Value of the National Bank Charter
Since its founding more than 140 years ago, the national banking system has combined a local presence with a national perspective. Located in communities throughout the country, national banks are also supervised locally, by examiners who understand the people and the economies their banks serve. Yet each national bank is part of a strong nationwide system, administered by the Comptroller, who represents that system in Congress, in the public arena, and in the courts.

By blending our local presence with our national perspective, the OCC is able to bring to all of its banks the benefits of sophisticated and responsive bank supervision and a fully competitive national charter.