OCC Announces Deputy Comptrollers for Chartering, Organization and Structure

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced the promotions of Jason Almonte and Sebastian Astrada to Deputy Comptrollers for Chartering, Organization & Structure (CO&S).

In their new roles, Mr. Almonte and Mr. Astrada will set policies and provide executive direction on federal bank applications, chartering, and corporate activities, policies, processes, and requirements.

“I look forward to continuing working with Sebastian and Jason in their new roles as deputy comptrollers for CO&S and our efforts in implementing the GENIUS Act and promoting responsible innovation in the federal banking space,” said Stephen Lybarger, Senior Deputy Comptroller for Chartering, Organization and Structure. “They both bring proven executive leadership, along with their deep practical experience to CO&S.”

Mr. Almonte most recently served as a Director in CO&S where he was responsible for corporate applications from Large and Global Financial Institutions, including filings for business combinations, conversions, Federal branches and agencies, de novo bank charters, and failure transactions. Prior to joining CO&S, Mr. Almonte served as Special Counsel with the OCC’s Chief Counsel’s Office, providing counsel on supervision support, enforcement, licensing, and administrative matters involving national banks, federal savings associations, federal branches and agencies, and bank service providers. Prior to his government service, Mr. Almonte worked as legal counsel in the private sector. Mr. Almonte holds a bachelor’s degree from Lehman College, The City University of New York, and he holds a law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law, The State University of New York.

Mr. Astrada most recently served as a Director in CO&S, where he was responsible for corporate applications related to digital asset filings and de novo charter applications. During his tenure at the OCC, Mr. Astrada has managed the midsized, credit card, trust bank, and central region portfolios for CO&S. Prior to joining the OCC, Mr. Astrada held positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He also worked in the private sector as regulatory counsel. Mr. Astrada holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in international politics and economics from Middlebury College. He received his juris doctor from American University, Washington College of Law, and his Master of Arts in international relations from American University, School of International Service.