National Bank Chartering: Final Rule
March 1, 2026 / Source: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
OCC Bulletin 2026-4|February 27, 2026
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.
Note for Community Banks
The final rule applies to all applicants for a national bank charter that is limited to the operations of a trust company and activities related thereto.
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