[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 136 (Monday, July 15, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36960-36964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-17878]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Thrift Supervision
[96-65]


Review of OTS Decisions

AGENCY: Office of Thrift Supervision, Treasury.

ACTION: Final guidelines.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) is issuing guidelines 
for the review, appeal and reconsideration of various agency findings 
and decisions as Thrift Bulletin 68 (TB 68). The guidelines issued 
today establish an independent appellate process available to review 
supervisory decisions, examination findings and application decisions. 
TB 68 also provides for an agency Ombudsman to act as a liaison between 
the OTS and persons dealing with the OTS. The text of TB 68 appears as 
Appendix A to this document.
    Section 309(a) of the Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (CDRIA) requires the OTS and the other Federal 
banking agencies to develop an intra-agency supervisory review process. 
One purpose of TB 68 is to fulfill OTS's statutory mandate under 
section 309 of the CDRIA. The guidelines that the OTS previously 
followed for its supervisory review process were set forth in 
Regulatory Bulletin 4a (RB 4a), dated September 20, 1993. TB 68 
incorporates, with certain modifications, the guidelines provided for 
in RB 4a and RB 4a is hereby rescinded.
    Irrespective of the statutory mandate of Section 309(a) of the 
CDRIA, but related to the appellate process, TB 68 also provides a 
process for the reconsideration of decisions made with respect to 
applications filed with the OTS. Previously, as part of a restructuring 
of its applications regulations, in April 1992, the OTS deleted review 
provisions in several individual application regulations with the 
intent of developing uniform procedures that would cover all 
applications filed with the OTS. The guidelines issued today in TB 68 
set forth these procedures.
    The CDRIA also requires that each Federal banking agency appoint an 
Ombudsman to ``act as a liaison between the agency and any affected 
person with respect to any problem such party may have in dealing with 
the agency resulting from the regulatory activities of the agency; and 
assure that safeguards exist to encourage complainants to come forward 
and preserve confidentiality.'' The responsibilities of and procedures 
to be used by the OTS Ombudsman are also set forth in TB 68.

DATES: The final guidelines are effective July 15, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 
G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552: Alvin W. Smuzynski, Director, 
Regional Operations (202) 906-5669 or Valerie J. Lithotomos, Counsel 
(Banking and Finance), Regulations and Legislation Division, Chief 
Counsel's Office (202) 906-6439, regarding supervisory appeals; David 
A. Sjogren, Program Manager, Applications, Corporate Activities 
Division (202) 906-6739 or John P. Harootunian, Senior Counsel, 
Business Transactions Division, Chief Counsel's Office (202) 906-6415, 
regarding application reconsiderations; and Lee Lassiter (202) 906-
5685, regarding Ombudsman matters.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Supervisory Review and Appeals

    Section 309(a) of the CDRIA \1\ requires the OTS and the other 
banking agencies to establish an ``independent intra-agency appellate 
process'' for the review of ``material supervisory determinations'' (as 
defined in Section 309(f)(1) of the CDRIA) made at insured depository 
institutions. Prior to the statutory mandate of section 309 of the 
CDRIA, the OTS provided a supervisory review process since 1992 that is 
described in RB 4a. On December 29, 1994, the OTS published a notice of 
proposed guidelines with a request for comments, describing a revised 
supervisory review and appeals process.2 The public comment period 
closed on February 27, 1995. No comments were received and so the 
guidelines published today incorporate the supervisory review and 
appeals process proposed in December 1994. To ensure that OTS decisions 
and findings are fair, equitable and consistent, the guidelines in TB 
68 being issued today go beyond the statutory mandate of section 309 by 
providing an appellate

[[Page 36961]]

process for all supervisory decisions and examination findings which is 
more expansive than the statutorily required ``material supervisory 
determination.'' The discussion below sets forth OTS's compliance with 
the statutory mandate of section 309 of the CDRIA.
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    \1\ Pub. L. 103-325, 108 Stat. 2160, 2218-20 (September 23, 
1994) (codified at 12 U.S.C. 4806).
     2 59 FR 67383 (December 29, 1994).
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A. Independence

