Internal Control: Comptroller's Handbook January 2001

Effective internal controls are the foundation of safe and sound banking. Aproperly designed and consistently enforced system of operational andfinancial internal control helps a bank’s board of directors and managementsafeguard the bank’s resources, produce reliable financial reports, andcomply with laws and regulations. Effective internal control also reduces thepossibility of significant errors and irregularities and assists in their timelydetection when they do occur.