Office of Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, 48950-49199 [2011-17581]

Download as PDF 48950 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 12 CFR Parts 100, 108, 109, 112, 116, 128, 133, 136, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 155, 157, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197 [Docket ID OCC–2011–0016] RIN 1557–AD47 Office of Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comment. AGENCY: Pursuant to Title III of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, all functions of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) relating to Federal savings associations and the rulemaking authority of the OTS relating to all savings associations are transferred to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on July 21, 2011 (transfer date). In order to facilitate the OCC’s enforcement and administration of former OTS rules and to make appropriate changes to these rules to reflect OCC supervision of Federal savings associations as of the transfer date, the OCC is republishing, with nomenclature and other technical changes, the OTS regulations currently found in Chapter V of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The republished regulations will be recodified with the OCC’s regulations in Chapter I at parts 100 through 197 (Republished Regulations), effective on July 21, 2011. The Republished Regulations will supersede the OTS regulations in Chapter V for purposes of OCC supervision and regulation of Federal savings associations, and certain of the Republished Rules will supersede the OTS regulations in Chapter V for purposes of the FDIC’s supervision of state savings associations. Chapter V of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations will be vacated at a later date. SUMMARY: This interim final rule is effective July 21, 2011. Comments must be received on or before October 11, 2011. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES DATES: Because paper mail in the Washington, DC area and at the OCC is subject to delay, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by the ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Federal eRulemaking Portal or e-mail, if possible. Please use the title ‘‘Republication of Regulations in Connection with Office of Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010’’ to facilitate the organization and distribution of the comments. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal— ‘‘regulations.gov’’: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Select ‘‘Document Type’’ of ‘‘Rule,’’ and in ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID Box,’’ enter Docket ID ‘‘OCC–2011–0016’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ On ‘‘View By Relevance’’ tab at bottom of screen, in the ‘‘Agency’’ column, locate the Rule for OCC, in the ‘‘Action’’ column, click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ or ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials for this rulemaking action. • Click on the ‘‘Help’’ tab on the Regulations.gov home page to get information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for submitting or viewing public comments, viewing other supporting and related materials, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period. • E-mail: regs.comments@occ.treas.gov. • Mail: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW., Mail Stop 2–3, Washington, DC 20219. • Fax: (202) 874–5274. • Hand Delivery/Courier: 250 E Street, SW., Mail Stop 2–3, Washington, DC 20219. Instructions: You must include ‘‘OCC’’ as the agency name and ‘‘Docket ID OCC–2011–0016’’ in your comment. In general, OCC will enter all comments received into the docket and publish them on the Regulations.gov Web site without change, including any business or personal information that you provide such as name and address information, e-mail addresses, or phone numbers. Comments received, including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. Do not enclose any information in your comment or supporting materials that you consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. You may review comments and other related materials that pertain to this interim final rule by any of the following methods: • Viewing Comments Electronically: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Select ‘‘Document Type’’ of ‘‘Public Submissions,’’ in ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID Box,’’ enter Docket ID ‘‘OCC–2011– PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 0016,’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Comments will be listed under ‘‘View By Relevance’’ tab at bottom of screen. • Viewing Comments Personally: You may personally inspect and photocopy comments at the OCC, 250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC. For security reasons, the OCC requires that visitors make an appointment to inspect comments. You may do so by calling (202) 874–4700. Upon arrival, visitors will be required to present valid government-issued photo identification and to submit to security screening in order to inspect and photocopy comments. • Docket: You may also view or request available background documents and project summaries using the methods described above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andra Shuster, Senior Counsel, or Heidi Thomas, Special Counsel, Legislative and Regulatory Activities Division, (202) 874–5090, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20219. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On July 21, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act or Act).1 Title III of the Dodd-Frank Act transfers the powers, authorities, rights, and duties of the OTS to other Federal banking agencies, including the OCC, on July 21, 2011, the transfer date. The OTS is abolished 90 days thereafter. Under Title III of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC will assume all functions of the OTS and the Director of the OTS relating to Federal savings associations.2 As a result, the OCC will have responsibility for the ongoing supervision, examination and regulation of Federal savings associations as of the transfer date. The Act also transfers to the OCC the rulemaking authority of the OTS relating to all savings associations, both state and Federal.3 The legislation 1 Public Law 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010). Act section 312(b)(2)(B)(i) (to be codified 12 U.S.C. 5412(b)(2)(B)(i)). Title III transfers all supervisory functions of the OTS relating to state savings associations to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and all functions relating to the supervision of any savings and loan holding company and non-depository institution subsidiaries of such holding companies, as well as rulemaking authority for savings and loan holding companies, to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board). 3 Id. As discussed below, although this is the language in the Act, the FDIC has identified a number of independent bases for rulemaking authority for state savings associations. Where no such authority has been found, the FDIC will enforce applicable OCC regulations for state savings associations. 2 Dodd-Frank E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES continues in effect all OTS orders, resolutions, determinations, agreements, regulations, interpretive rules, other interpretations, guidelines, procedures and other advisory materials in effect the day before the transfer date, and allows the OCC to enforce these materials with respect to Federal savings associations, until modified, terminated, set aside or superseded by the OCC, a court, or by operation of law.4 In an effort to ensure an orderly transfer of OTS regulations to the OCC as of the transfer date, the OCC has determined that it is appropriate to republish in 12 CFR Chapter I all OTS regulations from 12 CFR Chapter V that we have the authority to promulgate and enforce, with appropriate nomenclature and other technical changes. The Republished Regulations will supersede the OTS regulations found in Chapter V for purposes of the OCC’s supervision and regulation of Federal savings associations, and, where applicable, for purposes of the FDIC’s supervision and regulation of state savings associations. OCC Regulatory Actions To Integrate OTS Functions Since the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC, in collaboration with the OTS, has been reviewing its regulations, as well as those of the OTS, to determine what changes are needed to facilitate a smooth regulatory transition to OCC supervision of Federal savings associations. This review is being accomplished in several phases. On July 21, 2011, the OCC issued a final rule revising certain OCC rules that are central to internal agency functions and operations immediately upon the transfer of supervisory jurisdiction for Federal savings associations.5 This final rule amends the OCC’s rules at 12 CFR part 4 pertaining to its organization and functions, the availability of information from the OCC under the Freedom of Information Act, the release of nonpublic OCC information, and restrictions on the post-employment activities of senior examiners; and at 12 CFR part 8, pertaining to assessments. The final rule also amends 12 CFR parts 5 and 28 to implement sections 603 and 335 of the Dodd-Frank Act, respectively; and 12 CFR parts 5, 7, and 34, to implement sections 1044 through 1047 of the Act pertaining to preemption and visitorial powers. This interim final rule is the next step of our review of OCC and OTS 4 Dodd-Frank Act, section 316(b) (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 5414(b)). 5 See the Rules and Regulations section of the July 21, 2011 issue of the Federal Register. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 regulations. As described in more detail below, this interim final rule republishes those OTS regulations that the OCC has the authority to promulgate and will enforce as of the transfer date.6 Subsequent to the transfer date, the OCC will consider more comprehensive substantive amendments, as necessary, to the Republished Regulations. For example, we may propose to repeal or combine provisions in cases where OCC and former OTS rules are substantively identical or substantially overlap. In addition, we may propose to repeal or modify OCC or former OTS rules where differences in regulatory approach are not required by statute or warranted by features unique to either the national bank or Federal savings association charter. This substantive review also will provide an opportunity for the OCC to ask for comments suggesting revisions to the rules for both national banks and Federal savings associations that would remove provisions that are ‘‘outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome,’’ consistent with the goals outlined in an executive order recently issued by the President.7 II. Description of the Interim Final Rule As noted above, the interim final rule republishes those OTS regulations the OCC has the authority to promulgate and, along with the FDIC in the case of state savings associations, will enforce as of the transfer date. The OTS regulations are currently set out in Chapter V of Title 12 as parts 500 through 591. In order to reduce confusion and to assist the thrift industry, we have preserved where possible the OTS’s numbering system by republishing these regulations with OCC part numbers that correspond to the former OTS rules, specifically, by changing the ‘‘5’’ to a ‘‘1’’. For example, 12 CFR part 545 is republished as 12 CFR part 145. We note, however, that there were a number of instances where the OTS numbering system has been modified because it deviated from standard CFR numbering conventions. Therefore, for example, former parts 563b through 563g are being republished as parts 192 through 197 (with corresponding cross-reference changes). This preamble contains a redesignation table indicating how the newly issued parts in Chapter I 6 Pursuant to section 316(c)(2) of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC (along with the FDIC) published a notice in the Federal Register identifying those OTS regulations that are continued under the Act that each agency will enforce beginning on the transfer date. 76 FR 39246 (July 6, 2011). 7 Executive Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review’’ 76 FR 3821 (Jan. 21, 2011). PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48951 correspond to the former parts in Chapter V. We also have made nomenclature and other technical amendments to reflect OCC supervision of Federal savings associations and FDIC supervision of state savings associations, along with certain required Dodd-Frank Act changes. OTS regulations in Chapter V of Title 12 that will be unnecessary following the transfer date, or that are superseded by this rulemaking (or other rulemakings by the FDIC and the Board) or other provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, will be repealed at a later date. We have added a new part 100 to clarify that the Republished Regulations supersede any rules applying to savings associations contained in Chapter V of Title 12. In addition, part 100 provides that the Comptroller may, for good cause and to the extent permitted by statute, waive the applicability of any provision of parts 100 through 197. This provision transfers to the Comptroller authority provided to the OTS Director by 12 CFR 500.30(a). The OCC has worked closely with the OTS, FDIC and the Board to coordinate the republication of OTS rules. Although section 312 of the Dodd-Frank Act transfers all OTS rulemaking authority for all savings associations to the OCC, where the FDIC has identified an independent basis for its rulemaking authority over state savings associations (either due to other amendments made by the Dodd-Frank Act or based on other statutory authority) the FDIC will promulgate regulations for state savings associations. Therefore, not all of the Republished Regulations apply to state savings associations.8 The FDIC will publish a separate rulemaking amending its rules or republishing certain OTS rules under this authority. We also have not republished those OTS rules relating exclusively to savings and loan holding companies (SLHCs), because the Dodd-Frank Act transferred the OTS’s supervision and rulewriting authority for SLHCs to the Board.9 Where OTS rules addressed both savings associations and SLHCs, we have republished only those parts of the rule pertaining to savings associations. 8 The following regulations apply to state savings associations: certain provisions in part 160 (Lending and Investment), part 161 (Definitions), certain provisions in part 163 (Savings Association Operations), part 169 (Proxies), part 190 (Preemption of State Usury Laws), part 191 (Preemption of State Due-on-Sale Laws), part 192 (Conversions from Mutual to Stock Form), and part 195 (Community Reinvestment). 9 See section 312 of the Dodd-Frank Act, (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 5412). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48952 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Similarly, under the Dodd-Frank Act, rulewriting authority for certain consumer rules is transferred to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau). Therefore, although the OCC has the authority to enforce these rules for Federal savings associations and national banks with total assets of $10 billion or less, we have not republished these rules and they remain in Chapter V of the Code of Federal Regulations, until superseded by the Bureau.10 We also note that, in addition to parts 100 through 197, certain rules contained in parts 1 through 41 will also take into consideration the OCC’s supervision of Federal savings associations, such as part 4 (regarding disclosure of information) and part 8 (regarding assessments). A. General Nomenclature Changes The OCC has made certain nomenclature and other non-substantive changes consistently throughout the Republished Regulations to replace references to the OTS and its administrative structure with appropriate references to the OCC and, in the case of rules also applicable to state savings associations, the FDIC. Specifically, these changes are as follows: • References to ‘‘the OTS,’’ ‘‘Office,’’ and ‘‘Secretary’’ have been changed to ‘‘the OCC’’ or ‘‘FDIC’’ or to ‘‘the appropriate Federal banking agency’’ (AFBA), as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(q) and as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act. Because some of the Republished Regulations apply to both Federal and state savings associations, the term ‘‘AFBA’’ is used where a provision applies to both types of institutions. We have added the definition of AFBA to part 161. • References to ‘‘the Director of the OTS’’ or ‘‘Director’’ have been changed to ‘‘Comptroller’’ or ‘‘Board of Directors of the FDIC’’ or ‘‘FDIC,’’ as appropriate. We have added the definition of ‘‘Comptroller’’ and ‘‘OCC’’ to part 161. • In some cases, references to specific offices within the OTS have been removed and replaced with the names of the corresponding office within the OCC (for example, references to the OTS Office of Enforcement have been changed to reference the OCC’s Enforcement and Compliance Division). However, some OTS rules include references to offices that do not correspond easily to the OCC’s 10 See section 1022 of the Dodd-Frank Act, (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 5512). These rules include 12 CFR parts 563, subpart D (S.A.F.E. Act), 571 subparts A through E and § 571.82 in subpart I (Fair Credit Reporting) and 573 (Privacy). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 administrative structure. In those cases, the specific reference has been replaced with ‘‘the OCC.’’ Similar references have been made to the FDIC where appropriate. OCC and FDIC handbooks and other agency publications (which will be amended as appropriate after the transfer date), as well as OCC and FDIC Web sites will provide the specific filing locations.11 • In some cases, we have reduced the number of copies of filings to be submitted to the OCC. • Some OTS regulations include agency addresses and contact information as well as addresses of third parties. Because office addresses frequently are subject to change as a result of moves and reassignments, the OCC generally has chosen not to include specific addresses in its regulations governing national banks, and has made similar changes in the Republished Regulations. Updated contact information for these entities will continue to be available on the OCC’s Web site or in other agency publications, or by contacting the specified third parties. • Cross-references in the Republished Rules have been changed to reference the new OCC CFR numbers in Chapter I. For example, a reference to 12 CFR 550.80 has been changed to reference the new section 12 CFR 150.80 in the Republished Regulations. Crossreferences also have been updated to reference OCC rules, or relevant rules issued by the FDIC or the Board. B. Specific Section Changes In addition to the changes described above, the OCC has made other notable changes to sections of the Republished Regulations to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act or to delete obsolete references.12 • Deposit activities of savings associations—part 157. Section 627 of the Dodd-Frank Act removed the 11 The OCC’s Web site is found at www.occ.gov. The FDIC’s Web site is found at www.fdic.gov. 12 We note that section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal banking agencies to amend their rules to provide alternatives for references to external credit ratings in there regulations. OTS rules include such references related to lending and investment in part 560, and regulatory capital requirements in part 567. The OTS issued an ANPR addressing lending and investment on October 14, 2010. (75 FR 63107), and it joined the other Federal banking agencies in issuing an ANPR addressing the regulatory capital requirements on August 25, 2010 (75 FR 52283). We have not amended these references in the Republished Regulations as the OCC is currently drafting separate proposals to address section 939A. We anticipate that the final OCC rules addressing section 939A will make any necessary amendments to parts 160 and 167 of the Republished Regulations, incorporating comments received including those in response to the OTS ANPRs. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 prohibition of paying interest on demand accounts from the HOLA. Section 157.14 provided that savings associations could pay interest only on savings accounts. Therefore, in order to implement the Dodd-Frank Act change, we have removed the word ‘‘savings’’ from this section. • Preemption—parts 145, 150, 157, and 160. The OTS regulations at 12 CFR parts 545, 550, 557 and 560 include certain ‘‘occupation of the field’’ statements on Federal preemption. Section 1046 of the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA) does not occupy the field in any area of state law. Therefore, these occupation of the field statements in the OTS regulations have been removed from the Republished Regulations in §§ 145.2, 150.136, 157.11 and 160.2 by this interim final rule. In addition, the current OTS regulations do not accurately characterize the preemption standards applicable to Federal savings associations after the Dodd-Frank Act. The Act changes the preemption standards applicable to Federal savings associations to conform to those applicable to national banks.13 The Act specifically provides that, as of the transfer date, determinations by a court or by the OCC under the HOLA with respect to Federal savings associations must be made in accordance with the laws and legal standards applicable to national banks regarding the application of state law.14 The OCC recently published a final rule hat implements this standard for Federal savings associations. To conform with the DoddFrank Act, this interim final rule adds references to the new preemption standards applicable to Federal savings associations in §§ 157.11 and 160.2 of the Republished Regulations and removes a now obsolete cross-reference in § 160.110. • Historical references. We have removed a number of historical references contained in the OTS rules in Chapter V that are no longer relevant. • Alternative Mortgage Transactions Parity Act (AMTPA). Section 1002 of the Dodd-Frank Act transfers rulemaking authority for the AMTPA to the Bureau. Therefore, we have not republished § 560.220, which implements AMTPA, as OCC rules. 13 Dodd-Frank Act section 1046, 124 Stat. 2017 (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 1465). In addition, the Act states that the provisions in section 1047(a) regarding visitorial powers shall apply to Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries to the same extent and in the same manner as if they were national banks or national bank subsidiaries. DoddFrank Act section 1047(b), 124 Stat. 2018 (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 1465). 14 Id. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations • Regulations relating to transactions with affiliates, extensions of credit to insiders and tying arrangements. Section 312(b)(2)(A) transfers all OTS rulemaking authority relating to transactions with affiliates, extensions of credit to insiders and tying arrangements to the Board. Therefore, we have not republished §§ 563.36, 563.41 and 563.43, but rather refer Federal savings associations to the Board’s regulations. • Savings associations—Operations: In § 163.22(e)(1)(iv), we have removed the reference to the Board and FDIC, as 12 U.S.C. 1828(c) no longer requires the Federal banking agencies to seek competitive impact reports from the other Federal banking agencies before acting on a merger, consolidation, or assumption of liabilities. Instead, competitive impact reports are required only from the Attorney General. In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, savings associations that are part of a SLHC structure must now file a notice of a declaration of a dividend with the Board. We have amended § 163.143 to require that, in the case of cash dividends, Federal savings associations that are subsidiaries of a stock SLHC file an informational copy of that notice with the OCC at the same time it is filed with the Board. We note that under the regulation Federal savings associations that are subsidiaries of stock SLHCs must file notices of a declaration of a noncash dividend and other capital distributions with the OCC. In addition, pursuant to an amendment made to the HOLA by the Dodd-Frank Act,15 Federal savings associations that are subsidiaries of mutual SLHCs are required to provide a notice of a declaration of dividends to both the Board and the OCC. Our amendment to § 163.143 accounts for this notice. • Change in bank control. Part 574 of the OTS rules addressing change in control of savings associations referenced control as being ‘‘more than 25%,’’ however because the underlying statute (the Change in Bank Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) uses the phrase ‘‘25% or more,’’ we have replaced the former OTS phrase with the statutory language throughout part 174 in the Republished Regulations. We also have conformed § 574.7(d)(3) to better track the statutory language. Additionally, throughout this rule, we have removed those sections that apply only to SLHCs, and have added provisions from former part 574 in place of cross-references where the cross-referenced provision is now contained in a Board regulation. 15 Dodd-Frank Act, section 625 (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 1467a(o)(11)). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 • References to Thrift Financial Report (TFR). Where there were references to the TFR in Chapter V of the OTS rules, we have added ‘‘Consolidated Reports of Condition or Income’’ (Call Report) or ‘‘Thrift Financial Report,’’ as appropriate’’ to account for the phase out of the TFR.16 • Remaining Fair Credit Reporting regulations. As noted above, under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bureau assumes rulemaking authority for the majority of rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, the OCC retains rulemaking authority for § 571.83 of subpart I and all of subpart J. All of the FCRA rules were originally published together in part 571 of the OTS rules and contained generally applicable provisions in subpart A. One such provision stated that examples given in the rules were not exclusive and that compliance with an example would constitute compliance with the rule. In part 171 of the Republished Regulations, we have included this provision to apply it to subpart J, which includes examples. III. Notice and Comment This interim final rule is effective on July 21, 2011. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), notice and comment are not required prior to the issuance of a final rule if an agency, for good cause, finds that ‘‘notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Section 316(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act provides that all OTS regulations in effect the day before the transfer date shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, set aside, or superseded by the OCC. The interim final rule makes non-substantive, technical changes to the OTS regulations, such as renumbering, changing internal crossreferences, replacing appropriate nomenclature, and changing the address for filing applications and notices. The rule also makes a few changes to conform the rules for Federal savings associations to changes in the law affected by the Dodd-Frank Act. Because these regulations are nearly identical to the OTS’s rules which savings associations are currently subject to, the new rules do not change or impose additional requirements that necessitate adjustments by these institutions. In addition, codifying former OTS regulations as OCC regulations with nomenclature changes and updated 16 See the joint Paperwork Reduction Act Notice published by the OTS, OCC, FDIC and the Board proposing to phase out of the TFR. 76 FR 39981 (July 7, 2011). PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48953 filing addresses will help reduce confusion in the industry. Moreover, the transferring rules in general were originally issued by the OTS following notice and comment rulemaking, as appropriate. Therefore, the OCC has concluded that advance notice and comment under the APA is unnecessary and not in the public interest. IV. Effective Date This interim final rule is effective on July 21, 2011. A final rule may be published with an immediate effective date if an agency finds good cause and publishes such with the final rule.17 The purpose of a delayed effective date is to permit regulated entities to adjust their behavior before the final rule takes effect. As described above, the interim final rule makes non-substantive, technical changes, which will not require savings associations to adjust their behavior in a substantive manner. In addition, the interim final rule provides guidance regarding certain required Dodd-Frank Act changes. It is important to have these regulations in place on July 21, 2011, the transfer date, to facilitate a seamless transition when the OCC and the FDIC assume responsibility for supervising savings associations on that day and to inform the industry what rules will apply as of the transfer date. For these reasons, the OCC finds good cause to dispense with a delayed effective date. Section 302 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4802) requires, subject to certain exceptions, that regulations imposing additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements on insured depository institutions take effect on the first day of the calendar quarter after publication of the final rule. As a general matter this interim final rule does not impose additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements. However, to the extent that there are any additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements, because they impose minimal burden on savings associations and because of the need to have final rules in place on he transfer date, the OCC finds good cause not to delay the effectiveness of these rules. V. Request for Comments Although notice and comment are not required prior to the effective date of this interim final rule, the OCC invites comments on all aspects of the rule and will revise it if necessary or appropriate in light of the comments received. 17 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48954 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations VI. Regulatory Analysis Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis The Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96–354, Sept. 19, 1980) (RFA) applies only to rules for which an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). Pursuant to the APA at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), general notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required prior to the issuance of a final rule when an agency, for good cause, finds that ‘‘notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ As discussed above, the OCC has determined for good cause that the APA does not require general notice and public comment on this interim final rule and, therefore, we are not publishing a general notice of proposed rulemaking. Thus, the RFA, pursuant 5 U.S.C. 601(2), does not apply to this interim final rule. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, Public Law 104–4 (2 U.S.C. 1532) (Unfunded Mandates Act), requires that an agency prepare a budgetary impact statement before promulgating any rule likely to result in a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. The OCC has determined that there is no Federal mandate imposed by this rulemaking that may result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. Paperwork Reduction Act The OCC may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This rule contains information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which have been previously approved by OMB under the following OMB control numbers, and the PRA burden for which is unchanged by this rule: OMB Control Nos. 1550–0003; 1550–0005 through 1550–0007; 1550–0011 through 1550– 0020; 1550–0021, 1550–0025; 1550– 0030; 1550–0032; 1550–0035; 1550– 0037; 1550–0041; 1550–0047; 1550– 0051; 1550–0053; 1550–0056; 1550– 0060; 1550–0062; 1550–0066; 1550– 0072; 1550–0077 through 1550–0078; 1550–0081; 1550–0088; 1550–0092; 1550–0094 through 1550–0095; 1550– VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 0103 through 1550–0106; 1550–0109 through 1550–0110; 1550–0112 through 1550–0113; 1550–0115; 1550–0117; 1557–0119; 1550–0122; and 1550–0127. The information collection approved under OMB Control No. 1550–0059 will be amended through a non-substantive change. There are no new information collection requirements in this interim final rule. VII. Redesignation Table The following redesignation table is provided for reader reference and shows the relationship of former section numbers within Chapter V to the new section numbers in Chapter I. 12 CFR Chapter V: Former part or section numbers Part 508 .................... Part 509 .................... Part 512 .................... Part 516 .................... Part 528 .................... Section 528.1 ............ Section 528.1a .......... Section 528.2 ............ Section 528.2a .......... Section 528.3 ............ Section 528.4 ............ Section 528.5 ............ Section 528.6 ............ Section 528.7 ............ Section 528.8 ............ Section 528.9 ............ Part 533 .................... Part 536 .................... Part 541 .................... Part 543 .................... Section 543.1 ............ Section 543.2 ............ Section 543.3 ............ Section 543.5 ............ Section 543.6 ............ Section 543.7 ............ Section 543.7–1 ........ Section 543.8 ............ Section 543.9 ............ Section 543.10 .......... Section 543.11 .......... Section 543.11–1 ...... Section 543.14 .......... Part 544 .................... Part 545 .................... Part 546 .................... Part 550 .................... Part 551 .................... Part 552 .................... Section 552.2–1 ........ Section 552.2–2 ........ Section 552.2–3 ........ Section 552.2–6 ........ Section 552.2–7 ........ Section 552.3 ............ Section 552.4 ............ Section 552.5 ............ Section 552.6 ............ Section 552.6–1 ........ Section 552.6–2 ........ Section 552.6–3 ........ Section 552.6–4 ........ Section 552.9 ............ PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 12 CFR Chapter I: New part or section numbers Part 108 Part 109 Part 112 Part 116 Part 128 Section 128.1 Section 128.10 Section 128.2 Section 128.11 Section 128.3 Section 128.4 Section 128.5 Section 128.6 Section 128.7 Section 128.8 Section 128.9 Part 133 Part 136 Part 141 Part 143 Section 143.1 Section 143.2 Section 143.3 Section 143.4 Section 143.5 Section 143.6 Section 143.7 Section 143.8 Section 143.9 Section 143.10 Section 143.11 Section 143.12 Section 143.14 Part 144 Part 145 Part 146 Part 150 Part 151 Part 152 Section 152.1 Section 152.2 Section 152.17 Section 152.18 Section 152.19 Section 152.3 Section 152.4 Section 152.5 Section 152.6 Section 152.7 Section 152.8 Section 152.9 None None Sfmt 4700 12 CFR Chapter V: Former part or section numbers 12 CFR Chapter I: New part or section numbers Section 552.10 .......... Section 552.11 .......... Section 552.12 .......... Section 552.13 .......... Section 552.14 .......... Section 552.15 .......... Section 552.16 .......... Part 555 .................... Part 557 .................... Part 559 .................... Part 560 .................... Part 561 .................... Part 562 .................... Part 563 .................... Part 563b .................. Part 563c ................... Part 563c, Subpart A Part 563c, Subpart B Section 563c.101 ...... Section 563c.102 ...... Section 152.10 Section 152.11 Section 152.12 Section 152.13 Section 152.14 Section 152.15 Section 152.16 Part 155 Part 157 Part 159 Part 160 Part 161 Part 162 Part 163 Part 192 Part 193 Part 193, Subpart A Part 193, Subpart B Section 193.101 Section 193.102 and new Appendix A Part 194 Section 194.1 Section 194.2 Section 194.3 Section 194.210 Section 194.801 Section 194.802 Part 195 Part 196 Part 197 Section 197.1 Section 197.2 Section 197.3 Section 197.4 Section 197.5 Section 197.6 Section 197.7 Section 197.8 Section 197.9 Section 197.10 Section 197.11 Section 197.12 Section 197.13 Section 197.14 Section 197.15 Section 197.16 Section 197.17 Section 197.18 Section 197.19 Part 197, Appendix A Section 197.21 Part 164 Part 165 Part 167 Part 168 Part 169 Part 170 Part 171 Part 172 Part 174 Section 174.1 Section 174.2 Section 174.3 Section 174.4 Section 174.5 Section 174.6 Section 174.7 Section 174.8 Part 174, Appendix A Part 190 Part 191 Part 563d .................. Section 563d.1 .......... Section 563d.2 .......... Section 563d.3b–6 .... Section 563d.210 ...... Section 563d.801 ...... Section 563d.802 ...... Part 563e .................. Part 563f ................... Part 563g .................. Section 563g.1 .......... Section 563g.2 .......... Section 563g.3 .......... Section 563g.4 .......... Section 563g.5 .......... Section 563g.6 .......... Section 563g.7 .......... Section 563g.8 .......... Section 563g.9 .......... Section 563g.10 ........ Section 563g.11 ........ Section 563g.12 ........ Section 563g.13 ........ Section 563g.14 ........ Section 563g.15 ........ Section 563g.16 ........ Section 563g.17 ........ Section 563g.18 ........ Section 563g.19 ........ Section 563g.20 ........ Section 563g.21 ........ Part 564 .................... Part 565 .................... Part 567 .................... Part 568 .................... Part 569 .................... Part 570 .................... Part 571 .................... Part 572 .................... Part 574 .................... Section 574.1 ............ Section 574.2 ............ Section 574.3 ............ Section 574.4 ............ Section 574.5 ............ Section 574.6 ............ Section 574.7 ............ Section 574.8 ............ Section 574.100 ........ Part 590 .................... Part 591 .................... E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations List of Subjects 12 CFR Part 151 12 CFR Part 169 12 CFR Part 100 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities, Trusts and trustees. 48955 12 CFR Part 170 Savings associations. Savings associations, Securities. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Bank deposit insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Safety and soundness, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 155 12 CFR Part 171 Administrative practice and procedure, Investigations. Accounting, Consumer protection, Electronic funds transfers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. Consumer protection, Credit, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 116 12 CFR Part 157 12 CFR Part 172 Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 108 Administrative practice and procedure, Crime, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 109 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties. 12 CFR Part 112 12 CFR Part 128 Advertising, Aged, Civil rights, Credit, Equal employment opportunity, Fair housing, Individuals with disabilities, Marital status discrimination, Mortgages, Religious discrimination, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Sex discrimination, Signs and symbols. 12 CFR Part 133 Confidential business information, Freedom of information, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 152 12 CFR Part 159 12 CFR Part 174 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Subsidiaries. 12 CFR Part 160 Consumer protection, Investments, Manufactured homes, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. 12 CFR Part 161 Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 143 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 144 Administrative practice and procedure, Savings associations. Banks, banking, Loan programshousing and community development, Mortgages. 12 CFR Part 162 12 CFR Part 192 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. 12 CFR Part 193 Accounting, Savings associations, Securities. 12 CFR Part 164 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. Appraisals, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 145 Consumer protection, Credit, Electronic funds transfers, Investments, Manufactured homes, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 165 12 CFR Part 146 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 12 CFR Part 191 Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Conflict of interests, Crime, Currency, Investments, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities, Surety bonds. 12 CFR Part 141 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. Capital, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Risk, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 150 12 CFR Part 168 Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Trusts and trustees. Consumer protection, Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Security measures. Jkt 223001 Banks, banking, Loan programshousing and community development, Manufactured homes, Mortgages. 12 CFR Part 163 Consumer protection, Insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 21:10 Aug 08, 2011 12 CFR Part 190 Accounting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 136 VerDate Mar<15>2010 Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. Administrative practice and procedure, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 167 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 12 CFR Part 194 Authority delegations (Government agencies), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. 12 CFR Part 195 Community development, Credit, Investments, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 196 Antitrust, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations. 12 CFR Part 197 Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Chapter I of Title 12 of the ■ E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48956 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Code of Federal Regulations is amended by adding parts 100, 108, 109, 112, 116, 128, 133, 136, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 155, 157, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, respectively, to read as follows: PART 100—RULES APPLICABLE TO SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 5412(b)(2)(B), 5414(b)(2). § 100.1 Certain regulations superseded. Effective on July 21, 2011, section 312(b)(2)(B) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub. L. 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010)) (12 U.S.C. 5412(b)(2)(B)) transferred rulemaking authority of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) relating to all savings associations, both state and Federal to the OCC. The regulations set forth in parts 100 through 197 of this Chapter I applying to Federal savings associations and state savings associations, as those terms are defined in section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b)), supersede corresponding regulations set forth in parts 500 through 591 of Chapter V of the Code of Federal Regulations that were applicable to such entities prior to July 21, 2011. § 100.2 Waiver authority. The Comptroller of the Currency may, for good cause and to the extent permitted by statute, waive the applicability of any provision of parts 100 through 197. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES PART 108—REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, AND PROHIBITIONS WHERE A CRIME IS CHARGED OR PROVEN Sec. 108.1 Scope. 108.2 Definitions. 108.3 Issuance of Notice or Order. 108.4 Contents and service of the Notice or Order. 108.5 Petition for hearing. 108.6 Initiation of hearing. 108.7 Conduct of hearings. 108.8 Default. 108.9 Rules of evidence. 108.10 Burden of persuasion. 108.11 Relevant considerations. 108.12 Proposed findings and conclusions and recommended decision. 108.13 Decision of the OCC. 108.14 Miscellaneous. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1464, 1818, 5412(b)(2)(B). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 108.1 Scope. The rules in this part apply to hearings, which are exempt from the adjudicative provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, afforded to any officer, director, or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of a Federal savings association, Federal savings association subsidiary, or affiliate service corporation, where such person has been suspended or removed from office or prohibited from further participation in the conduct of the affairs of one of the aforementioned entities by a Notice or Order served by the OCC upon the grounds set forth in section 8(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, (12 U.S.C. 1818(g)). § 108.2 Definitions. As used in this part— (a) The term OCC means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. (b) [Reserved] (c) The term Notice means a Notice of Suspension or Notice of Prohibition issued by the OCC pursuant to section 8(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (d) The term Order means an Order of Removal or Order of Prohibition issued by the OCC pursuant to section 8(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (e) The term association means a Federal savings association within the meaning of section 2(5) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1462(5) (‘‘HOLA’’), Federal savings association subsidiary and an affiliate service corporation within the meaning of section 8(b)(8) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1818(b)(8) (‘‘FDIA’’). (f) The term subject individual means a person served with a Notice or Order. (g) The term petitioner means a subject individual who has filed a petition for informal hearing under this part. § 108.3 Issuance of Notice or Order. (a) The OCC may issue and serve a Notice upon an officer, director, or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of an association, where the individual is charged in any information, indictment, or complaint with the commission of or participation in a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or Federal law, if the OCC, upon due deliberation, determines that continued service or participation by the individual may pose a threat to the interests of the association’s depositors or may threaten to impair public confidence in the association. The Notice shall remain in effect until PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 the information, indictment, or complaint is finally disposed of or until terminated by the OCC. (b) The OCC may issue and serve an Order upon a subject individual against whom a judgment of conviction, or an agreement to enter a pretrial diversion or other similar program has been rendered, where such judgment is not subject to further appellate review, and the OCC, upon the deliberation, has determined that continued service or participation by the subject individual may pose a threat to the interests of the association’s depositors or may threaten to impair public confidence in the association. § 108.4 Contents and service of the Notice or Order. (a) The Notice or Order shall set forth the basis and facts in support of the OCC’s issuance of such Notice or Order, and shall inform the subject individual of his right to a hearing, in accordance with this part, for the purpose of determining whether the Notice or Order should be continued, terminated, or otherwise modified. (b) The OCC shall serve a copy of the Notice or Order upon the subject individual and the related association in the manner set forth in § 109.11 of this chapter. (c) Upon receipt of the Notice or Order, the subject individual shall immediately comply with the requirements thereof. § 108.5 Petition for hearing. (a) To obtain a hearing, the subject individual must file two copies of a petition with the OCC within 30 days of being served with the Notice or Order. (b) The petition filed under this section shall admit or deny specifically each allegation in the Notice or Order, unless the petitioner is without knowledge or information, in which case the petition shall so state and the statement shall have the effect of a denial. Any allegation not denied shall be deemed to be admitted. When a petitioner intends in good faith to deny only a part of or to qualify an allegation, he shall specify so much of it as is true and shall deny only the remainder. (c) The petition shall state whether the petitioner is requesting termination or modification of the Notice or Order, and shall state with particularity how the petitioner intends to show that his continued service to or participation in the conduct of the affairs of the association would not, or is not likely to, pose a threat to the interests of the association’s depositors or to impair public confidence in the association. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 108.6 Initiation of hearing. (a) Within 10 days of the filing of a petition for hearing, the OCC shall notify the petitioner of the time and place fixed for hearing, and it shall designate one or more OCC employees to serve as presiding officer. (b) The hearing shall be scheduled to be held no later than 30 days from the date the petition was filed, unless the time is extended at the request of the petitioner. (c) A petitioner may appear personally or through counsel, but if represented by counsel, said counsel is required to comply with § 109.6 of this chapter. (d) A representative(s) of the OCC’s Enforcement and Compliance Division also may attend the hearing and participate therein as a party. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 108.7 Conduct of hearings. (a) Hearings provided by this section are not subject to the adjudicative provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554–557). The presiding officer is, however, authorized to exercise all of the powers enumerated in § 109.5 of this chapter. (b) Witnesses may be presented, within time limits specified by the presiding officer, provided that at least 10 days prior to the hearing date, the party presenting the witnesses furnishes the presiding officer and the opposing party with a list of such witnesses and a summary of the proposed testimony. However, the requirement for furnishing such a witness list and summary of testimony shall not apply to the presentation of rebuttal witnesses. The presiding officer may ask questions of any witness, and each party shall have an opportunity to cross-examine any witness presented by an opposing party. (c) Upon the request of either the petitioner or a representative of the Enforcement and Compliance Division, the record shall remain open for a period of 5 business days following the hearing, during which time the parties may make any additional submissions for the record. Thereafter, the record shall be closed. (d) Following the introduction of all evidence, the petitioner and the representative of the Enforcement and Compliance Division shall have an opportunity for oral argument; however, the parties may jointly waive the right to oral argument, and, in lieu thereof, elect to submit written argument. (e) All oral testimony and oral argument shall be recorded, and transcripts made available to the petitioner upon payment of the cost thereof. A copy of the transcript shall be sent directly to the presiding officer, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 who shall have authority to correct the record sua sponte or upon the motion of any party. (f) The parties may, in writing, jointly waive an oral hearing and instead elect a hearing upon a written record in which all evidence and argument would be submitted to the presiding officer in documentary form and statements of individuals would be made by affidavit. § 108.8 Default. If the subject individual fails to file a petition for a hearing, or fails to appear at a hearing, either in person or by attorney, or fails to submit a written argument where oral argument has been waived pursuant to § 108.7(d) or (f) of this part, the Notice shall remain in effect until the information, indictment, or complaint is finally disposed of and the Order shall remain in effect until terminated by the OCC. § 108.9 Rules of evidence. (a) Formal rules of evidence shall not apply to a hearing, but the presiding officer may limit the introduction of irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. (b) All matters officially noticed by the presiding officer shall appear on the record. § 108.10 Burden of persuasion. The petitioner has the burden of showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that his or her continued service to or participation in the conduct of the affairs of the association does not, or is not likely to, pose a threat to the interests of the association’s depositors or threaten to impair public confidence in the association. § 108.11 Relevant considerations. (a) In determining whether the petitioner has shown that his or her continued service to or participation in the conduct of the affairs of the association would not, or is not likely to, pose a threat to the interests of the association’s depositors or threaten to impair public confidence in the association, in order to decide whether the Notice or Order should be continued, terminated, or otherwise modified, the OCC will consider: (1) The nature and extent of the petitioner’s participation in the affairs of the association; (2) The nature of the offense with which the petitioner has been charged; (3) The extent of the publicity accorded the indictment and trial; and (4) Such other relevant factors as may be entered on the record. (b) When considering a request for the termination or modification of a Notice, PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48957 the OCC will not consider the ultimate guilt or innocence of the petitioner with respect to the criminal charge that is outstanding. (c) When considering a request for the termination or modification of an Order which has been issued following a final judgment of conviction against a subject individual, the OCC will not collaterally review such final judgment of conviction. § 108.12 Proposed findings and conclusions and recommended decision. (a) Within 30 days after completion of oral argument or the submission of written argument where oral argument has been waived, the presiding officer shall file with and certify to the OCC for decision the entire record of the hearing, which shall include a recommended decision, the Notice or Order, and all other documents filed in connection with the hearing. (b) The recommended decision shall contain: (1) A statement of the issue(s) presented, (2) A statement of findings and conclusions, and the reasons or basis therefor, on all material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, and (3) An appropriate recommendation as to whether the suspension, removal, or prohibition should be continued, modified, or terminated. § 108.13 Decision of the OCC. (a) Within 30 days after the recommended decision has been certified to the OCC, the OCC shall issue a final decision. (b) The OCC’s final decision shall contain a statement of the basis therefor. The OCC may satisfy this requirement where it adopts the recommended decision of the presiding officer upon finding that the recommended decision satisfies the requirements of § 109.38 of this chapter. (c) The OCC shall serve upon the petitioner and the representative of the Enforcement and Compliance Division a copy of the OCC’s final decision and the related recommended decision. § 108.14 Miscellaneous. The provisions of §§ 109.10, 109.11, and 109.12 of this chapter shall apply to proceedings under this part. PART 109—RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS Subpart A—Uniform Rules of Practice and Procedure Sec. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48958 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 109.1 Scope. 109.2 Rules of construction. 109.3 Definitions. 109.4 Authority of the Comptroller. 109.5 Authority of the administrative law judge. 109.6 Appearance and practice in adjudicatory proceedings. 109.7 Good faith certification. 109.8 Conflicts of interest. 109.9 Ex parte communications. 109.10 Filing of papers. 109.11 Service of papers. 109.12 Construction of time limits. 109.13 Change of time limits. 109.14 Witness fees and expenses. 109.15 Opportunity for informal settlement. 109.16 OCC’s right to conduct examination. 109.17 Collateral attacks on adjudicatory proceeding. 109.18 Commencement of proceeding and contents of notice. 109.19 Answer. 109.20 Amended pleadings. 109.21 Failure to appear. 109.22 Consolidation and severance of actions. 109.23 Motions. 109.24 Scope of document discovery. 109.25 Request for document discovery from parties. 109.26 Document subpoenas to nonparties. 109.27 Deposition of witness unavailable for hearing. 109.28 Interlocutory review. 109.29 Summary disposition. 109.30 Partial summary disposition. 109.31 Scheduling and prehearing conferences. 109.32 Prehearing submissions. 109.33 Public hearings. 109.34 Hearing subpoenas. 109.35 Conduct of hearings. 109.36 Evidence. 109.37 Post-hearing filings. 109.38 Recommended decision and filing of record. 109.39 Exceptions to recommended decision. 109.40 Review by the Comptroller. 109.41 Stays pending judicial review. Subpart B—Local Rules 109.100 Scope. 109.101 Appointment of Office of Financial Institution Adjudication. 109.102 Discovery. 109.103 Civil money penalties. 109.104 Additional procedures. Subpart C [Reserved] Subpart D [Reserved] sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Authority: 5 U.S.C. 504, 554–557; 12 U.S.C. 1464, 1467, 1467a, 1468, 1817(j), 1818, 1820(k), 1829(e), 3349, 4717, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78l, 78o–5, 78u–2; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 5321; 42 U.S.C. 4012a. Subpart A—Uniform Rules of Practice and Procedure § 109.1 Scope. This subpart prescribes Uniform Rules of practice and procedure with regard to Federal savings associations VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 applicable to adjudicatory proceedings as to which hearings on the record are provided for by the following statutory provisions: (a) Cease-and-desist proceedings under section 8(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) (12 U.S.C. 1818(b)); (b) Removal and prohibition proceedings under section 8(e) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)); (c) Change-in-control proceedings under section 7(j)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(4)) to determine whether the OCC should issue an order to approve or disapprove a person’s proposed acquisition of an institution; (d) Proceedings under section 15C(c)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) (15 U.S.C. 78o– 5), to impose sanctions upon any government securities broker or dealer or upon any person associated or seeking to become associated with a government securities broker or dealer for which the OCC is the appropriate agency. (e) Assessment of civil money penalties by the OCC against institutions, institution-affiliated parties, and certain other persons for which it is the appropriate agency for any violation of: (1) Section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA) or any regulation or order issued thereunder, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1464 (d), (s) and (v); (2) Section 9 of the HOLA or any regulation or order issued thereunder, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1467(d); (3) Section 10 of the HOLA, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1467a (i) and (r); (4) Any provisions of the Change in Bank Control Act, any regulation or order issued thereunder or certain unsafe or unsound practices or breaches of fiduciary duty, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(16); (5) Sections 22(h) and 23 of the Federal Reserve Act, or any regulation issued thereunder or certain unsafe or unsound practices or breaches of fiduciary duty, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1468; (6) Certain provisions of the Exchange Act, pursuant to section 21B of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78u–2); (7) Section 1120 of Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3349), or any order or regulation issued thereunder; (8) The terms of any final or temporary order issued or enforceable pursuant to section 8 of the FDIA or of any written agreement executed by the OCC, the terms of any conditions imposed in writing by the OCC in connection with the grant of an PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 application or request, certain unsafe or unsound practices or breaches of fiduciary duty, or any law or regulation not otherwise provided herein pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1818(i)(2); (9) Any provision of law referenced in section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(f)) or any order or regulation issued thereunder; and (10) Any provision of law referenced in 31 U.S.C. 5321 or any order or regulation issued thereunder; (f) Remedial action under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(g)); (g) Proceedings under section 10(k) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1820(k)) to impose penalties on senior examiners for violation of post-employment prohibitions; and (h) This subpart also applies to all other adjudications required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, unless otherwise specifically provided for in the Local Rules. (i) [Reserved] § 109.2 Rules of construction. For purposes of this subpart: (a) Any term in the singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular, if such use would be appropriate; (b) Any use of a masculine, feminine, or neuter gender encompasses all three, if such use would be appropriate; (c) The term counsel includes a nonattorney representative; and (d) Unless the context requires otherwise, a party’s counsel of record, if any, may, on behalf of that party, take any action required to be taken by the party. § 109.3 Definitions. For purposes of this subpart, unless explicitly stated to the contrary: (a) Administrative law judge means one who presides at an administrative hearing under authority set forth at 5 U.S.C. 556. (b) Adjudicatory proceeding means a proceeding conducted pursuant to these rules and leading to the formulation of a final order other than a regulation. (c) Decisional employee means any member of the OCC’s or administrative law judge’s staff who has not engaged in an investigative or prosecutorial role in a proceeding and who may assist the OCC or the administrative law judge, respectively, in preparing orders, recommended decisions, decisions, and other documents under the Uniform Rules. (d) Comptroller means the Comptroller of the Currency or his or her designee. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (e) Enforcement Counsel means any individual who files a notice of appearance as counsel on behalf of the OCC in an adjudicatory proceeding. (f) Final order means an order issued by the OCC with or without the consent of the affected institution or the institution-affiliated party that has become final, without regard to the pendency of any petition for reconsideration or review. (g) Institution includes any Federal savings association as that term is defined in section 3(b) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1813(b)). (h) Institution-affiliated party means any institution-affiliated party as that term is defined in section 3(u) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1813(u)). (i) Local Rules means those rules found in subpart B of this part. (j) OCC means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. (k) Office of Financial Institution Adjudication (OFIA) means the executive body charged with overseeing the administration of administrative enforcement proceedings for the OCC, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration. (l) Party means the OCC and any person named as a party in any notice. (m) Person means an individual, sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, unincorporated association, trust, joint venture, pool, syndicate, agency or other entity or organization, including an institution as defined in paragraph (g) of this section. (n) Respondent means any party other than the OCC. (o) Uniform Rules means those rules in subpart A of this part. (p) Violation includes any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, participating in, counseling, or aiding or abetting a violation. § 109.4 Authority of the Comptroller. The Comptroller may, at any time during the pendency of a proceeding perform, direct the performance of, or waive performance of, any act which could be done or ordered by the administrative law judge. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.5 judge. Authority of the administrative law (a) General rule. All proceedings governed by this part shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5 of the United States Code. The administrative law judge shall have all powers necessary to conduct a proceeding in a fair and impartial manner and to avoid unnecessary delay. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (b) Powers. The administrative law judge shall have all powers necessary to conduct the proceeding in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, including the following powers: (1) To administer oaths and affirmations; (2) To issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, and protective orders, as authorized by this part, and to quash or modify any such subpoenas and orders; (3) To receive relevant evidence and to rule upon the admission of evidence and offers of proof; (4) To take or cause depositions to be taken as authorized by this subpart; (5) To regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the parties and their counsel; (6) To hold scheduling and/or prehearing conferences as set forth in § 109.31 of this subpart; (7) To consider and rule upon all procedural and other motions appropriate in an adjudicatory proceeding, provided that only the Comptroller shall have the power to grant any motion to dismiss the proceeding or to decide any other motion that results in a final determination of the merits of the proceeding; (8) To prepare and present to the Comptroller a recommended decision as provided herein; (9) To recuse himself or herself by motion made by a party or on his or her own motion; (10) To establish time, place and manner limitations on the attendance of the public and the media for any public hearing; and (11) To do all other things necessary and appropriate to discharge the duties of a presiding officer. § 109.6 Appearance and practice in adjudicatory proceedings. (a) Appearance before the OCC or an administrative law judge—(1) By attorneys. Any member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, commonwealth, possession, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia may represent others before the OCC if such attorney is not currently suspended or debarred from practice before the OCC. (2) By non-attorneys. An individual may appear on his or her own behalf; a member of a partnership may represent the partnership; a duly authorized officer, director, or employee of any government unit, agency, institution, corporation or authority may represent that unit, agency, institution, corporation or authority if such officer, director, or employee is not currently suspended or debarred from practice before the OCC. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48959 (3) Notice of appearance. Any individual acting as counsel on behalf of a party, including the Comptroller, shall file a notice of appearance with OFIA at or before the time that individual submits papers or otherwise appears on behalf of a party in the adjudicatory proceeding. The notice of appearance must include a written declaration that the individual is currently qualified as provided in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section and is authorized to represent the particular party. By filing a notice of appearance on behalf of a party in an adjudicatory proceeding, the counsel agrees and represents that he or she is authorized to accept service on behalf of the represented party and that, in the event of withdrawal from representation, he or she will, if required by the administrative law judge, continue to accept service until new counsel has filed a notice of appearance or until the represented party indicates that he or she will proceed on a pro se basis. (b) Sanctions. Dilatory, obstructionist, egregious, contemptuous or contumacious conduct at any phase of any adjudicatory proceeding may be grounds for exclusion or suspension of counsel from the proceeding. § 109.7 Good faith certification. (a) General requirement. Every filing or submission of record following the issuance of a notice shall be signed by at least one counsel of record in his or her individual name and shall state that counsel’s address and telephone number. A party who acts as his or her own counsel shall sign his or her individual name and state his or her address and telephone number on every filing or submission of record. (b) Effect of signature. (1) The signature of counsel or a party shall constitute a certification that: the counsel or party has read the filing or submission of record; to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, the filing or submission of record is well-grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; and the filing or submission of record is not made for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. (2) If a filing or submission of record is not signed, the administrative law judge shall strike the filing or submission of record, unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48960 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (c) Effect of making oral motion or argument. The act of making any oral motion or oral argument by any counsel or party constitutes a certification that to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, his or her statements are well-grounded in fact and are warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and are not made for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. § 109.8 Conflicts of interest. (a) Conflict of interest in representation. No person shall appear as counsel for another person in an adjudicatory proceeding if it reasonably appears that such representation may be materially limited by that counsel’s responsibilities to a third person or by the counsel’s own interests. The administrative law judge may take corrective measures at any stage of a proceeding to cure a conflict of interest in representation, including the issuance of an order limiting the scope of representation or disqualifying an individual from appearing in a representative capacity for the duration of the proceeding. (b) Certification and waiver. If any person appearing as counsel represents two or more parties to an adjudicatory proceeding or also represents a nonparty on a matter relevant to an issue in the proceeding, counsel must certify in writing at the time of filing the notice of appearance required by § 109.6(a): (1) That the counsel has personally and fully discussed the possibility of conflicts of interest with each such party and non-party; and (2) That each such party and nonparty waives any right it might otherwise have had to assert any known conflicts of interest or to assert any nonmaterial conflicts of interest during the course of the proceeding. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.9 Ex parte communications. (a) Definition—(1) Ex parte communication means any material oral or written communication relevant to the merits of an adjudicatory proceeding that was neither on the record nor on reasonable prior notice to all parties that takes place between: (i) An interested person outside the OCC (including such person’s counsel); and (ii) The administrative law judge handling that proceeding, the Comptroller, or a decisional employee. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (2) Exception. A request for status of the proceeding does not constitute an ex parte communication. (b) Prohibition of ex parte communications. From the time the notice is issued by the Comptroller until the date that the Comptroller issues the final decision pursuant to § 109.40(c) of this subpart: (1) No interested person outside the OCC shall make or knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication to the Comptroller, the administrative law judge, or a decisional employee; and (2) The Comptroller, administrative law judge, or decisional employee shall not make or knowingly cause to be made to any interested person outside the OCC any ex parte communication. (c) Procedure upon occurrence of ex parte communication. If an ex parte communication is received by the administrative law judge, the Comptroller or other person identified in paragraph (a) of this section, that person shall cause all such written communications (or, if the communication is oral, a memorandum stating the substance of the communication) to be placed on the record of the proceeding and served on all parties. All other parties to the proceeding shall have an opportunity, within ten days of receipt of service of the ex parte communication to file responses thereto and to recommend any sanctions, in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, that they believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. (d) Sanctions. Any party or his or her counsel who makes a prohibited ex parte communication, or who encourages or solicits another to make any such communication, may be subject to any appropriate sanction or sanctions imposed by the Comptroller or the administrative law judge including, but not limited to, exclusion from the proceedings and an adverse ruling on the issue which is the subject of the prohibited communication. (e) Separation-of-functions. Except to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by law, the administrative law judge may not consult a person or party on any matter relevant to the merits of the adjudication, unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. An employee or agent engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecuting functions for the OCC in a case may not, in that or a factually related case, participate or advise in the decision, recommended decision, or agency review of the recommended decision under § 109.40 of this subpart, PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 except as witness or counsel in public proceedings. § 109.10 Filing of papers. (a) Filing. Any papers required to be filed, excluding documents produced in response to a discovery request pursuant to §§ 109.25 and 109.26 of this subpart, shall be filed with the OFIA, except as otherwise provided. (b) Manner of filing. Unless otherwise specified by the Comptroller or the administrative law judge, filing may be accomplished by: (1) Personal service; (2) Delivering the papers to a reliable commercial courier service, overnight delivery service, or to the U.S. Post Office for Express Mail delivery; (3) Mailing the papers by first class, registered, or certified mail; or (4) Transmission by electronic media, only if expressly authorized, and upon any conditions specified, by the Comptroller or the administrative law judge. All papers filed by electronic media shall also concurrently be filed in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section as to form. (c) Formal requirements as to papers filed—(1) Form. All papers filed must set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the counsel or party making the filing and must be accompanied by a certification setting forth when and how service has been made on all other parties. All papers filed must be double-spaced and printed or typewritten on 81⁄2 x 11 inch paper, and must be clear and legible. (2) Signature. All papers must be dated and signed as provided in § 109.7 of this subpart. (3) Caption. All papers filed must include at the head thereof, or on a title page, the name of the OCC and of the filing party, the title and docket number of the proceeding, and the subject of the particular paper. (4) Number of copies. Unless otherwise specified by the Comptroller, or the administrative law judge, an original and one copy of all documents and papers shall be filed, except that only one copy of transcripts of testimony and exhibits shall be filed. § 109.11 Service of papers. (a) By the parties. Except as otherwise provided, a party filing papers shall serve a copy upon the counsel of record for all other parties to the proceeding so represented, and upon any party not so represented. (b) Method of service. Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2) and (d) of this section, a serving party shall use one or more of the following methods of service: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (1) Personal service; (2) Delivering the papers to a reliable commercial courier service, overnight delivery service, or to the U.S. Post Office for Express Mail delivery; (3) Mailing the papers by first class, registered, or certified mail; or (4) Transmission by electronic media, only if the parties mutually agree. Any papers served by electronic media shall also concurrently be served in accordance with the requirements of § 109.10(c) of this subpart as to form. (c) By the Comptroller or the administrative law judge. (1) All papers required to be served by the Comptroller or the administrative law judge upon a party who has appeared in the proceeding through a counsel of record, shall be served by any means specified in paragraph (b) of this section. (2) If a party has not appeared in the proceeding in accordance with § 109.6 of this subpart, the Comptroller or the administrative law judge shall make service by any of the following methods: (i) By personal service; (ii) If the person to be served is an individual, by delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the physical location where the individual resides or works; (iii) If the person to be served is a corporation or other association, by delivery to an officer, managing or general agent, or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service and, if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the party; (iv) By registered or certified mail addressed to the person’s last known address; or (v) By any other method reasonably calculated to give actual notice. (d) Subpoenas. Service of a subpoena may be made: (1) By personal service; (2) If the person to be served is an individual, by delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the physical location where the individual resides or works; (3) By delivery to an agent, which in the case of a corporation or other association, is delivery to an officer, managing or general agent, or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service and, if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the party; (4) By registered or certified mail addressed to the person’s last known address; or (5) By any other method reasonably calculated to give actual notice. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (e) Area of service. Service in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, on any person or company doing business in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or on any person as otherwise provided by law, is effective without regard to the place where the hearing is held, provided that if service is made on a foreign bank in connection with an action or proceeding involving one or more of its branches or agencies located in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, service shall be made on at least one branch or agency so involved. § 109.12 Construction of time limits. (a) General rule. In computing any period of time prescribed by this subpart, the date of the act or event that commences the designated period of time is not included. The last day so computed is included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. When the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays are included in the computation of time. However, when the time period within which an act is to be performed is ten days or less, not including any additional time allowed for in paragraph (c) of this section, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays are not included. (b) When papers are deemed to be filed or served. (1) Filing and service are deemed to be effective: (i) In the case of personal service or same day commercial courier delivery, upon actual service; (ii) In the case of overnight commercial delivery service, U.S. Express mail delivery, or first class, registered, or certified mail, upon deposit in or delivery to an appropriate point of collection; or (iii) In the case of transmission by electronic media, as specified by the authority receiving the filing, in the case of filing, and as agreed among the parties, in the case of service. (2) The effective filing and service dates specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be modified by the Comptroller or administrative law judge in the case of filing or by agreement of the parties in the case of service. (c) Calculation of time for service and filing of responsive papers. Whenever a time limit is measured by a prescribed period from the service of any notice or PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48961 paper, the applicable time limits are calculated as follows: (1) If service is made by first class, registered, or certified mail, add three calendar days to the prescribed period; (2) If service is made by express mail or overnight delivery service, add one calendar day to the prescribed period; or (3) If service is made by electronic media transmission, add one calendar day to the prescribed period, unless otherwise determined by the Comptroller or the administrative law judge in the case of filing, or by agreement among the parties in the case of service. § 109.13 Change of time limits. Except as otherwise provided by law, the administrative law judge may, for good cause shown, extend the time limits prescribed by the Uniform Rules or any notice or order issued in the proceedings. After the referral of the case to the Comptroller pursuant to § 109.38 of this subpart, the Comptroller may grant extensions of the time limits for good cause shown. Extensions may be granted at the motion of a party or on the Comptroller’s or the administrative law judge’s own motion after notice and opportunity to respond is afforded all non-moving parties. § 109.14 Witness fees and expenses. Witnesses subpoenaed for testimony or deposition shall be paid the same fees for attendance and mileage as are paid in the United States district courts in proceedings in which the United States is a party, provided that, in the case of a discovery subpoena addressed to a party, no witness fees or mileage need be paid. Fees for witnesses shall be tendered in advance by the party requesting the subpoena, except that fees and mileage need not be tendered in advance where the OCC is the party requesting the subpoena. The OCC shall not be required to pay any fees to, or expenses of, any witness not subpoenaed by the OCC. § 109.15 Opportunity for informal settlement. Any respondent may, at any time in the proceeding, unilaterally submit to Enforcement Counsel written offers or proposals for settlement of a proceeding, without prejudice to the rights of any of the parties. No such offer or proposal shall be made to any OCC representative other than Enforcement Counsel. Submission of a written settlement offer does not provide a basis for adjourning or otherwise delaying all or any portion of a proceeding under this part. No settlement offer or proposal, or any subsequent negotiation or resolution, is E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48962 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 109.19 admissible as evidence in any proceeding. § 109.16 OCC’s right to conduct examination. Nothing contained in this subpart limits in any manner the right of the OCC to conduct any examination, inspection, or visitation of any institution or institution-affiliated party, or the right of the OCC to conduct or continue any form of investigation authorized by law. § 109.17 Collateral attacks on adjudicatory proceeding. If an interlocutory appeal or collateral attack is brought in any court concerning all or any part of an adjudicatory proceeding, the challenged adjudicatory proceeding shall continue without regard to the pendency of that court proceeding. No default or other failure to act as directed in the adjudicatory proceeding within the times prescribed in this subpart shall be excused based on the pendency before any court of any interlocutory appeal or collateral attack. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.18 Commencement of proceeding and contents of notice. (a) Commencement of proceeding. (1)(i) Except for change-in-control proceedings under section 7(j)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(4)), a proceeding governed by this subpart is commenced by issuance of a notice by the Comptroller. (ii) The notice must be served by the Comptroller upon the respondent and given to any other appropriate financial institution supervisory authority where required by law. (iii) The notice must be filed with the OFIA. (2) Change-in control proceedings under section 7(j)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(4)) commence with the issuance of an order by the Comptroller. (b) Contents of notice. The notice must set forth: (1) The legal authority for the proceeding and for the OCC’s jurisdiction over the proceeding; (2) A statement of the matters of fact or law showing that the OCC is entitled to relief; (3) A proposed order or prayer for an order granting the requested relief; (4) The time, place, and nature of the hearing as required by law or regulation; (5) The time within which to file an answer as required by law or regulation; (6) The time within which to request a hearing as required by law or regulation; and (7) The answer and/or request for a hearing shall be filed with OFIA. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Answer. (a) When. Within 20 days of service of the notice, respondent shall file an answer as designated in the notice. In a civil money penalty proceeding, respondent shall also file a request for a hearing within 20 days of service of the notice. (b) Content of answer. An answer must specifically respond to each paragraph or allegation of fact contained in the notice and must admit, deny, or state that the party lacks sufficient information to admit or deny each allegation of fact. A statement of lack of information has the effect of a denial. Denials must fairly meet the substance of each allegation of fact denied; general denials are not permitted. When a respondent denies part of an allegation, that part must be denied and the remainder specifically admitted. Any allegation of fact in the notice which is not denied in the answer must be deemed admitted for purposes of the proceeding. A respondent is not required to respond to the portion of a notice that constitutes the prayer for relief or proposed order. The answer must set forth affirmative defenses, if any, asserted by the respondent. (c) Default—(1) Effect of failure to answer. Failure of a respondent to file an answer required by this section within the time provided constitutes a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations in the notice. If no timely answer is filed, Enforcement Counsel may file a motion for entry of an order of default. Upon a finding that no good cause has been shown for the failure to file a timely answer, the administrative law judge shall file with the Comptroller a recommended decision containing the findings and the relief sought in the notice. Any final order issued by the Comptroller based upon a respondent’s failure to answer is deemed to be an order issued upon consent. (2) Effect of failure to request a hearing in civil money penalty proceedings. If respondent fails to request a hearing as required by law within the time provided, the notice of assessment constitutes a final and unappealable order. § 109.20 Amended pleadings. (a) Amendments. The notice or answer may be amended or supplemented at any stage of the proceeding. The respondent must answer an amended notice within the time remaining for the respondent’s answer to the original notice, or within ten days after service of the amended notice, whichever period is longer, unless the Comptroller or administrative PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 law judge orders otherwise for good cause. (b) Amendments to conform to the evidence. When issues not raised in the notice or answer are tried at the hearing by express or implied consent of the parties, they will be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the notice or answer, and no formal amendments are required. If evidence is objected to at the hearing on the ground that it is not within the issues raised by the notice or answer, the administrative law judge may admit the evidence when admission is likely to assist in adjudicating the merits of the action and the objecting party fails to satisfy the administrative law judge that the admission of such evidence would unfairly prejudice that party’s action or defense upon the merits. The administrative law judge may grant a continuance to enable the objecting party to meet such evidence. § 109.21 Failure to appear. Failure of a respondent to appear in person at the hearing or by a duly authorized counsel constitutes a waiver of respondent’s right to a hearing and is deemed an admission of the facts as alleged and consent to the relief sought in the notice. Without further proceedings or notice to the respondent, the administrative law judge shall file with the Comptroller a recommended decision containing the findings and the relief sought in the notice. § 109.22 actions. Consolidation and severance of (a) Consolidation. (1) On the motion of any party, or on the administrative law judge’s own motion, the administrative law judge may consolidate, for some or all purposes, any two or more proceedings, if each such proceeding involves or arises out of the same transaction, occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences, or involves at least one common respondent or a material common question of law or fact, unless such consolidation would cause unreasonable delay or injustice. (2) In the event of consolidation under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, appropriate adjustment to the prehearing schedule must be made to avoid unnecessary expense, inconvenience, or delay. (b) Severance. The administrative law judge may, upon the motion of any party, sever the proceeding for separate resolution of the matter as to any respondent only if the administrative law judge finds that: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (1) Undue prejudice or injustice to the moving party would result from not severing the proceeding; and (2) Such undue prejudice or injustice would outweigh the interests of judicial economy and expedition in the complete and final resolution of the proceeding. § 109.23 Motions. (a) In writing. (1) Except as otherwise provided herein, an application or request for an order or ruling must be made by written motion. (2) All written motions must state with particularity the relief sought and must be accompanied by a proposed order. (3) No oral argument may be held on written motions except as otherwise directed by the administrative law judge. Written memoranda, briefs, affidavits or other relevant material or documents may be filed in support of or in opposition to a motion. (b) Oral motions. A motion may be made orally on the record unless the administrative law judge directs that such motion be reduced to writing. (c) Filing of motions. Motions must be filed with the administrative law judge, but upon the filing of the recommended decision, motions must be filed with the Comptroller. (d) Responses. (1) Except as otherwise provided herein, within ten days after service of any written motion, or within such other period of time as may be established by the administrative law judge or the Comptroller, any party may file a written response to a motion. The administrative law judge shall not rule on any oral or written motion before each party has had an opportunity to file a response. (2) The failure of a party to oppose a written motion or an oral motion made on the record is deemed a consent by that party to the entry of an order substantially in the form of the order accompanying the motion. (e) Dilatory motions. Frivolous, dilatory or repetitive motions are prohibited. The filing of such motions may form the basis for sanctions. (f) Dispositive motions. Dispositive motions are governed by §§ 109.29 and 109.30 of this subpart. