Supreme Court Rules Federal Preemption Standards
Apply to National Bank Operating Subsidiaries

WASHINGTON — Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan issued the following statement today in regard to the Supreme Court’s decision in the Watters vs. Wachovia case:

In its decision today in the Watters vs. Wachovia Bank case, the Supreme Court held that federal preemption standards applicable to national banks extend to activities conducted through their operating subsidiaries. Specifically, the Court held that a national bank’s mortgage business, whether conducted by the bank itself or through the bank’s operating subsidiary, is subject to the OCC’s supervision and regulation, and not to state licensing, reporting, and visitorial regimes. We are pleased that the Court’s decision supports the ability of national banks to continue to conduct business activities in their operating subsidiaries as they are now doing. We will continue to supervise national banks and their subsidiaries to assure that their customers are treated fairly and receive the strong protections available under federal laws and regulations.

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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency was created by Congress to charter national banks, to oversee a nationwide system of banking institutions, and to assure that national banks are safe and sound, competitive and profitable, and capable of serving the banking needs of their customers in the best possible manner.  OCC press releases and other information are available at http://www.occ.gov.  To receive OCC press releases and issuances by email, subscribe at http://www.occ.gov/listserv.htm.