    Section 309 of the CDRIA sets forth certain standards for the 
agencies' supervisory appeals process. First, the process must be 
``independent.'' The statute defines independence to mean that the 
review provided must be conducted ``by an agency official who does not 
directly or indirectly report to the agency official who made the 
material supervisory determination under review.''
    TB 68 specifies that the final decision maker for supervisory 
appeals is the Executive Director, Supervision in Washington, D.C. who 
reports directly to the Director of OTS. This reporting arrangement 
satisfies the independence requirement of Section 309. Furthermore, 
supervisory reviews will be conducted by an agency official who does 
not directly report to the agency official who made the determination 
under review.
    Notwithstanding the supervisory appeals process at the Executive 
Director's level, the OTS believes that open discussions between 
examination and supervisory staff at the regional level is a productive 
means to address a savings association's concerns. Accordingly, the OTS 
continues to encourage savings associations to attempt to resolve 
issues directly with regional examination or supervisory staff before 
filing an appeal with the Executive Director, Supervision in 
Washington, D.C.

B. Prompt Disposition of Appeal

    The statute also requires that the supervisory appeals process be 
structured so that appeals are ``heard and decided expeditiously.'' TB 
68 sets a deadline of sixty calendar days for review by the Executive 
Director, Supervision. Before filing an appeal with the Executive 
Director, however, savings associations are encouraged to utilize an 
optional regional review procedure. The deadline for action on a 
regional review is thirty calendar days. These deadlines may be 
extended in writing by the OTS stating the reason for the extension and 
the expected date of decision.

C. Material Supervisory Determinations

    Section 309 of the CDRIA requires that the appeals process be 
available for the review of ``material supervisory determinations'' (as 
defined in section 309(f)(1) of the CDRIA). The guidelines in TB 68 
specifically include ``material supervisory determinations'' within the 
scope of the appeals process in conformance with section 309 of the 
CDRIA. In addition, under the guidelines contained in TB 68, savings 
associations may also appeal all supervisory decisions and examination 
findings. TB 68 may also be used to appeal supervisory actions 
affecting individuals or affiliates of savings associations. Such 
appeals may be filed by the individual or affiliate and do not require 
the concurrence of the savings association's board of directors.
    The guidelines in TB 68 recite the statutory definition of 
``material supervisory determinations'' and clarify that the reference 
to ``examination ratings'' in such definition includes ratings for any 
type of examination that the OTS conducts, including safety and 
soundness, trust, information systems, compliance and savings and loan 
holding company examinations and CRA evaluations of savings 
associations.
    The OTS will initially exclude from the section 309 appeals 
process, matters for which some other special review process is 
available. However, a savings association may appeal a supervisory 
action resulting from a special review process using the supervisory 
appeals process described in TB 68 if the specialized review process 
results in a decision adverse to the savings association and an 
additional appeal would further the OTS's mandate under section 309 of 
the CDRIA.
    The statute specifically exempts from the supervisory appeals 
process decisions to appoint a conservator or receiver and decisions to 
take action pursuant to the prompt corrective action provisions of 
section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.3 The revised 
guidelines also retain the exclusions for preliminary examination 
results and formal enforcement-related actions.
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     3 12 U.S.C. 1831o.
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D. Safeguards Against Retaliation

    Section 309 requires that the appeals process contain ``appropriate 
safeguards'' to protect savings associations from retaliation by agency 
examiners. TB 68 makes explicit the OTS's policy of prohibiting any 
employee, including examiners and supervisory staff, from taking 
retaliatory action against a savings association or other parties that 
pursue a review or an appeal.
    In addition, section 309 of the CDRIA requires that the OTS appoint 
an Ombudsman whose duties include assuring ``that safeguards exist to 
encourage complainants to come forward and preserve confidentiality.'' 
The OTS does not contemplate that its Ombudsman will be involved in the 
review of the merits of supervisory decisions in dispute. However, the 
Ombudsman will be the appropriate recipient for any complaints of 
retaliation and will investigate and resolve such complaints. The OTS 
will take appropriate action to remedy any occurrence of employee 
retaliation against a savings association or other party that seeks a 
review of a supervisory determination.

