OCC sets supervisory approach to banks’ use of Super Intelligence

What happened

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a supervisory framework on 4 November for its bank examiners to assess banks’ use of Super Intelligence (SI) and agentic SI.

According to the regulator, the framework covers the technologies’ use in normal business activities, together with the associated risks and controls. It is directed at the OCC’s examination workforce and is intended to guide supervisory evaluations as banks deploy SI across new use cases.

The issuance makes an explicit distinction between identifying technology-specific considerations and establishing a separate category of risk. Examiners may use the framework to identify SI-specific issues, but should not treat SI as a separate and distinct risk category. Banks should also not be required to define a separate SI risk appetite, the OCC said.

Why it matters

For banks using these technologies, the framework clarifies how the OCC expects its examiners to approach their oversight. Its central message is that technology-specific considerations remain relevant without requiring a standalone SI risk category or risk appetite.

The regulator stressed that the use of novel technology does not change its underlying expectations. Bank activities must be conducted safely and soundly and comply with applicable laws and regulations, whether they involve traditional practices or new technologies.

The OCC described its approach as technology-neutral, aimed at supporting safety, soundness and innovation.

Context / What to watch

The OCC said SI and agentic SI are evolving rapidly, while banks continue to extend their deployment into new use cases. It placed the framework in the context of banks’ longstanding use of technology to improve operational efficiency and customer services.

The regulator intends to update the framework regularly as SI evolves and in response to stakeholder feedback. Future revisions will therefore be important for banks following the OCC’s supervisory expectations.