<p><strong>Promoting New Bank Formation Act</strong></p><p>This bill eliminates and reduces certain requirements applicable to new depository institutions, certain rural community depository institutions, and federal savings associations.</p><p>Federal banking agencies must issue rules allowing a new depository institution or depository institution holding company three years to meet capital requirements. During this period, a depository institution or its depository institution holding company may request to deviate from an approved business plan, and the appropriate agency has 30 days to approve or deny the request.</p><p>In addition, the community bank leverage ratio—a way of evaluating debt levels—is reduced for new rural community depository institutions. Specifically, new rural community depository institutions must have a ratio of 8%, with a three-year phase-in of the rate. After this period, the ratio rises to its current level of 9%. </p><p>Finally, the bill removes certain restrictions to allow federal savings associations to invest in, sell, or otherwise deal in agricultural loans.</p>