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.24 Scope of document discovery. (a) Limits on discovery. (1) Subject to the limitations set out in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a party to a proceeding under this subpart may obtain document discovery by serving a written request to produce documents. For purposes of a request to produce documents, the term ‘‘documents’’ may be defined to include drawings, graphs, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 charts, photographs, recordings, data stored in electronic form, and other data compilations from which information can be obtained, or translated, if necessary, by the parties through detection devices into reasonably usable form, as well as written material of all kinds. (2) Discovery by use of deposition is governed by § 109.102 of this part. (3) Discovery by use of interrogatories is not permitted. (b) Relevance. A party may obtain document discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, that has material relevance to the merits of the pending action. Any request to produce documents that calls for irrelevant material, that is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, unduly burdensome, or repetitive of previous requests, or that seeks to obtain privileged documents will be denied or modified. A request is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope or unduly burdensome if, among other things, it fails to include justifiable limitations on the time period covered and the geographic locations to be searched, the time provided to respond in the request is inadequate, or the request calls for copies of documents to be delivered to the requesting party and fails to include the requestor’s written agreement to pay in advance for the copying, in accordance with § 109.25 of this subpart. (c) Privileged matter. Privileged documents are not discoverable. Privileges include the attorney-client privilege, work-product privilege, any government’s or government agency’s deliberative-process privilege, and any other privileges the Constitution, any applicable act of Congress, or the principles of common law provide. (d) Time limits. All discovery, including all responses to discovery requests, shall be completed at least 20 days prior to the date scheduled for the commencement of the hearing, except as provided in the Local Rules. No exceptions to this time limit shall be permitted, unless the administrative law judge finds on the record that good cause exists for waiving the requirements of this paragraph. § 109.25 Request for document discovery from parties. (a) General rule. Any party may serve on any other party a request to produce for inspection any discoverable documents that are in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom the request is served. The request must identify the documents to be produced either by individual item or by category, and must describe each PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48963 item and category with reasonable particularity. Documents must be produced as they are kept in the usual course of business or must be organized to correspond with the categories in the request. (b) Production or copying. The request must specify a reasonable time, place, and manner for production and performing any related acts. In lieu of inspecting the documents, the requesting party may specify that all or some of the responsive documents be copied and the copies delivered to the requesting party. If copying of fewer than 250 pages is requested, the party to whom the request is addressed shall bear the cost of copying and shipping charges. If a party requests 250 pages or more of copying, the requesting party shall pay for the copying and shipping charges. Copying charges are the current per-page copying rate imposed under 12 CFR 4.17 for requests under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). The party to whom the request is addressed may require payment in advance before producing the documents. (c) Obligation to update responses. A party who has responded to a discovery request with a response that was complete when made is not required to supplement the response to include documents thereafter acquired, unless the responding party learns that: (1) The response was materially incorrect when made; or (2) The response, though correct when made, is no longer true and a failure to amend the response is, in substance, a knowing concealment. (d) Motions to limit discovery. (1) Any party that objects to a discovery request may, within ten days of being served with such request, file a motion in accordance with the provisions of § 109.23 of this subpart to revoke or otherwise limit the request. If an objection is made to only a portion of an item or category in a request, the portion objected to shall be specified. Any objections not made in accordance with this paragraph and § 109.23 of this subpart are waived. (2) The party who served the request that is the subject of a motion to revoke or limit may file a written response within five days of service of the motion. No other party may file a response. (e) Privilege. At the time other documents are produced, the producing party must reasonably identify all documents withheld on the grounds of privilege and must produce a statement of the basis for the assertion of privilege. When similar documents that are protected by deliberative process, E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48964 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations attorney-work-product, or attorneyclient privilege are voluminous, these documents may be identified by category instead of by individual document. The administrative law judge retains discretion to determine when the identification by category is insufficient. (f) Motions to compel production. (1) If a party withholds any documents as privileged or fails to comply fully with a discovery request, the requesting party may, within ten days of the assertion of privilege or of the time the failure to comply becomes known to the requesting party, file a motion in accordance with the provisions of § 109.23 of this subpart for the issuance of a subpoena compelling production. (2) The party who asserted the privilege or failed to comply with the request may file a written response to a motion to compel within five days of service of the motion. No other party may file a response. (g) Ruling on motions. After the time for filing responses pursuant to this section has expired, the administrative law judge shall rule promptly on all motions filed pursuant to this section. If the administrative law judge determines that a discovery request, or any of its terms, calls for irrelevant material, is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, unduly burdensome, or repetitive of previous requests, or seeks to obtain privileged documents, he or she may deny or modify the request, and may issue appropriate protective orders, upon such conditions as justice may require. The pendency of a motion to strike or limit discovery or to compel production is not a basis for staying or continuing the proceeding, unless otherwise ordered by the administrative law judge. Notwithstanding any other provision in this part, the administrative law judge may not release, or order a party to produce, documents withheld on grounds of privilege if the party has stated to the administrative law judge its intention to file a timely motion for interlocutory review of the administrative law judge’s order to produce the documents, and until the motion for interlocutory review has been decided. (h) Enforcing discovery subpoenas. If the administrative law judge issues a subpoena compelling production of documents by a party, the subpoenaing party may, in the event of noncompliance and to the extent authorized by applicable law, apply to any appropriate United States district court for an order requiring compliance with the subpoena. A party’s right to seek court enforcement of a subpoena shall not in any manner limit the sanctions that may be imposed by the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 administrative law judge against a party who fails to produce subpoenaed documents. § 109.26 Document subpoenas to nonparties. (a) General rules. (1) Any party may apply to the administrative law judge for the issuance of a document discovery subpoena addressed to any person who is not a party to the proceeding. The application must contain a proposed document subpoena and a brief statement showing the general relevance and reasonableness of the scope of documents sought. The subpoenaing party shall specify a reasonable time, place, and manner for making production in response to the document subpoena. (2) A party shall only apply for a document subpoena under this section within the time period during which such party could serve a discovery request under § 109.24(d) of this subpart. The party obtaining the document subpoena is responsible for serving it on the subpoenaed person and for serving copies on all parties. Document subpoenas may be served in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or as otherwise provided by law. (3) The administrative law judge shall promptly issue any document subpoena requested pursuant to this section. If the administrative law judge determines that the application does not set forth a valid basis for the issuance of the subpoena, or that any of its terms are unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may refuse to issue the subpoena or may issue it in a modified form upon such conditions as may be consistent with the Uniform Rules. (b) Motion to quash or modify. (1) Any person to whom a document subpoena is directed may file a motion to quash or modify such subpoena, accompanied by a statement of the basis for quashing or modifying the subpoena. The movant shall serve the motion on all parties, and any party may respond to such motion within ten days of service of the motion. (2) Any motion to quash or modify a document subpoena must be filed on the same basis, including the assertion of privilege, upon which a party could object to a discovery request under § 109.25(d) of this subpart, and during the same time limits during which such an objection could be filed. (c) Enforcing document subpoenas. If a subpoenaed person fails to comply with any subpoena issued pursuant to this section or any order of the administrative law judge which directs PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 compliance with all or any portion of a document subpoena, the subpoenaing party or any other aggrieved party may, to the extent authorized by applicable law, apply to an appropriate United States district court for an order requiring compliance with so much of the document subpoena as the administrative law judge has not quashed or modified. A party’s right to seek court enforcement of a document subpoena shall in no way limit the sanctions that may be imposed by the administrative law judge on a party who induces a failure to comply with subpoenas issued under this section. § 109.27 Deposition of witness unavailable for hearing. (a) General rules. (1) If a witness will not be available for the hearing, a party may apply in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, to the administrative law judge for the issuance of a subpoena, including a subpoena duces tecum, requiring the attendance of the witness at a deposition. The administrative law judge may issue a deposition subpoena under this section upon showing that: (i) The witness will be unable to attend or may be prevented from attending the hearing because of age, sickness or infirmity, or will otherwise be unavailable; (ii) The witness’ unavailability was not procured or caused by the subpoenaing party; (iii) The testimony is reasonably expected to be material; and (iv) Taking the deposition will not result in any undue burden to any other party and will not cause undue delay of the proceeding. (2) The application must contain a proposed deposition subpoena and a brief statement of the reasons for the issuance of the subpoena. The subpoena must name the witness whose deposition is to be taken and specify the time and place for taking the deposition. A deposition subpoena may require the witness to be deposed at any place within the country in which that witness resides or has a regular place of employment or such other convenient place as the administrative law judge shall fix. (3) Any requested subpoena that sets forth a valid basis for its issuance must be promptly issued, unless the administrative law judge on his or her own motion, requires a written response or requires attendance at a conference concerning whether the requested subpoena should be issued. (4) The party obtaining a deposition subpoena is responsible for serving it on the witness and for serving copies on all E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations parties. Unless the administrative law judge orders otherwise, no deposition under this section shall be taken on fewer than ten days’ notice to the witness and all parties. Deposition subpoenas may be served in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, on any person or company doing business in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or as otherwise permitted by law. (b) Objections to deposition subpoenas. (1) The witness and any party who has not had an opportunity to oppose a deposition subpoena issued under this section may file a motion with the administrative law judge to quash or modify the subpoena prior to the time for compliance specified in the subpoena, but not more than ten days after service of the subpoena. (2) A statement of the basis for the motion to quash or modify a subpoena issued under this section must accompany the motion. The motion must be served on all parties. (c) Procedure upon deposition. (1) Each witness testifying pursuant to a deposition subpoena must be duly sworn, and each party shall have the right to examine the witness. Objections to questions or documents must be in short form, stating the grounds for the objection. Failure to object to questions or documents is not deemed a waiver except where the ground for the objection might have been avoided if the objection had been timely presented. All questions, answers, and objections must be recorded. (2) Any party may move before the administrative law judge for an order compelling the witness to answer any questions the witness has refused to answer or submit any evidence the witness has refused to submit during the deposition. (3) The deposition must be subscribed by the witness, unless the parties and the witness, by stipulation, have waived the signing, or the witness is ill, cannot be found, or has refused to sign. If the deposition is not subscribed by the witness, the court reporter taking the deposition shall certify that the transcript is a true and complete transcript of the deposition. (d) Enforcing subpoenas. If a subpoenaed person fails to comply with any order of the administrative law judge which directs compliance with all or any portion of a deposition subpoena under paragraph (b) or (c)(2) of this section, the subpoenaing party or other aggrieved party may, to the extent authorized by applicable law, apply to an appropriate United States district VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 court for an order requiring compliance with the portions of the subpoena that the administrative law judge has ordered enforced. A party’s right to seek court enforcement of a deposition subpoena in no way limits the sanctions that may be imposed by the administrative law judge on a party who fails to comply with or procures a failure to comply with, a subpoena issued under this section. § 109.28 Interlocutory review. (a) General rule. The Comptroller may review a ruling of the administrative law judge prior to the certification of the record to the Comptroller only in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section and § 109.23 of this subpart. (b) Scope of review. The Comptroller may exercise interlocutory review of a ruling of the administrative law judge if the Comptroller finds that: (1) The ruling involves a controlling question of law or policy as to which substantial grounds exist for a difference of opinion; (2) Immediate review of the ruling may materially advance the ultimate termination of the proceeding; (3) Subsequent modification of the ruling at the conclusion of the proceeding would be an inadequate remedy; or (4) Subsequent modification of the ruling would cause unusual delay or expense. (c) Procedure. Any request for interlocutory review shall be filed by a party with the administrative law judge within ten days of his or her ruling and shall otherwise comply with § 109.23 of this subpart. Any party may file a response to a request for interlocutory review in accordance with § 109.23(d) of this subpart. Upon the expiration of the time for filing all responses, the administrative law judge shall refer the matter to the Comptroller for final disposition. (d) Suspension of proceeding. Neither a request for interlocutory review nor any disposition of such a request by the Comptroller under this section suspends or stays the proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the administrative law judge or the Comptroller. § 109.29 Summary disposition. (a) In general. The administrative law judge shall recommend that the Comptroller issue a final order granting a motion for summary disposition if the undisputed pleaded facts, admissions, affidavits, stipulations, documentary evidence, matters as to which official notice may be taken, and any other evidentiary materials properly PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48965 submitted in connection with a motion for summary disposition show that: (1) There is no genuine issue as to any material fact; and (2) The moving party is entitled to a decision in its favor as a matter of law. (b) Filing of motions and responses. (1) Any party who believes that there is no genuine issue of material fact to be determined and that he or she is entitled to a decision as a matter of law may move at any time for summary disposition in its favor of all or any part of the proceeding. Any party, within 20 days after service of such a motion, or within such time period as allowed by the administrative law judge, may file a response to such motion. (2) A motion for summary disposition must be accompanied by a statement of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue. Such motion must be supported by documentary evidence, which may take the form of admissions in pleadings, stipulations, depositions, investigatory depositions, transcripts, affidavits and any other evidentiary materials that the moving party contends support his or her position. The motion must also be accompanied by a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention of the moving party. Any party opposing a motion for summary disposition must file a statement setting forth those material facts as to which he or she contends a genuine dispute exists. Such opposition must be supported by evidence of the same type as that submitted with the motion for summary disposition and a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention that summary disposition would be inappropriate. (c) Hearing on motion. At the request of any party or on his or her own motion, the administrative law judge may hear oral argument on the motion for summary disposition. (d) Decision on motion. Following receipt of a motion for summary disposition and all responses thereto, the administrative law judge shall determine whether the moving party is entitled to summary disposition. If the administrative law judge determines that summary disposition is warranted, the administrative law judge shall submit a recommended decision to that effect to the Comptroller. If the administrative law judge finds that no party is entitled to summary disposition, he or she shall make a ruling denying the motion. § 109.30 Partial summary disposition. If the administrative law judge determines that a party is entitled to E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48966 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations proceeding. A party may obtain a copy of the transcript at its expense. (d) Scheduling or prehearing orders. At or within a reasonable time following the conclusion of the scheduling conference or any prehearing conference, the administrative law judge shall serve on each party an order setting forth any agreements reached and any procedural determinations made. § 109.31 Scheduling and prehearing conferences. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES summary disposition as to certain claims only, he or she shall defer submitting a recommended decision as to those claims. A hearing on the remaining issues must be ordered. Those claims for which the administrative law judge has determined that summary disposition is warranted will be addressed in the recommended decision filed at the conclusion of the hearing. § 109.32 (a) Scheduling conference. Within 30 days of service of the notice or order commencing a proceeding or such other time as parties may agree, the administrative law judge shall direct counsel for all parties to meet with him or her in person at a specified time and place prior to the hearing or to confer by telephone for the purpose of scheduling the course and conduct of the proceeding. This meeting or telephone conference is called a ‘‘scheduling conference.’’ The identification of potential witnesses, the time for and manner of discovery, and the exchange of any prehearing materials including witness lists, statements of issues, stipulations, exhibits and any other materials may also be determined at the scheduling conference. (b) Prehearing conferences. The administrative law judge may, in addition to the scheduling conference, on his or her own motion or at the request of any party, direct counsel for the parties to meet with him or her (in person or by telephone) at a prehearing conference to address any or all of the following: (1) Simplification and clarification of the issues; (2) Stipulations, admissions of fact, and the contents, authenticity and admissibility into evidence of documents; (3) Matters of which official notice may be taken; (4) Limitation of the number of witnesses; (5) Summary disposition of any or all issues; (6) Resolution of discovery issues or disputes; (7) Amendments to pleadings; and (8) Such other matters as may aid in the orderly disposition of the proceeding. (c) Transcript. The administrative law judge, in his or her discretion, may require that a scheduling or prehearing conference be recorded by a court reporter. A transcript of the conference and any materials filed, including orders, becomes part of the record of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Prehearing submissions. (a) Within the time set by the administrative law judge, but in no case later than 14 days before the start of the hearing, each party shall serve on every other party, his or her: (1) Prehearing statement; (2) Final list of witnesses to be called to testify at the hearing, including name and address of each witness and a short summary of the expected testimony of each witness; (3) List of the exhibits to be introduced at the hearing along with a copy of each exhibit; and (4) Stipulations of fact, if any. (b) Effect of failure to comply. No witness may testify and no exhibits may be introduced at the hearing if such witness or exhibit is not listed in the prehearing submissions pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, except for good cause shown. § 109.33 Public hearings. (a) General rule. All hearings shall be open to the public, unless the Comptroller, in the Comptroller’s discretion, determines that holding an open hearing would be contrary to the public interest. Within 20 days of service of the notice or, in the case of change-in-control proceedings under section 7(j)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(4)), within 20 days from service of the hearing order, any respondent may file with the Comptroller a request for a private hearing, and any party may file a reply to such a request. A party must serve on the administrative law judge a copy of any request or reply the party files with the Comptroller. The form of, and procedure for, these requests and replies are governed by § 109.23 of this subpart. A party’s failure to file a request or a reply constitutes a waiver of any objections regarding whether the hearing will be public or private. (b) Filing document under seal. Enforcement Counsel, in his or her discretion, may file any document or part of a document under seal if disclosure of the document would be contrary to the public interest. The administrative law judge shall take all appropriate steps to preserve the PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 confidentiality of such documents or parts thereof, including closing portions of the hearing to the public. § 109.34 Hearing subpoenas. (a) Issuance. (1) Upon application of a party showing general relevance and reasonableness of scope of the testimony or other evidence sought, the administrative law judge may issue a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum requiring the attendance of a witness at the hearing or the production of documentary or physical evidence at the hearing. The application for a hearing subpoena must also contain a proposed subpoena specifying the attendance of a witness or the production of evidence from any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or as otherwise provided by law at any designated place where the hearing is being conducted. The party making the application shall serve a copy of the application and the proposed subpoena on every other party. (2) A party may apply for a hearing subpoena at any time before the commencement of a hearing. During a hearing, a party may make an application for a subpoena orally on the record before the administrative law judge. (3) The administrative law judge shall promptly issue any hearing subpoena requested pursuant to this section. If the administrative law judge determines that the application does not set forth a valid basis for the issuance of the subpoena, or that any of its terms are unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may refuse to issue the subpoena or may issue it in a modified form upon any conditions consistent with this subpart. Upon issuance by the administrative law judge, the party making the application shall serve the subpoena on the person named in the subpoena and on each party. (b) Motion to quash or modify. (1) Any person to whom a hearing subpoena is directed or any party may file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena, accompanied by a statement of the basis for quashing or modifying the subpoena. The movant must serve the motion on each party and on the person named in the subpoena. Any party may respond to the motion within ten days of service of the motion. (2) Any motion to quash or modify a hearing subpoena must be filed prior to the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, but not more than ten days after the date of service of the subpoena upon the movant. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (c) Enforcing subpoenas. If a subpoenaed person fails to comply with any subpoena issued pursuant to this section or any order of the administrative law judge which directs compliance with all or any portion of a document subpoena, the subpoenaing party or any other aggrieved party may seek enforcement of the subpoena pursuant to § 109.26(c) of this subpart. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.35 Conduct of hearings. (a) General rules. (1) Hearings shall be conducted so as to provide a fair and expeditious presentation of the relevant disputed issues. Each party has the right to present its case or defense by oral and documentary evidence and to conduct such cross examination as may be required for full disclosure of the facts. (2) Order of hearing. Enforcement Counsel shall present its case-in-chief first, unless otherwise ordered by the administrative law judge, or unless otherwise expressly specified by law or regulation. Enforcement Counsel shall be the first party to present an opening statement and a closing statement, and may make a rebuttal statement after the respondent’s closing statement. If there are multiple respondents, respondents may agree among themselves as to their order of presentation of their cases, but if they do not agree the administrative law judge shall fix the order. (3) Examination of witnesses. Only one counsel for each party may conduct an examination of a witness, except that in the case of extensive direct examination, the administrative law judge may permit more than one counsel for the party presenting the witness to conduct the examination. A party may have one counsel conduct the direct examination and another counsel conduct re-direct examination of a witness, or may have one counsel conduct the cross examination of a witness and another counsel conduct the re-cross examination of a witness. (4) Stipulations. Unless the administrative law judge directs otherwise, all stipulations of fact and law previously agreed upon by the parties, and all documents, the admissibility of which have been previously stipulated, will be admitted into evidence upon commencement of the hearing. (b) Transcript. The hearing must be recorded and transcribed. The reporter will make the transcript available to any party upon payment by that party to the reporter of the cost of the transcript. The administrative law judge may order the record corrected, either upon motion to correct, upon stipulation of the parties, or following notice to the parties upon VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 the administrative law judge’s own motion. § 109.36 Evidence. (a) Admissibility. (1) Except as is otherwise set forth in this section, relevant, material, and reliable evidence that is not unduly repetitive is admissible to the fullest extent authorized by the APA and other applicable law. (2) Evidence that would be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence is admissible in a proceeding conducted pursuant to this subpart. (3) Evidence that would be inadmissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence may not be deemed or ruled to be inadmissible in a proceeding conducted pursuant to this subpart if such evidence is relevant, material, reliable and not unduly repetitive. (b) Official notice. (1) Official notice may be taken of any material fact which may be judicially noticed by a United States district court and any material information in the official public records of any Federal or state government agency. (2) All matters officially noticed by the administrative law judge or Comptroller shall appear on the record. (3) If official notice is requested or taken of any material fact, the parties, upon timely request, shall be afforded an opportunity to object. (c) Documents. (1) A duplicate copy of a document is admissible to the same extent as the original, unless a genuine issue is raised as to whether the copy is in some material respect not a true and legible copy of the original. (2) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, any document, including a report of examination, supervisory activity, inspection or visitation, prepared by the appropriate Federal banking agency, as defined in section 3(q) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1813(q)), or state regulatory agency, is admissible either with or without a sponsoring witness. (3) Witnesses may use existing or newly created charts, exhibits, calendars, calculations, outlines or other graphic material to summarize, illustrate, or simplify the presentation of testimony. Such materials may, subject to the administrative law judge’s discretion, be used with or without being admitted into evidence. (d) Objections. (1) Objections to the admissibility of evidence must be timely made and rulings on all objections must appear on the record. (2) When an objection to a question or line of questioning propounded to a witness is sustained, the examining counsel may make a specific proffer on PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48967 the record of what he or she expected to prove by the expected testimony of the witness, either by representation of counsel or by direct interrogation of the witness. (3) The administrative law judge shall retain rejected exhibits, adequately marked for identification, for the record, and transmit such exhibits to the Comptroller. (4) Failure to object to admission of evidence or to any ruling constitutes a waiver of the objection. (e) Stipulations. The parties may stipulate as to any relevant matters of fact or the authentication of any relevant documents. Such stipulations must be received in evidence at a hearing, and are binding on the parties with respect to the matters therein stipulated. (f) Depositions of unavailable witnesses. (1) If a witness is unavailable to testify at a hearing, and that witness has testified in a deposition to which all parties in a proceeding had notice and an opportunity to participate, a party may offer as evidence all or any part of the transcript of the deposition, including deposition exhibits, if any. (2) Such deposition transcript is admissible to the same extent that testimony would have been admissible had that person testified at the hearing, provided that if a witness refused to answer proper questions during the depositions, the administrative law judge may, on that basis, limit the admissibility of the deposition in any manner that justice requires. (3) Only those portions of a deposition received in evidence at the hearing constitute a part of the record. § 109.37 Post-hearing filings. (a) Proposed findings and conclusions and supporting briefs. (1) Using the same method of service for each party, the administrative law judge shall serve notice upon each party, that the certified transcript, together with all hearing exhibits and exhibits introduced but not admitted into evidence at the hearing, has been filed. Any party may file with the administrative law judge proposed findings of fact, proposed conclusions of law, and a proposed order within 30 days following service of this notice by the administrative law judge or within such longer period as may be ordered by the administrative law judge. (2) Proposed findings and conclusions must be supported by citation to any relevant authorities and by page references to any relevant portions of the record. A post-hearing brief may be filed in support of proposed findings and conclusions, either as part of the same document or in a separate E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48968 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations document. Any party who fails to file timely with the administrative law judge any proposed finding or conclusion is deemed to have waived the right to raise in any subsequent filing or submission any issue not addressed in such party’s proposed finding or conclusion. (b) Reply briefs. Reply briefs may be filed within 15 days after the date on which the parties’ proposed findings, conclusions, and order are due. Reply briefs must be strictly limited to responding to new matters, issues, or arguments raised in another party’s papers. A party who has not filed proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law or a post-hearing brief may not file a reply brief. (c) Simultaneous filing required. The administrative law judge shall not order the filing by any party of any brief or reply brief in advance of the other party’s filing of its brief. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.38 Recommended decision and filing of record. (a) Filing of recommended decision and record. Within 45 days after expiration of the time allowed for filing reply briefs under § 109.37(b) of this subpart, the administrative law judge shall file with and certify to the Comptroller, for decision, the record of the proceeding. The record must include the administrative law judge’s recommended decision, recommended findings of fact, recommended conclusions of law, and proposed order; all prehearing and hearing transcripts, exhibits, and rulings; and the motions, briefs, memoranda, and other supporting papers filed in connection with the hearing. The administrative law judge shall serve upon each party the recommended decision, findings, conclusions, and proposed order. (b) Filing of index. At the same time the administrative law judge files with and certifies to the Comptroller for final determination the record of the proceeding, the administrative law judge shall furnish to the Comptroller a certified index of the entire record of the proceeding. The certified index shall include, at a minimum, an entry for each paper, document or motion filed with the administrative law judge in the proceeding, the date of the filing, and the identity of the filer. The certified index shall also include an exhibit index containing, at a minimum, an entry consisting of exhibit number and title or description for: Each exhibit introduced and admitted into evidence at the hearing; each exhibit introduced but not admitted into evidence at the hearing; each exhibit introduced and admitted into evidence after the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 completion of the hearing; and each exhibit introduced but not admitted into evidence after the completion of the hearing. § 109.39 Exceptions to recommended decision. (a) Filing exceptions. Within 30 days after service of the recommended decision, findings, conclusions, and proposed order under § 109.38 of this subpart, a party may file with the Comptroller written exceptions to the administrative law judge’s recommended decision, findings, conclusions or proposed order, to the admission or exclusion of evidence, or to the failure of the administrative law judge to make a ruling proposed by a party. A supporting brief may be filed at the time the exceptions are filed, either as part of the same document or in a separate document. (b) Effect of failure to file or raise exceptions. (1) Failure of a party to file exceptions to those matters specified in paragraph (a) of this section within the time prescribed is deemed a waiver of objection thereto. (2) No exception need be considered by the Comptroller if the party taking exception had an opportunity to raise the same objection, issue, or argument before the administrative law judge and failed to do so. (c) Contents. (1) All exceptions and briefs in support of such exceptions must be confined to the particular matters in, or omissions from, the administrative law judge’s recommendations to which that party takes exception. (2) All exceptions and briefs in support of exceptions must set forth page or paragraph references to the specific parts of the administrative law judge’s recommendations to which exception is taken, the page or paragraph references to those portions of the record relied upon to support each exception, and the legal authority relied upon to support each exception. § 109.40 Review by the Comptroller. (a) Notice of submission to the Comptroller. When the Comptroller determines that the record in the proceeding is complete, the Comptroller shall serve notice upon the parties that the proceeding has been submitted to the Comptroller for final decision. (b) Oral argument before the Comptroller. Upon the initiative of the Comptroller or on the written request of any party filed with the Comptroller within the time for filing exceptions, the Comptroller may order and hear oral argument on the recommended findings, conclusions, decision, and order of the PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 administrative law judge. A written request by a party must show good cause for oral argument and state reasons why arguments cannot be presented adequately in writing. A denial of a request for oral argument may be set forth in the Comptroller’s final decision. Oral argument before the Comptroller must be on the record. (c) Comptroller’s final decision. (1) Decisional employees may advise and assist the Comptroller in the consideration and disposition of the case. The final decision of the Comptroller will be based upon review of the entire record of the proceeding, except that the Comptroller may limit the issues to be reviewed to those findings and conclusions to which opposing arguments or exceptions have been filed by the parties. (2) The Comptroller shall render a final decision within 90 days after notification of the parties that the case has been submitted for final decision, or 90 days after oral argument, whichever is later, unless the Comptroller orders that the action or any aspect thereof be remanded to the administrative law judge for further proceedings. Copies of the final decision and order of the Comptroller shall be served upon each party to the proceeding, upon other persons required by statute, and, if directed by the Comptroller or required by statute, upon any appropriate state or Federal supervisory authority. § 109.41 Stays pending judicial review. The commencement of proceedings for judicial review of a final decision and order of the OCC may not, unless specifically ordered by the Comptroller or a reviewing court, operate as a stay of any order issued by the Comptroller. The Comptroller may, in its discretion, and on such terms as it finds just, stay the effectiveness of all or any part of its order pending a final decision on a petition for review of the order. Subpart B—Local Rules § 109.100 Scope. The rules and procedures in this subpart B shall apply to those proceedings covered by subpart A of this part. In addition, subpart A of this part and this subpart shall apply to adjudicatory proceedings for which hearings on the record are provided for by the following statutory provisions: (a) Proceedings under section 10(a)(2)(D) of the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)(2)(D)) to determine whether any person directly or indirectly exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a savings association or any other company; and E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48969 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) [Reserved] (c) Proceedings under section 15(c)(4) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78o(c)(4)) (Exchange Act) to determine whether any Federal savings association or person subject to the jurisdiction of the OCC pursuant to section 12(i) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78 l (i)) has failed to comply with the provisions of sections 12, 13, 14(a), 14(c), 14(d) or 14(f) of the Exchange Act. § 109.101 Appointment of Office of Financial Institution Adjudication. Unless otherwise directed by the OCC, all hearings under subpart A of this part and this subpart shall be conducted by administrative law judges under the direction of the Office of Financial Institution Adjudication. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 109.102 Discovery. (a) In general. A party may take the deposition of an expert, or of a person, including another party, who has direct knowledge of matters that are nonprivileged, relevant and material to the proceeding and where there is a need for the deposition. The deposition of experts shall be limited to those experts who are expected to testify at the hearing. (b) Notice. A party desiring to take a deposition shall give reasonable notice in writing to the deponent and to every other party to the proceeding. The notice must state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and address of the person to be deposed. (c) Time limits. A party may take depositions at any time after the commencement of the proceeding, but no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing date, except with permission of the administrative law judge for good cause shown. (d) Conduct of the deposition. The witness must be duly sworn, and each party shall have the right to examine the witness with respect to all nonprivileged, relevant and material matters of which the witness has factual, direct and personal knowledge. Objections to questions or exhibits shall be in short form, stating the grounds for objection. Failure to object to questions or exhibits is not a waiver except where the grounds for the objection might have been avoided if the objection had been timely presented. The court reporter shall transcribe or otherwise record the witness’s testimony, as agreed among the parties. (e) Protective orders. At any time after notice of a deposition has been given, a party may file a motion for the issuance of a protective order. Such protective order may prohibit, terminate, or limit the scope or manner of the taking of a deposition. The administrative law judge shall grant such protective order upon a showing of sufficient grounds, including that the deposition: (1) Is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome; (2) Involves privileged, investigative, trial preparation, irrelevant or immaterial matters; or (3) Is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as to unreasonably annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent. (f) Fees. Deposition witnesses, including expert witnesses, shall be paid the same expenses in the same manner as are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States in proceedings in which the United States Government is a party. Expenses in accordance with this paragraph shall be paid by the party seeking to take the deposition. (g) Deposition subpoenas—(1) Issuance. At the request of a party, the administrative law judge shall issue a subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a deposition. The attendance of a witness may be required from any place in any state or territory that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or as otherwise permitted by law. (2) Service. The party requesting the subpoena must serve it on the person named therein or upon that person’s counsel, by any of the methods identified in § 109.11(d) of this part. The party serving the subpoena must file proof of service with the administrative law judge. (3) Motion to quash. A person named in the subpoena or a party may file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena. A statement of the reasons for the motion must accompany it and a copy of the motion must be served on the party that requested the subpoena. The motion must be made prior to the time for compliance specified in the subpoena and not more than ten days after the date of service of the subpoena, or if the subpoena is served within 15 days of the hearing, within five days after the date of service. (4) Enforcement of deposition subpoena. Enforcement of a deposition subpoena shall be in accordance with the procedures of § 109.27(d) of this part. § 109.103 Civil money penalties. (a) Assessment. In the event of consent, or if upon the record developed at the hearing the OCC finds that any of the grounds specified in the notice issued pursuant to § 109.18 of this part have been established, the OCC may serve an order of assessment of civil money penalty upon the party concerned. The assessment order shall be effective immediately upon service or upon such other date as may be specified therein and shall remain effective and enforceable until it is stayed, modified, terminated, or set aside by the OCC or by a reviewing court. (b) Payment. (1) Civil penalties assessed pursuant to subpart A of this part and this subpart B are payable and to be collected within 60 days after the issuance of the notice of assessment, unless the OCC fixes a different time for payment where it determines that the purpose of the civil money penalty would be better served thereby; however, if a party has made a timely request for a hearing to challenge the assessment of the penalty, the party may not be required to pay such penalty until the OCC has issued a final order of assessment following the hearing. In such instances, the penalty shall be paid within 60 days of service of such order unless the OCC fixes a different time for payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the OCC may seek to attach the party’s assets or to have a receiver appointed to secure payment of the potential civil money penalty or other obligation in advance of the hearing in accordance with section 8(i)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(i)(4)). (2) Checks in payment of civil penalties shall be made payable to the Treasurer of the United States and sent to the OCC. Upon receipt, the OCC shall forward the check to the Treasury of the United States. (c) Inflation adjustment. Under the Federal Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note), the OCC must adjust for inflation the civil money penalties in statutes that it administers. The following chart displays the adjusted civil money penalties. The amounts in this chart apply to violations that occur after October 27, 2008: New maximum amount U.S. Code citation CMP description 12 U.S.C. 1464(v)(4) ............................... 12 U.S.C. 1464(v)(5) ............................... Reports of Condition—1st Tier .................................................................................. Reports of Condition—2nd Tier ................................................................................. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 $2,200 32,500 48970 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations U.S. Code citation 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 42 U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. U.S.C. 1 Per 2 Per 1464(v)(6) ............................... 1467(d) ................................... 1467a(r)(1) .............................. 1467a(r)(2) .............................. 1467a(r)(3) .............................. 1817(j)(16)(A) ......................... 1817(j)(16)(B) ......................... 1817(j)(16)(C) ......................... 1818(i)(2)(A) ........................... 1818(i)(2)(B) ........................... 1818(i)(2)(C) ........................... 1820(k)(6)(A)(ii) ...................... 1884 ........................................ 3349(b) ................................... 3349(b) ................................... 3349(b) ................................... 4012a(f) .................................. Reports of Condition—3rd Tier ................................................................................. Refusal to Cooperate in Exam .................................................................................. Late/Inaccurate Reports—1st Tier ............................................................................ Late/Inaccurate Reports—2nd Tier ........................................................................... Late/Inaccurate Reports—3rd Tier ............................................................................ Change in Control—1st Tier ...................................................................................... Change in Control—2nd Tier .................................................................................... Change in Control—3rd Tier ..................................................................................... Violation of Law or Unsafe or Unsound Practice—1st Tier ...................................... Violation of Law or Unsafe or Unsound Practice—2nd Tier ..................................... Violation of Law or Unsafe or Unsound Practice—3rd Tier ...................................... Violation of Post Employment Restrictions ............................................................... Violation of Security Rules ........................................................................................ Appraisals Violation—1st Tier ................................................................................... Appraisals Violation—2nd Tier .................................................................................. Appraisals Violation—3rd Tier ................................................................................... Flood Insurance ......................................................................................................... 1,375,000 7,500 2,200 32,500 1,375,000 7,500 37,500 1,375,000 7,500 37,500 1,375,000 275,000 110 7,500 37,500 1,375,000 1 385 2 135,000 day. year. § 109.104 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES New maximum amount CMP description Additional procedures. (a) Replies to exceptions. Replies to written exceptions to the administrative law judge’s recommended decision, findings, conclusions or proposed order pursuant to § 109.39 of this part shall be filed within 10-days of the date such written exceptions were required to be filed. (b) Motions. All motions shall be filed with the administrative law judge and an additional copy shall be filed with the OCC Hearing Clerk who receives adjudicatory filings; provided, however, that once the administrative law judge has certified the record to the Comptroller pursuant to § 109.38 of this part, all motions must be filed with the Comptroller to the attention of the Hearing Clerk within the 10-day period following the filing of exceptions allowed for the filing of replies to exceptions. Responses to such motions filed in a timely manner with the Comptroller, other than motions for oral argument before the Comptroller, shall be allowed pursuant to the procedures at § 109.23(d) of this part. No response is required for the Comptroller to make a determination on a motion for oral argument. (c) Authority of administrative law judge. In addition to the powers listed in § 109.5 of this part, the administrative law judge shall have the authority to deny any dispositive motion and shall follow the procedures set forth for motions for summary disposition at § 109.29 of this part and partial summary disposition at § 109.30 of this part in making determinations on such motions. (d) Notification of submission of proceeding to the Comptroller. Upon the expiration of the time for filing any VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 exceptions, any replies to such exceptions or any motions and any ruling thereon, and after receipt of certified record, the OCC shall notify the parties within ten days of the submission of the proceeding to the Comptroller for final determination. (e) Extensions of time for final determination. The Comptroller may, sua sponte, extend the time for final determination by signing an order of extension of time within the 90-day time period and notifying the parties of such extension thereafter. (f) Service upon the OCC. Service of any document upon the OCC shall be made by filing with the Hearing Clerk, in addition to the individuals and/or offices designated by the OCC in its Notice issued pursuant to § 109.18 of this part, or such other means reasonably suited to provide notice of the person and/or offices designated to receive filings. (g) Filings with the Comptroller. An additional copy of all materials required or permitted to be filed with or referred to the administrative law judge pursuant to subpart A and B of this part shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk. This rule shall not apply to the transcript of testimony and exhibits adduced at the hearing or to proposed exhibits submitted in advance of the hearing pursuant to an order of the administrative law judge under § 109.32 of this part. Materials required or permitted to be filed with or referred to the Comptroller pursuant to subparts A and B of this part shall be filed with the Comptroller, to the attention of the Hearing Clerk. (h) Presence of cameras and other recording devices. The use of cameras and other recording devices, other than PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 those used by the court reporter, shall be prohibited and excluded from the proceedings. Subpart C [Reserved] Subpart D [Reserved] PART 112—RULES FOR INVESTIGATIVE PROCEEDINGS AND FORMAL EXAMINATION PROCEEDINGS Sec. 112.1 112.2 112.3 112.4 112.5 112.6 112.7 Scope of part. Definitions. Confidentiality of proceedings. Transcripts. Rights of witnesses. Obstruction of the proceedings. Subpoenas. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467, 1467a, 1813, 1817(j), 1818(n), 1820(c), 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78l. § 112.1 Scope of part. This part prescribes rules of practice and procedure applicable to the conduct of formal examination proceedings with respect to Federal savings associations and their affiliates under section 5(d)(1)(B) of the HOLA, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1464(d)(1)(B) or section 7(j)(15) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(15) (‘‘FDIA’’), section 8(n) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. 1818(n), or section 10(c) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. 1820(c). This part does not apply to adjudicatory proceedings as to which hearings are required by statute, the rules for which are contained in part 109 of this chapter. § 112.2 Definitions. As used in this part: (a) OCC means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) [Reserved] (c) Formal examination proceeding means the administration of oaths and affirmations, taking and preserving of testimony, requiring the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and all other records, the issuance of subpoenas, and all related activities in connection with examination of savings associations and their affiliates conducted pursuant to section 5(d)(1)(B) of the HOLA, section 7(j)(15) of the FDIA, section 8(n) of the FDIA or section 10(c) of the FDIA; and (d) Designated representative means the person or persons empowered by the OCC to conduct an investigative proceeding or a formal examination proceeding. § 112.3 Confidentiality of proceedings. All formal examination proceedings shall be private and, unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, all investigative proceedings shall also be private. Unless otherwise ordered or permitted by the OCC, or required by law, and except as provided in §§ 112.4 and 112.5, the entire record of any investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding, including the resolution of the OCC or its delegate(s) authorizing the proceeding, the transcript of such proceeding, and all documents and information obtained by the designated representative(s) during the course of said proceedings shall be confidential. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 112.4 Transcripts. Transcripts or other recordings, if any, of investigative proceedings or formal examination proceedings shall be prepared solely by an official reporter or by any other person or means authorized by the designated representative. A person who has submitted documentary evidence or given testimony in an investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding may procure a copy of his own documentary evidence or transcript of his own testimony upon payment of the cost thereof; provided, that a person seeking a transcript of his own testimony must file a written request with the OCC’s Director for Enforcement and Compliance stating the reason he desires to procure such transcript, and said persons may for good cause deny such request. In any event, any witness (or his counsel) shall have the right to inspect the transcript of the witness’ own testimony. § 112.5 Rights of witnesses. (a) Any person who is compelled or requested to furnish documentary evidence or give testimony at an investigative proceeding or formal VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 examination proceeding shall have the right to examine, upon request, the OCC resolution authorizing such proceeding. Copies of such resolution shall be furnished, for their retention, to such persons only with the written approval of the OCC. (b) Any witness at an investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding may be accompanied and advised by an attorney personally representing that witness. (1) Such attorney shall be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, Commonwealth, possession, territory, or the District of Columbia, who has not been suspended or debarred from practice by the bar of any such political entity or before the OCC in accordance with the provisions of part 19 of this chapter and has not been excluded from the particular investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (2) Such attorney may advise the witness before, during, and after the taking of his testimony and may briefly question the witness, on the record, at the conclusion of his testimony, for the sole purpose of clarifying any of the answers the witness has given. During the taking of the testimony of a witness, such attorney may make summary notes solely for his use in representing his client. All witnesses shall be sequestered, and, unless permitted in the discretion of the designated representative, no witness or accompanying attorney may be permitted to be present during the taking of testimony of any other witness called in such proceeding. Neither attorney(s) for the association(s) that are the subjects of the investigative proceedings or formal examination proceedings, nor attorneys for any other interested persons, shall have any right to be present during the testimony of any witness not personally being represented by such attorney. (3) The OCC, for good cause, may exclude a particular attorney from further participation in any investigation in which the OCC has found the attorney to have engaged in dilatory, obstructionist, egregious, contemptuous or contumacious conduct. The person conducting an investigation may report to the OCC instances of apparently dilatory, obstructionist, egregious, contemptuous or contumacious conduct on the part of an attorney. After due notice to the attorney, the OCC may take such action as the circumstances warrant based upon a written record evidencing the conduct of the attorney in that PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48971 investigation or such other or additional written or oral presentation as the OCC may permit or direct. § 112.6 Obstruction of the proceedings. The designated representative shall report to the Comptroller any instances where any witness or counsel has engaged in dilatory, obstructionist, or contumacious conduct or has otherwise violated any provision of this part during the course of an investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding; and the OCC may take such action as the circumstances warrant, including the exclusion of counsel from further participation in such proceeding. § 112.7 Subpoenas. (a) Service. Service of a subpoena in connection with any investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding shall be effected in the following manner: (1) Service upon a natural person. Service of a subpoena upon a natural person may be effected by handing it to such person; by leaving it at his office with the person in charge thereof, or, if there is no one in charge, by leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; by leaving it at his dwelling place or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein; by mailing it to him by registered or certified mail or by an express delivery service at his last known address; or by any method whereby actual notice is given to him. (2) Service upon other persons. When the person to be served is not a natural person, service of the subpoena may be effected by handing the subpoena to a registered agent for service, or to any officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of such person; by mailing it to any such representative by registered or certified mail or by an express delivery service at his last known address; or by any method whereby actual notice is given to such person. (b) Motions to quash. Any person to whom a subpoena is directed may, prior to the time specified therein for compliance, but in no event more than 10 days after the date of service of such subpoena, apply to the Deputy Chief Counsel or his designee to quash or modify such subpoena, accompanying such application with a statement of the reasons therefor. The Deputy Chief Counsel or his designee, as appropriate, may: (1) Deny the application; (2) Quash or revoke the subpoena; (3) Modify the subpoena; or (4) Condition the granting of the application on such terms as the Deputy E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48972 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Chief Counsel or his designee determines to be just, reasonable, and proper. (c) Attendance of witnesses. Subpoenas issued in connection with an investigative proceeding or formal examination proceeding may require the attendance and/or testimony of witnesses from any state or territory of the United States and the production by such witnesses of documentary or other tangible evidence at any designated place where the proceeding is being (or is to be) conducted. Foreign nationals are subject to such subpoenas if such service is made upon a duly authorized agent located in the United States. (d) Witness fees and mileage. Witnesses summoned in any proceeding under this part shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States. Such fees and mileage need not be tendered when the subpoena is issued on behalf of the OCC by any of its designated representatives. PART 116—APPLICATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES Sec. 116.1 What does this part do? 116.5 Do the same procedures apply to all applications under this part? 116.10 How does the OCC compute time periods under this part? Subpart A—Pre-Filing and Filing Procedures Pre-Filing Procedures 116.15 Must I meet with the OCC before I file my application? 116.20 What information must I include in my draft business plan? Filing Procedures 116.25 What type of application must I file? 116.30 What information must I provide with my application? 116.35 May I keep portions of my application confidential? 116.40 Where do I file my application? 116.45 What is the filing date of my application? 116.47 How do I amend or supplement my application? Subpart B—Publication Requirements 116.50 Who must publish a public notice of an application? 116.55 What information must I include in my public notice? 116.60 When must I publish the public notice? 116.70 Where must I publish the public notice? 116.80 What language must I use in my publication? Subpart C—Comment Procedures 116.100 What does this subpart do? 116.110 Who may submit a written comment? 116.120 What information should a comment include? 116.130 Where are comments filed? 116.140 How long is the comment period? Subpart D—Meeting Procedures 116.160 What does this subpart do? 116.170 When will the OCC conduct a meeting on an application? 116.180 What procedures govern the conduct of the meeting? 116.185 Will the OCC approve or disapprove an application at a meeting? 116.190 Will a meeting affect application processing time frames? Subpart E—OCC Review Expedited Treatment 116.200 If I file a notice under expedited treatment, when may I engage in the proposed activities? Standard Treatment 116.210 What will the OCC do after I file my application? 116.220 If the OCC requests additional information to complete my application, how will it process my application? 116.230 Will the OCC conduct an eligibility examination? 116.240 What may the OCC require me to do after my application is deemed complete? 116.250 Will the OCC require me to publish a new public notice? 116.260 May the OCC suspend processing of my application? 116.270 How long is the OCC review period? 116.280 How will I know if my application has been approved? 116.290 What will happen if the OCC does not approve or disapprove my application within two calendar years after the filing date? Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552, 559; 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 2901 et seq., 5412(b)(2)(B). § 116.1 What does this part do? (a) This part explains OCC procedures for processing applications, notices, or filings (applications) for Federal savings associations. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, subparts A and E of this part apply whenever an OCC regulation requires any person (you) to file an application pertaining to a Federal savings association with the OCC. Subparts B, C, and D, however, only apply when an OCC regulation incorporates the procedures in the subpart or where otherwise required by the OCC. (b) This part does not apply to any of the following: (1) An application related to a transaction under section 13(c) or (k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1823(c) or (k). (2) A request for reconsideration, modification, or appeal of a final OCC or OTS action. (3) A request related to litigation, an enforcement proceeding, a supervisory directive or supervisory agreement. Such requests include a request seeking approval under, modification of, or termination of an order issued under part 108 or 109 of this chapter, a supervisory agreement, a supervisory directive, a consent merger agreement or a document negotiated in settlement of an enforcement matter or other litigation, unless an applicable OCC regulation specifically requires an application under this part. (4) An application filed under an OCC regulation that prescribes other application processing procedures and time frames for the approval of applications. (c) If an OCC regulation for a specific type of application prescribes some application processing procedures, or time frames, the OCC will apply this part to the extent necessary to process the application. For example, if an OCC regulation for a specific type of application does not identify time periods for the processing of an application, the time periods in this part apply. § 116.5 Do the same procedures apply to all applications under this part? The OCC processes applications under this part using two procedures, expedited treatment and standard treatment. To determine which treatment applies, you may use the following chart: sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES If . . . Then the OCC will process your application under . . . (a) The applicable regulation does not specifically state that expedited treatment is available ................................... (b) [Reserved] Standard treatment. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Then the OCC will process your application under . . . If . . . (c) Your composite rating is 3, 4, or 5. The composite rating is the composite numeric rating that the OCC or the other Federal banking regulator assigned to you under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System 1 or under a comparable rating system. The composite rating refers to the rating assigned and provided to you, in writing, as a result of the most recent examination. (d) Your Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating is Needs to Improve or Substantial Noncompliance. The CRA rating is the Community Reinvestment Act performance rating that the OCC or the other Federal banking regulator assigned and provided to you, in writing, as a result of the most recent compliance examination. See, for example, § 195.28 of this chapter. (e) Your compliance rating is 3, 4, or 5. The compliance rating is the numeric rating that the OCC or the other Federal banking regulator assigned to you under the OCC compliance rating system, or a comparable rating system used by the other Federal banking regulator. The compliance rating refers to the rating assigned and provided to you, in writing, as a result of the most recent compliance examination. (f) You fail any one of your capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter .......................................................... (g) The OCC or OTS has notified you that you are an association in troubled condition ............................................ (h) Neither the OCC nor any other Federal banking regulator has assigned you a composite rating, a CRA rating or a compliance rating. (i) You do not meet any of the criteria listed in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this section .......................................... 1A 48973 Standard treatment. Standard treatment. Standard treatment. Standard treatment. Standard treatment. Standard treatment. Expedited treatment. savings association may obtain a copy of its composite rating from the appropriate Federal banking agency. § 116.10 How does the OCC compute time periods under this part? In computing time periods under this part, the OCC does not include the day of the act or event that commences the time period. When the last day of a time period is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. Subpart A—Pre-Filing and Filing Procedures you file an application, please consult the following chart: Pre-Filing Procedures § 116.15 Must I meet with the OCC before I file my application? (a) Chart. To determine whether you must attend a pre-filing meeting before Then . . . (1) An application for permission to organize a de novo Federal savings association. (2) An application to convert an existing insured depository institution (other than a state-chartered savings association or a state-chartered savings bank) or a credit union to a Federal savings association. (3) An application to acquire control of a Federal savings association ... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES If you file . . . You must meet with the OCC before filing your application. You must submit a draft business plan before this meeting. You must meet with the OCC before filing your application. The OCC may require you to submit a draft business plan or other relevant information before this meeting. The OCC may require you to meet with the OCC before filing your application and may require you to submit a draft business plan or other relevant information before this meeting. (b) Contacting the OCC. (1) You must contact the appropriate OCC licensing office a reasonable time before you file an application described in paragraph (a) of this section. Unless paragraph (a) already requires a pre-filing meeting or a draft business plan, the appropriate OCC licensing office will determine whether it will require a pre-filing meeting, and whether you must submit a business plan or other relevant information before the meeting. The appropriate OCC licensing office will also establish a schedule for any meeting and the submission of any information. (2) All other applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate OCC licensing office to determine whether a pre-filing meeting or the submission of a draft business plan or other relevant information would expedite the application review process. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 116.20 What information must I include in my draft business plan? If you must submit a draft business plan under § 116.15, your plan must: (a) Clearly and completely describe the savings association’s projected operations and activities; (b) Describe the risks associated with the transaction and the impact of this transaction on any existing activities and operations of the savings association, including financial projections for a minimum of three years; (c) Identify the majority of the proposed board of directors and the key senior executive officers (as defined in § 163.555 of this chapter) of the savings association and demonstrate that these individuals have the expertise to prudently manage the activities and operations described in the savings association’s draft business plan; and PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (d) Demonstrate how applicable requirements regarding serving the credit and lending needs in the market areas served by the savings association will be met. Filing Procedures § 116.25 file? What type of application must I (a) Expedited treatment. If you are eligible for expedited treatment under § 116.5, you may file your application in the form of a notice that includes all information required by the applicable substantive regulation. If the OCC has designated a form for your notice, you must file that form. Your notice is an application for the purposes of all statutory and regulatory references to ‘‘applications.’’ (b) Standard treatment. If you are subject to standard treatment under § 116.5, you must file your application following all applicable substantive E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48974 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations regulations and guidelines governing the filing of applications. If the OCC has a designated form for your application, you must file that form. (c) Waiver requests. If you want the OCC to waive a requirement that you provide certain information with the notice or application, you must include a written waiver request: (1) Describing the requirement to be waived and (2) Explaining why the information is not needed to enable the OCC to evaluate your notice or application under applicable standards. § 116.30 What information must I provide with my application? (a) Required information. You may obtain information about required certifications, other regulations and guidelines affecting particular notices and applications, appropriate forms, and instructions from any OCC office. You may also obtain forms and instructions on the OCC’s web page at www.occ.gov. (b) Captions and exhibits. You must caption the original application and required copies with the type of filing, and must include all exhibits and other pertinent documents with the original application and all required copies. You are not required to include original signatures on copies if you include a copy of the signed signature page or the copy otherwise indicates that the original was signed. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 116.35 May I keep portions of my application confidential? (a) Confidentiality. The OCC makes submissions under this part available to the public, but may keep portions of your application confidential based on the rules in this section. (b) Confidentiality request. (1) You may request the OCC to keep portions of your application confidential. You must submit your request in writing with your application and must explain in detail how your request is consistent with the standards under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and part 4 of this chapter. For example, you should explain how you will be substantially harmed by public disclosure of the information. You must separately bind and mark the portions of the application you consider confidential and the portions you consider non-confidential. (2) The OCC will not treat as confidential the portion of your application describing how you plan to meet your Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) objectives. The OCC will make information in your CRA plan, including any information incorporated VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 by reference from other parts of your application, available to the public upon request. (c) OCC determination on confidentiality. The OCC will determine whether information that you designate as confidential may be withheld from the public under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and part 54 of this chapter. The OCC will advise you before it makes information you designate as confidential available to the public. § 116.40 Where do I file my application? (a) OCC Office. (1) You must file the original application and the number of copies indicated on the applicable form to the attention of the Director for Licensing at the appropriate OCC licensing office listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section or with the OCC licensing office at OCC headquarters. If the form does not indicate the number of copies you must file or if the OCC has not prescribed a form for your application, you must file the original application and two copies. (2) The addresses of appropriate OCC licensing offices and the states covered by each office are listed in 12 CFR 4.5. (b) Additional filings with OCC headquarters. (1) In addition to filing in the appropriate OCC licensing office, if your application involves a significant issue of law or policy or if an applicable regulation or form directs you to file with OCC headquarters, you must also file copies of your application at the OCC licensing office at headquarters. You must file the number of copies indicated on the applicable form. If the form does not indicate the number of copies you must file or if the OCC has not prescribed a form for your application, you must file three copies. (2)(i) You may obtain a list of applications involving significant issues of law or policy at the OCC website at www.occ.gov or by contacting the OCC. (ii) The OCC reserves the right to identify significant issues of law or policy in a particular application. The OCC will advise you, in writing, if it makes this determination. § 116.45 What is the filing date of my application? (a) Your application’s filing date is the date that you complete all of the following requirements. (1) You attend a pre-filing meeting and submit a draft business plan or relevant information, if the OCC requires you to do so under § 116.15. (2) You file your application and all required copies with the OCC, as described under § 116.40. (i) If you are required to file with an OCC licensing office and with OCC PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 headquarters, you have not filed with the OCC until you file with both offices. (ii) You have not filed with an OCC licensing office or with OCC headquarters until you file the application and the required number of copies with that office. (iii) If you file after the close of business established by an OCC licensing office or OCC headquarters, you have filed with that office on the next business day. (3) You pay the applicable fee. You have not paid the fee until you submit the fee to the appropriate OCC licensing office, or the OCC waives the fee. You may pay by check, money order, cashier’s check or wire transfer payable to the OCC. (b) The OCC may notify you that it has adjusted your application filing date if you fail to meet any applicable publication requirements. (c) If, after you properly file your application with the appropriate OCC licensing office, the OCC determines that a significant issue of law or policy exists under § 116.40(b)(2)(ii), the filing date of your application is the day you filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office. The 30-day review period under §§ 116.200 or 116.210 of this part will restart in its entirety when the OCC licensing office forwards the appropriate number of copies of your application to OCC headquarters. § 116.47 How do I amend or supplement my application? To amend or supplement your application, you must file the amendment or supplemental information at the appropriate OCC office(s) along with the number of copies required under § 116.40. Your amendment or supplemental information also must meet the caption and exhibit requirements at § 116.30(b). Subpart B—Publication Requirements § 116.50 Who must publish a public notice of an application? This subpart applies whenever an OCC regulation requires an applicant (‘‘you’’) to follow the public notice procedures in this subpart. § 116.55 What information must I include in my public notice? Your public notice must include the following: (a) Your name and address. (b) The type of application. (c) The name of the depository institution(s) that is the subject matter of the application. (d) A statement indicating that the public may submit comments to the appropriate OCC licensing office(s). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (e) The address of the appropriate OCC offices where the public may submit comments. (f) The date that the comment period closes. (g) A statement indicating that the nonconfidential portions of the application are on file with the OCC, and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. (h) Any other information that the OCC requires you to publish. § 116.60 notice? When must I publish the public You must publish a public notice of the application no earlier than seven days before and no later than the date of filing of the application. § 116.70 notice? Where must I publish the public You must publish the notice in a newspaper having a general circulation in the communities indicated in the following chart: If you file . . . You must publish in the following communities . . . (a) An application for permission to organize under § 143.2 of this chapter, a Bank Merger Act application under § 163.22(a) of this chapter, an application to convert to a Federal charter under § 143.8 or § 152.18 of this chapter, or an application for a mutual to stock conversion under part 192 of this chapter * * *. (b) An application to establish a branch office under § 145.95 of this chapter * * *. (c) An application for the change of permanent location of a home or branch office under § 145.95 of this chapter * * *. (d) A change of control notice under part 174 of this chapter * * * The community in which your home office is located. § 116.80 What language must I use in my publication? (a) English. You must publish the notice in a newspaper printed in the English language. (b) Other than English. If the OCC determines that the primary language of a significant number of adult residents of the community is a language other than English, the OCC may require that you simultaneously publish additional notice(s) in the community in the appropriate language(s). § 116.100 What does this subpart do? This subpart contains the procedures governing the submission of public comments on certain types of applications or notices (‘‘applications’’) pending before the OCC. It applies whenever a regulation incorporates the procedures in this subpart, or where otherwise required by the OCC. § 116.110 Who may submit a written comment? Any person may submit a written comment supporting or opposing an application. § 116.120 What information should a comment include? (a) A comment should recite relevant facts, including any demographic, economic, or financial data, supporting the commenter’s position. A comment opposing an application should also: (1) Address at least one of the reasons why the OCC may deny the application under the relevant statute or regulation; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 The community to be served by the branch office. The community in which the existing office is located and the community to be served by the new office. The community in which the home office of the savings association whose stock is to be acquired is located and, if applicable, the community in which the home office of the acquiror’s largest subsidiary savings association is located. (2) Recite any relevant facts and supporting data addressing these reasons; and (3) Address how the approval of the application could harm the commenter or any community. (b) A commenter must include any request for a meeting under § 116.170 in its comment. The commenter must describe the nature of the issues or facts to be discussed and the reasons why written submissions are insufficient to adequately address these facts or issues. § 116.130 Subpart C—Comment Procedures sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48975 Where are comments filed? A commenter must file with the appropriate OCC licensing office (see § 116.40(a)(2)). The commenter must simultaneously send a copy of the comment to the applicant. § 116.140 period? How long is the comment (a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a commenter must file a written comment with the OCC within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of the initial public notice. (b) Late-filed comments. The OCC may consider late-filed comments if the OCC determines that the comment will assist in the disposition of the application. Subpart D—Meeting Procedures § 116.160 What does this subpart do? This subpart contains meeting procedures. It applies whenever a regulation incorporates the procedures in this subpart, or when otherwise required by the OCC. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 116.170 When will the OCC conduct a meeting on an application? (a) The OCC will grant a meeting request or conduct a meeting on its own initiative, if it finds that written submissions are insufficient to address facts or issues raised in an application, or otherwise determines that a meeting will benefit the decision-making process. The OCC may limit the issues considered at the meeting to issues that the OCC decides are relevant or material. (b) The OCC will inform the applicant and all commenters requesting a meeting of its decision to grant or deny a meeting request, or of its decision to conduct a meeting on its own initiative. (c) If the OCC decides to conduct a meeting, the OCC will invite the applicant and any commenters requesting a meeting and raising an issue that the OCC intends to consider at the meeting. The OCC may also invite other interested persons to attend. The OCC will inform the participants of the date, time, location, issues to be considered, and format for the meeting a reasonable time before the meeting. § 116.180 What procedures govern the conduct of the meeting? (a) The OCC may conduct meetings in any format including, but not limited to, a telephone conference, a face-to-face meeting, or a more formal meeting. (b) The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.), the Federal Rules of Evidence (28 U.S.C. Appendix), the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. Rule 1 et seq.), the OCC Rules of Practice and Procedure in Adjudicatory Proceedings (12 CFR parts 19 and part E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48976 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 109) do not apply to meetings under this section. § 116.185 Will the OCC approve or disapprove an application at a meeting? The OCC will not approve or deny an application at a meeting under this subpart. § 116.190 Will a meeting affect application processing time frames? If the OCC decides to conduct a meeting, it may suspend applicable application processing time frames, including the time frames for deeming an application complete and the applicable approval time frames in subpart E of this part. If the OCC suspends applicable application processing time frames, the time period will resume when the OCC determines that a record has been developed that sufficiently supports a determination on the issues considered at the meeting. Subpart E—OCC Review Expedited Treatment § 116.200 If I file a notice under expedited treatment, when may I engage in the proposed activities? If you are eligible for expedited treatment and you have appropriately filed your notice with the OCC, you may engage in the proposed activities upon the expiration of 30 days after the filing date of your notice, unless the OCC takes one of the following actions before the expiration of that time period: (a) The OCC notifies you in writing that you must file additional information supplementing your notice. If you are required to file additional information, you may engage in the proposed activities upon the expiration of 30 calendar days after the date you file the additional information, unless the OCC takes one of the actions described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section before the expiration of that time period; (b) The OCC notifies you in writing that your notice is subject to standard treatment under this subpart. The OCC will subject your notice to standard treatment if it raises a supervisory concern, raises a significant issue of law or policy, or requires significant additional information; (c) The OCC notifies you in writing that it is suspending the applicable time frames under § 116.190; or (d) The OCC notifies you that it disapproves your notice. Standard Treatment § 116.210 What will the OCC do after I file my application? (a) OCC action. Within 30 calendar days after the filing date of your application, the OCC will take one of the following actions: If the OCC . . . Then . . . (1) Notifies you, in writing, that your application is complete * * * The applicable review period will begin on the date that the OCC deems your application complete. You must submit the required additional information under § 116.220. (2) Notifies you, in writing, that you must submit additional information to complete your application * * *. (3) Notifies you, in writing, that your application is materially deficient * * *. (4) Takes no action * * * (b) Waiver requests. If your application includes a request for waiver of an information requirement under § 116.25(b), and the OCC has not notified you that you must submit additional information under paragraph The OCC will not process your application. Your application is deemed complete. The applicable review period will begin on the day the 30-day time period expires. (a)(2) of this section, your request for waiver is granted. § 116.220 If the OCC requests additional information to complete my application, how will it process my application? (a) You may use the following chart to determine the procedure that applies to your submission of additional information under § 116.210(a)(1): Then, the OCC may . . . And . . . (1) You file a response to all information requests * * *. