OCC issues CRA strategic plan for community banks 

The OCC issued proposed guidance for a simplified strategic plan process for community banks to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act. 

Details: The OCC said the strategic plan: 

• Builds on recent OCC efforts to reduce burden and tailor examination activities for community banks. 

• Enables a bank to tailor its CRA examination based on the needs of its community and its ability to help address those needs based on its capacity and constraints, product offerings, and business strategy.  

• Would reduce burden for community banks by providing clarity on the measurable goals and other components of a strategic plan required by the CRA regulation and by simplifying the method for drafting and submitting a proposed strategic plan to the OCC for approval. 

Comptroller Statement: Comptroller Jonathan Gould said community banks are important drivers of economic growth and require a proportional supervisory framework. “The OCC will continue to prioritize community bank reforms to reduce burden and strengthen their role as economic engines of America,” he added. 

Input: Comments will be accepted on the proposed guidance for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. 

ICBA Resources: ICBA offers various CRA resources for community bankers, including: 

• The Community Reinvestment group on ICBA Community, which features more than 800 bankers discussing CRA issues. 

• Bank Policies and Procedures: Community Reinvestment. 

• The CRA Collaborative Peer Group from ICBA CRA Solutions.