Bank Premises and Equipment Booklet

Comptroller’s Handbook

A-BPE

Safety and Soundness
Capital
Adequacy
(C)

Asset
Quality
(A)

Management
(M)

Earnings
(E)

Liquidity
(L)

Sensitivity to
Market Risk
(S)

Other
Activities
(O)

Bank Premises
and Equipment
Version 1.0, November 2016
Version 1.1, December 28, 2018

Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, DC 20219

Version 1.1

Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................1
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 1
Risks Associated With Bank Premises and Equipment ................................................ 2
Operational Risk ..................................................................................................... 2
Strategic Risk .......................................................................................................... 3
Compliance Risk ..................................................................................................... 3
Reputation Risk....................................................................................................... 4
Liquidity Risk ......................................................................................................... 4
Risk Management ......................................................................................................... 4
OCC Regulatory Requirements .............................................................................. 6
Investment in Real Estate and Equipment ........................................................ 6
Application Process .......................................................................................... 8
Application........................................................................................................ 9
After-the-Fact Notice Process ......................................................................... 10
Future Bank Expansion ................................................................................... 11
Sharing Space and Employees ........................................................................ 12
Transactions With Insiders ............................................................................. 13
Examination Procedures .......................................................................................................14
Scope ........................................................................................................................... 14
Quantity of Risk .......................................................................................................... 16
Quality of Risk Management ...................................................................................... 19
Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 23
Internal Control Questionnaire ................................................................................... 25
Verification Procedures .............................................................................................. 28
Appendix .................................................................................................................................29
Appendix A: Procedures the OCC Uses for Processing
Bank Premises Notices and Applications ............................................................. 29
References ...............................................................................................................................33
Table of Updates Since Publication ......................................................................................35

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Introduction
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) Comptroller’s Handbook booklet,
“Bank Premises and Equipment,” is prepared for use by OCC examiners in connection with
their examination and supervision of national banks and federal savings associations
(collectively, banks). Each bank is different and may present specific issues. Accordingly,
examiners should apply the information in this booklet consistent with each bank’s individual
circumstances. When it is necessary to distinguish between them, national banks 1 and federal
savings associations (FSA) are referred to separately.

Overview
A bank traditionally invests in premises and equipment, both of which may be owned or
leased, to conduct its business.
A bank’s premises include 2
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•

real estate that is owned and occupied (or to be occupied if under construction) by a bank,
its respective branches, or its consolidated subsidiaries.
capitalized leases and leasehold improvements, vaults, fixed machinery, and equipment.
remodeling costs to existing premises.
real estate acquired and intended, in good faith, for use in future expansion.
parking facilities that are used by the bank’s customers or employees.

Equipment, also referred to as fixed assets, may include furniture, fixtures, computers,
printers, automated teller machines, security devices, telecommunications equipment, and
cables necessary for conducting business transactions. (Updated December 28, 2018)
Investments in bank premises and equipment can bolster a bank’s competitive position and
enhance convenience for customers. Subject to legal limitations and the OCC’s non-objection
for investments over certain limits, bank management has the discretion to decide how much
to invest in bank premises and equipment. 3 While these investments usually are not a large
percentage of a bank’s total assets, they may involve substantial cost outlays, which could
have a negative effect on capital and earnings. (Updated December 28, 2018)

1

References to “national banks” throughout this booklet also generally apply to federal branches and agencies
of foreign banking organizations unless otherwise specified. Refer to 12 USC 3102(b) and the “Federal
Branches and Agencies Supervision” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook for more information regarding
applicability of laws, regulations, and guidance to federal branches and agencies. (Footnote added
December 28, 2018)

2

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(c)(1), “Banking Premises.” (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

3

Refer to 12 USC 371d, “Investment in Bank Premises or Stock of Corporation Holding Premises,” (national
banks) and other applicable laws. Refer also to 12 CFR 5.37, “Investment in National Bank or Federal Savings
Association Premises” (national banks and FSAs). (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

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Risks Associated With Bank Premises and Equipment
From a supervisory perspective, risk is the potential that events will have an adverse effect on
a bank’s current or projected financial condition 4 and resilience. 5 The OCC has defined eight
categories of risk for bank supervision purposes: credit, interest rate, liquidity, price,
operational, compliance, strategic, and reputation. These categories are not mutually
exclusive. Any product or service may expose a bank to multiple risks. Risks also may be
interdependent and may be positively or negatively correlated. Examiners should be aware of
and assess this interdependence. Examiners also should be alert to concentrations that can
significantly elevate risk. Concentrations can accumulate within and across products,
business lines, geographic areas, countries, and legal entities. Refer to the “Bank Supervision
Process” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook for an expanded discussion of banking risks
and their definitions. (Updated December 28, 2018)
The risks associated with a bank’s premises and equipment are operational, strategic,
compliance, reputation, and liquidity.

Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising
from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human errors or misconduct, or
adverse external events. Operational losses may result from internal fraud; external fraud;
inadequate or inappropriate employment practices and workplace safety; failure to meet
professional obligations involving clients, products, and business practices; damage to
physical assets; business disruption and systems failures; and failures in execution, delivery,
and process management. Operational losses do not include opportunity costs, forgone
revenue, or costs related to risk management and control enhancements implemented to
prevent future operational losses. (Updated December 28, 2018)
Operational risk can arise when a bank fails to address adverse events—such as natural
disasters, civil unrest, burglaries, and vandalism—that directly affect the availability or
usability of bank premises and equipment. Operational risk can occur if a bank fails to
address inefficient, outdated, or unreliable data processing equipment. Operational risk also
can occur in the form of fraud, misappropriation, or human errors, resulting from poor
internal controls or physical safeguards regarding the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal
of bank premises and equipment.

4

Financial condition includes impacts from diminished capital and liquidity. Capital in this context includes
potential impacts from losses, reduced earnings, and market value of equity.

5

Resilience recognizes the bank’s ability to withstand periods of stress.

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Strategic Risk
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Strategic risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising from
adverse business decisions, poor implementation of business decisions, or lack of
responsiveness to changes in the banking industry and operating environment. This risk is a
function of a bank’s strategic goals, business strategies, resources, and quality of
implementation. The resources needed to carry out business strategies are both tangible and
intangible. They include communication channels, operating systems, delivery networks, and
managerial capacities and capabilities.
The assessment of strategic risk includes more than an analysis of a bank’s written strategic
plan. It focuses on opportunity costs and how plans, systems, and implementation affect the
bank’s financial condition and resilience. It also incorporates how management analyzes
external factors, such as economic, technological, competitive, regulatory, and other
environmental changes, that affect the bank’s strategic direction.
Strategic risk can arise from the bank’s existing and planned investment in bank premises
and equipment and the impact of these expenses on the bank. Even if the bank’s total
investment in bank premises and equipment adheres to the regulatory requirements described
in the “OCC Regulatory Requirements” section of this booklet and the accounting treatment
of the bank’s investment aligns with current generally accepted accounting principles, the
total expenditures for, or investment in, premises and equipment may be inappropriate
relative to the bank’s earnings, capital, or the nature and volume of its operations. Strategic
risk also can arise from insider-related transactions, including sales and purchases of bank
premises and equipment with insiders that are not aligned with the bank’s business interests,
are not at arm’s length, lack competitive bidding, or are not on market terms.