II. Application Reconsiderations

    The 1992 Applications Restructuring Regulation 4 deleted 
various procedures from individual application regulations for the 
reconsideration of applications that had been denied by the OTS. The 
intent was to develop a single uniform procedure that would cover all 
applications filed with the agency. In order to consolidate the OTS's 
appellate process for all decisions and findings, the OTS has described 
the procedures for reconsideration of an application in TB 68.
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     4 57 FR 14329 (April 20, 1992).
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    The application reconsideration process provides for prompt review 
and decision by an independent decision maker. An applicant that 
believes that the OTS's decision on an application is inconsistent with 
existing regulations, policies, procedures or facts presented in the 
application may request the OTS's reconsideration of that decision. The 
right to request reconsideration extends to decisions to deny 
applications and decisions to impose non-standard conditions of 
approval. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have 
about an OTS decision on an application with the office that made the 
initial decision (e.g., the OTS Regional Office or the Washington, D.C. 
office) before requesting reconsideration. Reconsideration decisions 
will be made in Washington, D.C. by either the Director or the 
Director's designee.
    The application reconsideration process described in TB 68 does not 
supersede any statutory provisions for judicial or administrative 
review of OTS decisions concerning applications.

III. Ombudsman

    Section 309 of the Act provides that the Ombudsman is to:
    (1) Act as a liaison between the agency and any affected person 
with respect to any problem such party may have in dealing with the 
agency

[[Page 36962]]

resulting from the regulatory activities of the agency; and
    (2) assure that safeguards exist to encourage complainants to come 
forward and preserve confidentiality.
    TB 68 describes the responsibilities of and procedures to be used 
by the Ombudsman. TB 68 also provides guidance regarding the 
relationship between the Ombudsman and the agency's other appeals 
processes.

    Dated: July 9, 1996.

    By the Office of Thrift Supervision.
John F. Downey,
Executive Director, Supervision.

Appendix A to Final Guidelines Regarding Review of OTS Decisions

Office of Thrift Supervision
Thrift Bulletin

Handbook:                         Thrift Activities   Section: 060, 310.
Subject:                          Examination         TB 68.            
                                   Strategy,          July 15, 1996.    
                                   Management and                       
                                   Scoping Oversight                    
                                   by Board of                          
                                   Directors                            
                                                                        

Supervisory Review, Appeal and Reconsideration Process and Ombudsman 
Matters

    Summary: This bulletin provides a process for the review and 
appeal of OTS supervisory decisions and examination findings; 
reconsideration of OTS application decisions; and utilization of the 
OTS Ombudsman. Regulatory Bulletin 4a, dated September 20, 1993, is 
rescinded.
    For Further Information Contact: Director, Regional Operations 
(202) 906-5669 regarding the OTS supervisory review and appeals 
process; Program Manager, Corporate Activities (202) 906-6739 
regarding application reconsiderations; and Ombudsman (202) 906-5685 
regarding complaints, concerns or problems in dealing with the OTS.
    The OTS recognizes that its decisions have a significant effect 
on OTS regulated savings associations and that certain OTS 
supervisory decisions and examination findings may be challenged. 
Because it is the OTS's objective to ensure OTS decisions and 
findings are fair, equitable and consistent, the OTS has developed a 
process for the review, appeal and reconsideration of disputed OTS 
decisions and findings. Filings and submissions made pursuant to 
this Bulletin are not subject to 12 CFR Part 516.
    The OTS supervisory review and appeals process is provided in 
Section I of this Bulletin. The reconsideration of application 
decisions process is provided in Section II of this Bulletin. 
Section III provides for the utilization of the OTS Ombudsman in 
dealing with the OTS in any matter, regardless of whether the matter 
relates to the OTS supervisory review and appeals process or the 
application reconsideration process.

