Keith Noreika rejoined Simpson Thacher & Bartlett as a partner in the financial institutions practice in Washington, D.C. Noreika will focus his practice on banking regulation and related litigation, advising a wide range of domestic and international financial institutions on regulatory issues.

Noreika most recently served as acting comptroller of the currency at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), heading a 4,000-person agency responsible for chartering, regulating and supervising all national banks and federal savings associations as well as federal branches and agencies of foreign banks in the U.S.

“We are delighted to welcome Keith back to the firm,” said Bill Dougherty, chairman of Simpson Thacher’s executive committee. “Our financial institutions practice has long been recognized as one of the best in the industry. Keith’s return will enhance our ability to serve our financial institution clients around the world.”

“I am extremely pleased to return to Simpson Thacher,” Noreika said. “While I was proud to have had the opportunity to serve our country as the acting comptroller of the currency over the past year, I am now eager to help clients as they explore opportunities for their organizations, employees and shareholders and ultimately benefit the economy more broadly.”