Compliance Risk
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Compliance risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising
from violations of laws or regulations, or from nonconformance with prescribed practices,
internal bank policies and procedures, or ethical standards. This risk exposes a bank to
potential fines, civil money penalties, payment of damages, and the voiding of contracts.
Compliance risk can result in diminished reputation, harm to bank customers, limited
business opportunities, and lessened expansion potential.
Compliance risk is not limited to risk from failure to comply with consumer protection laws
and regulations; it encompasses the risk of noncompliance with all laws and regulations as
well as prudent ethical standards and contractual obligations. It also includes the exposure to
litigation (known as legal risk) from all aspects of banking, traditional and nontraditional.

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In the context of bank premises and equipment, compliance risk can arise from a bank’s
failure to adhere to applicable laws and regulations, federal occupational safety and health
standards, state and local fire safety requirements, insurance policy contract stipulations, and
local zoning and building codes. Management should be cognizant of the requirements of
12 CFR 21.3 (national banks) and 12 CFR 168.3 (FSAs) regarding security devices. These
regulations require banks to select, test, operate and maintain, at a minimum, certain security
devices. Compliance risk can also arise if the bank enters into bank premises or equipment
transactions with a bank insider.

Reputation Risk
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Reputation risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising
from negative public opinion. This risk may impair a bank’s competitiveness by affecting its
ability to establish new relationships or services or continue servicing existing relationships.
Reputation risk is inherent in all bank activities and management should deal prudently with
stakeholders, such as customers, counterparties, correspondents, investors, regulators,
employees, and the community.
A bank that actively associates its name with products and services offered through thirdparty relationships or asset management affiliates is more likely to have higher reputation
risk exposure. Significant threats to a bank’s reputation also may result from negative
publicity regarding matters such as unethical or deceptive business practices, violations of
laws or regulations, high-profile litigation, or poor financial performance.
Unsafe bank premises or equipment that pose a danger to employees, customers, or the
public can lead to reputation risk and expose the bank to criminal or civil liability from
resulting injuries.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to current or projected financial condition and resilience arising from
an inability to meet obligations when they come due. Liquidity risk can arise when a bank is
unable to liquidate assets, including premises and equipment, quickly and with minimal loss
in value when the need arises.

Risk Management
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Each bank should identify, measure, monitor, and control risk by implementing an effective
risk management system appropriate for the size and complexity of its operations. When
examiners assess the effectiveness of a bank’s risk management system, they consider the
bank’s policies, processes, personnel, and control systems. Refer to the “Corporate and Risk

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Governance” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook for an expanded discussion of risk
management.
While bank management has the discretion to decide how much to invest in bank premises
and equipment (subject to legal limitations and OCC non-objection for investments over
certain limits), the board of directors should approve all material bank premises as well as
equipment acquisitions and dispositions. The board’s meeting minutes should document the
approval and the board’s support of management’s assertion that all material acquisitions and
dispositions fulfill a demonstrated need and are cost-effective.
The bank should establish appropriate policies and procedures addressing the acquisition and
disposition of bank premises and equipment. The bank’s audit program should include a
review of investments in bank premises and equipment.
Bank policies and procedures should
•
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•

establish satisfactory internal controls over the acquisition, maintenance, and disposition
of bank premises and equipment, including appropriate approval limits
prohibit insider abuse. A bank insider is usually defined as a director, executive officer,
or principal shareholder (owning 10 percent or more of any class of voting stock).
prevent conflicts of interest and misappropriation of assets.
address appropriate appraisals, accounting treatment, and reporting on Consolidated
Reports of Condition and Income (call report).
appropriately address periodic inventories and adequate insurance coverage on bank
premises and equipment.
prevent violations of the requirements included in the “OCC Regulatory Requirements”
section of this booklet and the transaction-with-affiliates rules.

Transactions-with-affiliates rules—sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, 6
section 11 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, 7 and their implementing regulation,
Regulation W 8—restrict the bank’s transactions with its affiliates in order to safeguard the
bank’s interests and prevent abuses by bank affiliates. Transactions between the bank and
any company engaged solely in holding bank premises, however, are exempt from the
restrictions on transactions with affiliates. 9 Refer to the “Related Organizations” booklet of
the Comptroller’s Handbook (national banks) for an expanded discussion of transactions
with affiliates as well as section 730, “Related Organizations,” of the Office of Thrift
Supervision (OTS) Examination Handbook (FSAs).

6

Refer to 12 USC 371c and 12 USC 371c-1, “Banking Affiliates” and “Restrictions on Transactions With
Affiliates.”

7

Refer to 12 USC 1468, “Transactions With Affiliates; Extensions of Credit to Executive Officers, Directors,
and Principal Shareholders” (FSAs).

8

Refer to 12 CFR 223, “Transactions Between Member Banks and Their Affiliates (Regulation W).”

9

Refer to 12 USC 371c(b)(2)(B).

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The OCC considers the investment in or the sale, lease, purchase, or exchange of bank
premises involving real property to be a real estate related transaction. 10 Unless specifically
exempted, the OCC requires a conforming appraisal for such transactions. 11 Refer to OCC
Bulletin 2010-42, “Sound Practices for Appraisals and Evaluations: Interagency Appraisal
and Evaluation Guidelines,” for an expanded discussion of appraisals.
Bank premises and equipment, whether owned or leased, present a range of accounting issues
(e.g., cost reporting, depreciation, and capitalization of interest) that necessitate appropriate
accounting treatment in accordance with current generally accepted accounting principles.
For accounting questions, contact an OCC district accountant or the OCC’s Office of the
Chief Accountant.

OCC Regulatory Requirements
Investment in Real Estate and Equipment
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Banks may invest in real estate that is necessary for the transaction of their business. 12 Banks
may own or lease buildings larger than the current needs dictate. Banks also may lease excess
space on their banking premises. 13
The types of real estate that a bank may purchase or hold include 14
•
•
•
•

premises that are owned and occupied (or to be occupied, if under construction) by the
bank, its respective branches, or consolidated subsidiaries.
real estate acquired and intended, in good faith, for use in future expansion.
parking facilities that are used by customers and employees of the bank, its respective
branches, or consolidated subsidiaries.
residential property for the use of bank officers or employees who are
− located in remote areas where suitable housing at a reasonable price is not readily
available or
− temporarily assigned to a foreign country, including foreign nationals temporarily
assigned to the United States.

10

Refer to 12 CFR 34.42(i), “Real Estate or Real Property.”

11

Refer to 12 CFR 34.43(a), “Appraisals Required.”

12

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000, “National Bank or Federal Savings Association Ownership of Property.” For
national banks, also refer to 12 USC 29, “Power to Hold Real Property,” and OCC Interpretive Letter #1072,
October 2006.
13

Refer to 12 CFR 7.3001(a)(1); OCC Interpretive Letter #1044, December 2005; and OCC Interpretive Letter
#1034, July 2005.
14

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(a)(2), “Type of Real Estate.”