I. Appeal of OTS Supervisory Decisions and Examination Findings, 
Including ``Material Supervisory Determinations''

Background

    Section 309(b) of the Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (CDRIA) requires that the OTS (and the other 
Federal banking agencies) establish an intra-agency appellate 
process for the review of ``material supervisory determinations'' 
made by agency officials. Decisions and findings made during the 
examination process by the OTS staff may affect savings associations 
directly and immediately. From time to time, savings associations 
may disagree with supervisory decisions or with examination findings 
upon which those decisions are based. The OTS previously followed 
guidelines set forth in Regulatory Bulletin 4a (RB 4a), dated 
September 20, 1993, for its supervisory review process which was 
applicable to all supervisory decisions and examination findings. 
This section of this Bulletin incorporates, with certain 
modification, the guidelines set forth in RB 4a and establishes the 
guidelines that govern the OTS supervisory review and appeals 
process for all OTS supervisory decisions and examination findings, 
including all ``material supervisory determinations'' as defined in 
Section 309 of the CDRIA (these terms shall be collectively referred 
to as ``supervisory determinations''). RB 4a is hereby rescinded and 
replaced by this Thrift Bulletin 68 (TB 68).
    The OTS encourages the resolution of supervisory disputes 
through informal communications between savings associations and the 
OTS regional supervisory and examination staff. If disputes cannot 
be resolved successfully at the regional level, however, savings 
associations may appeal and seek independent review by the Executive 
Director, Supervision in Washington, D.C. pursuant to the procedures 
specified below. Other parties affected by an OTS supervisory 
determination may also seek review under these guidelines.

Scope of the OTS Supervisory Review and Appeals Process

    Matters that may be reviewed or appealed are all OTS supervisory 
decisions and examination findings, including ``material supervisory 
determinations'' such as:

 examination ratings;
 the adequacy of loan loss reserve provisions; and
 classifications of loans that are significant to the 
savings association.

    Matters that may not be reviewed or appealed include:

 decision to appoint a conservator or receiver;
 preliminary examination findings and conclusions prior to 
issuance of a final report of examination;
 any decision relating to formal enforcement-related action, 
such as a decision to initiate a formal investigation, to file a 
notice of charges, or to assess civil money penalties; or
 any decision to take action pursuant to the Prompt 
Corrective Action provisions that appear at Section 38 of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1831o.

    Matters that are subject to a special review or appeals process, 
such as modification of the interest rate risk component discussed 
in Thrift Bulletin 67, dated August 21, 1995, are not immediately 
appealable through the OTS supervisory review and appeals process. 
However, if the special review or appeals process results in a 
supervisory determination that is adverse to the savings association 
and an additional appeal would further OTS's mandate under Section 
309 of the CDRIA, the savings association may seek OTS supervisory 
review and appeal of the determination under these guidelines.

Supervisory Review at the Regional Level

    A. During the On-Site Examination. If a disagreement arises 
during an on-site examination, the matter should be raised directly 
with the examiner-in-charge (EIC) while the EIC is at the savings 
association. If issues remain unresolved, the savings association 
should request that the EIC's supervisor (e.g., Field Manager or 
Assistant Regional Director) be included in the discussions. 
Disagreements will be briefly noted in the final report of 
examination.
    B. With the Regional Office. Savings associations are encouraged 
to raise with the appropriate OTS Regional Office disagreements with 
examination findings during the examination or disagreements with 
supervisory decisions at any time. A final supervisory determination 
in dispute may be raised either orally or in writing to the 
Assistant Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, or Regional 
Director or his designee, who was not directly involved in the 
determination being reviewed. If the savings association elects to 
state the issue or problem in writing, the written request for 
review should describe the issue or problem, specify the related 
facts, and be signed by the Chief Executive Officer. The Regional 
Office will act within 30 calendar days of receipt of the request 
for a supervisory review, unless the Regional Director responds to 
the savings association, in writing, stating the reason why a 
decision will take longer than 30 calendar days and specifing the 
expected date for a decision.

