Office of Thrift Supervision

In the OTS Southeast Region, miles of scenic coastline, a temperate climate, generally comfortable pace of living and economic opportunity have attracted throngs of retirees, northern transplants and well-educated professionals from across the country to burgeoning economic centers such as Atlanta, Birmingham and Charlotte.

The southeastern U.S. has experienced tremendous growth in recent years with the influx of new residents and new industries. Officials in the Southeast Region strive to foster a regulatory environment that encourages continued growth and service to local communities, but ensures that the growth remains consistent with safe and sound banking principles, and compliance with consumer protections.

There is no typical profile for a savings institution in the Southeast Region. The region has developed a great diversity of savings banks by size, complexity and business strategies. Some institutions are well-known national names; others are focused regionally or locally. Some pursue full-service retail banking; others pursue niche-oriented business lines. Many are locally oriented, community banking institutions. Some of the institutions are minority oriented, having roots in an era when minorities had few banking options, but now compete in an environment where minority customers have an array of financial services choices.

Regardless of business strategy, executives of OTS-regulated savings banks have come to appreciate that the “business oriented” regulatory approach of the OTS Southeast Region allows them to innovate, compete, grow and prosper.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that seven of the nine states in the Southeast Region will be among the nation’s 20 fastest growing states over the next two decades. As the New South continues its explosive growth, the thrift industry that serves the region will thrive as well, all under the watchful eyes and steady hands of OTS regulators.