Press Release

Joint Release

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Financial Crimes Enforcement Network National Credit Union Administration Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

For Immediate Release

February 24, 2015

Financial Regulators Issue Guidance Encouraging Youth Savings Programs, Address Frequently Asked Questions

Five federal financial regulatory agencies today issued guidance to encourage federally insured depository institutions to offer youth savings programs to expand the financial capability of young people. The guidance also provides answers to frequently asked questions related to the establishment of these programs.

Many financial institutions already collaborate with schools to establish programs that allow students in elementary, middle and high school to open and manage savings accounts and to learn good savings habits early. Research indicates that school-based youth savings programs—when combined with financial education—can be effective in helping students to improve their long-term financial and education prospects.

The guidance does not create any new regulatory policy or establish new industry expectations.

This effort is consistent with the "Starting Early for Financial Success" focus of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC). Congress created FLEC in 2003 to improve financial capability and education in the United States. The financial institution regulatory agencies are members of FLEC.

The interagency guidance is being issued by the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, National Credit Union Administration, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

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Attachment: Guidance to Encourage Financial Institutions' Youth Savings Programs and Responses to Frequently Asked Questions - PDF (PDF Help)

Media Contacts:
FinCEN	Steve Hudak	(703) 905-3770
FRB:	Susan Stawick	(202) 452-2955
FDIC:	Greg Hernandez	(202) 898-6984
NCUA:	Ben Hardaway	(703) 518-6333
OCC:	Stephanie Collins	(202) 649-6870

FDIC: PR-21-2015

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