This advisory is intended to raise awareness regarding the threat of a pandemic influenza outbreak and its potential impact on the delivery of critical financial services. The advisory discusses the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza and the roles and responsibilities of the federal government, private sector, and others. The National Strategy states that the “private sector should play an integral role in preparedness before a pandemic begins, and should be part of the national response.” National banks and their technology service providers provide essential financial services and, as such, need to be engaged in related preparedness and response activities.

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