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•

property for the use of bank officers, employees, or customers or for the temporary
lodging of such persons in areas where suitable commercial lodging is not readily
available, if the property’s purchase and operation qualify as a deductible business
expense for federal tax purposes.

A bank may acquire and hold real estate by any reasonable and prudent means, including
ownership in fee, a leasehold estate, or in an interest in a cooperative. 15 The bank may hold
this real estate directly or through one or more subsidiaries. 16 In addition, the bank may
organize a banking premises subsidiary as a corporation, partnership, or similar entity, such
as a limited liability company. 17 Also, an FSA is authorized to acquire and hold banking
premises through a service corporation. 18
A national bank may own, either directly or through its subsidiaries, a noncontrolling interest
in a limited liability company to acquire, develop, and manage real property for use as bank
premises, provided four standards are met: 19
•
•
•
•

The activity of the entity for enterprise must be limited to activities that are part of, or
incidental to, the business of banking.
The bank must be able to prevent the enterprise from engaging in activities that are
impermissible for banks or be able to withdraw its investment.
The bank’s loss exposure must be limited, as a legal and accounting matter, and the bank
must not have open-ended liability for the obligations of the enterprise.
The investment must be convenient or useful to the bank in carrying out its business and
not a mere passive investment unrelated to that bank’s banking business.

A bank may own fixed assets or equipment necessary for the transaction of its business, such
as fixtures, furniture, and data-processing equipment. 20
A bank may also acquire real estate in satisfaction of debts previously contracted, which is
covered in the “Other Real Estate Owned” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook.
An unexercised option to purchase banking premises or stock in a corporation holding
banking premises is not an investment in banking premises. 21 If the bank seeks to exercise
15

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(a), “Investment in Real Estate Necessary for the Transaction of Business.”

16

Ibid.

17

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(a)(3)(i).

18

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(a)(3)(ii) and 12 CFR 5.59(f)(1), “Any Activity That All Federal Savings
Associations May Conduct Directly.”

19

OCC Interpretations and Actions Conditional Approval Letter #298, January 1999.

20

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(b), “Fixed Assets.”

21

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(c)(3), “Option to Purchase.”

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such an option, it must comply with the requirements of 12 CFR 5.37(d) regarding an
application for approval. 22

Application Process
Subject to the exception set forth in the “After-the-Fact Notice Process” section of this
booklet, a bank must submit an application 23 to the appropriate OCC supervisory office to
invest in banking premises, or in the stock, bonds, debentures, or other such obligations of
any corporation holding the premises of the bank if, for a national bank or stock FSA, the
aggregate of all such investments and loans will exceed the amount of the capital stock 24 of
the bank, and for a mutual FSA, the aggregate of all such investments will exceed the amount
of retained earnings. 25 In determining the aggregate of all investments, all loans to or upon
the security of the stock of a corporation holding the premises of the bank and any
indebtedness incurred by corporations that are affiliates of the bank are aggregated. 26 There
are no specific investment limits for investments in equipment, but the amount of such
investments are considered if the bank submits an application to exceed the legal limitations
on investment in banking premises.
The bank may submit a request for an investment in bank premises with an application for a
business combination, 27 branch or branch relocation, 28 change in main home or office
location, 29 or another corporate application filed with the OCC.

22

Ibid.

23

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d), “Procedure.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

24

Capital stock is defined in 12 CFR 5.37(c)(2), “Capital Stock,” as the amount of common stock outstanding
and unimpaired plus the amount of perpetual preferred stock outstanding and unimpaired. With respect to a
mutual FSA, capital stock means the amount of the association’s retained earnings. (Footnote updated
December 28, 2018)

25

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(1)(i), “When Required.” (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

26

Ibid. (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

27
12 CFR 5.33(d)(2), “Business Combination,” defines business combinations as any merger or consolidation
between a national bank or FSA and one or more depository institutions or state trust companies, or a purchase
and assumption of any deposit liabilities in which the resulting institution is a national bank or FSA.
28

12 CFR 5.30(d)(1), “Branch,” defines branch of a national bank to include any branch bank, branch office,
branch agency, additional office, or any branch place of business established by a national bank in the United
States or its territories at which deposits are received, checks paid, or money lent. A branch of an FSA is
defined as any office other than the association’s home office, agency office, administrative office, or data
processing office, or an electronic means or facility under 12 CFR 155. Refer to 12 CFR 5.31(d)(1), “Branch
Office,” which incorporates by reference 12 CFR 145.92(a), “Definition.” (Footnote updated December 28,
2018)
29

Refer to 12 CFR 5.40, “Change in Location of a Main Office of a National Bank or Home Office of a Federal
Savings Association.”

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Application
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
The application must include 30
•
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•

a description of the bank’s present investment in banking premises.
the investment in banking premises that the bank intends to make, and the business
reason for making the investment.
the amount by which the bank’s aggregate investment will exceed the amount of the
bank’s capital stock, or in the case of a mutual FSA, the amount of retained earnings.

If the investment involves a bank insider, the bank should provide additional information
Examples of insider activities include
•
•
•
•

a direct purchase of real estate from an insider.
leasing property that is owned, directly or indirectly, by an insider.
transactions that benefit, or are transferred to, an insider.
situations in which an insider benefits from the transaction (e.g., an insider owns an
adjacent parking facility or provides janitorial or other services to the leased or purchased
property).

If the investment involves a bank insider, the bank should provide in the application
•
•
•
•
•
•

the name of the bank insider and his or her relationship to the bank.
a description of how the bank determined the fairness of the terms of the transaction. This
may include providing a copy of an independent appraisal or other evidence of the
fairness of the transaction.
a copy of the board’s resolution approving the transaction that reflects the bank insider’s
abstention from the discussion and voting.
a copy of the executed lease or purchase agreement (contingent on OCC approval).
an accounting determination of whether a lease should be capitalized.
a justification of the expenditure.

When analyzing an application for an excess investment in bank premises, the OCC
considers
•
•
•
•
30

consistency with safe and sound banking practices.
whether any transaction involves bank insiders and, if so, whether the terms are the same
as those prevailing at the time for a comparable transaction with independent parties.
the reasonableness of the amount of bank premises and required annual expenditures to
carry premises relative to the bank’s capital and the nature and volume of operations.
the effect of the investment on future earnings.
Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(1)(ii), “Contents of Premises Application.”

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The OCC considers denying requests for additional investment in bank premises when
•
•
•

the additional investment would have a material negative effect on the bank’s earnings,
capital, or liquidity.
the board or management has not demonstrated a reasonable need for the additional
investment.
the additional investment involves an unsafe or unsound transaction.

An application to invest in banking premises is deemed to be approved as of the 30th day
after the OCC receives the filing, unless the OCC notifies the bank before that day that the
filing presents a significant supervisory or compliance concern or raises a significant legal or
policy issue. 31 An approval for a specified amount remains valid up to that amount until the
OCC notifies the bank otherwise.
The OCC may impose special conditions for an approval of an additional bank premises
investment if the OCC determines that the conditions are necessary or appropriate to protect
the bank’s safety and soundness, to prevent conflicts of interest, or to further other
supervisory or policy considerations. 32 Such conditions may include
•
•
•
•
•

maintenance of adequate capital levels.
development of specific plans to improve earnings.
development of specific plans to improve liquidity.
a statement that the investment in bank premises may not be increased further without
prior OCC approval if the resulting total exceeds the bank’s capital stock.
submission of an appraisal to support the transaction.