Supervisory Appeal to the Executive Director, Supervision

    A. The Savings Association's Appeal Submission. If the above-
described discussions or supervisory review do not result in 
satisfactory resolution of the disagreement or if the savings 
association elects to use the supervisory appeals process without 
first obtaining regional supervisory review, an appeal may be filed 
with the Executive Director, Supervision. The following procedures 
apply to supervisory appeals:
     The board of directors of the savings association must 
authorize the supervisory appeal by resolution and forward one copy 
of such resolution to the Executive Director, Supervision with the 
appeal. A supervisory appeal by an individual or affiliate does not 
require an authorization from the savings association's board of 
directors.
     The savings association will have 60 calendar days from 
notification of a

[[Page 36963]]

supervisory determination (or, in the event a request for regional 
supervisory review has been made, from the date of the Regional 
Office's decision) to file a supervisory appeal with the Executive 
Director, Supervision.1 Requests for a supervisory appeal 
should be directed to: Executive Director, Supervision, Office of 
Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552.
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    \1\ The OTS will grant to a savings association a suspension 
from the requirement to publicly disclose the savings associations's 
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Performance Evaluation in its 
public file within 30 calendar days after its receipt from the OTS; 
provided, however, that the savings association submits a 
supervisory appeal pertaining to its CRA rating within the 30 
calendar day period.
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     The supervisory appeal should contain:

--A concise statement, no longer than five pages, of the dispute and 
why it is material. For example, identify the precise loans(s), 
property, appraisal, etc.
--The remedy being sought and its financial effect.
--A statement of whether the savings association has attempted to 
resolve the dispute at the regional level.
--A description of any applicable statutes, regulations, policies, 
or procedures on which the savings association relies.
--Confirmation as to whether the savings association has, in the 
interim, complied with the supervisory determination being appealed. 
If the savings association has not complied with the supervisory 
determination, the supervisory appeal must include a request for a 
suspension of the supervisory determination.
--Copies of any relevant excerpts from supervisory documents, 
reports and correspondence with the region about the supervisory 
determination. (These copies do not count toward the five page 
limit.)
--The name, address and telephone number of an individual at the 
savings association designated to provide additional information.

     No fee is required for submission of the supervisory 
appeal. Savings associations are encouraged to minimize costs by 
internally preparing the supervisory appeal rather than using 
outside attorneys, accountants or consultants. If warranted by the 
circumstances and agreed to by the savings association, the OTS may 
use outside experts to evaluate issues. In such circumstances, the 
savings association shall pay the costs of such experts.
    B. Review by the Executive Director, Supervision
     The OTS will acknowledge receipt of a supervisory 
appeal within five calendar days of receipt.
     Within 15 calendar days of receipt, the OTS will make a 
request for any additional information necessary to complete the 
decision on the supervisory appeal.
     The savings association shall furnish additional 
information within 15 calendar days of receipt of the OTS's request, 
unless the time is extended by the Executive Director, Supervision 
or his designee.
     Absent unusual circumstances, the OTS will provide its 
decision on the supervisory appeal within 60 calendar days of 
receipt of the filing of the supervisory appeal or, if additional 
information is requested, within 60 calendar days of receipt of any 
additional information.
     Any of the above timeframes may be extended by the 
Executive Director, Supervision or his designee. Any extensions 
granted will be in writing, and will include the reason for the 
extension, and the expected date that a decision will be made.

