The OCC has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking titled “National Bank Chartering,” published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2026, that would formalize the standards and procedures it uses to evaluate applications to charter new national banks. The proposal is intended to consolidate and clarify existing OCC practices rather than create a new chartering regime, and it emphasizes transparency around the factors the agency weighs in reviews, including governance, capital, liquidity, risk management, and compliance systems. Comments must be received by February 11, 2026.
The NPR highlights that applicants may pursue a wide range of business models, including technology-driven or specialized banks, but reiterates that all applicants will be held to the same baseline expectations tied to safety and soundness, fair access, and consistency with applicable law. The proposal also underscores why the charter remains attractive—single federal supervision, potential preemption of certain state laws, and access to the federal banking system—while noting that deposit insurance requires a separate FDIC application. If adopted, the final rule would likely shape how prospective de novo banks, fintechs considering a charter, and established institutions evaluating new structures approach the chartering process.
