(a) An independent public accountant or accounting firm may not perform audit services for insured national banks, insured Federal savings associations, or insured Federal branches of foreign banks if the accountant or firm:

(1) Is subject to a final order of removal, suspension, or debarment (other than a limited scope order) issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the former Office of Thrift Supervision under section 36 of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1831m).

(2) Is subject to a temporary suspension or permanent revocation of registration or a temporary or permanent suspension or bar from further association with any registered public accounting firm issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission under sections 105(c)(4)(A) or (B) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7215(c)(4)(A) or (B)); or

(3) Is subject to an order of suspension or denial of the privilege of appearing or practicing before the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b) Upon written request, the Comptroller, for good cause shown, may grant written permission to such accountant or firm to perform audit services for insured national banks, insured Federal savings associations, or insured Federal branches of foreign banks. The request must contain a concise statement of the action requested. The Comptroller may require the applicant to submit additional information.

[68 FR 48265, Aug. 13, 2003, as amended at 85 FR 42641, July 14, 2020]