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES If, within 30 calendar days after the date of the OCC’s request for additional information . . . (i) Notify you in writing within 15 days after the filing date of your response that your application is complete* * *. (ii) Notify you in writing within 15 calendar days after the filing date of your response that you must submit additional information regarding matters derived from or prompted by information already furnished or any additional information necessary to resolve the issues presented in your application * * *. (iii) Notify you in writing within 15 calendar days after the filing date of your response that your application is materially deficient * * *. (iv) Take no action within 15 calendar days after the filing date of your response * * *. The applicable review period will begin on the date that the OCC deems your application complete. You must respond to the additional information request within the time period required by the OCC. The OCC will review your response under the procedures described in this section. (2) You request an extension of time to file additional information * * *. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (i) Grant an extension, in writing, specifying the number of days for the extension * * *. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 The OCC will not process your application. Your application is deemed complete. The applicable review period will begin on the day that the 15-day time period expires. You must fully respond within the extended time period specified by the OCC. The OCC will review your response under the procedures described under this section. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations If, within 30 calendar days after the date of the OCC’s request for additional information . . . 48977 And . . . (ii) Notify you in writing that your extension request is disapproved * * *. (3) You fail to respond completely * * * Then, the OCC may . . . The OCC will not process your application further. You may resubmit the application for processing as a new filing under the applicable regulation. The OCC will not process your application further. You may resubmit the application for processing as a new filing under the applicable regulation. You must fully respond within the extended time period specified by the OCC. The OCC will review your response under the procedures described under this section. (i) Notify you in writing that your application is deemed withdrawn * * *. (ii) Notify you, in writing, that your response is incomplete and extend the response period, specifying the number of days for the respond extension * * *. (b) The OCC may extend the 15-day period referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this section by up to 15 calendar days, if the OCC requires the additional time to review your response. The OCC will notify you that it has extended the period before the end of the initial 15day period and will briefly explain why the extension is necessary. (c) If your response filed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section includes a request for a waiver of an informational requirement, your request for a waiver is granted if the OCC fails to act on it within 15 calendar days after the filing of your response, unless the OCC extends the review period under paragraph (b). If the OCC extends the review period under paragraph (b), your request is granted if the OCC fails to act on it by the end of the extended review period. § 116.230 Will the OCC conduct an eligibility examination? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) Eligibility examination. The OCC may notify you at any time before it deems your application complete that it will conduct an eligibility examination. If the OCC decides to conduct an eligibility examination, it will not deem your application complete until it concludes the examination. (b) Additional information. The OCC may, as a result of the eligibility examination, notify you that you must submit additional information to complete your application. If so, you must respond to the additional information request within the time period required by the OCC. The OCC will review your response under the procedures described in § 116.220. § 116.240 What may the OCC require me to do after my application is deemed complete? After your application is deemed complete, but before the end of the applicable review period, (a) The OCC may require you to provide additional information if the information is necessary to resolve or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 clarify the issues presented by your application. (b) The OCC may determine that a major issue of law or a change in circumstances arose after you filed your application, and that the issue or changed circumstances will substantially effect your application. If the OCC identifies such an issue or changed circumstances, it may: (1) Notify you, in writing, that your application is now incomplete and require you to submit additional information to complete the application under the procedures described at § 116.220; and (2) Require you to publish a new public notice of your application under § 116.250. § 116.250 Will the OCC require me to publish a new public notice? (a) If your application was subject to a publication requirement, the OCC may require you to publish a new public notice of your application if: (1) You submitted a revision to the application, you submitted new or additional information, or a major issue of law or a change in circumstances arose after the filing of your application; and (2) The OCC determines that additional comment on these matters is appropriate because of the significance of the new information or circumstances. (b) The OCC will notify you in writing if you must publish a new public notice of your revised application. (c) If you are required to publish a new public notice of your revised application, you must notify the OCC after you publish the new public notice. § 116.260 May the OCC suspend processing of my application? (a) Suspension. The OCC may, at any time, indefinitely suspend processing of your application if: (1) The OCC, another governmental entity, or a self-regulatory trade or professional organization initiates an PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 investigation, examination, or administrative proceeding that is relevant to the OCC’s evaluation of your application; (2) You request the suspension or there are other extraordinary circumstances that have a significant impact on the processing of your application. (b) Notice. The OCC will promptly notify you, in writing, if it suspends your application. § 116.270 period? How long is the OCC review (a) General. The applicable OCC review period is 60 calendar days after the date that your application is deemed complete, unless an applicable OCC regulation specifies a different review period. (b) Multiple applications. If you submit more than one application in connection with a proposed action or if two or more applicants submit related applications, the applicable review period for all applications is the review period for the application with the longest review period, subject to statutory review periods. (c) Extensions. (1) The OCC may extend the review period for up to 30 calendar days beyond the period described in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. The OCC must notify you in writing of the extension and the duration of the extension. The OCC must issue the written extension before the end of the review period. (2) The OCC may also extend the review period as needed until it acts on the application, if the application presents a significant issue of law or policy that requires additional time to resolve. The OCC must notify you in writing of the extension and the general reasons for the extension. The OCC must issue the written extension before the end of the review period, including any extension of that period under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. This section applies to notices filed under § 174 of this chapter. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48978 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 116.290 What will happen if the OCC does not approve or disapprove my application within two calendar years after the filing date? If the OCC has not approved or denied your pending application within two calendar years after the filing date under § 116.45, the OCC will notify you, in writing, that your application is deemed withdrawn unless the OCC determines that you are actively pursuing a final OCC determination on your application. You are not actively pursuing a final OCC determination if you have failed to timely take an action required under this part, including filing required additional information, or the OCC has suspended processing of your application under § 116.260 based on circumstances that are, in whole or in part, within your control and you have failed to take reasonable steps to resolve these circumstances. PART 128—NONDISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS Sec. 128.1 Definitions. 128.2 Nondiscrimination in lending and other services. 128.3 Nondiscrimination in applications. 128.4 Nondiscriminatory advertising. 128.5 Equal Housing Lender Poster. 128.6 Loan application register. 128.7 Nondiscrimination in employment. 128.8 Complaints. 128.9 Guidelines relating to nondiscrimination in lending. 128.10 Supplementary guidelines. 128.11 Nondiscriminatory appraisal and underwriting. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 128.1 Definitions. As used in this part 128— (a) Application. For purposes of this part, an application for a loan or other service is as defined in Regulation C, 12 CFR 203.2(b). (b) Savings association. The term ‘‘savings association’’ means any Federal savings association as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(b)(2). (c) Dwelling. The term ‘‘dwelling’’ means a residential structure (whether VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 128.2 Nondiscrimination in lending and other services. (a) No savings association may deny a loan or other service, or discriminate in the purchase of loans or securities or discriminate in fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedures, collection or enforcement procedures, or other terms or conditions of such loan or other service on the basis of the age or location of the dwelling, or on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having one or more children under the age of 18), marital status, age (provided the person has the capacity to contract) or national origin of: (1) An applicant or joint applicant; (2) Any person associated with an applicant or joint applicant regarding such loan or other service, or with the purposes of such loan or other service; (3) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of the dwelling(s) for which such loan or other service is to be made or given; (4) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of other dwellings in the vicinity of the dwelling(s) for which such loan or other service is to be made or given. (b) A savings association shall consider without prejudice the combined income of joint applicants for a loan or other service. (c) No savings association may discriminate against an applicant for a loan or other service on any prohibited basis (as defined in 12 CFR 202.2(z) and 24 CFR part 100). Note to § 128.2: See also, § 128.9(b) and (c). § 128.3 Nondiscrimination in applications. (a) No savings association may discourage, or refuse to allow, receive, or consider, any application, request, or inquiry regarding a loan or other service, or discriminate in imposing conditions upon, or in processing, any such application, request, or inquiry on the basis of the age or location of the dwelling, or on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having one or more children under the age of 18), marital status, age (provided the person has the capacity to contract), national origin, or other characteristics prohibited from consideration in § 128.2(c) of this part, of the prospective borrower or other person, who: PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (1) Makes application for any such loan or other service; (2) Requests forms or papers to be used to make application for any such loan or other service; or (3) Inquires about the availability of such loan or other service. (b) A savings association shall inform each inquirer of his or her right to file a written loan application, and to receive a copy of the association’s underwriting standards. Note § 128.3: See also, § 128.9(a) through (d). § 128.4 Nondiscriminatory advertising. No savings association may directly or indirectly engage in any form of advertising that implies or suggests a policy of discrimination or exclusion in violation of title VIII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1968, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or this part 128. Advertisements for any loan for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling or any loan secured by a dwelling shall include a facsimile of the following logotype and legend: § 128.5 Equal Housing Lender Poster. (a) Each savings association shall post and maintain one or more Equal Housing Lender Posters, the text of which is prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, in the lobby of each of its offices in a prominent place or places readily apparent to all persons seeking loans. The poster shall be at least 11 by 14 inches in size, and the text shall be easily legible. It is recommended that savings associations post a Spanish language version of the poster in offices serving areas with a substantial Spanish-speaking population. (b) The text of the Equal Housing Lender Poster shall be as follows: We Do Business In Accordance With Federal Fair Lending Laws. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.001</GPH> (a) OCC approval or denial. (1) The OCC will approve or deny your application before the expiration of the applicable review period, including any extensions of the review period. (2) The OCC will promptly notify you in writing of its decision to approve or deny your application. (b) No OCC action. If the OCC fails to act under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, your application is approved. or not it is attached to real property) located in a state of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The term includes an individual condominium unit, cooperative unit, or mobile or manufactured home. ER09AU11.000</GPH> § 116.280 How will I know if my application has been approved? Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations UNDER THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT, IT IS ILLEGAL, ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, OR FAMILIAL STATUS (HAVING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18) TO: [ll] Deny a loan for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling or to deny any loan secured by a dwelling; or [ll] Discriminate in fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedures, or other terms or conditions of such a loan or in appraising property. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, YOU SHOULD: SEND A COMPLAINT TO: Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC 20410. For processing under the Federal Fair Housing Act AND TO: [Insert contact information for appropriate Federal regulator] For processing under applicable Regulations. UNDER THE EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT, IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE IN ANY CREDIT TRANSACTION: [ ] On the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or age; [ ] Because income is from public assistance; or [ ] Because a right has been exercised under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, YOU SHOULD SEND A COMPLAINT TO: [Insert contact information for appropriate Federal regulator] § 128.6 Loan application register. Savings associations and other lenders required to file Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Loan Application Registers with the OCC in accordance with 12 CFR part 203 must enter the reason for denial, using the codes provided in 12 CFR part 203, with respect to all loan denials. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 128.7 Nondiscrimination in employment. (a) No savings association shall, because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin: (1) Fail or refuse to hire such individual; (2) Discharge such individual; (3) Otherwise discriminate against such individual with respect to such VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 individual’s compensation, promotion, or the terms, conditions, or privileges of such individual’s employment; or (4) Discriminate in admission to, or employment in, any program of apprenticeship, training, or retraining, including on-the-job training. (b) No savings association shall limit, segregate, or classify its employees in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect such individual’s status as an employee because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (c) No savings association shall discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has opposed any employment practice made unlawful by Federal, state, or local law or regulation or because he has in good faith made a charge of such practice or testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing of such practice by any lawfully constituted authority. (d) No savings association shall print or publish or cause to be printed or published any notice or advertisement relating to employment by such savings association indicating any preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (e) This regulation shall not apply in any case in which the Federal Equal Employment Opportunities law is made inapplicable by the provisions of section 2000e–1 or sections 2000e–2(e) through (j) of title 42, United States Code. (f) Any violation of the following laws or regulations by a savings association shall be deemed to be a violation of this part 128: (1) The Equal Employment Opportunity Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e–2000h–2, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations at 29 CFR part 1600; (2) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. 621–633, and EEOC and Department of Labor regulations; (3) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations at 41 CFR part 60; (4) The Veterans Employment and Readjustment Act of 1972, 38 U.S.C. 2011–2012, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Adjustment Assistance Act of 1974, 38 U.S.C. 2021– 2026; (5) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.; and (6) The Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b, and INS regulations at 8 CFR part 274a. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 128.8 48979 Complaints. Complaints alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act by a savings association shall be referred to the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC 20410 for processing under the Fair Housing Act, and to the appropriate Federal regulator for processing under applicable regulations. Complaints regarding discrimination in employment by a savings association should be referred to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, DC 20506 and a copy, for information only, sent to the appropriate Federal regulator. § 128.9 Guidelines relating to nondiscrimination in lending. (a) General. Fair housing and equal opportunity in home financing is a policy of the United States established by Federal statutes and Presidential orders and proclamations. In furtherance of the Federal civil rights laws and the economical home financing purposes of the statutes administered by the OCC, the OCC has adopted, in part 128 of this chapter, nondiscrimination regulations that, among other things, prohibit arbitrary refusals to consider loan applications on the basis of the age or location of a dwelling, and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having one or more children under the age of 18), marital status, age (provided the person has the capacity to contract), or national origin in fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedures, collection or enforcement procedures, or other terms or conditions of housing related loans. Such discrimination is also prohibited in the purchase of loans and securities. This section provides supplementary guidelines to aid savings associations in developing and implementing nondiscriminatory lending policies. Each savings association should reexamine its underwriting standards at least annually in order to ensure equal opportunity. (b) Loan underwriting standards. The basic purpose of the nondiscrimination regulations is to require that every applicant be given an equal opportunity to obtain a loan. Each loan applicant’s creditworthiness should be evaluated on an individual basis without reference to presumed characteristics of a group. The use of lending standards which have no economic basis and which are discriminatory in effect is a violation of law even in the absence of an actual intent to discriminate. However, a standard which has a discriminatory E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48980 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations effect is not necessarily improper if its use achieves a genuine business need which cannot be achieved by means which are not discriminatory in effect or less discriminatory in effect. (c) Discriminatory practices—(1) Discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the National Housing Act prohibit discrimination in lending on the basis of sex. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, in addition to this prohibition, forbids discrimination on the basis of marital status. Refusing to lend to, requiring higher standards of creditworthiness of, or imposing different requirements on, members of one sex or individuals of one marital status, is discrimination based on sex or marital status. Loan underwriting decisions must be based on an applicant’s credit history and present and reasonably foreseeable economic prospects, rather than on the basis of assumptions regarding comparative differences in creditworthiness between married and unmarried individuals, or between men and women. (2) Discrimination on the basis of language. Requiring fluency in the English language as a prerequisite for obtaining a loan may be a discriminatory practice based on national origin. (3) Income of husbands and wives. A practice of discounting all or part of either spouse’s income where spouses apply jointly is a violation of section 527 of the National Housing Act. As with other income, when spouses apply jointly for a loan, the determination as to whether a spouse’s income qualifies for credit purposes should depend upon a reasonable evaluation of his or her past, present, and reasonably foreseeable economic circumstances. Information relating to child-bearing intentions of a couple or an individual may not be requested. (4) Supplementary income. Lending standards which consider as effective only the non-overtime income of the primary wage-earner may result in discrimination because they do not take account of variations in employment patterns among individuals and families. The favored method of loan underwriting reasonably evaluates the credit worthiness of each applicant based on a realistic appraisal of his or her own past, present, and foreseeable economic circumstances. The determination as to whether primary income or additional income qualifies as effective for credit purposes should depend upon whether such income may reasonably be expected to continue through the early period of the mortgage risk. Automatically discounting other VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 income from bonuses, overtime, or parttime employment, will cause some applicants to be denied financing without a realistic analysis of their credit worthiness. Since statistics show that minority group members and lowand moderate-income families rely more often on such supplemental income, the practice may be racially discriminatory in effect, as well as artificially restrictive of opportunities for home financing. (5) Applicant’s prior history. Loan decisions should be based upon a realistic evaluation of all pertinent factors respecting an individual’s creditworthiness, without giving undue weight to any one factor. The savings association should, among other things, take into consideration that: (i) In some instances, past credit difficulties may have resulted from discriminatory practices; (ii) A policy favoring applicants who previously owned homes may perpetuate prior discrimination; (iii) A current, stable earnings record may be the most reliable indicator of credit-worthiness, and entitled to more weight than factors such as educational level attained; (iv) Job or residential changes may indicate upward mobility; and (v) Preferring applicants who have done business with the lender can perpetuate previous discriminatory policies. (6) Income level or racial composition of area. Refusing to lend or lending on less favorable terms in particular areas because of their racial composition is unlawful. Refusing to lend, or offering less favorable terms (such as interest rate, downpayment, or maturity) to applicants because of the income level in an area can discriminate against minority group persons. (7) Age and location factors. Sections 128.2, 128.11, and 128.3 of this chapter prohibit loan denials based upon the age or location of a dwelling. These restrictions are intended to prohibit use of unfounded or unsubstantiated assumptions regarding the effect upon loan risk of the age of a dwelling or the physical or economic characteristics of an area. Loan decisions should be based on the present market value of the property offered as security (including consideration of specific improvements to be made by the borrower) and the likelihood that the property will retain an adequate value over the term of the loan. Specific factors which may negatively affect its short-range future value (up to 3–5 years) should be clearly documented. Factors which in some cases may cause the market value of a property to decline are recent zoning changes or a significant number of PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 abandoned homes in the immediate vicinity of the property. However, not all zoning changes will cause a decline in property values, and proximity to abandoned buildings may not affect the market value of a property because of rehabilitation programs or affirmative lending programs, or because the cause of abandonment is unrelated to high risk. Proper underwriting considerations include the condition and utility of the improvements, and various physical factors such as street conditions, amenities such as parks and recreation areas, availability of public utilities and municipal services, and exposure to flooding and land faults. However, arbitrary decisions based on age or location are prohibited, since many older, soundly constructed homes provide housing opportunities which may be precluded by an arbitrary lending policy. (8) Fair Housing Act (title VIII, Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended). Savings associations must comply with all regulations promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement the Fair Housing Act, found at 24 CFR parts 100 through 125, except that they shall use the Equal Housing Lender logo and poster prescribed by OCC regulations at 12 CFR 128.4 and 128.5 rather than the Equal Housing Opportunity logo and poster required by 24 CFR part 110. (d) Marketing practices. Savings associations should review their advertising and marketing practices to ensure that their services are available without discrimination to the community they serve. Discrimination in lending is not limited to loan decisions and underwriting standards; a savings association does not meet its obligations to the community or implement its equal lending responsibility if its marketing practices and business relationships with developers and real estate brokers improperly restrict its clientele to segments of the community. A review of marketing practices could begin with an examination of an association’s loan portfolio and applications to ascertain whether, in view of the demographic characteristics and credit demands of the community in which the institution is located, it is adequately serving the community on a nondiscriminatory basis. The OCC will systematically review marketing practices where evidence of discrimination in lending is discovered. § 128.10 Supplementary guidelines. The policy statement found at 12 CFR 128.9 supplements this part and should be read together with this part. Refer E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations also to the HUD Fair Housing regulations at 24 CFR parts 100 through 125, Federal Reserve Regulation B at 12 CFR part 202, and Federal Reserve Regulation C at 12 CFR part 203. § 128.11 Nondiscriminatory appraisal and underwriting. (a) Appraisal. No savings association may use or rely upon an appraisal of a dwelling which the savings association knows, or reasonably should know, is discriminatory on the basis of the age or location of the dwelling, or is discriminatory per se or in effect under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 or the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. (b) Underwriting. Each savings association shall have clearly written, non-discriminatory loan underwriting standards, available to the public upon request, at each of its offices. Each association shall, at least annually, review its standards, and business practices implementing them, to ensure equal opportunity in lending. Note to § 128.11: See also, § 128.9(b), (c)(6), and (c)(7). PART 133—DISCLOSURE AND REPORTING OF CRA-RELATED AGREEMENTS Sec. 133.1 Purpose and scope of this part. 133.2 Definition of covered agreement. 133.3 CRA communications. 133.4 Fulfillment of the CRA. 133.5 Related agreements considered a single agreement. 133.6 Disclosure of covered agreements. 133.7 Annual reports. 133.8 Release of information under FOIA. 133.9 Compliance provisions. 133.10 [Reserved] 133.11 Other definitions and rules of construction used in this part. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1831y and 5412(b)(2)(B). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 133.1 Purpose and scope of this part. (a) General. This part implements section 711 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C. 1831y). That section requires any nongovernmental entity or person (NGEP), insured depository institution, or affiliate of an insured depository institution that enters into a covered agreement to— (1) Make the covered agreement available to the public and the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (2) File an annual report with the appropriate Federal banking agency concerning the covered agreement. (b) Scope of this part. The provisions of this part apply to— VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries; (2) [Reserved] (3) Affiliates of Federal savings associations; and (4) NGEPs that enter into covered agreements with any company listed in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section. (c) Relation to Community Reinvestment Act. This part does not affect in any way the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) (12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.), the OCC’s Community Reinvestment rule at 12 CFR part 195, or the OCC’s interpretations or administration of the CRA or Community Reinvestment rule. (d) Examples. (1) The examples in this part are not exclusive. Compliance with an example, to the extent applicable, constitutes compliance with this part. (2) Examples in a paragraph illustrate only the issue described in the paragraph and do not illustrate any other issues that may arise in this part. § 133.2 Definition of covered agreement. (a) General definition of covered agreement. A covered agreement is any contract, arrangement, or understanding that meets all of the following criteria— (1) The agreement is in writing. (2) The parties to the agreement include— (i) One or more insured depository institutions or affiliates of an insured depository institution; and (ii) One or more NGEPs. (3) The agreement provides for the insured depository institution or any affiliate to— (i) Provide to one or more individuals or entities (whether or not parties to the agreement) cash payments, grants, or other consideration (except loans) that have an aggregate value of more than $10,000 in any calendar year; or (ii) Make to one or more individuals or entities (whether or not parties to the agreement) loans that have an aggregate principal amount of more than $50,000 in any calendar year. (4) The agreement is made pursuant to, or in connection with, the fulfillment of the CRA, as defined in § 133.4 of this part. (5) The agreement is with a NGEP that has had a CRA communication as described in § 133.3 of this part prior to entering into the agreement. (b) Examples concerning written arrangements or understandings—(1) Example 1. A NGEP meets with an insured depository institution and states that the institution needs to make more community development investments in the NGEP’s community. The NGEP and insured depository institution do not PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48981 reach an agreement concerning the community development investments the institution should make in the community, and the parties do not reach any mutual arrangement or understanding. Two weeks later, the institution unilaterally issues a press release announcing that it has established a general goal of making $100 million of community development grants in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods served by the insured depository institution over the next 5 years. The NGEP is not identified in the press release. The press release is not a written arrangement or understanding. (2) Example 2. A NGEP meets with an insured depository institution and states that the institution needs to offer new loan programs in the NGEP’s community. The NGEP and the insured depository institution reach a mutual arrangement or understanding that the institution will provide additional loans in the NGEP’s community. The institution tells the NGEP that it will issue a press release announcing the program. Later, the insured depository institution issues a press release announcing the loan program. The press release incorporates the key terms of the understanding reached between the NGEP and the insured depository institution. The written press release reflects the mutual arrangement or understanding of the NGEP and the insured depository institution and is, therefore, a written arrangement or understanding. (3) Example 3. An NGEP sends a letter to an insured depository institution requesting that the institution provide a $15,000 grant to the NGEP. The insured depository institution responds in writing and agrees to provide the grant in connection with its annual grant program. The exchange of letters constitutes a written arrangement or understanding. (c) Loan agreements that are not covered agreements. A covered agreement does not include— (1) Any individual loan that is secured by real estate; or (2) Any specific contract or commitment for a loan or extension of credit to an individual, business, farm, or other entity, or group of such individuals or entities, if— (i) The funds are loaned at rates that are not substantially below market rates; and (ii) The loan application or other loan documentation does not indicate that the borrower intends or is authorized to use the borrowed funds to make a loan or extension of credit to one or more third parties. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48982 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (d) Examples concerning loan agreements—(1) Example 1. An insured depository institution provides an organization with a $1 million loan that is documented in writing and is secured by real estate owned or to-be-acquired by the organization. The agreement is an individual mortgage loan and is exempt from coverage under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, regardless of the interest rate on the loan or whether the organization intends or is authorized to re-loan the funds to a third party. (2) Example 2. An insured depository institution commits to provide a $500,000 line of credit to a small business that is documented by a written agreement. The loan is made at rates that are within the range of rates offered by the institution to similarly situated small businesses in the market and the loan documentation does not indicate that the small business intends or is authorized to re-lend the borrowed funds. The agreement is exempt from coverage under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (3) Example 3. An insured depository institution offers small business loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). A small business obtains a $75,000 loan, documented in writing, from the institution under the institution’s SBA loan program. The loan documentation does not indicate that the borrower intends or is authorized to re-lend the funds. Although the rate charged on the loan is well below that charged by the institution on commercial loans, the rate is within the range of rates that the institution would charge a similarly situated small business for a similar loan under the SBA loan program. Accordingly, the loan is not made at substantially below market rates and is exempt from coverage under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (4) Example 4. A bank holding company enters into a written agreement with a community development organization that provides that insured depository institutions owned by the bank holding company will make $250 million in small business loans in the community over the next 5 years. The written agreement is not a specific contract or commitment for a loan or an extension of credit and, thus, is not exempt from coverage under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each small business loan made by the insured depository institution pursuant to this general commitment would, however, be exempt from coverage if the loan is made at rates that are not substantially below market rates and the loan documentation does not indicate that VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 the borrower intended or was authorized to re-lend the funds. (e) Agreements that include exempt loan agreements. If an agreement includes a loan, extension of credit or loan commitment that, if documented separately, would be exempt under paragraph (c) of this section, the exempt loan, extension of credit or loan commitment may be excluded for purposes of determining whether the agreement is a covered agreement. (f) Determining annual value of agreements that lack schedule of disbursements. For purposes of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, a multiyear agreement that does not include a schedule for the disbursement of payments, grants, loans or other consideration by the insured depository institution or affiliate, is considered to have a value in the first year of the agreement equal to all payments, grants, loans and other consideration to be provided at any time under the agreement. § 133.3 CRA communications. (a) Definition of CRA communication. A CRA communication is any of the following— (1) Any written or oral comment or testimony provided to a Federal banking agency concerning the adequacy of the performance under the CRA of the insured depository institution, any affiliated insured depository institution, or any CRA affiliate. (2) Any written comment submitted to the insured depository institution that discusses the adequacy of the performance under the CRA of the institution and must be included in the institution’s CRA public file. (3) Any discussion or other contact with the insured depository institution or any affiliate about— (i) Providing (or refraining from providing) written or oral comments or testimony to any Federal banking agency concerning the adequacy of the performance under the CRA of the insured depository institution, any affiliated insured depository institution, or any CRA affiliate; (ii) Providing (or refraining from providing) written comments to the insured depository institution that concern the adequacy of the institution’s performance under the CRA and must be included in the institution’s CRA public file; or (iii) The adequacy of the performance under the CRA of the insured depository institution, any affiliated insured depository institution, or any CRA affiliate. (b) Discussions or contacts that are not CRA communications—(1) Timing PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 of contacts with a Federal banking agency. An oral or written communication with a Federal banking agency is not a CRA communication if it occurred more than 3 years before the parties entered into the agreement. (2) Timing of contacts with insured depository institutions and affiliates. A communication with an insured depository institution or affiliate is not a CRA communication if the communication occurred— (i) More than 3 years before the parties entered into the agreement, in the case of any written communication; (ii) More than 3 years before the parties entered into the agreement, in the case of any oral communication in which the NGEP discusses providing (or refraining from providing) comments or testimony to a Federal banking agency or written comments that must be included in the institution’s CRA public file in connection with a request to, or agreement by, the institution or affiliate to take (or refrain from taking) any action that is in fulfillment of the CRA; or (iii) More than 1 year before the parties entered into the agreement, in the case of any other oral communication not described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii). (3) Knowledge of communication by insured depository institution or affiliate. (i) A communication is only a CRA communication under paragraph (a) of this section if the insured depository institution or its affiliate has knowledge of the communication under paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or (b)(3)(iii) of this section. (ii) Communication with insured depository institution or affiliate. An insured depository institution or affiliate has knowledge of a communication by the NGEP to the institution or its affiliate under this paragraph only if one of the following representatives of the insured depository institution or any affiliate has knowledge of the communication— (A) An employee who approves, directs, authorizes, or negotiates the agreement with the NGEP; or (B) An employee designated with responsibility for compliance with the CRA or executive officer if the employee or executive officer knows that the institution or affiliate is negotiating, intends to negotiate, or has been informed by the NGEP that it expects to request that the institution or affiliate negotiate an agreement with the NGEP. (iii) Other communications. An insured depository institution or affiliate is deemed to have knowledge of— E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (A) Any testimony provided to a Federal banking agency at a public meeting or hearing; (B) Any comment submitted to a Federal banking agency that is conveyed in writing by the agency to the insured depository institution or affiliate; and (C) Any written comment submitted to the insured depository institution that must be and is included in the institution’s CRA public file. (4) Communication where NGEP has knowledge. A NGEP has a CRA communication with an insured depository institution or affiliate only if any of the following individuals has knowledge of the communication— (i) A director, employee, or member of the NGEP who approves, directs, authorizes, or negotiates the agreement with the insured depository institution or affiliate; (ii) A person who functions as an executive officer of the NGEP and who knows that the NGEP is negotiating or intends to negotiate an agreement with the insured depository institution or affiliate; or (iii) Where the NGEP is an individual, the NGEP. (c) Examples of CRA communications—(1) Examples of actions that are CRA communications. The following are examples of CRA communications. These examples are not exclusive and assume that the communication occurs within the relevant time period as described in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section and the appropriate representatives have knowledge of the communication as specified in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section. (i) Example 1. A NGEP files a written comment with a Federal banking agency that states than an insured depository institution successfully addresses the credit needs of its community. The written comment is in response to a general request from the agency for comments on an application of the insured depository institution to open a new branch and a copy of the comment is provided to the institution. (ii) Example 2. A NGEP meets with an executive officer of an insured depository institution and states that the institution must improve its CRA performance. (iii) Example 3. A NGEP meets with an executive officer of an insured depository institution and states that the institution needs to make more mortgage loans in low- and moderateincome neighborhoods in its community. (iv) Example 4. A bank holding company files an application with a Federal banking agency to acquire an VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 insured depository institution. Two weeks later, the NGEP meets with an executive officer of the bank holding company to discuss the adequacy of the performance under the CRA of the target insured depository institution. The insured depository institution was an affiliate of the bank holding company at the time the NGEP met with the target institution. (see § 133.11(a) of this part.) Accordingly, the NGEP had a CRA communication with an affiliate of the bank holding company. (2) Examples of actions that are not CRA communications. The following are examples of actions that are not by themselves CRA communications. These examples are not exclusive. (i) Example 1. A NGEP provides to a Federal banking agency comments or testimony concerning an insured depository institution or affiliate in response to a direct request by the agency for comments or testimony from that NGEP. Direct requests for comments or testimony do not include a general invitation by a Federal banking agency for comments or testimony from the public in connection with a CRA performance evaluation of, or application for a deposit facility (as defined in section 803 of the CRA (12 U.S.C. 2902(3)) by, an insured depository institution or an application by a company to acquire an insured depository institution. (ii) Example 2. A NGEP makes a statement concerning an insured depository institution or affiliate at a widely attended conference or seminar regarding a general topic. A public or private meeting, public hearing, or other meeting regarding one or more specific institutions, affiliates or transactions involving an application for a deposit facility is not considered a widely attended conference or seminar. (iii) Example 3. A NGEP, such as a civil rights group, community group providing housing and other services in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, veterans organization, community theater group, or youth organization, sends a fundraising letter to insured depository institutions and to other businesses in its community. The letter encourages all businesses in the community to meet their obligation to assist in making the local community a better place to live and work by supporting the fundraising efforts of the NGEP. (iv) Example 4. A NGEP discusses with an insured depository institution or affiliate whether particular loans, services, investments, community development activities, or other activities are generally eligible for consideration by a Federal banking PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48983 agency under the CRA. The NGEP and insured depository institution or affiliate do not discuss the adequacy of the CRA performance of the insured depository institution or affiliate. (v) Example 5. A NGEP engaged in the sale or purchase of loans in the secondary market sends a general offering circular to financial institutions offering to sell or purchase a portfolio of loans. An insured depository institution that receives the offering circular discusses with the NGEP the types of loans included in the loan pool, whether such loans are generally eligible for consideration under the CRA, and which loans are made to borrowers in the institution’s local community. The NGEP and insured depository institution do not discuss the adequacy of the institution’s CRA performance. (d) Multiparty covered agreements. (1) A NGEP that is a party to a covered agreement that involves multiple NGEPs is not required to comply with the requirements of this part if— (i) The NGEP has not had a CRA communication; and (ii) No representative of the NGEP identified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section has knowledge at the time of the agreement that another NGEP that is a party to the agreement has had a CRA communication. (2) An insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to a covered agreement that involves multiple insured depository institutions or affiliates is not required to comply with the requirements in §§ 133.6 and 133.7 if— (i) No NGEP that is a party to the agreement has had a CRA communication concerning the insured depository institution or any affiliate; and (ii) No representative of the insured depository institution or any affiliate identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section has knowledge at the time of the agreement that an NGEP that is a party to the agreement has had a CRA communication concerning any other insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to the agreement. § 133.4 Fulfillment of the CRA. (a) List of factors that are in fulfillment of the CRA. Fulfillment of the CRA, for purposes of this part, means the following list of factors— (1) Comments to a Federal banking agency or included in CRA public file. Providing or refraining from providing written or oral comments or testimony to any Federal banking agency concerning the performance under the CRA of an insured depository E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48984 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations institution or CRA affiliate that is a party to the agreement or an affiliate of a party to the agreement or written comments that are required to be included in the CRA public file of any such insured depository institution; or (2) Activities given favorable CRA consideration. Performing any of the following activities if the activity is of the type that is likely to receive favorable consideration by a Federal banking agency in evaluating the performance under the CRA of the insured depository institution that is a party to the agreement or an affiliate of a party to the agreement— (i) Home-purchase, homeimprovement, small business, small farm, community development, and consumer lending, as described in § 195.22 of this chapter, including loan purchases, loan commitments, and letters of credit; (ii) Making investments, deposits, or grants, or acquiring membership shares, that have as their primary purpose community development, as described in § 195.23 of this chapter; (iii) Delivering retail banking services, as described in § 195.24(d) of this chapter; (iv) Providing community development services, as described in § 195.24(e) of this chapter; (v) In the case of a wholesale or limited-purpose insured depository institution, community development lending, including originating and purchasing loans and making loan commitments and letters of credit, making qualified investments, or providing community development services, as described in § 195.25(c) of this chapter; (vi) In the case of a small insured depository institution, any lending or other activity described in § 195.26(a) of this chapter; or (vii) In the case of an insured depository institution that is evaluated on the basis of a strategic plan, any element of the strategic plan, as described in § 195.27(f) of this chapter. (b) Agreements relating to activities of CRA affiliates. An insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to a covered agreement that concerns any activity described in paragraph (a) of this section of a CRA affiliate must, prior to the time the agreement is entered into, notify each NGEP that is a party to the agreement that the agreement concerns a CRA affiliate. § 133.5 Related agreements considered a single agreement. The following rules must be applied in determining whether an agreement is VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 a covered agreement under § 133.2 of this part. (a) Agreements entered into by same parties. All written agreements to which an insured depository institution or an affiliate of the insured depository institution is a party shall be considered to be a single agreement if the agreements— (1) Are entered into with the same NGEP; (2) Were entered into within the same 12-month period; and (3) Are each in fulfillment of the CRA. (b) Substantively related contracts. All written contracts to which an insured depository institution or an affiliate of the insured depository institution is a party shall be considered to be a single agreement, without regard to whether the other parties to the contracts are the same or whether each such contract is in fulfillment of the CRA, if the contracts were negotiated in a coordinated fashion and a NGEP is a party to each contract. § 133.6 Disclosure of covered agreements. (a) Applicability date. This section applies only to covered agreements entered into after November 12, 1999. (b) Disclosure of covered agreements to the public—(1) Disclosure required. Each NGEP and each insured depository institution or affiliate that enters into a covered agreement must make a copy of the covered agreement available to any individual or entity upon request. (2) Nondisclosure of confidential and proprietary information permitted. In responding to a request for a covered agreement from any individual or entity under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a NGEP, insured depository institution, or affiliate may withhold from public disclosure confidential or proprietary information that the party believes the relevant supervisory agency could withhold from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552 et seq.) (FOIA). (3) Information that must be disclosed. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a party must disclose any of the following information that is contained in a covered agreement— (i) The names and addresses of the parties to the agreement; (ii) The amount of any payments, fees, loans, or other consideration to be made or provided by any party to the agreement; (iii) Any description of how the funds or other resources provided under the agreement are to be used; (iv) The term of the agreement (if the agreement establishes a term); and (v) Any other information that the relevant supervisory agency determines PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 is not properly exempt from public disclosure. (4) Request for review of withheld information. Any individual or entity may request that the relevant supervisory agency review whether any information in a covered agreement withheld by a party must be disclosed. Any requests for agency review of withheld information must be filed, and will be processed in accordance with, the relevant supervisory agency’s rules concerning the availability of information (see subpart B of part 4 of this chapter). (5) Duration of obligation. The obligation to disclose a covered agreement to the public terminates 12 months after the end of the term of the agreement. (6) Reasonable copy and mailing fees. Each NGEP and each insured depository institution or affiliate may charge an individual or entity that requests a copy of a covered agreement a reasonable fee not to exceed the cost of copying and mailing the agreement. (7) Use of CRA public file by insured depository institution or affiliate. An insured depository institution and any affiliate of an insured depository institution may fulfill its obligation under this paragraph (b) by placing a copy of the covered agreement in the insured depository institution’s CRA public file if the institution makes the agreement available in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 195.43 of this chapter. (c) Disclosure by NGEPs of covered agreements to the relevant supervisory agency. (1) Each NGEP that is a party to a covered agreement must provide the following within 30 days of receiving a request from the relevant supervisory agency— (i) A complete copy of the agreement; and (ii) In the event the NGEP proposes the withholding of any information contained in the agreement in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a public version of the agreement that excludes such information and an explanation justifying the exclusions. Any public version must include the information described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (2) The obligation to provide a covered agreement to the relevant supervisory agency terminates 12 months after the end of the term of the covered agreement. (d) Disclosure by insured depository institution or affiliate of covered agreements to the relevant supervisory agency—(1) In general. Within 60 days of the end of each calendar quarter, each E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations insured depository institution and affiliate must provide each relevant supervisory agency with— (i)(A) A complete copy of each covered agreement entered into by the insured depository institution or affiliate during the calendar quarter; and (B) In the event the institution or affiliate proposes the withholding of any information contained in the agreement in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a public version of the agreement that excludes such information (other than any information described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section) and an explanation justifying the exclusions; or (ii) A list of all covered agreements entered into by the insured depository institution or affiliate during the calendar quarter that contains— (A) The name and address of each insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to the agreement; (B) The name and address of each NGEP that is a party to the agreement; (C) The date the agreement was entered into; (D) The estimated total value of all payments, fees, loans and other consideration to be provided by the institution or any affiliate of the institution under the agreement; and (E) The date the agreement terminates. (2) Prompt filing of covered agreements contained in list required. (i) If an insured depository institution or affiliate files a list of the covered agreements entered into by the institution or affiliate pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, the institution or affiliate must provide any relevant supervisory agency a complete copy and public version of any covered agreement referenced in the list within 7 calendar days of receiving a request from the agency for a copy of the agreement. (ii) The obligation of an insured depository institution or affiliate to provide a covered agreement to the relevant supervisory agency under this paragraph (d)(2) terminates 36 months after the end of the term of the covered agreement. (3) Joint filings. In the event that 2 or more insured depository institutions or affiliates are parties to a covered agreement, the insured depository institution(s) and affiliate(s) may jointly file the documents required by this paragraph (d) of this section. Any joint filing must identify the insured depository institution(s) and affiliate(s) for whom the filings are being made. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 133.7 Annual reports. (a) Applicability date. This section applies only to covered agreements entered into on or after May 12, 2000. (b) Annual report required. Each NGEP and each insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to a covered agreement must file an annual report with each relevant supervisory agency concerning the disbursement, receipt, and uses of funds or other resources under the covered agreement. (c) Duration of reporting requirement—(1) NGEPs. A NGEP must file an annual report for a covered agreement for any fiscal year in which the NGEP receives or uses funds or other resources under the agreement. (2) Insured depository institutions and affiliates. An insured depository institution or affiliate must file an annual report for a covered agreement for any fiscal year in which the institution or affiliate— (i) Provides or receives any payments, fees, or loans under the covered agreement that must be reported under paragraphs (e)(1)(iii) and (e)(1)(iv) of this section; or (ii) Has data to report on loans, investments, and services provided by a party to the covered agreement under the covered agreement under paragraph (e)(1)(vi) of this section. (d) Annual reports filed by NGEP—(1) Contents of report. The annual report filed by a NGEP under this section must include the following— (i) The name and mailing address of the NGEP filing the report; (ii) Information sufficient to identify the covered agreement for which the annual report is being filed, such as by providing the names of the parties to the agreement and the date the agreement was entered into or by providing a copy of the agreement; (iii) The amount of funds or resources received under the covered agreement during the fiscal year; and (iv) A detailed, itemized list of how the funds or resources received by the NGEP under the covered agreement were used during the fiscal year, including the total amount used for— (A) Compensation of officers, directors, and employees; (B) Administrative expenses; (C) Travel expenses; (D) Entertainment expenses; (E) Payment of consulting and professional fees; and (F) Other expenses and uses (specify expense or use). (2) More detailed reporting of uses of funds or resources permitted—(i) In general. If a NGEP allocated and used funds received under a covered agreement for a specific purpose, the PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48985 NGEP may fulfill the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section with respect to such funds by providing— (A) A brief description of each specific purpose for which the funds or other resources were used; and (B) The amount of funds or resources used during the fiscal year for each specific purpose. (ii) Specific purpose defined. A NGEP allocates and uses funds for a specific purpose if the NGEP receives and uses the funds for a purpose that is more specific and limited than the categories listed in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section. (3) Use of other reports. The annual report filed by a NGEP may consist of or incorporate a report prepared for any other purpose, such as the Internal Revenue Service Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax on Form 990, or any other Internal Revenue Service form, state tax form, report to members or shareholders, audited or unaudited financial statements, audit report, or other report, so long as the annual report filed by the NGEP contains all of the information required by this paragraph (d). (4) Consolidated reports permitted. A NGEP that is a party to 2 or more covered agreements may file with each relevant supervisory agency a single consolidated annual report covering all the covered agreements. Any consolidated report must contain all the information required by this paragraph (d). The information reported under paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) and (d)(2) of this section may be reported on an aggregate basis for all covered agreements. (5) Examples of annual report requirements for NGEPs—(i) Example 1. A NGEP receives an unrestricted grant of $15,000 under a covered agreement, includes the funds in its general operating budget and uses the funds during its fiscal year. The NGEP’s annual report for the fiscal year must provide the name and mailing address of the NGEP, information sufficient to identify the covered agreement, and state that the NGEP received $15,000 during the fiscal year. The report must also indicate the total expenditures made by the NGEP during the fiscal year for compensation, administrative expenses, travel expenses, entertainment expenses, consulting and professional fees, and other expenses and uses. The NGEP’s annual report may provide this information by submitting an Internal Revenue Service Form 990 that includes the required information. If the Internal Revenue Service Form does not include information for all of the required categories listed in this part, the NGEP E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48986 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations must report the total expenditures in the remaining categories either by providing that information directly or by providing another form or report that includes the required information. (ii) Example 2. An organization receives $15,000 from an insured depository institution under a covered agreement and allocates and uses the $15,000 during the fiscal year to purchase computer equipment to support its functions. The organization’s annual report must include the name and address of the organization, information sufficient to identify the agreement, and a statement that the organization received $15,000 during the year. In addition, since the organization allocated and used the funds for a specific purpose that is more narrow and limited than the categories of expenses included in the detailed, itemized list of expenses, the organization would have the option of providing either the total amount it used during the year for each category of expenses included in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section, or a statement that it used the $15,000 to purchase computer equipment and a brief description of the equipment purchased. (iii) Example 3. A community group receives $50,000 from an insured depository institution under a covered agreement. During its fiscal year, the community group specifically allocates and uses $5,000 of the funds to pay for a particular business trip and uses the remaining $45,000 for general operating expenses. The group’s annual report for the fiscal year must include the name and address of the group, information sufficient to identify the agreement, and a statement that the group received $50,000. Because the group did not allocate and use all of the funds for a specific purpose, the group’s annual report must provide the total amount of funds it used during the year for each category of expenses included in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section. The group’s annual report also could state that it used $5,000 for a particular business trip and include a brief description of the trip. (iv) Example 4. A community development organization is a party to two separate covered agreements with two unaffiliated insured depository institutions. Under each agreement, the organization receives $15,000 during its fiscal year and uses the funds to support its activities during that year. If the organization elects to file a consolidated annual report, the consolidated report must identify the organization and the two covered agreements, state that the organization received $15,000 during the fiscal year under each agreement, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 and provide the total amount that the organization used during the year for each category of expenses included in paragraph (d)(1)(iv) of this section. (e) Annual report filed by insured depository institution or affiliate—(1) General. The annual report filed by an insured depository institution or affiliate must include the following— (i) The name and principal place of business of the insured depository institution or affiliate filing the report; (ii) Information sufficient to identify the covered agreement for which the annual report is being filed, such as by providing the names of the parties to the agreement and the date the agreement was entered into or by providing a copy of the agreement; (iii) The aggregate amount of payments, aggregate amount of fees, and aggregate amount of loans provided by the insured depository institution or affiliate under the covered agreement to any other party to the agreement during the fiscal year; (iv) The aggregate amount of payments, aggregate amount of fees, and aggregate amount of loans received by the insured depository institution or affiliate under the covered agreement from any other party to the agreement during the fiscal year; (v) A general description of the terms and conditions of any payments, fees, or loans reported under paragraphs (e)(1)(iii) and (e)(1)(iv) of this section, or, in the event such terms and conditions are set forth— (A) In the covered agreement, a statement identifying the covered agreement and the date the agreement (or a list identifying the agreement) was filed with the relevant supervisory agency; or (B) In a previous annual report filed by the insured depository institution or affiliate, a statement identifying the date the report was filed with the relevant supervisory agency; and (vi) The aggregate amount and number of loans, aggregate amount and number of investments, and aggregate amount of services provided under the covered agreement to any individual or entity not a party to the agreement— (A) By the insured depository institution or affiliate during its fiscal year; and (B) By any other party to the agreement, unless such information is not known to the insured depository institution or affiliate filing the report or such information is or will be contained in the annual report filed by another party under this section. (2) Consolidated reports permitted— (i) Party to multiple agreements. An insured depository institution or PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 affiliate that is a party to 2 or more covered agreements may file a single consolidated annual report with each relevant supervisory agency concerning all the covered agreements. (ii) Affiliated entities party to the same agreement. An insured depository institution and its affiliates that are parties to the same covered agreement may file a single consolidated annual report relating to the agreement with each relevant supervisory agency for the covered agreement. (iii) Content of report. Any consolidated annual report must contain all the information required by this paragraph (e). The amounts and data required to be reported under paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) and (e)(1)(vi) of this section may be reported on an aggregate basis for all covered agreements. (f) Time and place of filing—(1) General. Each party must file its annual report with each relevant supervisory agency for the covered agreement no later than six months following the end of the fiscal year covered by the report. (2) Alternative method of fulfilling annual reporting requirement for a NGEP. (i) A NGEP may fulfill the filing requirements of this section by providing the following materials to an insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to the agreement no later than six months following the end of the NGEP’s fiscal year— (A) A copy of the NGEP’s annual report required under paragraph (d) of this section for the fiscal year; and (B) Written instructions that the insured depository institution or affiliate promptly forward the annual report to the relevant supervisory agency or agencies on behalf of the NGEP. (ii) An insured depository institution or affiliate that receives an annual report from a NGEP pursuant to paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section must file the report with the relevant supervisory agency or agencies on behalf of the NGEP within 30 days. § 133.8 Release of information under FOIA. The OCC will make covered agreements and annual reports available to the public in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552 et seq.), subpart B of part 4 of this chapter. A party to a covered agreement may request confidential treatment of proprietary and confidential information in a covered agreement or an annual report under those procedures. § 133.9 Compliance provisions. (a) Willful failure to comply with disclosure and reporting obligations. (1) E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES If the OCC determines that a NGEP has willfully failed to comply in a material way with §§ 133.6 or 133.7 of this part, the OCC will notify the NGEP in writing of that determination and provide the NGEP a period of 90 days (or such longer period as the OCC finds to be reasonable under the circumstances) to comply. (2) If the NGEP does not comply within the time period established by the OCC, the agreement shall thereafter be unenforceable by that NGEP by operation of section 48 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831y). (3) The OCC may assist any insured depository institution or affiliate that is a party to a covered agreement that is unenforceable by a NGEP by operation of section 48 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831y) in identifying a successor to assume the NGEP’s responsibilities under the agreement. (b) Diversion of funds. If a court or other body of competent jurisdiction determines that funds or resources received under a covered agreement have been diverted contrary to the purposes of the covered agreement for an individual’s personal financial gain, the OCC may take either or both of the following actions— (1) Order the individual to disgorge the diverted funds or resources received under the agreement; (2) Prohibit the individual from being a party to any covered agreement for a period not to exceed 10 years. (c) Notice and opportunity to respond. Before making a determination under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or taking any action under paragraph (b) of this section, the OCC will provide written notice and an opportunity to present information to the OCC concerning any relevant facts or circumstances relating to the matter. (d) Inadvertent or de minimis errors. Inadvertent or de minimis errors in annual reports or other documents filed with the OCC under §§ 133.6 or 133.7 of this part will not subject the reporting party to any penalty. (e) Enforcement of provisions in covered agreements. No provision of this part shall be construed as authorizing the OCC to enforce the provisions of any covered agreement. § 133.10 [Reserved] § 133.11 Other definitions and rules of construction used in this part. (a) Affiliate. Affiliate means— (1) Any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another company; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (2) For the purpose of determining whether an agreement is a covered agreement under § 133.2, an affiliate includes any company that would be under common control or merged with another company on consummation of any transaction pending before a Federal banking agency at the time— (i) The parties enter into the agreement; and (ii) The NGEP that is a party to the agreement makes a CRA communication, as described in § 133.3 of this part. (b) Control. Control is defined in section 2(a) of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1841(a)). (c) CRA affiliate. A CRA affiliate of an insured depository institution is any company that is an affiliate of an insured depository institution to the extent, and only to the extent, that the activities of the affiliate were considered by the appropriate Federal banking agency when evaluating the CRA performance of the institution at its most recent CRA examination prior to the agreement. An insured depository institution or affiliate also may designate any company as a CRA affiliate at any time prior to the time a covered agreement is entered into by informing the NGEP that is a party to the agreement of such designation. (d) CRA public file. CRA public file means the public file maintained by an insured depository institution and described in § 195.43 of this chapter. (e) Executive officer. The term executive officer has the same meaning as in § 215.2(e)(1) of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O (12 CFR 215.2(e)(1)). In applying this definition under this part, the term savings association shall be used in place of the term bank. (f) Federal banking agency; appropriate Federal banking agency. The terms Federal banking agency and appropriate Federal banking agency have the same meanings as in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813). (g) Fiscal year. (1) The fiscal year for a NGEP that does not have a fiscal year shall be the calendar year. (2) Any NGEP, insured depository institution, or affiliate that has a fiscal year may elect to have the calendar year be its fiscal year for purposes of this part. (h) Insured depository institution. Insured depository institution has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813). (i) Nongovernmental entity or person or NGEP—(1) General. A nongovernmental entity or person or PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48987 NGEP is any partnership, association, trust, joint venture, joint stock company, corporation, limited liability corporation, company, firm, society, other organization, or individual. (2) Exclusions. A nongovernmental entity or person does not include— (i) The United States government, a state government, a unit of local government (including a county, city, town, township, parish, village, or other general-purpose subdivision of a state) or an Indian tribe or tribal organization established under Federal, state or Indian tribal law (including the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands), or a department, agency, or instrumentality of any such entity; (ii) A Federally-chartered public corporation that receives Federal funds appropriated specifically for that corporation; (iii) An insured depository institution or affiliate of an insured depository institution; or (iv) An officer, director, employee, or representative (acting in his or her capacity as an officer, director, employee, or representative) of an entity listed in paragraphs (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), or (i)(2)(iii) of this section. (j) Party. The term party with respect to a covered agreement means each NGEP and each insured depository institution or affiliate that entered into the agreement. (k) Relevant supervisory agency. The relevant supervisory agency for a covered agreement means the appropriate Federal banking agency for— (1) Each insured depository institution (or subsidiary thereof) that is a party to the covered agreement; (2) Each insured depository institution (or subsidiary thereof) or CRA affiliate that makes payments or loans or provides services that are subject to the covered agreement; and (3) Any company (other than an insured depository institution or subsidiary thereof) that is a party to the covered agreement. (l) Term of agreement. An agreement that does not have a fixed termination date is considered to terminate on the last date on which any party to the agreement makes any payment or provides any loan or other resources under the agreement, unless the relevant supervisory agency for the agreement otherwise notifies each party in writing. PART 136—CONSUMER PROTECTION IN SALES OF INSURANCE Sec. 136.10 136.20 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM Purpose and scope. Definitions. 09AUR2 48988 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 136.30 Prohibited practices. 136.40 What you must disclose. 136.50 Where insurance activities may take place. 136.60 Qualification and licensing requirements for insurance sales personnel. Appendix A to Part 136—Consumer Grievance Process Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1831x, and 5412(b)(2)(B). § 136.10 Purpose and scope. (a) General rule. This part establishes consumer protections in connection with retail sales practices, solicitations, advertising, or offers of any insurance product or annuity to a consumer by: (1) Any Federal savings association; or (2) Any other person that is engaged in such activities at an office of a Federal savings association or on behalf of a Federal savings association. (b) Application to operating subsidiaries. For purposes of § 159.3(h) of this chapter, an operating subsidiary is subject to this part only to the extent that it sells, solicits, advertises, or offers insurance products or annuities at an office of a Federal savings association or on behalf of a Federal savings association. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 136.20 Definitions. As used in this part: Affiliate means a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another company. Company means any corporation, partnership, business trust, association or similar organization, or any other trust (unless by its terms the trust must terminate within twenty-five years or not later than twenty-one years and ten months after the death of individuals living on the effective date of the trust). It does not include any corporation the majority of the shares of which are owned by the United States or by any state, or a qualified family partnership, as defined in section 2(o)(10) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1841(o)(10)). Consumer means an individual who purchases, applies to purchase, or is solicited to purchase from a covered person insurance products or annuities primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. Control of a company has the same meaning as in section 3(w)(5) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(w)(5)). Domestic violence means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts by a current or former family member, household member, intimate partner, or caretaker: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) Attempting to cause or causing or threatening another person physical harm, severe emotional distress, psychological trauma, rape, or sexual assault; (2) Engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances that place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or physical harm; (3) Subjecting another person to false imprisonment; or (4) Attempting to cause or causing damage to property so as to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person. Electronic media includes any means for transmitting messages electronically between a covered person and a consumer in a format that allows visual text to be displayed on equipment, for example, a personal computer monitor. Office means the premises of a Federal savings association where retail deposits are accepted from the public. Subsidiary has the same meaning as in section 3(w)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(w)(4)). You means: (1) A Federal savings association, as defined in § 141.11 of this chapter; or (2) Any other person only when the person sells, solicits, advertises, or offers an insurance product or annuity to a consumer at an office of a Federal savings association, or on behalf of a Federal savings association. For purposes of this definition, activities on behalf of a Federal savings association include activities where a person, whether at an office of the savings association or at another location, sells, solicits, advertises, or offers an insurance product or annuity and at least one of the following applies: (i) The person represents to a consumer that the sale, solicitation, advertisement, or offer of any insurance product or annuity is by or on behalf of the savings association; (ii) The savings association refers a consumer to a seller of insurance products and annuities and the savings association has a contractual arrangement to receive commissions or fees derived from a sale of an insurance product or annuity resulting from that referral; or (iii) Documents evidencing the sale, solicitation, advertising, or offer of an insurance product or annuity identify or refer to the savings association. § 136.30 Prohibited practices. (a) Anticoercion and antitying rules. You may not engage in any practice that would lead a consumer to believe that PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 an extension of credit, in violation of section 5(q) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464(q)), is conditional upon either: (1) The purchase of an insurance product or annuity from a Federal savings association or any of its affiliates; or (2) An agreement by the consumer not to obtain, or a prohibition on the consumer from obtaining, an insurance product or annuity from an unaffiliated entity. (b) Prohibition on misrepresentations generally. You may not engage in any practice or use any advertisement at any office of, or on behalf of, a Federal savings association or a subsidiary of a Federal savings association that could mislead any person or otherwise cause a reasonable person to reach an erroneous belief with respect to: (1) The fact that an insurance product or annuity you or any subsidiary of a Federal savings association sell or offer for sale is not backed by the Federal government or a Federal savings association, or the fact that the insurance product or annuity is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (2) In the case of an insurance product or annuity that involves investment risk, the fact that there is an investment risk, including the potential that principal may be lost and that the product may decline in value; or (3) In the case of a Federal savings association or subsidiary of a Federal savings association at which insurance products or annuities are sold or offered for sale, the fact that: (i) The approval of an extension of credit to a consumer by the savings association or subsidiary may not be conditioned on the purchase of an insurance product or annuity by the consumer from the savings association or a subsidiary of a savings association; and (ii) The consumer is free to purchase the insurance product or annuity from another source. (c) Prohibition on domestic violence discrimination. You may not sell or offer for sale, as principal, agent, or broker, any life or health insurance product if the status of the applicant or insured as a victim of domestic violence or as a provider of services to victims of domestic violence is considered as a criterion in any decision with regard to insurance underwriting, pricing, renewal, or scope of coverage of such product, or with regard to the payment of insurance claims on such product, except as required or expressly permitted under state law. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 136.40 What you must disclose. (a) Insurance disclosures. In connection with the initial purchase of an insurance product or annuity by a consumer from you, you must disclose to the consumer, except to the extent the disclosure would not be accurate, that: (1) The insurance product or annuity is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, a Federal savings association or an affiliate of a Federal savings association; (2) The insurance product or annuity is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other agency of the United States, a Federal savings association, or (if applicable) an affiliate of a Federal savings association; and (3) In the case of an insurance product or annuity that involves an investment risk, there is investment risk associated with the product, including the possible loss of value. (b) Credit disclosures. In the case of an application for credit in connection with which an insurance product or annuity is solicited, offered, or sold, you must disclose that a Federal savings association may not condition an extension of credit on either: (1) The consumer’s purchase of an insurance product or annuity from the savings association or any of its affiliates; or (2) The consumer’s agreement not to obtain, or a prohibition on the consumer from obtaining, an insurance product or annuity from an unaffiliated entity. (c) Timing and method of disclosures—(1) In general. The disclosures required by paragraph (a) of this section must be provided orally and in writing before the completion of the initial sale of an insurance product or annuity to a consumer. The disclosure required by paragraph (b) of this section must be made orally and in writing at the time the consumer applies for an extension of credit in connection with which an insurance product or annuity is solicited, offered, or sold. (2) Exception for transactions by mail. If you conduct an insurance product or annuity sale by mail, you are not required to make the oral disclosures required by paragraph (a) of this section. If you take an application for credit by mail, you are not required to make the oral disclosure required by paragraph (b) of this section. (3) Exception for transactions by telephone. If a sale of an insurance product or annuity is conducted by telephone, you may provide the written disclosures required by paragraph (a) of this section by mail within 3 business days beginning on the first business day after the sale, solicitation, or offer, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 excluding Sundays and the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a). If you take an application for credit by telephone, you may provide the written disclosure required by paragraph (b) of this section by mail, provided you mail it to the consumer within three days beginning the first business day after the application is taken, excluding Sundays and the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a). (4) Electronic form of disclosures. (i) Subject to the requirements of section 101(c) of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. 