Office of Thrift Supervision

OTS Profile

Acting Director John E. Bowman

The OTS is the federal bank regulator and supervisor of a dynamic and diverse industry of savings associations and their subsidiaries spread across the nation. The OTS also oversees domestic and international activities of the holding companies and affiliates that own these thrift institutions. 

The OTS is an office within the Department of the Treasury.

John E. Bowman became Acting Director of the OTS in March 2009. Bowman also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). In addition, he serves as a director of NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered non-profit organization dedicated to the availability of housing for low- and moderate-income Americans. 

The OTS has a highly skilled staff of more than 1,000 employees operating out of its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and four regional offices in Jersey City, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.

The OTS examines each savings association every 12-to-18 months to assess the institution’s safety and soundness, and compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations. In addition, examiners monitor the condition of thrifts through off-site analysis of regularly submitted financial data and regular contact with thrift personnel. OTS examinations and its ongoing supervisory oversight are tailored to the risk profile of each institution.

The OTS receives no appropriations from Congress; the agency’s operating budget is funded by periodic assessments to the thrift industry.