The Office of the Ombudsman (OO) is here to help bankers navigate supervisory challenges with confidence and clarity. Our role is to promote clear communication, mutual understanding, and an examination experience that is fair and transparent.
During an examination, effective communication between the bank and the examination team is essential. While many issues can be addressed through continued dialogue with the examination team, the OO can help if you need additional assistance:
- Explaining how your processes align with regulatory requirements or standards of prudent operation,
- Understanding the basis for violations, criticisms, and supervisory concerns, or
- Receiving the information you need to fully understand the exam team’s perspective.
We serve as an independent, confidential, and neutral resource. The OO is available whenever you need a confidential sounding board to discuss concerns or feel additional support would help ensure clarity and constructive engagement.
We will not contact the supervisory team or share identifying information unless you give us permission to do so. You can speak with us openly, knowing that your concerns will be handled with discretion and that using our services does not negatively affect your bank’s supervisory treatment. Our goal is to create a space where bankers feel safe raising concerns and confident that their voices will be heard.
When conversations with the examination team or regional office management become difficult or unproductive, our team can help clarify supervisory expectations and facilitate communication. Reaching out early, while the examination is still underway, can help prevent misunderstandings and support productive dialogue.
We encourage bankers to contact their Regional Ombudsman directly or submit a concern through our online form. We are here to help you navigate complex issues, understand supervisory feedback, and support an examination experience grounded in openness, respect, and clear communication.