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OCC's 160th Anniversary

160th Anniversary

160 Years of Safeguarding Trust in Banking: 1863 - 2023

February 25, 2023, marks the 160th anniversary of the National Currency Act and the creation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Established by President Abraham Lincoln and charged with organizing and administering a system of nationally chartered banks and a uniform national currency, the OCC has steadfastly served the American public for 160 years by ensuring the federal banking system is safe and sound, provides fair access to financial services, treats customers fairly, and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

  • 160th Anniversary Celebration

    Photo of OCC blue seal

    In commemoration of its 160th anniversary, the OCC hosted a special celebration on March 2, 2023. The event featured panel discussions with former Comptrollers and Acting Comptrollers of the Currency as well as some of the OCC’s longest-tenured employees.

Historical Exhibits

The OCC also developed historical exhibits to trace its early history managing the nation’s currency between 1863 and 1929, and to chronicle the evolution of the agency’s supervisory approach in response to sweeping changes in laws, financial downturns, and technological developments.

The OCC will continue to recognize this anniversary with events and images throughout the year, which will be displayed here.