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OCC Bulletin 2026-1 | January 8, 2026

National Bank Chartering: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

To

Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks, Federal Savings Associations, and Federal Branches and Agencies; Department and Division Heads; All Examining Personnel; and Other Interested Parties

Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify the longstanding authority of national banks limited to the operations of trust companies and activities related thereto to engage in non-fiduciary activities in addition to their fiduciary activities. The proposal would neither expand nor contract the OCC's authority to charter a national bank. Comments on all aspects of the proposed rule are due 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Note:

Note for Community Banks

The proposed rule would apply to all applicants for a national bank charter that is limited to the operations of a trust company and activities related thereto.

Highlights

The proposal would amend the OCC's chartering regulation at 12 CFR 5.20 to:

  • align with the OCC's statutory authorization to charter national banks limited to the operations of a trust company and activities related thereto; and
  • change references from "fiduciary activities" to "operations of a trust company and activities related thereto."

Further Information

Please contact Christopher Crawford, Acting Assistant Director; or Marjorie Dieter, Counsel; Chief Counsel's Office, at (202) 649-5490.

Adam J. Cohen Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel