NATIONAL BANKING LAWS Comptroller of the Currency Title 12 of the United States Code 12 U.S.C. 1 (R.S. 324).-There shall be in the Department of the Treasury a bureau charged with the execution of all laws passed by Congress relating to the issue and regulation of a national currency secured by United States bonds and, under the general supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, of all Federal reserve notes, except for the cancellation and destruction, and accounting with respect to such cancellation and destruction, of Federal Reserve notes unfit for circulation, the chief officer of which bureau shall be called the Comptroller of the Currency and shall perform his duties under the general directions of the Secretary of the Treasury. Appointment of the Comptroller of the Currency 12 U.S.C. 2 (R.S. 325).—The Comptroller of the Currency shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold his office for a term of five years unless sooner removed by the President, upon reasons to be communicated by him to the Senate.1 Oath and Bond of the 12 U.S.C. 3 (R.S. 326).—The Comptroller of the Currency shall, within fifteen days from the time of notice of his appointment, take and subscribe the oath of office; and he shall give to the United States a bond in the penalty of $250,000, with not less than two responsible sureties, to be approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. Deputy Comptrollers of the Currrency 12 U.S.C. 4 (R.S. 327).—The Secretary of the Treasury shall appoint no more than four 'The Comptroller of the Currency's compensation is now fixed by the Federal Executive Salary Schedule, 5 U.S.C. (C) (31). *Title II of the Agricultural Credits Act of 1923. Deputy Comptrollers of the Currency, one of whom shall be designated First Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, and shall fix their salaries. Each Deputy Comptroller shall take the oath of office and give the United States a surety bond in the penalty of $100,000, to be approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office, and shall perform such duties as the Comptroller shall direct. During a vacancy in the office or during the absence or disability of the Comptroller, each Deputy Comptroller shall possess the power and perform the duties attached by law to the office of the Comptroller under such order of succession following the First Deputy Comptroller as the Comptroller shall direct. Chief National Bank Examiner 12 U.S.C. 7.-The Comptroller of the Currency may designate a national bank examiner to act as chief of the examining division in his office. Clerks 12 U.S.C. 8 (R.S. 328).-The Comptroller of the Currency shall employ, from time to time, the necessary clerks, to be appointed and classified by the Secretary of the Treasury, to discharge such duties as the Comptroller shall direct. Additional Employees 12 U.S.C. 9.-The Comptroller of the Currency is hereby authorized to employ such additional examiners, clerks, and other employees as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this title 2 and to assign to duty in the office of his bureau in Washington such examiners and assistant examiners as he shall deem necessary to assist in the performance of the work of that bureau. Salaries 12 U.S.C. 9a.-The salaries of the Deputy Comptrollers of the Currency and of such 3 additional examiners, assistant examiners, clerks, and other employees shall be fixed in advance by the Comptroller of the Currency, Allocation of Salaries 12 U.S.C. 10.-The salaries of the Deputy Comptrollers and of all national bank examiners and assistant examiners assigned to duty in the office of the bureau in Washington in connection with the supervision of national banks shall be considered part of the expenses of the examinations provided for by section 5240 of the Revised Statutes, as amended.3 Interest in National Banks 12 U.S.C. 11 (R.S. 329).—It shall not be lawful for the Comptroller or the Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, either directly or indirectly, to be interested in any association issuing national currency under the laws of the United States. Seal 12 U.S.C. 12 (R.S. 330).-The seal devised by the Comptroller of the Currency for his office, and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall continue to be the seal of office of the Comptroller, and may be renewed when necessary. A description of the seal, with an impression thereof, and a certificate of approval by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State. Office Facilities 12 U.S.C. 13 (R.S. 331).-There shall be assigned, from time to time, to the Comptroller of the Currency, by the Secretary of the Treasury, suitable rooms in the Treasury building for conducting the business of the Currency Bureau, containing safe and secure fireproof vaults, in which the Comptroller shall deposit and safely keep all the plates not necessarily in the possession of engravers or printers, and other valuable things belonging to his Department; and the Comptroller shall from time to time furnish the necessary furniture, stationery, fuel, lights, and other 12 U.S.C. 481, 482, 483, 484, 485. proper conveniences for the transaction of the business of his office. Annual Report 12 U.S.C. 14 (R.S. 333).-The Comptroller of the Currency shall make an annual report to Congress. Organization of National Banks 12 U.S.C. 21 (R.S. 5133).-Associations for carrying on the business of banking under this Title may be formed by any number of natural persons, not less in any case than five. They shall enter into articles of association, which shall specify in general terms the object for which the association is formed, and may contain any other provisions, not inconsistent with law, which the association may see fit to adopt for the regulation of its business and the conduct of its affairs. These articles shall be signed by the persons uniting to form the association, and a copy of them shall be forwarded to the Comptroller of the Currency, to be filed and preserved in his office. Amendment to Articles of Association 12 U.S.C. 21a.-Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, or by the articles of association of the particular national banking association, the articles of association of a national banking association may be amended with respect to any lawful matter, and any action requiring the approval of the stockholders of such association may be had by the approving vote of the holders of a majority of the voting shares of the stock of the association obtained at a meeting of the stockholders called and held pursuant to notice given by mail at least ten days prior to the meeting or pursuant to a waiver of such notice given by all stockholders entitled to receive notice of such meeting. A certified copy of every amendment to the articles of association adopted by the shareholders of a national banking association shall be forwarded to the Comptroller of the Currency, to be filed and preserved in his office. Organization Certificate 12 U.S.C. 22 (R.S. 5134).-The persons |