Yes, the OTS Ombudsman is appointed to assist the entire thrift community in resolving problems or concerns relating to regulatory oversight that may hinder the institution.
One of the many options available to the Ombudsman is mediation between the parties in conflict to promote a reconciliation and/or a compromise on the issue.
Before a situation is submitted to the formal appeals process, the Ombudsman can assist in opening avenues of communication so that effective means of addressing and resolving issues can be found. The Ombudsman can also serve as a confidential, neutral party to attempt to resolve industry issues.
The Ombudsman's salary is paid by the Office of Thrift Supervision.
No, the Ombudsman is an advocate for equity. He is required by Congressional mandate and by the OTS to perform his duties in an objective and neutral manner. No sides are taken; no opinions are rendered as to who is right or wrong. At all times, the Ombudsman works to deliver the most informed options possible to enable you to correctly address your problems.
As a president of a thrift institution, I may simply want to discuss a problem, concern, or situation without being put in the formal appeals process. May I engage in a conversation about a problem without rumors being spread or notes taken that might circulate?
If I have a regulatory problem I need to discuss, will a call or visit to your office jeopardize my relationship with OTS?
If I simply want information on what to do about a particular problem or concern, can I count on confidentiality from the Ombudsman?
The OTS encourages dialogue with its staff. However, the very nature of the Ombudsman's function is an informal process to facilitate resolution of problems. All conversations with the Ombudsman are strictly confidential. Therefore, no one will know that you have visited the Ombudsman. The discussions, issues, concerns, or problems you present remain confidential, unless you authorize release. Furthermore, to preserve your confidentiality and rights, and to help you feel more secure about the process, the Ombudsman can meet with you at a location other than at the OTS. Telephone meetings also can be arranged.
Before contacting the Ombudsman:
If all of the above fail, and you haven't initiated the formal appeals process, you can contact the OTS Ombudsman for assistance. Once a formal appeals process has been initiated, the Ombudsman cannot intervene.
Please contact a member of the OTS Applications staff at our headquarters or regional office.
Check our Applications in Process database. If you still need assistance, please contact a member of the Applications staff.
Please review Thrift Bulletin 48-25 (for thrift institutions) and Thrift Bulletin 48-21 (for thrift holding companies). If this guidance doesn't answer your question, you may contact the OTS accounting office at (202) 906-6427.
Please contact the OTS accounting division at (202) 906-6427.
Visit the Laws and Regulations section of this website to see proposed regulations that are open for comment, submit comments, view existing comments and review each proposed regulation for details on how long it will be open for public comment.
That is primarily the concern of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) Division of Finance, [Premiums] Assessments section.
Yes. OTS has published two guides that provide useful guidance to new and existing board members. The first publication is the Directors' Responsibilities Guide. It provides insight into your duties and responsibilities as a board member. The second publication is the Directors' Guide to Management Reports. This guide sets forth and explains a variety of management reports that directors can use to make responsible decisions. We encourage you to read both.