The OCC may apply these conditions as “conditions imposed in writing” within the meaning
of 12 USC 1818. The conditions remain in effect after the effective date or consummation
date of an approved transaction or activity and continue until the OCC removes them.

After-the-Fact Notice Process
An exception to the application process applies if the bank is rated 1 or 2 under the Uniform
Financial Institutions Rating System. 33 In this situation, the bank may make an aggregate
investment in banking premises up to 150 percent of the bank’s capital and surplus 34—

31

Ibid.

32

Refer to 12 CFR 5.13(a)(1), “Conditional Approval.”

33

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(3)(i), “General Rule.” (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

34

12 CFR 5.37(c)(3), “Capital and Surplus,” defines capital and surplus as the bank’s tier 1 and tier 2 capital
calculated under 12 CFR 3, “Capital Adequacy Standards,” as applicable, as reported in the bank’s call reports.
In addition, capital and surplus include the balance of a bank’s allowance for loan and lease losses not included
in the bank’s tier 2 capital, for purposes of the calculation of risk-based capital as reported in the bank’s call
reports. (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

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without the OCC’s prior approval—if the bank is well capitalized, as defined in 12 CFR 6,
and will continue to be well capitalized after the investment or loan is made.
Under this exception, the bank must notify the appropriate OCC supervisory office in writing
of the investment within 30 days after the investment or loan is made. 35 The after-the-fact
written notice must include a description of the bank’s investment or loan. 36
If an FSA that is otherwise eligible for the after-the-fact notice process proposes to establish
or acquire a subsidiary (or any service corporation) to make an investment in banking
premises, or if investing in banking premises would be a new activity for such a subsidiary
(or service corporation), the FSA cannot utilize the after-the-fact notice process. In these
circumstances, the FSA would be required to file an application under 12 CFR 5.59 in the
case of a service corporation or 12 CFR 5.38 in the case of an operating subsidiary. 37
The procedures the OCC uses for processing bank premises applications and after-the-fact
notices are in appendix A of this booklet.

Future Bank Expansion
Banks are encouraged to plan for future needs, and examiners should not arbitrarily classify
real estate acquired for future use as other real estate owned. Banks should, however, balance
the need to acquire for future expansion with the bank’s current earnings and capital position,
and carefully evaluate whether the investment is consistent with safe and sound banking
practices. Banks normally should use real estate acquired for future bank expansion within
five years. After holding such real estate for one year, the bank shall state, by resolution of its
board or an appropriately authorized bank official or subcommittee of the board, definitive
plans for its use. 38 The resolution or other official action must be available for inspection by
OCC examiners. 39 Banks should be aware that if they decide not to use real estate acquired
for future banking premises within five years, the investment may be considered other real
estate owned and subject to applicable other real estate owned requirements. 40
A transitional rule applies to FSAs regarding the use of real estate acquired for future use. In
accordance with 12 CFR 7.1000(e), if an FSA holds an investment in real estate, fixed assets,
banking premises, or other real property that complies with the legal requirements in effect
before May 18, 2015, but would violate any provision of 12 CFR 7.1000 or 12 CFR 5.37, the
35

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(3)(i), “General Rule.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

36

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(3), “Premises Notice Process.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

37

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(3)(ii), “Exception.” (Footnote updated December 28, 2018)

38
Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(d), “Future National Bank or Federal Savings Association Expansion.” (Footnote
added December 28, 2018)
39

Ibid. (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

40

Ibid. (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

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FSA may continue to hold such investment in accordance with the prior legal requirements.
An FSA that holds such an investment shall not, however, modify, expand, or improve this
investment except for routine maintenance, without the prior approval of the appropriate
OCC supervisory office. 41

Sharing Space and Employees
Banks may lease excess space on bank premises to one or more other businesses (including
other financial institutions); share space jointly held with one or more other businesses; or
offer their services in space owned or leased to other businesses. 42
When entering into space-sharing space arrangements, banks must comply with all applicable
laws and regulations. If the arrangement involves an affiliate or a shareholder, director,
officer, or employee of the bank,
•
•
•

the bank must comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions governing
bank transactions with these persons or entities.
the parties must comply with all applicable fiduciary duties.
the parties, if they are in competition with each other, must consider limitations, if any,
imposed by applicable antitrust laws.

When sharing space with another business, banks may provide, under one or more written
agreements between the bank, the other business, and their employees, that
•
•

bank employees may act as agent for the other business.
an employee of the other business may act as agent for the bank. 43

When banks enter into space-sharing arrangements, the bank must ensure that
•
•
•
•
•
•

the other business is conspicuously, accurately, and separately identified.
shared employees clearly and fully disclose the nature of their agency relationship to
customers of the bank and the other business so that customers know the identity of the
bank or other business providing the product or service.
the arrangement does not constitute a joint venture or partnership with the other business
under applicable state law.
all aspects of the relationship between the bank and the other business are conducted at
arm’s length, unless a special arrangement is warranted because the other business is a
bank subsidiary.
security issues arising from the activities of the other business on the premises are
addressed.
the other business’s activities do not adversely affect the bank’s safety and soundness.

41

Refer to 12 CFR 7.1000(e), “Transition.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

42

Refer to 12 CFR 7.3001, “Sharing National Bank or Federal Savings Association Space and Employees.”

43

Refer to 12 CFR 7.3001(b), “Sharing Employees.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

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•
•

the shared employees or the entity for which they perform services are duly licensed or
meet qualification requirements of applicable statutes and regulations pertaining to agents
or employees of the other business.
the assets and records of both parties are segregated. 44

If an FSA shares space or employees with another business under an agreement that complies
with the legal requirements that were in effect before May 18, 2015, but which would violate
any provision of 12 CFR 7.3001, the FSA may continue sharing under such an agreement but
it may not amend, renew, or extend the agreement without prior approval of the appropriate
OCC supervisory office. 45

Transactions With Insiders
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Pursuant to 12 USC 1828(z), insured depository institutions are prohibited from purchasing
assets from, or selling assets to, executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders, or
their related interests, unless
•
•

the transaction is on market terms, and
if the transaction represents more than 10 percent of the bank’s capital stock and surplus,
the transaction has been approved in advance by a majority of the bank’s directors who
do not have an interest in the transaction.

Banks’ purchases of assets from, or sales of assets to, insiders who are outside the scope of
12 USC 1828(z) should be consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

44

Refer to 12 CFR 7.3001(c), “Supervisory Conditions.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

45

Refer to 12 CFR 7.3001(e), “Transition.” (Footnote added December 28, 2018)

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Examination Procedures
This booklet contains expanded procedures for examining specialized activities or specific
products or services that warrant extra attention beyond the core assessment contained in the
“Community Bank Supervision,” “Federal Branches and Agencies Supervision,” and “Large
Bank Supervision” booklets of the Comptroller’s Handbook. Examiners determine which
expanded procedures should be used, if any, during examination planning or after drawing
preliminary conclusions during the core assessment.

