Brian P. Brooks

Brooks grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. He holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in government and a J.D. degree from the University of Chicago Law School.[2]

Flag of the United States Comptroller of the Currency

Brooks joined the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in April 2020 as Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Brooks oversaw the agency's bank supervision, bank supervision policy, economics, supervisory system and analytical support, systemic risk identification support and specialty supervision, and innovation functions. He served as a member of the OCC's Executive Committee and was the Chair of the Technology and Systems Subcommittee.[5]

Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin designated Brooks the OCC's First Deputy Comptroller, under his authority set forth in 12 USC § 4. Pursuant to 12 USC § 4, Brooks became Acting Comptroller upon Comptroller Otting's resignation on May 29, 2020.[1]

In his first statement as Acting Comptroller of the Currency, Brooks outlined four priorities for the agency to ensure the federal banking system could adapt to the evolving needs of the consumers, businesses, and communities it serves. The priorities include: 1) building upon responsible innovation to help the banking system keep up with changes in the way American consumers and businesses manage their finances; 2) enhancing the strength of the federal banking system by enhancing the scope and relevance of the national charter; 3) ensuring banks serve their entire community through fair access to credit, capital, and financial services; and 4) providing OCC employees engaging, rewarding, and challenging career opportunities. [6]

On May 29, 2020, Brooks signed a final rule to clarify the long-standing "valid when made" doctrine to clarify that when a national bank or savings association sells, assigns, or otherwise transfers a loan, interest permissible before the transfer continues to be permissible after the transfer.[7]

Brooks has played significant roles in professional, charitable and community development organizations. He has served as a board member of the California Bankers Association (vice chairman at large),[8] the Housing Policy Council (executive council), the Appleseed Foundation (chairman),[9] the National Symphony Orchestra (treasurer), the Los Angeles Master Chorale (treasurer),[10] the Blockchain Association, and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.[11] He is also an elected member of the American Law Institute.[12] An accomplished musician, Brooks is a classical pianist and also plays keyboards in DC-area classic rock cover band The Johnny Esquire Band.[13] Brooks is married with four children ages 15 to 22. He lives in Washington, D.C., and Pasadena, California.

Banking With Interest with Rob Blackwell (June 10, 2020). “Banks Need to Be Part of the Solution:” New OCC Head on Protests, COVID Crisis.

Balance of Power. Bloomberg (June 2, 2020). Banks Will Be Part of the Solution to U.S. Protests, Says Brian Brooks.

Alliance for Innovative Regulation (May 29, 2020). The First Fintech Comptroller: Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks on His First Day in Office.

Forbes (January 7, 2020). Three Cryptocurrency Regulation Themes For 2020 – And The Flawed Premises Behind Them.

New York Times' DealBook (December 18, 2018). America Could Lead the Transition to a Digital Currency Reserve.

Tech GC (December 11, 2019). BLOCKCHAIN(2) - The Global Financial System is More Fragile than We Think (w/ Brian Brooks).

iHeartRadio (March 19, 2019). Barefoot Innovation Podcast. Talking Cryptocurrency with Brian Brooks of Coinbase.