The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency adopted an interim final rule amending its 2024 final rule on business combinations involving national banks and federal savings associations and rescinded its 2024 policy statement on reviewing applications under the Bank Merger Act. The interim final rule restores the streamlined application process and expedited review in the OCC’s procedures for Bank Merger Act filings. The update reverts the OCC’s merger application review framework to a faster, less burdensome process, with the agency framing the change as reducing burden and uncertainty and easing merger execution for well-managed and well-capitalized banks. The OCC is inviting comments on all aspects of the interim final rule, including what information should be included in any future policy statement.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 2025-05-08
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency restores streamlined and expedited Bank Merger Act review and rescinds 2024 policy statement
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) adopted an interim final rule amending its 2024 rule on business combinations and rescinded its 2024 policy statement on Bank Merger Act applications. This rule restores a streamlined application process and expedited review for Bank Merger Act filings, aiming to reduce burden and uncertainty for well-managed and well-capitalized banks. The OCC is seeking comments on the interim final rule.