OCC: What Mortgage Lenders & Servicers Must Know

The OCC supervises national banks and federal thrifts for mortgage compliance and issues bulletins/handbooks that examiners expect you to follow. Your must-do: align your mortgage policies with OCC bulletins and the Comptroller’s Handbook.

Who they are &
who they oversee

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations. In mortgages, OCC examiners ensure that national banks and federal thrifts comply with consumer protection rules (like TILA, RESPA, ECOA) alongside safety and soundness.

What Matters for Mortgages

Comptroller’s Handbook sections

Mortgage disclosures, RESPA/TILA expectations, UDAAP, exam procedures.

OCC Bulletins

Interpretive guidance on mortgage origination, servicing, and loss-mitigation practices.

Exams

OCC teams test compliance controls and documentations during consumer compliance and CRA exams.

Top compliance obligations

Maintain accurate disclosures (LE/CD, periodic statements).

Implement policies preventing unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts (UDAAP).

Ensure fair lending practices; document controls for ECOA/Reg B.

Perform due diligence on third-party mortgage originators/servicers.

Monitor brokered/purchased loans for predatory or abusive terms.

Recent changes & watchlist

Increased attention on redlining and fair lending in partnership with DOJ.

OCC continues to issue bulletins on risk management and third-party oversight (2024–2025).

How we help (ARC by VeritIQ)

Controls library & evidence

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Map OCC handbook expectations to internal controls.

Report Scheduler

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Automate exam-readiness reports and compliance testing.

Interactive dashboards

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Track disclosures, servicing timelines, and ECOA notices.

Workflow queues

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Assign exam document requests and monitor response times.

Penalties & Enforcement Posture

The OCC is proactive in issuing Matters Requiring Attention (MRAs) during exams and has imposed civil money penalties for mortgage servicing deficiencies. Historic guidance warns against predatory or abusive lending; OCC expects rigorous due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the OCC oversee in mortgage lending?

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National banks and federal savings associations (thrifts). OCC examiners ensure compliance with consumer protection and mortgage regulations.

What mortgage rules does the OCC enforce?

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While CFPB writes most consumer rules, OCC enforces them for national banks and thrifts, plus safety/soundness standards.

How does the OCC publish guidance?

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Through bulletins and the Comptroller’s Handbook, which outline supervisory expectations.

Can the OCC fine institutions for mortgage violations?

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Yes. OCC can issue civil money penalties, MRAs, and enforcement actions.

How does the OCC coordinate with CFPB?

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OCC examines its supervised institutions, while CFPB writes most rules and can directly examine large banks/nonbanks.