Monday's decision by the Federal Reserve's top bank regulator to step down from his job — but not from the Fed entirely — is simultaneously less and more than meets the eye. Why it matters: Michael Barr's self-demotion clears the way for President-elect Trump to appoint a vice chair for supervision.

Barr's early resignation from the Fed’s regulatory oversight role paves the way for Trump’s influence over the central bank.

Michael Barr, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s vice chair for supervision, will step down from his position on Feb. 28 — or earlier, if a successor is confirmed — according to a Monday announcement from the Federal Reserve. Barr will continue to serve as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.