OCC Publishes Insights Report Covering How Banks Can Use Small Business Investment Companies to Expand Business

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today published the latest edition of its Community Developments Insights report entitled "Small Business Investment Companies: An Investment Option for Banks." The report describes how Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) operate and outlines risk management and regulatory considerations for banks considering these investments.

"Bankers may find SBICs a good way to earn a return on their investments while potentially receiving positive Community Reinvestment Act consideration" said Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry. "The program provides a way for banks to make capital available to small businesses that otherwise might not be able to finance their growth while introducing investing banks to prospective new clients."

The report supplements OCC's and the Small Business Administration’s SBIC webinar held on February 15, 2012, where a fund manager and a bank investor discussed their experience participating in the program.

The presentations and Questions and Answers from the February 15 webinar can be accessed on the OCC's Small Business Web Resource Directory website.

Find all of OCC's comprehensive Insights reports in the Community Affairs Publications section of www.occ.gov.