Laws & Regulations

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.

Laws & Regulations

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.

Laws & Regulations

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.

Laws & Regulations Overview

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.

Enforcement Actions

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.

Photo of OCC blue seal

OCC Regulations

Learn more about OCC regulations and the rules it publishes in the Federal Register.

View current and prior OCC requests for comment and submit comments on requests still open for comment at Regulations.gov.

Interpretations and Precedents

Interpretations & Precedents

Read interpretive letters that address legal and banking issues and decisions on enforcement, CRA issues, and corporate applications.

Legislation of Interest

Legislation of Interest

Find pending and recently enacted legislation that affects banking operations, banking-related consumer affairs, and the U.S. economy.

Litigation

Litigation

Review court decisions, including a short summary and a link to the full text, and OCC legal briefs of interest.