Scope
These procedures are designed to help examiners tailor the examination to each bank and
determine the scope of the examination for bank premises and equipment. This determination
should consider work performed by internal and external auditors and other independent risk
control functions and by other examiners on related areas. Examiners need to perform only
those objectives and steps that are relevant to the scope of the examination as determined by
the following objective. Seldom will every objective or step of the expanded procedures be
necessary.

Objective: To determine the scope of the examination of bank premises and equipment and identify
examination objectives that will meet the supervisory strategy for the bank.
(Procedures 1, 4, and 5 updated December 28, 2018)
1. Review the following sources of information and note any previously identified problems
related to bank premises and equipment that require follow-up:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Examiner-in-charge’s (EIC) scope memorandum
Previous reports of examination (ROE) and work papers
OCC correspondence with the bank involving bank premises or equipment
Supervisory strategy
Internal and external audit reports and work papers
Bank management’s responses to previous ROEs and audit reports
Customer complaints and litigation. Examiners should review customer complaint
data from the OCC’s Customer Assistance Group, the bank, and the Bureau of
Consumer Financial Protection (when applicable). When possible, examiners should
review and leverage complaint analysis already performed during the supervisory
cycle to avoid duplication of effort.

2. Review the bank’s Uniform Bank Performance Reports and applicable OCC reports or
analytical tools.
3. Obtain and review any significant exceptions or issues related to bank premises and
equipment in recent internal or external audit, compliance, or risk management reports.
Determine if management has taken appropriate corrections or other actions.

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4. Obtain and review reports that management uses to supervise bank premises and
equipment. Some examples include the following:
•
•
•
•

Asset and depreciation ledger(s)
Insurance policy valuations and inventories
Listing of any nonperforming (idle, abandoned, or useless) bank premises and fixed
assets, and any missing fixed assets
Listing of all fixed assets and other equipment necessary for, or incidental to, the
transaction of the bank’s business (indicate approximate remaining useful life)

5. Obtain and review recent board or committee minutes that relate to the acquisition or
disposition of material banking premises or fixed assets.
6. In discussions with management, determine whether there have been any significant
changes in policies, procedures, controls, or personnel related to bank premises and
equipment.
7. Determine the objective(s) and scope of the bank premises and equipment examination
based on the completion of these procedures and discussions with the EIC.

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Quantity of Risk
Conclusion: The quantity of each associated risk is
(low, moderate, or high).
Objective: To determine the quantity of risk associated with the bank’s present and planned
investment in bank premises and equipment.
(Procedures 1, 2, 7, and 10 updated December 28, 2018)
1. Analyze the reasonableness of the bank’s investment in premises and equipment and
associated annual maintenance expenditures. Consider the bank’s investment relative to
•
•

capital.
current and projected earnings.

2. Analyze the bank’s strategic plans for acquisitions or disposition of bank premises and
equipment. Consider whether strategic plans
•
•
•

adequately consider future needs.
indicate that investment amounts are reasonable in relation to capital and earnings
projections.
balance future needs with the bank’s current financial condition and nature and
volume of operations.

3. For bank premises and equipment transactions involving insiders or affiliates, determine
if the transactions
•
•
•

violate insider dealing rules.
present a conflict of interest.
violate transaction-with-affiliate rules.

4. Determine whether there is sufficient insurance coverage for all bank premises and
equipment.
5. For bank premises that are leased (bank as lessee) with an initial lease period of more
than one year, obtain from the bank
•
•
•
•
•
•

name of the lessor.
lease expiration date.
payment schedule including amounts and due dates.
current status.
expiration and renewal option provisions.
major responsibilities of both the lessor and the lessee.

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6. For bank premises that are leased (bank as lessor), determine
•
•
•

if the bank relies on the rental income and if that income is material.
if the rental payments are current.
if the lessee is an affiliate or insider.

7. If the rental income is material, analyze the bank’s potential exposure to
•
•
•
•

concentrations among lessees.
the impending expiration of major lease(s).
a lack of creditworthiness of lessee(s).
lessee(s)’ noncompliance with lease terms.

8. Using an appropriate sampling technique, select a sample of property acquisitions, sales,
and other disposals since the last examination and review the following to test the
accuracy of the bank premises account since the last examination:
•
•
•
•

Invoices
Disbursement checks
Title data
Asset file

9. For each material banking premises acquisition, sale, or disposal, determine if the board
minutes contain evidence of proper approval and documentation supporting an assertion
that the acquisition fulfills a demonstrated need and is cost effective.
10. Test the propriety of material bank premises and equipment acquisitions by
•
•
•

comparing acquisition cost with that of similar assets.
reviewing the method used to select a third party or buyer.
physical inspection of the asset.

11. Test the propriety of the sale price of material bank premises and equipment by
•
•

comparing the sale price with that of similar assets.
reviewing the method used to establish the sale price.

Objective: To determine the level of strategic risk associated with the bank’s present and planned
investment in premises and equipment.
1. Through discussion with the EIC, determine whether strategies for managing bank
premises and equipment needs are reasonable and compatible with the bank’s overall
strategic goals.

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2. Determine whether management has considered the following in its strategic and
contingency planning process:
•
•
•
•

External factors that could affect bank premises and equipment
Potential obsolescence of bank premises and equipment
Underutilization or overutilization of existing bank premises and equipment
Reasonableness of projected purchases of bank premises and equipment in relation to
current and anticipated earnings, capital, and scope of operations

Objective: To determine the quantity of compliance risk arising from violations of or
nonconformance with OCC regulatory requirements.
(Procedure 1 updated December 28, 2018)
1. Test compliance with OCC regulatory requirements. Determine whether
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

bank premises are the types of real estate permitted in accordance with
12 CFR 7.1000.
bank premises are held in a manner that is permitted in 12 CFR 7.1000.
the bank obtained prior OCC approval or provided timely after-the-fact notice to the
OCC, if applicable.
bank premises held for future use meet the requirements of 12 CFR 7.1000.
bank premises involving shared space and employees meet the requirements of
12 CFR 7.3001.
sales of assets to any executive officer, director, or principal shareholder complied
with 12 USC 1828(z).
the bank complies with 12 USC 371d (national banks) and 12 CFR 5.37 (national
banks and FSAs).
the bank complies with 12 CFR 21.3 (national banks) or 12 CFR 168.13 (FSAs).

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Quality of Risk Management
Conclusion: The quality of risk management is
(strong, satisfactory, insufficient, or weak).
The conclusion on risk management considers all risks associated with bank premises and
equipment.

Policies
Policies are statements of actions adopted by a bank to pursue certain objectives. Policies
guide decisions, often set standards (on risk limits, for example), and should be consistent
with the bank’s underlying mission, risk appetite, and core values. Policies should be
reviewed periodically for effectiveness and approved by the board of directors or designated
board committee.

