OCC: Comments Requested on Proposed Rulemaking on the Bank Appeals Process
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today requested comment on a proposal to establish revised procedures and policies for appeals by OCC-supervised entities of material supervisory determinations. The proposed changes reflect the OCC’s experience administering the bank appeals process and are intended to enhance the independence and efficiency of the appeals function. The proposal…
ABA: ABA Issues New Comment Letter Urging OCC to Provide Stronger Safeguards & Clearer Rules for Charter Applicants
In a new comment letter submitted today, the American Bankers Association urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to uphold strong safety and soundness standards, increase transparency in the chartering process, and move cautiously as new regulatory frameworks develop. The letter, submitted in response to the OCC’s National Bank Chartering Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, also…
OCC: CRA Bank Asset-Size Threshold Amounts for 2026 Announced
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced revisions to the asset-size threshold amounts used to define “small bank or savings association” and “intermediate small bank or savings association” under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulation (12 CFR 25 (March 29, 2024)). The thresholds—which apply to any national bank, federal savings association, or…
OCC: Two Proposals Issued on Preemption of State Interest-on-Escrow Laws
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today requested comment on two proposals on national banks’ and federal savings associations’ real estate lending powers related to the payment of interest on funds held in escrow accounts. The OCC’s actions emphasize federal preemption as a critical tool for reducing unnecessary burden, enabling local and…
OCC: Proposed Guidance Issued on CRA Simplified Strategic Plan Process to Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued proposed guidance for a simplified strategic plan process for community banks to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The OCC’s action builds on a series of reforms the OCC announced in October and November to reduce burden and tailor examination activities for community banks. “Community banks are…
OCC: Mortgage Performance Report Issued for Third Quarter of 2025
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) reported on the performance of first-lien mortgages in the federal banking system during the third quarter of 2025. The OCC Mortgage Metrics Report, Third Quarter 2025 showed that 97.4 percent of mortgages included in the report were current and performing at the end of the quarter, remaining unchanged…
Agencies Announce Dollar Thresholds for Smaller Loan Exemption from Appraisal Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today announced that the 2026 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loans that are subject to special appraisal requirements will increase from $33,500 to $34,200. The threshold amount will be effective January 1, 2026, and is based on the…
ABA: Statement Issued on OCC’s Announcement Regarding National Trust Charters
“Today’s decision by the OCC to approve conditionally a group of novel national trust charters raises important questions about the scope and oversight of these institutions. While innovation in financial services can benefit consumers, it is critical that any chartered entity operates under a regulatory framework that appropriately addresses its activities and risks. We are…