Summary:

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Office of the Ombudsman today published a report highlighting its activities and the services provided to stakeholders during 2021.

The role of FDIC Ombudsman was created by Congressional action in 1995 to provide an informal alternative to the regulatory appeals process. The Office of the Ombudsman operates independent of the agency’s divisions that issue supervisory determinations, and reports directly to the office of the FDIC Chairman. The Office serves as an impartial liaison to facilitate effective communication of relevant information between parties, with a focus on providing a fair and transparent resolution process. To encourage external parties to consult an Ombudsman, the Office has safeguards that preserve the confidentiality of those seeking its assistance. The FDIC encourages bankers and other stakeholders to use the Office of the Ombudsman as an independent, neutral, and confidential resource for informally discussing disagreements with findings or conclusions of the agency, and for identifying strategies and options to facilitate fair and unbiased outcomes.

The 2021 Office of the Ombudsman Services and Activities Report can be found on the FDIC’s website.

Statement of Applicability: The contents of, and material referenced in, this FIL apply to all FDIC-supervised financial institutions.

Highlights:

• During 2021, the Office of the Ombudsman continued to work towards fulfilling its mission by actively engaging with stakeholders through the use of technology and virtual platforms. The accomplishments and results outlined in the Report include:
  • Providing liaison services to facilitate productive communications between bankers and the FDIC;
  • Discussing options for resolving disagreements with supervisory findings or conclusions;
  • Engaging with stakeholders to initiate or strengthen relations with the Office;
  • Responding to requests for information about the FDIC’s regulatory or resolution-related activities.
• The Report also shares:
  • Notable requests for regulatory or supervisory changes received from bankers.
  • Common themes of candid stakeholder feedback provided to Regional Ombudsmen.
• To share your thoughts and feedback, or if you need the Office’s confidential, neutral, independent, and informal service, please contact your Regional Ombudsman or submit an anonymous inquiry using the Ombudsman’s online form .