Objective: To determine whether the bank has adopted effective policies governing bank premises
and equipment that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices and appropriate for
the size, nature, and scope of the bank’s operations.
(Updated objective and procedure 1 December 28, 2018)
1. Determine the adequacy of the bank’s policies regarding bank premises and equipment.
Consider if the policies and processes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

establish satisfactory controls over the acquisition, maintenance, and disposition of
bank premises and equipment.
establish responsibilities and accountability.
establish actions to be taken in the acquisition or disposition of bank premises and
equipment.
appropriately address valuation, appropriate selection of third parties or buyers, and
prohibitions against insider dealing and conflicts of interest.
establish risk limits and outline actions to be taken if limits are breached.
direct the board to approve all material banking premises and equipment acquisitions
and dispositions.
appropriately address appraisals, accounting treatment, and reporting on call reports.
prevent violations of OCC regulatory requirements or transaction-with-affiliates
rules.
appropriately address periodic inventories and audit coverage of bank premises and
equipment.
appropriately address maintenance of adequate insurance coverage on bank premises
and equipment.

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2. Determine if policies are appropriately communicated to persons with supervisory
responsibility or oversight of bank premises and equipment.
3. Verify that the board or designated board committee periodically reviews and approves
the bank premises and equipment policies and processes.

Processes
Processes are the procedures, programs, and practices that impose order on a bank’s pursuit
of its objectives. Processes define how activities are carried out and help manage risk.
Effective processes are consistent with the underlying policies and are governed by
appropriate checks and balances (such as internal controls).

Objective: To determine whether the bank has processes in place to define how bank premises and
equipment decisions are carried out.
1. Evaluate how management determines bank premises and equipment needs in the
strategic planning process.
2. Review the bank’s contingency planning process for bank premises and equipment and
determine the adequacy of management’s plans for dealing with the possibility that bank
premises or equipment may become unusable.

Personnel
Personnel are the bank staff and managers who execute or oversee processes. Personnel
should be qualified and competent, have clearly defined responsibilities, and be held
accountable for their actions. They should understand the bank’s mission, risk appetite, core
values, policies, and processes. Banks should design compensation programs to attract and
retain personnel, align with strategy, and appropriately balance risk-taking and reward.

Objective: To determine management’s ability to supervise bank premises and equipment in a safe
and sound manner.
1. Given the size, nature, and scope of the bank’s premises and equipment, assess the
management structure and staffing involved in managing bank premises and equipment.
Consider the following:
•
•
•
•
•

The expertise, training, and number of staff members
Whether reporting lines encourage open communication and limit the chances of
insider dealing or conflicts of interest
The level of staff turnover
The use of outsourcing arrangements
Responsiveness to regulatory, accounting, industry, and technological changes

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2. Assess management’s technical knowledge and ability to manage bank premises and
equipment based on conclusions developed while performing these procedures.

Control Systems
Control systems are the functions (such as internal and external audits, and quality assurance)
and information systems that bank managers use to measure performance, make decisions
about risk, and assess the effectiveness of processes and personnel. Control functions should
have clear reporting lines, sufficient resources, and appropriate access and authority.
Management information systems should provide timely, accurate, and relevant feedback.

Objective: To determine whether the bank has systems in place to provide accurate and timely
assessments of the risks associated with bank premises and equipment.
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring systems to identify, measure, and track
exceptions to policies and established risk limits.
2. Determine whether management information systems provide timely, accurate, and
useful information to evaluate risk levels and trends in bank premises and equipment.
3. Assess the effectiveness of risk functions overseeing bank premises and equipment.

Objective: To determine that effective control systems are in place to monitor compliance with
established policies and processes.
1. Determine the effectiveness of the audit function in connection with bank premises and
equipment. Consider
•
•
•
•
•

scope and coverage of review(s).
frequency of review(s).
qualifications of audit personnel.
comprehensiveness and accuracy of findings and recommendations.
adequacy and timeliness of follow-up.

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the compliance function in identifying and managing
compliance risk in connection with bank premises and equipment. Consider
•

scope and coverage. Is there testing for compliance with the following?
− Bank premises are the types of real estate permitted in accordance with
12 CFR 7.1000.
− Bank premises are held in a manner that is permitted in 12 CFR 7.1000.
− Bank obtained prior OCC approval or provided timely notice to the OCC, if
applicable.
− Bank premises held for future use meet the requirements of 12 CFR 7.1000.

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•
•

− Bank premises involving shared space and employees meet the requirements of
12 CFR 7.3001.
− Compliance with 12 USC 371d (national banks) and 12 CFR 5.37 (national banks
and FSAs).
whether violations and exceptions are noted.
adequacy and timeliness of follow-up or corrective action.

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Conclusions
Conclusion: The aggregate level of each associated risk is
(low, moderate, or high).
The direction of each associated risk is
(increasing, stable, or decreasing).
Objective: To determine, document, and communicate overall findings and conclusions regarding
the examination of bank premises and equipment.
(Procedures 1, 4, 5, 7, and 9 updated December 28, 2018)
1. Consider the examination findings and make and discuss preliminary conclusions with
the EIC, including
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

bank size.
existing bank premises and equipment.
the bank’s anticipated growth potential.
bank policies and procedures to maintain assets at their most useful capacity.
adequacy of bank’s policies, procedures, and controls.
whether the bank conforms to its established policies and procedures.
significant internal control deficiencies in relation to bank premises and equipment.
recommended corrective actions to fix deficiencies.
quantity of associated risks.
quality of risk management.
aggregate level and direction of associated risks.
overall risk in bank premises and equipment.
violations and other concerns.
Summary of Risks Associated With Bank Premises and Equipment

Risk
category

Quantity of risk

Quality of risk
management

Aggregate level
of risk

Direction of risk

(Low,
moderate,
high)

(Weak,
insufficient,
satisfactory,
strong)

(Low,
moderate,
high)

(Increasing,
stable,
decreasing)

Operational
Strategic
Compliance
Reputation
Liquidity

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2. Determine, in consultation with the EIC, if the risks identified are significant enough to
merit bringing them to the board’s attention in the ROE. If so, prepare item for inclusion.
3. If substantive safety and soundness concerns remain unresolved that may have a material
adverse effect on the bank, further expand the scope of the examination by completing
verification procedures.
4. Discuss examination findings with bank management, including violations, deficient
practices, and conclusions about risks and risk management practices. If necessary, obtain
commitments for corrective action.
5. Compose conclusion comments, highlighting any issues that should be included in the
ROE. If necessary, compose matters requiring attention and violation write-ups.
6. Update the OCC’s information system and any applicable ROE schedules or tables.
7. Document recommendations for the supervisory strategy (e.g., what the OCC should do
in the future to effectively supervise bank premises and equipment, including time
periods, staffing, and workdays required.)
8. Update, organize, and reference work papers in accordance with OCC policy.
9. Dispose of or secure any paper or electronic media that contain sensitive bank or
customer information.
10. Determine the aggregate level and direction of risk for applicable risks identified by
performing the above procedures. For more guidance, refer to the “Bank Supervision
Process,” “Community Bank Supervision,” “Federal Branches and Agencies
Supervision,” or “Large Bank Supervision” booklets of the Comptroller’s Handbook.

