Description
The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations as well as federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. The OCC is an independent bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The OCC, an independent branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations as well as federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. The OCC carries out its mission by
- issuing banking rules and regulations and providing legal interpretations and guidance on banks' corporate decisions that govern their practices.
- visiting and examining the banks it oversees.
- evaluating applications for new bank charters or branches; for other proposed changes in the corporate structure of banks or their activities; and from foreign banks that wish to operate in the United States under an OCC charter.
- imposing corrective measures, when necessary, on OCC-governed banks that do not comply with laws and regulations or that otherwise engage in unsafe or unsound practices.
- protecting consumers by making sure banks give fair access and equal treatment to customers and comply with consumer banking laws.
Mission
To ensure that national banks and federal savings associations operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Vision
The OCC is the preeminent prudential supervisor that:
- adds value through proactive and risk-based supervision;
- is sought after as a source of knowledge and expertise; and
- promotes a vibrant and diverse banking system that benefits consumers, communities, businesses, and the U.S. economy.
Core Values
The OCC adheres to four key tenets in carrying out its mission and vision:
- Integrity
- Expertise
- Collaboration
- Independence
Leadership
The people who lead the OCC are experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in disciplines necessary to advance the agency's mission and vision. They are experts in bank examination, law, risk management, economics, finance and accounting, organizational management and governance, human resources, communications, and technology. They collaborate to help ensure the safety and soundness of our federal banking system and to help make the OCC one of the best places to work in the federal government.
