Mobile bank examiners may get improved IT

The Comptroller of the Currency has published a request for information that aims to improve connectivity, performance and user experiences for more than 1,200 mobile bank examiners. The comptroller also published a 19-page statement of objectives for the project. Responses are due by Sept. 22. The examiners travel in teams around the country to analyze bank loan and investment portfolios, fund management, capital, earnings, liquidity and other measures, and to determine whether banks are complying with banking laws. The teams of three to 20 examiners need to communicate with each other and with central and regional offices. They face numerous challenges, including lack of Internet connectivity, cramped environments in basements and interior conference rooms, difficulties maintaining connection and slow speeds. “Connection speed can vary from location to location," according to the statement of objectives. "Response times of five-plus seconds when using wide-area network-centric programs can be common." The project's goal of the initiative is to establish a disciplined approach for managing information technology systems that is focused on the customer and allows for IT solutions to be aligned with business goals, the comptroller said.