Assistance during Examinations
How can the Ombudsman assist during an examination?
We can help clarify supervisory expectations, explain the basis for exam team feedback, and facilitate communication if discussions become difficult or unproductive. We can also help identify misunderstandings and support timely dialogue, so concerns are addressed timely.
When should I contact the Ombudsman?
You may contact us anytime during the examination process if you believe additional support would help. Common situations include:
- Difficulty communicating the effectiveness of your risk- or compliance-management processes,
- Uncertainty about the basis for supervisory concerns, or
- Communication challenges with the examination or supervisory team.
Do I need to talk to my examination team first?
Many issues can be resolved through continued dialogue with the examination team or supervision management. That said, you may contact the Ombudsman at any point—whether before, during, or after speaking with examination or supervisory staff.
Will you contact the examination team or supervision management without my permission?
No. We will not contact anyone in the supervisory team or share identifying information unless you authorize the contact.
Will using the Ombudsman negatively affect my bank’s examination?
No. Working with the Ombudsman does not negatively affect the treatment your institution receives from your supervisory team. Our role is to support FDIC's expectations for a fair and transparent examination. Your supervisory team supports your use of the Ombudsman's assistance.
Can the Ombudsman overturn supervisory decisions?
No. We do not change ratings, rewrite supervisory conclusions, or act as an advocate for bankers or the FDIC. We help ensure concerns are understood, communication is clear, and processes are fair.
Help with Applications
With what types of application issues can the Ombudsman assist me?
We can assist when bankers face challenges such as unclear expectations, difficulty understanding feedback, gaps in communication, uncertainty about timelines, or confusion regarding the information requested by agency staff.
Does the Ombudsman influence, approve, or deny applications?
No. The Ombudsman does not change application decisions or advocate for specific outcomes. Our role is to support communication, clarity, fairness, and an appropriate process.
When should I contact the Ombudsman about an application?
Anytime you believe additional support would help you. Examples include:
- Difficulty interpreting an information request,
- Uncertainty about decision-making criteria or expectations,
- Communication challenges with the applications staff, or
- Concerns about delays or unclear next steps.
Do I need to speak with applications staff before contacting the Ombudsman?
Many matters can be clarified through continued dialogue with the applications staff. However, you may reach out to the Ombudsman at any point if you feel additional support could be helpful.
Will the Ombudsman contact the applications team without my permission?
No. We do not contact supervisory or applications staff unless you explicitly authorize us to do so.
Can the Ombudsman help clarify application processes and timelines?
Yes. We can explain the workflow, discuss how the process typically works, and help you understand how to interpret feedback or expectations communicated by agency staff.
How does the Ombudsman support communication?
We can help promote shared understanding by:
- Clarifying questions or responses,
- Assisting with framing information for clarity,
- Facilitating communication when discussions become difficult or unresponsive, and
- Helping ensure bankers and FDIC staff understand each other’s perspectives.
How do I contact the Ombudsman?
You may contact your Regional Ombudsman directly or use our online form.