OCC Allows National Bank Offices Affected by Emergency to Close

WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today issued a proclamation allowing national bank offices affected by the emergency situation to close at their discretion.

In issuing the proclamation, Comptroller of the Currency John D. Hawke, Jr. said he is confident that national banks will take account of any unusual demand for cash and currency among their customers and will make appropriate arrangements to meet those needs. The Comptroller also noted that the Federal Reserve System reiterated in a press release that the discount window remains available to meet liquidity needs.

Mr. Hawke also said he expects that only those bank offices directly affected by the emergency will close. Those offices should make every effort to reopen as quickly as possible to address the banking and liquidity needs of their customers, he added.

Related Link

• Proclamation (PDF)