Federal regulators revealed early evidence that major U.S. banks used internal policies to restrict lawful customers, exposing widespread debanking practices that may have shaped access to capital and economic activity nationwide.
Debanking Practices Exposed: Major US Banks Cited for Bias Concerns
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OCC Releases Preliminary Review on Bank Debanking Practices
A federal review prompted new disclosures as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released preliminary findings on Dec. 10 showing how major banks handled debanking. The OCC said it issued the review results to determine whether the nation’s largest institutions restricted customers based on political or religious views or lawful business activities.
The announcement states:
Although our work continues, the OCC is today providing visibility into the debanking actions against customers and lawful businesses taken by the nation’s largest banks to ensure public awareness, and to halt these harmful and unfair practices.
The findings show that, between 2020 and 2023, all nine banks reviewed—JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, Wells Fargo Bank, U.S. Bank, Capital One, PNC Bank, TD Bank, and BMO Bank—used policies that created inappropriate distinctions among customers by restricting access to services or requiring elevated reviews. The OCC noted that at least one bank imposed limits on industries it viewed as misaligned with its “values,” affecting oil and gas exploration, coal mining, firearms, private prisons, tobacco, e-cigarette manufacturers, adult entertainment, and digital assets.
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Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould said: “The OCC is committed to ending efforts – whether instigated by regulators or banks – that would weaponize finance.” He later stated that it was “unfortunate that the nation’s largest banks thought these harmful debanking policies were an appropriate use of their government-granted charter and market power.”
Additional findings indicate that several banks publicly disclosed values-based exclusions while simultaneously denying they engaged in debanking, prompting further scrutiny of how internal policies were applied. The OCC reported that many restrictions operated through enhanced due diligence channels that materially delayed or prevented account openings or transaction approvals for lawful businesses. The agency continues to analyze thousands of complaints alleging political and religious discrimination and is evaluating how these actions may have influenced capital access, industry growth and broader economic conditions. As the review continues, the OCC says it intends to issue further updates and reinforce standards to prevent discriminatory practices.
FAQ ⏰
- What did the OCC’s preliminary review reveal about debanking?
It found that major banks used internal policies that restricted lawful customers across multiple industries. - Which banks were included in the OCC’s debanking review?
Nine of the nation’s largest banks—JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, Wells Fargo Bank, U.S. Bank, Capital One, PNC Bank, TD Bank, and BMO Bank—were examined. - Which industries faced values-based banking restrictions?
Oil and gas, coal, firearms, private prisons, tobacco, adult entertainment, and digital assets were among those affected. - What actions will the OCC take next?
The agency plans further updates and stronger standards to prevent discriminatory banking practices.
