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National banks and federal savings associations are among the most highly regulated institutions in the country, with many laws and regulations that govern their activities.
The OCC is the primary regulator of banks chartered under the National Bank Act (12 USC 1 et seq.) and federal savings associations chartered under the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 (12 USC 1461 et seq.). The OCC's regulations, derived from these acts, are in title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations, "Banks and Banking" (12 CFR 1–199).
The OCC may take enforcement actions for violations of laws, rules or regulations, final orders or conditions imposed in writing; unsafe or unsound practices; and breach of fiduciary duty by institution-affiliated parties.
The OCC may take enforcement actions against financial institutions (or affiliated individuals) for violations of laws, rules or regulations, final orders or conditions imposed in writing; or unsafe or unsound practices. Learn more about this topic in the Enforcement Actions section.
Learn more about OCC regulations and the rules it publishes in the Federal Register. View requests for comment and submit comments.
Read interpretive letters that address legal and banking issues and decisions on enforcement, CRA issues, and corporate applications.
Review court decisions, including a short summary and a link to the full text, and OCC legal briefs of interest.
Key Differences Among National Bank, Federal Savings Association, and Covered Savings Association Requirements
Comparison of the Powers of National Banks and Federal Savings Associations
Activities Permissible for National Banks and Federal Savings Associations, Cumulative
Report to the Congress and the Financial Stability Oversight Council Pursuant to Section 620 of the Dodd-Frank Act
Comptroller's Handbook: Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act
Comptroller's Handbook: Military Lending Act
