OCC Banks on Crime Spotting: New Referral Guidance Drops
Published Date: 6/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is stepping up to spot and refer possible criminal actions tied to banking rules. This means banks and their workers need to be extra careful because the OCC will be watching for serious rule-breaking and could push for criminal enforcement. These changes kick in soon and aim to keep the financial world honest without unnecessary penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
OCC to Increase Criminal Referrals
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) plans to step up spotting and referring suspected criminal violations of banking regulations under the executive order 'Fighting Overcriminalization in Federal Regulations.' Banks and bank employees should be extra careful because the OCC will be watching for serious rule‑breaking and may push for criminal enforcement. The notice describes the OCC's plans to address criminally liable regulatory offenses.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17823, Unsafe or Unsound Practices, Matters Requiring Attention
The OCC and FDIC are rolling out a new rule starting November 2, 2026, that clearly defines what counts as 'unsafe or unsound practices' for banks and savings institutions. This update helps banks focus on big financial risks instead of small paperwork issues, making supervision smarter and fairer. Banks will need to adjust how they handle these risks, which could affect their operations and how they communicate with regulators.
2026-08298, Regulatory Capital Rule: Community Bank Leverage Ratio Framework
Starting July 1, 2026, community banks get a break! The minimum leverage ratio drops from 9% to 8%, making it easier for smaller banks to meet rules. Plus, banks can now stay in this easier framework longer—up to four straight quarters instead of two—helping them manage their money better without rushing.
2026-08328, National Bank Non-Interest Charges and Fees
Starting June 30, 2026, national banks can clearly charge all kinds of non-interest fees, like those from credit and debit card transactions—even if set with help from others. This rule makes it official that banks have the power to collect these fees, and the public can share their thoughts until May 29, 2026. If you use or work with banks, this could affect the fees you see on your statements!
2026-08143, Streamlining Regulations Concerning Public Welfare Investments, Open Market Collateralized Loan Obligations, and Federal Savings Association Nondiscrimination Requirements
The Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency wants to simplify some banking rules by removing outdated or confusing parts. This affects banks, especially federal savings associations and those dealing with certain loan investments. They’re asking for public feedback by May 27, 2026, aiming to cut red tape and make compliance easier without changing costs.
2026-05960, Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital and Standardized Approach for Risk-Weighted Assets
Big banks and community banks are getting new rules to better measure the risks in their loans and investments. The changes update how banks count certain assets and income when figuring out their safety net money, called regulatory capital. These updates aim to make banks safer and smarter with their money, with some rules kicking in soon and affecting how much capital banks need to hold.
2025-21626, Regulatory Capital Rule: Modifications to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio Standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies and Their Subsidiary Depository Institutions; Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity and Long-Term Debt Requirements for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies
Big U.S. banks that are super important to the economy are getting new rules to keep them safer and stronger. These changes tweak how much money they must keep on hand and how they handle long-term debt, helping prevent financial trouble. The new rules kick in soon and could affect how these banks manage billions in assets and debt.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11328, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Interstate Shellfish Dealer's Certificate and Participation in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program
The FDA is asking for approval to keep collecting info from shellfish dealers who sell across state lines. This helps make sure shellfish are safe and meet national standards. Dealers should get ready for some paperwork updates soon, but no big costs are expected.
Next: 2025-11331, Joint Industry Plan; Order Approving an Amendment to the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail, as Modified by the Commission, Regarding the Reporting of Certain Verbal Activity, Floor and Upstairs Activity
The SEC just approved new rules for stock market groups to better report certain spoken trades and activities happening on the trading floor and upstairs. This change affects big exchanges and trading organizations, helping them keep clearer records in the Consolidated Audit Trail. The update kicks in soon and aims to make trading more transparent without extra costs for the public.