On December 17, 2025, the OCC issued proposed guidance for a simplified strategic plan process for community banks to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This action is part of OCC’s reform to reduce burden and tailor examination activities for community banks.

According to Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould, the proposal for a simplified CRA strategic plan enables community banks to better focus their resources on local credit needs. The OCC said that it would also reduce burden for community banks by providing clarity on the measurable goals and the other components of a strategic plan required by the CRA regulation and simplifying the method for drafting and submitting a proposed strategic plan to the OCC for approval.

Comments will be accepted on the proposed guidance on the Simplified Strategic Plan Process for Community Banks for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

Read the OCC’s press release here.

A copy of the proposed guidance can be found here.

Adam Witmer

Adam Witmer is a speaker, author, and founder of the Compliance Cohort. Adam has taught hundreds of seminars and training sessions to thousands of bankers throughout the United States and teaches on all areas of regulatory compliance. Adam has written five e-books that he never published, hit a grizzly bear while driving in a National Park, and is an award winning photographer and musician (though he no longer takes photos nor plays any instruments). In his spare time, Adam can be found kayaking on the lake, doing taekwondo with his kids, working on his (project) house, or spending time with his family.

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