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The business of banking is rapidly changing with the increasing adoption of new approaches and technologies by banks and their customers. These innovations can provide convenience and accessibility, but also have the potential to bring risks.
The OCC has established an Office of Innovation and has implemented a framework supporting responsible innovation. The office serves as the central point of contact and clearing house for requests and information related to innovation.
Email: Office of Innovation Call us: (202) 649-5200
A General Guide
A Guide for Community Banks
A Guide for Financial Technology and Other Nonbank Institutions
On July 31, 2018, the OCC released the Comptroller's Licensing Manual Supplement, Considering Charter Applications From Financial Technology Companies. The Supplement provides detail on how the OCC would evaluate applications for a special purpose charter from financial technology (fintech) companies, and discusses key considerations including, governance, risk management, capital, liquidity, financial inclusion and contingency planning. The document also describes the OCC's approach to supervising newly chartered special purpose national banks.
Please see the Supplement for details around starting the application process. Should you have any questions regarding the process, please email the Office of Innovation.