Effect of Initiating a Supervisory Review or Appeal

    An OTS supervisory review or appeal will not suspend or delay 
the pursuit of any enforcement action or formal investigation. An 
OTS supervisory review or appeal will not stay the obligation of a 
savings association or an institution-affiliated party to comply 
with any order or other determination resulting from an enforcement 
action. An OTS supervisory review or appeal will not operate 
automatically to relieve a savings association or other party of the 
obligation to comply with the supervisory determination under 
review. Upon the request of the savings association or other party 
filed simultaneously with its supervisory appeal, the Executive 
Director, Supervision may relieve the savings association or other 
party of the obligation to comply while the supervisory appeal is 
pending in Washington, D.C. The appropriate regional official may 
grant similar relief while a supervisory review is pending at the 
regional level. The OTS retains the right to take any action and to 
apply any standards deemed appropriate to ensure the safety and 
soundness of a savings association.

Prohibition on Retaliation

    The OTS prohibits any employee, including members of its 
examination and supervision staff, from acts of retaliation against 
a savings association or other party that seeks review or appeal of 
a supervisory determination. See Section III of this Bulletin.

II. Reconsideration of Application Decisions

    A request to reconsider a decision made on an application or 
notice (collectively referred to as an ``application'') may be made 
when, in the applicant's judgment, the OTS's decision on an 
application or its decision to impose non-standard conditions of 
approval is inconsistent with existing OTS regulations, policies, 
procedures or the facts presented in the application. In all cases, 
before filing a request to reconsider a decision made on an 
application, applicants are encouraged to discuss with the decision-
making office (e.g., Regional or Washington, D.C.) any concerns 
regarding the OTS decision on the application.
    Requests for reconsideration of application decisions or non-
standard conditions of approval should be filed in the following 
manner:
     Applicants requesting a reconsideration of an 
application should file an original request with the OTS 
Applications Filing Room, and conformed copies with the Corporate 
Activities Division and Business Transactions Division, 1700 G 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552 within 30 calendar days of the 
OTS action on the application.
     The request should contain:

--The type of application on which review is sought.
--A statement of whether the applicant is submitting a request for 
reconsideration of an OTS application decision or the imposition of 
non-standard conditions of approval.
--A concise statement of the reasons why the applicant disagrees 
with the OTS application decision or non-standard conditions of 
approval.
--A description of any applicable statutes, regulations, policies or 
procedures on which the applicant relies.
--Confirmation as to whether the applicant has, in the interim, 
complied with the terms of the application decision or non-standard 
conditions of approval.
--Copies of any supporting documents.
--The name, address and telephone number of an individual designated 
to provide additional information.

     No fees will be charged for a request for 
reconsideration.
     The Director, or his designee(s) will make every effort 
to take action upon a request for reconsideration within 60 calendar 
days of the receipt of a request, or if additional information is 
requested, within 60 calendar days of receipt of any additional 
information.

Effects of Filing a Request for Reconsideration

    The procedures described in this section of the Bulletin 
regarding the reconsideration of application decisions do not 
supersede any statutory provisions for judicial or administrative 
review of agency decisions concerning applications. An applicant's 
election to use the procedures in this section of this Bulletin will 
not toll or suspend the running of any statutorily-prescribed period 
for seeking judicial review. In addition, when a statute requires 
the OTS to make a decision on an application within a specific 
period of time, the OTS will deem the original decision, and not the 
decision rendered in response to a request for reconsideration, to 
determine compliance with such a requirement.

Prohibition on Retaliation

    The OTS prohibits any employee, including members of its 
examination and supervisory staff, from acts of retaliation against 
an applicant that files for the reconsideration of an application. 
See Section III of this Bulletin.

