OCC Punishes 'Predatory' Texas Bank

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has cracked down on a Texas national bank that made allegedly predatory loans to borrowers who were delinquent on their property taxes.The Clear Water National Bank of San Antonio charged fees and closing costs ranging from 22% to 123% for the small ($2,000 to $10,000) tax-lien loans that were secured by the borrowers' homes, according to the OCC. Approximately 30 borrowers will receive restitution totaling more than $100,000. "When we see abusive lending practices at a national bank, we will move quickly and decisively to put an end to it," Comptroller John Hawke Jr. said. The comptroller has been trying to show that he is tough on predatory lending because his agency is working on a final rule that would exempt national banks from most state predatory lending laws. Opponents contend that the rule will create a void when it comes to protecting customers of national banks from abusive practices. The Clear Water bank made the tax loans from 1999 to 2001. Mission National Bank acquired the bank in April 2003.

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Law and regulation
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