OCC 2003-15
OCC Bulletin

Date: April 23, 2003

Subject: Weblinking
Description: Interagency Guidance on Weblinking Activity

TO:  Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks, Department and 
     Division Heads, and All Examining Personnel
 
The attached weblinking guidance effectively updates previous 
guidance issued by OCC in Bulletin 2001-31, July 3, 2001 and applies 
to all financial institutions supervised by the OCC, FDIC, OTS, and 
NCUA.  Thus, the same standards will apply to national banks, 
thrifts, credit unions, and state non-member banks. 

The guidance offers risk management tools that would reduce risk to 
banks from linking arrangements and with third parties, especially 
reputation and compliance risks. It applies to banks that develop 
and maintain their own weblinks, as well as banks that use third-
party service providers for this function.  It suggests that a bank 
linking to third-party sites generally should tell bank customers 
that the bank does not provide and is not responsible for products 
and services offered through third-party sites.
 
For further guidance on weblinking issues contact Liz Milor, Bank 
Information Technology Operations (202) 874-4744, or Jeff Gillespie, 
Office of the Chief Counsel (202) 874-5200.
 
 
_______________________________
Ralph Sharpe	
Deputy Comptroller for Bank Technology
	
 
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