now be used in addition to previous advertising statements that were permitted — the short title “Member of FDIC,” “Member FDIC,” or a reproduction of the symbol of the corporation as defined in § 328.2(b)). To date, we have not seen any requests to include “FDIC-insured” as a standard content option.
According to the regulation, IDIs are required to feature the official advertising statement in all advertisements promoting deposit products. The rule defines “advertisement” as any commercial message in any medium intended to draw public attention or patronage to a product or business and includes advertising on social media platforms.
Who do the new rules affect?
The new rules affect financial institutions federally insured by the FDIC. Fortunately, the new official FDIC digital sign and advertising statement rules do not affect the way an institution’s customers conduct deposit transactions. Instead, these changes are in place for customers to be more informed of the FDIC deposit insurance, across all banking channels.
When does this rule go into effect?
The original compliance deadline was Jan. 1. However, the FDIC extended this to May 1. All affected institutions can request a copy of the FDIC official digital signage, via email at [email protected].
Is it required?
The requirement to display the new FDIC official digital sign on websites, mobile apps, and ATMs (that accept deposits, and that are put into service after May 1, 2025) is required for all institutions insured by the FDIC.
Additional information
Understanding this is a lot of information to digest, and that there are certain subtleties not discussed in this article (including rules for in-branch signage and signage required for certain non-deposit products). For more information, visit FDIC.gov or check out the links below:
FDIC Q&A: https://www.fdic.gov/deposit-insurance/questions-and-answers-related-fdics-part-328-final-rule
FDIC signage, advertising statement amendments final rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/18/2023-28629/fdic-official-signs-and-advertising-requirements-false-advertising-misrepresentation-of-insured
Editor’s Note: Since this article was published, the FDIC delayed the effective date of certain provisions of the signage and advertising rule. Specifically, the FDIC delayed until March 1, 2026, the requirements related to displaying the FDIC’s official sign on digital channels, as well as the provisions relating to displaying the official sign on ATMs and similar devices. The FDIC says it plans to use the additional time to propose adjustments to the rule. Additional information can be found here.
