NR 95-130
  November 28, 1995
  
            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.
  
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  The OCC charters, regulates and examines America's
  approximately 3,000 national banks which hold more than half of
  the nation's bank assets.  Its mission is to ensure the safety
  and soundness of the national banking system.