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Internal Control Questionnaire
An internal control questionnaire (ICQ) helps an examiner assess a bank’s internal controls
for an area. ICQs typically address standard controls that provide day-to-day protection of
bank assets and financial records. The examiner decides the extent to which it is necessary to
complete or update ICQs during examination planning or after reviewing the findings and
conclusions of the core assessment.

Custody of Property
1. Do the bank’s procedures preclude persons who have access to property from having
“sole custody of property,” in that
•
•

any unauthorized disposal would be readily apparent?
inventory control methods sufficiently limit accessibility?

Acquisitions, Sales, and Disposals
1. Does an officer who does not also control the related disbursement or receipt of funds
give signed approval of the acquisition, sale, or disposal of property?
2. Do all material acquisitions, sales, or disposals of property receive board approval? (If so,
indicate the amount that constitutes a material acquisition, sale, or disposal.) (Updated
December 28, 2018)
3. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property perform the preparation and
posting of property acquisition, sale, or disposal records?
4. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property balance any property
acquisition, sale, or disposal records, at least quarterly, to the appropriate general ledger?
5. Are the bank’s procedures such that all acquisitions are reviewed to determine whether
they represent replacements and that any replaced items are cleared from the accounts?
6. Do the bank’s procedures provide for signed receipts for sales of equipment?
7. Do the bank’s policies include procedures for selecting a seller, servicer, insurer, or
purchaser of material assets (e.g., through competitive bidding) to prevent any possibility
of conflict of interest or self-dealing?
8. Do review procedures provide for appraisal of an asset to determine the appropriateness
of a proposed purchase or sale price?

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Depreciation
1. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property perform the preparation,
addition, and posting of depreciation records?
2. Do the bank’s procedures require that depreciation expenses be taken in accordance with
current generally accepted accounting principles?
3. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property balance the subsidiary
depreciation records, at least quarterly, to the appropriate general ledger controls?

Property Records
1. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property post subsidiary property
records?
2. Do persons who do not also have sole custody of property balance the subsidiary property
records, at least quarterly, to the appropriate general ledger accounts?
Bank as Lessor (Bank Premises and Bank-Related Equipment Only)
3. Do policies provide for division of the duties involved in billing and the collection of
rental payments?
4. Are the lease agreements subject to the same direct verification program applied to other
bank assets and liabilities?
5. Are credit checks performed on potential lessees?
6. Do policies provide for a periodic review of lessees for undue concentrations?
Bank as Lessee (Bank Premises and Bank-Related Equipment Only)
7. Does the bank have a clearly defined method of determining whether bank premises and
equipment should be owned or leased, and does the bank maintain supporting
documentation?
8. Are procedures in effect to determine whether a lease should be capitalized in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles? (Updated December 28, 2018)
9. Do the bank’s operating procedures provide, on capitalized leases, that the amount
capitalized is computed by more than one individual and reviewed by an independent
party? (Updated December 28, 2018)

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Other Procedures
1. Is the physical existence of bank equipment periodically checked or tested, such as by a
physical inventory, and are any differences from property records investigated by persons
who do not also have sole custody of property?
2. Do the bank’s procedures provide for serial numbering of equipment?
3. Are the bank’s policies and procedures on property in written form?
4. Is the benefit of expert tax advice obtained before final decision making on significant
transactions involving bank premises and equipment?
5. Does the bank maintain documentation in separate property files that include invoices,
(e.g., settlement sheets and bills of sale), titles on real estate or vehicles, and other
pertinent ownership data? (Updated December 28, 2018)

Conclusions
1. Is the foregoing information an adequate basis for evaluating internal controls in that
there are no significant additional internal auditing procedures, accounting controls,
administrative controls, or other circumstances that impair any controls or mitigate any
weaknesses in this section? (Explain negative answers briefly, and indicate conclusions
as to their effect on specific examination or verification procedures.)
2. Based on answers to the foregoing questions, determine if internal controls for bank
premises and equipment are considered (strong, satisfactory, insufficient, or weak).

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Verification Procedures
Verification procedures are used to verify the existence of assets and liabilities, or test the
reliability of financial records. Examiners generally do not perform verification procedures as
part of a typical examination. Rather, verification procedures are performed when substantive
safety and soundness concerns are identified that are not mitigated by the bank’s risk
management function and internal controls.
1. Check computation of gain, loss, or depreciation on bank equipment ledgers and compare
them to the general ledger.
2. Inspect receipts on bank premises and equipment, where available, and confirm paid
amounts by tracing them to appropriate general ledger expense or liability accounts.
3. Investigate and explain any significant charges to the accumulated depreciation accounts
other than for the current year’s depreciation expense or for retirement or sale of assets.
4. Review maintenance and repair accounts for bank premises and equipment for any
significant expenses.
5. Determine, on a test basis, that when items are acquired as replacements, the original
asset value and accumulated depreciation amounts are removed.
6. Using an appropriate sampling technique, test the summary of changes by reviewing
invoices, disbursements, and title data (when applicable), and by inspecting the files for
evidence of proper approval. Retain, for the permanent file, all working papers
concerning material acquisitions or sales of bank premises or equipment, or any
significant change that is in process.
7. Test the propriety of the sale price of bank premises and equipment acquisitions by
comparing their cost to that of other similar assets and by reviewing the method used to
establish the selling price.
8. Determine if there have been any bank premises or equipment transactions with bankaffiliated personnel and, if so, answer the following questions.
•
•

For bank premises and equipment acquired,
− were independent appraisals obtained before consummation of the transaction?
− was board approval obtained based on full disclosure of all relevant factors?
For bank premises and equipment sold,
− were any bank premises and equipment sold below their fair market value?
− was board approval obtained based on full disclosure of all relevant factors?

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Appendix
Appendix A: Procedures the OCC Uses for Processing
Bank Premises Notices and Applications
Procedures—Application
Inquiry
Licensing or Supervisory Staff
1. Refers the bank to this booklet if a bank requests instructions about bank premises.
Filing the Application
Bank
2. Completes and submits an “application for increase” to the appropriate supervisory
office. 46 The application should contain 47
•
•
•

a description of the present bank premises investment.
the investment in bank premises that the bank intends to make and the business
reason for making the investment.
the amount by which the aggregate investment 48 or specified amount will exceed
- the amount of the bank’s capital stock (national banks and stock FSAs).
- the amount of retained earnings (mutual FSAs).

If the investment involves a bank insider, the bank should provide
•
•
•
•

the name of the bank insider and his or her relationship to the bank.
a description of how the bank determined the fairness of the terms of the
transaction. This may include providing a copy of an independent appraisal or
other evidence of the fairness of the transaction.
a copy of the board’s resolution approving the transaction that reflects the bank
insider’s abstention from the discussion and voting.
a copy of the executed lease or purchase agreement (contingent on OCC
approval).

46

An application is not required for accounting adjustments that increase the existing amount of premises
reported when there is not a new investment in bank premises, such as capitalizing leases previously entered
into due to the bank’s adoption of “Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standard Update
2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).”
47

Refer to 12 CFR 5.37(d)(1)(ii), “Content of Premises Application.”

