OCC Issues CRA Simplified Strategic Plan to Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks — 2025-12-17

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued proposed guidance for a simplified strategic plan process for community banks to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The OCC’s action builds on a series of reforms the OCC announced in October and November to reduce burden and tailor examination activities for community banks. “Community banks are important drivers of economic growth and require a tailored, proportional supervisory framework that reflects their critical role in local economies,” said Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould. “By definition, community banks are focused on meeting the financial needs of their communities. Today’s proposal for a simplified CRA strategic plan enables them to better focus their resources on local credit needs.