III. Ombudsman Matters

    Section 309(d) of the CDRIA requires that each Federal banking 
agency appoint an Ombudsman. Section 309 provides that the Ombudsman 
is to:
    (1) Act as a liaison between the agency and any affected person 
with respect to any problem such party may have in dealing with the 
agency resulting from the regulatory activities of the agency; and
    (2) Assure that safeguards exist to encourage complainants to 
come forward and preserve confidentiality.
    Section 309(b)(2) of the CDRIA provides that each Federal 
banking agency shall

[[Page 36964]]

ensure that appropriate safeguards exist for protecting any party 
who appeals a ``material supervisory determination'' from 
retaliation by agency examiners.
    Responsibilities of the Ombudsman. The OTS believes that the 
proper role of the Ombudsman under Section 309 is to act as a 
facilitator and mediator for the resolution of complaints. The 
Ombudsman will ensure that complaints about OTS regulatory actions 
are addressed in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman's major 
function is to provide assistance as a liaison with the thrift 
industry and the public on issues, concerns or problems that they 
may have in dealing with the OTS. The OTS Ombudsman reports directly 
to the Director.
    Handling of Complaints. When a problem is brought to the 
attention of the Ombudsman for which there is an existing avenue of 
appeal on the merits or another appropriate forum for resolution, 
the Ombudsman will explain the process or forum for resolution, and 
direct the party to the appropriate appeals process or forum for the 
dispute. The OTS's regulations provide existing mechanisms for 
resolutions of disputes in many instances, such as: prompt 
corrective action directives under Section 38 of the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Act; denials or partial denials of Freedom of Information 
or Privacy Act requests; issuance of capital directives; and 
supervisory decisions and examination findings; application 
decisions; and matters within the jurisdiction of the Department of 
the Treasury's Inspector General or Federal or State investigatory 
or prosecutorial authorities.
    Where an established appeals process or forum may not be 
available to resolve a dispute or if a party has a complaint with 
regard to the process, the Ombudsman will meet with the appropriate 
OTS official, or arrange a meeting between the complainant and the 
appropriate OTS official and attempt to resolve the problem. If the 
Ombudsman believes a problem or complaint has not been 
satisfactorily addressed, the Ombudsman may raise the matter with a 
higher level official and/or the Director for resolution.
    Safeguards. Section 309(d)(2)(B) of the CDRIA requires that the 
Ombudsman ensure that safeguards exist to encourage complainants to 
come forward and preserve confidentiality. In the OTS's view, the 
OTS's existing avenues for appeal or complaints, the Ombudsman's 
authority to compel meetings with appropriate OTS officials at all 
levels in Washington, D.C. and the regions, as well as the authority 
of the Ombudsman to review complaints of retaliation, should 
encourage complainants to come forward.
    All information and materials utilized in the Ombudsman's review 
of a complaint shall be used only for purposes of the review and not 
disclosed outside of the Ombudsman's office, except to appropriate 
reviewing officials or with appropriate authorization. The Ombudsman 
will honor requests to keep confidential the identity of a 
complaining party. It must be recognized, however, that the 
resolution of certain complaints (such as complaints of retaliation 
against an individual institution) may not be possible should the 
identity of the complainant remain confidential. In such cases, the 
Ombudsman will discuss the circumstances limiting confidentiality 
with the complaining party involved. The OTS believes these 
provisions should assist in preserving the confidentiality of 
complainants and the Ombudsman function.
    Retaliation. The Ombudsman is authorized to receive complaints 
of retaliation against a party as a result of utilizing the 
Ombudsman or any existing avenue of appeal or complaint forum. Upon 
receiving a complaint of retaliation, the Ombudsman will investigate 
the supervisory basis for the alleged retaliatory conduct. Upon 
completion of the review, the Ombudsman will report any findings of 
retaliation to the Director of OTS with a recommendation for 
remedial action to protect the complainant. A finding of retaliation 
will be referred to the Chief Counsel, for possible disciplinary 
action against the OTS employee who retaliated.
    Procedures. A party may contact the Ombudsman at any time 
regarding a problem resulting from the regulatory activities of the 
OTS by calling (202) 906-5685 or writing to: Ombudsman, Office of 
Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20552.
John F. Downey,
Executive Director, Supervision.
[FR Doc. 96-17878 Filed 7-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6720-01-P