The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has announced plans to strengthen regulatory expectations around liquidity risk management and anti-money-laundering (AML) compliance for national banks and federal savings associations. The proposed reforms aim to enhance the resilience of financial institutions by tightening governance standards, improving risk controls, and integrating more rigorous monitoring mechanisms across key risk domains.
Under the new initiative, the OCC expects banks to adopt forward-looking liquidity stress testing that incorporates scenario analysis for extreme but plausible market disruptions. The revised guidance emphasises the importance of maintaining sufficient high-quality liquid assets and establishing contingency funding plans capable of addressing sudden outflows without disrupting critical operations. Regulators have underscored that the lessons from past market stress events necessitate a more cohesive and proactive approach to liquidity risk frameworks.
In the realm of AML compliance, the OCC is advocating expanded use of data analytics, machine-assisted surveillance tools, and enhanced customer due diligence practices to detect and deter illicit finance. The reforms encourage banks to modernise their AML programmes with real-time monitoring, centralised risk scoring, and stronger integration between compliance and enterprise risk functions. Officials stress that robust AML systems are essential not only for regulatory adherence but also for safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. financial system.
Additionally, the OCC is sharpening expectations around governance and accountability, urging boards and senior management to exercise stronger oversight of both liquidity and AML programmes. The agency highlighted the need for regular independent testing, comprehensive training, and timely escalation protocols for emerging risks.
By advancing these reforms, the OCC aims to ensure that institutions remain resilient in the face of evolving financial stressors while fortifying defences against financial crime. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the consultation process as the final guidelines are refined.
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