OCC

After three months of supervising national banks remotely, examiners will soon resume visiting them in person and working in regional offices, says acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks.

The acting head of the agency says it cannot continue relying on web-based exams put in place during the coronavirus and will start sending staff into banks.

The group behind NewBank is pursuing a charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to offer banking services nationwide.

The acting comptroller of the currency weighs in on social unrest, the reformed Community Reinvestment Act, fintech charters and how he believes technology can make finance more inclusive.

Former Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting landed a post with Black Knight, which provides technology solutions to mortgage and real estate companies.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks says financial institutions are needed more than ever to “sustain existing businesses” and help entrepreneurs rebuild. Meanwhile, reforming the Community Reinvestment Act, he says, can “unblock opportunities” in minority neighborhoods.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks had suggested states and municipalities should end "indefinite shutdowns" meant to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The Democratic lawmaker said he was going against the public health recommendations.

The agency sought industry feedback on a host of potential changes to ensure that rules are “sufficiently flexible and clear in light of the technological advances that have transformed the financial industry over the past two decades."

An interagency notice meant to encourage lenders to offer small consumer loans also provides federal agencies too much say on what constitutes “reasonable” pricing.

Brian Brooks says coronavirus mandates, such as masks, could potentially harm banks; some recipients of the Treasury prepaid cards don’t believe they are for real.