The Formation of a National Bank: Goleta National Bank

Abstract

1.1 Introduction The procedures involved in the opening of a national bank are manifold. At the base is the application for permission to establish the proposed bank. It is in this application that the organizers of the proposed bank must demonstrate to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the U.S. Treasury Department, the demand, opportunity, and other rationale behind the formation of a national bank. 1.2 Business Description The Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) requires that banks applying for a national charter delineate the community which it will serve and list the types of services it will offer. An important part of this requirement is the Community Reinvestment Act Statement. This aids the OCC in determining the credit needs of the community to be served. 1.3 Leadership and Management Sound and competent management is crucial to the success of a new bank. The selection of a qualified president/chief executive officer, board of directors, cashier, and loan officer are marked decisions to be considered with extreme care. 1.4 Plans and Objectives Anticipated market growth and asset/liability structure of the proposed bank play large roles in the OCC' s decision regarding the issuance of a national charter. Conservative projections typify most proposed bank's plans and objectives. 1.5 Capitalization/Net Worth Plan Initial capitalization level of a proposed bank is determined by the OCC, judging from the area's market conditions, future prospects, and the operating plans of the organizers. The actual capital raising process is left to the discretion of the organizers, but must be detailed in the application for a charter. 1.6 Analysis of Market Area Analyzing the economic characteristics of the community to be served is mandatory in order to determine the area's ability to support a local, national bank. Such characteristics generally include population, employment, construction, retail-trade, and transportation. 1.7 Analysis of Competition By demonstrating to the OCC the economic state of the area's other financial institutions, they (the OCC) are better able to make a judgement concerning the entrance of another competitor into the marketplace. 1.8 Market Strategies The OCC requires that the organizers of a proposed national bank detail their strategies for becoming competitive in their marketplace. Advertising, director and founder involvement in the bank and community, and extension of services all may play roles in the proposed bank's plan. 1.9 Conclusion After satisfying all of the conditions required by the OCC, a national charter may be issued. The time to realize what was once only down on paper has arrived.