OCC Issues Final Rules to Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks

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. Today’s actions execute on meaningful reforms as we continue working to help these institutions best serve the American people on a level playing field.”

In a final rule, the OCC rescinded its Fair Housing Home Loan Data System regulation, removing obsolete and largely duplicative data collection requirements on applications for home loans that applied only to national banks. The final rule eliminates regulatory burden for these institutions without having a material impact on the availability of data necessary for the OCC to conduct its fair housing-related supervisory activities.

In a separate final rule, the OCC simplified licensing requirements for corporate activities and transactions involving community banks. The final rule broadens eligibility for expedited or reduced filing procedures to community banks. These changes are intended to reduce burden related to corporate activities and transactions by community banks.

Related Links

• Bulletin 2026-05, “Rescission of 12 CFR 27, ‘Fair Housing Home Loan Data System’: Final Rule”
  • Final Rule, Fair Housing Home Loan Data System (PDF)
• Bulletin 2026-06, “Community Bank Licensing Amendments: Final Rule”
  • Final Rule, Community Bank Licensing Amendments (PDF)