OCC Provides Guidance for Federal Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) updated two documents providing guidance for OCC-supervised branches of foreign banking organizations (“FBOs”): (i) a paper titled The OCC’s Approach to Federal Branch and Agency Supervision (the “paper”), and (ii) the “Federal Branches and Agencies” booklet of the Comptroller’s Licensing Manual. The paper replaces a document from October 8, 2014, while the booklet is an update of a document previously issued in July 2015.

With the passage of the International Banking Act (“IBA”) of 1978, FBOs could opt to conduct banking operations through a branch or agency licensed by the OCC. Such licensed entities are known as “federal branches and agencies.” FBOs acting through federal branches and agencies generally have the same rights and responsibilities as national banks operating at the same locations and are subject to the same laws, regulations, policies and procedures that apply to national banks. There are important differences, however, between an FBO and a full-service bank with respect to OCC supervision.

The paper gives an overview of OCC regulatory practices with regard to FBOs. The OCC International Bank Supervision group of the Large Bank Supervision Department is responsible for the supervision program for these entities. The paper explains the supervisory approach for federal branches and agencies, including a “multifaceted” risk assessment process that takes into account the impact of the parent bank on each supervised entity. Supervision also includes onsite and offsite monitoring, cross-border coordination with home country regulators, and clear communication of examination results. The paper also includes a discussion of resolution and recovery planning, as well as of licensing processes.

The booklet includes all OCC policies and procedures for establishment, operations, and other activities for the federal branches and agencies of FBOs. It provides information regarding establishing branches or agencies, acquisitions, the conversion or contraction of operations, relocations, fiduciary powers, voluntary liquidation, and other relevant topics.