(a) Exemption. The OCC may by order issued following receipt of an application, exempt an interlock from the prohibitions in Sec. 26.3 if the OCC finds that the interlock would not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition and would not present safety and soundness concerns.
(b) Presumptions. In reviewing an application for an exemption under this section, the OCC will apply a rebuttable presumption that an interlock will not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition if the depository organization seeking to add a management official:
(1) Primarily serves low-and moderate-income areas;
(2) Is controlled or managed by persons who are members of a minority group, or women;
(3) Is a depository institution that has been chartered for less than two years; or
(4) Is deemed to be in ``troubled condition'' as defined in 12 CFR 5.51(c)(6).
(c) Duration. (1) Unless a specific expiration period is provided in the OCC approval, an exemption permitted by paragraph (a) of this section may continue so long as it does not result in either:
(1) Unless a specific expiration period is provided in the OCC approval, an exemption permitted by paragraph (a) of this section may continue so long as it does not result in either:
(i) A monopoly or substantial lessening of competition; or
(ii) An unsafe or unsound condition.
(2) If the OCC grants an interlock exemption in reliance upon a presumption under paragraph (b) of this section, the interlock may continue for three years, unless otherwise provided by the OCC in writing. [64 FR 51678, Sept. 24, 1999, as amended at 79 FR 28399, May 16, 2014]