7001(c)), you may provide the written disclosures required by paragraph (a) and (b) of this section through electronic media instead of on paper, if the consumer affirmatively consents to receiving the disclosures electronically and if the disclosures are provided in a format that the consumer may retain or obtain later, for example, by printing or storing electronically (such as by downloading). (ii) You are not required to provide orally any disclosures required by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section that you provide by electronic media. (5) Disclosures must be readily understandable. The disclosures provided shall be conspicuous, simple, direct, readily understandable, and designed to call attention to the nature and significance of the information provided. For instance, you may use the following disclosures in visual media, such as television broadcasting, ATM screens, billboards, signs, posters and written advertisements and promotional materials, as appropriate and consistent with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC-INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATION • MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE (6) Disclosures must be meaningful. (i) You must provide the disclosures required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section in a meaningful form. Examples of the types of methods that could call attention to the nature and significance of the information provided include: (A) A plain-language heading to call attention to the disclosures; (B) A typeface and type size that are easy to read; (C) Wide margins and ample line spacing; (D) Boldface or italics for key words; and (E) Distinctive type size, style, and graphic devices, such as shading or PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48989 sidebars, when the disclosures are combined with other information. (ii) You have not provided the disclosures in a meaningful form if you merely state to the consumer that the required disclosures are available in printed material, but do not provide the printed material when required and do not orally disclose the information to the consumer when required. (iii) With respect to those disclosures made through electronic media for which paper or oral disclosures are not required, the disclosures are not meaningfully provided if the consumer may bypass the visual text of the disclosures before purchasing an insurance product or annuity. (7) Consumer acknowledgment. You must obtain from the consumer, at the time a consumer receives the disclosures required under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, or at the time of the initial purchase by the consumer of an insurance product or annuity, a written acknowledgment by the consumer that the consumer received the disclosures. You may permit a consumer to acknowledge receipt of the disclosures electronically or in paper form. If the disclosures required under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section are provided in connection with a transaction that is conducted by telephone, you must: (i) Obtain an oral acknowledgment of receipt of the disclosures and maintain sufficient documentation to show that the acknowledgment was given; and (ii) Make reasonable efforts to obtain a written acknowledgment from the consumer. (d) Advertisements and other promotional material for insurance products or annuities. The disclosures described in paragraph (a) of this section are required in advertisements and promotional material for insurance products or annuities unless the advertisements and promotional material are of a general nature describing or listing the services or products offered by a Federal savings association. § 136.50 Where insurance activities may take place. (a) General rule. A Federal savings association must, to the extent practicable: (1) Keep the area where the savings association conducts transactions involving insurance products or annuities physically segregated from areas where retail deposits are routinely accepted from the general public; (2) Identify the areas where insurance product or annuity sales activities occur; and E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48990 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (3) Clearly delineate and distinguish those areas from the areas where the savings association’s retail deposittaking activities occur. (b) Referrals. Any person who accepts deposits from the public in an area where such transactions are routinely conducted in a Federal savings association may refer a consumer who seeks to purchase an insurance product or annuity to a qualified person who sells that product only if the person making the referral receives no more than a one-time, nominal fee of a fixed dollar amount for each referral that does not depend on whether the referral results in a transaction. § 136.60 Qualification and licensing requirements for insurance sales personnel. A Federal savings association may not permit any person to sell or offer for sale any insurance product or annuity in any part of the savings association’s office or on its behalf, unless the person is at all times appropriately qualified and licensed under applicable state insurance licensing standards with regard to the specific products being sold or recommended. Appendix A to Part 136—Consumer Grievance Process Any consumer who believes that any Federal savings association or any other person selling, soliciting, advertising, or offering insurance products or annuities to the consumer at an office of the savings association or on behalf of the savings association has violated the requirements of this part should contact the Customer Assistance Group, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, (800) 613–6743, 1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3710, Houston, Texas 77010–3031. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES PART 141—DEFINITIONS FOR REGULATIONS AFFECTING FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Sec. 141.1 When do the definitions in this part apply? 141.2 Act. 141.5 Commercial paper. 141.7 Corporate debt security. 141.8 Debit card. 141.10 Dwelling unit. 141.11 Federal savings association. 141.14 Home. 141.15 Improved nonresidential real estate. 141.16 Improved residential real estate. 141.18 Interim Federal savings association. 141.19 Interim state savings association. 141.20 Loans. 141.21 Nonresidential real estate. 141.22 [Reserved] 141.23 Residential real estate. 141.25 Single-family dwelling. 141.26 Surplus. 141.27 Unimproved real estate. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 141.28 Withdrawal value of a savings account. § 141.15 estate. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). The term improved nonresidential real estate means nonresidential real estate: (a) Containing a permanent structure(s) constituting at least 25 percent of its value; or (b) Containing improvements which make it usable by a business or industrial enterprise; or (c) Used, or to be used within a reasonable time, for commercial farming, excluding hobby and vacation property. § 141.1 apply? When do the definitions in this part The definitions in this part and in 12 CFR part 161 apply throughout parts 100 through 199 of this chapter, unless another definition is specifically provided. § 141.2 Act. The term Act means the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended. § 141.5 Commercial paper. The term commercial paper means any note, draft, or bill of exchange which arises out of a current transaction or the proceeds of which have been or are to be used for current transactions, and which has a maturity at the time of issuance of not exceeding nine months, exclusive of days of grace, or any renewal thereof the maturity of which is likewise limited. § 141.7 Corporate debt security. The term corporate debt security means a marketable obligation, evidencing the indebtedness of any corporation in the form of a bond, note and/or debenture which is commonly regarded as a debt security and is not predominantly speculative in nature. A security is marketable if it may be sold with reasonable promptness at a price which corresponds reasonably to its fair value. § 141.8 Dwelling unit. The term dwelling unit means the unified combination of rooms designed for residential use by one family, other than a single-family dwelling. § 141.11 Federal savings association. The term Federal savings association means a Federal savings association or Federal savings bank chartered under section 5 of the Act. § 141.14 The term home means real estate comprising a single-family dwelling(s) or a dwelling unit(s) for four or fewer families in the aggregate. PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4701 § 141.18 Interim Federal savings association. The term interim Federal savings association means a Federal savings association chartered by the OCC or the OTS under section 5 of the Act to facilitate the acquisition of 100 percent of the voting shares of an existing Federal stock savings association or other insured stock savings association by a newly formed company or an existing savings and loan holding company or to facilitate any other transaction the OCC may approve. Sfmt 4700 Interim state savings association. The term interim state savings association means a savings association, other than a Federal savings association, the accounts of which are insured by the FDIC to facilitate the acquisition of 100 percent of the voting shares of an existing Federal stock savings association or other insured stock savings association by a newly formed company or an existing savings and loan holding company or to facilitate any other transaction the OCC may approve. § 141.20 Loans. The term loans means obligations and extensions or advances of credit; and any reference to a loan or investment includes an interest in such a loan or investment. § 141.21 Home. Improved residential real estate. The term improved residential real estate means residential real estate containing offsite or other improvements sufficient to make the property ready for primarily residential construction, and real estate in the process of being improved by a building or buildings to be constructed or in the process of construction for primarily residential use. § 141.19 Debit card. The term debit card means a card that enables an accountholder to obtain access to a savings account for the purpose of making withdrawals or of transferring funds to a third party by non-transferable order or authorization. § 141.10 § 141.16 Improved nonresidential real Nonresidential real estate. The terms nonresidential real estate or nonresidential real property mean real estate that is not residential real estate, as that term is defined in § 141.23 of this part. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 141.22 [Reserved] § 141.23 Residential real estate. The terms residential real estate or residential real property mean: (a) Homes (including a dwelling unit in a multi-family residential property such as a condominium or a cooperative); (b) Combinations of homes and business property (i.e., a home used in part for business); (c) Other real estate used for primarily residential purposes other than a home (but which may include homes); (d) Combinations of such real estate and business property involving only minor business use (i.e., where no more than 20 percent of the total appraised value of the real estate is attributable to the business use); (e) Farm residences and combinations of farm residences and commercial farm real estate; (f) Property to be improved by the construction of such structures; or (g) Leasehold interests in the above real estate. § 141.25 Single-family dwelling. The term single-family dwelling means a structure designed for residential use by one family, or a unit so designed, whose owner owns, directly or through a non-profit cooperative housing organization, an undivided interest in the underling real estate, including property owned in common with others which contributes to the use and enjoyment of the structure or unit. § 141.26 Surplus. The term surplus means undistributed earnings held as unallocated reserves for general corporate use. § 141.27 Unimproved real estate. The term unimproved real estate means real estate that will be improved, as defined in § 141.15 or § 141.16 of this part. 143.3 ‘‘De novo’’ applications for a Federal savings association charter. 143.4 Issuance of charter. 143.5 Completion of organization. 143.6 Limitations on transaction of business. 143.7 Federal savings association created in connection with an association in default or in danger of default. Conversion 143.8 Conversion of depository institutions to Federal mutual charter. 143.9 Application for conversion to Federal mutual charter. 143.10 Organization after conversion. 143.11 Organization plan for governance during first years after issuance of Federal mutual savings bank charter. 143.12 Grandfathered authority. 143.14 Continuity of existence. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 2901 et seq., 5412(b)(2)(B). § 143.1 Corporate title. (a) General. A Federal savings association shall not adopt a title that misrepresents the nature of the institution or the services it offers. (b) Title change. Prior to changing its corporate title, an association must file with the appropriate OCC licensing office a written notice indicating the intended change. The OCC shall provide to the association a timely written acknowledgment stating when the notice was received. If, within 30 days of receipt of notice, the OCC does not notify the association of its objection on the grounds set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the association may change its title by amending its charter in accordance with § 144.2(b) or § 152.4 of this chapter and the amendment provisions of its charter, except that an association chartered as a Federal Savings and Loan Association may change its title to indicate that it is a Federal Savings Bank, and an association chartered as a Federal Savings Bank may change its title to indicate that it is a Federal Savings and Loan Association. Organization The term withdrawal value of a savings account means the amount invested in a savings account plus earnings credited thereto, less lawful deductions therefrom. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 141.28 Withdrawal value of a savings account. § 143.2 Application for permission to organize. PART 143—FEDERAL MUTUAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS— INCORPORATION, ORGANIZATION, AND CONVERSION Sec. 143.1 Corporate title. Organization 143.2 Application for permission to organize. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (a) General. Recommendations by employees of the OCC regarding applications for permission to organize a Federal savings association are privileged, confidential, and subject to part 4, subpart C of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] (c) [Reserved] (d) Public notice and inspection. (1) The applicant must publish a public notice of the application to organize in accordance with the procedures specified in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48991 (2) Promptly after publication, the applicant(s) shall transmit copies of each notice and publisher’s affidavit of publication in the same manner as the original filing. (3) The OCC shall give notice of the application to the state official who supervises savings associations in the state in which the new association is to be located. (4) Any person may inspect the application and all related communications at the address specified in 12 CFR 4.14(c) during regular business hours, unless such information is exempt from public disclosure. (e) Submission of comments. Commenters may submit comments on the application in accordance with the procedures specified in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. (f) Meetings. The OCC may arrange a meeting in accordance with the procedures in subpart D of part 116 of this chapter. (g) Approval. (1) Factors that will be considered are: (i) Whether the applicants are persons of good character and responsibility; (ii) Whether a necessity exists for such association in the community to be served; (iii) Whether there is a reasonable probability of the association’s usefulness and success; (iv) Whether the association can be established without undue injury to properly conducted existing local thrift and home financing institutions; (v) Whether the association will perform a role of providing credit for housing consistent with safe and sound operation of a Federal savings association; and (vi) Whether the factors set forth in § 143.3 are met, in the case of an application that would result in the formation of a de novo association, as defined in § 143.3(a). (2) Approvals of applications will be conditioned on the following: (i) Receipt by the OCC of written confirmation from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that the accounts of the Federal savings association will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) A minimum amount of capital to be paid into the association’s accounts prior to commencing business; (iii) The submission of a statement that— (A) The applicants have complied in all respects with the Act and these rules and regulations regarding organization of a Federal savings association; (B) The applicants have incurred no expense in forming the association E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48992 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations which is chargeable to it, and no such expense will be incurred; (C) No funds have been collected on account of the association before the OCC’s approval; (D) An organization committee has been created (naming the committee and its officers); (E) The committee will organize the association and serve as temporary officers of the association until officers are elected by the association’s board of directors under § 143.5 of this part; and (F) No funds will be accepted for deposit by the association until organization has been completed; and (iv) The satisfaction of any other requirement the OCC may impose. (h) Alternative procedures for interim Federal savings associations. (1) Applications for permission to organize an interim Federal savings association are not subject to paragraphs (d), (e), (f) or (g)(2) of this section. (2) Approval of an application for permission to organize an interim Federal savings association shall be conditioned on approval by the OCC of an application to merge the interim Federal savings association and an existing insured stock association or on approval by the OCC of such other transaction which the interim was chartered to facilitate. In evaluating the application, the OCC will consider the purpose for which the association will be organized, the form of any proposed transactions involving the organizing association, the effect of the transactions on existing associations involved in the transactions, and the factors specified in § 143.2(g)(1) to the extent relevant. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 143.3 ‘‘De novo’’ applications for a Federal savings association charter. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘de novo association’’ means any Federal savings association chartered by the OTS prior to July 21, 2011 or by the OCC, the business of which has not been conducted previously under any charter or conducted in the previous three years in substantially the same form as is proposed by the de novo association. A ‘‘de novo applicant’’ means any person or persons who apply to establish a de novo association. (b) Minimum initial capitalization. (1) A de novo association must have at least two million dollars in initial capital stock (stock institutions) or initial pledged savings or cash (mutual institutions), except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The minimum initial capitalization is the amount of proceeds net of all incurred and anticipated securities issuance expenses, organization expenses, pre- VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 opening expenses, or any expenses paid (or funds advanced) by organizers that are to be reimbursed from the proceeds of a securities offering. In securities offerings for a de novo association, all securities of a particular class in the initial offering shall be sold at the same price. (2) On a case by case basis, the OCC may, for good cause, approve a de novo association that has less than two million dollars in initial capital or may require a de novo association to have more than two million dollars in initial capital. (c) Business and investment plans of de novo associations. (1) To assist the OCC in making the determinations required under section 5(e) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, a de novo applicant shall submit a business plan describing, for the first three years of operation of the de novo association, the major areas of operation, including: (i) Lending, leasing and investment activity, including plans for meeting Qualified Thrift Lender requirements; (ii) Deposit, savings and borrowing activity; (iii) Interest-rate risk management; (iv) Internal controls and procedures; (v) Plans for meeting the credit needs of the proposed de novo association’s community (including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods); (vi) Projected statements of condition; (vii) Projected statements of operations; and (viii) Any other information requested by the OCC. (2) The business plan shall: (i) Provide for the continuation or succession of competent management subject to the approval of the OCC; (ii) Provide that any material change in, or deviation from, the business plan must receive the prior approval of the OCC; (iii) Demonstrate the de novo association’s ability to maintain required minimum regulatory capital under 12 CFR parts 165 and 167 for the duration of the plan. (d) Composition of the board of directors. (1) A majority of a de novo association’s board of directors must be representative of the state in which the savings association is located. The OCC generally will consider a director to be representative of the state if the director resides, works or maintains a place of business in the state in which the savings association is located. If the association is located in a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) or Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) that incorporates portions of more than one state, a director will PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 be considered representative of the association’s state if he or she resides, works or maintains a place of business in the MSA, PMSA or CMSA in which the association is located. (2) The de novo association’s board of directors must be diversified and composed of individuals with varied business and professional experience. In addition, except in the case of a de novo association that is wholly-owned by a holding company, no more than onethird of a board of directors may be in closely related businesses. The background of each director must reflect a history of responsibility and personal integrity, and must show a level of competence and experience sufficient to demonstrate that such individual has the ability to direct the policies of the association in a safe and sound manner. Where a de novo association is owned by a holding company that does not have substantial independent economic substance, the board of directors of the holding company must satisfy the foregoing standards. (e) Management Officials. Proposed stockholders of ten percent or more of the stock of a de novo association will be considered management officials of the association for the purpose of the OCC’s evaluation of the character and qualifications of the management of the association. In connection with the OCC’s consideration of an application for permission to organize and subsequent to issuance of a Federal savings association charter to the association by the OCC, any individual or group of individuals acting in concert under 12 CFR part 174, who owns or proposes to acquire, directly or indirectly, ten percent or more of the stock of an association subject to this section, shall submit a Biographical and Financial Report, on forms prescribed by the OCC, to the appropriate OCC licensing office. (f) Supervisory transactions. This section does not apply to any application for a Federal savings association charter submitted in connection with a transfer or an acquisition of the business or accounts of a savings association if the OCC determines that such transfer or acquisition is instituted for supervisory purposes, or in connection with applications for Federal charters for interim de novo associations chartered for the purpose of facilitating mergers, holding company reorganizations, or similar transactions. § 143.4 Issuance of charter. Approval by the OCC of the organization of a Federal savings association or the conversion of an E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations insured association to Federal savings association form shall constitute issuance of a charter and shall be final, provided that the association complies with the procedures set out at § 144.2(a) of this chapter. The charter shall conform with the requirements of § 144.1 of this chapter, the permissible provisions of § 144.2, or other provisions specifically approved by the OCC. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 143.5 Completion of organization. (a)(1) Temporary officers. When the OCC approves an application for permission to organize a Federal savings association, the applicants shall constitute the organization committee and elect a chairperson, vicechairperson, and a secretary, who shall act as the temporary officers of the association until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The temporary officers may effect compliance with any conditions prescribed by the OCC. (2) Organization meeting. Promptly upon receipt of a charter, the temporary officers shall call a meeting of the association’s capital subscribers; notice of such meeting shall be mailed to each subscriber at least 5 days before the meeting day. Subscribers who have subscribed for a majority of the association’s capital, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. At such meeting, directors of the association shall be elected according to the association’s charter and bylaws, and any other action permitted by such charter and bylaws may be taken; any such action shall be considered an acceptance by the association of such charter and of such bylaws, which shall be in the form provided in parts 144 and 152 of this chapter. (b) First meeting of directors. Upon election, the association’s board of directors shall hold a meeting to elect officers of the association as provided by its charter and bylaws and to take any other action necessary to permit operation of the association in accordance with law, the association’s charter and bylaws, and these rules and regulations. When such officers have been bonded under § 163.190 of this chapter, they shall immediately collect the sums due on subscriptions to the association’s capital. (c) Membership in Federal Home Loan Bank and insurance of accounts. When a Federal savings association’s charter is issued it must promptly qualify as a member of a Federal Home Loan Bank and meet all requirements necessary to obtain insurance of its accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (d) Failure to complete. Organization of a Federal savings association is completed when the organization meeting and the first meeting of its directors have been held, permanent officers have been bonded, the association holds the cash required to be paid on subscriptions to its capital, if required, Federal Home Loan Bank membership has been obtained and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance of accounts has been confirmed and any conditions imposed by the OTS prior to July 21, 2011 or by the OCC in connection with approval of the application have been met. If organization is not so completed within six months after issuance of a charter, or within such additional period granted for good cause, and in the case of an interim Federal savings association, if a merger, or other transaction facilitated by the existence of an interim association, has not been approved, the charter shall become void and all cash collected on subscriptions shall thereupon be returned. § 143.6 Limitations on transaction of business. No person may organize a Federal savings association, collect money from others for such purpose, or represent himself or herself as authorized to do so, and no Federal savings association shall transact any business prior to completion of its organization, except as provided in this part. § 143.7 Federal savings association created in connection with an association in default or in danger of default. The preceding sections of this part do not apply to a Federal savings association which is proposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under section 11(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1821(c)) or section 21A of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1441A), or is otherwise chartered by the OCC in connection with an association in default or in danger of default. Incorporation and organization of such associations are complete when the OCC so determines. Conversion § 143.8 Conversion of depository institutions to Federal mutual charter. (a) With the approval of the OCC, any depository institution, as defined in § 152.13 of this chapter, that is in mutual form, may convert into a Federal mutual savings association, provided that: (1) The depository institution, upon conversion, will have its deposits PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48993 insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (2) The depository institution, in accomplishing the conversion, complies with all applicable state and Federal statutes and regulations, and OCC policies, and obtains all necessary regulatory and member approvals; and (3) The resulting Federal mutual association conforms, within the time prescribed by the OCC, to the requirements of section 5(c) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. (b) Recommendations regarding applications for issuance of Federal charters are privileged, confidential and subject to part 4, subpart C of this chapter. § 143.9 Application for conversion to Federal mutual charter. (a)(1) Filing. Any depository institution that proposes to convert to a Federal mutual association as provided in § 143.8 must, after approval by its board of directors, file an application on forms obtained from the OCC with the appropriate licensing office. The applicant must submit any financial statements or other information the OCC may require. (2) Procedures. An application for conversion filed under this section is subject to the procedures for organization of a Federal mutual association at § 143.2(d) through (f) of this chapter. (b) Plan of conversion. The applicant shall submit with its application a plan of conversion specifying the location of the home office and any branch offices to be maintained by the Federal savings association, and providing for: (1) Appropriate reserves and surplus for the Federal savings association; (2) Satisfaction in full or assumption by the Federal savings association of all creditor obligations of the applicant; (3) Issuance by the Federal savings association of savings accounts to current holders of withdrawable accounts in an amount equaling the value of such accounts; and (4) If applicable, issuance of additional savings accounts to current holders of nonwithdrawable capital stock of the applicant in an amount equaling the value of their nonwithdrawable capital stock, including the present value of any preference to which such holders are entitled. (c) Action on application. The OCC will consider such application and any information submitted with the application, and may approve the application in accordance with section 5(e) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act and § 143.2(g)(1). Converting depository E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 48994 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations institutions that have been in existence less than three years will be subject to all approval criteria and other requirements applicable to de novo Federal associations. Approval of an application and issuance by the OCC of a charter will be subject to: (1) Compliance by the applicant with all conditions prescribed in the approval; (2) Receipt by the applicant of approval of the plan of conversion by such vote as may be required by the laws of the applicant’s jurisdiction to consider such action; (3) In the case of a converting association the accounts of which are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, receipt by the OCC of written confirmation from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that the accounts of the converting association will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and (4) Receipt by the OCC of written confirmation from the appropriate Federal Home Loan Bank of approval of the converting institution’s application for Federal Home Loan Bank membership, if the institution is not a member. § 143.10 Organization after conversion. Except as provided in § 143.11, after a Federal charter is issued under § 143.9 the association’s members shall, after due notice, or upon a valid adjournment of a previous legal meeting, hold a meeting to elect directors and take all other action necessary fully to effect the conversion and operate the association in accordance with law and these rules and regulations. Immediately thereafter the board of directors shall meet, elect officers, and transact any other appropriate business. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 143.11 Organization plan for governance during first years after issuance of Federal mutual savings bank charter. (a) Organizational meeting. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, promptly upon receipt of a charter, the officers of a Federal mutual savings bank which, immediately prior to conversion, was a state chartered mutual savings bank, shall call a meeting of the members. Notice for, and conduct of, such meeting shall be in accordance with the bank’s Federal charter and bylaws. Business to be conducted at the organizational meeting shall include the election of trustees (who may also be known as a board of directors) and any other matters permitted by the charter and bylaws. Any action taken at such meeting shall be deemed an acceptance of the charter VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 and bylaws approved by the OTS prior to July 21, 2011 or by the OCC pursuant to § 144.1 of this chapter. (b) First meeting of trustees. Upon election or appointment, the board of trustees shall hold a meeting to elect the officers of the bank in accordance with its Federal charter and bylaws, and to take other action necessary to permit the operation of the bank in accordance with the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended, the bank’s charter and bylaws, these rules and regulations, and orders of the OCC. (c) Plan for governance of association during first six years after issuance of Federal charter. (1)(i) An applicant for a Federal mutual savings bank charter may submit a plan which provides that each member of its governing board, i.e., board of trustees, managers, or directors, may continue to serve, provided that within two years of the issuance of a Federal charter at least one-fifth of the members of such board shall have been elected by vote, either in person or by proxy, of the bank’s membership as provided in its Federal charter, that within three years of the issuance of its Federal charter at least two-fifths of the members of such board shall have been elected by such a membership vote, that within four years of the issuance of its Federal charter at least three-fifths of the members of such board shall have been elected by such a membership vote, that within five years of the issuance of its Federal charter at least four-fifths of the members of such board shall have been elected by such a membership vote, and that within six years of the issuance of its Federal charter all of the members of such board shall have been elected by such a membership vote. (ii) The plan: (A) Shall set forth the names of those persons who are being proposed for service on the applicant’s governing board after conversion to a Federal charter, (B) Shall show how trustees not elected by the converted bank’s membership will be appointed or otherwise selected, and (C) Shall provide that no trustees may be appointed or elected to terms of more than three years. (iii) The plan may provide that (A) After receipt of its Federal charter the bank will be organized by its existing governing board, (B) Within the first two years following receipt of its Federal charter, the bank’s charter may be amended without a membership vote, provided any such amendment is first approved by a two-thirds vote of its board of trustees and is thereafter approved by the OCC, and PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (C) The bank’s first annua1 membership meeting need not take place until two years after receipt of its Federal charter. (2) Except to the extent that the OTS prior to July 21, 2011 or by the OCC approves a plan under this paragraph (c) which is inconsistent with other provisions of this section, a Federal mutual savings bank shall in all respects comply with those other provisions. § 143.12 Grandfathered authority. (a) A Federal savings bank formerly chartered or designated as a mutual savings bank under state law may exercise any authority it was authorized to exercise as a mutual savings bank under state law at the time of its conversion from a state mutual savings bank to a Federal or other state charter. Except to the extent such authority may be exercised by Federal savings associations not enjoying grandfathered rights hereunder, such authority may be exercised only to the degree authorized under state law at the time of such conversion. Unless otherwise determined by the OTS prior to July 21, 2011 or by the OCC an association, in the exercise of grandfathered authority, may continue to follow applicable state laws and regulations in effect at the time of such conversion. (b) A Federal savings association that acquires, or has acquired, a Federal savings bank by merger or consolidation may itself exercise any grandfathered rights enjoyed by the disappearing institution, whether such rights were obtained directly through conversion or through merger or consolidation. The extent of the grandfathered rights of a Federal savings association that disappeared prior to the effective date of this section shall be determined exclusively pursuant to this section. (c) This section shall not be construed to prevent the exercise by a Federal savings association enjoying grandfathered rights hereunder of authority that is available under the applicable state law only upon the occurrence of specific preconditions, such as the attainment of a particular future date or specified level of regulatory capital, which have not occurred at the time of conversion from a state mutual savings bank, provided they occur thereafter. (d) This section shall not be construed to permit the exercise of any particular authority on a more liberal basis than is allowable under the most liberal construction of either state or Federal law or regulation. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 143.14 Continuity of existence. The corporate existence of an association converting under this part shall continue in its successor. Each savings or demand accountholder shall receive a savings account or accounts in the converted association equal in amount to the value of accounts held in the former association. PART 144—FEDERAL MUTUAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS—CHARTER AND BYLAWS Sec. Charter 144.1 Federal mutual charter. 144.2 Charter amendments. 144.4 Issuance of charter. Bylaws 144.5 Federal mutual savings association bylaws. 144.6 Effect of subsequent charter or bylaw change. Availability 144.7 In association offices. 144.8 Communication between members of a Federal mutual savings association. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 2901 et seq., 5412(b)(2)(B). Charter § 144.1 Federal mutual charter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES A Federal mutual savings association shall have a charter in the following form, which may include any of the additional provisions set forth in § 144.2 of this part, if such provisions are specifically requested. A charter for a Federal mutual savings bank shall substitute the term ‘‘savings bank’’ for ‘‘association.’’ The term ‘‘trustee’’ may be substituted for the term ‘‘director.’’ Associations adopting this charter with existing borrower members must grandfather those borrower members who were members as of the date of issuance of the new charter by the OCC. Such borrowers shall have one vote for the period of time such borrowings are in existence. Federal Mutual Charter Section 1. Corporate title. The full corporate title of the Federal savings association is llll. Section 2. Office. The home office shall be located in llll [city, state]. Section 3. Duration. The duration of the association is perpetual. Section 4. Purpose and powers. The purpose of the association is to pursue any or all of the lawful objectives of a Federal mutual savings association chartered under section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act and to exercise all the express, implied, and incidental powers conferred thereby and by all acts VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, subject to the Constitution and laws of the United States as they are now in effect, or as they may hereafter be amended, and subject to all lawful and applicable rules, regulations, and orders of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (‘‘OCC’’). Section 5. Capital. The association may raise capital by accepting payments on savings and demand accounts and by any other means authorized by the OCC. Section 6. Members. All holders of the association’s savings, demand, or other authorized accounts are members of the association. In the consideration of all questions requiring action by the members of the association, each holder of an account shall be permitted to cast one vote for each $100, or fraction thereof, of the withdrawal value of the member’s account. No member, however, shall cast more than 1000 votes. All accounts shall be nonassessable. Section 7. Directors. The association shall be under the direction of a board of directors. The authorized number of directors shall not be fewer than five nor more than fifteen persons, as fixed in the association’s bylaws, except that the number of directors may be decreased to a number less than five or increased to a number greater than fifteen with the prior approval of the OCC. Section 8. Capital, surplus, and distribution of earnings. The association shall maintain for the purpose of meeting losses the amount of capital required by section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act and by regulations of the OCC. The association shall distribute net earnings on its accounts on such basis and in accordance with such terms and conditions as may from time to time be authorized by the OCC: Provided, That the association may establish minimum-balance requirements for accounts to be eligible for distribution of earnings. All holders of accounts of the association shall be entitled to equal distribution of assets, pro rata to the value of their accounts, in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the association. Moreover, in any such event, or in any other situation in which the priority of such accounts is in controversy, all such accounts shall, to the extent of their withdrawal value, be debts of the association having the same priority as the claims of general creditors of the association not having priority (other than any priority arising or resulting from consensual subordination) over other general creditors of the association. PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48995 Section 9. Amendment of charter. Adoption of any preapproved charter amendment shall be effective after such preapproved amendment has been approved by the members at a legal meeting. Any other amendment, addition, change, or repeal of this charter must be approved by the OCC prior to approval by the members at a legal meeting, and shall be effective upon filing with the OCC in accordance with regulatory procedures. Attest: lllllllllllllllll Secretary of the Association By: lllllllllllllllllll President or Chief Executive Officer of the Association Attest: lllllllllllllllll Deputy Comptroller for Licensing By: lllllllllllllllllll Comptroller of the Currency Effective Date: llllllllllllll § 144.2 Charter amendments. (a) General. In order to adopt a charter amendment, a Federal mutual savings association must comply with the following requirements: (1) Board of directors approval. The board of directors of the association must adopt a resolution proposing the charter amendment that states the text of such amendment; (2) Form of filing—(i) Application requirement. If the proposed charter amendment would: render more difficult or discourage a merger, proxy contest, the assumption of control by a mutual account holder of the association, or the removal of incumbent management; or involve a significant issue of law or policy; then, the association shall file the proposed amendment and obtain the prior approval of the OCC. (ii) Notice requirement. If the proposed charter amendment does not involve a provision that would be covered by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section and is permissible under all applicable laws, rules and regulations, then the association shall submit the proposed amendment to the appropriate OCC licensing office, at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the proposed charter amendment. (b) Approval. Any charter amendment filed pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall automatically be approved 30 days from the date of filing of such amendment, provided that the association follows the requirements of its charter in adopting such amendment. This automatic approval does not apply if, prior to the expiration of such 30-day period, the OCC notifies the association that such amendment is rejected or that such amendment is deemed to be filed E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48996 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations under the provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. In addition, notwithstanding anything in paragraph (a) of this section to the contrary, the following charter amendments, including the adoption of the Federal mutual charter as set forth in § 144.1 of this part, shall be effective and deemed approved at the time of adoption, if adopted without change and filed with the OCC, within 30 days after adoption, provided the association follows the requirements of its charter in adopting such amendments: (1) Purpose and powers. Add a second paragraph to section 4, as follows: Section 4. Purpose and powers. * * * The association shall have the express power: (i) To act as fiscal agent of the United States when designated for that purpose by the Secretary of the Treasury, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, to perform all such reasonable duties as fiscal agent of the United States as may be required, and to act as agent for any other instrumentality of the United States when designated for that purpose by any such instrumentality; (ii) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any court of law or equity; (iii) To have a corporate seal, affixed by imprint, facsimile or otherwise; (iv) To appoint officers and agents as its business shall require and allow them suitable compensation; (v) To adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the Constitution or laws of the United States and rules and regulations adopted thereunder and under this Charter; (vi) To raise capital, which shall be unlimited, by accepting payments on savings, demand, or other accounts, as are authorized by rules and regulations made by the OCC, and the holders of all such accounts or other accounts as shall, to such extent as may be provided by such rules and regulations, be members of the association and shall have such voting rights and such other rights as are thereby provided; (vii) To issue notes, bonds, debentures, or other obligations, or securities, provided by or under any provision of Federal statute as from time to time is in effect; (viii) To provide for redemption of insured accounts; (ix) To borrow money without limitation and pledge and otherwise encumber any of its assets to secure its debts; (x) To lend and otherwise invest its funds as authorized by statute and the rules and regulations of the OCC; (xi) To wind up and dissolve, merge, consolidate, convert, or reorganize; (xii) To purchase, hold, and convey real estate and personalty consistent with its objects, purposes, and powers; (xiii) To mortgage or lease any real estate and personalty and take such property by VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 gift, devise, or bequest; and (xiv) To exercise all powers conferred by law. In addition to the foregoing powers expressly enumerated, this association shall have power to do all things reasonably incident to the accomplishment of its express objects and the performance of its express powers. (2) Title change. A Federal mutual savings association that has complied with § 143.1(b) of this chapter may amend its charter by substituting a new corporate title in section 1. (3) Home office. A Federal mutual savings association may amend its charter by substituting a new home office in section 2, if it has complied with applicable requirements of § 145.95 of this chapter. (4) Maximum number of votes. A Federal mutual savings association may amend its charter by substituting ll votes per member in section 6. [Fill in a number from 1 to 1000.] (c) Reissuance of charter. A Federal mutual savings association that has amended its charter may apply to have its charter, including the amendments, reissued by the OCC. Such request for reissuance should be filed at the appropriate OCC licensing office and contain signatures required under § 144.1 of this part, together with such supporting documents as may be needed to demonstrate that the amendments were properly adopted. § 144.4 Issuance of charter. Issuance by the OCC of a charter to a Federal mutual savings association within the meaning of § 143.4 of this chapter constitutes the incorporation of that association by the OCC. Bylaws § 144.5 Federal mutual savings association bylaws. (a) General. A Federal mutual savings association shall operate under bylaws that contain provisions that comply with all requirements specified by the OCC in this section and that are not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this section, the association’s charter, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations provided that, a bylaw provision inconsistent with the provisions of this section may be adopted with the approval of the OCC. Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by a majority of the votes cast by the members at a legal meeting or a majority of the association’s board of directors. The bylaws for a Federal mutual savings bank shall substitute the term ‘‘savings bank’’ for ‘‘association’’. The term PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 ‘‘trustee’’ may be substituted for the term ‘‘director’’. (b) The following requirements are applicable to Federal mutual savings associations: (1) Annual meetings of members. An association shall provide for and conduct an annual meeting of its members for the election of directors and at which any other business of the association may be conducted. Such meeting shall be held, as designated by its board of directors, at a location within the state that constitutes the principal place of business of the association, or at any other convenient place the board of directors may designate, and at a date and time within 150 days after the end of the association’s fiscal year. At each annual meeting, the officers shall make a full report of the financial condition of the association and of its progress for the preceding year and shall outline a program for the succeeding year. (2) Special meetings of members. Procedures for calling any special meeting of the members and for conducting such a meeting shall be set forth in the bylaws. The subject matter of such special meeting must be established in the notice for such meeting. The board of directors of the association or the holders of 10 percent or more of the voting capital shall be entitled to call a special meeting. For purposes of this section, ‘‘voting capital’’ means FDIC-insured deposits as of the voting record date. (3) Notice of meeting of members. Notice specifying the date, time, and place of the annual or any special meeting and adequately describing any business to be conducted shall be published for two successive weeks immediately prior to the week in which such meeting shall convene in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or county in which the principal place of business of the association is located, or mailed postage prepaid at least 15 days and not more than 45 days prior to the date on which such meeting shall convene to each of its members of record at the last address appearing on the books of the association. A similar notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in each of the offices of the association during the 14 days immediately preceding the date on which such meeting shall convene. The bylaws may permit a member to waive in writing any right to receive personal delivery of the notice. When any meeting is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjournment and reconvening of the meeting shall be given as in the case of the original meeting. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (4) Fixing of record date. For the purpose of determining members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of members or any adjournment thereof, or in order to make a determination of members for any other proper purpose, the bylaws shall provide for the fixing of a record date and a method for determining from the books of the association the members entitled to vote. Such date shall be not more than 60 days nor fewer than 10 days prior to the date on which the action, requiring such determination of members, is to be taken. The same determination shall apply to any adjourned meeting. (5) Member quorum. Any number of members present and voting, represented in person or by proxy, at a regular or special meeting of the members shall constitute a quorum. A majority of all votes cast at any meeting of the members shall determine any question, unless otherwise required by regulation. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. Members present at a duly constituted meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment. (6) Voting by proxy. Procedures shall be established for voting at any annual or special meeting of the members by proxy pursuant to the rules and regulations of the OCC, including the placing of such proxies on file with the secretary of the association, for verification, prior to the convening of such meeting. Proxies may be given telephonically or electronically as long as the holder uses a procedure for verifying the identity of the member. All proxies with a term greater than eleven months or solicited at the expense of the association must run to the board of directors as a whole, or to a committee appointed by a majority of such board. (7) Communications between members. Provisions relating to communications between members shall be consistent with § 144.8 of this part. No member, however, shall have the right to inspect or copy any portion of any books or records of a Federal mutual savings association containing: (i) A list of depositors in or borrowers from such association; (ii) Their addresses; (iii) Individual deposit or loan balances or records; or (iv) Any data from which such information could be reasonably constructed. (8) Number of directors, membership. The bylaws shall set forth a specific number of directors, not a range. The number of directors shall be not fewer VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 than five nor more than fifteen, unless a higher or lower number has been authorized by the OCC. Each director of the association shall be a member of the association. Directors may be elected for periods of one to three years and until their successors are elected and qualified, but if a staggered board is chosen, provision shall be made for the election of approximately one-third or one-half of the board each year, as appropriate. State-chartered savings banks converting to Federal savings banks may include alternative provisions for the election and term of office of directors so long as such provisions are authorized by the OCC, and provide for compliance with the standard provisions of this section no later than six years after the conversion to a Federal savings association. (9) Meetings of the board. The board of directors shall determine the place, frequency, time, procedure for notice, which shall be at least 24 hours unless waived by the directors, and waiver of notice for all regular and special meetings. The meetings shall be under the direction of a chairman, appointed annually by the board; or in the absence of the chairman, the meetings shall be under the direction of the president. The board also may permit telephonic participation at meetings. The bylaws may provide for action to be taken without a meeting if unanimous written consent is obtained for such action. A majority of the authorized directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board. (10) Officers, employees and agents. (i) The bylaws shall contain provisions regarding the officers of the association, their functions, duties, and powers. The officers of the association shall consist of a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer or comptroller, each of whom shall be elected annually by the board of directors. Such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be deemed necessary may be elected or appointed by the board of directors or chosen in such other manner as may be prescribed in the bylaws. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary. (ii) All officers and agents of the association, as between themselves and the association, shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the association as may be provided in the bylaws, or as may be determined by resolution of the board of directors not inconsistent with the PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48997 bylaws. In the absence of any such provision, officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices. Any officer may be removed by the board of directors with or without cause, but such removal, other than for cause, shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed. (iii) Any indemnification provision must provide that any indemnification is subject to applicable Federal law, rules, and regulations. (11) Vacancies, resignation or removal of directors. Members of the association shall elect directors by ballot: Provided, that in the event of a vacancy on the board, the board of directors may, by their affirmative vote, fill such vacancy, even if the remaining directors constitute less than a quorum. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected to serve only until the next election of directors by the members. The bylaws shall set out the procedure for the resignation of a director, which shall be by written notice or by any other procedure established in the bylaws. Directors may be removed only for cause as defined in § 163.39 of this chapter, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. (12) Powers of the board. The board of directors shall have the power: (i) By resolution, to appoint from among its members and remove an executive committee and one or more other committees, which committee[s] shall have and may exercise all the powers of the board between the meetings or the board; but no such committee shall have the authority of the board to amend the charter or bylaws, adopt a plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, or provide for the disposition of all or substantially all the property and assets of the association. Such committee shall not operate to relieve the board, or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed by law; (ii) To fix the compensation of directors, officers, and employees; and to remove any officer or employee at any time with or without cause; (iii) To exercise any and all of the powers of the association not expressly reserved by the charter to the members. (13) Nominations for directors. The bylaws shall provide that nominations for directors may be made at the annual meeting by any member and shall be voted upon, except, however, the bylaws may require that nominations by a member must be submitted to the secretary and then prominently posted in the principal place of business, at least 10 days prior to the date of the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 48998 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations annual meeting. However, if such provision is made for prior submission of nominations by a member, then the bylaws must provide for a nominating committee, which, except in the case of a nominee substituted as a result of death or other incapacity, must submit nominations to the secretary and have such nominations similarly posted at least 15 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. (14) New business. The bylaws shall provide procedures for the introduction of new business at the annual meeting. Those provisions may require that such new business be stated in writing and filed with the secretary prior to the annual meeting at least 30 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. (15) Amendment. Bylaws may include any provision for their amendment that would be consistent with applicable law, rules, and regulations and adequately addresses its subject and purpose. (i) Amendments shall be effective: (A) After approval by a majority vote of the authorized board, or by a majority of the vote cast by the members of the association at a legal meeting; and (B) After receipt of any applicable regulatory approval. (ii) When an association fails to meet its quorum requirement, solely due to vacancies on the board, the bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote of a majority of the sitting board. (16) Miscellaneous. The bylaws may also address the subject of age limitations for directors or officers as long as they are consistent with applicable Federal law, rules or regulations, and any other subjects necessary or appropriate for effective operation of the association. (c) Form of filing—(1) Application requirement. (i) Any bylaw amendment shall be submitted to the appropriate OCC licensing office if it would: (A) Render more difficult or discourage a merger, proxy contest, the assumption of control by a mutual account holder of the association, or the removal of incumbent management; (B) Involve a significant issue of law or policy, including indemnification, conflicts of interest, and limitations on director or officer liability; or (C) Be inconsistent with the requirements of this section or with applicable laws, rules, regulations, or the association’s charter. (ii) Applications submitted under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section are subject to standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. (iii) For purposes of this paragraph (c), bylaw provisions that adopt the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 language of the OCC’s model or optional bylaws, if adopted without change, and filed with the OCC within 30 days after adoption, are effective upon adoption. (2) Filing requirement. If the proposed bylaw amendment does not involve a provision that would be covered by paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(3) of this section, then the association shall submit the amendment to the appropriate OCC licensing office at least 30 days prior to the date the bylaw amendment is to be adopted by the association. (3) Corporate governance procedures. A Federal mutual association may elect to follow the corporate governance procedures of the laws of the state where the main office of the institution is located, provided that such procedures may be elected only to the extent not inconsistent with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and safety and soundness, and such procedures are not of the type described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. If this election is selected, a Federal mutual association shall designate in its bylaws the provision or provisions from the body of law selected for its corporate governance procedures, and shall file a copy of such bylaws, which are effective upon adoption, within 30 days after adoption. The submission shall indicate, where not obvious, why the bylaw provisions meet the requirements stated in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (d) Effectiveness. Any bylaw amendment filed pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall automatically be effective 30 days from the date of filing of such amendment, provided that the association follows the requirements of its charter and bylaws in adopting such amendment. This automatic effective date does not apply if, prior to the expiration of such 30-day period, the OCC notifies the association that such amendment is rejected or that such amendment requires an application to be filed pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section. § 144.6 Effect of subsequent charter or bylaw change. Notwithstanding any subsequent change to its charter or bylaws, the authority of a Federal mutual savings association to engage in any transaction shall be determined only by the association’s charter or bylaws then in effect. Availability § 144.7 In association offices. A Federal mutual savings association shall make available to its members at all times in its offices a true copy of its charter and bylaws, including any PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 amendments, and shall deliver such a copy to any member on request. § 144.8 Communication between members of a Federal mutual savings association. (a) Right of communication with other members. A member of a Federal mutual savings association has the right to communicate, as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, with other members of the Federal savings association regarding any matter related to the Federal savings association’s affairs, except for ‘‘improper’’ communications, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section. The association may not defeat that right by redeeming a savings member’s savings account in the Federal mutual savings association. (b) Member communication procedures. If a member of a Federal mutual savings association desires to communicate with other members, the following procedures shall be followed: (1) The member shall give the Federal mutual savings association a written request to communicate; (2) If the proposed communication is in connection with a meeting of the Federal savings association’s members, the request shall be given at least thirty days before the annual meeting or 10 days before a special meeting; (3) The request shall contain— (i) The member’s full name and address; (ii) The nature and extent of the member’s interest in the Federal savings association at the time the information is given; (iii) A copy of the proposed communication; and (iv) If the communication is in connection with a meeting of the members, the date of the meeting; (4) The Federal savings association shall reply to the request within either— (i) Fourteen days; (ii) Ten days, if the communication is in connection with the annual meeting; or (iii) Three days, if the communication is in connection with a special meeting; (5) The reply shall provide either— (i) The number of the Federal savings association’s members and the estimated reasonable cost to the Federal savings association of mailing to them the proposed communication; or (ii) Notification that the Federal savings association has determined not to mail the communication because it is ‘‘improper’’, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section; (6) After receiving the amount of the estimated costs of mailing and sufficient copies of the communication, the Federal savings association shall mail E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the communication to all members, by a class of mail specified by the requesting member, either— (i) Within fourteen days; (ii) Within seven days, if the communication is in connection with the annual meeting; (iii) As soon as practicable before the meeting, if the communication is in connection with a special meeting; or (iv) On a later date specified by the member; (7) If the Federal savings association refuses to mail the proposed communication, it shall return the requesting member’s materials together with a written statement of the specific reasons for refusal, and shall simultaneously send to the appropriate OCC licensing office two copies each of the requesting member’s materials, the Federal savings association’s written statement, and any other relevant material. The materials shall be sent within: (i) Fourteen days, (ii) Ten days if the communication is in connection with the annual meeting, or (iii) Three days, if the communication is in connection with a special meeting, after the Federal savings association receives the request for communication. (c) Improper communication. A communication is an ‘‘improper communication’’ if it contains material which: (1) At the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it is made: (i) Is false or misleading with respect to any material fact; or (ii) Omits a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, or necessary to correct a statement in an earlier communication on the same subject which has become false or misleading; (2) Relates to a personal claim or a personal grievance, or is solicitous of personal gain or business advantage by or on behalf of any party; (3) Relates to any matter, including a general economic, political, racial, religious, social, or similar cause, that is not significantly related to the business of the Federal savings association or is not within the control of the Federal savings association; or (4) Directly or indirectly and without expressed factual foundation: (i) Impugns character, integrity, or personal reputation, (ii) Makes charges concerning improper, illegal, or immoral conduct, or (iii) Makes statements impugning the stability and soundness of the Federal savings association. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PART 145—FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS—OPERATIONS Sec. 145.1 General authority. 145.2 [Reserved] 145.16 Public deposits, depositaries, and fiscal agents. 145.17 Funds transfer services. 145.91 Home office. 145.92 Branch offices. 145.93 Application and notice requirements for branch and home offices. 145.95 What processing procedures apply to my home or branch office application or notice? 145.96 Agency office. 145.101 Fiscal agency. 145.121 Indemnification of directors, officers and employees. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1828. 5412(b)(2)(B). § 145.1 General authority. A Federal savings association may exercise all authority granted it by the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933 (‘‘Act’’), 12 U.S.C. 1464, as amended, and its charter and bylaws, whether or not implemented specifically by OCC regulations, subject to the limitations and interpretations contained in this part. § 145.2 [Reserved] § 145.16 Public deposits, depositaries, and fiscal agents. (a) Definitions. As used in this section— (1) Moneys includes monies and has the same meaning it has in applicable state law; (2) State law includes actions by a governmental body which has a charter adopted under the constitution of the state with provisions respecting deposits of public money of that body; (3) Surety means surety under real and/or personal suretyship, and includes guarantor; and (4) Terms in paragraph (b) of this section have the meanings they have under applicable state law. (b) Authority to act as surety for public deposits. (1) A Federal savings association that is a deposit association may give bond or security for deposit in it of public moneys or investment in it by a governmental unit if required to do so by state law, either as an alternative condition or otherwise, regardless of the amount required. Any bond or security may be given and any substitution or increase thereof may be made under this section at any time. (2) If state law requires as a condition of such deposit or investment that the Federal savings association or its bond or security, or any combination thereof, PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 48999 be surety for or with respect to other deposits or instruments, whether of that depositor or investor or of any other(s), and whether in the Federal savings association or in any other institution(s) having, when the investments or deposits were made, insurance by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the same shall become, or if the state law is self-executing shall be, such surety. (c) Depositaries and fiscal agents. Subject to regulation of the United States Treasury Department, a Federal savings association may serve as a depositary for Federal taxes, as a Treasury tax and loan depositary, or as a depositary of public money and fiscal agent of the Government or any other instrumentality thereof when designated for that purpose by such instrumentality and approved by the OCC, and may satisfy any requirement in connection therewith, including maintaining accounts described in §§ 161.33, 161.52, 161.53, and 161.54 of this chapter; pledging collateral; and performing the services outlined in 31 CFR 202.3(b) or any section that supersedes or amends § 202.3(b). § 145.17 Funds transfer services. A Federal savings association is authorized to transfer, with or without fee, its customers’ funds from any account (including a line of credit) of the customer at the Federal savings association or at another financial intermediary to third parties or other accounts of the customer on the customer’s order or authorization by any mechanism or device, including cashier’s checks, conforming with applicable laws and established commercial practices. § 145.91 Home office. (a) All operations of a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) are subject to direction from the home office. (b) You must notify the appropriate OCC licensing office if the permanent address of your home office changes, unless you have submitted an application or notice regarding the change under §§ 145.93 and 145.95 of this chapter. § 145.92 Branch offices. (a) Definition. A branch office of a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) is any office other than your home office, agency office, administrative office, data processing office, or an electronic means or facility under part 155 of this chapter. (b) Branching. Subject to the application and notice requirements at §§ 145.93 and 145.95 of this chapter, you may branch in any state or states of E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49000 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the United States and its territories unless the location would violate: (1) Section 5(r) of the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1464(r)); (2) Section 10(e)(3) of the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1467a(e)(3)); or (3) Section 13(k)(4) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1823(k)(4)). (c) Preemption. This exercise of the OCC’s authority is preemptive of any state law purporting to address the subject of branching by a Federal savings association. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 145.93 Application and notice requirements for branch and home offices. (a) Application and notice requirements. A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) must file an application or notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office and receive approval or non-objection under § 145.95 before you change the permanent location of, or establish a new, home or branch office, except as provided in this section. (b) Exceptions. You are not required to submit an application or notice and receive OCC approval or non-objection under § 145.95 under the following circumstances: (1) Drive-in or pedestrian offices. You may establish a drive-in or pedestrian office that is located within 500 feet of a public entrance to your existing home or branch office, provided the functions performed at the office are limited to functions that are ordinarily performed at a teller window. (2) Short-distance relocation. You may change the permanent location of an existing home or branch office to a site that is within the market area and short-distance location area of the existing home or branch office. The short-distance relocation area of an existing office is the area that is within: (i) A 1000-foot radius of an existing office that is within a Principal City in a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce; (ii) A one-mile radius of an existing office that is within an MSA, but is not within a Principal City; or (iii) A two-mile radius of an existing office that is not in an MSA. (3) Highly-rated Federal savings associations. You may change the permanent location of, or establish a new, branch or home office if you meet all of the following requirements: (i) You are eligible for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter. For the purposes of that section, you must meet the capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter before and immediately after you change the location of your home or branch office or establish a new branch office. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (ii) You published a notice of your intent to change the location of your home or branch office or establish a new branch office. To satisfy this publication requirement, you must follow the procedures in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter except that: (A) Under § 116.55(d) and (e) of this chapter, your public notice must state that the public may submit comments to you and to the appropriate OCC licensing office, and must provide addresses for you and for the appropriate OCC licensing office where the public may submit comments; (B) Section 4.14(c) of this chapter, which addresses public inspections of filings with the OCC, does not apply; and (C) Under § 116.60 of this chapter, you must publish the public notice at least 35 days before you take the proposed action. If you publish a public notice more than 12 months before you take the proposed action, the publication is invalid. (iii) If you intend to change the location of an existing office, you must post a notice of your intent in a prominent location in the existing office to be relocated. You must post the notice for 30 days from the date of publication of the initial public notice described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. (iv)(A) No person files a comment opposing the proposed action within 30 days after the date of the publication of the proposed notice; or (B) A person files a comment opposing the proposed action and the OCC determines that the comment raises issues that are not relevant to the approval standards in § 145.95(b) of this chapter or that OCC action in response to the comment is not required. (4) Re-designations of home and branch offices. You may re-designate an existing branch office as a home office at the same time that you re-designate your existing home office as a branch office. (c) Section 5(m) of the HOLA. If you are incorporated under the laws of, organized in, or do business in the District of Columbia and you satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, the Comptroller has approved your home or branch office changes under section 5(m) of the HOLA. (d) Maintenance of branch and home office following conversion, consolidation, purchase of bulk assets, merger, or purchase from receiver. An existing savings association that converts to a Federal savings association may maintain an existing office and a Federal savings association may maintain any office acquired through PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 consolidation, purchase of bulk assets, merger or purchase from the receiver of an association, except to the extent that the approval of the conversion, consolidation, merger, or purchase specifies otherwise. (e) Prohibition. You may not file an application or notice (or utilize any exception described in paragraph (b) of this section) to establish a branch office, if you filed an application to merge or otherwise surrender your charter and the application has been pending for less than six months. § 145.95 What processing procedures apply to my home or branch office application or notice? (a) Processing procedures. Applications and notices under § 145.93 are subject to expedited or standard treatment under the application processing procedures at part 116 of this chapter. (1) Publication and posting requirements. (i) You must publish a public notice of your application or notice in accordance with the procedures in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. Promptly after publication, you must transmit copies of the public notice and the publisher’s affidavit to the appropriate OCC licensing office. (ii) If you propose to change the location of an existing office, you must also post a notice of the application in a prominent location in the office to be relocated. You must post the notice for 30 days from the date of publication of the initial public notice. (2) Comment procedures. Commenters may submit comments on your application or notice in accordance with the procedures in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. (3) Meeting procedures. The OCC may arrange a meeting in accordance with the procedures in subpart D of part 116 of this chapter. (4) OCC Review. The OCC will process your application or notice in accordance with the procedures in subpart E of part 116 of this chapter. The applicable review period for applications filed under standard treatment is 30 days rather than the time period specified at § 116.270(a) of this chapter. (b) Approval standards. (1) The OCC will approve an application (or not object to a notice), if your overall policies, condition, and operations afford no basis for supervisory objection. (i) You should meet or exceed minimum capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter and should be at least adequately capitalized as described in § 165.4(b)(2) of this E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations chapter, before and immediately after the proposed action. If you are undercapitalized as described in § 165.4(b)(3) of this chapter, the OCC will deny your application (or disapprove your notice), unless the proposed action is otherwise permitted under section 38(e)(4) of the FDIA. (ii) The OCC will evaluate your record of helping to meet the credit needs of your entire community, including lowand moderate-income neighborhoods, under part 195 of this chapter. The OCC may: (A) Deny your application or disapprove your notice based upon this evaluation; or (B) Impose a condition to the approval of your application (or non-objection to your notice) requiring you to improve specific practices and/or aspects of your performance under part 195 of this chapter. In most cases, a commitment to improve will not be sufficient to overcome a seriously deficient record. (iii) The OCC will review the application or notice under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 3421 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470). (2) In reviewing your application and notice, the OCC may consider information available from any source, including any comments submitted by interested parties or views expressed by interested parties at meetings with the OCC. (3) The OCC may approve an amendment to your charter in connection with a home office relocation under this section. (c) Expiration of OCC approval. (1) You must open or relocate your office within twelve months of OCC approval of your application (or the date of OCC non-objection to your notice), unless the OCC prescribes another time period. The OCC may extend the time period if it determines that you are making a good-faith effort to promptly open or relocate the proposed office. (2) If you do not open or relocate the proposed office within this time period, you must comply with the application and notice requirements of this section before you may open or relocate the proposed office. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 145.96 Agency office. (a) General. A Federal savings association may establish or maintain an agency office to engage in one or more of the following activities: (1) Servicing, originating, or approving loans and contracts; (2) Managing or selling real estate owned by the Federal savings association; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (3) Conducting fiduciary activities or activities ancillary to the association’s fiduciary business in compliance with subpart A of part 150 of this chapter. (b) Additional services. A Federal savings association may request, and the OCC may approve, any service not listed in paragraph (a) of this section, except for payment on savings accounts. (c) Records. A Federal savings association must maintain records of all business it transacts at an agency office. It must maintain these records at the agency office, and must transmit copies to a home or branch office. § 145.101 Fiscal agency. A Federal savings association designated fiscal agent by the Secretary of the Treasury or with OCC approval by another instrumentality of the United States, shall, as such, perform such reasonable duties and exercise only such powers and privileges as the Secretary of the Treasury or such instrumentality may prescribe. § 145.121 Indemnification of directors, officers and employees. A Federal savings association shall indemnify its directors, officers, and employees in accordance with the following requirements: (a) Definitions and rules of construction. (1) Definitions for purposes of this section. (i) Action. The term ‘‘action’’ means any judicial or administrative proceeding, or threatened proceeding, whether civil, criminal, or otherwise, including any appeal or other proceeding for review; (ii) Court. The term ‘‘court’’ includes, without limitation, any court to which or in which any appeal or any proceeding for review is brought. (iii) Final judgment. The term ‘‘final judgment’’ means a judgment, decree, or order which is not appealable or as to which the period for appeal has expired with no appeal taken. (iv) Settlement. The term ‘‘settlement’’ includes entry of a judgment by consent or confession or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere. (2) References in this section to any individual or other person, including any association, shall include legal representatives, successors, and assigns thereof. (b) General. Subject to paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section, a Federal savings association shall indemnify any person against whom an action is brought or threatened because that person is or was a director, officer, or employee of the association, for: (1) Any amount for which that person becomes liable under a judgment if such action; and PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49001 (2) Reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, actually paid or incurred by that person in defending or settling such action, or in enforcing his or her rights under this section if he or she attains a favorable judgment in such enforcement action. (c) Requirements. (1) Indemnification shall be made to such person under paragraph (b) of this section only if: (i) Final judgment on the merits is in his or her favor; or (ii) In case of: (A) Settlement, (B) Final judgment against him or her, or (C) Final judgment in his or her favor, other than on the merits, if a majority of the disinterested directors of the Federal savings association determine that he or she was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her employment or authority as he or she could reasonably have perceived it under the circumstances and for a purpose he or she could reasonably have believed under the circumstances was in the best interests of the savings association or its members. (2) However, no indemnification shall be made unless the association gives the OCC at least 60 days’ notice of its intention to make such indemnification. Such notice shall state the facts on which the action arose, the terms of any settlement, and any disposition of the action by a court. Such notice, a copy thereof, and a certified copy of the resolution containing the required determination by the board of directors shall be sent to the association’s supervisory office, which shall promptly acknowledge receipt thereof. The notice period shall run from the date of such receipt. No such indemnification shall be made if the OCC advises the association in writing, within such notice period, the OCC’s objection thereto. (d) Insurance. A Federal savings association may obtain insurance to protect it and its directors, officers, and employees from potential losses arising from claims against any of them for alleged wrongful acts, or wrongful acts, committed in their capacity as directors, officers, or employees. However, no Federal savings association may obtain insurance which provides for payment of losses of any person incurred as a consequence of his or her willful or criminal misconduct. (e) Payment of expenses. If a majority of the directors of a Federal savings association concludes that, in connection with an action, any person ultimately may become entitled to indemnification under this section, the directors may authorize payment of E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49002 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from the defense or settlement of such action. Nothing in this paragraph (e) shall prevent the directors of the savings association from imposing such conditions on a payment of expenses as they deem warranted and in the interests of the savings association. Before making advance payment of expenses under this paragraph (e), the savings association shall obtain an agreement that the savings association will be repaid if the person on whose behalf payment is made is later determined not to be entitled to such indemnification. (f) Exclusiveness of provisions. No Federal savings association shall indemnify any person referred to in paragraph (b) of this section or obtain insurance referred to in paragraph (d) of the section other than in accordance with this section. However, an association which has a bylaw in effect relating to indemnification of its personnel shall be governed solely by that bylaw, except that its authority to obtain insurance shall be governed by paragraph (d) of this section. (g) The indemnification provided for in paragraph (b) of this section is subject to and qualified by 12 U.S.C. 1821(k). PART 146—FEDERAL MUTUAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS—MERGER, DISSOLUTION, REORGANIZATION, AND CONVERSION Sec. 146.1 Definitions. 146.2 Procedure; effective date. 146.3 Transfer of assets upon merger or consolidation. 146.4 Voluntary dissolution. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 2901 et seq. 5412(b)(2)(B). § 146.1 Definitions. The terms used in §§ 146.2 and 146.3 shall have the same meaning as set forth in §§ 152.13(b) and 163.22(g) of this chapter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 146.2 Procedure; effective date. (a) A Federal mutual savings association may combine with any depository institution, provided that: (1) The combination is in compliance with, and receives all approvals required under, any applicable statutes and regulations; (2) Any resulting Federal savings association meets the requirements for Federal Home Loan Bank membership and insurance of accounts; (3) Any resulting Federal savings association conforms within the time prescribed by the OCC to the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 requirements of sections 5(c) and 10(m) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act; and (4) The resulting institution shall be a mutually held savings association, unless: (i) The transaction involves a supervisory merger; (ii) The transaction is approved under part 192 of this chapter; or (iii) The transaction involves a transfer in the context of a mutual holding company reorganization under section 10(o) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. (b) Each Federal mutual savings association, by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, shall approve a plan of combination evidenced by a combination agreement. The agreement shall state: (1) That the combination shall not be effective unless and until the combination receives any necessary approval from the OCC pursuant to § 163.22 (a) or (c), or in the case of a transaction requiring a notice pursuant to § 163.22(c), the notice has been filed, and the appropriate period of time has passed or the OCC has advised the parties that it will not disapprove the transaction; (2) Which constituent institution is to be the resulting institution; (3) The name of the resulting institution; (4) The location of the home office and any other offices of the resulting institution; (5) The terms and conditions of the combination and the method of effectuation; (6) Any charter amendments, or the new charter in the combination; (7) The basis upon which the resulting institution’s savings accounts will be issued; (8) If the Federal mutual savings association is the resulting institution, the number, names, residence addresses, and terms of directors; (9) The effect upon and assumption of any liquidation account of a disappearing institution by the resulting institution; and (10) Such other provisions, agreements, or understandings as relate to the combination. (c) Prior written notification or notice to the appropriate OCC licensing office or prior written approval of the OCC, pursuant to § 163.22 of this chapter, is required for every combination. In the case of applications and notices pursuant to 163.22 (a) or (c), the OCC shall apply the criteria set out in § 163.22 of this chapter and shall impose any conditions it deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with those criteria and the requirements of this chapter. PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (d) Where the resulting institution is a Federal mutual savings association, the OCC may approve a temporary increase in the number of directors of the resulting institution provided that the association submits a plan for bringing the board of directors into compliance with the requirements of § 144.1 of this chapter within a reasonable period of time. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the OCC may require that a plan of combination be submitted to the voting members of any of the mutual savings associations that are constituent institutions at a duly called meeting(s), and that the plan, to be effective, be approved by such voting members. (f) A conservator or receiver for a Federal mutual savings association may combine the association with another insured depository institution without submitting the plan to the association’s board of directors or members for their approval. (g) If a plan of combination provides for a resulting Federal mutual savings association’s name or location to be changed, its charter shall be amended accordingly. If the resulting institution is a Federal mutual savings association, the effective date of the combination shall be the date specified in the approval; if the resulting institution is not a Federal savings association, the effective date shall be that prescribed under applicable law. Approval of a merger automatically cancels the Federal charter of a Federal association that is a disappearing institution as of the effective date of merger, and the association shall, on that date, surrender its charter to the OCC. § 146.3 Transfer of assets upon merger or consolidation. On the effective date of a merger or consolidation in which the resulting institution is a Federal association, all assets and property of the disappearing institutions shall immediately, without any further act, become the property of the resulting institution to the same extent as they were the property of the disappearing institutions, and the resulting institution shall be a continuation of the entity which absorbed the disappearing institutions. All rights and obligations of the disappearing institutions shall remain unimpaired, and the resulting institution shall, on the effective date of the merger or consolidation, succeed to all those rights and obligations, subject to the Home Owners’ Loan Act and other applicable statutes. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 146.4 Voluntary dissolution. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) A Federal savings association’s board of directors may propose a plan for dissolution of the association. The plan may provide for either: (1) Appointment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (under section 5 of the Act and section 11 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended or section 21A of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, as amended) as receiver for the purpose of liquidation; (2) Transfer of all the association’s assets to another association or homefinancing institution under Federal or state charter either for cash sufficient to pay all obligations of the association and retire all outstanding accounts or in exchange for that association’s payment of all the association’s outstanding obligations and issuance of share accounts or other evidence of interest to the association’s members on a pro rata basis; or (3) Dissolution in a manner proposed by the directors which they consider best for all concerned. (b) The plan, and a statement of reasons for proposing dissolution and for proposing the plan, shall be submitted to the appropriate OCC licensing office for approval. The OCC will approve the plan if the OCC believes dissolution is advisable and the plan best for all concerned, but if the OCC considers the plan inadvisable, the OCC may either make recommendations to the association concerning the plan or disapprove it. When the plan is approved by the association’s board of directors and by the OCC, it shall be submitted to the association’s members at a duly called meeting and, when approved by a majority of votes cast at that meeting, shall become effective. After dissolution in accordance with the plan, a certificate evidencing dissolution, supported by such evidence as the may require, shall immediately be filed with the OCC. When the OCC receives such evidence satisfactory to the OCC, it will terminate the corporate existence of the dissolved association and the association’s charter shall thereby be canceled. A Federal savings association is not required to obtain approval under this section where the Federal savings association transfers all of its assets and liabilities to a bank in a transaction that is subject to § 163.22(b) of this chapter. PART 150—FIDUCIARY POWERS OF FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Sec. 150.10 What regulations govern the fiduciary operations of Federal savings associations? VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 150.20 What are fiduciary powers? 150.30 What fiduciary capacities does this part cover? 150.40 When do I have investment discretion? 150.50 What is a fiduciary account? 150.60 What other definitions apply to this part? Subpart A—Obtaining Fiduciary Powers 150.70 Must I obtain OCC approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? 150.80 How do I obtain OCC approval? 150.90 What information must I include in my application? 150.100 What factors may the OCC consider in its review of my application? 150.110 [Reserved] 150.120 What action will the OCC take on my application? 150.125 How do I file the notice under § 150.70(c)? Subpart B—Exercising Fiduciary Powers 150.130 How may I conduct multi-state operations? 150.135 How do I determine which state’s laws apply to my operations? 150.136 To what extent do state laws apply to my fiduciary operations? 150.140 Must I adopt and follow written policies and procedures in exercising fiduciary powers? Fiduciary Personnel and Facilities 150.150 Who is responsible for the exercise of fiduciary powers? 150.160 What personnel and facilities may I use to perform fiduciary services? 150.170 May my other departments or affiliates use fiduciary personnel and facilities to perform other services? 150.180 May I perform fiduciary services for, or purchase fiduciary services from, another association or entity? 150.190 Must fiduciary officers and employees be bonded? Review of a Fiduciary Account 150.200 Must I review a prospective account before I accept it? 150.210 Must I conduct another review of an account after I accept it? 150.220 Are any other account reviews required? Custody and Control of Assets 150.230 Who must maintain custody or control of assets in a fiduciary account? 150.240 May I hold investments of a fiduciary account off-premises? 150.250 Must I keep fiduciary assets separate from other assets? Investing Funds of a Fiduciary Account 150.260 How may I invest funds of a fiduciary account? Funds Awaiting Investment or Distribution 150.290 What must I do with fiduciary funds awaiting investment or distribution? 150.300 Where may I deposit fiduciary funds awaiting investment or distribution? 150.310 What if the FDIC does not insure the deposits? PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49003 150.320 What is acceptable collateral for uninsured deposits? Restrictions on Self Dealing 150.330 Are there investments in which I may not invest funds of a fiduciary account? 150.340 May I exercise rights to purchase additional stock or fractional shares of my stock or obligations or the stock or obligations of my affiliates? 150.350 May I lend, sell, or transfer assets of a fiduciary account if I have an interest in the transaction? 150.360 May I make a loan to a fiduciary account that is secured by an interest in the assets of the account? 150.370 May I sell assets or lend money between fiduciary accounts? Compensation, Gifts, and Bequests 150.380 May I earn compensation for acting in a fiduciary capacity? 150.390 May my officer or employee retain compensation for acting as a cofiduciary? 150.400 May my fiduciary officer or employee accept a gift or bequest? Recordkeeping Requirements 150.410 What records must I keep? 150.420 How long must I keep these records? 150.430 Must I keep fiduciary records separate and distinct from other records? Audit Requirements 150.440 When do I have to audit my fiduciary activities? 150.450 What standards govern the conduct of the audit? 150.460 Who may conduct an audit? 150.470 Who directs the conduct of the audit? 150.480 How do I report the results of the audit? Subpart C—Depositing Securities With State Authorities 150.490 When must I deposit securities with state authorities? 150.500 How much must I deposit if I administer fiduciary assets in more than one state? 150.510 What must I do if state authorities refuse my deposit? Subpart D—Terminating Fiduciary Activities Receivership or Liquidation 150.520 What happens if I am placed in receivership or voluntary liquidation? Surrender of Fiduciary Powers 150.530 How do I surrender fiduciary powers? 150.540 When will the OCC terminate my fiduciary powers? 150.550 May I recover my deposit from state authorities? Revocation of Fiduciary Powers 150.560 When may the OCC revoke my fiduciary powers? 150.570 What procedures govern the revocation? E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49004 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Subpart E—Activities Exempt From This Part 150.580 When may I conduct fiduciary activities without obtaining OCC approval? 150.590 What standards must I observe when acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? 150.600 How may funds be invested when I act in an exempt fiduciary capacity? 150.610 What disclosures must I make when acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? 150.620 May I receive compensation for acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? (i) A fiduciary in a relationship established under a state law that is substantially similar to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act as published by the American Law Institute. (j) Investment adviser, if you receive a fee for your investment advice. (k) Any capacity in which you have investment discretion on behalf of another. (l) Any other similar capacity that the OCC may authorize under 12 U.S.C. 1464(n). Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 150.40 When do I have investment discretion? § 150.10 What regulations govern the fiduciary operations of Federal savings associations? (a) General. You have investment discretion when you have, with respect to a fiduciary account, the sole or shared authority to determine what securities or other assets to purchase or sell on behalf of that account. It does not matter whether you have exercised this authority. (b) Delegations. You retain investment discretion if you delegate investment discretion to another. You also have investment discretion if you receive delegated authority to exercise investment discretion from another. A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) must conduct its fiduciary operations in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 1464(n) and this part. § 150.20 What are fiduciary powers? Fiduciary powers are the authority that the OCC permits you to exercise under 12 U.S.C. 1464(n). § 150.30 What fiduciary capacities does this part cover? You are subject to this part if you act in a fiduciary capacity, except as described in subpart E of this part. You act in a fiduciary capacity when you act in any of the following capacities: (a) Trustee. (b) Executor. (c) Administrator. (d) Registrar of stocks and bonds. (e) Transfer agent. (f) Assignee. (g) Receiver. (h) Guardian or conservator of the estate of a minor, an incompetent person, an absent person, or a person over whose estate a court has taken jurisdiction, other than under bankruptcy or insolvency laws. § 150.50 What is a fiduciary account? A fiduciary account is an account that you administer acting in a fiduciary capacity. § 150.60 What other definitions apply to this part? Activities ancillary to your fiduciary business include advertising, marketing, or soliciting fiduciary business, contacting existing or potential customers, answering questions and providing information to customers related to their accounts, acting as liaison between you and your customer (for example, forwarding requests for distribution, changes in investment objectives, forms, or funds received from the customer), and inspecting or maintaining custody of fiduciary assets or holding title to real property. This list is illustrative and not comprehensive. Other activities may also be ‘‘ancillary activities’’ for purposes of this definition. Affiliate has the same meaning as in 12 U.S.C. 221a(b). For purposes of this part, substitute the term ‘‘Federal savings association’’ for the term ‘‘member bank’’ whenever it appears in 12 U.S.C. 221a(b). Applicable law means the law of a state or other jurisdiction governing your fiduciary relationships, any Federal law governing those relationships, the terms of the instrument governing a fiduciary relationship, and any court order pertaining to the relationship. Fiduciary activities include accepting a fiduciary appointment, executing fiduciary-related documents, providing investment advice for a fee regarding fiduciary assets, or making discretionary decisions regarding investment or distribution of assets. Fiduciary officers and employees means the officers and employees of a Federal savings association to whom the board of directors or its designee has assigned functions involving the exercise of the association’s fiduciary powers. Subpart A—Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 150.70 Must I obtain OCC approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OCC approval or file a notice with the OCC before you exercise fiduciary powers. This chart does not apply to activities that are exempt under subpart E of this part. If you will conduct . . . Then . . . (a) Fiduciary activities for the first time and the OCC has not previously approved an application that you submitted under this part. (b) Fiduciary activities that are materially different from the activities that the OCC has previously approved for you, including fiduciary activities that the OCC has previously approved for you that you have not exercised for at least five years. (c) Fiduciary activities that are not materially different from the activities that the OCC has previously approved for you. You must obtain prior approval from the OCC under §§ 150.80 through 150.120 before you conduct the activities You must obtain prior approval from the OCC under §§ 150.80 through 150.120 before you conduct the activities sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (d) Activities that are ancillary to your fiduciary business ........................ § 150.80 How do I obtain OCC approval? You must file an application under part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 You must file a written notice described at § 150.125 if you commence the activities in a new state. You do not need to file a written notice if you commence the activities at a new location in a state where you already conduct these activities. You do not have to obtain prior OCC approval or file a notice with the OCC. § 150.90 What information must I include in my application? You must describe the fiduciary powers that you or your affiliate will PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 exercise. You must also include information necessary to enable the OCC to make the determinations described in § 150.100. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 150.100 What factors may the OCC consider in its review of my application? § 150.135 How do I determine which state’s laws apply to my operations? The OCC may consider the following factors when reviewing your application: (a) Your financial condition. (b) Your capital and whether that capital is sufficient under the circumstances. (c) Your overall performance. (d) The fiduciary powers you propose to exercise. (e) Your proposed supervision of those powers. (f) The availability of legal counsel. (g) The needs of the community to be served. (h) Any other facts or circumstances that the OCC considers proper. (a) The state laws that apply to you by virtue of 12 U.S.C. 1464(n) are the laws of the states in which you conduct fiduciary activities. For each individual state, you may conduct fiduciary activities in the capacity of trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, or in any other fiduciary capacity the state permits for its state banks, trust companies, or other corporations that compete with Federal savings associations in the state. (b) For each fiduciary relationship, the state referred to in 12 U.S.C. 1464(n) is the state in which you conduct fiduciary activities for that relationship. § 150.110 § 150.136 To what extent do state laws apply to my fiduciary operations? [Reserved] § 150.120 What action will the OCC take on my application? The OCC may approve or deny your application. If your application is approved, the OCC may impose conditions to ensure that the requirements of this part are met. § 150.125 How do I file the notice under § 150.70(c)? (a) If you are required to file a notice under § 150.70(c), within ten days after you commence the fiduciary activities in a new state, you must file a written notice that identifies each new state in which you conduct or will conduct fiduciary activities, describe the fiduciary activities that you conduct or will conduct in each new state, and provide sufficient information supporting a conclusion that the activities are permissible in the state. (b) You must file the notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office. Subpart B—Exercising Fiduciary Powers sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 150.130 How may I conduct multi-state operations? (a) Conducting fiduciary activities in more than one state. You may conduct fiduciary activities in any state, subject to the application and notice requirements in subpart A of this part. (b) Serving customers in more than one state. When you conduct fiduciary activities in a state: (1) You may market your fiduciary services to, and act as a fiduciary for, customers located in any state, may act as a fiduciary for relationships that include property located in other states, and may act as a testamentary trustee for a testator located in other states. (2) You may establish or utilize an office in any state to perform activities that are ancillary to your fiduciary business. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (a) Application of state law. To enhance safety and soundness and to enable Federal savings associations to conduct their fiduciary activities in accordance with the best practices of thrift institutions in the United States (by efficiently delivering fiduciary services to the public free from undue regulatory duplication and burden), the OCC intends to give Federal savings associations maximum flexibility to exercise their fiduciary powers in accordance with a uniform scheme of Federal regulation. Accordingly, Federal savings associations may exercise fiduciary powers as authorized under Federal law, including this part, without regard to state laws that purport to regulate or otherwise affect their fiduciary activities, except to the extent provided in 12 U.S.C. 1464(n) (state laws regarding scope of fiduciary powers, access to examination reports regarding trust activities, deposits of securities, oaths and affidavits, and capital) or in paragraph (c) of this section. For purposes of this section, ‘‘state law’’ includes any state statute, regulation, ruling, order, or judicial decision. (b) Illustrative examples. Examples of state laws that are preempted by the HOLA and this section include those regarding: (1) Registration and licensing; (2) Recordkeeping; (3) Advertising and marketing; (4) The ability of a Federal savings association conducting fiduciary activities to maintain an action or proceeding in state court; and (5) Fiduciary-related fees. (c) State laws that are not preempted. State laws of the following types are not preempted to the extent that they only incidentally affect the fiduciary operations of Federal savings associations or are otherwise consistent PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49005 with the purposes of paragraph (a) of this section: (1) Contract and commercial law; (2) Real property law; (3) Tort law; (4) Criminal law; (5) Probate law; and (6) Any other law that the OCC, upon review, finds: (i) Furthers a vital state interest; and (ii) Either has only an incidental effect on fiduciary operations or is not otherwise contrary to the purposes expressed in paragraph (a) of this section. § 150.140 Must I adopt and follow written policies and procedures in exercising fiduciary powers? You must adopt and follow written policies and procedures adequate to maintain your fiduciary activities in compliance with applicable law. Among other relevant matters, the policies and procedures should address, where appropriate, the following areas: (a) Your brokerage placement practices. (b) Your methods for ensuring that your fiduciary officers and employees do not use material inside information in connection with any decision or recommendation to purchase or sell any security. (c) Your methods for preventing selfdealing and conflicts of interest. (d) Your selection and retention of legal counsel who is ready and available to advise you and your fiduciary officers and employees on fiduciary matters. (e) Your investment of funds held as fiduciary, including short-term investments and the treatment of fiduciary funds awaiting investment or distribution. Fiduciary Personnel and Facilities § 150.150 Who is responsible for the exercise of fiduciary powers? The exercise of your fiduciary powers must be managed by or under the direction of your board of directors. In discharging its responsibilities, the board may assign any function related to the exercise of fiduciary powers to any director, officer, employee, or committee of directors, officers, or employees. § 150.160 What personnel and facilities may I use to perform fiduciary services? You may use your qualified personnel and facilities or an affiliate’s qualified personnel and facilities to perform services related to the exercise of fiduciary powers. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49006 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 150.170 May my other departments or affiliates use fiduciary personnel and facilities to perform other services? law, and you maintain adequate safeguards and controls. Your other departments or affiliates may use fiduciary officers, employees, and facilities to perform services unrelated to the exercise of fiduciary powers, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law. § 150.250 Must I keep fiduciary assets separate from other assets? § 150.180 May I perform fiduciary services for, or purchase fiduciary services from, another association or entity? You may perform services related to the exercise of fiduciary powers for another association or other entity under a written agreement. You may also purchase services related to the exercise of fiduciary powers from another association or other entity under a written agreement. § 150.190 Must fiduciary officers and employees be bonded? You must obtain an adequate bond for all fiduciary officers and employees. Review of a Fiduciary Account § 150.200 Must I review a prospective account before I accept it? Before accepting a prospective fiduciary account, you must review it to determine whether you can properly administer the account. § 150.210 Must I conduct another review of an account after I accept it? After you accept a fiduciary account for which you have investment discretion, you must conduct a prompt review of all assets of the account to evaluate whether they are appropriate, individually and collectively, for the account. § 150.220 Are any other account reviews required? At least once every calendar year, you must conduct a review of all assets of each fiduciary account for which you have investment discretion. In this review, you must evaluate whether the assets are appropriate, individually and collectively, for the account. Custody and Control of Assets sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 150.230 Who must maintain custody or control of assets in a fiduciary account? You must place assets of fiduciary accounts in the joint custody or control of not fewer than two fiduciary officers or employees designated for that purpose by the board of directors. § 150.240 May I hold investments of a fiduciary account off-premises? You may hold the investments of a fiduciary account off-premises, if this practice is consistent with applicable VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 You must keep the assets of fiduciary accounts separate from your other assets. You must also keep the assets of each fiduciary account separate from all other accounts, or you must identify the investments as the property of a particular account, except as provided in § 150.260. Investing Funds of a Fiduciary Account § 150.260 How may I invest funds of a fiduciary account? (a) General. You must invest funds of a fiduciary account in a manner consistent with applicable law. (b) Collective investment funds. (1) You may invest funds of a fiduciary account in a collective investment fund, including a collective investment fund that you have established. In establishing and administering such funds, you must comply with 12 CFR 9.18. (2) If you must file a document with the OCC under 12 CFR 9.18, the OCC may review such documents for compliance with this part and other laws and regulations. (3) ‘‘Bank’’ and ‘‘national bank’’ as used in 12 CFR 9.18 shall be deemed to include a Federal savings association. Funds Awaiting Investment or Distribution § 150.290 What must I do with fiduciary funds awaiting investment or distribution? If you have investment discretion or discretion over distributions for a fiduciary account which contains funds awaiting investment or distribution, you must ensure that those funds do not remain uninvested and undistributed any longer than is reasonable for the proper management of the account and consistent with applicable law. You also must obtain a rate of return for those funds that is consistent with applicable law. § 150.300 Where may I deposit fiduciary funds awaiting investment or distribution? (a) Self deposits. You may deposit funds of a fiduciary account that are awaiting investment or distribution in your other departments, unless prohibited by applicable law. (b) Affiliate deposits. You may also deposit funds of a fiduciary account that are awaiting investment or distribution with an affiliated insured depository institution, unless prohibited by applicable law. PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 150.310 What if the FDIC does not insure the deposits? If the FDIC does not insure the entire amount of a self deposit, you must set aside collateral as security. If the FDIC does not insure the entire amount of an affiliate deposit, you or your affiliate must set aside collateral as security. The market value of the collateral must at all times equal or exceed the amount of the uninsured fiduciary funds. You must place the collateral under the control of appropriate fiduciary officers and employees. § 150.320 What is acceptable collateral for uninsured deposits? Any of the following is acceptable collateral for self deposits or affiliate deposits under § 150.310: (a) Direct obligations of the United States, or other obligations fully guaranteed by the United States as to principal and interest. (b) Readily marketable securities of the classes in which state-chartered corporate fiduciaries are permitted to invest fiduciary funds under applicable state law. (c) Other readily marketable securities as the OCC may determine. (d) Surety bonds, to the extent they provide adequate security, unless prohibited by applicable law. (e) Any other assets that qualify under applicable state law as appropriate security for deposits of fiduciary funds. Restrictions on Self Dealing § 150.330 Are there investments in which I may not invest funds of a fiduciary account? You may not invest funds of a fiduciary account for which you have investment discretion in the following assets, unless authorized by applicable law: (a) The stock or obligations of, or assets acquired from, you or any of your directors, officers, or employees. (b) The stock or obligations of, or assets acquired from, your affiliates or any of their directors, officers, or employees. (c) The stock or obligations of, or assets acquired from, other individuals or organizations if you have an interest in the individual or organization that might affect the exercise of your best judgment. § 150.340 May I exercise rights to purchase additional stock or fractional shares of my stock or obligations or the stock or obligations of my affiliates? If the retention of investments in your stock or obligations or the stock or obligations of an affiliate in fiduciary accounts is consistent with applicable law, you may do either of the following: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (a) Exercise rights to purchase additional stock (or securities convertible into additional stock) when these rights are offered pro rata to stockholders. (b) Purchase fractional shares to complement fractional shares acquired through the exercise of rights or through the receipt of a stock dividend resulting in fractional share holdings. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 150.350 May I lend, sell, or transfer assets of a fiduciary account if I have an interest in the transaction? § 150.360 May I make a loan to a fiduciary account that is secured by an interest in the assets of the account? You may make a loan to a fiduciary account that is secured by an interest in the assets of the account, if the 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 150.370 May I sell assets or lend money between fiduciary accounts? You may sell assets or lend money between fiduciary accounts, if the transaction is fair to both accounts and is not prohibited by applicable law. Compensation, Gifts, and Bequests § 150.380 May I earn compensation for acting in a fiduciary capacity? (a) General restriction. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, you may not lend, sell, or otherwise transfer assets of a fiduciary account for which you have investment discretion to yourself or any of your directors, officers, or employees; to your affiliates or any of their directors, officers, or employees; or to other individuals or organizations with whom you have an interest that might affect the exercise of your best judgment. (b) Exceptions—(1) Funds for which you have investment discretion. You may lend, sell or otherwise transfer assets of a fiduciary account for which you have investment discretion to yourself or any of your directors, officers, or employees; to your affiliates or any of their directors, officers, or employees; or to other individuals or organizations with whom you have an interest that might affect the exercise of your best judgment, if you meet one of the following conditions: (i) The transaction is authorized by applicable law. (ii) Legal counsel advises you in writing that you have incurred, in your fiduciary capacity, a contingent or potential liability. Upon the sale or transfer of assets, you must reimburse the fiduciary account in cash in an amount equal to the greater of book or market value of the assets. (iii) The transaction is permitted under 12 CFR 9.18(b)(8)(iii) for defaulted fixed-income investments. (iv) The OCC requires you to do so. (2) Funds held as trustee. You may make loans of funds held in trust to any of your directors, officers, or employees if the funds are held in an employee benefit plan and the loan is made in accordance with the exemptions found at section 408 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1108). VerDate Mar<15>2010 transaction is fair to the account and is not prohibited by applicable law. If the amount of your compensation for acting in a fiduciary capacity is not set or governed by applicable law, you may charge a reasonable fee for your services. § 150.390 May my officer or employee retain compensation for acting as a cofiduciary? You may not permit your officers or employees to retain any compensation for acting as a co-fiduciary with you in the administration of a fiduciary account, except with the specific approval of your board of directors. § 150.400 May my fiduciary officer or employee accept a gift or bequest? You may not permit any fiduciary officer or employee to accept a bequest or gift of fiduciary assets, unless the bequest or gift is directed or made by a relative of the officer or employee or is specifically approved by your board of directors. 49007 (b) Continuous audit. Instead of an annual audit, you may adopt a continuous audit system. Under a continuous audit system, you must arrange for a discrete audit of each significant fiduciary activity (i.e., on an activity-by-activity basis) at an interval commensurate with the nature and risk of that activity. Some fiduciary activities may receive audits at intervals greater or less than one year, as appropriate. § 150.450 What standards govern the conduct of the audit? Auditors must follow generally accepted standards for attestation engagements and other standards established by the OCC. An audit must ascertain whether your internal control policies and procedures provide reasonable assurance of three things: (a) You are administering fiduciary activities in accordance with applicable law. (b) You are properly safeguarding fiduciary assets. (c) You are accurately recording transactions in appropriate accounts in a timely manner. § 150.460 Who may conduct an audit? Internal auditors, external auditors, or other qualified persons who are responsible only to the board of directors, may conduct an audit. § 150.470 audit? Who directs the conduct of the You must keep fiduciary records for three years after the termination of the account or the termination of any litigation relating to the account, whichever is later. Your fiduciary audit committee directs the conduct of the audit. Your fiduciary audit committee may consist of a committee of your directors or an audit committee of an affiliate. There are two restrictions on who may serve on the committee: (a) Your officers and officers of an affiliate who participate significantly in administering your fiduciary activities may not serve on the audit committee. (b) A majority of the members of the audit committee may not serve on any committee to which the board of directors has delegated power to manage and control your fiduciary activities. § 150.430 Must I keep fiduciary records separate and distinct from other records? § 150.480 audit? You must keep fiduciary records separate and distinct from your other records. (a) Annual audit. If you conduct an annual audit, you must note the results of the audit (including significant actions taken as a result of the audit) in the minutes of the board of directors. (b) Continuous audit. If you adopt a continuous audit system, you must note the results of all discrete audits conducted since the last audit report (including significant actions taken as a result of the audits) in the minutes of the board of directors at least once during each calendar year. Recordkeeping Requirements § 150.410 What records must I keep? You must keep adequate records for all fiduciary accounts. For example, you must keep documents on the establishment and termination of each fiduciary account. § 150.420 records? How long must I keep these Audit Requirements § 150.440 When do I have to audit my fiduciary activities? (a) Annual audit. If you do not use a continuous audit system described in paragraph (b) of this section, then you must arrange for a suitable audit of all significant fiduciary activities at least once during each calendar year. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM How do I report the results of the 09AUR2 49008 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Subpart C—Depositing Securities With State Authorities § 150.490 When must I deposit securities with state authorities? You must deposit securities with a state’s authorities or, if applicable, a Federal Home Loan Bank under § 150.510, if you meet all of the following: (a) You are located in the state. (b) You act as a private or courtappointed trustee. (c) The law of the state requires corporations acting in a fiduciary capacity to deposit securities with state authorities for the protection of private or court trusts. § 150.500 How much must I deposit if I administer fiduciary assets in more than one state? If you administer fiduciary assets in more than one state, you must compute the amount of deposit required for each state on the basis of fiduciary assets that you administer primarily from offices located in that state. § 150.510 What must I do if state authorities refuse my deposit? If state authorities refuse to accept your deposit under § 150.490, you must deposit the securities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of which you are a member. The Federal Home Loan Bank will hold the securities for the protection of private or court trusts to the same extent as if the securities had been deposited with state authorities. Subpart D—Terminating Fiduciary Activities Receivership or Liquidation § 150.520 What happens if I am placed in receivership or voluntary liquidation? If the OCC appoints a conservator or receiver, or if you place yourself in voluntary liquidation, the receiver, conservator, or liquidating agent must promptly close or transfer all fiduciary accounts to a substitute fiduciary, in accordance with OCC instructions and the orders of the court having jurisdiction. Surrender of Fiduciary Powers sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 150.530 powers? How do I surrender fiduciary discharged from all fiduciary duties, the appropriate OCC licensing office will issue a written notice indicating that you are no longer authorized to exercise fiduciary powers. § 150.550 May I recover my deposit from state authorities? Upon issuance of the OCC written notice under § 150.540, you may recover any securities deposited with state authorities, or a Federal Home Loan Bank, under subpart C of this part. Revocation of Fiduciary Powers § 150.560 When may the OCC revoke my fiduciary powers? The OCC may revoke your fiduciary powers if it determines that you have done any of the following: (a) Exercised those fiduciary powers unlawfully or unsoundly. (b) Failed to exercise those fiduciary powers for five consecutive years. (c) Otherwise failed to follow the requirements of this part. § 150.570 What procedures govern the revocation? The procedures for revocation of fiduciary powers are set forth in 12 U.S.C. 1464(n)(10). The OCC will conduct the hearing required under 12 U.S.C. 1464(n)(10)(B) under part 109 of this chapter. Subpart E—Activities Exempt From This Part § 150.580 When may I conduct fiduciary activities without obtaining OCC approval? Subject to the requirements of this subpart E, you do not need OCC approval under subpart B if you conduct fiduciary activities in the following fiduciary capacities: (a) Trustee of a trust created or organized in the United States and forming part of a stock bonus, pension, or profit-sharing plan qualifying for specific tax treatment under section 401(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 401(d)). (b) Trustee or custodian of a Individual Retirement Account within the meaning of section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 408(a)). If you want to surrender your fiduciary powers, you must file a certified copy of a resolution of your board of directors evidencing that intent. You must file the resolution with the appropriate OCC licensing office. § 150.590 What standards must I observe when acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? § 150.540 When will the OCC terminate my fiduciary powers? § 150.600 How may funds be invested when I act in an exempt fiduciary capacity? If, after appropriate investigation, the OCC is satisfied that you have been If you act in an exempt fiduciary capacity under § 150.580, the funds of VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 You must observe principles of sound fiduciary administration, including those related to recordkeeping and segregation of assets. PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 the fiduciary account may be invested only in the following: (a) Your accounts, deposits, obligations, or securities. (b) Other assets as the customer may direct, provided you do not exercise any investment discretion and do not directly or indirectly provide any investment advice for the fiduciary account. § 150.610 What disclosures must I make when acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? (a) If you act in an exempt fiduciary capacity under § 150.580 and fiduciary investments are not limited to accounts or deposits insured by the FDIC, you must include the following language in bold type on the first page of any contract documents: (b) Funds invested pursuant to this agreement are not insured by the FDIC merely because the trustee or custodian is a Federal savings association the accounts of which are covered by such insurance. Only investments in the accounts of a Federal savings association are insured by the FDIC, subject to its rules and regulations. § 150.620 May I receive compensation for acting in exempt fiduciary capacities? You may receive reasonable compensation. PART 151—RECORDKEEPING AND CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Sec. 151.10 What does this part do? 151.20 Must I comply with this part? 151.30 What requirements apply to all transactions? 151.40 What definitions apply to this part? Subpart A—Recordkeeping Requirements 151.50 What records must I maintain for securities transactions? 151.60 How must I maintain my records? Subpart B—Content and Timing of Notice 151.70 What type of notice must I provide when I effect a securities transaction for a customer? 151.80 How do I provide a registered broker-dealer confirmation? 151.90 How do I provide a written notice? 151.100 What are the alternate notice requirements? 151.110 May I provide a notice electronically? 151.120 May I charge a fee for a notice? Subpart C—Settlement of Securities Transactions 151.130 When must I settle a securities transaction? Subpart D—Securities Trading Policies and Procedures 151.140 What policies and procedures must I maintain and follow for securities transactions? E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 151.150 How do my officers and employees file reports of personal securities trading transactions? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 151.10 What does this part do? This part establishes recordkeeping and confirmation requirements that apply when a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) effects certain securities transactions for customers. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 151.20 Must I comply with this part? (a) General. Except as provided under paragraph (b) of this section, you must comply with this part when: (1) You effect a securities transaction for a customer. (2) You effect a transaction in government securities. (3) You effect a transaction in municipal securities and are not registered as a municipal securities dealer with the SEC. (4) You effect a securities transaction as fiduciary. You also must comply with 12 CFR part 150 when you effect such a transaction. (b) Exceptions—(1) Small number of transactions. You are not required to comply with § 151.50(b) through (d) (recordkeeping) and § 151.140(a) through (c) (policies and procedures), if you effected an average of fewer than 500 securities transactions per year for customers over the three prior calendar years. You may exclude transactions in government securities when you calculate this average. (2) Government securities. If you effect fewer than 500 government securities brokerage transactions per year, you are not required to comply with § 151.50 (recordkeeping) for those transactions. This exception does not apply to government securities dealer transactions. See 17 CFR 404.4(a). (3) Municipal securities. If you are registered with the SEC as a ‘‘municipal securities dealer,’’ as defined in 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(30) (see 15 U.S.C. 78o–4), you are not required to comply with this part when you conduct municipal securities transactions. (4) Foreign branches. You are not required to comply with this part when you conduct a transaction at your foreign branch. (5) Transactions by registered brokerdealers. You are not required to comply with this part for securities transactions effected by a registered broker-dealer, if the registered broker-dealer directly provides the customer with a confirmation. These transactions include a transaction effected by your employee who also acts as an employee of a registered broker-dealer (‘‘dual employee’’). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 151.30 What requirements apply to all transactions? You must effect all transactions, including transactions excepted under § 151.20, in a safe and sound manner. You must maintain effective systems of records and controls regarding your customers’ securities transactions. These systems must clearly and accurately reflect all appropriate information and provide an adequate basis for an audit. § 151.40 part? What definitions apply to this Asset-backed security means a security that is primarily serviced by the cash flows of a discrete pool of receivables or other financial assets, either fixed or revolving, that by their terms convert into cash within a finite time period. Asset-backed security includes any rights or other assets designed to ensure the servicing or timely distribution of proceeds to the security holders. Common or collective investment fund means any fund established under 12 CFR 150.260(b) or 12 CFR 9.18. Completion of the transaction means: (1) If the customer purchases a security through or from you, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition, the time the customer pays you any part of the purchase price. If payment is made by a bookkeeping entry, the time you make the bookkeeping entry for any part of the purchase price. (2) If the customer purchases a security through or from you and pays for the security before you request payment or notify the customer that payment is due, the time you deliver the security to or into the account of the customer. (3) If the customer sells a security through or to you, except as provided in paragraph (4) of this definition, the time the customer delivers the security to you. If you have custody of the security at the time of sale, the time you transfer the security from the customer’s account. (4) If the customer sells a security through or to you and delivers the security to you before you request delivery or notify the customer that delivery is due, the time you pay the customer or pay into the customer’s account. Customer means a person or account, including an agency, trust, estate, guardianship, or other fiduciary account for which you effect a securities transaction. Customer does not include a broker or dealer, or you when you: act as a broker or dealer; act as a fiduciary with investment discretion over an PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49009 account; are a trustee that acts as the shareholder of record for the purchase or sale of securities; or are the issuer of securities that are the subject of the transaction. Debt security means any security, such as a bond, debenture, note, or any other similar instrument that evidences a liability of the issuer (including any security of this type that is convertible into stock or a similar security). Debt security also includes a fractional or participation interest in these debt securities. Debt security does not include securities issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a–1, et seq. Government security means: (1) A security that is a direct obligation of, or an obligation that is guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States; (2) A security that is issued or guaranteed by a corporation in which the United States has a direct or indirect interest if the Secretary of the Treasury has designated the security for exemption as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors; (3) A security issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by a corporation if a statute specifically designates, by name, the corporation’s securities as exempt securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the SEC; or (4) Any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on a government security described in this definition, other than a put, call, straddle, option, or privilege: (i) That is traded on one or more national securities exchanges; or (ii) For which quotations are disseminated through an automated quotation system operated by a registered securities association. Investment discretion means the same as under 12 CFR 150.40(a). Investment company plan means any plan under which: (1) A customer purchases securities issued by an open-end investment company or unit investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, making the payments directly to, or made payable to, the registered investment company, or the principal underwriter, custodian, trustee, or other designated agent of the registered investment company; or (2) A customer sells securities issued by an open-end investment company or unit investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 under: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49010 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (i) An individual retirement or individual pension plan qualified under the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) A contractual or systematic agreement under which the customer purchases at the applicable public offering price, or redeems at the applicable redemption price, securities in specified amounts (calculated in security units or dollars) at specified time intervals, and stating the commissions or charges (or the means of calculating them) that the customer will pay in connection with the purchase. Municipal security means: (1) A security that is a direct obligation of, or an obligation guaranteed as to principal or interest by, a state or any political subdivision, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or any political subdivision. (2) A security that is a direct obligation of, or an obligation guaranteed as to principal or interest by, any municipal corporate instrumentality of one or more states; or (3) A security that is an industrial development bond, the interest on which is excludable from gross income under section 103(a) of the Code (26 U.S.C. 103(a)). Periodic plan means a written document that authorizes you to act as agent to purchase or sell for a customer a specific security or securities (other than securities issued by an open end investment company or unit investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940). The written document must authorize you to purchase or sell in specific amounts (calculated in security units or dollars) or to the extent of dividends and funds available, at specific time intervals, and must set forth the commission or charges to be paid by the customer or the manner of calculating them. SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission. Security means any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or in any oil, gas, or other mineral royalty or lease, any collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, and any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or, in general, any instrument commonly known as a ‘‘security’; or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Security does not include currency; any note, draft, bill of exchange, or banker’s acceptance which has a maturity at the time of issuance of less than nine months, exclusive of days of grace, or any renewal thereof, the maturity of which is likewise limited; a deposit or share account in a Federal or state chartered depository institution; a loan participation; a letter of credit or other form of bank indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business; units of a collective investment fund; interests in a variable amount (master) note of a borrower of prime credit; U.S. Savings Bonds; or any other instrument the OCC determines does not constitute a security for purposes of this part. Sweep account means any prearranged, automatic transfer or sweep of funds above a certain dollar level from a deposit account to purchase a security or securities, or any prearranged, automatic redemption or sale of a security or securities when a deposit account drops below a certain level with the proceeds being transferred into a deposit account. Subpart A—Recordkeeping Requirements § 151.50 What records must I maintain for securities transactions? If you effect securities transactions for customers, you must maintain all of the following records for at least three years: (a) Chronological records. You must maintain an itemized daily record of each purchase and sale of securities in chronological order, including: (1) The account or customer name for which you effected each transaction; (2) The name and amount of the securities; (3) The unit and aggregate purchase or sale price; (4) The trade date; and (5) The name or other designation of the registered broker-dealer or other person from whom you purchased the securities or to whom you sold the securities. (b) Account records. You must maintain account records for each customer reflecting: (1) Purchases and sales of securities; (2) Receipts and deliveries of securities; (3) Receipts and disbursements of cash; and (4) Other debits and credits pertaining to transactions in securities. (c) Memorandum (order ticket). You must make and keep current a memorandum (order ticket) of each order or any other instruction given or received for the purchase or sale of PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 securities (whether executed or not), including: (1) The account or customer name for which you effected each transaction; (2) Whether the transaction was a market order, limit order, or subject to special instructions; (3) The time the trader received the order; (4) The time the trader placed the order with the registered broker-dealer, or if there was no registered brokerdealer, the time the trader executed or cancelled the order; (5) The price at which the trader executed the order; (6) The name of the registered brokerdealer you used. (d) Record of registered brokerdealers. You must maintain a record of all registered broker-dealers that you selected to effect securities transactions and the amount of commissions that you paid or allocated to each registered broker-dealer during each calendar year. (e) Notices. You must maintain a copy of the written notice required under subpart B of this part. § 151.60 How must I maintain my records? (a) You may maintain the records required under § 151.50 in any manner, form, or format that you deem appropriate. However, your records must clearly and accurately reflect the required information and provide an adequate basis for an audit of the information. (b) You, or the person that maintains and preserves records on your behalf, must: (1) Arrange and index the records in a way that permits easy location, access, and retrieval of a particular record; (2) Separately store, for the time required for preservation of the original record, a duplicate copy of the record on any medium allowed by this section; (3) Provide promptly any of the following that OCC examiners or your directors may request: (i) A legible, true, and complete copy of the record in the medium and format in which it is stored; (ii) A legible, true, and complete printout of the record; and (iii) Means to access, view, and print the records. (4) In the case of records on electronic storage media, you, or the person that maintains and preserves records for you, must establish procedures: (i) To maintain, preserve, and reasonably safeguard the records from loss, alteration, or destruction; (ii) To limit access to the records to properly authorized personnel, your directors, and OCC examiners; and (iii) To reasonably ensure that any reproduction of a non-electronic E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations original record on electronic storage media is complete, true, and legible when retrieved. (c) You may contract with third party service providers to maintain the records. Subpart B—Content and Timing of Notice § 151.70 What type of notice must I provide when I effect a securities transaction for a customer? If you effect a securities transaction for a customer, you must give or send the customer the registered brokerdealer confirmation described at § 151.80, or the written notice described at § 151.90. For certain types of transactions, you may elect to provide the alternate notices described in § 151.100. § 151.80 How do I provide a registered broker-dealer confirmation? (a) If you elect to satisfy § 151.70 by providing the customer with a registered broker-dealer confirmation, you must provide the confirmation by having the registered broker-dealer send the confirmation directly to the customer or by sending a copy of the registered broker-dealer’s confirmation to the customer within one business day after you receive it. (b) If you have received or will receive remuneration from any source, including the customer, in connection with the transaction, you must provide If you effect a transaction involving . . a statement of the source and amount of the remuneration in addition to the registered broker-dealer confirmation described in paragraph (a) of this section. § 151.90 notice? How do I provide a written If you elect to satisfy § 151.70 by providing the customer a written notice, you must give or send the written notice at or before the completion of the securities transaction. You must include all of the following information in a written notice: (a) Your name and the customer’s name. (b) The capacity in which you acted (for example, as agent). (c) The date and time of execution of the securities transaction (or a statement that you will furnish this information within a reasonable time after the customer’s written request), and the identity, price, and number of shares or units (or principal amount in the case of debt securities) of the security the customer purchased or sold. (d) The name of the person from whom you purchased or to whom you sold the security, or a statement that you will furnish this information within a reasonable time after the customer’s written request. (e) The amount of any remuneration that you have received or will receive from the customer in connection with the transaction unless the remuneration (2) A debt security that you effected exclusively on the basis of a dollar price. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (3) A debt security that you effected on basis of yield ............................ 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 paid by the customer is determined under a written agreement, other than on a transaction basis. (f) The source and amount of any other remuneration you have received or will receive in connection with the transaction. If, in the case of a purchase, you were not participating in a distribution, or in the case of a sale, were not participating in a tender offer, the written notice may state whether you have or will receive any other remuneration and state that you will furnish the source and amount of the other remuneration within a reasonable time after the customer’s written request. (g) That you are not a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, if that is the case. This does not apply to a transaction in shares of a registered open-end investment company or unit investment trust if the customer sends funds or securities directly to, or receives funds or securities directly from, the registered open-end investment company or unit investment trust, its transfer agent, its custodian, or a designated broker or dealer who sends the customer either a confirmation or the written notice in this section. (h) Additional disclosures. You must provide all of the additional disclosures described in the following chart for transactions involving certain debt securities: You must provide the following additional information in your written notice . . . . (1) A debt security subject to redemption before maturity ....................... VerDate Mar<15>2010 49011 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4701 A statement that the issuer may redeem the debt security in whole or in part before maturity, that the redemption could affect the represented yield, and that additional redemption information is available upon request. (i) The dollar price at which you effected the transaction; and (ii) The yield to maturity calculated from the dollar price. You do not have to disclose the yield to maturity if: (A) The issuer may extend the maturity date of the security with a variable interest rate; or (B) The security is an asset-backed security that represents an interest in, or is secured by, a pool of receivables or other financial assets that are subject continuously to prepayment. (i) The yield at which the transaction, including the percentage amount and its characterization (e.g., current yield, yield to maturity, or yield to call). If you effected the transaction at yield to call, you must indicate the type of call, the call date, and the call price; (ii) The dollar price calculated from that yield; and (iii) The yield to maturity and the represented yield, if you effected the transaction on a basis other than yield to maturity and the yield to maturity is lower than the represented yield. You are not required to disclose this information if: (A) The issuer may extend the maturity date of the security with a variable interest rate; or (B) The security is an asset-backed security that represents an interest in, or is secured by, a pool of receivables or other financial assets that are subject continuously to prepayment. Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49012 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations If you effect a transaction involving . . You must provide the following additional information in your written notice . . . . (4) A debt security that is an asset-backed security that represents an interest in, or is secured by, a pool of receivables or other financial assets that are subject continuously to prepayment. (5) A debt security, other than a government security ............................ § 151.100 What are the alternate notice requirements? (i) A statement that the actual yield of the asset-backed security may vary according to the rate at which the underlying receivables or other financial assets are prepaid; and (ii) A statement that you will furnish information concerning the factors that affect yield (including at a minimum estimated yield, weighted average life, and the prepayment assumptions underlying yield) upon the customer’s written request. A statement that the security is unrated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, if that is the case. described in the following chart for certain types of transactions. You may elect to satisfy § 151.70 by providing the alternate notices If you effect a securities transaction . . . Then you may elect to . . . (a) For or with the account of a customer under a periodic plan, sweep account, or investment company plan. Give or send to the customer within five business days after the end of each quarterly period a written statement disclosing: (1) Each purchase and redemption that you effected for or with, and each dividend or distribution that you credited to or reinvested for, the customer’s account during the period; (2) The date of each transaction; (3) The identity, number, and price of any securities that the customer purchased or redeemed in each transaction; (4) The total number of shares of the securities in the customer’s account; (5) Any remuneration that you received or will receive in connection with the transaction; and (6) That you will give or send the registered broker-dealer confirmation described in § 151.80 or the written notice described in § 151.90 within a reasonable time after the customer’s written request. Give or send to the customer the written statement described at paragraph (a) of this section on a monthly basis. You may not use the alternate notice, however, if you deduct sales loads upon the purchase or redemption of shares in the money market fund. Give or send to the customer a written notice at the agreed-upon time and with the agreed-upon content, and include a statement that you will furnish the registered broker-dealer confirmation described in § 151.80 or the written notice described in § 151.90 within a reasonable time after the customer’s written request. Give or send the registered broker-dealer confirmation described in § 151.80 or the written notice described in § 151.90 within a reasonable time after a written request by the person with the power to terminate the account or, if there is no such person, any person holding a vested beneficial interest in the account. Give or send each customer a written itemized statement specifying the funds and securities in your custody or possession and all debits, credits, and transactions in the customer’s account. You must provide this information to the customer not less than once every three months. You must give or send the registered broker-dealer confirmation described in § 151.80 or the written notice described in § 151.90 within a reasonable time after a customer’s written request. (1) Give or send to a customer who invests in the fund a copy of the annual financial report of the fund, or (2) Notify the customer that a copy of the report is available and that you will furnish the report within a reasonable time after a written request by a person to whom a regular periodic accounting would ordinarily be rendered with respect to each participating account. (b) For or with the account of a customer in shares of an open-ended management company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that holds itself out as a money market fund and attempts to maintain a stable net asset value per share. (c) For an account for which you do not exercise investment discretion, and for which you and the customer have agreed in writing to an arrangement concerning the time and content of the written notice. (d) For an account for which you exercise investment discretion other than in an agency capacity, excluding common or collective investment funds. (e) For an account in which you exercise investment discretion in an agency capacity. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (f) For a common or collective investment fund ...................................... § 151.110 May I provide a notice electronically? You may provide any written notice required under this subpart B electronically. If a customer has a facsimile machine, you may send the notice by facsimile transmission. You VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 may use other electronic communications if: (a) The parties agree to use electronic instead of hard copy notices; (b) The parties are able to print or download the notice; PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (c) Your electronic communications system cannot automatically delete the electronic notice; and (d) Both parties are able to receive electronic messages. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 151.120 May I charge a fee for a notice? You may not charge a fee for providing a notice required under this subpart B, except that you may charge a reasonable fee for the notices provided under §§ 151.100(a), (d), and (e). Subpart C—Settlement of Securities Transactions § 151.130 When must I settle a securities transaction? (a) You may not effect or enter into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security that provides for payment of funds and delivery of securities later than the latest of: (1) The third business day after the date of the contract. This deadline is no later than the fourth business day after the contract for contracts involving the sale for cash of securities that are priced after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the date the securities are priced and are sold by an issuer to an underwriter under a firm commitment underwritten offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77a, et seq., or are sold by you to an initial purchaser participating in the offering; (2) Such other time as the SEC specifies by rule (see SEC Rule 15c6–1, 17 CFR 240.15c6–1); or (3) Such time as the parties expressly agree at the time of the transaction. The parties to a contract are deemed to have expressly agreed to an alternate date for payment of funds and delivery of securities at the time of the transaction for a contract for the sale for cash of securities under a firm commitment offering, if the managing underwriter and the issuer have agreed to the date for all securities sold under the offering and the parties to the contract have not expressly agreed to another date for payment of funds and delivery of securities at the time of the transaction. (b) The deadlines in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to the purchase or sale of limited partnership interests that are not listed on an exchange or for which quotations are not disseminated through an automated quotation system of a registered securities association. Subpart D—Securities Trading Policies and Procedures sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 151.140 What policies and procedures must I maintain and follow for securities transactions? If you effect securities transactions for customers, you must maintain and follow policies and procedures that meet all of the following requirements: (a) Your policies and procedures must assign responsibility for the supervision of all officers or employees who: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 49013 (1) Transmit orders to, or place orders with, registered broker-dealers; (2) Execute transactions in securities for customers; or (3) Process orders for notice or settlement purposes, or perform other back office functions for securities transactions that you effect for customers. Policies and procedures for personnel described in this paragraph (a)(3) must provide supervision and reporting lines that are separate from supervision and reporting lines for personnel described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. (b) Your policies and procedures must provide for the fair and equitable allocation of securities and prices to accounts when you receive orders for the same security at approximately the same time and you place the orders for execution either individually or in combination. (c) Your policies and procedures must provide for securities transactions in which you act as agent for the buyer and seller (crossing of buy and sell orders) on a fair and equitable basis to the parties to the transaction, where permissible under applicable law. (d) Your policies and procedures must require your officers and employees to file the personal securities trading reports described at § 151.150, if the officer or employee: (1) Makes investment recommendations or decisions for the accounts of customers; (2) Participates in the determination of these recommendations or decisions; or (3) In connection with their duties, obtains information concerning which securities you intend to purchase, sell, or recommend for purchase or sale. (3) The price at which each transaction was effected. (4) The name of the broker, dealer, or other intermediary effecting the transaction. (5) The date the officer or employee submitted the report. (b) Report not required for certain transactions. Your officer or employee is not required to report a transaction if: (1) He or she has no direct or indirect influence or control over the account for which the transaction was effected or over the securities held in that account; (2) The transaction was in shares issued by an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (3) The transaction was in direct obligations of the government of the United States; (4) The transaction was in bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper or high quality short term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; or (5) The officer or employee had an aggregate amount of purchases and sales of $10,000 or less during the calendar quarter. (c) Alternate report. When you act as an investment adviser to an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, an officer or employee that is an ‘‘access person’’ may fulfill his or her reporting requirements under this section by filing with you the ‘‘access person’’ personal securities trading report required by SEC Rule 17j–1(d), 17 CFR 270.17j–1(d). § 151.150 How do my officers and employees file reports of personal securities trading transactions? Sec. 152.1 Procedure for organization of Federal stock association. 152.2 Procedures for organization of interim Federal stock association. 152.3 Charters for Federal stock associations. 152.4 Charter amendments. 152.5 Bylaws. 152.6 Shareholders. 152.7 Board of directors. 152.8 Officers. 152.9 Certificates for shares and their transfer. 152.10 Annual reports to stockholders. 152.11 Books and records. 152.12 [Reserved] 152.13 Combinations involving Federal stock associations. 152.14 Dissenter and appraisal rights. 152.15 Supervisory combinations. 152.16 Effect of subsequent charter or bylaw change. 152.17 Federal stock association created in connection with an association in default or in danger of default. An officer or employee described in § 151.140(d) must report all personal transactions in securities made by or on behalf of the officer or employee if he or she has a beneficial interest in the security. (a) Contents and filing of report. The officer or employee must file the report with you no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter. The report must include the following information: (1) The date of each transaction, the title and number of shares, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), and the principal amount of each security involved. (2) The nature of each transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition or disposition). PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 PART 152—FEDERAL STOCK ASSOCIATIONS—INCORPORATION, ORGANIZATION, AND CONVERSION E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49014 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 152.18 Conversion from stock form depository institution to Federal stock association. 152.19 Conversion to National banking association or state bank. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 5412(b)(2)(B). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.1 Procedure for organization of Federal stock association. (a) Application for permission to organize. Applications for permission to organize a Federal stock association are subject to this section and to § 143.3 of this chapter. Recommendations by employees of the OCC regarding applications for permission to organize are privileged, confidential, and subject to Part 4, subpart C of this chapter. The processing of an application under this section shall be subject to the following procedures: (1) Publication. (i) The applicant shall publish a public notice of the application to organize in accordance with the procedures specified in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. (ii) Promptly after publication of the public notice, the applicant shall transmit copies of the public notice and publisher’s affidavit of publication to the appropriate OCC licensing office in the same manner as the original filing. (iii) Any person may inspect the application and all related communications at the offices specified in 12 CFR 4.14(c) during regular business hours, unless such information is exempt from public disclosure. (2) Notification to interested parties. The OCC shall give notice of the application to the state official who supervises savings associations in the state in which the new association is to be located. (3) Submission of comments. Commenters may submit comments on the application in accordance with the procedures specified in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. (4) Meetings. The OCC may arrange a meeting in accordance with the procedures in subpart D of part 116 of this chapter. (b) Conditions of approval. The OCC will decide all applications for permission to organize a Federal stock association. (1) Factors that will be considered on all applications for permission to organize a Federal stock association are: (i) Whether the applicants are persons of good character and responsibility; (ii) Whether a necessity exists for such association in the community to be served; (iii) Whether there is a reasonable probability of the association’s usefulness and success; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (iv) Whether the association can be established without undue injury to properly conducted existing local thrift and home financing institutions; and (v) Whether the association will perform a role of providing credit for housing consistent with safe and sound operation of a Federal savings association. (2) [Reserved] (3) Approvals of applications will be conditioned on the following: (i) Receipt by the OCC of written confirmation from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that the accounts of the association will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) The sale of a minimum amount of fully-paid capital stock of the association prior to commencing business; (iii) The submission of a statement that: (A) The applicants have incurred no expense in organization which is chargeable to the association, and that no such expense will be incurred, and (B) No funds will be accepted for deposit by the association until organization has been completed; (iv) Compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and (v) The satisfaction of any other requirement or condition the OCC may impose. (c) Issuance of charter. Upon approval of an application, the OCC shall issue to the association a charter for a Federal stock savings association or for a Federal stock savings bank, as requested by the applicants, which shall be in the form provided in this part. Issuance of the charter shall be subject to the condition subsequent that the organization of the association is completed pursuant to this section. (d) Interim board of directors and officers. Upon approval of the application and the issuance of the charter, the applicants shall constitute the interim board of directors of the association until the board of directors of the association are elected by its stockholders at the organizational meeting required by paragraph (g) of this section, and the interim officers of the association shall be those persons set forth in the application for permission to organize. (e) Sale of capital stock. Upon the issuance of the charter, the association shall proceed to offer and sell its capital stock pursuant to the requirements of part 197 of this chapter. (f) Bank membership and insurance of accounts. Promptly upon the issuance of the charter, a Federal stock association must qualify as a member of the appropriate Federal Home Loan PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Bank and meet all requirements necessary to obtain insurance of accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (g) Organizational meeting. Promptly upon the completion of the sale of its capital stock, the association shall provide notice, pursuant to § 152.6(b), of a meeting of its stockholders to elect a board of directors. Immediately following such election, the directors shall meet to elect the officers of the association and to undertake any other action necessary under the charter or bylaws to complete corporate organization. (h) Completion of organization. Organization of a Federal stock association shall be deemed complete for the purposes of this part when: (1) The association has obtained Federal Home Loan Bank membership and insurance of its accounts from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (2) It has completed the sale of and received full payment for its capital stock; (3) It has complied with all requirements of part 197 of this chapter; (4) It has held its organizational meeting for the election of directors and all directors have been elected; (5) Its officers have been elected and bonded; and (6) It has met the requirements and conditions imposed by the OCC in connection with approval of the application. (i) Failure of completion. If organization of a Federal stock association is not completed within six months after approval of the application, or unless extended for an additional period for good cause shown, the charter shall become null and void and all subscriptions to capital stock shall be returned. § 152.2 Procedures for organization of interim Federal stock association. (a) Applications for permission to organize an interim Federal savings association are not subject to subparts B, C and D of part 116 of this chapter or § 152.1(b)(3) of this part. (b) Approval of an application for permission to organize an interim Federal stock association shall be conditioned upon approval by the OCC of an application to merge the interim Federal stock association, or upon approval by the OCC of another transaction which the interim was chartered to facilitate. Applications for permission to organize an interim Federal stock association shall be submitted in the same manner as the related filing(s). In evaluating the application, the OCC will consider the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations purpose for which the association will be organized, the form of any proposed transactions involving the association, the effect of the transactions on existing associations involved in the transactions, and the factors specified in § 152.1(b)(1) to the extent relevant. (c) If a merger or other transaction facilitated by the existence of the interim Federal stock association has not been approved within six months of the approval of the application for permission to organize, unless extended for good cause shown, the charter shall be void and all subscriptions for capital stock shall be returned. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.3 Charters for Federal stock associations. The charter of a Federal stock association shall be in the following form, except that an association that has converted from the mutual form pursuant to part 192 of this chapter shall include in its charter a section establishing a liquidation account as required by § 192.3(c)(13) of this chapter. A charter for a Federal stock savings bank shall substitute the term ‘‘savings bank’’ for ‘‘association.’’ Charters may also include any preapproved optional provision contained in § 152.4 of this part. Federal Stock Charter Section 1. Corporate title. The full corporate title of the association is ll. Section 2. Office. The home office shall be located in ll [city, state]. Section 3. Duration. The duration of the association is perpetual. Section 4. Purpose and powers. The purpose of the association is to pursue any or all of the lawful objectives of a Federal savings association chartered under section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act and to exercise all of the express, implied, and incidental powers conferred thereby and by all acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, subject to the Constitution and laws of the United States as they are now in effect, or as they may hereafter be amended, and subject to all lawful and applicable rules, regulations, and orders of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (‘‘OCC’’). Section 5. Capital stock. The total number of shares of all classes of the capital stock that the association has the authority to issue is ll, all of which shall be common stock of par [or if no par is specified then shares shall have a stated] value of ll per share. The shares may be issued from time to time as authorized by the board of directors without the approval of its shareholders, except as otherwise provided in this Section 5 or to the extent that such approval is required by governing law, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 rule, or regulation. The consideration for the issuance of the shares shall be paid in full before their issuance and shall not be less than the par [or stated] value. Neither promissory notes nor future services shall constitute payment or part payment for the issuance of shares of the association. The consideration for the shares shall be cash, tangible or intangible property (to the extent direct investment in such property would be permitted to the association), labor, or services actually performed for the association, or any combination of the foregoing. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the value of such property, labor, or services, as determined by the board of directors of the association, shall be conclusive. Upon payment of such consideration, such shares shall be deemed to be fully paid and nonassessable. In the case of a stock dividend, that part of the retained earnings of the association that is transferred to common stock or paid-in capital accounts upon the issuance of shares as a stock dividend shall be deemed to be the consideration for their issuance. Except for shares issued in the initial organization of the association or in connection with the conversion of the association from the mutual to stock form of capitalization, no shares of capital stock (including shares issuable upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of other securities) shall be issued, directly or indirectly, to officers, directors, or controlling persons of the association other than as part of a general public offering or as qualifying shares to a director, unless the issuance or the plan under which they would be issued has been approved by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting. The holders of the common stock shall exclusively possess all voting power. Each holder of shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by such holder, except as to the cumulation of votes for the election of directors, unless the charter provides that there shall be no such cumulative voting. Subject to any provision for a liquidation account, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the association, the holders of the common stock shall be entitled, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the association, to receive the remaining assets of the association available for distribution, in cash or in kind. Each share of common stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other shares of common stock. PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49015 Section 6. Preemptive rights. Holders of the capital stock of the association shall not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares of the association which may be issued. Section 7. Directors. The association shall be under the direction of a board of directors. The authorized number of directors, as stated in the association’s bylaws, shall not be fewer than five nor more than fifteen except when a greater or lesser number is approved by the OCC. Section 8. Amendment of charter. Except as provided in Section 5, no amendment, addition, alteration, change or repeal of this charter shall be made, unless such is proposed by the board of directors of the association, approved by the shareholders by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting, unless a higher vote is otherwise required, and approved or preapproved by the OCC. Attest: lllllllllllllllll Secretary of the Association By: lllllllllllllllllll President or Chief Executive Officer of the Association Attest: lllllllllllllllll Deputy Comptroller for Licensing By: lllllllllllllllllll Comptroller of the Currency Effective Date: llllllllllllll § 152.4 Charter amendments. (a) General. In order to adopt a charter amendment, a Federal stock association must comply with the following requirements: (1) Board of directors approval. The board of directors of the association must adopt a resolution proposing the charter amendment that states the text of such amendment. (2) Form of filing—(i) Application requirement. If the proposed charter amendment would render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a block of the association’s stock, the removal of incumbent management, or involve a significant issue of law or policy, the association shall file the proposed amendment and shall obtain the prior approval of the OCC; and (ii) Notice requirement. If the proposed charter amendment does not involve a provision that would be covered by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section and such amendment is permissible under all applicable laws, rules or regulations, then the association shall submit the proposed amendments to the appropriate OCC licensing office, at least 30 days prior to the date the proposed charter amendment is to be mailed for consideration by the association’s shareholders. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49016 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Approval. Any charter amendment filed pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall automatically be approved 30 days from the date of filing of such amendment, provided that the association follows the requirements of its charter in adopting such amendment, unless prior to the expiration of such 30-day period the OCC notifies the association that such amendment is rejected or that such amendment is deemed to be filed under the provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. In addition, the following charter amendments, including the adoption of the Federal stock charter as set forth in § 152.3 of this part, shall be approved at the time of adoption, if adopted without change and filed with the OCC within 30 days after adoption, provided the association follows the requirements of its charter in adopting such amendments: (1) Title change. A Federal stock association that has complied with § 143.1(b) of this chapter may amend its charter by substituting a new corporate title in section 1. (2) Home office. A Federal savings association may amend its charter by substituting a new home office in section 2, if it has complied with applicable requirements of § 145.95 of this chapter. (3) Number of shares of stock and par value. A Federal stock association may amend Section 5 of its charter to change the number of authorized shares of stock, the number of shares within each class of stock, and the par or stated value of such shares. (4) Capital stock. A Federal stock association may amend its charter by revising Section 5 to read as follows: Section 5. Capital stock. The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the association has the authority to issue is ll, of which ll shall be common stock of par [or if no par value is specified the stated] value of ll per share and of which [list the number of each class of preferred and the par or if no par value is specified the stated value per share of each such class]. The shares may be issued from time to time as authorized by the board of directors without further approval of shareholders, except as otherwise provided in this Section 5 or to the extent that such approval is required by governing law, rule, or regulation. The consideration for the issuance of the shares shall be paid in full before their issuance and shall not be less than the par [or stated] value. Neither promissory notes nor future services shall constitute payment or part payment for the issuance of shares of the association. The consideration for the shares shall be VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 cash, tangible or intangible property (to the extent direct investment in such property would be permitted), labor, or services actually performed for the association, or any combination of the foregoing. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the value of such property, labor, or services, as determined by the board of directors of the association, shall be conclusive. Upon payment of such consideration, such shares shall be deemed to be fully paid and nonassessable. In the case of a stock dividend, that part of the retained earnings of the association that is transferred to common stock or paidin capital accounts upon the issuance of shares as a stock dividend shall be deemed to be the consideration for their issuance. Except for shares issued in the initial organization of the association or in connection with the conversion of the association from the mutual to the stock form of capitalization, no shares of capital stock (including shares issuable upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of other securities) shall be issued, directly or indirectly, to officers, directors, or controlling persons of the association other than as part of a general public offering or as qualifying shares to a director, unless their issuance or the plan under which they would be issued has been approved by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a legal meeting. Nothing contained in this Section 5 (or in any supplementary sections hereto) shall entitle the holders of any class of a series of capital stock to vote as a separate class or series or to more than one vote per share, except as to the cumulation of votes for the election of directors, unless the charter otherwise provides that there shall be no such cumulative voting: Provided, That this restriction on voting separately by class or series shall not apply: (i) To any provision which would authorize the holders of preferred stock, voting as a class or series, to elect some members of the board of directors, less than a majority thereof, in the event of default in the payment of dividends on any class or series of preferred stock; (ii) To any provision that would require the holders of preferred stock, voting as a class or series, to approve the merger or consolidation of the association with another corporation or the sale, lease, or conveyance (other than by mortgage or pledge) of properties or business in exchange for securities of a corporation other than the association if the preferred stock is exchanged for securities of such other corporation: Provided, That no provision may require such approval for PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 transactions undertaken with the assistance or pursuant to the direction of the OCC or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) To any amendment which would adversely change the specific terms of any class or series of capital stock as set forth in this Section 5 (or in any supplementary sections hereto), including any amendment which would create or enlarge any class or series ranking prior thereto in rights and preferences. An amendment which increases the number of authorized shares of any class or series of capital stock, or substitutes the surviving association in a merger or consolidation for the association, shall not be considered to be such an adverse change. A description of the different classes and series (if any) of the association’s capital stock and a statement of the designations, and the relative rights, preferences, and limitations of the shares of each class of and series (if any) of capital stock are as follows: A. Common stock. Except as provided in this Section 5 (or in any supplementary sections thereto) the holders of the common stock shall exclusively possess all voting power. Each holder of shares of the common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by each holder, except as to the cumulation of votes for the election of directors, unless the charter otherwise provides that there shall be no such cumulative voting. Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class of stock having preference over the common stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount of dividends and of sinking fund, retirement fund, or other retirement payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the common stock, then dividends may be paid on the common stock and on any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the association, the holders of the common stock (and the holders of any class or series of stock entitled to participate with the common stock in the distribution of assets) shall be entitled to receive, in cash or in kind, the assets of the association available for distribution remaining after: (i) Payment or provision for payment of the association’s debts and liabilities; (ii) distributions or provision for distributions in settlement of its E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations liquidation account; and (iii) distributions or provision for distributions to holders of any class or series of stock having preference over the common stock in the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the association. Each share of common stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other shares of common stock. B. Preferred stock. The association may provide in supplementary sections to its charter for one or more classes of preferred stock, which shall be separately identified. The shares of any class may be divided into and issued in series, with each series separately designated so as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes. The terms of each series shall be set forth in a supplementary section to the charter. All shares of the same class shall be identical except as to the following relative rights and preferences, as to which there may be variations between different series: (a) The distinctive serial designation and the number of shares constituting such series; (b) The dividend rate or the amount of dividends to be paid on the shares of such series, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date(s), the payment date(s) for dividends, and the participating or other special rights, if any, with respect to dividends; (c) The voting powers, full or limited, if any, of shares of such series; (d) Whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so, the price(s) at which, and the terms and conditions on which, such shares may be redeemed; (e) The amount(s) payable upon the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the association; (f) Whether the shares of such series shall be entitled to the benefit of a sinking or retirement fund to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such shares, and if so entitled, the amount of such fund and the manner of its application, including the price(s) at which such shares may be redeemed or purchased through the application of such fund; (g) Whether the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock of the association and, if so, the conversion price(s) or the rate(s) of exchange, and the adjustments thereof, if any, at which such conversion or exchange may be made, and any other terms and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 conditions of such conversion or exchange. (h) The price or other consideration for which the shares of such series shall be issued; and (i) Whether the shares of such series which are redeemed or converted shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of serial preferred stock and whether such shares may be reissued as shares of the same or any other series of serial preferred stock. Each share of each series of serial preferred stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other shares of the same series. The board of directors shall have authority to divide, by the adoption of supplementary charter sections, any authorized class of preferred stock into series, and, within the limitations set forth in this section and the remainder of this charter, fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any series so established. Prior to the issuance of any preferred shares of a series established by a supplementary charter section adopted by the board of directors, the association shall file with the OCC a dated copy of that supplementary section of this charter established and designating the series and fixing and determining the relative rights and preferences thereof. (5) Limitations on subsequent issuances. A Federal stock association may amend its charter to require shareholder approval of the issuance or reservation of common stock or securities convertible into common stock under circumstances which would require shareholder approval under the rules of the New York or American Stock Exchange if the shares were then listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange. (6) Cumulative voting. A Federal stock association may amend its charter by substituting the following sentence for the second sentence in the third paragraph of Section 5: ‘‘Each holder of shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by such holder and there shall be no right to cumulate votes in an election of directors.’’ (7) [Reserved] (8) Anti-takeover provisions following mutual to stock conversion. Notwithstanding the law of the state in which the association is located, a Federal stock association may amend its charter by renumbering existing sections as appropriate and adding a new section 8 as follows: Section 8. Certain Provisions Applicable for Five Years. Notwithstanding anything contained in PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49017 the Association’s charter or bylaws to the contrary, for a period of [specify number of years up to five] years from the date of completion of the conversion of the Association from mutual to stock form, the following provisions shall apply: A. Beneficial Ownership Limitation. No person shall directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10 percent of any class of an equity security of the association. This limitation shall not apply to a transaction in which the association forms a holding company without change in the respective beneficial ownership interests of its stockholders other than pursuant to the exercise of any dissenter and appraisal rights, the purchase of shares by underwriters in connection with a public offering, or the purchase of shares by a tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan which is exempt from the approval requirements under § 174.3(c)(2)(i)(D) of the OCC’s regulations. In the event shares are acquired in violation of this section 8, all shares beneficially owned by any person in excess of 10% shall be considered ‘‘excess shares’’ and shall not be counted as shares entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote. For purposes of this section 8, the following definitions apply: (1) The term ‘‘person’’ includes an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of the equity securities of the association. (2) The term ‘‘offer’’ includes every offer to buy or otherwise acquire, solicitation of an offer to sell, tender offer for, or request or invitation for tenders of, a security or interest in a security for value. (3) The term ‘‘acquire’’ includes every type of acquisition, whether effected by purchase, exchange, operation of law or otherwise. (4) The term ‘‘acting in concert’’ means (a) knowing participation in a joint activity or conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, or (b) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49018 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations arrangements, whether written or otherwise. B. Cumulative Voting Limitation. Stockholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes for election of directors. C. Call for Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders relating to changes in control of the association or amendments to its charter shall be called only upon direction of the board of directors. (c) Anti-takeover provisions. The OCC may grant approval to a charter amendment not listed in paragraph (b) of this section regarding the acquisition by any person or persons of its equity securities provided that the association shall file as part of its application for approval an opinion, acceptable to the OCC, of counsel independent from the association that the proposed charter provision would be permitted to be adopted by a corporation chartered by the state in which the principal office of the association is located. Any such provision must be consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and OCC policies. Further, any such provision that would have the effect of rendering more difficult a change in control of the association and would require for any corporate action (other than the removal of directors) the affirmative vote of a larger percentage of shareholders than is required by this part, shall not be effective unless adopted by a percentage of shareholder vote at least equal to the highest percentage that would be required to take any action under such provision. (d) Reissuance of charter. A Federal stock association that has amended its charter may apply to have its charter, including the amendments, reissued by the OCC. Such requests for reissuance should be filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office, and contain signatures required under § 152.3 of this part, together with such supporting documents as needed to demonstrate that the amendments were properly adopted. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.5 Bylaws. (a) General. At its first organizational meeting, the board of directors of a Federal stock association shall adopt a set of bylaws for the administration and regulation of its affairs. Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by either a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders at a legal meeting or a majority of the board of directors. The bylaws shall contain sufficient provisions to govern the association in accordance with the requirements of §§ 152.6, 152.7, 152.8, and 152.9 of this part and shall not contain any provision VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 that is inconsistent with those sections or with applicable laws, rules, regulations or the association’s charter, except that a bylaw provision inconsistent with §§ 152.6, 152.7, and 152.9, of this part may be adopted with the approval of the OCC. (b) Form of Filing—(1) Application requirement. (i) Any bylaw amendment shall be submitted to the OCC for approval if it would: (A) Render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of the association’s stock, or the removal of incumbent management; or (B) Be inconsistent with §§ 152.6, 152.7, 152.8, and 152.9 of this part, with applicable laws, rules, regulations or the association’s charter or involve a significant issue of law or policy, including indemnification, conflicts of interest, and limitations on director or officer liability. (ii) Applications submitted under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section are subject to standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. (iii) Bylaw provisions that adopt the language of the OCC’s model or optional bylaws, if adopted without change, and filed with the OCC within 30 days after adoption, are effective upon adoption. (2) Filing requirement. If the proposed bylaw amendment does not involve a provision that would be covered by paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section and is permissible under all applicable laws, rules, or regulations, then the association shall submit the amendment to the OCC at least 30 days prior to the date the bylaw amendment is to be adopted by the association. (3) Corporate governance procedures. A Federal stock association may elect to follow the corporate governance procedures of: The laws of the state where the main office of the association is located; the laws of the state where the association’s holding company, if any, is incorporated or chartered; Delaware General Corporation law; or The Model Business Corporation Act, provided that such procedures may be elected to the extent not inconsistent with applicable Federal statutes and regulations and safety and soundness, and such procedures are not of the type described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If this election is selected, a Federal stock association shall designate in its bylaws the provision or provisions from the body or bodies of law selected for its corporate governance procedures, and shall file a copy of such bylaws, which are effective upon adoption, within 30 days after adoption. The PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 submission shall indicate, where not obvious, why the bylaw provisions meet the requirements stated in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. (c) Effectiveness. Any bylaw amendment filed pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall automatically be effective 30 days from the date of filing of such amendment, provided that the association follows the requirements of its charter and bylaws in adopting such amendment, unless prior to the expiration of such 30-day period the OCC notifies the association that such amendment is rejected or that such amendment requires an application to be filed pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section. (d) Effect of subsequent charter or bylaw change. Notwithstanding any subsequent change to its charter or bylaws, the authority of a Federal stock association to engage in any transaction shall be determined only by the association’s charter or bylaws then in effect, unless otherwise provided by Federal law or regulation. § 152.6 Shareholders. (a) Shareholder meetings. A meeting of the shareholders of the association for the election of directors and for the transaction of any other business of the association shall be held annually within 150 days after the end of the association’s fiscal year. Unless otherwise provided in the association’s charter, special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the board of directors or on the request of the holders of 10 percent or more of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting, or by such other persons as may be specified in the bylaws of the association. All annual and special meetings of shareholders shall be held at such place as the board of directors may determine in the state in which the association has its principal place of business, or at any other convenient place the board of directors may designate. (b) Notice of shareholder meetings. Written notice stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be delivered not fewer than 20 nor more than 50 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the chairman of the board, the president, the secretary, or the directors, or other persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the mail, addressed to the shareholder at the address appearing on the stock transfer E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations books or records of the association as of the record date prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section, with postage thereon prepaid. When any shareholders’ meeting, either annual or special, is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Notwithstanding anything in this section, however, a Federal stock association that is wholly owned shall not be subject to the shareholder notice requirement. (c) Fixing of record date. For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other proper purpose, the board of directors shall fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders. Such date in any case shall be not more than 60 days and, in case of a meeting of shareholders, not less than 10 days prior to the date on which the particular action, requiring such determination of shareholders, is to be taken. When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof. (d) Voting lists. (1) At least 20 days before each meeting of the shareholders, the officer or agent having charge of the stock transfer books for the shares of the association shall make a complete list of the stockholders of record entitled to vote at such meeting, or any adjournments thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address and the number of shares held by each. This list of shareholders shall be kept on file at the home office of the association and shall be subject to inspection by any shareholder of record or the stockholder’s agent during the entire time of the meeting. The original stock transfer book shall constitute prima facie evidence of the stockholders entitled to examine such list or transfer books or to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Notwithstanding anything in this section, however, a Federal stock association that is wholly owned shall not be subject to the voting list requirements. (2) In lieu of making the shareholders list available for inspection by any shareholders as provided in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the board of directors may perform such acts as required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 14a–7 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.14a– 7) as may be duly requested in writing, with respect to any matter which may be properly considered at a meeting of shareholders, by any shareholder who is entitled to vote on such matter and who shall defray the reasonable expenses to be incurred by the association in performance of the act or acts required. (e) Shareholder quorum. A majority of the outstanding shares of the association entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders. The shareholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders, unless the vote of a greater number of stockholders voting together or voting by classes is required by law or the charter. Directors, however, are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at an election of directors. (f) Shareholder voting—(1) Proxies. Unless otherwise provided in the association’s charter, at all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder may vote in person or by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by a duly authorized attorney in fact. Proxies may be given telephonically or electronically as long as the holder uses a procedure for verifying the identity of the shareholder. A proxy may designate as holder a corporation, partnership or company as defined in part 174 of this chapter, or other person. Proxies solicited on behalf of the management shall be voted as directed by the shareholder or, in the absence of such direction, as determined by a majority of the board of directors. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months from the date of its execution except for a proxy coupled with an interest. (2) Shares controlled by association. Neither treasury shares of its own stock held by the association nor shares held by another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote for the election of directors of such other corporation are held by the association, shall be voted at any meeting or counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time for purposes of any meeting. (g) Nominations and new business submitted by shareholders. Nominations for directors and new business submitted by shareholders shall be voted upon at the annual meeting if such nominations or new business are PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49019 submitted in writing and delivered to the secretary of the association at least five days prior to the date of the annual meeting. Ballots bearing the names of all the persons nominated shall be provided for use at the annual meeting. (h) Informal action by stockholders. If the bylaws of the association so provide, any action required to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders, or any other action that may be taken at a meeting of the stockholders, may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing has been given by all the stockholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter. § 152.7 Board of directors. (a) General powers and duties. The business and affairs of the association shall be under the direction of its board of directors. The board of directors shall annually elect a chairman of the board from among its members and shall designate the chairman of the board, when present, to preside at its meeting. Directors need not be stockholders unless the bylaws so require. (b) Number and term. The bylaws shall set forth a specific number of directors, not a range. The number of directors shall be not fewer than five nor more than fifteen, unless a higher or lower number has been authorized by the OTS, prior to July 21, 2011 or the OCC. Directors shall be elected for a term of one to three years and until their successors are elected and qualified. If a staggered board is chosen, the directors shall be divided into two or three classes as nearly equal in number as possible and one class shall be elected by ballot annually. In the case of a converting or newly chartered association where all directors shall be elected at the first election of directors, if a staggered board is chosen, the terms shall be staggered in length from one to three years. (c) Regular meetings. A regular meeting of the board of directors shall be held immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of shareholders. The board of directors shall determine the place, frequency, time and procedure for notice of regular meetings. (d) Quorum. A majority of the number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the board of directors. The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors, unless a greater number is prescribed by regulation of the OCC. (e) Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49020 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the remaining directors although less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected to serve only until the next election of directors by the shareholders. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by election by the board of directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the shareholders. (f) Removal or resignation of directors. (1) At a meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose, any director may be removed only for cause, as defined in § 163.39 of this chapter, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Associations may provide for procedures regarding resignations in the bylaws. (2) If less than the entire board is to be removed, no one of the directors may be removed if the votes cast against the removal would be sufficient to elect a director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the class of directors of which such director is a part. (3) Whenever the holders of the shares of any class are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the charter or supplemental sections thereto, the provisions of this section shall apply, in respect to the removal of a director or directors so elected, to the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of that class and not to the vote of the outstanding shares as a whole. (g) Executive and other committees. The board of directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the full board, may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees each of which, to the extent provided in the resolution or bylaws of the association, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the board of directors, except no committee shall have the authority of the board of directors with reference to: the declaration of dividends; the amendment of the charter or bylaws of the association; recommending to the stockholders a plan of merger, consolidation, or conversion; the sale, lease, or other disposition of all, or substantially all, of the property and assets of the association otherwise than in the usual and regular course of its business; a voluntary dissolution of the association; a revocation of any of the foregoing; or the approval of a transaction in which any member of the executive committee, directly or indirectly, has any material beneficial interest. The designation of any committee and the delegation of authority thereto shall not operate to VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 relieve the board of directors, or any director, of any responsibility imposed by law or regulation. (h) Notice of special meetings. Written notice of at least 24 hours regarding any special meeting of the board of directors or of any committee designated thereby shall be given to each director in accordance with the bylaws, although such notice may be waived by the director. The attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting. The bylaws may provide for telephonic participation at a meeting. (i) Action without a meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board of directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the actions so taken, shall be signed by all of the directors. (j) Presumption of assent. A director of the association who is present at a meeting of the board of directors at which action on any association matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent or abstention shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless a written dissent to such action shall be filed with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall be forwarded by registered mail to the secretary of the association within five days after the date on which a copy of the minutes of the meeting is received. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action. (k) Age limitation on directors. A Federal association may provide a bylaw on age limitation for directors. Bylaws on age limitations must comply with all Federal laws, rules and regulations. § 152.8 Officers. (a) Positions. The officers of the association shall be a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer or comptroller, each of whom shall be elected by the board of directors. The board of directors may also designate the chairman of the board as an officer. The offices of the secretary and treasurer or comptroller may be held by the same person and the vice president may also be either the secretary or the treasurer or comptroller. PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 The board of directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or senior vice president. The board of directors may also elect or authorize the appointment of such other officers as the business of the association may require. The officers shall have such authority and perform such duties as the board of directors may from time to time authorize or determine. In the absence of action by the board of directors, the officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices. (b) Removal. Any officer may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the association will be served thereby; but such removal, other than for cause, shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed. Employment contracts shall conform with § 163.39 of this chapter. (c) Age limitation on officers. A Federal association may provide a bylaw on age limitation for officers. Bylaws on age limitations must comply with all Federal laws, rules, and regulations. § 152.9 Certificates for shares and their transfer. (a) Certificates for shares. Certificates representing shares of capital stock of the association shall be in such form as shall be determined by the board of directors and approved by the OCC. The certificates shall be signed by the chief executive officer or by any other officer of the association authorized by the board of directors, attested by the secretary or an assistant secretary, and sealed with the corporate seal or a facsimile thereof. The signatures of such officers upon a certificate may be facsimiles if the certificate is manually signed on behalf of a transfer agent or a registrar other than the association itself or one of its employees. Each certificate for shares of capital stock shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified. The name and address of the person to whom the shares are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be entered on the stock transfer books of the association. All certificates surrendered to the association for transfer shall be cancelled and no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate for a like number of shares shall have been surrendered and cancelled, except that in the case of a lost or destroyed certificate a new certificate may be issued upon such terms and indemnity to the association as the board of directors may prescribe. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Transfer of shares. Transfer of shares of capital stock of the association shall be made only on its stock transfer books. Authority for such transfer shall be given only by the holder of record or by a legal representative, who shall furnish proper evidence of such authority, or by an attorney authorized by a duly executed power of attorney and filed with the association. The transfer shall be made only on surrender for cancellation of the certificate for the shares. The person in whose name shares of capital stock stand on the books of the association shall be deemed by the association to be the owner for all purposes. § 152.10 Annual reports to stockholders. A Federal stock association not wholly-owned by a holding company shall, within 130 days after the end of its fiscal year, mail to each of its stockholders entitled to vote at its annual meeting an annual report containing financial statements that satisfy the requirements of rule 14a–3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (17 CFR 240.14a–3). Concurrently with such mailing a certification of such mailing signed by the chairman of the board, the president or a vice president of the association, together with copies of the report, shall be transmitted by the association to the OCC. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.11 Books and records. (a) Each Federal stock association shall keep correct and complete books and records of account; shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders, board of directors, and committees of directors; and shall keep at its home office or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names and addresses of all stockholders, and the number, class and series, if any, of the shares held by each. (b)(1) Any stockholder or group of stockholders of a Federal stock association, holding of record the number of voting shares of such association specified below, upon making written demand stating a proper purpose, shall have the right to examine, in person or by agent or attorney, at any reasonable time or times, nonconfidential portions of its books and records of account, minutes and record of stockholders and to make extracts therefrom. Such right of examination is limited to a stockholder or group of stockholders holding of record: (i) Voting shares having a cost of not less than $100,000 or constituting not less than one percent of the total outstanding voting shares, provided in VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 either case such stockholder or group of stockholders have held of record such voting shares for a period of at least six months before making such written demand, or (ii) Not less than five percent of the total outstanding voting shares. (2) No stockholder or group of stockholders of a Federal stock association shall have any other right under this section or common law to examine its books and records of account, minutes and record of stockholders, except as provided in its bylaws with respect to inspection of a list of stockholders. (c) The right to examination authorized by paragraph (b) of this section and the right to inspect the list of stockholders provided by a Federal stock association’s bylaws may be denied to any stockholder or group of stockholders upon the refusal of any such stockholder or group of stockholders to furnish such association, its transfer agent or registrar an affidavit that such examination or inspection is not desired for any purpose which is in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the association, that such stockholder has not within the five years preceding the date of the affidavit sold or offered for sale, and does not now intend to sell or offer for sale, any list of stockholders of the association or of any other corporation, and that such stockholder has not within said fiveyear period aided or abetted any other person in procuring any list of stockholders for purposes of selling or offering for sale such list. (d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section or common law, no stockholder or group of stockholders shall have the right to obtain, inspect or copy any portion of any books or records of a Federal stock association containing: (1) A list of depositors in or borrowers from such association; (2) Their addresses; (3) Individual deposit or loan balances or records; or (4) Any data from which such information could be reasonably constructed. § 152.12 [Reserved] § 152.13 Combinations involving Federal stock associations. (a) Scope and authority. Federal stock associations may enter into combinations only in accordance with the provisions of this section, section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, sections 5(d)(3)(A) and 10(s) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, and § 163.22 of this part. PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49021 (b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to §§ 152.13 and 152.14 of this part: (1) Combination. A merger or consolidation with another depository institution, or an acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or assumption of all or substantially all of the liabilities of a depository institution by another depository institution. Combine means to be a constituent institution in a combination. (2) Consolidation. Fusion of two or more depository institutions into a newly-created depository institution. (3) Constituent institution. Resulting, disappearing, acquiring, or transferring depository institution in a combination. (4) Depository institution means any commercial bank (including a private bank), a savings bank, a trust company, a savings and loan association, a building and loan association, a homestead association, a cooperative bank, an industrial bank or a credit union, chartered in the United States and having its principal office located in the United States. (5) Disappearing institution. A depository institution whose corporate existence does not continue after a combination. (6) Merger. Uniting two or more depository institutions by the transfer of all property rights and franchises to the resulting depository institution, which retains its corporate identity. (7) Mutual savings association. Any savings association organized in a form not requiring non-withdrawable stock under Federal or state law. (8) Resulting institution. The depository institution whose corporate existence continues after a combination. (9) Savings association has the same meaning as defined in § 161.43 of this chapter. (10) State. Includes the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and states, territories, and possessions of the United States. (11) Stock association. Any savings association organized in a form requiring non-withdrawable stock. (c) Forms of combination. A Federal stock association may combine with any depository institution, provided that: (1) The combination is in compliance with, and receives all approvals required under, any applicable statutes and regulations; (2) Any resulting Federal savings association meets the requirements for Federal Home Loan Bank membership and insurance of accounts; (3) Any resulting Federal savings association conforms within the time prescribed by the OCC to the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49022 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations requirements of sections 5(c) and 10(m) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act; and (4) If any constituent savings association is a mutual savings association, the resulting institution shall be mutually held, unless: (i) The transaction involves a supervisory merger; (ii) The transaction is approved under part 192 of this chapter; (iii) The transaction involves an interim Federal stock association or an interim state stock savings association; or (iv) The transaction involves a transfer in the context of a mutual holding company reorganization under section 10(o) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. (d) Combinations. Prior written notification to, notice to, or prior written approval of, the OCC pursuant to § 163.22 of this chapter is required for every combination. In the case of applications and notices pursuant to § 163.22 (a) or (c), the OCC shall apply the criteria set out in § 163.22 of this chapter and shall impose any conditions it deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with those criteria and the requirements of this chapter. (e) Approval of the board of directors. Before filing a notice or application for any combination involving a Federal stock association, the combination shall be approved: (1) By a two-thirds vote of the entire board of each constituent Federal savings association; and (2) As required by other applicable Federal or state law, for other constituent institutions. (f) Combination agreement. All terms, conditions, agreements or understandings, or other provisions with respect to a combination involving a Federal savings association shall be set forth fully in a written combination agreement. The combination agreement shall state: (1) That the combination shall not be effective unless and until: (i) The combination receives any necessary approval from the OCC pursuant to § 163.22 (a) or (c); (ii) In the case of a transaction requiring a notification pursuant to § 163.22(b), notification has been provided to the OCC; or (iii) In the case of a transaction requiring a notice pursuant to § 163.22(c), the notice has been filed, and the appropriate period of time has passed or the OCC has advised the parties that it will not disapprove the transaction; (2) Which constituent institution is to be the resulting institution; (3) The name of the resulting institution; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (4) The location of the home office and any other offices of the resulting institution; (5) The terms and conditions of the combination and the method of effectuation; (6) Any charter amendments, or the new charter in the combination; (7) The basis upon which the savings accounts of the resulting institution shall be issued; (8) If a Federal association is the resulting institution, the number, names, residence addresses, and terms of directors; (9) The effect upon and assumption of any liquidation account of a disappearing institution by the resulting institution; and (10) Such other provisions, agreements, or understandings as relate to the combination. (g) [Reserved] (h) Approval by stockholders—(1) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of any constituent Federal savings association shall be required for approval of the combination agreement. If any class of shares is entitled to vote as a class pursuant to § 152.4 of this part, an affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of each voting class and twothirds of the total voting shares shall be required. The required vote shall be taken at a meeting of the savings association. (2) General exception. Stockholders of the resulting Federal stock association need not authorize a combination agreement if: (i) It does not involve an interim Federal savings association or an interim state savings association; (ii) The association’s charter is not changed; (iii) Each share of stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the combination is to be an identical outstanding share or a treasury share of the resulting Federal stock association after such effective date; and (iv) Either: (A) No shares of voting stock of the resulting Federal stock association and no securities convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination, or (B) The authorized unissued shares or the treasury shares of voting stock of the resulting Federal stock association to be issued or delivered under the plan of combination, plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any securities to be issued or delivered under such plan, do not exceed 15% of the total shares of voting stock of such association outstanding immediately PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 prior to the effective date of the combination. (3) Exceptions for certain combinations involving an interim association. Stockholders of a Federal stock association need not authorize by a two-thirds affirmative vote combinations involving an interim Federal savings association or interim state savings association when the resulting Federal stock association is acquired pursuant to regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. In those cases, an affirmative vote of 50 percent of the shares of the outstanding voting stock of the Federal stock association plus one affirmative vote shall be required. If any class of shares is entitled to vote as a class pursuant to § 152.4 of this part, an affirmative vote of 50 percent of the shares of each voting class plus one affirmative vote shall be required. The required votes shall be taken at a meeting of the association. (i) Disclosure. The OCC may require, in connection with a combination under this section, such disclosure of information as the OCC deems necessary or desirable for the protection of investors in any of the constituent associations. (j) Articles of combination. (1) Following stockholder approval of any combination in which a Federal savings association is the resulting institution, articles of combination shall be executed in duplicate by each constituent institution, by its chief executive officer or executive vice president and by its secretary or an assistant secretary, and verified by one of the officers of each institution signing such articles, and shall set forth: (i) The plan of combination; (ii) The number of shares outstanding in each depository institution; and (iii) The number of shares in each depository institution voted for and against such plan. (2) Both sets of articles of combination shall be filed with the OCC. If the OCC determines that such articles conform to the requirements of this section, the OCC shall endorse the articles and return one set to the resulting institution. (k) Effective date. No combination under this section shall be effective until receipt of any approvals required by the OCC. The effective date of a combination in which the resulting institution is a Federal stock association shall be the date of consummation of the transaction or such other later date specified on the endorsement of the articles of combination by the OCC. If a disappearing institution combining under this section is a Federal stock E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations association, its charter shall be deemed to be cancelled as of the effective date of the combination and such charter must be surrendered to the OCC as soon as practicable after the effective date. (l) Mergers and consolidations: transfer of assets and liabilities to the resulting institution. Upon the effective date of a merger or consolidation under this section, if the resulting institution is a Federal savings association, all assets and property (real, personal and mixed, tangible and intangible, choses in action, rights, and credits) then owned by each constituent institution or which would inure to any of them, shall, immediately by operation of law and without any conveyance, transfer, or further action, become the property of the resulting Federal savings association. The resulting Federal savings association shall be deemed to be a continuation of the entity of each constituent institution, the rights and obligations of which shall succeed to such rights and obligations and the duties and liabilities connected therewith, subject to the Home Owners’ Loan Act and other applicable statutes. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.14 Dissenter and appraisal rights. (a) Right to demand payment of fair or appraised value. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any stockholder of a stock association combining in accordance with § 152.13 of this part shall have the right to demand payment of the fair or appraised value of his stock: Provided, That such stockholder has not voted in favor of the combination and complies with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Exceptions. No stockholder required to accept only qualified consideration for his or her stock shall have the right under this section to demand payment of the stock’s fair or appraised value, if such stock was listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (‘‘NASDAQ’’) on the date of the meeting at which the combination was acted upon or stockholder action is not required for a combination made pursuant to § 152.13(h)(2) of this part. ‘‘Qualified consideration’’ means cash, shares of stock of any association or corporation which at the effective date of the combination will be listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on NASDAQ, or any combination of such shares of stock and cash. (c) Procedure—(1) Notice. Each constituent Federal stock association shall notify all stockholders entitled to rights under this section, not less than VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 twenty days prior to the meeting at which the combination agreement is to be submitted for stockholder approval, of the right to demand payment of appraised value of shares, and shall include in such notice a copy of this section. Such written notice shall be mailed to stockholders of record and may be part of management’s proxy solicitation for such meeting. (2) Demand for appraisal and payment. Each stockholder electing to make a demand under this section shall deliver to the Federal stock association, before voting on the combination, a writing identifying himself or herself and stating his or her intention thereby to demand appraisal of and payment for his or her shares. Such demand must be in addition to and separate from any proxy or vote against the combination by the stockholder. (3) Notification of effective date and written offer. (i) Within ten days after the effective date of the combination, the resulting association shall: (A) Give written notice by mail to stockholders of constituent Federal stock associations who have complied with the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) of this section and have not voted in favor of the combination, of the effective date of the combination; (B) Make a written offer to each stockholder to pay for dissenting shares at a specified price deemed by the resulting association to be the fair value thereof; and (C) Inform them that, within sixty days of such date, the respective requirements of paragraphs (c)(5) and (c)(6) of this section (set out in the notice) must be satisfied. (ii) The notice and offer shall be accompanied by a balance sheet and statement of income of the association the shares of which the dissenting stockholder holds, for a fiscal year ending not more than sixteen months before the date of notice and offer, together with the latest available interim financial statements. (4) Acceptance of offer. If within sixty days of the effective date of the combination the fair value is agreed upon between the resulting association and any stockholder who has complied with the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, payment therefore shall be made within ninety days of the effective date of the combination. (5) Petition to be filed if offer not accepted. If within sixty days of the effective date of the combination the resulting association and any stockholder who has complied with the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) of this section do not agree as to the fair value, then any such stockholder may file a PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49023 petition with the OCC, with a copy by registered or certified mail to the resulting association, demanding a determination of the fair market value of the stock of all such stockholders. A stockholder entitled to file a petition under this section who fails to file such petition within sixty days of the effective date of the combination shall be deemed to have accepted the terms offered under the combination. (6) Stock certificates to be noted. Within sixty days of the effective date of the combination, each stockholder demanding appraisal and payment under this section shall submit to the transfer agent his certificates of stock for notation thereon that an appraisal and payment have been demanded with respect to such stock and that appraisal proceedings are pending. Any stockholder who fails to submit his or her stock certificates for such notation shall no longer be entitled to appraisal rights under this section and shall be deemed to have accepted the terms offered under the combination. (7) Withdrawal of demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time within sixty days after the effective date of the combination, any stockholder shall have the right to withdraw his or her demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the combination. (8) Valuation and payment. The Comptroller shall, as he or she may elect, either appoint one or more independent persons or direct appropriate staff of the OCC to appraise the shares to determine their fair market value, as of the effective date of the combination, exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the combination. Appropriate staff of the OCC shall review and provide an opinion on appraisals prepared by independent persons as to the suitability of the appraisal methodology and the adequacy of the analysis and supportive data. The Comptroller after consideration of the appraisal report and the advice of the appropriate staff shall, if he or she concurs in the valuation of the shares, direct payment by the resulting association of the appraised fair market value of the shares, upon surrender of the certificates representing such stock. Payment shall be made, together with interest from the effective date of the combination, at a rate deemed equitable by the Comptroller. (9) Costs and expenses. The costs and expenses of any proceeding under this section may be apportioned and assessed by the Comptroller as he or she may deem equitable against all or some E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49024 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations of the parties. In making this determination the Comptroller shall consider whether any party has acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in respect to the rights provided by this section. (10) Voting and distribution. Any stockholder who has demanded appraisal rights as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall thereafter neither be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose nor be entitled to the payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except dividends or other distribution payable to, or a vote to be taken by stockholders of record at a date which is on or prior to, the effective date of the combination): Provided, That if any stockholder becomes unentitled to appraisal and payment of appraised value with respect to such stock and accepts or is deemed to have accepted the terms offered upon the combination, such stockholder shall thereupon be entitled to vote and receive the distributions described above. (11) Status. Shares of the resulting association into which shares of the stockholders demanding appraisal rights would have been converted or exchanged, had they assented to the combination, shall have the status of authorized and unissued shares of the resulting association. § 152.15 Supervisory combinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this part, the Comptroller may waive or deem inapplicable any provision of § 152.13 or § 152.14 of this part if he or she determines that grounds exist, or may imminently exist, for appointment of a conservator or receiver for an association under subsection 5(d) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. § 152.16 Effect of subsequent charter or bylaw change. Notwithstanding any subsequent change to its charter or bylaws, the authority of a Federal stock association to engage in any transaction shall be determined only by the association’s charter or bylaws then in effect. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 152.17 Federal stock association created in connection with an association in default or in danger of default. Sections 152.1 and 152.2 of this part do not apply to a Federal stock association which is proposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Resolution Trust Corporation under section 5(p) of the Home Owner’s Loan Act of 1933, section 11(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or section 21A of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, or is otherwise chartered by the OCC in connection with an VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association in default or in danger of default. Incorporation and organization of such associations are complete when and under such conditions as the OCC so determines. § 152.18 Conversion from stock form depository institution to Federal stock association. (a) With the approval of the OCC, any stock depository institution that is, or is eligible to become, a member of a Federal Home Loan Bank, may convert to a Federal stock association, provided that the depository institution, at the time of the conversion, has deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and provided further, that the depository institution, in accomplishing the conversion, complies with all applicable statutes and regulations, including, without limitation, section 5(d) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. The resulting Federal stock association must conform within the time prescribed by the OCC to the requirements of section 5(c) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘depository institution’’ shall have the meaning set forth at 12 CFR 152.13(b). An application for conversion filed under this section is subject to the procedures for organization of a Federal stock organization at § 152.1. (b) Any and all of the assets and other property (whether real, personal, mixed, tangible or intangible, including choses in action, rights, and credits) of the former stock form depository institution become assets and property of the Federal stock association when the conversion occurs. Similarly, any and all of the obligations and debts of or claims against the former stock form depository institution become obligations and debts of and claims against the Federal stock association when the conversion occurs. In effect, the Federal stock association is the same as the former stock form depository institution with respect to any and all assets, property, claims and debts of or claims against the former stock form depository institution. § 152.19 Conversion to National banking association or state bank. A Federal stock association may convert to a national banking association or a state bank after filing a notification or application, as appropriate, with the appropriate OCC licensing office in accordance with the applicable provisions of § 163.22(b) of this chapter. PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 PART 155—ELECTRONIC OPERATIONS Sec. 155.100 What does this part do? 155.200 How may I use or participate with others to use electronic means and facilities? 155.210 What precautions must I take? 155.300 Must I inform the OCC before I use electronic means or facilities? 155.310 How do I notify the OCC? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 155.100 What does this part do? This part describes how a Federal savings association may provide products and services through electronic means and facilities. § 155.200 How may I use or participate with others to use electronic means and facilities? (a) General. A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may use, or participate with others to use, electronic means or facilities to perform any function, or provide any product or service, as part of an authorized activity. Electronic means or facilities include, but are not limited to, automated teller machines, automated loan machines, personal computers, the Internet, the World Wide Web, telephones, and other similar electronic devices. (b) Other. To optimize the use of your resources, you may market and sell, or participate with others to market and sell, electronic capacities and byproducts to third-parties, if you acquired or developed these capacities and by-products in good faith as part of providing financial services. § 155.210 What precautions must I take? If you use electronic means and facilities under this subpart, your management must: (a) Identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks and establish prudent internal controls; and (b) Implement security measures designed to ensure secure operations. Such measures must be adequate to: (1) Prevent unauthorized access to your records and your customers’ records; (2) Prevent financial fraud through the use of electronic means or facilities; and (3) Comply with applicable security devices requirements of part 168 of this chapter. § 155.300 Must I inform the OCC before I use electronic means or facilities? (a) General. You are not required to inform the OCC before you use electronic means or facilities, except as E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. However, you are encouraged to consult with the OCC before you engage in any activities using electronic means or facilities. (b) Activities requiring advance notice. You must file a written notice as described in § 155.310 before you establish a transactional web site. A transactional web site is an Internet site that enables users to conduct financial transactions such as accessing an account, obtaining an account balance, transferring funds, processing bill payments, opening an account, applying for or obtaining a loan, or purchasing other authorized products or services. (c) Other procedures. If the OCC informs you of any supervisory or compliance concerns that may affect your use of electronic means or facilities, you must follow any procedures it imposes in writing. § 155.310 How do I notify the OCC? You must file a written notice with your OCC supervisory office at least 30 days before you establish a transactional Web site. The notice must do three things: (a) Describe the transactional web site. (b) Indicate the date the transactional web site will become operational. (c) List a contact familiar with the deployment, operation, and security of the transactional web site. PART 157—DEPOSITS Sec. 157.1 What does this part do? 157.10 What authorities govern the issuance of deposit accounts by a Federal savings association? 157.11 To what extent does Federal law preempt state laws? 157.12 [Reserved] 157.13 [Reserved] 157.14 What interest rate may I pay on accounts? 157.15 Who owns a deposit account? 157.20 What records should I maintain on deposit activities? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 157.1 What does this part do? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES This part applies to the deposit activities of Federal savings associations. § 157.10 What authorities govern the issuance of deposit accounts by Federal savings associations? A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may raise funds through accounts and may issue evidence of accounts under section 5(b)(1) of the HOLA (12 U.S.C. 1464(b)(1)), your charter, and this part. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Additionally, 12 CFR parts 204 and 230 apply to your deposit activities. § 157.11 To what extent does Federal law preempt deposit-related state laws? State law applies to the deposit activities of Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries to the same extent and in the same manner that those laws apply to national banks and their subsidiaries. § 157.12 [Reserved] § 157.13 [Reserved] § 157.14 What interest rate may I pay on accounts? (a) You may pay interest at any rate or anticipated rate of return on accounts, either in deposit or in share form, as provided in your charter and the account’s terms. (b) You may pay fixed or variable rates. If you pay a variable rate, you must base it on a schedule, index, or formula that you specify in the account’s terms. § 157.15 Who owns a deposit account? You may treat the holder of record as the account owner, even if you receive contrary notice, until you transfer the account on your records. § 157.20 What records should I maintain on deposit activities? You should establish and maintain deposit documentation practices and records that demonstrate that you appropriately administer and monitor deposit-related activities. Your records should adequately evidence ownership, balances, and all transactions involving each account. You may maintain records on deposit activities in any format that is consistent with standard business practices. PART 159—SUBORDINATE ORGANIZATIONS Sec. 159.1 What does this part cover? 159.2 Definitions. 159.3 What are the characteristics of, and what requirements apply to, subordinate organizations of Federal savings associations? 159.4 What activities are preapproved for service corporations? 159.5 How much may a Federal savings association invest in service corporations or lower-tier entities? 159.10 How must separate corporate identities be maintained? 159.11 What notices are required to establish or acquire a new subsidiary or engage in new activities through an existing subsidiary? 159.12 How may a subsidiary of a Federal savings association issue securities? PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49025 159.13 How may a Federal savings association exercise its salvage power in connection with its service corporation or lower-tier entities? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1828, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 159.1 What does this part cover? (a) The OCC is issuing this part 159 pursuant to its general rulemaking and supervisory authority under the Home Owners’ Loan Act, 12 U.S.C. 1462 et seq., and its specific authority under section 18(m) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(m). This part 159 applies to subordinate organizations of Federal savings associations. The OCC may, at any time, limit a Federal savings association’s investment in any of these entities, or may limit or refuse to permit any activities of any of these entities for supervisory, legal, or safety and soundness reasons. (b) Notices under this part are applications for purposes of statutory and regulatory references to ‘‘applications.’’ Any conditions that the OCC imposes in approving any application are enforceable as a condition imposed in writing by the OCC in connection with the granting of a request by a Federal savings association within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) or 1818(i). § 159.2 Definitions. For purposes of this part: Control has the same meaning as in part 174 of this chapter. GAAP-consolidated subsidiary means an entity in which a Federal savings association has a direct or indirect ownership interest and whose assets are consolidated with those of the savings association for purposes of reporting under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Generally, these are entities in which the savings association has a majority ownership interest. Lower-tier entity includes any company in which an operating subsidiary or a service corporation has a direct or indirect ownership interest. Operating subsidiary means any entity that satisfies all of the requirements for an operating subsidiary set forth in § 159.3 of this part and that is designated by the parent Federal savings association as an operating subsidiary pursuant to § 159.3 of this part. More than 50% of the voting shares of an operating subsidiary must be owned, directly or indirectly, by a Federal savings association and no other person or entity may exercise effective operating control. An operating subsidiary may only engage in activities E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49026 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations permissible for a Federal savings association. Ownership interest means any equity interest in a business organization, including stock, limited or general partnership interests, or shares in a limited liability company. Service corporation means any entity that satisfies all of the requirements for service corporations in 12 U.S.C. 1464(c)(4)(B) and § 159.3 of this part and that is designated by the investing Federal savings association as a service corporation pursuant to § 159.3 of this part. A service corporation must be organized under the laws of the state where the Federal savings association’s home office is located, may only be owned by savings associations with home offices in that state, and may engage in the activities identified in §§ 159.3(e)(2) and 159.4 of this part. Subordinate organization means any corporation, partnership, business trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, or other similar business organization in which a Federal savings association has a direct or indirect ownership interest, unless that ownership interest qualifies as a passthrough investment pursuant to § 160.32 of this chapter and is so designated by the investing savings association. Subsidiary means any subordinate organization directly or indirectly controlled by a Federal savings association. § 159.3 What are the characteristics of, and what requirements apply to, subordinate organizations of Federal savings associations? A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) that meets the requirements of this section, as detailed in the following chart, may establish, or obtain an interest in an operating subsidiary or a service corporation. For ease of reference, this section cross-references other regulations in this chapter affecting operating subsidiaries and service corporations. You should refer to those regulations for the details of how they apply. The chart also discusses the regulations that may apply to lower-tier entities in which you have an indirect ownership interest through your operating subsidiary or service corporation. The chart follows: Operating subsidiary (a) How may a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) establish an operating subsidiary or a service corporation? (b) Who may be an owner? (c) What ownership requirements apply? (d) What geographic restrictions apply? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (e) What activities are permissible? VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Service corporation (1) You must file a notice, with the appropriate OCC licensing office, satisfying § 159.11. Any finance subsidiary that existed on January 1, 1997 is deemed an operating subsidiary without further action on your part. (1) Anyone may have an ownership interest in an operating subsidiary. (2) You must file a notice, with the appropriate OCC licensing office, satisfying § 159.11. Depending upon your condition and the activities in which the service corporation will engage, § 159.3(e)(2) may require you to file an application. (2) Only Federal or state chartered savings associations with home offices in the state where you have your home office may have an ownership interest in any service corporation in which you invest. (2) You are not required to have any particular percentage ownership interest and need not have control of the service corporation. (2) A service corporation must be organized in the state where your home office is located. (2)(i) If you are eligible for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter, and notify the OCC as required by § 159.11, your service corporation may engage in the preapproved activities listed in § 159.4. You may request OCC approval for your service corporation to engage in any other activity reasonably related to the activities of financial institutions by filing an application in accordance with standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. (ii) If you are subject to standard treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter, and notify the OCC as required by § 159.11, your service corporation may engage in any activity that you may conduct directly except taking deposits. You may request OCC approval for your service corporation to engage in any other activity reasonably related to the activities of financial institutions, including the activities set forth in § 159.4(b)–(j), by filing an application in accordance with standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. (1) You must own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares of the operating subsidiary. No one else may exercise effective operating control. (1) An operating subsidiary may be organized in any geographic location. (1) After you have notified the OCC in accordance with § 159.11, an operating subsidiary may engage in any activity that you may conduct directly. You may hold another insured depository institution as an operating subsidiary. PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49027 Operating subsidiary (f) May the operating subsidiary or service corporation invest in lower-tier entities? (g) How much may a Federal savings association invest? Service corporation (1)(i) An operating subsidiary may itself hold an operating subsidiary. Part 159 applies equally to a lower-tier operating subsidiary. In applying the regulations in this part, the investing operating subsidiary should substitute ‘‘investing operating subsidiary’’ wherever the part uses ‘‘you’’ or ‘‘savings association.’’ (ii) An operating subsidiary may also invest in other types of lower-tier entities. These entities must comply with all of the requirements of this part 159 that apply to service corporations except for paragraphs (b)(2) and (d)(2) of this section. (1) There are no limits on the amount you may invest in your operating subsidiaries, either separately or in the aggregate. (2) A service corporation may invest in all types of lower-tier entities as long as the lower-tier entity is engaged solely in activities that are permissible for a service corporation. All of the requirements of this part apply to such entities except for paragraphs (b)(2) and (d)(2) of this section. (1) Unless otherwise specifically provided by statute, regulation, or OCC policy, all Federal statutes and regulations apply to operating subsidiaries in the same manner as they apply to you. You and your operating subsidiary are generally consolidated and treated as a unit for statutory and regulatory purposes. (i) Do the investment limits that apply to Federal savings associations (HOLA section 5(c) and part 160 of this chapter) apply? (1) Your assets and those of your operating subsidiary are aggregated when calculating investment limitations. (j) How does the capital regulation (part 167 of this chapter) apply? (1) Your assets and those of your operating subsidiary are consolidated for all capital purposes. (k) How does the loans-to-one-borrower (LTOB) regulation (§ 160.93 of this chapter) apply? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (h) Do Federal statutes and regulations that apply to the savings association apply? (1) The LTOB regulation does not apply to loans from you to your operating subsidiary or loans from your operating subsidiary to you. Other loans made by your operating subsidiary are aggregated with your loans for LTOB purposes. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (2) Section 159.5 limits your aggregate investments in service corporations and indicates when your investments (both debt and equity) in lower-tier entities must be aggregated with your investments in service corporations. (2)(i) If the Federal statute or regulation specifically refers to ‘‘service corporation,’’ it applies to all service corporations, even if you do not control the service corporation or it is not a GAAP-consolidated subsidiary. (ii) If the Federal statute or regulation refers to ‘‘subsidiary,’’ it applies only to service corporations that you directly or indirectly control. (2) Your service corporation’s assets are not subject to the same investment limitations that apply to you. The investment activities of your service corporation are governed by paragraph (e)(2) of this section and § 159.4. (2) The capital treatment of a service corporation depends upon whether it is an includable subsidiary. That determination is based upon factors set forth in part 167 of this chapter, including your percentage ownership of the service corporation and the activities in which the service corporation engages. Both debt and equity investments in service corporations that are GAAP-consolidated subsidiaries are considered investments in subsidiaries for purposes of the capital regulation, regardless of the authority under which they are made. (2) The LTOB regulation does not apply to loans from you to your service corporation or from your service corporation to you. However, § 159.5 imposes restrictions on the amount of loans you may make to certain service corporations. Loans made by a service corporation that you control to entities other than you or your subordinate organizations are aggregated with your loans for LTOB purposes. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49028 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Operating subsidiary Service corporation (l) How do the transactions with affiliates (TWA) regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) apply? (1) Board rules explain how TWA applies. Generally, an operating subsidiary is not an affiliate, unless it is a depository institution; is directly controlled by another affiliate of the savings association or by shareholders that control the savings association; or is an employee stock option plan, trust, or similar organization that exists for the benefit of shareholders, partners, members, or employees of the savings association or an affiliate. A non-affiliate operating subsidiary is treated as a part of the savings association and its transactions with affiliates of the savings association are aggregated with those of the savings association (m) How does the Qualified Thrift Lender (QTL) (12 U.S.C. 1467a(m)) test apply? (1) Under 12 U.S.C. 1467a(m)(5), you may determine whether to consolidate the assets of a particular operating subsidiary for purposes of calculating your qualified thrift investments. If the operating subsidiary’s assets are not consolidated with yours for that purpose, your investment in the operating subsidiary will be considered in calculating your qualified thrift investments. (1) State law applies to operating subsidiaries regardless of whether it applies to you. (1) An operating subsidiary is subject to examination by the OCC. (1) Before redesignating an operating subsidiary as a service corporation, you should consult with the OCC licensing office in the district in which your home office is located. You must maintain adequate internal records, available for examination by the OCC, demonstrating that the redesignated service corporation meets all of the applicable requirements of this part and that your board of directors has approved the redesignation. (1) If an operating subsidiary, or any lower-tier entity in which the operating subsidiary invests pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) of this section fails to meet any of the requirements of this section, you must notify the appropriate OCC licensing office. Unless otherwise advised by the OCC, if the company cannot comply within 90 days with all of the requirements for either an operating subsidiary or a service corporation under this section, or any other investment authorized by 12 U.S.C. 1464(c) or part 160 of this chapter, you must promptly dispose of your investment. (2) Board rules explain how TWA applies. Generally, a service corporation is not an affiliate, unless it is a depository institution; is directly controlled by another affiliate of the savings association or by shareholders that control the savings association; or is an employee stock option plan, trust, or similar organization that exists for the benefit of shareholders, partners, members, or employees of the savings association or an affiliate. If a savings association directly or indirectly controls a service corporation and the service corporation is not otherwise an affiliate under Board rules, the service corporation is treated as a part of the savings association and its transactions with affiliates of the savings association are aggregated with those of the savings association. (2) Under 12 U.S.C. 1467a(m)(5), you may determine whether to consolidate the assets of a particular service corporation for purposes of calculating your qualified thrift investments. If a service corporation’s assets are not consolidated with yours for that purpose, your investment in the service corporation will be considered in calculating your qualified thrift investments. (2) State law applies to service corporations regardless of whether it applies to you. (2) A service corporation is subject to examination by the OCC. (2) Before redesignating a service corporation as an operating subsidiary, you should consult with the OCC licensing office in the district in which your home office is located. You must maintain adequate internal records, available for examination by the OCC, demonstrating that the redesignated operating subsidiary meets all of the applicable requirements of this part and that your board of directors has approved the redesignation. (2) If a service corporation, or any lower-tier entity in which the service corporation invests pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this section, fails to meet any of the requirements of this section, you must notify the appropriate OCC licensing office. Unless otherwise advised by the OCC, if the company cannot comply within 90 days with all of the requirements for either an operating subsidiary or a service corporation under this section, or any other investment authorized by 12 U.S.C. 1464(c) or part 160 of this chapter, you must promptly dispose of your investment. (n) Does state law apply? (o) May the OCC conduct examinations? (p) What must be done to redesignate an operating subsidiary as a service corporation or a service corporation as an operating subsidiary? (q) What are the consequences of failing to comply with the requirements of this part? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 159.4 What activities are preapproved for service corporations? This section sets forth the activities that have been preapproved for service corporations. Section 159.3(e)(2) of this part sets forth the procedures for engaging in a broader scope of activities on a case-by-case basis. You should read these two sections together to determine whether you must file a notice with the OCC under § 159.11 of this part, or whether you must file an application under part 116 of this chapter and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 receive prior written OCC approval for your service corporation to engage in a particular activity. The notice or application should be filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office. To the extent permitted by § 159.3(e)(2) of this part, a service corporation may engage in the following activities: (a) Any activity that all Federal savings associations may conduct directly, except taking deposits. (b) Business and professional services. The following services are preapproved PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 for service corporations only when they are limited to financial documents or financial clients or are generally finance-related: (1) Accounting or internal audit; (2) Advertising, marketing research and other marketing; (3) Clerical; (4) Consulting; (5) Courier; (6) Data processing; (7) Data storage facilities operation and related services; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (8) Office supplies, furniture, and equipment purchasing and distribution; (9) Personnel benefit program development or administration; (10) Printing and selling forms that require Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) encoding; (11) Relocation of personnel; (12) Research studies and surveys; (13) Software development and systems integration; and (14) Remote service unit operation, leasing, ownership or establishment. (c) Credit-related activities. (1) Abstracting; (2) Acquiring and leasing personal property; (3) Appraising; (4) Collection agency; (5) Credit analysis; (6) Check or credit card guaranty and verification; (7) Escrow agent or trustee (under deeds of trust, including executing and deliverance of conveyances, reconveyances and transfers of title); and (8) Loan inspection. (d) Consumer services. (1) Financial advice or consulting; (2) Foreign currency exchange; (3) Home ownership counseling; (4) Income tax return preparation; (5) Postal services; (6) Stored value instrument sales; (7) Welfare benefit distribution; (8) Check printing and related services; and (9) Remote service unit operation, leasing, ownership, or establishment. (e) Real estate related services. (1) Acquiring real estate for prompt development or subdivision, for construction of improvements, for resale or leasing to others for such construction, or for use as manufactured home sites, in accordance with a prudent program of property development; (2) Acquiring improved real estate or manufactured homes to be held for rental or resale, for remodeling, renovating, or demolishing and rebuilding for sale or rental, or to be used for offices and related facilities of a stockholder of the service corporation; (3) Maintaining and managing real estate; and (4) Real estate brokerage for property owned by a savings association that owns capital stock of the service corporation, the service corporation, or a lower-tier entity in which the service corporation invests. (f) Securities activities, liquidity management, and coins. (1) Execution of transactions in securities on an agency or riskless principal basis solely upon the order VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 and for the account of customers or the provision of investment advice. The service corporation must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators, as required by applicable Federal and state law and regulations; (2) Liquidity management; (3) Issuing notes, bonds, debentures, or other obligations or securities; (4) Purchase or sale of coins issued by the U.S. Treasury. (g) Investments. (1) Tax-exempt bonds used to finance residential real property for family units; (2) Tax-exempt obligations of public housing agencies used to finance housing projects with rental assistance subsidies; (3) Small business investment companies and new markets venture capital companies licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration; (4) Rural business investment companies; and (5) Investing in savings accounts of an investing thrift. (h) Community development and charitable activities: (1) Investments in governmentally insured, guaranteed, subsidized or otherwise sponsored programs for housing, small farms, or businesses that are local in character; (2) Investments designed primarily to promote the public welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderateincome communities or families (such as providing housing, services, or jobs); (3) Investments in low-income housing tax credit and new markets tax credit projects and entities authorized by statute (e.g., community development financial institutions) to promote community, inner city, and community development purposes; and (4) Establishing a corporation that is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as organized for charitable purposes under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and making a reasonable contribution to capitalize it, provided that the corporation engages exclusively in activities designed to promote the well-being of communities in which the owners of the service corporation operate. (i) Activities conducted on behalf of a customer on an other than ‘‘as principal’’ basis. (j) Activities reasonably incident to those listed in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section if the service corporation engages in those activities. § 159.5 How much may a Federal savings association invest in service corporations or lower-tier entities? The amount that a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may invest in a PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49029 service corporation or any lower-tier entity depends upon several factors. These include your total assets, your capital, the purpose of the investment, and your ownership interest in the service corporation or entity. (a) Under section 5(c)(4)(B) of the HOLA, you may invest up to 3% of your assets in the capital stock, obligations, and other securities of service corporations. Any investment you make under this paragraph that would cause your investment, in the aggregate, to exceed 2% of your assets must serve primarily community, inner city, or community development purposes. You must designate the investments serving those purposes, which include: (1) Investments in governmentally insured, guaranteed, subsidized or otherwise sponsored programs for housing, small farms, or businesses that are local in character; (2) Investments for the preservation or revitalization of either urban or rural communities; (3) Investments designed to meet the community development needs of, and primarily benefit, low- and moderateincome communities; or (4) Other community, inner city, or community development-related investments approved by the OTS or the OCC. (b) In addition to the amounts you may invest under paragraph (a) of this section, and to the extent that you have authority under other provisions of section 5(c) of the HOLA and part 160 of this chapter, and available capacity within any applicable investment limits, you may make loans to any service corporation and any lower-tier entity, subject to the following conditions: (1) You and your GAAP-consolidated subsidiaries may, in the aggregate, make loans of up to 15% of your total capital, as described in part 167 of this chapter to each subordinate organization that does not qualify as a GAAPconsolidated subsidiary. All loans made under this paragraph (b)(1) may not, in the aggregate, exceed 50% of your total capital, as described in part 167 of this chapter. (2) The OCC may limit the amount of loans to a GAAP-consolidated subsidiary, or may adjust the limits set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section where safety and soundness considerations warrant such action. (c) For purposes of this section, the terms ‘‘loans’’ and ‘‘obligations’’ include all loans and other debt instruments (except accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business and paid within 60 days) and all guarantees or take-out commitments of such loans or debt instruments. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49030 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 159.10 How must separate corporate identities be maintained? (a) Each Federal savings association and subordinate organization thereof must be operated in a manner that demonstrates to the public that each maintains a separate corporate existence. Each must operate so that: (1) Their respective business transactions, accounts, and records are not intermingled; (2) Each observes the formalities of their separate corporate procedures; (3) Each is adequately financed as a separate unit in light of normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character; (4) Each is held out to the public as a separate enterprise; and (5) Unless the parent savings association has guaranteed a loan to the subordinate organization, all borrowings by the subordinate organization indicate that the parent is not liable. (b) OCC regulations that apply both to Federal savings associations and subordinate organizations shall not be construed as requiring a savings association and its subordinate organizations to operate as a single entity. § 159.11 What notices are required to establish or acquire a new subsidiary or engage in new activities through an existing subsidiary? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES When required by section 18(m) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) must file a notice (‘‘Notice’’) under part 116, subpart A of this chapter at least 30 days before establishing or acquiring a subsidiary or engaging in new activities in a subsidiary. The Notice should be filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office and must contain all of the information the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) requires under 12 CFR 362.15. Providing the OCC with a copy of the notice you file with the FDIC will satisfy this requirement. If the OCC notifies you within 30 days that the Notice presents supervisory concerns, or raises significant issues of law or policy, you must apply for and receive the OCC’s prior written approval under the standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subpart A and E of this chapter before establishing or acquiring the subsidiary or engaging in new activities in the subsidiary. § 159.12 How may a subsidiary of a Federal savings association issue securities? (a) A subsidiary may issue, either directly or through a third party intermediary, any securities that its parent Federal savings association VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (‘‘you’’) may issue. The subsidiary must not state or imply that the securities it issues are covered by Federal deposit insurance. A subsidiary may not issue any security the payment, maturity, or redemption of which may be accelerated upon the condition that you are insolvent or have been placed into receivership. (b) You must file a notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office in accordance with § 159.11 of this part at least 30 days before your first issuance of any securities through an existing subsidiary or in conjunction with establishing or acquiring a new subsidiary. If the OCC notifies you within 30 days that the notice presents supervisory concerns or raises significant issues of law or policy, you must receive the OCC’s prior written approval before issuing securities through your subsidiary. (c) For as long as any securities are outstanding, you must maintain all records generated through each securities issuance in the ordinary course of business, including a copy of any prospectus, offering circular, or similar document concerning such issuance, and make such records available for examination by the OCC. Such records must include, but are not limited to: (1) The amount of your assets or liabilities (including any guarantees you make with respect to the securities issuance) that have been transferred or made available to the subsidiary; the percentage that such amount represents of the current book value of your assets on an unconsolidated basis; and the current book value of all such assets of the subsidiary; (2) The terms of any guarantee(s) issued by you or any third party; (3) A description of the securities the subsidiary issued; (4) The net proceeds from the issuance of securities (or the pro rata portion of the net proceeds from securities issued through a jointly owned subsidiary); the gross proceeds of the securities issuance; and the market value of assets collateralizing the securities issuance (any assets of the subsidiary, including any guarantees of its securities issuance you have made); (5) The interest or dividend rates and yields, or the range thereof, and the frequency of payments on the subsidiary’s securities; (6) The minimum denomination of the subsidiary’s securities; and (7) Where the subsidiary marketed or intends to market the securities. PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 159.13 How may a Federal savings association exercise its salvage power in connection with its service corporation or lower-tier entities? (a) In accordance with this section, a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may exercise your salvage power to make a contribution or a loan (including a guarantee of a loan made by any other person) to your service corporation or lower-tier entity (‘‘salvage investment’’) that exceeds the maximum amount otherwise permitted under law or regulation. You must notify the appropriate OCC licensing office at least 30 days before making such a salvage investment. This notice must demonstrate that: (1) The salvage investment protects your interest in the service corporation or lower-tier entity; (2) The salvage investment is consistent with safety and soundness; and (3) You considered alternatives to the salvage investment and determined that such alternatives would not adequately satisfy paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section. (b) If the OCC notifies you within 30 days that the Notice presents supervisory concerns, or raises significant issues of law or policy, you must apply for and receive the OCC’s prior written approval under the standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter before making a salvage investment. (c) If your service corporation or lower-tier entity is a GAAP-consolidated subsidiary, your salvage investment under this section will be considered an investment in a subsidiary for purposes of part 167 of this chapter. PART 160—LENDING AND INVESTMENT Sec. 160.1 General. 160.2 Applicability of law. 160.3 Definitions. 160.30 General lending and investment powers of Federal savings associations. 160.31 Election regarding categorization of loans or investments and related calculations. 160.32 Pass-through investments. 160.33 Late charges. 160.34 Prepayments. 160.35 Adjustments to home loans. 160.36 De minimis investments. 160.37 Real estate for office and related facilities. 160.40 Commercial paper and corporate debt securities. 160.41 Leasing. 160.42 State and local government obligations. 160.43 Foreign assistance investments. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 160.50 Letters of credit and other independent undertakings—authority. 160.60 Suretyship and guaranty. 160.93 Lending limitations. 160.100 Real estate lending standards; purpose and scope. 160.101 Real estate lending standards. 160.110 Most favored lender usury preemption. 160.120 Letters of credit and other independent undertakings to pay against documents. 160.121 Investment in state housing corporations. 160.130 Prohibition on loan procurement fees. 160.160 Asset classification. 160.170 Records for lending transactions. 160.172 Re-evaluation of real estate owned. 160.210 [Reserved] 160.220 [Reserved] § 160.3 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1701j–3, 1828, 3803, 3806, 5412(b)(2)(B); 42 U.S.C. 4106. § 160.1 General. (a) Authority and scope. This part is being issued by the OCC under its general rulemaking and supervisory authority under the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA), 12 U.S.C. 1462 et seq. (b) General lending standards. Each savings association is expected to conduct its lending and investment activities prudently. Each association should use lending and investment standards that are consistent with safety and soundness, ensure adequate portfolio diversification and are appropriate for the size and condition of the institution, the nature and scope of its operations, and conditions in its lending market. Each association should adequately monitor the condition of its portfolio and the adequacy of any collateral securing its loans. § 160.2 Definitions. For purposes of this part and any determination under 12 U.S.C. 1467a(m): Consumer loans include loans for personal, family, or household purposes and loans reasonably incident thereto, and may be made as either open-end or closed-end consumer credit (as defined at 12 CFR 226.2(a)(10) and (20)). Consumer loans do not include credit extended in connection with credit card loans, bona fide overdraft loans, and other loans that the savings association has designated as made under investment or lending authority other than section 5(c)(2)(D) of the HOLA. Credit card is any card, plate, coupon book, or other single credit device that may be used from time to time to obtain credit. Credit card account is a credit account established in conjunction with the issuance of, or the extension of credit through, a credit card. This term includes loans made to consolidate credit card debt, including credit card debt held by other lenders, and participation certificates, securities and similar instruments secured by credit card receivables. Home loans include any loans made on the security of a home (including a dwelling unit in a multi-family residential property such as a condominium or a cooperative), combinations of homes and business property (i.e., a home used in part for business), farm residences, and combinations of farm residences and commercial farm real estate. Loan commitment includes a loan in process, a letter of credit, or any other commitment to extend credit. Real estate loan, for purposes of this part, is a loan for which the savings association substantially relies upon a security interest in real estate given by the borrower as a condition of making the loan. A loan is made on the security of real estate if: Applicability of law. State law applies to the lending activities of Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries to the same extent and in the same manner that those laws apply to national banks and their subsidiaries. 49031 (1) The security property is real estate pursuant to the law of the state in which the property is located; (2) The security interest of the Federal savings association may be enforced as a real estate mortgage or its equivalent pursuant to the law of the state in which the property is located; (3) The security property is capable of separate appraisal; and (4) With regard to a security property that is a leasehold or other interest for a period of years, the term of the interest extends, or is subject to extension or renewal at the option of the Federal savings association for a term of at least five years following the maturity of the loan. Small business includes a small business concern or entity as defined by section 3(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632(a), and implemented by the regulations of the Small Business Administration at 13 CFR part 121. Small business loans and loans to small businesses include any loan to a small business as defined in this section; or a loan that does not exceed $2 million (including a group of loans to one borrower) and is for commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural purposes. § 160.30 General lending and investment powers of Federal savings associations. Pursuant to section 5(c) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (‘‘HOLA’’), 12 U.S.C. 1464(c), a Federal savings association may make, invest in, purchase, sell, participate in, or otherwise deal in (including brokerage or warehousing) all loans and investments allowed under section 5(c) of the HOLA including, without limitation, the following loans, extensions of credit, and investments, subject to the limitations indicated and any such terms, conditions, or limitations as may be prescribed from time to time by the OCC by policy directive, order, or regulation: LENDING AND INVESTMENT POWERS CHART 5(c)(4)(E) .......................................................... 5(c)(4)(A) .......................................................... Commercial loans ............................................... 5(c)(2)(A) .......................................................... Commercial paper and corporate debt securities. Community development loans and equity investments. 5(c)(2)(D) .......................................................... Statutory investment limitations (Endnotes contain applicable regulatory limitations) Statutory authorization 1 Bankers’ bank stock ........................................... Business development credit corporations ........ sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Category VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 5(c)(3)(A) .......................................................... PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Same terms as applicable to national banks. The lesser of .5% of total outstanding loans or $250,000. 20% of total assets, provided that amounts in excess of 10% of total assets may be used only for small business loans. Up to 35% of total assets.2 3 5% of total assets, provided equity investments do not exceed 2% of total assets.4 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49032 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations LENDING AND INVESTMENT POWERS CHART—Continued Statutory investment limitations (Endnotes contain applicable regulatory limitations) Statutory authorization 1 Construction loans without security .................... 5(c)(3)(C) .......................................................... Consumer loans ................................................. Credit card loans or loans made through credit card accounts. Deposits in insured depository institutions ......... Education loans .................................................. Federal government and government-sponsored enterprise securities and instruments. Finance leasing .................................................. Foreign assistance investments ......................... General leasing .................................................. Home improvement loans .................................. Home (residential) loans 9 .................................. HUD-insured or guaranteed investments ........... Insured loans ...................................................... Liquidity investments .......................................... Loans secured by deposit accounts .................. Loans to financial institutions, brokers, and dealers. Manufactured home loans .................................. Mortgage-backed securities ............................... National Housing Partnership Corporation and related partnerships and joint ventures. New markets venture capital companies ........... Nonconforming loans ......................................... Nonresidential real property loans ..................... Open-end management investment companies 15. Rural business investment companies ............... Service corporations ........................................... 5(c)(2)(D) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(T) .......................................................... In the aggregate, the greater of total capital or 5% of total assets. Up to 35% of total assets.2 5 None.6 5(c)(1)(G) ......................................................... 5(c)(1)(U) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(C), 5(c)(1)(D), 5(c)(1)(E), 5(c)(1)(F) ..... None.6 None.6 None.6 5(c)(1)(B), 5(c)(2)(A), 5(c)(2)(B), 5(c)(2)(D) ..... 5(c)(4)(C) .......................................................... 5(c)(2)(C) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(J) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(B) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(O) ......................................................... 5(c)(1)(I), 5(c)(1)(K) .......................................... 5(c)(1)(M) ......................................................... 5(c)(1)(A) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(L) .......................................................... Based on purpose and property financed.7 1% of total assets.8 10% of assets.7 None.6 None.6 10 None.6 None.6 None.6 None.6 11 None.6 12 5(c)(1)(J) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(R) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(N) .......................................................... None.6 13 None.6 None.6 5(c)(4)(F) .......................................................... 5(c)(3)(B) .......................................................... 5(c)(2)(B) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(Q) ......................................................... 5% of total capital. 5% of total assets. 400% of total capital.14 None.6 7 U.S.C. 2009cc–9 ........................................... 5(c)(4)(B) .......................................................... Small business investment companies .............. Small business-related securities ....................... State and local government obligations ............. 15 U.S.C. 682(b)(2) ......................................... 5(c)(1)(S) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(H) .......................................................... State housing corporations ................................ Transaction account loans, including overdrafts sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Category 5(c)(1)(P) .......................................................... 5(c)(1)(A) .......................................................... Five percent of total capital. 3% of total assets, as long as any amounts in excess of 2% of total assets further community, inner city, or community development purposes.16 5% of total capital. None.6 None for general obligations. Per issuer limitation of 10% of capital for other obligations.6 17 None.6 18 None.6 19 Endnotes 1 All references are to section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464) unless otherwise indicated. 2 For purposes of determining a Federal savings association’s percentage of assets limitation, investment in commercial paper and corporate debt securities must be aggregated with the Federal savings association’s investment in consumer loans. 3 A Federal savings association may invest in commercial paper and corporate debt securities, which includes corporate debt securities convertible into stock, subject to the provisions of § 160.40 of this part. Amounts in excess of 30% of assets, in the aggregate, may be invested only in obligations purchased by the association directly from the original obligor and for which no finder’s or referral fees have been paid. 4 The 2% of assets limitation is a sublimit for investments within the overall 5% of assets limitation on community development loans and investments. The qualitative standards for such loans and investments are set forth in HOLA section 5(c)(3)(A) (formerly 5(c)(3)(B)), as explained in an opinion of the Office of Thrift Supervision Chief Counsel dated May 10, 1995. 5 Amounts in excess of 30% of assets, in the aggregate, may be invested only in loans made by the association directly to the original obligor and for which no finder’s or referral fees have been paid. A Federal savings association may include loans to dealers in consumer goods to finance inventory and floor planning in the total investment made under this section. 6 While there is no statutory limit on certain categories of loans and investments, including credit card loans, home improvement loans, education loans, and deposit account loans, the OCC may establish an individual limit on such loans or investments if the association’s concentration in such loans or investments presents a safety and soundness concern. 7 A Federal savings association may engage in leasing activities subject to the provisions of § 160.41 of this part. 8 This 1% of assets limitation applies to the aggregate outstanding investments made under the Foreign Assistance Act and in the capital of the Inter-American Savings and Loan Bank. Such investments may be made subject to the provisions of § 160.43 of this part. 9 A home (or residential) loan includes loans secured by one-to-four family dwellings, multi-family residential property, and loans secured by a unit or units of a condominium or housing cooperative. 10 A Federal savings association may make home loans subject to the provisions of §§ 160.33, 160.34, and 160.35 of this part. 11 Loans secured by savings accounts and other time deposits may be made without limitation, provided the Federal savings association obtains a lien on, or a pledge of, such accounts. Such loans may not exceed the withdrawable amount of the account. 12 A Federal savings association may only invest in these loans if they are secured by obligations of, or by obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, the borrower is a financial institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or is a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the market value of the securities for each loan at least equals the amount of the loan at the time it is made. 13 If the wheels and axles of the manufactured home have been removed and it is permanently affixed to a foundation, a loan secured by a combination of a manufactured home and developed residential lot on which it sits may be treated as a home loan. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49033 14 Without regard to any limitations of this part, a Federal savings association may make or invest in the fully insured or guaranteed portion of nonresidential real estate loans insured or guaranteed by the Economic Development Administration, the Farmers Home Administration, or the Small Business Administration. Unguaranteed portions of guaranteed loans must be aggregated with uninsured loans when determining an association’s compliance with the 400% of capital limitation for other real estate loans. 15 This authority is limited to investments in open-end management investment companies that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The portfolio of the investment company must be restricted by the company’s investment policy (changeable only if authorized by shareholder vote) solely to investments that a Federal savings association may, without limitation as to percentage of assets, invest in, sell, redeem, hold, or otherwise deal in. Separate and apart from this authority, a Federal savings association may make pass-through investments to the extent authorized by § 160.32 of this part. 16 A Federal savings association may invest in service corporations subject to the provisions of part 159 of this chapter. 17 This category includes obligations issued by any state, territory, or possession of the United States or political subdivision thereof (including any agency, corporation, or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision), subject to § 160.42 of this part. 18 A Federal savings association may invest in state housing corporations subject to the provisions of § 160.121 of this part. 19 Payments on accounts in excess of the account balance (overdrafts) on commercial deposit or transaction accounts shall be considered commercial loans for purposes of determining the association’s percentage of assets limitation. § 160.31 Election regarding categorization of loans or investments and related calculations. (a) If a loan or other investment is authorized under more than one section of the HOLA, as amended, or this part, a Federal savings association may designate under which section the loan or investment has been made. Such a loan or investment may be apportioned among appropriate categories, and may be moved, in whole or part, from one category to another. A loan commitment shall be counted as an investment and included in total assets of a Federal savings association for purposes of calculating compliance with HOLA section 5(c)’s investment limitations only to the extent that funds have been advanced and not repaid pursuant to the commitment. (b) Loans or portions of loans sold to a third party shall be included in the calculation of a percentage-of-assets or percentage-of-capital investment limitation only to the extent they are sold with recourse. (c) A Federal savings association may make a loan secured by an assignment of loans to the extent that it could, under applicable law and regulations, make or purchase the underlying assigned loans. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 160.32 Pass-through investments. (a) A Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may make pass-through investments. A pass-through investment occurs when you invest in an entity (‘‘company’’) that engages only in activities that you may conduct directly and the investment meets the requirements of this section. If an investment is authorized under both this section and some other provision of law, you may designate under which authority or authorities the investment is made. When making a pass-through investment, you must comply with all the statutes and regulations that would apply if you were engaging in the activity directly. For example, your proportionate share of the company’s assets will be aggregated with the assets you hold directly in calculating VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 investment limits (e.g., no more than 400% of total capital may be invested in nonresidential real property loans). (b) You may make a pass-through investment without prior notice to the OCC if all of the following conditions are met: (1) You do not invest more than 15% of your total capital in one company; (2) The book value of your aggregate pass-through investments does not exceed 50% of your total capital after making the investment; (3) Your investment would not give you direct or indirect control of the company; (4) Your liability is limited to the amount of your investment; and (5) The company falls into one of the following categories: (i) A limited partnership; (ii) An open-end mutual fund; (iii) A closed-end investment trust; (iv) A limited liability company; or (v) An entity in which you are investing primarily to use the company’s services (e.g., data processing). (c) If you want to make other passthrough investments, you must provide the OCC with 30 days’ advance notice. If within that 30-day period the OCC notifies you that an investment presents supervisory, legal, or safety and soundness concerns, you must apply for and receive the OCC’s prior written approval under the standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter before making the investment. Notices under this section are deemed to be applications for purposes of statutory and regulatory references to ‘‘applications.’’ Any conditions that the OCC imposes on any pass-through investment shall be enforceable as a condition imposed in writing by the OCC in connection with the granting of a request by a Federal savings association within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) or 1818(i). § 160.33 Late charges. A Federal savings association may include in a home loan contract a PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 provision authorizing the imposition of a late charge with respect to the payment of any delinquent periodic payment. With respect to any loan made after July 31, 1976, on the security of a home occupied or to be occupied by the borrower, no late charge, regardless of form, shall be assessed or collected by a Federal savings association, unless any billing, coupon, or notice the Federal savings association may provide regarding installment payments due on the loan discloses the date after which the charge may be assessed. A Federal savings association may not impose a late charge more than one time for late payment of the same installment, and any installment payment made by the borrower shall be applied to the longest outstanding installment due. A Federal savings association shall not assess a late charge as to any payment received by it within fifteen days after the due date of such payment. No form of such late charge permitted by this paragraph shall be considered as interest to the Federal savings association and the Federal savings association shall not deduct late charges from the regular periodic installment payments on the loan, but must collect them as such from the borrower. § 160.34 Prepayments. Any prepayment on a real estate loan must be applied directly to reduce the principal balance on the loan unless the loan contract or the borrower specifies otherwise. Subject to the terms of the loan contract, a Federal savings association may impose a fee for any prepayment of a loan. § 160.35 Adjustments to home loans. (a) For any home loan secured by borrower-occupied property, or property to be occupied by the borrower, adjustments to the interest rate, payment, balance, or term to maturity must comply with the limitations of this section and the disclosure and notice requirements of 560.210 until superseding regulations are issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49034 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Adjustments to the interest rate shall correspond directly to the movement of an index satisfying the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. A Federal savings association also may increase the interest rate pursuant to a formula or schedule that specifies the amount of the increase, the time at which it may be made, and which is set forth in the loan contract. A Federal savings association may decrease the interest rate at any time. (c) Adjustments to the payment and the loan balance that do not reflect an interest-rate adjustment may be made if: (1) The adjustments reflect a change in an index that may be used pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section; (2) In the case of a payment adjustment, the adjustment reflects a change in the loan balance or is made pursuant to a formula, or to a schedule specifying the percentage or dollar change in the payment as set forth in the loan contract; or (3) In the case of an open-end line-ofcredit loan, the adjustment reflects an advance taken by the borrower under the line-of-credit and is permitted by the loan contract. (d)(1) Any index used must be readily available and independently verifiable. If set forth in the loan contract, an association may use any combination of indices, a moving average of index values, or more than one index during the term of a loan. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, any index used must be a national or regional index. (3) A Federal savings association may use an index not satisfying the requirements of paragraph (d)(2) of this section 30 days after filing a notice unless, within that 30-day period, the OCC has notified the association that the notice presents supervisory concerns or raises significant issues of law or policy. If the OCC notifies the association of such concerns or issues, the Federal savings association may not use such an index unless it applies for and receives the OCC’s prior written approval under the standard treatment processing procedures at part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 160.36 De minimis investments. A Federal savings association may invest in the aggregate up to the greater of 1% of its total capital or $250,000 in community development investments of the type permitted for a national bank under 12 CFR part 24. § 160.37 Real estate for office and related facilities. A Federal savings association may invest in real estate (improved or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 unimproved) to be used for office and related facilities of the association, or for such office and related facilities and for rental or sale, if such investment is made and maintained under a prudent program of property acquisition to meet the Federal savings association’s present needs or its reasonable future needs for office and related facilities. A Federal savings association may not make an investment that would cause the outstanding book value of all such investments (including investments under § 159.4(e)(2) of this chapter) to exceed its total capital. § 160.40 Commercial paper and corporate debt securities. Pursuant to HOLA section 5(c)(2)(D), a Federal savings association may invest in, sell, or hold commercial paper and corporate debt securities subject to the provisions of this section. (a) Limitations. (1) Commercial paper must be: (i) As of the date of purchase, rated in either one of the two highest categories by at least two nationally recognized investment ratings services as shown by the most recently published rating made of such investments; or (ii) If unrated, guaranteed by a company having outstanding paper that is rated as provided in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. (2) Corporate debt securities must be: (i) Securities that may be sold with reasonable promptness at a price that corresponds reasonably to their fair value; and (ii) Rated in one of the four highest categories as to the portion of the security in which the association is investing by a nationally recognized investment ratings service at its most recently published rating before the date of purchase of the security. (3) A Federal savings association’s total investment in the commercial paper and corporate debt securities of any one issuer, or issued by any one person or entity affiliated with such issuer, together with other loans, shall not exceed the general lending limitations contained in § 160.93(c) of this part. (4) Investments in corporate debt securities convertible into stock are subject to the following additional limitations: (i) The purchase of securities convertible into stock at the option of the issuer is prohibited; (ii) At the time of purchase, the cost of such securities must be written down to an amount that represents the investment value of the securities considered independently of the conversion feature; and PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (iii) Federal savings associations are prohibited from exercising the conversion feature. (5) A Federal savings association shall maintain information in its files adequate to demonstrate that it has exercised prudent judgment in making investments under this section. (b) Notwithstanding the limitations contained in this section, the OCC may permit investment in corporate debt securities of another savings association in connection with the purchase or sale of a branch office or in connection with a supervisory merger or acquisition. (c) Underwriting. Before committing to acquire any investment security, a Federal savings association must determine whether the investment is safe and sound and suitable for the association. The Federal savings association must consider, as appropriate, the interest rate, credit, liquidity, price, transaction, and other risks associated with the investment activity. The Federal savings association must also determine that the issuer has adequate resources and the willingness to provide for all required payments on its obligations in a timely manner. § 160.41 Leasing. (a) Permissible activities. Subject to the limitations of this section, a Federal savings association may engage in leasing activities. These activities include becoming the legal or beneficial owner of tangible personal property or real property for the purpose of leasing such property, obtaining an assignment of a lessor’s interest in a lease of such property, and incurring obligations incidental to its position as the legal or beneficial owner and lessor of the leased property. (b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section: (1) The term net lease means a lease under which the Federal savings association will not, directly or indirectly, provide or be obligated to provide for: (i) The servicing, repair or maintenance of the leased property during the lease term; (ii) The purchasing of parts and accessories for the leased property, except that improvements and additions to the leased property may be leased to the lessee upon its request in accordance with the full-payout requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section; (iii) The loan of replacement or substitute property while the leased property is being serviced; (iv) The purchasing of insurance for the lessee, except where the lessee has failed to discharge a contractual E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations obligation to purchase or maintain insurance; or (v) The renewal of any license, registration, or filing for the property unless such action by the Federal savings association is necessary to protect its interest as an owner or financier of the property. (2) The term full-payout lease means a lease transaction in which any unguaranteed portion of the estimated residual value relied on by the association to yield the return of its full investment in the leased property, plus the estimated cost of financing the property over the term of the lease, does not exceed 25% of the original cost of the property to the lessor. In general, a lease will qualify as a full-payout lease if the scheduled payments provide at least 75% of the principal and interest payments that a lessor would receive if the finance lease were structured as a market-rate loan. (3) The term realization of investment means that a Federal savings association that enters into a lease financing transaction must reasonably expect to realize the return of its full investment in the leased property, plus the estimated cost of financing the property over the term of the lease from: (i) Rentals; (ii) Estimated tax benefits, if any; and (iii) The estimated residual value of the property at the expiration of the term of the lease. (c) Finance leasing—(1) Investment limits. A Federal savings association may exercise its authority under HOLA sections 5(c)(1)(B) (residential real estate loans), 5(c)(2)(A) (commercial, business, corporate or agricultural loans), 5(c)(2)(B) (nonresidential real estate loans), and 5(c)(2)(D) (consumer loans) by conducting leasing activities that are the functional equivalent of loans made under those HOLA sections. These activities are commonly referred to as financing leases. Such financing leases are subject to the same investment limits that apply to loans made under those sections. For example, a financing lease of tangible personal property made to a natural person for personal, family or household purposes is subject to all limitations applicable to the amount of a Federal savings association’s investment in consumer loans. A financing lease made for commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural purposes is subject to all limitations applicable to the amount of a Federal savings association’s investment in commercial loans. A financing lease of residential or nonresidential real property is subject to all limitations applicable to the amount of a Federal savings association’s investment in these types of real estate loans. (2) Functional equivalent of lending. To qualify as the functional equivalent of a loan: (i) The lease must be a net, full-payout lease representing a non-cancelable obligation of the lessee, notwithstanding the possible early termination of the lease; (ii) The portion of the estimated residual value of the property relied upon by the lessor to satisfy the requirements of a full-payout lease must be reasonable in light of the nature of the leased property and all relevant circumstances so that realization of the lessor’s full investment plus the cost of financing the property depends primarily on the creditworthiness of the lessee, and not on the residual market value of the leased property; and (iii) At the termination of a financing lease, either by expiration or default, property acquired must be liquidated or released on a net basis as soon as practicable. Any property held in anticipation of re-leasing must be reevaluated and recorded at the lower of fair market value or book value. (d) General leasing. Pursuant to section 5(c)(2)(C) of the HOLA, a Federal savings association may invest in tangible personal property, including vehicles, manufactured homes, machinery, equipment, or furniture, for the purpose of leasing that property. In contrast to financing leases, lease investments made under this authority need not be the functional equivalent of loans. (e) Leasing salvage powers. If, in good faith, a Federal savings association believes that there has been an unanticipated change in conditions that threatens its financial position by significantly increasing its exposure to loss, it may: (1) As the owner and lessor, take reasonable and appropriate action to salvage or protect the value of the property or its interest arising under the lease; (2) As the assignee of a lessor’s interest in a lease, become the owner and lessor of the leased property pursuant to its contractual right, or take any reasonable and appropriate action to salvage or protect the value of the property or its interest arising under the lease; or (3) Include any provisions in a lease, or make any additional agreements, to protect its financial position or investment in the circumstances set forth in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section. § 160.42 State and local government obligations. (a) What limitations apply? Pursuant to HOLA section 5(c)(1)(H), a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’) may invest in obligations issued by any state, territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof (‘‘governmental entity’’), subject to appropriate underwriting and the following conditions: Aggregate limitation sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (1) General obligations .................................................................................................. (2) Other obligations of a governmental entity ( e.g., revenue bonds) that hold one of the four highest investment grade ratings by a nationally recognized rating agency or that are nonrated but of investment quality. (3) Obligations of a governmental entity that do not qualify under any other paragraph but are approved by the OCC. (b) What is a political subdivision? Political subdivision means a county, city, town, or other municipal corporation, a public authority, or a publicly-owned entity that is an instrumentality of a state or a municipal corporation. (c) What is a general obligation of a state or political subdivision? A general VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Frm 00087 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Per-issuer limitation None ................................... None ................................... None. 10% of total capital. As approved by the OCC ... 10% of total capital. obligation is an obligation that is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of a state or political subdivision that has the power to tax. Indirect payments, such as through a special fund, may qualify as general obligations if a state or political subdivision with taxing authority has unconditionally agreed to provide funds to cover payments. PO 00000 49035 (d) What is appropriate underwriting for this type of investment? In the case of a security rated in one of the four highest investment grades by a nationally recognized rating agency, your assessment of the obligor’s credit quality may be based, in part, on reliable rating agency estimates of the obligor’s performance. For all other E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49036 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations securities, you must perform your own detailed analysis of credit quality. In doing so, you must consider, as appropriate, the interest rate, credit, liquidity, price, transaction, and other risks associated with the investment activity and determine that such investment is appropriate for your institution. You must also determine that the obligor has adequate resources and willingness to provide for all required payments on its obligations in a timely manner. § 160.43 Foreign assistance investments. Pursuant to HOLA section 5(c)(4)(C), a Federal savings association may make foreign assistance investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed one percent of its assets, subject to the following conditions: (a) For any investment made under the Foreign Assistance Act, the loan agreement shall specify what constitutes an event of default, and provide that upon default in payment of principal or interest under such agreement, the entire amount of outstanding indebtedness thereunder shall become immediately due and payable, at the lender’s option. Additionally, the contract of guarantee shall cover 100% of any loss of investment thereunder, except for any portion of the loan arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which the party seeking payment is responsible, and provide that the guarantor shall pay for any such loss in U.S. dollars within a specified reasonable time after the date of application for payment. (b) To make any investments in the share capital and capital reserve of the Inter-American Savings and Loan Bank, a Federal savings association must be adequately capitalized and have adequate allowances for loan and lease losses. The Federal savings association’s aggregate investment in such capital or capital reserve, including the amount of any obligations undertaken to provide said Bank with reserve capital in the future (call-able capital), must not, as a result of such investment, exceed the lesser of one-quarter of 1% of its assets or $100,000. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 160.50 Letters of credit and other independent undertakings—authority. A Federal savings association may issue letters of credit and may issue such other independent undertakings as are approved by the OCC, subject to the restrictions in § 160.120. § 160.60 Suretyship and guaranty. Pursuant to section 5(b)(2) of the HOLA, a Federal savings association may enter into a repayable suretyship or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 guaranty agreement, subject to the conditions in this section. (a) What is a suretyship or guaranty agreement? Under a suretyship, a Federal savings association is bound with its principal to pay or perform an obligation to a third person. Under a guaranty agreement, a Federal savings association agrees to satisfy the obligation of the principal only if the principal fails to pay or perform. (b) What requirements apply to suretyship and guaranty agreements under this section? A Federal savings association may enter into a suretyship or guaranty agreement under this section, subject to each of the following requirements: (1) The Federal savings association must limit its obligations under the agreement to a fixed dollar amount and a specified duration. (2) The Federal savings association’s performance under the agreement must create an authorized loan or other investment. (3) The Federal savings association must treat its obligation under the agreement as a loan to the principal for purposes of §§ 160.93 and 163.43 of this chapter. (4) The Federal savings association must take and maintain a perfected security interest in collateral sufficient to cover its total obligation under the agreement. (c) What collateral is sufficient? (1) The Federal savings association must take and maintain a perfected security interest in real estate or marketable securities equal to at least 110 percent of its obligation under the agreement, except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (i) If the collateral is real estate, the Federal savings association must establish the value by a signed appraisal or evaluation in accordance with part 164 of this chapter. In determining the value of the collateral, the Federal savings association must factor in the value of any existing senior mortgages, liens or other encumbrances on the property, except those held by the principal to the suretyship or guaranty agreement. (ii) If the collateral is marketable securities, the Federal savings association must be authorized to invest in that security taken as collateral. The Federal savings association must ensure that the value of the security is 110 percent of the obligation at all times during the term of agreement. (2) The Federal savings association may take and maintain a perfected security interest in collateral which is at all times equal to at least 100 percent of its obligation, if the collateral is: PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (i) Cash; (ii) Obligations of the United States or its agencies; (iii) Obligations fully guarantied by the United States or its agencies as to principal and interest; or (iv) Notes, drafts, or bills of exchange or bankers’ acceptances that are eligible for rediscount or purchase by a Federal Reserve Bank. § 160.93 Lending limitations. (a) Scope. This section applies to all loans and extensions of credit to third parties made by a savings association and its subsidiaries. This section does not apply to loans made by a savings association or a GAAP-consolidated subsidiary to subordinate organizations or affiliates of the savings association. The terms subsidiary, GAAPconsolidated subsidiary, and subordinate organization have the same meanings as specified in § 159.2 of this chapter. The term affiliate has the same meaning as specified in 12 CFR 563.41 until superseded by regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regarding transactions with affiliates. (b) Definitions. In applying these lending limitations, savings associations shall apply the definitions and interpretations promulgated by the OCC consistent with 12 U.S.C. 84. See 12 CFR part 32. In applying these definitions, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1464, savings associations shall use the terms savings association, savings associations, and savings association’s in place of the terms national bank and bank, banks, and bank’s, respectively. For purposes of this section: (1) The term one borrower has the same meaning as the term person set forth at 12 CFR part 32. It also includes, in addition to the definition cited therein, a financial institution as defined at § 161.19 of this chapter. (2) The term company means a corporation, partnership, business trust, association, or similar organization and, unless specifically excluded, the term company includes a savings association and a bank. (3) Contractual commitment to advance funds has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR part 32. (4) Loans and extensions of credit has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR part 32, and includes investments in commercial paper and corporate debt securities. The appropriate Federal banking agency expressly reserves its authority to deem other arrangements that are, in substance, loans and extensions of credit to be encompassed by this term. (5) The term loans as used in the phrase Loans to one borrower to finance E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the sale of real property acquired in satisfaction of debts previously contracted for in good faith does not include an association’s taking of a purchase money mortgage note from the purchaser provided that: (i) No new funds are advanced by the association to the borrower; and (ii) The association is not placed in a more detrimental position as a result of the sale. (6) [Reserved] (7) Readily marketable collateral has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR part 32. (8) Residential housing units has the same meaning as the term residential real estate set forth in § 141.23 of this chapter. The term to develop includes the various phases necessary to produce housing units as an end product, to include: Acquisition, development and construction; development and construction; construction; rehabilitation; or conversion. The term domestic includes units within the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Pacific Islands. (9) Single family dwelling unit has the meaning set forth in § 141.25 of this chapter. (10) A standby letter of credit has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR part 32. (11) Unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus means— (i) A savings association’s core capital and supplementary capital included in its total capital under part 167 of this chapter; plus (ii) The balance of a savings association’s allowance for loan and lease losses not included in supplementary capital under part 167 of this chapter; plus (iii) The amount of a savings association’s loans to, investments in, and advances to subsidiaries not included in calculating core capital under part 167 of this chapter. (c) General limitation. Section 5200 of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 84) shall apply to savings associations in the same manner and to the same extent as it applies to national banks. This statutory provision and lending limit regulations and interpretations promulgated by the OCC pursuant to a rulemaking conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553 et seq. (including the regulations appearing at 12 CFR part 32) shall apply to savings associations in the same manner and to the same extent as these provisions apply to national banks: (1) The total loans and extensions of credit by a savings association to one borrower outstanding at one time and not fully secured, as determined in the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 same manner as determined under 12 U.S.C. 84(a)(2), by collateral having a market value at least equal to the amount of the loan or the extension of credit shall not exceed 15 percent of the unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus of the association. (2) The total loans and extensions of credit by a savings association to one borrower outstanding at one time and fully secured by readily marketable collateral having a market value, as determined by reliable and continuously available price quotations, at least equal to the amount of the funds outstanding shall not exceed 10 per centum of the unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus of the association. This limitation shall be separate from and in addition to the limitation contained in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (d) Exceptions to the general limitation—(1) $500,000 exception. If a savings association’s aggregate lending limitation calculated under paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section is less than $500,000, notwithstanding this aggregate limitation in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, such savings association may have total loans and extensions of credit, for any purpose, to one borrower outstanding at one time not to exceed $500,000. (2) Statutory exceptions. The exceptions to the lending limits set forth in 12 U.S.C. 84 and 12 CFR part 32 are applicable to savings associations in the same manner and to the extent as they apply to national banks. (3) Loans to develop domestic residential housing units. Subject to paragraph (d)(4) of this section, a savings association may make loans to one borrower to develop domestic residential housing units, not to exceed the lesser of $30,000,000 or 30 percent of the savings association’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, including all amounts loaned under the authority of the General Limitation set forth under paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, provided that: (i) The final purchase price of each single family dwelling unit the development of which is financed under this paragraph (d)(3) does not exceed $500,000; (ii) The savings association is, and continues to be, in compliance with its capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter. (iii) The appropriate Federal banking agency permits, subject to conditions it may impose, the savings association to use the higher limit set forth under this paragraph (d)(3). A savings association that meets the requirements of paragraphs (d)(3)(i), (ii), (iv) and (v) of PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49037 this section and that meets the requirements for ‘‘expedited treatment’’ under § 116.5 of this chapter may use the higher limit set forth under this paragraph (d)(3) if the savings association has filed a notice with the appropriate Federal banking agency that it intends to use the higher limit at least 30 days prior to the proposed use. A savings association that meets the requirements of paragraphs (d)(3)(i), (ii), (iv), and (v) of this section and that meets the requirements for ‘‘standard treatment’’ under § 116.5 of this chapter may use the higher limit set forth under this paragraph (d)(3) if the savings association has filed an application with the appropriate Federal banking agency and the agency has approved the use the higher limit; (iv) Loans made under this paragraph (d)(3) to all borrowers do not, in aggregate, exceed 150 percent of the savings association’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus; and (v) Such loans comply with the applicable loan-to-value requirements that apply to Federal savings associations. (4) The authority of a savings association to make a loan or extension of credit under the exception in paragraph (d)(3) of this section ceases immediately upon the association’s failure to comply with any one of the requirements set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this section or any condition(s) set forth in an order issued by the appropriate Federal banking agency under paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section. (5) Notwithstanding the limit set forth in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, a savings association may invest up to 10 percent of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus in the obligations of one issuer evidenced by: (i) Commercial paper rated, as of the date of purchase, as shown by the most recently published rating by at least two nationally recognized investment rating services in the highest category; or (ii) Corporate debt securities that may be sold with reasonable promptness at a price that corresponds reasonably to their fair value, and that are rated in one of the two highest categories by a nationally recognized investment rating service in its most recently published ratings before the date of purchase of the security. (e) Loans to finance the sale of REO. A savings association’s loans to one borrower to finance the sale of real property acquired in satisfaction of debts previously contracted for in good faith shall not, when aggregated with all other loans to such borrower, exceed the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49038 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Example: Savings Associations A’s lending limitation as calculated under the 15 percent General Limitation is $800, 0. If Association A lends Y $800,000 for commercial purposes, Association A cannot lend Y an additional $1,600,000, or 30 percent of capital and surplus, to develop residential housing units under the paragraph (d)(3) exception. The (d)(3) exception operates as the uppermost limitation on all lending to one borrower (for associations that may employ this exception) and includes any amounts loaned to the same borrower under the General Limitation. Association A, therefore, may lend only an additional $800,000 to Y, provided the paragraph (d)(3) prerequisites have been met. The amount loaned under the authority of the General Limitation ($800,000), when added to the amount loaned under the exception ($800,000), yields a sum that does not exceed the 30 percent uppermost limitation ($1,600,000). 2. This result does not change even if the facts are altered to assume that some or all of the $800,000 amount of lending permissible under the General Limitation’s 15 percent basket is not used, or is devoted to the development of domestic residential housing units. In other words, using the above example, if Association A lends Y $400,000 for commercial purposes and $300,000 for residential purposes—both of which would be permitted under the Association’s $800,000 General Limitation—Association A’s remaining permissible lending to Y would be: First, an additional $100,000 under the General Limitation, and then another $800,000 to develop domestic residential housing units if the Association meets the paragraph (d)(3) prerequisites. (The latter is $800,000 because in no event may the total lending to Y exceed 30 percent of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus). If Association A did not lend Y the remaining $100,000 permissible under the General Limitation, its permissible loans to develop domestic residential housing units under paragraph (d)(3) would be $900,000 instead of $800,000 (the total loans to Y would still equal $1,600,000). 3. In short, under the paragraph (d)(3) exception, the 30 percent or $30,000,000 limit will always operate as the uppermost limitation, unless of course the association does not avail itself of the exception and merely relies upon its General Limitation. Appendix to § 160.93—Interpretations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES General Limitation in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (f) Calculating compliance and recordkeeping. (1) The amount of an association’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus pursuant to paragraph (b)(11) of this section shall be calculated as of the association’s most recent periodic report required to be filed with the appropriate Federal banking agency prior to the date of granting or purchasing the loan or otherwise creating the obligation to repay funds, unless the association knows, or has reason to know, based on transactions or events actually completed, that such level has changed significantly, upward or downward, subsequent to filing of such report. (2) If a savings association or subsidiary thereof makes a loan or extension of credit to any one borrower, as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, in an amount that, when added to the total balances of all outstanding loans owed to such association and its subsidiary by such borrower, exceeds the greater of $500,000 or 5 percent of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, the records of such association or its subsidiary with respect to such loan shall include documentation showing that such loan was made within the limitations of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section; for the purpose of such documentation such association or subsidiary may require, and may accept in good faith, a certification by the borrower identifying the persons, entities, and interests described in the definition of one borrower in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. (g) [Reserved] (h) More stringent restrictions for Federal savings associations. The Comptroller may impose more stringent restrictions on a Federal savings association’s loans to one borrower if the Comptroller determines that such restrictions are necessary to protect the safety and soundness of the savings association. Section 160.93–101 Interrelationship Between the General Limitation and the 150 Percent Aggregate Limit on Loans to all Borrowers To Develop Domestic Residential Housing Units 1. Numerous questions have been received regarding the allocation of loans between the different lending limit ‘‘baskets,’’ i.e., the 15 percent General Limitation basket and the 30 percent Residential Development basket. In general, the inquiries concern the manner in which an association may ‘‘move’’ a loan from the General Limitation basket to the Residential Development basket. The following example is intended to provide guidance: Example: Association A’s General Limitation under section 5(u)(1) is $15 Section 160.93–100 Interrelation of General Limitation With Exception for Loans To Develop Domestic Residential Housing Units 1. The § 160.93(d)(3) exception for loans to one person to develop domestic residential housing units is characterized in the regulation as an ‘‘alternative’’ limit. This exceptional $30,000,000 or 30 percent limitation does not operate in addition to the 15 percent General Limitation or the 10 percent additional amount an association may loan to one borrower secured by readily marketable collateral, but serves as the uppermost limitation on a savings association’s lending to any one person once an association employs this exception. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 million. In January, Association A makes a $10 million loan to Borrower to develop domestic residential housing units. At the time the loan was made, Association A had not received approval under an order issued by the appropriate Federal banking agency to avail itself of the residential development exception to lending limits. Therefore, the $10 million loan is made under Association A’s General Limitation. 2. In June, Association A receives authorization to lend under the Residential Development exception. In July, Association A lends $3 million to Borrower to develop domestic residential housing units. In August, Borrower seeks an additional $12 million commercial loan from Association A. Association A cannot make the loan to Borrower, however, because it already has an outstanding $10 million loan to Borrower that counts against Association A’s General Limitation of $15 million. Thus, Association A may lend only up to an additional $5 million to Borrower under the General Limitation. 3. However, Association A may be able to reallocate the $10 million loan it made to Borrower in January to its Residential Development basket provided that: (1) Association A has obtained authority under an order issued by the appropriate Federal banking agency to avail itself of the additional lending authority for residential development and maintains compliance with all prerequisites to such lending authority; (2) the original $10 million loan made in January constitutes a loan to develop domestic residential housing units as defined; and (3) the housing unit(s) constructed with the funds from the January loan remain in a stage of ‘‘development’’ at the time Association A reallocates the loan to the domestic residential housing basket. The project must be in a stage of acquisition, development, construction, rehabilitation, or conversion in order for the loan to be reallocated. 4. If Association A is able to reallocate the $10 million loan made to Borrower in January to its Residential Development basket, it may make the $12 million commercial loan requested by Borrower in August. Once the January loan is reallocated to the Residential Development basket, however, the $10 million loan counts towards Association’s 150 percent aggregate limitation on loans to all borrowers under the residential development basket (section 5(u)(2)(A)(ii)(IV)). 5. If Association A reallocates the January loan to its domestic residential housing basket and makes an additional $12 million commercial loan to Borrower, Association A’s totals under the respective limitations would be: $12 million under the General Limitation; and $13 million under the Residential Development limitation. The full $13 million residential development loan counts toward Association A’s aggregate 150 percent limitation. § 160.100 Real estate lending standards; purpose and scope. This section, and § 160.101 of this subpart, issued pursuant to section 304 of the Federal Deposit Insurance E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations The agencies’ regulations require that each insured depository institution adopt and maintain a written policy that establishes appropriate limits and standards for all extensions of credit that are secured by liens on or interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction of a building or other improvements.1 These guidelines are intended to assist institutions in the formulation and maintenance of a real estate lending policy that is appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its individual operations, as well as satisfies the requirements of the regulation. Each institution’s policies must be comprehensive, and consistent with safe and sound lending practices, and must ensure that the institution operates within limits and according to standards that are reviewed and approved at least annually by the board of directors. Real estate lending is an integral part of many institutions’ business plans and, when undertaken in a prudent manner, will not be subject to examiner criticism. Loan Portfolio Management Considerations The lending policy should contain a general outline of the scope and distribution of the institution’s credit facilities and the manner in which real estate loans are made, serviced, and collected. In particular, the institution’s policies on real estate lending should: • Identify the geographic areas in which the institution will consider lending. • Establish a loan portfolio diversification policy and set limits for real estate loans by type and geographic market (e.g., limits on higher risk loans). • Identify appropriate terms and conditions by type of real estate loan. • Establish loan origination and approval procedures, both generally and by size and type of loan. • Establish prudent underwriting standards that are clear and measurable, including loan-to-value limits, that are consistent with these supervisory guidelines. • Establish review and approval procedures for exception loans, including loans with loan-to-value percentages in excess of supervisory limits. • Establish loan administration procedures, including documentation, disbursement, collateral inspection, collection, and loan review. • Establish real estate appraisal and evaluation programs. • Require that management monitor the loan portfolio and provide timely and adequate reports to the board of directors. The institution should consider both internal and external factors in the formulation of its loan policies and strategic plan. Factors that should be considered include: • The size and financial condition of the institution. • The expertise and size of the lending staff. • The need to avoid undue concentrations of risk. • Compliance with all real estate related laws and regulations, including the Community Reinvestment Act, antidiscrimination laws, and for savings associations, the Qualified Thrift Lender test. • Market conditions. The institution should monitor conditions in the real estate markets in its lending area so that it can react quickly to changes in market conditions that are relevant to its 1 The agencies have adopted a uniform rule on real estate lending. See 12 CFR part 365 (FDIC); 12 CFR part 208, subpart C (Board); 12 CFR part 34, subpart D and 12 CFR 160.100–160.101 (OCC). Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, 12 U.S.C. 1828(o), prescribe standards for real estate lending to be used by Federal savings associations and all their includable subsidiaries, as defined in 12 CFR 167.1, over which the savings associations exercise control, in adopting internal real estate lending policies. § 160.101 Real estate lending standards. (a) Each Federal savings association shall adopt and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on or interests in real estate, or that are made for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real estate. (b)(1) Real estate lending policies adopted pursuant to this section must: (i) Be consistent with safe and sound banking practices; (ii) Be appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its operations; and (iii) Be reviewed and approved by the savings association’s board of directors at least annually. (2) The lending policies must establish: (i) Loan portfolio diversification standards; (ii) Prudent underwriting standards, including loan-to-value limits, that are clear and measurable; (iii) Loan administration procedures for the savings association’s real estate portfolio; and (iv) Documentation, approval, and reporting requirements to monitor compliance with the savings association’s real estate lending policies. (c) Each Federal savings association must monitor conditions in the real estate market in its lending area to ensure that its real estate lending policies continue to be appropriate for current market conditions. (d) The real estate lending policies adopted pursuant to this section should reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies established by the Federal bank and thrift supervisory agencies. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Appendix to § 160.101—Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49039 lending decisions. Market supply and demand factors that should be considered include: • Demographic indicators, including population and employment trends. • Zoning requirements. • Current and projected vacancy, construction, and absorption rates. • Current and projected lease terms, rental rates, and sales prices, including concessions. • Current and projected operating expenses for different types of projects. • Economic indicators, including trends and diversification of the lending area. • Valuation trends, including discount and direct capitalization rates. Underwriting Standards Prudently underwritten real estate loans should reflect all relevant credit factors, including: • The capacity of the borrower, or income from the underlying property, to adequately service the debt. • The value of the mortgaged property. • The overall creditworthiness of the borrower. • The level of equity invested in the property. • Any secondary sources of repayment. • Any additional collateral or credit enhancements (such as guarantees, mortgage insurance or takeout commitments). The lending policies should reflect the level of risk that is acceptable to the board of directors and provide clear and measurable underwriting standards that enable the institution’s lending staff to evaluate these credit factors. The underwriting standards should address: • The maximum loan amount by type of property. • Maximum loan maturities by type of property. • Amortization schedules. • Pricing structure for different types of real estate loans. • Loan-to-value limits by type of property. For development and construction projects, and completed commercial properties, the policy should also establish, commensurate with the size and type of the project or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g., sensitivity of income projections to changes in economic variables such as interest rates, vacancy rates, or operating expenses). • Minimum requirements for initial investment and maintenance of hard equity by the borrower (e.g., cash or unencumbered investment in the underlying property). • Minimum standards for net worth, cash flow, and debt service coverage of the borrower or underlying property. • Standards for the acceptability of and limits on non-amortizing loans. • Standards for the acceptability of and limits on the use of interest reserves. • Pre-leasing and pre-sale requirements for income-producing property. • Pre-sale and minimum unit release requirements for non-income-producing property loans. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49040 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations • Limits on partial recourse or nonrecourse loans and requirements for guarantor support. • Requirements for takeout commitments. • Minimum covenants for loan agreements. Loan Administration The institution should also establish loan administration procedures for its real estate portfolio that address: • Documentation, including: Type and frequency of financial statements, including requirements for verification of information provided by the borrower; Type and frequency of collateral evaluations (appraisals and other estimates of value). • Loan closing and disbursement. • Payment processing. • Escrow administration. • Collateral administration. • Loan payoffs. • Collections and foreclosure, including: Delinquency follow-up procedures; Foreclosure timing; Extensions and other forms of forbearance; Acceptance of deeds in lieu of foreclosure. • Claims processing (e.g., seeking recovery on a defaulted loan covered by a government guaranty or insurance program). • Servicing and participation agreements. Supervisory Loan-to-Value Limits Institutions should establish their own internal loan-to-value limits for real estate loans. These internal limits should not exceed the following supervisory limits: Loan-to-value limit (percent) Loan category Raw land .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Land development ........................................................................................................................................................................... Construction: Commercial, multifamily,1 and other nonresidential ................................................................................................................. 1- to 4-family residential ........................................................................................................................................................... Improved property ............................................................................................................................................................................ Owner-occupied 1- to 4-family and home equity ............................................................................................................................ 65 75 80 85 85 ( 2) 1 Multifamily construction includes condominiums and cooperatives. loan-to-value limit has not been established for permanent mortgage or home equity loans on owner-occupied, 1- to 4-family residential property. However, for any such loan with a loan-to-value ratio that equals or exceeds 90 percent at origination, an institution should require appropriate credit enhancement in the form of either mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 2A The supervisory loan-to-value limits should be applied to the underlying property that collateralizes the loan. For loans that fund multiple phases of the same real estate project (e.g., a loan for both land development and construction of an office building), the appropriate loan-to-value limit is the limit applicable to the final phase of the project funded by the loan; however, loan disbursements should not exceed actual development or construction outlays. In situations where a loan is fully crosscollateralized by two or more properties or is secured by a collateral pool of two or more properties, the appropriate maximum loan amount under supervisory loan-to-value limits is the sum of the value of each property, less senior liens, multiplied by the appropriate loan-to-value limit for each property. To ensure that collateral margins remain within the supervisory limits, lenders should redetermine conformity whenever collateral substitutions are made to the collateral pool. In establishing internal loan-to-value limits, each lender is expected to carefully consider the institution-specific and market factors listed under ‘‘Loan Portfolio Management Considerations,’’ as well as any other relevant factors, such as the particular subcategory or type of loan. For any subcategory of loans that exhibits greater credit risk than the overall category, a lender should consider the establishment of an internal loan-to-value limit for that subcategory that is lower than the limit for the overall category. The loan-to-value ratio is only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan. Other credit factors to be taken into account are highlighted in the ‘‘Underwriting Standards’’ section above. Because of these other factors, the establishment of these supervisory limits should not be interpreted VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 to mean that loans at these levels will automatically be considered sound. Loans in Excess of the Supervisory Loan-toValue Limits The agencies recognize that appropriate loan-to-value limits vary not only among categories of real estate loans but also among individual loans. Therefore, it may be appropriate in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits, based on the support provided by other credit factors. Such loans should be identified in the institutions’ records, and their aggregate amount reported at least quarterly to the institution’s board of directors. (see additional reporting requirements described under ‘‘Exceptions to the General Policy.’’) The aggregate amount of all loans in excess of the supervisory loanto-value limits should not exceed 100 percent of total capital.2 Moreover, within the aggregate limit, total loans for all commercial, agricultural, multifamily or other non-1-to-4 family residential properties should not exceed 30 percent of total capital. An institution will come under increased supervisory scrutiny as the total of such loans approaches these levels. In determining the aggregate amount of such loans, institutions should: (a) Include all loans secured by the same property if any one of those loans exceeds the supervisory loan-to-value limits; and (b) include the recourse obligation of any such loan sold with recourse. Conversely, a loan should no 2 For the state member banks, the term ‘‘total capital’’ means ‘‘total risk-based capital’’ as defined in Appendix A to 12 part 208. For insured state non-member banks, ‘‘total capital’’ refers to that term described in table I of Appendix A to 12 CFR part 325. For national banks, the term ‘‘total capital’’ is defined at 12 CFR 3.2(e). For savings associations, the term ‘‘total capital’’ as described in part 167 of this chapter. PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 longer be reported to the directors as part of aggregate totals when reduction in principal or senior liens, or additional contribution of collateral or equity (e.g., improvements to the real property securing the loan), bring the loan-to-value ratio into compliance with supervisory limits. Excluded Transactions The agencies also recognize that there are a number of lending situations in which other factors significantly outweigh the need to apply the supervisory loan-to-value limits. These include: • Loans guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or its agencies, provided that the amount of the guaranty or insurance is at least equal to the portion of the loan that exceeds the supervisory loan-to-value limit. • Loans backed by the full faith and credit of a state government, provided that the amount of the assurance is at least equal to the portion of the loan that exceeds the supervisory loan-to-value limit. • Loans guaranteed or insured by a state, municipal or local government, or an agency thereof, provided that the amount of the guaranty or insurance is at least equal to the portion of the loan that exceeds the supervisory loan-to-value limit, and provided that the lender has determined that the guarantor or insurer has the financial capacity and willingness to perform under the terms of the guaranty or insurance agreement. • Loans that are to be sold promptly after origination, without recourse, to a financially responsible third party. • Loans that are renewed, refinanced, or restructured without the advancement of new funds or an increase in the line of credit (except for reasonable closing costs), or loans that are renewed, refinanced, or restructured in connection with a workout situation, either with or without the advancement of new funds, where consistent with safe and E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sound banking practices and part of a clearly defined and well-documented program to achieve orderly liquidation of the debt, reduce risk of loss, or maximize recovery on the loan. • Loans that facilitate the sale of real estate acquired by the lender in the ordinary course of collecting a debt previously contracted in good faith. • Loans for which a lien on or interest in real property is taken as additional collateral through an abundance of caution by the lender (e.g., the institution takes a blanket lien on all or substantially all of the assets of the borrower, and the value of the real property is low relative to the aggregate value of all other collateral). • Loans, such as working capital loans, where the lender does not rely principally on real estate as security and the extension of credit is not used to acquire, develop, or construct permanent improvements on real property. • Loans for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real property, but not secured by the property, if such security interest is not required by prudent underwriting practice. Exceptions to the General Lending Policy Some provision should be made for the consideration of loan requests from creditworthy borrowers whose credit needs do not fit within the institution’s general lending policy. An institution may provide for prudently underwritten exceptions to its lending policies, including loan-to-value limits, on a loan-by-loan basis. However, any exceptions from the supervisory loan-tovalue limits should conform to the aggregate limits on such loans discussed above. The board of directors is responsible for establishing standards for the review and approval of exception loans. Each institution should establish an appropriate internal process for the review and approval of loans that do not conform to its own internal policy standards. The approval of any such loan should be supported by a written justification that clearly sets forth all of the relevant credit factors that support the underwriting decision. The justification and approval documents for such loans should be maintained as a part of the permanent loan file. Each institution should monitor compliance with its real estate lending policy and individually report exception loans of a significant size to its board of directors. Supervisory Review of Real Estate Lending Policies and Practices The real estate lending policies of institutions will be evaluated by examiners during the course of their examinations to determine if the policies are consistent with safe and sound lending practices, these guidelines, and the requirements of the regulation. In evaluating the adequacy of the institution’s real estate lending policies and practices, examiners will take into consideration the following factors: • The nature and scope of the institution’s real estate lending activities. • The size and financial condition of the institution. • The quality of the institution’s management and internal controls. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 • The expertise and size of the lending and loan administration staff. • Market conditions. Lending policy exception reports will also be reviewed by examiners during the course of their examinations to determine whether the institutions’ exceptions are adequately documented and appropriate in light of all of the relevant credit considerations. An excessive volume of exceptions to an institution’s real estate lending policy may signal a weakening of its underwriting practices, or may suggest a need to revise the loan policy. Definitions For the purposes of these Guidelines: Construction loan means an extension of credit for the purpose of erecting or rehabilitating buildings or other structures, including any infrastructure necessary for development. Extension of credit or loan means: (1) The total amount of any loan, line of credit, or other legally binding lending commitment with respect to real property; and (2) The total amount, based on the amount of consideration paid, of any loan, line of credit, or other legally binding lending commitment acquired by a lender by purchase, assignment, or otherwise. Improved property loan means an extension of credit secured by one of the following types of real property: (1) Farmland, ranchland or timberland committed to ongoing management and agricultural production; (2) 1- to 4-family residential property that is not owner-occupied; (3) Residential property containing five or more individual dwelling units; (4) Completed commercial property; or (5) Other income-producing property that has been completed and is available for occupancy and use, except incomeproducing owner-occupied 1- to 4-family residential property. Land development loan means an extension of credit for the purpose of improving unimproved real property prior to the erection of structures. The improvement of unimproved real property may include the laying or placement of sewers, water pipes, utility cables, streets, and other infrastructure necessary for future development. Loan origination means the time of inception of the obligation to extend credit (i.e., when the last event or prerequisite, controllable by the lender, occurs causing the lender to become legally bound to fund an extension of credit). Loan-to-value or loan-to-value ratio means the percentage or ratio that is derived at the time of loan origination by dividing an extension of credit by the total value of the property(ies) securing or being improved by the extension of credit plus the amount of any readily marketable collateral and other acceptable collateral that secures the extension of credit. The total amount of all senior liens on or interests in such property(ies) should be included in determining the loan-to-value ratio. When mortgage insurance or collateral is used in the calculation of the loan-to-value ratio, and such credit enhancement is later released or PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49041 replaced, the loan-to-value ratio should be recalculated. Other acceptable collateral means any collateral in which the lender has a perfected security interest that has a quantifiable value, and is accepted by the lender in accordance with safe and sound lending practices. Other acceptable collateral should be appropriately discounted by the lender consistent with the lender’s usual practices for making loans secured by such collateral. Other acceptable collateral includes, among other items, unconditional irrevocable standby letters of credit for the benefit of the lender. Owner-occupied, when used in conjunction with the term 1- to 4-family residential property means that the owner of the underlying real property occupies at least one unit of the real property as a principal residence of the owner. Readily marketable collateral means insured deposits, financial instruments, and bullion in which the lender has a perfected interest. Financial instruments and bullion must be salable under ordinary circumstances with reasonable promptness at a fair market value determined by quotations based on actual transactions, on an auction or similarly available daily bid and ask price market. Readily marketable collateral should be appropriately discounted by the lender consistent with the lender’s usual practices for making loans secured by such collateral. Value means an opinion or estimate, set forth in an appraisal or evaluation, whichever may be appropriate, of the market value of real property, prepared in accordance with the agency’s appraisal regulations and guidance. For loans to purchase an existing property, the term ‘‘value’’ means the lesser of the actual acquisition cost or the estimate of value. 1- to 4-family residential property means property containing fewer than five individual dwelling units, including manufactured homes permanently affixed to the underlying property (when deemed to be real property under state law). § 160.110 Most favored lender usury preemption for all savings associations. (a) Definition. The term ‘‘interest’’ as used in 12 U.S.C. 1463(g) includes any payment compensating a creditor or prospective creditor for an extension of credit, making available of a line of credit, or any default or breach by a borrower of a condition upon which credit was extended. It includes, among other things, the following fees connected with credit extension or availability: numerical periodic rates, late fees, not sufficient funds (NSF) fees, overlimit fees, annual fees, cash advance fees, and membership fees. It does not ordinarily include appraisal fees, premiums and commissions attributable to insurance guaranteeing repayment of any extension of credit, finders’ fees, fees for document preparation or notarization, or fees incurred to obtain credit reports. (b) Authority. A savings association located in a state may charge interest at E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49042 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the maximum rate permitted to any state-chartered or licensed lending institution by the law of that state. If state law permits different interest charges on specified classes of loans, a Federal savings association making such loans is subject only to the provisions of state law relating to that class of loans that are material to the determination of the permitted interest. For example, a Federal savings association may lawfully charge the highest rate permitted to be charged by a statelicensed small loan company, without being so licensed, but subject to state law limitations on the size of loans made by small loan companies. State supervisors determine the degree to which state-chartered savings associations must comply with state laws other than those imposing restrictions on interest, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Effect on state definitions of interest. The Federal definition of the term ‘‘interest’’ in paragraph (a) of this section does not change how interest is defined by the individual states (nor how the state definition of interest is used) solely for purposes of state law. For example, if late fees are not ‘‘interest’’ under state law where a savings association is located but state law permits its most favored lender to charge late fees, then a savings association located in that state may charge late fees to its intrastate customers. The savings association may also charge late fees to its interstate customers because the fees are interest under the Federal definition of interest and an allowable charge under state law where the savings association is located. However, the late fees would not be treated as interest for purposes of evaluating compliance with state usury limitations because state law excludes late fees when calculating the maximum interest that lending institutions may charge under those limitations. