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Highlights: 
 

• Enhancements to �౦��Ϸ����connect allow �౦��Ϸ����- supervised institutions to submit branch application information and to amend submissions. �౦��Ϸ���� notifications of action and requests for more information will be accomplished through �౦��Ϸ����connect. Before the enhancements, only the original application was made through the system.
• The �౦��Ϸ���� encourages institutions to take advantage of the system's ability to quickly and securely transmit information to the agency.
• The �౦��Ϸ���� provides support for bankers interested in more information or in technical assistance using �౦��Ϸ����connect. Please contact the �౦��Ϸ����connect Help Desk by calling toll-free 1-877- 275-3342 (select options 1 for English, 1 for financial institutions, and 5 for the Help Desk) or send an e-mail to �౦��Ϸ����connect@fdic.gov . The �౦��Ϸ���� also has an online training presentation on the new features of the system.

Continuation of FIL-78-2007 

Distribution: 
�౦��Ϸ����-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Suggested Routing: 
Chief Executive Officer 
Executive Officers

Note: 
�౦��Ϸ���� financial institution letters (FILs) may be accessed from the �౦��Ϸ����'s Web site at http://www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2007/index.html 

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html .

Submitting Electronic Applications 
Enhancements to �౦��Ϸ����connect Will Allow Secure Two-Way Communication on Branch Applications 

The �౦��Ϸ���� has upgraded the �౦��Ϸ����connect system for electronic submission of applications to establish or relocate a domestic branch or office. This change allows for secure two-way electronic communication of branch application information between �౦��Ϸ����-supervised financial institutions and the �౦��Ϸ����. The system previously allowed only the initial submission of application information.

With this upgrade, institutions can quickly and securely amend applications as well as receive electronic communication from the �౦��Ϸ����, such as requests for additional information and/or action notifications. In addition, use of the system could relieve processing burden on institutions by allowing them and the �౦��Ϸ���� staff to complete a significant portion of the requests electronically. The �౦��Ϸ���� encourages all insured institutions to take advantage of this system when submitting a branch application.

The �౦��Ϸ���� provides support for bankers interested in more information or in technical assistance using �౦��Ϸ����connect. You may contact the �౦��Ϸ����connect Help Desk by calling toll- free 1-877-275-3342 (select options 1 for English, 1 for financial intuitions, and 5 for the Help Desk) or sending an e-mail to �౦��Ϸ����connect@fdic.gov . In addition, the �౦��Ϸ���� has an online training presentation on the new features of the system.

The expansion of �౦��Ϸ����connect demonstrates the �౦��Ϸ����'s commitment to:

• Comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (GPEA);
• Address President Bush's Management Agenda, which directs government agencies to establish electronic alternatives to current paper processes where feasible;
• Provide increased service to �౦��Ϸ����-insured institutions by improving existing business processes to enable more efficient and effective communication; and
• Reduce regulatory burden on its institutions.

For more information, please contact Gina Luckenbill, Information Management Analyst, Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, at 202-898-3848 (e-mail GLuckenbill@fdic.gov).

Sandra L. Thompson

Director

Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection