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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on Wednesday proposed a draft licensing manual supplement to explain how the agency would evaluate charter applications from fintech companies.

The OCC will accept comments on the supplement draft through April 14.

The supplement focuses on how the agency would use existing regulations and policies regarding special-purpose national bank charters for fintech companies.

If an applicant's business involves lending or providing financial services to consumers or small businesses, the OCC's draft manual would also condition preliminary approval of a special-purpose charter on the applicant's implementation of a financial inclusion plan. The plan would be made publicly available and identify milestones, including measurable goals, for the accomplishment of the company's financial inclusion objectives.

In December, the OCC released a paper exploring special-purpose national bank charters for fintech companies. NAFCU urged the OCC to hold those companies to a level of regulation and supervision that ensures fair competition with credit unions and others.