OCC: Key Provisions of the June 2020 CRA Rule and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published in the Federal Register on June 5, 2020, a final rule1 (June 2020 rule) that strengthens and modernizes the agency’s regulations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This bulletin summarizes key provisions of the June 2020 rule, which became effective October 1, 2020. This bulletin provides responses…
OCC: Report on Key Risks, Effects of COVID-19 in Federal Banking System
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today reported the key issues facing the federal banking system and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the federal banking industry in its Semiannual Risk Perspective for Fall 2020. Banks remain in strong financial condition but profitability is stressed due to low interest rates and increasing…
CFPB: Agencies Propose Regulation on the Role of Supervisory Guidance
Five federal financial regulatory agencies today invited comment on a proposal outlining and confirming the agencies’ use of supervisory guidance for regulated institutions. The proposal would codify the statement, as amended, that was issued in September 2018 by the agencies that clarified the differences between regulations and guidance. Unlike a law or regulation, supervisory guidance…
OCC: SoFi’s Application to Establish a National Bank Conditionally Approved
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency yesterday granted conditional approval for Social Finance, Inc., to establish a full-service national bank titled SoFi Bank, National Association. The OCC granted preliminary conditional approval based on a thorough evaluation of information available to the agency, including the representations and commitments made in the application and by…
OCC: Final True Lender Rule Issued
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued a rule that determines when a national bank or federal savings association (bank) makes a loan and is the “true lender,” including in the context of a partnership between a bank and a third party. Banks’ lending relationships with third parties can facilitate access…
OCC: New CRA Modernization Resources Released
Summary The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued three items required to support the implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule the agency issued on June 5, 2020 (2020 rule). Note for Community Banks The “Community Reinvestment Act 2020 Rule Small Bank Compliance Guide” and other supporting materials pertain to…
OCC: New Report Shows Mortgage Performance Decline in Second Quarter 2020
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) reported the performance of first-lien mortgages in the federal banking system declined during the second quarter of 2020. The OCC Mortgage Metrics Report, Second Quarter 2020 showed 91.1 percent of mortgages included in the report were current and performing at the end of the quarter, compared to 96.1…
OCC: Federally Chartered Banks and Thrifts Allowed to Engage in Certain Stablecoin Cryptocurrency Activities
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today published a letter clarifying national banks’ and federal savings associations’ authority to hold “reserves” on behalf of customers who issue certain stablecoins. Stablecoins refer to cryptocurrency backed by an asset such as a fiat currency, including U.S. dollars or other foreign currency. “National banks and…