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OCC Bulletin 2019-29 | June 21, 2019

Background Investigations: Electronic Fingerprinting for Background Checks and Revised Comptroller’s Licensing Manual Booklets

To

Chief Executive Officers of all National Banks, Federal Savings Associations, and Federal Branches and Agencies; Department and Division Heads; All Examining Personnel, and Other Interested Parties

Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is moving to electronic fingerprinting to facilitate background checks performed in connection with applications and notices submitted to the OCC, including applications for charters, notices of acquisition of control, and notices to replace board members or senior management in certain institutions. The OCC will begin using the new process in July 2019.

The OCC also issued today revisions to the "Background Investigations" booklet and the "Changes in Directors and Senior Executive Officers" booklet of the Comptroller’s Licensing Manual, to incorporate updated procedures and requirements for electronic fingerprinting.

Note for Community Banks

These booklets apply to all national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.

Highlights

The OCC requires fingerprints to establish positive identification for background investigations performed in connection with applications and notices submitted to the OCC, including applications for charters, notices of acquisition of control, and notices to replace board members or senior management in certain institutions. These fingerprints are submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a fingerprint identification check.

  • In July 2019, the OCC will begin using electronic fingerprinting technology to capture individuals’ fingerprints and transmit them to the FBI.
  • Individuals will be able to be fingerprinted at more than 1,000 collection sites, across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it convenient for the applicant(s) or notificant(s) to find a location.
  • The purpose of this change is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the OCC’s fingerprinting background check process.
  • The booklet revisions provide additional information on the electronic fingerprinting process.

Further Information

Please contact the Director for Licensing Activities at (202) 649-6260.

 

Stephen A. Lybarger
Deputy Comptroller for Licensing

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