Capital Briefs: OCC, Bankers Huddle on Reaching Unbanked

Government officials met with bankers, consumer representatives, and social scientists Tuesday to better understand the 12.5% of consumer population that does not use financial institutions.

The one-day forum was co-sponsored by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer Bankers Association to explore ways that banks could develop relationships with people who lack a bank account.

Announcing plans for the forum during a speech in October, Comptroller Eugene A. Ludwig said that one of every six Generation X-ers-people between 18 and 31-do not use checking or savings accounts. In addition, 11% of businesses with assets of less than $25,000 do not pay their suppliers or employees with bank checks.

The meeting was closed to the public, but the agency plans to issue a transcript.

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