OCC Issues Final Rules to Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks — 2026-03-03

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced two final rules to reduce the regulatory burden for community banks. These actions build upon the OCC’s ongoing efforts to tailor bank supervision and regulation to bank risk profile and reduce burden for its regulated institutions so they can focus resources on core functions and support economic growth. “Community banks serve critical constituencies and lend to Main Street businesses, that in turn support vibrant local economies,” said Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould. “Unfortunately, over the last couple of decades, regulatory burdens coupled with the proliferation of a one-size-fits-all supervisory framework have cut the number of community banks across our nation in half. As Comptroller, I’ve prioritized addressing the challenges of community banks by streamlining regulation and tailoring supervision.