Otting Sworn in as Comptroller of the Currency; Pushes for Regulation Review

Federal Issues OCC Bank Regulatory

On November 27, Joseph M. Otting was sworn in as the next Comptroller of the Currency following Senate confirmation on November 16. Otting commented in a statement prepared for his swearing-in that he understands “as a career banker” the value and importance of “effective supervision” as well as “the challenges bankers face as they work to meet customer needs while coping with unnecessary regulatory burden that makes it more difficult and complicated than necessary.” Otting asserted that in order for regulations to be effective, modifications must be made as the nation’s needs change. Otting’s stated priorities include “enhancing the value of national bank and federal savings association charters, reducing unnecessary burden, and promoting economic opportunity while maintaining the safety and soundness of the federal banking system.”