WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reminds national banks and federal savings associations of guidance to assist financial institutions and their customers affected by extreme weather, such as the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma.

The OCC recognizes the effects of natural disasters on individuals and businesses are often temporary, and that prudent efforts to assist customers in areas affected by the disasters and related problems should not be subject to bank examiner criticism.  OCC Bulletin 2012-28 provides supervisory guidance for banks and thrifts responding to disaster conditions in their communities.

The OCC encourages national banks and federal savings associations to consider various alternatives to assist affected customers that may include:

• waiving or reducing ATM fees,
• temporarily waiving late payment fees or penalties for early withdrawal of savings for affected customers,
• restructuring borrowers’ debt obligations, when appropriate, by altering or adjusting payment terms and providing payment extensions that reflect individual borrower situations and generally not exceed 90 days,
• expediting lending decisions, consistent with safety and soundness principles,
• reassessing the current credit needs of the community and helping meet those needs by originating or participating in sound loans to rebuild damaged property, and
• contacting state and federal agencies, as well as other financial institutions, to help mitigate the effects of the event.

National banks and federal savings associations in need of assistance in dealing with customers affected by the hurricane should contact the OCC.

Related Link

• Supervisory Guidance on Natural Disasters and Other Emergency Conditions