If two CRA reporting institutions merge, doesn't the resulting bank have the option to file combined or seperate CRA data? I can't find this in the regulation. Can anyone help?

The answer is in the Guide to CRA Data Collection and Reporting January 2001 page 6.
"The surviving institution may file either a consolidated submission or separate submissions for the year of the merger but must file a consolidated report for subsequent years."

It's also in the CRA Q&A's §_.42-5.