48

For leases, the investment amount generally is the amount that would be capitalized at inception.

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•
•

an accounting determination of whether a lease should be capitalized.
a justification of the expenditure.

(Procedure updated December 28, 2018)
3. If the transaction is combined with a corporate application, such as a branch or business
combination filing, file the bank premises portion with the appropriate supervisory office.
Licensing Staff
4. If a bank premises transaction is included in a corporate filing, refers the bank premises
request to the supervisory staff for decision.
Review
Supervisory Staff
5. Determines if the application will be considered with a related corporate filing, such as
business combination or branch.
•

If so, verifies with the licensing staff the application’s time frame for decision.

6. Sends an acknowledgement letter within five business days of receipt.
7. Reviews the application and any other relevant information about the bank and verifies
that
•
•
•
•

the application contains the application criteria described in step 2. (Updated
December 28, 2018)
the proposal is feasible for the bank’s size, services, projected earnings, capital, and
target market.
the proposal is consistent with safe and sound banking practices and OCC policy.
any arrangements or transactions involving bank insiders are made on substantially
the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
independent parties (review appraisal or appraiser’s statement of fairness).

8. If related to a corporate application, within five business days of receipt, solicits
comments from the licensing staff.
9. If the application is insufficient, requests the necessary or missing information from the
bank and includes a specific due date for the bank’s response.
10. Reviews any additional information.

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Decision
11. Prepares the decision letter and decides the application under delegated authority.
12. Documents the analysis and decision in an “other significant event” comment in the
appropriate supervisory information system.
13. If combined with a corporate application, notifies the licensing staff of the decision and
provides a copy of the decision letter.
14. Sends the bank the decision letter.
Closeout
15. Forwards the bank’s request and the decision letter to the national filing system file no. 5.

Procedures—After-the-Fact Notice
Supervisory Staff
1. Refers the bank to this booklet if a bank requests instructions about bank premises.
Filing the Notice
Bank
2. Completes and submits an after-the-fact notice to the appropriate supervisory office. The
notice contains
•
•

a description of the bank’s investment or loan in bank premises.
a verification of the bank’s well-capitalized status before and after the investment.

Review
Supervisory Staff
3. Reviews the notice and any other relevant information about the bank and verifies that
•
•
•

the bank has a composite CAMELS 49 rating of 1 or 2.
the notice contains the information stated in step 2.
the transaction is consistent with safe and sound banking practices and OCC policy.

49

A bank’s composite rating under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System, or CAMELS, integrates
ratings from six component areas: capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and
sensitivity to market risk. Evaluations of the component areas take into consideration the bank’s size and
sophistication, the nature and complexity of its activities, and its risk profile.

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4. If the notice is insufficient or the bank is not qualified, requests the necessary or missing
information from the bank and includes a specific due date, or requests the bank to file an
application.
5. Reviews any additional information. Enters an “other significant event” comment in the
appropriate supervisory information system.
Closeout
6. Forwards the notice to the bank’s EIC and national filing system file no. 5.

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References
(Section updated December 28, 2018)
Listed references apply to national banks and FSAs unless otherwise indicated.

Laws
12 USC 29, “Power to Hold Real Property” (national banks)
12 USC 371c, “Banking Affiliates”
12 USC 371c-1, “Restrictions on Transactions With Affiliates”
12 USC 371d, “Investment in Bank Premises or Stock of Corporation Holding Premises”
(national banks)
12 USC 1468, “Transactions With Affiliates: Extensions of Credit to Executive Officers,
Directors, and Principal Shareholders” (FSAs)
12 USC 1818, “Termination of Status as Insured Depository Institution”
12 USC 1828(z), “General Prohibition on Sale of Assets”
12 USC 3102(b), “Rules and Regulations; Rights and Privileges; Duties and Liabilities;
Exceptions; Coordination of Examinations” (federal branches and agencies)

Regulations
12 CFR 3, “Capital Adequacy Standards”
12 CFR 5.13(a)(1), “Conditional Approval”
12 CFR 5.30(d)(1), “Branch” (national banks)
12 CFR 5.31(d)(1), “Branch Office” (FSAs)
12 CFR 5.33(d)(2), “Business Combination”
12 CFR 5.37, “Investment in National Bank or Federal Savings Association Premises”
12 CFR 5.38, “Operating Subsidiaries of a Federal Savings Association” (FSAs)
12 CFR 5.40, “Change in Location of a Main Office of a National Bank or Home Office of a
Federal Savings Association”
12 CFR 5.59, “Service Corporations of Federal Savings Associations” (FSAs)
12 CFR 6, “Prompt Corrective Action”
12 CFR 7.1000, “National Bank or Federal Savings Association Ownership of Property”
12 CFR 7.3001, “Sharing National Bank or Federal Savings Association Space and
Employees”
12 CFR 21.3, “Security Program” (national banks)
12 CFR 34.42(i), “Real Estate or Real Property”
12 CFR 34.43(a), “Appraisals Required”
12 CFR 145.92(a), “Definition [Branch Office]” (FSAs)
12 CFR 155, “Electronic Operations” (FSAs)
12 CFR 168.3, “Security Program” (FSAs)
12 CFR 223, “Transactions Between Member Banks and Their Affiliates (Regulation W)”

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Comptroller’s Handbook
“Bank Supervision Process”
“Community Bank Supervision”
“Corporate and Risk Governance”
“Federal Branches and Agencies Supervision”
“Foreword”
“Insider Activities”
“Large Bank Supervision”
“Other Real Estate Owned”
“Related Organizations” (national banks)

OTS Examination Handbook (FSAs)
Section 730, “Related Organizations”

OCC Issuances and Other Booklets
OCC Bulletin 2010-42, “Sound Practices for Appraisals and Evaluations: Interagency
Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines”
OCC Interpretations and Actions Conditional Approval Letter #298 (January 1999) (national
banks)
OCC Interpretive Letter #1034 (July 2005) (national banks)
OCC Interpretive Letter #1044 (December 2005) (national banks)
OCC Interpretive Letter #1072 (October 2006) (national banks)
Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, “Leases
(Topic 842)”

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Table of Updates Since Publication
Refer to the “Foreword” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook for more information
regarding the OCC’s process for updating Comptroller’s Handbook booklets.
Version 1.0: Published November 29, 2016
Version
number
1.1

Date

Reason

Affected
pages

December 28,
2018

Added or updated footnotes to citations of statutes or
regulations

Throughout
the booklet

Clarified applicability to federal branches and agencies

1

Edited for clarity

1, 5–7, 9,
14–19, 23–
24

Clarify applicability to national banks or FSAs

1, 5, 8, 18,
22

Updated for consistency with the booklets in the
“Examination Process” series of the Comptroller’s Handbook

2–5, 14, 24

Clarifications regarding supervisory guidance, sound risk
management practices, or legal language

3–6, 9–10,
13, 19, 25–
27, 29–30

Added discussion of security devices

4, 18

Clarified the role of the bank’s board or management

10

Third-party risk management guidance and examination
procedures (OCC Bulletins 2013-29, 2017-7, and 2017-21)

17, 19

Updated “References” section for consistency with the
content of the booklet

33–34

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