OCC Calls for Papers on the Implications of Financial Technology for Banking
On July 25, 2022, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) announced that it was soliciting “academic-and policy-focused research” on the impact of financial technology (“fintechs”) entities and nonbank organizations on the industry of banking and lending, deposit-taking, and payment service markets.
Specifically, the OCC seeks submissions “related to the competitive implications and challenges for community banks are especially encouraged.” Additionally, the OCC provided the following list of topics that are considered “areas of interest”:
Segmentation within and across markets for lending, deposit-taking, and payment services
Financial technology adoption by banks and opportunities for financial inclusion
Entry by fintech and nonbank entities and fair access to financial services
Technology adoption by community banks
Partnerships and contracting between fintech and nonbank entities and banks
Competitive responses to entry by fintech and nonbank entities
Vulnerability of non-deposit funding sources
Risks of new payment models, including illicit activity, misappropriation, and security
Digital assets and deposit-taking, payments, and savings
Shock transmission to commercial and retail borrowers
Market and operational risks associated with blockchain, decentralized finance, and cryptocurrencies
Interested persons can submit papers containing “original and unpublished research” on the above topics or any related topics to EconFINTECHSymposium@occ.treas.gov.
The OCC plans to invite the authors of the chosen papers to present to OCC staff and guests at the OCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on November 7-8, 2022, or via virtual presentation. According to the OCC, these presentations “will serve as a platform for interested academic, regulatory, and other experts to discuss research that explores how the banking system, and community banks in particular, leverage technology and respond to the growth of new providers of banking services, whether competitive or cooperative.”