§__.24(d) – 1
Q: How do examiners evaluate the availability and effectiveness of an institution’s systems for delivery retail banking services?
A1. Convenient access to full service branches within a community is an important factor in determining the availability of credit and non-credit services. Therefore, the service test performance standards place primary emphasis on full service branches while still considering alternative systems. The principal focus is on an institution’s current distribution of branches and its record of opening and closing branches, particularly branches located in low- or moderate-income geographies or primarily serving low- or moderate-income individuals. However, an institution is not required to expand its branch network or operate unprofitable branches. Under the service test, alternative systems for delivering retail banking services are considered only to the extent that they are effective alternatives in providing needed services to low- and moderate-income areas and individuals.
Source: Interagency Questions & Answers Regarding Community Reinvestment | July 2016