OCC review puts large-bank account restrictions under scrutiny
The bank regulator says all nine institutions it reviewed had policies that could restrict service on subjective grounds. Further supervisory changes remain under consideration.
New finding
What changed?
On October 14, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency released the results of a supervisory review of nine large national banks. The OCC said it found policies in place between 2020 and September 2025 that could restrict or deny banking services based on political or religious views or lawful business activities, including broad reputation-risk rules without clear objective standards.
The review covered bank documents and customer complaints. The OCC said it is considering additional supervisory or regulatory changes. The release did not announce a new general rule or a new fine, and its findings are the regulator’s assessment, not a court ruling about every account closure.
Why does it matter?
Banks may need to review how account-opening, account-closing and sector-risk decisions are documented. A clear explanation grounded in objective financial and compliance risk will matter if the OCC tightens its supervision.
For businesses in sectors that have faced account restrictions, the report is a potential change in supervisory direction. It does not guarantee access to an account or remove anti-money-laundering and other legal obligations.
Who is most exposed?
Large national banks under OCC supervision, compliance teams responsible for account policies, and lawful businesses that have faced heightened onboarding scrutiny.
What should businesses watch next?
Formal OCC supervisory guidance or proposed rules, coordination with other bank regulators, and whether banks revise written policies. Distinguish an agency report from enforceable new requirements.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency — October 14 news release and report
Reuters — OCC findings and banks’ responses, October 14
Trend check: A new supervisory finding and potential policy direction; it is too early to describe a confirmed industrywide rule change.
Related Industry Intelligence: Financial Services