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Matthias Knab, Opalesque:

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced it will begin accepting applications for national bank charters from nondepository financial technology (fintech) companies engaged in the business of banking.

"Over the past 150 years banks and the federal banking system have been the source of tremendous innovation that has improved banking services and made them more accessible to millions. The federal banking system must continue to evolve and embrace innovation to meet the changing customer needs and serve as a source of strength for the nation's economy," said Comptroller of the Currency Joseph M. Otting. "The decision to consider applications for special purpose national bank charters from innovative companies helps provide more choices to consumers and businesses, and creates greater opportunity for companies that want to provide banking services in America. Companies that provide banking services in innovative ways deserve the opportunity to pursue that business on a national scale as a federally chartered, regulated bank."

The OCC's decision is consistent with bi-partisan government efforts at federal and state levels to promote economic opportunity and support innovation that can improve financial services to consumers, businesses, and communities. The decision was documented in a policy statement and supplement to the OCC's Comptroller's Licensing Manual, both published today. The OCC's decision follows extensive......................

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