National Bank Chartering: Final Rule

Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is issuing a final rule to clarify the longstanding authority of national banks limited to the operations of trust companies and activities related thereto to engage in non-fiduciary activities in addition to their fiduciary activities. The final rule would neither expand nor contract the OCC’s authority to charter a national bank. The final rule is effective April 1, 2026.

Highlights

The final rule amends the OCC’s chartering regulation at 12 CFR 5.20 to

• align with the OCC’s statutory authorization to charter national banks limited to the operations of a trust company and activities related thereto;
• change references from “fiduciary activities” to “operations of a trust company and activities related thereto.”

Further Information

Please contact Christopher Crawford, Acting Assistant Director; or Marjorie Dieter, Counsel; Chief Counsel’s Office, at (202) 649-5490.  

Adam J. Cohen
Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel

Related Link

• National Bank Chartering: Final Rule (PDF)