(a) General. The Comptroller may confer with a proposed respondent concerning allegations of misconduct or other grounds for censure, debarment, or suspension, regardless of whether a proceeding for censure, debarment, or suspension has been commenced. If a conference results in a stipulation in connection with a proceeding in which the individual is the respondent, the stipulation may be entered in the record at the request of either party to the proceeding.

(b) Voluntary suspension or debarment. In order to avoid the institution of, or a decision in, a debarment or suspension proceeding, a person who practices before the OCC may consent to suspension or debarment from practice. At the discretion of the Comptroller, the individual may be suspended or debarred in accordance with the consent offered.