OCC Announces Will Giles as Principal Deputy Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON-The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced the selection of Will Giles as Principal Deputy Chief Counsel.

In this role, Mr. Giles will be the OCC Law Department's chief operating officer, responsible for the planning and management of all of the operations of the office to advance the Comptroller's priorities. He also will assist the OCC Chief Counsel in providing legal analyses and advisory services on bank supervision, enforcement, administrative, litigation, and licensing actions. He also will advise on policy and operations initiatives within the OCC, on an interagency basis, and with the Administration.

"Will's experience in the public and private sectors brings a fresh perspective to the OCC of the statutory and regulatory authorities with which federally regulated banks must comply," said Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould. "The OCC now has the right legal leadership in place to ensure that our agency activities are firmly rooted in statute and underpin our work to ensure a safe and sound banking system that effectively serves the nation's economy."

Before joining the OCC, Mr. Giles served as an Of Counsel in a major law firm where he advised a broad range of banking organizations and other financial companies regarding bank regulation. Complimenting his more than 10 years of experience working as an attorney in the private sector, Mr. Giles also served as special counsel at the Federal Reserve Board. In this role, he advised governors and senior staff regarding novel and complex applications and led interagency rulemakings, also serving as a lead expert on banking and administrative law matters. He further served as a member of a senior staff committee establishing supervisory ratings for the largest, most systemically significant banking organizations in the United States.

"Will's wealth of experience in banking regulation, legal acumen and dedication to the rule of law are an invaluable addition to the Law Department," said Adam Cohen, OCC's Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel. "Like many, I have long considered him to be a trusted advisor and have no doubt he will help ensure that the OCC faithfully achieves the Comptroller's priorities and existing statutory requirements."

Mr. Giles holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and a master's degree in banking and financial law from Boston University School of Law. Mr. Giles also earned a bachelor's degree in international economics from the University of Arkansas.