Bank Information Systems Exam Procedures Added to Noncomplex Community Bank Handbook

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today issued a revised handbook for the examination of noncomplex community banks. Noncomplex community banks are generally those with assets of less than $250 million. The revisions in the handbook are largely the result of comments from bankers and OCC bank examiners.

The new handbook adds a section on bank information systems for use in banks that receive information system services from a data processing vendor. Additional changes include some questions on derivatives and the elimination of a one-time questionnaire for bank chief executive officers.

The handbook section, "Community Bank Examination Procedures for Noncomplex Banks," was originally issued in July 1994. A survey of bankers examined since the handbook was put into effect found that more than 80 percent said the streamlined procedures prescribed by the handbook reduced their regulatory burden from prior examinations.

To obtain copies of the revised "Community Bank Examination Procedures for Noncomplex Banks," send a written request along with a check for $6.00 per booklet to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, P.O. Box 70004, Chicago, IL 60673-0004.