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 160.120 Letters of credit and other independent undertakings to pay against documents. (a) General authority. A Federal savings association may issue and commit to issue letters of credit within the scope of applicable laws or rules of practice recognized by law. It may also issue other independent undertakings within the scope of such laws or rules of practice recognized by law, that have been approved by the OCC (approved undertaking).1 Under such letters of 1 Samples of laws or rules of practice applicable to letters of credit and other independent undertakings include, but are not limited to: the applicable version of Article 5 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) (1962, as amended 1990) VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 credit and approved undertakings, the savings association’s obligation to honor depends upon the presentation of specified documents and not upon nondocumentary conditions or resolution of questions of fact or law at issue between the account party and the beneficiary. A savings association may also confirm or otherwise undertake to honor or purchase specified documents upon their presentation under another person’s independent undertaking within the scope of such laws or rules. (b) Safety and soundness considerations—(1) Terms. As a matter of safe and sound banking practice, Federal savings associations that issue letters of credit or approved undertakings should not be exposed to undue risk. At a minimum, savings associations should consider the following: (i) The independent character of the letter of credit or approved undertaking should be apparent from its terms (such as terms that subject it to laws or rules providing for its independent character); (ii) The letter of credit or approved undertaking should be limited in amount; (iii) The letter of credit or approved undertaking should: (A) Be limited in duration; or (B) Permit the savings association to terminate the letter of credit or approved undertaking, either on a periodic basis (consistent with the savings association’s ability to make any necessary credit assessments) or at will upon either notice or payment to the beneficiary; or (C) Entitle the savings association to cash collateral from the account party on demand (with a right to accelerate the customer’s obligations, as appropriate); and (iv) The savings association either should be fully collateralized or have a post-honor right of reimbursement from its customer or from another issuer of a letter of credit or an independent undertaking. Alternatively, if the savings association’s undertaking is to purchase documents of title, securities, or other valuable documents, it should obtain a first priority right to realize on or revised Article 5 of the UCC (as amended 1995) (available from West Publishing Co.); the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Publication No. 500) (available from ICC Publishing, Inc.; the United Nations Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit (adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1995 and signed by the U.S. in 1997) (available from the U.N. Commission on International Trade Law); and the Uniform Rules for Bank-to-Bank Reimbursements Under Documentary Credits (ICC Publication No. 525) (available from ICC Publishing, Inc.). PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 the documents if the savings association is not otherwise to be reimbursed. (2) Additional considerations in special circumstances. Certain letters of credit and approved undertakings require particular protections against credit, operational, and market risk: (i) In the event that the undertaking is to honor by delivery of an item of value other than money, the savings association should ensure that market fluctuations that affect the value of the item will not cause the savings association to assume undue market risk; (ii) In the event that the undertaking provides for automatic renewal, the terms for renewal should allow the savings association to make any necessary credit assessment prior to renewal; (iii) In the event that a savings association issues an undertaking for its own account, the underlying transaction for which it is issued must be within the savings association’s authority and comply with any safety and soundness requirements applicable to that transaction. (3) Operational expertise. The savings association should possess operational expertise that is commensurate with the sophistication of its letter of credit or independent undertaking activities. (4) Documentation. The savings association must accurately reflect its letters of credit or approved undertakings in its records, including any acceptance or deferred payment or other absolute obligation arising out of its contingent undertaking. § 160.121 Investment in state housing corporations. (a) Any Federal savings association to the extent it has legal authority to do so, may make investments in, commitments to invest in, loans to, or commitments to lend to any state housing corporation; provided, that such obligations or loans are secured directly, or indirectly through a fiduciary, by a first lien on improved real estate which is insured under the National Housing Act, as amended, and that in the event of default, the holder of such obligations or loans has the right directly, or indirectly through a fiduciary, to subject to the satisfaction of such obligations or loans the real estate described in the first lien, or the insurance proceeds. (b) Any Federal savings association that is adequately capitalized may, to the extent it has legal authority to do so, invest in obligations (including loans) of, or issued by, any state housing corporation incorporated in the state in which such savings association has its E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations home or a branch office; provided (except with respect to loans), that: (1) The obligations are rated in one of the four highest grades as shown by the most recently published rating made of such obligations by a nationally recognized rating service; or (2) The obligations, if not rated, are approved by the OCC. The aggregate outstanding direct investment in obligations under paragraph (b) of this section shall not exceed the amount of the savings association’s total capital. (c) Each state housing corporation in which a savings association invests under the authority of paragraph (b) of this section shall agree, before accepting any such investment (including any loan or loan commitment), to make available at any time to the OCC such information as the OCC may consider to be necessary to ensure that investments are properly made under this section. § 160.130 fees. Prohibition on loan procurement If you are a director, officer, or other natural person having the power to direct the management or policies of a Federal savings association, you must not receive, directly or indirectly, any commission, fee, or other compensation in connection with the procurement of any loan made by the savings association or a subsidiary of the savings association. § 160.160 Asset classification. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a)(1) Each savings association must evaluate and classify its assets on a regular basis in a manner consistent with, or reconcilable to, the asset classification system used by the OCC. (2) In connection with the examination of a savings association or its affiliates, OCC examiners may identify problem assets and classify them, if appropriate. The association must recognize such examiner classifications in its subsequent reports to the OCC. (b) Based on the evaluation and classification of its assets, each savings association shall establish adequate valuation allowances or charge-offs, as appropriate, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles and the practices of the Federal banking agencies. § 160.170 Records for lending transactions. In establishing and maintaining its records pursuant to § 163.170 of this chapter, each Federal savings association and service corporation should establish and maintain loan documentation practices that: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (a) Ensure that the institution can make an informed lending decision and can assess risk on an ongoing basis; (b) Identify the purpose and all sources of repayment for each loan, and assess the ability of the borrower(s) and any guarantor(s) to repay the indebtedness in a timely manner; (c) Ensure that any claims against a borrower, guarantor, security holders, and collateral are legally enforceable; (d) Demonstrate appropriate administration and monitoring of its loans; and (e) Take into account the size and complexity of its loans. § 160.172 owned. Re-evaluation of real estate A Federal savings association shall appraise each parcel of real estate owned at the earlier of in-substance foreclosure or at the time of the savings association’s acquisition of such property, and at such times thereafter as dictated by prudent management policy; such appraisals shall be consistent with the requirements of part 164 of this chapter. The Comptroller or his or her designee may require subsequent appraisals if, in his or her discretion, such subsequent appraisal is necessary under the particular circumstances. The foregoing requirement shall not apply to any parcel of real estate that is sold and reacquired less than 12 months subsequent to the most recent appraisal made pursuant to this part. A dated, signed copy of each report of appraisal made pursuant to any provisions of this part shall be retained in the savings association’s records. Subpart C—[Reserved] § 160.210 § 160.220 [Reserved] PART 161—DEFINITIONS FOR REGULATIONS AFFECTING ALL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Sec. 161.1 When do the definitions in this part apply? 161.2 Account. 161.3 Accountholder. 161.4 Affiliate. 161.5 Affiliated person. 161.6 Audit period. 161.7 Appropriate Federal banking agency. 161.8 [Reserved] 161.9 Certificate account. 161.10 Comptroller 161.12 Consumer credit. 161.14 Controlling person. 161.15 Corporation. 161.16 Demand accounts. 161.18 Director. 161.19 Financial institution. 161.24 Immediate family. PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4701 161.26 Land loan. 161.27 Low-rent housing. 161.28 Money Market Deposit Accounts. 161.29 Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts. 161.30 Nonresidential construction loan. 161.31 Nonwithdrawable account. 161.33 Note account. 161.34 OCC. 161.35 Officer. 161.37 Parent company; subsidiary. 161.38 Political subdivision. 161.39 Principal office. 161.40 Public unit. 161.41 [Reserved] 161.42 Savings account. 161.43 Savings association. 161.44 Security. 161.45 Service corporation. 161.50 State. 161.51 Subordinated debt security. 161.52 Tax and loan account. 161.53 United States Treasury General Account. 161.54 United States Treasury Time Deposit Open Account. 161.55 With recourse. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 161.1 apply? Sfmt 4700 When do the definitions in this part The definitions in this part and in 12 CFR part 141 apply throughout parts 100–199 of this chapter, unless another definition is specifically provided. § 161.2 Account. The term account means any savings account, demand account, certificate account, tax and loan account, note account, United States Treasury general account or United States Treasury time deposit-open account, whether in the form of a deposit or a share, held by an accountholder in a savings association. § 161.3 [Reserved] 49043 Accountholder. The term accountholder means the holder of an account or accounts in a savings association insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund. The term does not include the holder of any subordinated debt security or any mortgage-backed bond issued by the savings association. § 161.4 Affiliate. The term affiliate of a savings association, unless otherwise defined, means any corporation, business trust, association, or other similar organization: (a) Of which a savings association, directly or indirectly, owns or controls either a majority of the voting shares or more than 50 per centum of the number of shares voted for the election of its directors, trustees, or other persons exercising similar functions at the preceding election, or controls in any manner the election of a majority of its E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49044 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations directors, trustees, or other persons exercising similar functions; or (b) Of which control is held, directly or indirectly through stock ownership or in any other manner, by the shareholders of a savings association who own or control either a majority of the shares of such savings association or more than 50 per centum of the number of shares voted for the election of directors of such savings association at the preceding election, or by trustees for the benefit of the shareholders of any such savings association; or (c) Of which a majority of its directors, trustees, or other persons exercising similar functions are directors of any one savings association. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 161.5 Affiliated person. The term affiliated person of a savings association means the following: (a) A director, officer, or controlling person of such association; (b) A spouse of a director, officer, or controlling person of such association; (c) A member of the immediate family of a director, officer, or controlling person of such association, who has the same home as such person or who is a director or officer of any subsidiary of such association or of any holding company affiliate of such association; (d) Any corporation or organization (other than the savings association or a corporation or organization through which the savings association operates) of which a director, officer or the controlling person of such association: (1) Is chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or a person performing similar functions; (2) Is a general partner; (3) Is a limited partner who, directly or indirectly either alone or with his or her spouse and the members of his or her immediate family who are also affiliated persons of the association, owns an interest of 10 percent or more in the partnership (based on the value of his or her contribution) or who, directly or indirectly with other directors, officers, and controlling persons of such association and their spouses and their immediate family members who are also affiliated persons of the association, owns an interest of 25 percent or more in the partnership; or (4) Directly or indirectly either alone or with his or her spouse and the members of his or her immediate family who are also affiliated persons of the association, owns or controls 10 percent or more of any class of equity securities or owns or controls, with other directors, officers, and controlling persons of such association and their spouses and their immediate family members who are also affiliated persons VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 of the association, 25 percent or more of any class of equity securities; and (5) Any trust or other estate in which a director, officer, or controlling person of such association or the spouse of such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person or his or her spouse serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity. § 161.6 Audit period. The audit period of a savings association means the twelve month period (or other period in the case of a change in audit period) covered by the annual audit conducted to satisfy § 163.170 of this chapter. § 161.7 Appropriate Federal banking agency. The term appropriate Federal banking agency means appropriate Federal banking agency as that term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(q). § 161.8 [Reserved] § 161.9 Certificate account. indirectly, or acting in concert with one or more other persons or entities, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, ten percent or more of the voting shares or rights of such savings association; or controls in any manner the election or appointment of a majority of the directors of such savings association. However, a director of a savings association will not be deemed to be a controlling person of such savings association based upon his or her voting, or acting in concert with other directors in voting, proxies: (a) Obtained in connection with an annual solicitation of proxies, or (b) Obtained from savings account holders and borrowers if such proxies are voted as directed by a majority vote of the entire board of directors of such association, or of a committee of such directors if such committee’s composition and authority are controlled by a majority vote of the entire board and if its authority is revocable by such a majority. The term certificate account means a savings account evidenced by a certificate that must be held for a fixed or minimum term. § 161.15 § 161.10 § 161.16 Comptroller. The term Comptroller means the Comptroller of the Currency. § 161.12 Consumer credit. The term consumer credit means credit extended to a natural person for personal, family, or household purposes, including loans secured by liens on real estate and chattel liens secured by mobile homes and leases of personal property to consumers that may be considered the functional equivalent of loans on personal security: Provided, the savings association relies substantially upon other factors, such as the general credit standing of the borrower, guaranties, or security other than the real estate or mobile home, as the primary security for the loan. Appropriate evidence to demonstrate justification for such reliance should be retained in a savings association’s files. Among the types of credit included within this term are consumer loans; educational loans; unsecured loans for real property alteration, repair or improvement, or for the equipping of real property; loans in the nature of overdraft protection; and credit extended in connection with credit cards. § 161.14 Controlling person. The term controlling person of a savings association means any person or entity which, either directly or PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Corporation. The terms Corporation and FDIC mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Demand accounts. The term demand accounts means non-interest-bearing demand deposits that are subject to check or to withdrawal or transfer on negotiable or transferable order to the savings association and that are permitted to be issued by statute, regulation, or otherwise and are payable on demand. § 161.18 Director. (a) The term director means any director, trustee, or other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated. Such term does not include an advisory director, honorary director, director emeritus, or similar person, unless the person is otherwise performing functions similar to those of a director. (b) [Reserved] § 161.19 Financial institution. The term financial institution has the same meaning as the term depository institution set forth in 12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(1). § 161.24 Immediate family. The term immediate family of any natural person means the following (whether by the full or half blood or by adoption): (a) Such person’s spouse, father, mother, children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) The father, mother, brothers, and sisters of such person’s spouse; and (c) The spouse of a child, brother, or sister of such person. § 161.26 Land loan. The term land loan means a loan: (a) Secured by real estate upon which all facilities and improvements have been completely installed, as required by local regulations and practices, so that it is entirely prepared for the erection of structures; (b) To finance the purchase of land and the accomplishment of all improvements required to convert it to developed building lots; or (c) Secured by land upon which there is no structure. § 161.27 Low-rent housing. The term low-rent housing means real estate which is, or which is being constructed, remodeled, rehabilitated, modernized, or renovated to be, the subject of an annual contributions contract for low-rent housing under the provisions of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 161.28 Money Market Deposit Accounts. (a) Money Market Deposit Accounts (MMDAs) offered by Federal savings associations in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 1464(b)(1) and by state-chartered savings associations in accordance with applicable state law are savings accounts on which interest may be paid if issued subject to the following limitations: (1) The savings association shall reserve the right to require at least seven days’ notice prior to withdrawal or transfer of any funds in the account; and (2)(i) The depositor is authorized by the savings association to make no more than six transfers per calendar month or statement cycle (or similar period) of at least four weeks by means of preauthorized, automatic, telephonic, or data transmission agreement, order, or instruction to another account of the depositor at the same savings association to the savings association itself, or to a third party. (ii) Savings associations may permit holders of MMDAs to make unlimited transfers for the purpose of repaying loans (except overdraft loans on the depositor’s demand account) and associated expenses at the same savings association (as originator or servicer), to make unlimited transfers of funds from this account to another account of the same depositor at the same savings association or to make unlimited payments directly to the depositor from the account when such transfers or payments are made by mail, messenger, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 automated teller machine, or in person, or when such payments are made by telephone (via check mailed to the depositor). (3) In order to ensure that no more than the number of transfers specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section are made, a savings association must either: (i) Prevent transfers of funds in excess of the limitations; or (ii) Adopt procedures to monitor those transfers on an after-the-fact basis and contact customers who exceed the limits on more than an occasional basis. For customers who continue to violate those limits after being contacted by the depository savings association the depository savings association must either place funds in another account that the depositor is eligible to maintain or take away the account’s transfer and draft capacities. (iii) Insured savings association at their option, may use on a consistent basis either the date on a check or the date it is paid in determining whether the transfer limitations within the specified interval are exceeded. (b) Federal savings associations may offer MMDAs to any depositor, and state-chartered savings associations may offer MMDAs to any depositor not inconsistent with applicable state law. § 161.29 Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts. (a) Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) accounts are savings accounts authorized by 12 U.S.C. 1832 on which the savings association reserves the right to require at least seven days’ notice prior to withdrawal or transfer of any funds in the account. (b) For purposes of 12 U.S.C. 1832: (1) An organization shall be deemed ‘‘operated primarily for religious, philanthropic, charitable, educational, or other similar purposes and * * * not * * * for profit’’ if it is described in sections 501(c)(3) through (13), 501(c)(19), or 528 of the Internal Revenue Code; and (2) The funds of a sole proprietorship or unincorporated business owned by a husband and wife shall be deemed beneficially owned by ‘‘one or more individuals.’’ § 161.30 Nonresidential construction loan. The term nonresidential construction loan means a loan for construction of other than one or more dwelling units. § 161.31 Nonwithdrawable account. The term nonwithdrawable account means an account which by the terms of the contract of the accountholder with the savings association or by provisions of state law cannot be paid to the PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49045 accountholder until all liabilities, including other classes of share liability of the savings association have been fully liquidated and paid upon the winding up of the savings association is referred to as a nonwithdrawable account. § 161.33 Note account. The term note account means a note, subject to the right of immediate call, evidencing funds held by depositories electing the note option under applicable United States Treasury Department regulations. Note accounts are not savings accounts or savings deposits. § 161.34 OCC. The term OCC means Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. § 161.35 Officer. The term Officer means the president, any vice-president (but not an assistant vice-president, second vice-president, or other vice president having authority similar to an assistant or second vicepresident), the secretary, the treasurer, the comptroller, and any other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated. The term officer also includes the chairman of the board of directors if the chairman is authorized by the charter or by-laws of the organization to participate in its operating management or if the chairman in fact participates in such management. § 161.37 Parent company; subsidiary. The term parent company means any company which directly or indirectly controls any other company or companies. The term subsidiary means any company which is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by a person, and includes any service corporation owned in whole or in part by a savings association, or a subsidiary of such service corporation. § 161.38 Political subdivision. The term political subdivision includes any subdivision of a public unit, any principal department of such public unit: (a) The creation of which subdivision or department has been expressly authorized by state statute, (b) To which some functions of government have been delegated by state statute, and (c) To which funds have been allocated by statute or ordinance for its exclusive use and control. It also includes drainage, irrigation, navigation, improvement, levee, sanitary, school or power districts and bridge or port E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49046 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations authorities and other special districts created by state statute or compacts between the states. Excluded from the term are subordinate or nonautonomous divisions, agencies or boards within principal departments. § 161.39 Principal office. The term principal office means the home office of a savings association established as such in conformity with the laws under which the savings association is organized. § 161.40 Public unit. The term public unit means the United States, any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, any territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, any county, any municipality or any political subdivision thereof. § 161.41 Savings account. The term savings account means any withdrawable account, except a demand account as defined in § 161.16 of this chapter, a tax and loan account, a note account, a United States Treasury general account, or a United States Treasury time deposit-open account. § 161.43 Savings association. The term savings association means a savings association as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the deposits of which are insured by the Corporation. It includes a Federal savings association or Federal savings bank, chartered under section 5 of the Act, or a building and loan, savings and loan, or homestead association, or a cooperative bank (other than a cooperative bank which is a state bank as defined in section 3(a)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) organized and operating according to the laws of the state in which it is chartered or organized, or a corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) that the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Comptroller jointly determine to be operating substantially in the same manner as a savings association. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 161.44 Security. The term security means any nonwithdrawable account, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profitsharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, or, in general, any interest or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 § 161.45 Jkt 223001 Service corporation. The term service corporation means any corporation, the majority of the capital stock of which is owned by one or more savings associations and which engages, directly or indirectly, in any activities similar to activities which may be engaged in by a service corporation in which a Federal savings association may invest under part 159 of this chapter. § 161.50 [Reserved] § 161.42 instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing, except that a security shall not include an account or deposit insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. State. The term state means a state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States. § 161.51 Subordinated debt security. The term subordinated debt security means any unsecured note, debenture, or other debt security issued by a savings association and subordinated on liquidation to all claims having the same priority as account holders or any higher priority. § 161.52 Tax and loan account. The term tax and loan account means an account, the balance of which is subject to the right of immediate withdrawal, established for receipt of payments of Federal taxes and certain United States obligations. Such accounts are not savings accounts or savings deposits. § 161.53 United States Treasury General Account. The term United States Treasury General Account means an account maintained in the name of the United States Treasury the balance of which is subject to the right of immediate withdrawal, except in the case of the closure of the member, and in which a zero balance may be maintained. Such accounts are not savings accounts or savings deposits. may require. Such accounts are not savings accounts or savings deposits. § 161.55 With recourse. (a) The term with recourse means, in connection with the sale of a loan or a participation interest in a loan, an agreement or arrangement under which the purchaser is to be entitled to receive from the seller a sum of money or thing of value, whether tangible or intangible (including any substitution), upon default in payment of any loan involved or any part thereof or to withhold or to have withheld from the seller a sum of money or anything of value by way of security against default. The recourse liability resulting from a sale with recourse shall be the total book value of any loan sold with recourse less: (1) The amount of any insurance or guarantee against loss in the event of default provided by a third party, (2) The amount of any loss to be borne by the purchaser in the event of default, and (3) The amount of any loss resulting from a recourse obligation entered on the books and records of the savings association. (b) The term with recourse does not include loans or interests therein where the agreement of sale provides for the savings association directly or indirectly: (1) To hold or retain a subordinate interest in a specified percentage of the loans or interests; or (2) To guarantee against loss up to a specified percentage of the loans or interests, which specified percentage shall not exceed ten percent of the outstanding balance of the loans or interests at the time of sale: Provided, That the savings association designates adequate reserves for the subordinate interest or guarantee. (c) This definition does not apply for purposes of determining the capital adequacy requirements under part 167 of this chapter. PART 162—REGULATORY REPORTING STANDARDS Sec. 162.1 162.2 162.4 Regulatory reporting requirements. Regulatory reports. Audit of Federal savings associations. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1463, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 161.54 United States Treasury Time Deposit Open Account. § 162.1 The term United States Treasury Time Deposit Open Account means a noninterest-bearing account maintained in the name of the United States Treasury which may not be withdrawn prior to the expiration of 30 days’ written notice from the United States Treasury, or such other period of notice as the Treasury (a) Authority and scope. This part is issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) pursuant to section 4(b) and 4(c) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA) (12 U.S.C. 1463(b) and 1463(c)). It applies to all Federal savings associations regulated by the OCC. PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM Regulatory reporting requirements. 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Records and reports—general—(1) Records. Each savings association and its affiliates shall maintain accurate and complete records of all business transactions. Such records shall support and be readily reconcilable to any regulatory reports submitted to the OCC and financial reports prepared in accordance with GAAP. The records shall be maintained in the United States and be readily accessible for examination and other supervisory purposes within 5 business days upon request by the OCC, at a location acceptable to the OCC. (2) Reports. For purposes of examination by and regulatory reports to the OCC and compliance with this chapter, all savings associations shall use such forms and follow such regulatory reporting requirements as the OCC may require by regulation or otherwise. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 162.2 Regulatory reports. (a) Definition and scope. This section applies to all regulatory reports, as defined herein. A regulatory report is any report that the OCC prepares, or is submitted to, or is used by the OCC, to determine compliance with its rules and regulations, and to evaluate the safe and sound condition and operation of savings associations. The Report of Examination is an example of a regulatory report. Regulatory reports are regulatory documents, not accounting documents. (b) Regulatory reporting requirements—(1) General. The instructions to regulatory reports are referred to as ‘‘regulatory reporting requirements.’’ Regulatory reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, guidance contained in OCC regulations, bulletins, and examination handbooks; and safe and sound practices. Regulatory reporting requirements are not limited to the minimum requirements under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) because of the special supervisory, regulatory, and economic policy needs served by such reports. Regulatory reporting by savings associations that purports to comply with GAAP shall incorporate the GAAP that best reflects the underlying economic substance of the transaction at issue. Regulatory reporting requirements shall, at a minimum: (i) Incorporate GAAP whenever GAAP is the referenced accounting instruction for regulatory reports to the Federal banking agencies; (ii) Incorporate safe and sound practices contained in OCC regulations, bulletins, examination handbooks and instructions to regulatory reports. Such VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 safety and soundness requirements shall be no less stringent than those applied by the Comptroller of the Currency for national banks; and (iii) Incorporate additional safety and soundness requirements more stringent than GAAP, as the Comptroller may prescribe. (2) Exceptions. Regulatory reporting requirements that are not consistent with GAAP, if any, are not required to be reflected in audited financial statements, including financial statements contained in securities filings submitted to the OCC pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 or parts 192, 194, or 197 of this chapter. (3) Compliance. When the OCC determines that a savings association’s regulatory reports did not conform to regulatory reporting requirements in previous reporting periods, the association shall correct its regulatory reports in accordance with the directions of the OCC. § 162.4 Audit of savings associations. (a) General. The OCC may require, at any time, an independent audit of the financial statements of, or the application of procedures agreed upon by the OCC to a savings association or affiliate (as defined by 12 CFR 563.41, or upon issuance of superseding regulations by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, such superseding regulations) by qualified independent public accountants when needed for any safety and soundness reason identified by the OCC. (b) Audits required for safety and soundness purposes. The OCC requires an independent audit for safety and soundness purposes if a savings association has received a composite rating of 3, 4 or 5, as defined at § 116.5(c) of this chapter. (c) Procedures. (1) When the OCC requires an independent audit because such an audit is needed for safety and soundness purposes, the Comptroller shall determine whether the audit was conducted and filed in a manner satisfactory to the OCC. (2) The Comptroller may waive the independent audit requirement described at paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if the Comptroller determines that an audit would not provide further information on safety and soundness issues relevant to the examination rating. (3) When the OCC requires the application of procedures agreed upon for safety and soundness purposes, the Comptroller shall identify the procedures to be performed. The Comptroller shall also determine whether the agreed upon procedures PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49047 were conducted and filed in a manner satisfactory to the OCC. (d) Qualifications for independent public accountants. The audit shall be conducted by an independent public accountant who: (1) Is registered or licensed to practice as a public accountant, and is in good standing, under the laws of the state or other political subdivision of the United States in which the savings association’s or holding company’s principal office is located; (2) Agrees in the engagement letter to provide the OCC with access to and copies of any work papers, policies, and procedures relating to the services performed; (3)(i) Is in compliance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct; and (ii) Meets the independence requirements and interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and its staff; and (4) Has received, or is enrolled in, a peer review program that meets guidelines acceptable to the OCC. (e) Voluntary audits. When a savings association or affiliate (as defined by 12 CFR 563.41, or upon issuance of superseding regulations by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, such superseding regulations) obtains an independent audit voluntarily, it must be performed by an independent public accountant who satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3)(i) of this section. PART 163—SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS—OPERATIONS Subpart A—Accounts Sec. 163.1 Chartering documents. 163.4 [Reserved] 163.5 Securities: Statement of noninsurance. Subpart B—Operation and Structure 163.22 Merger, consolidation, purchase or sale of assets, or assumption of liabilities. 163.27 Advertising. 163.33 Directors, officers, and employees. 163.36 Tying restriction exception. 163.39 Employment contracts. 163.41 Transactions with affiliates. 163.43 Loans by savings associations to their executive officers, directors and principal shareholders. 163.47 Pension plans. Subpart C—Securities and Borrowings 163.74 Mutual capital certificates. 163.76 Offers and sales of securities at an office of a Federal savings association. 163.80 Borrowing limitations. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49048 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 163.81 Inclusion of subordinated debt securities and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock as supplementary capital. Subpart D—[Reserved] Subpart E—Capital Distributions 163.140 What does this subpart cover? 163.141 What is a capital distribution? 163.142 What other definitions apply to this subpart? 163.143 Must I file with the OCC? 163.144 How do I file with the OCC? 163.145 May I combine my notice or application with other notices or applications? 163.146 Will the OCC permit my capital distribution? § 163.4 163.161 Management and financial policies. 163.170 Examinations and audits; appraisals; establishment and maintenance of records. 163.171 [Reserved] 163.172 Financial derivatives. 163.176 Interest-rate-risk-management procedures. 163.177 Procedures for monitoring Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. Subpart G—Reporting and Bonding 163.180 Suspicious Activity Reports and other reports and statements. 163.190 Bonds for directors, officers, employees, and agents; form of and amount of bonds. 163.191 Bonds for agents. 163.200 Conflicts of interest. 163.201 Corporate opportunity. Subpart H—Notice of Change of Director or Senior Executive Officer 163.550 What does this subpart do? 163.555 What definitions apply to this subpart? 163.560 Who must give prior notice? 163.565 What procedures govern the filing of my notice? 163.570 What information must I include in my notice? 163.575 What procedures govern OCC review of my notice for completeness? 163.580 What standards and procedures will govern OCC review of the substance of my notice? 163.585 When may a proposed director or senior executive officer begin service? 163.590 When will the OCC waive the prior notice requirement? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1817, 1820, 1828, 1831o, 3806, 5101 et seq., 5412(b)(2)(B); 31 U.S.C. 5318; 42 U.S.C. 4106. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Subpart A—Accounts Chartering documents. (a) Submission for approval. Any de novo Federal savings association prior to commencing operations shall file its charter and bylaws with the OCC for approval, together with a certification that such charter and bylaws are VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 [Reserved] § 163.5 Securities: Statement of noninsurance. Subpart F—Financial Management Policies § 163.1 permissible under all applicable laws, rules and regulations. (b) Availability of chartering documents. Each Federal savings association shall cause a true copy of its charter and bylaws and all amendments thereto to be available to accountholders at all times in each office of the savings association, and shall upon request deliver to any accountholders a copy of such charter and bylaws or amendments thereto. Every security issued by a Federal savings association must include in its provisions a clear statement that the security is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Subpart B—Operation and Structure § 163.22 Merger, consolidation, purchase or sale of assets, or assumption of liabilities. (a) No Federal savings association may, without application to and approval by the OCC: (1) Combine with any insured depository institution, if the acquiring or resulting institution is to be a Federal savings association; or (2) Assume liability to pay any deposit made in, any insured depository institution. (b)(1) No Federal savings association may, without notifying the OCC, as provided in paragraph (h)(1) of this section: (i) Combine with another insured depository institution where a Federal savings association is not the resulting institution; or (ii) In the case of a savings association that meets the conditions for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter, convert, directly or indirectly, to a national or state bank. (2) A Federal savings association that does not meet the conditions for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter may not, directly or indirectly, convert to a national or state bank without prior application to and approval of the OCC, as provided in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section. (c) No Federal savings association may make any transfer (excluding transfers subject to paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section) without notice or application to the OCC, as provided in paragraph (h)(2) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘transfer’’ means purchases or sales of assets or liabilities in bulk not made in the ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, transfers PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 of assets or savings account liabilities, purchases of assets, and assumptions of deposit accounts or other liabilities, and combinations with a depository institution other than an insured depository institution. (d)(1) In determining whether to confer approval for a transaction under paragraphs (a), (b)(2), or (c) of this section, the OCC shall take into account the following: (i) The capital level of any resulting Federal savings association; (ii) The financial and managerial resources of the constituent institutions; (iii) The future prospects of the constituent institutions; (iv) The convenience and needs of the communities to be served; (v) The conformity of the transaction to applicable law, regulation, and supervisory policies; (vi) Factors relating to the fairness of and disclosure concerning the transaction, including, but not limited to: (A) Equitable treatment. The transaction should be equitable to all concerned—savings account holders, borrowers, creditors and stockholders (if any) of each Federal savings association—giving proper recognition of and protection to their respective legal rights and interests. The transaction will be closely reviewed for fairness where the transaction does not appear to be the result of arms’ length bargaining or, in the case of a stock savings association, where controlling stockholders are receiving different consideration from other stockholders. No finder’s or similar fee should be paid to any officer, director, or controlling person of a Federal savings association which is a party to the transaction. (B) Full disclosure. The filing should make full disclosure of all written or oral agreements or understandings by which any person or company will receive, directly or indirectly, any money, property, service, release of pledges made, or other thing of value, whether tangible or intangible, in connection with the transaction. (C) Compensation to officers. Compensation, including deferred compensation, to officers, directors and controlling persons of the disappearing Federal savings association by the resulting institution or an affiliate thereof should not be in excess of a reasonable amount, and should be commensurate with their duties and responsibilities. The filing should fully justify the compensation to be paid to such persons. The transaction will be particularly scrutinized where any of such persons is to receive a material increase in compensation above that E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations paid by the disappearing savings association prior to the commencement of negotiations regarding the proposed transaction. An increase in compensation in excess of the greater of 15% or $10,000 gives rise to presumptions of unreasonableness and sale of control. In the case of such an increase, evidence sufficient to rebut such presumptions should be submitted. (D) Advisory boards. Advisory board members should be elected for a term not exceeding one year. No advisory board fees should be paid to salaried officers or employees of the resulting Federal savings association. The filing should describe and justify the duties and responsibilities and any compensation paid to any advisory board of the resulting Federal savings association that consists of officers, directors or controlling persons of the disappearing institution, particularly if the disappearing institution experienced significant supervisory problems prior to the transaction. No advisory board fees should exceed the director fees paid by the resulting savings association. Advisory board fees that are in excess of 115 percent of the director fees paid by the disappearing Federal savings association prior to commencement of negotiations regarding the transaction give rise to presumptions of unreasonableness and sale of control unless sufficient evidence to rebut such presumptions is submitted. Rebuttal evidence is not required if: (1) The advisory board fees do not exceed the fee that advisory board members of the resulting institution receive for each monthly meeting attended or $150, whichever is greater; or (2) The advisory board fees do not exceed $100 per meeting attended for disappearing Federal savings associations with assets greater than $10,000,000 or $50 per meeting attended for disappearing Federal savings associations with assets of $10,000,000 or less, based on a schedule of 12 meetings per year. (E) The accounting and tax treatment of the transaction; and (F) Fees paid and professional services rendered in connection with the transaction. (2) In conferring approval of a transaction under paragraph (a) of this section, the OCC also will consider the competitive impact of the transaction, including whether: (i) The transaction would result in a monopoly, or would be in furtherance of any monopoly or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 the savings association business in any part of the United States; or (ii) The effect of the transaction on any section of the country may be substantially to lessen competition, or tend to create a monopoly, or in any other manner would be in restraint of trade, unless the OCC finds that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the communities to be served. (3) Applications and notices filed under this section shall be upon forms prescribed by the OCC. (4) Applications filed under paragraph (a) of this section must be processed in accordance with the time frames set forth in §§ 116.210 through 116.290 of this chapter, provided that the period for review may be extended only if the OCC determines that the applicant has failed to furnish all requested information or that the information submitted is substantially inaccurate, in which case the review period may be extended for up to 30 days. (e)(1) The following procedures apply to applications described in paragraph (a) of this section, unless the OCC finds that it must act immediately to prevent the probable default of one of the depository institutions involved: (i) The applicant must publish a public notice of the application in accordance with the procedures in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. In addition to the initial publication, the applicant must also publish on a weekly basis during the public comment period. (ii) Commenters may submit comments on an application in accordance with the procedures in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. The public comment period is 30 calendar days after the date of publication of the initial public notice. However, if the OCC has advised the Attorney General that an emergency exists requiring expeditious action, the public comment period is 10 calendar days after the date of publication of the initial public notice. (iii) The OCC may arrange a meeting in accordance with the procedures in subpart D of part 116 of this chapter. (iv) The OCC will request the Attorney General to provide reports on the competitive impacts involved in the transaction. (v) The OCC will immediately notify the Attorney General of the approval of the transaction. The applicant may not consummate the transaction before the date established under 12 U.S.C. 1828(c)(6). PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49049 (2) For applications described in § 163.22, certain savings associations described below must provide affected accountholders with a notice of a proposed account transfer and an option of retaining the account in the transferring Federal savings association. The notice must allow affected accountholders at least 30 days to consider whether to retain their accounts in the transferring Federal savings association. The following savings associations must provide the notices: (i) A Federal savings association transferring account liabilities to an institution the accounts of which are not insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund; and (ii) Any mutual Federal savings association transferring account liabilities to a stock form depository institution. (f) Automatic approvals by the OCC. Applications filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall be deemed to be approved automatically by the OCC 30 calendar days after the OCC sends written notice to the applicant that the application is complete, unless: (1) The acquiring Federal savings association does not meet the criteria for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter; (2) The OCC recommends the imposition of non-standard conditions prior to approving the application; (3) The OCC suspends the applicable processing time frames under § 116.190 of this chapter; (4) The OCC raises objections to the transaction; (5) The resulting Federal savings association would be one of the 3 largest depository institutions competing in the relevant geographic area where before the transaction there were 5 or fewer depository institutions, the resulting savings association would have 25 percent or more of the total deposits held by depository institutions in the relevant geographic area, and the share of total deposits would have increased by 5 percent or more; (6) The resulting Federal savings association would be one of the 2 largest depository institutions competing in the relevant geographic area where before the transaction there were 6 to 11 depository institutions, the resulting savings association would have 30 percent or more of the total deposits held by depositing institutions in the relevant geographic area, and the share of total deposits would have increased by 10 percent or more; (7) The resulting Federal savings association would be one of the 2 largest E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49050 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations depository institutions competing in the relevant geographic area where before the transaction there were 12 or more depository institutions, the resulting savings association would have 35 percent or more of the total deposits held by the depository institutions in the relevant geographic area, and the share of total deposits would have increased by 15 percent or more; (8) The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) in the relevant geographic area was more than 1800 before the transaction, and the increase in the HHI caused by the transaction would be 50 or more; (9) In a transaction involving potential competition, the OCC determines that the acquiring Federal savings association is one of three or fewer potential entrants into the relevant geographic area; (10) The acquiring Federal savings association has assets of $1 billion or more and proposes to acquire assets of $1 billion or more; (11) The Federal savings association that will be the resulting savings association in the transaction has a composite Community Reinvestment Act rating of less than satisfactory and the deficiencies have not been resolved to the satisfaction of the OCC; (12) The transaction involves any supervisory or assistance agreement with the OCC, Office of Thrift Supervision, the Resolution Trust Corporation, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (13) The transaction is part of a conversion under part 192 of this chapter; (14) The transaction raises a significant issue of law or policy; or (15) The transaction is opposed by any constituent institution or contested by a competing acquiror. (g) Definitions. (1) The terms used in this section shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 152.13(b) of this chapter. (2) Insured depository institution. Insured depository institution has the same meaning as defined in section 3(c)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (3) With regard to paragraph (f) of this section, the term relevant geographic area is used as a substitute for relevant geographic market, which means the area within which the competitive effects of a merger or other combination may be evaluated. The relevant geographic area shall be delineated as a county or similar political subdivision, an area smaller than a county, or an aggregation of counties within which the merging or combining insured depository institutions compete. In VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 addition, the OCC may consider commuting patterns, newspaper and other advertising activities, or other factors as the OCC deems relevant. (h) Special requirements and procedures for transactions under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section— (1) Certain transactions with no surviving Federal savings association. (i) The OCC must be notified of any transaction under paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Such notification must be submitted to the OCC at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the transaction, but not later than the date on which an application relating to the proposed transaction is filed with the primary regulator of the resulting institution; the OCC may, upon request or on its own initiative, shorten the 30day prior notification requirement. Notifications under this paragraph must demonstrate compliance with applicable stockholder or accountholder approval requirements. Where the Federal savings association submitting the notification maintains a liquidation account established pursuant to part 192 of this chapter, the notification must state that the resulting institution will assume such liquidation account. (ii) The notification may be in the form of either a letter describing the material features of the transaction or a copy of a filing made with another Federal or state regulatory agency seeking approval from that agency for the transaction under the Bank Merger Act or other applicable statute. If the action contemplated by the notification is not completed within one year after the OCC’s receipt of the notification, a new notification must be submitted to the OCC. (2) Other transfer transactions—(i) Expedited treatment. A notice in conformity with § 116.25(a) of this chapter may be submitted to the OCC under § 116.40 of this chapter for any transaction under paragraph (c) of this section, provided all constituent Federal savings associations meet the conditions for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter. Notices submitted under this paragraph must be deemed approved automatically by the OCC 30 days after receipt, unless the OCC advises the applicant in writing prior to the expiration of such period that the proposed transaction may not be consummated without the OCC’s approval of an application under paragraphs (h)(2)(ii) or (h)(2)(iii) of this section. (ii) Standard treatment. An application in conformity with § 116.25(b) of this chapter and paragraph (d) of this section must be submitted to the OCC under § 116.40 by PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 each Federal savings association participating in a transaction under paragraph (b)(2) or (c) of this section, where any constituent savings association does not meet the conditions for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter. Applications under this paragraph must be processed in accordance with the procedures in part 116, subparts A and E of this chapter. § 163.27 Advertising. No Federal savings association shall use advertising (which includes print or broadcast media, displays or signs, stationery, and all other promotional materials), or make any representation which is inaccurate in any particular or which in any way misrepresents its services, contracts, investments, or financial condition. § 163.33 Directors, officers, and employees. (a) Directors—(1) Requirements. The composition of the board of directors of a Federal savings association must be in accordance with the following requirements: (i) A majority of the directors must not be salaried officers or employees of the savings association or of any subsidiary thereof. (ii) Not more than two of the directors may be members of the same immediate family. (iii) Not more than one director may be an attorney with a particular law firm. (2) Prospective application. In the case of an association whose board of directors does not conform with any requirement set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section as of October 5, 1983, this paragraph (a) shall not prohibit the uninterrupted service, including reelection and re-appointment, of any person serving on the board of directors at that date. (b) [Reserved] § 163.36 Tying restriction exception. For applicable rules, see regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. § 163.39 Employment contracts. (a) General. A Federal savings association may enter into an employment contract with its officers and other employees only in accordance with the requirements of this section. All employment contracts shall be in writing and shall be approved specifically by an association’s board of directors. An association shall not enter into an employment contract with any of its officers or other employees if such contract would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. The making of such E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations an employment contract would be an unsafe or unsound practice if such contract could lead to material financial loss or damage to the association or could interfere materially with the exercise by the members of its board of directors of their duty or discretion provided by law, charter, bylaw or regulation as to the employment or termination of employment of an officer or employee of the association. This may occur, depending upon the circumstances of the case, where an employment contract provides for an excessive term. (b) Required provisions. Each employment contract shall provide that: (1) The Federal savings association’s board of directors may terminate the officer or employee’s employment at any time, but any termination by the association’s board of directors other than termination for cause, shall not prejudice the officer or employee’s right to compensation or other benefits under the contract. The officer or employee shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for cause. Termination for cause shall include termination because of the officer or employee’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of the contract. (2) If the officer or employee is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the association’s affairs by a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1)), the association’s obligations under the contract shall be suspended as of the date of service unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the association may in its discretion (i) pay the officer or employee all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended, and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended. (3) If the officer or employee is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the association’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1)), all obligations of the association under the contract shall terminate as of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected. (4) If the savings association is in default (as defined in section 3(x)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act), all obligations under the contract shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph (b)(4) shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties: Provided, that this paragraph (b)(4) need not be included in an employment contract if prior written approval is secured from the Comptroller or his or her designee. (5) All obligations under the contract shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the association; (i) By the Comptroller, or his or her designee, at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the association under the authority contained in 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii)(A) By the Comptroller or his or her designee, at the time the Comptroller, or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the association or when the association is determined by the Comptroller to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. (B) Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action. § 163.41 Transactions with affiliates. For applicable rules, see regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. § 163.43 Loans by savings associations to their executive officers, directors and principal shareholders. For applicable rules, see Regulation O of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. § 163.47 Pension plans. (a) General. No Federal savings association or service corporation thereof shall sponsor an employee pension plan which, because of unreasonable costs or any other reason, could lead to material financial loss or damage to the sponsor. For purposes of this section, an employee pension plan is defined in section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The prospective obligation or liability of a plan sponsor to each plan participant shall be stated in or determinable from the plan, and, for a defined benefit plan, shall also be based upon an actuarial estimate of future experience under the plan. PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49051 (b) Funding. Actuarial cost methods permitted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, shall be used to determine plan funding. (c) Plan amendment. A plan may be amended to provide reasonable annual cost-of-living increases to retired participants: Provided, That (1) Any such increase shall be for a period and amount determined by the sponsor’s board of directors, but in no event shall it exceed the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and (2) No increase shall be granted unless: (i) Anticipated charges to net income for future periods have first been found by such board of directors to be reasonable and are documented by appropriate resolution and supporting analysis; and (ii) The increase will not reduce the association’s regulatory capital below its regulatory capital requirement. (d) Termination. The plan shall permit the sponsor’s board of directors and its successors to terminate such plan. Notice of intent to terminate shall be filed with the OCC at least 60 days prior to the proposed termination date. (e) Records. Each Federal savings association or service corporation maintaining a plan not subject to recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, shall establish and maintain records containing the following: (1) Plan description; (2) Schedule of participants and beneficiaries; (3) Schedule of participants and beneficiaries’ rights and obligations; (4) Plan’s financial statements; and (5) Except for defined contribution plans, an opinion signed by an enrolled actuary (as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) affirming that actuarial assumptions in the aggregate are reasonable, take into account the plan’s experience and expectations, and represent the actuary’s best estimate of the plan’s projected experiences. Subpart C—Securities and Borrowings § 163.74 Mutual capital certificates. (a) General. No savings association that is in the mutual form shall issue mutual capital certificates pursuant to this section or amend the terms of such certificates unless it has obtained written approval of the appropriate E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49052 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Federal banking agency. No approval shall be granted unless the proposed issuance of the mutual capital certificates and the form and manner of filing of the application are in accordance with the provisions of this section. (b) Eligibility Requirements. The appropriate Federal banking agency will consider and process an application for approval of the issuance of mutual capital certificates pursuant to this section only if the issuance is authorized by applicable law and regulation and is not inconsistent with any provision of the applicant’s charter, constitution or bylaws. (c) Application form; supporting information. An application for approval of the issuance of mutual capital certificates pursuant to this section shall be in the form prescribed by the appropriate Federal banking agency. Such application and instructions may be obtained from the appropriate Federal banking agency. Information and exhibits shall be furnished in support of the application in accordance with such instructions, setting forth all of the terms and provisions relating to the proposed issue and showing that all of the requirements of this section have been or will be met. (d) Charter amendment. No application for approval of the issuance of mutual capital certificates pursuant to this section may be filed unless the amendment to the mutual association’s charter, constitution or bylaws or other actions conferring such authority shall have been approved pursuant to the procedures and requirements set forth in the mutual association’s charter, constitution or bylaws, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law. (e) Filing requirements. The application for issuance of mutual capital certificates shall be publicly filed with the appropriate Federal banking agency. (f) Supervisory objection. No application or approval of the issuance of mutual capital certificates pursuant to this section shall be approved if, in the opinion of the appropriate Federal banking agency, the policies, condition, or operation of the applicant afford a basis for supervisory objection to the application. (g) Limitation on offering period. Following the date of the approval of the application by the appropriate Federal banking agency, the association shall have an offering period of not more than one year in which to complete the sale of the mutual capital certificates issued pursuant to this section. The appropriate Federal banking agency may in its discretion VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 extend such offering period if a written request showing good cause for such extension is filed with it not later than 30 days before the expiration of such offering period or any extension thereof. (h) Reports. Within 30 days after completion of the sale of mutual capital certificates issued pursuant to this section, the association shall transmit to the appropriate Federal banking agency a written report stating the total dollar amount of securities sold, and the amount of net proceeds received by the association, and within 90 days it shall transmit a written report stating the number of purchasers. (i) Requirements as to mutual capital certificates—(1) Form of certificate. Each mutual capital certificate and any governing agreement evidencing a mutual capital certificate issued by an association pursuant to this section: (i) Shall bear on its face, in bold-face type, the following legend: ‘‘This security is not a savings account or a deposit and it is not insured by the United States or any agency or fund of the United States’’; and (ii) Shall clearly state that the certificate is subject to the requirements of § 163.74(i)(2). (2) Legal requirements. Mutual capital certificates issued pursuant to this section shall: (i) Be subordinate to all claims against the association having the same priority as savings accounts, savings certificates, debt obligations or any higher priority; (ii) Not be eligible for use as collateral for any loan made by the issuing association; (iii) Constitute a claim in liquidation not exceeding the face value plus accrued dividends of the certificates, on the general reserves, surplus and undivided profits of the association remaining after the payment in full of all savings accounts, savings certificates and debt obligations; (iv) Be entitled to the payment of dividends, which may be fixed, variable, participating, or cumulative, or any combination thereof, only if, when and as declared by the association’s board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, provided that no dividend may be declared or paid without the approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency if such payment would cause the association to fail to meet its regulatory capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter if a Federal savings association or 12 CFR part 390, subpart Z if a state savings association, and provided further that no dividend may be paid if such payment would constitute a violation of 12 U.S.C. 1828(b); PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (v) Not be redeemable, except: where the dollar weighted average term of each issue of mutual capital certificates to be redeemed is seven years or more and redemption is to be made pursuant to a redemption schedule; in the event of a merger, consolidation or reorganization approved by the appropriate Federal banking agency; or where the funds for redemption are raised by the issuance of mutual capital certificates approved pursuant to this section, or in conjunction with the issuance of capital stock pursuant to part 192 of this chapter: Provided, that mandatory redemption shall not be required; that mutual capital certificates shall not be redeemable on the demand or at the option of the holder; and that mutual capital certificates shall not receive, benefit from, be credited with or otherwise be entitled to or due payments in or for redemption if such payments would cause the association to fail to meet its regulatory capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter if a Federal savings association or 12 CFR part 390, subpart Z if a state savings association; And Provided further, for the purposes of this paragraph (i)(2)(v), the ‘‘dollar weighted average term’’ of an issue of mutual capital certificates shall be the sum of the products calculated for each year that the mutual capital certificates in the issue have been redeemed or are scheduled to be redeemed. Each product shall be calculated by multiplying the number of years of each mutual capital certificate of a given term by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the total dollar amount of each mutual capital certificate in the issue with the same term and the denominator of which shall be the total dollar amount of mutual capital certificates in the entire issue; (vi) Not have preemptive rights; (vii) Not have voting rights, except that an association may provide for voting rights if: (A) The savings association fails to pay dividends for a minimum of three consecutive dividend periods, and then the holders of the class or classes of mutual capital certificates granted such voting rights, and voting as a single class, with one vote for each outstanding certificate, may elect by a majority vote a maximum of one-third of the association’s board of directors, the directors so elected to serve until the next annual meeting of the association succeeding the payment of all current and past dividends; (B) Any merger, consolidation, or reorganization (except in a supervisory case) is sought to be authorized, where the issuing association is not the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations survivor, provided that the regulatory capital of the resulting association available for payment of any class of mutual capital certificate on liquidation is less than the regulatory capital available for such class prior to the merger, consolidation, or reorganization; (C) Action is sought to be authorized which would create any class of mutual capital certificates having a preference or priority over an outstanding class or classes of mutual capital certificates; (D) Any action is sought to be authorized which would adversely change the specific terms of any class of mutual capital certificates; (E) Action is sought to be authorized which would increase the number of a class of mutual capital certificates, or the number of a class of mutual capital certificates ranking prior to or on parity with another class of mutual capital certificates; or (F) Action is sought which would authorize the issuance of an additional class or classes of mutual capital certificates without the association having met specific financial standards; (viii) Not constitute an obligation of the association and shall confer no rights which would give rise to any claim of or action for default; (ix) Not be convertible into any account, security, or interest, except that mutual capital certificates may be surrendered in exchange for preferred stock issued in connection with the conversion of the issuing savings association to the stock form pursuant to part 192 of this chapter, provided that the preferred stock shall have substantially the same voting rights, designations, preferences and relative, participating optional, or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, as the mutual capital certificates exchanged for the preferred stock. (x) Provide for charging of losses after the exhaustion of all other items in the regulatory capital account. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.76 Offers and sales of securities at an office of a Federal savings association. (a) A Federal saving association may not offer or sell debt or equity securities issued by the association or an affiliate of the association at an office of the association; except that equity securities issued by the association or an affiliate in connection with the association’s conversion from the mutual to stock form of organization in a conversion approved pursuant to part 192 of this chapter may be offered and sold at the association’s offices: Provided, That: (1) The OCC does not object on supervisory grounds to the offer and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 sale of the securities at the offices of the association; (2) No commissions, bonuses, or comparable payments are paid to any employee of the savings association or its affiliates or to any other person in connection with the sale of securities at an office of a savings association; except that compensation and commissions consistent with industry norms may be paid to securities personnel of registered broker-dealers; (3) No offers or sales are made by tellers or at the teller counter, or by comparable persons at comparable locations; (4) Sales activity is conducted in a segregated or separately identifiable area of the savings association’s offices apart from the area accessible to the general public for the purposes of making or withdrawing deposits; (5) Offers and sales are made only by regular, full-time employees of the savings association or by securities personnel who are subject to supervision by a registered brokerdealer; (6) An acknowledgment, in the form set forth in paragraph (c) of this section, is signed by any customer to whom the security is sold in the savings association’s offices prior to the sale of any such securities; (7) A legend that the security is not a deposit or account and is not Federally insured or guaranteed appears conspicuously on the security and in all offering documents and advertisements for the securities; the legend must state in bold or other prominent type at least as large as other textual type in the document that ‘‘This security is not a deposit or account and is not Federally insured or guaranteed’’; and (8) The savings association will be in compliance with its current capital requirements upon completion of the conversion stock offering. (b) Securities sales practices, advertisements, and other sales literature used in connection with offers and sales of securities by Federal savings associations shall be subject to § 197.10 of this chapter. (c) Offers and sales of securities of a savings association or its affiliates in any office of the savings association must use a one-page, unambiguous, certification in substantially the following form: FORM OF CERTIFICATION I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS SECURITY IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR ACCOUNT AND IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED, AND IS NOT GUARANTEED BY [insert name of savings association] OR BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49053 If anyone asserts that this security is Federally insured or guaranteed, or is as safe as an insured deposit, I should call the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency]. I further certify that, before purchasing the [description of security being offered] of [name of issuer, name of savings association and affiliation to issuer (if different)], I received an offering circular. The offering circular that I received contains disclosure concerning the nature of the security being offered and describes the risks involved in the investment, including: [List briefly the principal risks involved and cross reference certain specified pages of the offering circular where a more complete description of the risks is made.] Signature: lllllllllllll Date: llllllllllllllll (d) For purposes of this section, an ‘‘office’’ of an association means any premises used by the association that are identified to the public through advertising or signage using the association’s name, trade name, or logo. § 163.80 Borrowing limitations. (a) General. Except as the appropriate Federal banking agency otherwise may permit by advice in writing, a savings association may borrow only in accordance with the provisions of this section. (b) Amount of borrowing. A savings association may borrow up to the amount authorized by the laws under which the savings association operates. (c) Security. An association may give security for borrowings subject to any requirements imposed by the appropriate Federal banking agency or the FDIC regarding notice of default on borrowings and any FDIC right of first refusal to purchase collateral. (d) Required statement for all securities evidencing outside borrowings. Each security shall bear on its face, in a prominent place, the following legend: This security is not a savings account or a deposit and it is not insured by the United States or any agency or fund of the United States. (e) Filing requirements for outside borrowings with maturities in excess of one year. (1) Unless the savings association meets its capital requirement under part 167 of this chapter if a Federal savings association or 12 CFR part 390, subpart Z if a state savings association, it shall, at least ten business days prior to issuance, file a notice of intent to issue securities evidencing such borrowings with the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49054 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations appropriate OCC licensing office if a Federal savings association, or with the appropriate regional director of the FDIC if a state savings association. Such notice shall contain a summary of the items of the security, including: (i) Principal amount of the securities; (ii) Anticipated interest rate range and price range at which the securities are to be sold; (iii) Minimum denomination; (iv) Stated and average effective maturity; (v) Mandatory and optional prepayment provisions; (vi) Description, amount, and maintenance of collateral if any; (vii) Trustee provisions if any; (viii) Events of default and remedies of default; (ix) Any provisions which restrict, conditionally or otherwise, the operations of the association. (2) The appropriate Federal banking agency shall have 10 business days after receipt of such filing to object to the issuance of such securities. The appropriate Federal banking agency shall object if the terms or covenants of the proposed issue place unreasonable burdens on, or control over, the operations of the association. If no objection is taken, the savings association shall have 120 calendar days within which to issue such securities. (f) Note accounts. For purposes of this section, note accounts are not borrowings. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.81 Inclusion of subordinated debt securities and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock as supplementary capital. (a) Scope. A Federal savings association must comply with this section in order to include subordinated debt securities or mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (‘‘covered securities’’) in supplementary capital (tier 2 capital) under part 167 of this chapter. If a savings association does not include covered securities in supplementary capital, it is not required to comply with this section. (b) Application and notice procedures. (1) A Federal savings association must file an application or notice under 12 CFR part 116, subpart A seeking the OCC’s approval of, or non-objection to, the inclusion of covered securities in supplementary capital. The savings association may file its application or notice before or after it issues covered securities, but may not include covered securities in supplementary capital until the OCC approves the application or does not object to the notice. (2) A savings association must also comply with the securities offering rules VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 at 12 CFR part 197 by filing an offering circular for a proposed issuance of covered securities, unless the offering qualifies for an exemption under that part. (c) Securities requirements. To be included in supplementary capital, covered securities must meet the following requirements: (1) Form. (i) Each certificate evidencing a covered security must: (A) Bear the following legend on its face, in bold type: ‘‘This security is not a savings account or deposit and it is not insured by the United States or any agency or fund of the United States;’’ (B) State that the security is subordinated on liquidation, as to principal, interest, and premium, to all claims against the savings association that have the same priority as savings accounts or a higher priority; (C) State that the security is not secured by the savings association’s assets or the assets of any affiliate of the savings association. An affiliate means any person or company which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the savings association; (D) State that the security is not eligible collateral for a loan by the savings association; (E) State the prohibition on the payment of dividends or interest at 12 U.S.C. 1828(b) and, in the case of subordinated debt securities, state the prohibition on the payment of principal and interest at 12 U.S.C. 1831o(h); (F) For subordinated debt securities, state or refer to a document stating the terms under which the savings association may prepay the obligation; and (G) State or refer to a document stating that the savings association must obtain OCC’s approval before the voluntary prepayment of principal on subordinated debt securities, the acceleration of payment of principal on subordinated debt securities, or the voluntarily redemption of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (other than scheduled redemptions), if the savings association is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized as described in § 165.4(b) of this chapter, fails to meet the regulatory capital requirements at 12 CFR part 167, or would fail to meet any of these standards following the payment. (ii) A Federal savings association must include such additional statements as the OCC may prescribe for certificates, purchase agreements, indentures, and other related documents. (2) Maturity requirements. Covered securities must have an original PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 weighted average maturity or original weighted average period to required redemption of at least five years. (3) Mandatory prepayment. Subordinated debt securities and related documents may not provide events of default or contain other provisions that could result in a mandatory prepayment of principal, other than events of default that: (i) Arise from the Federal savings association’s failure to make timely payment of interest or principal; (ii) Arise from its failure to comply with reasonable financial, operating, and maintenance covenants of a type that are customarily included in indentures for publicly offered debt securities; or (iii) Relate to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, or similar events. (4) Indenture. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section, a Federal savings association must use an indenture for subordinated debt securities. If the aggregate amount of subordinated debt securities publicly offered (excluding sales in a non-public offering as defined in 12 CFR 197.4) and sold in any consecutive 12-month or 36month period exceeds $5,000,000 or $10,000,000 respectively (or such lesser amount that the Securities and Exchange Commission shall establish by rule or regulation under 15 U.S.C. 77ddd), the indenture must provide for the appointment of a trustee other than the savings association or an affiliate of the savings association (as defined in subsection (c)(1)(i)(C) of this section) and for collective enforcement of the security holders’ rights and remedies. (ii) A Federal savings association is not required to use an indenture if the subordinated debt securities are sold only to accredited investors, as that term is defined in 15 U.S.C. 77d(6). A savings association must have an indenture that meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section in place before any debt securities for which an exemption from the indenture requirement is claimed, are transferred to any non-accredited investor. If a savings association relies on this exemption from the indenture requirement, it must place a legend on the debt securities indicating that an indenture must be in place before the debt securities are transferred to any non-accredited investor. (d) Review by the OCC. (1) The OCC will review notices and applications under 12 CFR part 116, subpart E. (2) In reviewing notices and applications under this section, the OCC will consider whether: (i) The issuance of the covered securities is authorized under E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations applicable laws and regulations and is consistent with the savings association’s charter and bylaws. (ii) The savings association is at least adequately capitalized under § 165.4(b) of this chapter and meets the regulatory capital requirements at part 167 of this chapter. (iii) The savings association is or will be able to service the covered securities. (iv) The covered securities are consistent with the requirements of this section. (v) The covered securities and related transactions sufficiently transfer risk from the Deposit Insurance Fund. (vi) The OCC has no objection to the issuance based on the savings association’s overall policies, condition, and operations. (3) The OCC’s approval or nonobjection is conditioned upon no material changes to the information disclosed in the application or notice submitted to the OCC. The OCC may impose such additional requirements or conditions as it may deem necessary to protect purchasers, the savings association, the OCC, or the Deposit Insurance Fund. (e) Amendments. If a Federal savings association amends the covered securities or related documents following the completion of the OCC’s review, it must obtain the OCC’s approval or non-objection under this section before it may include the amended securities in supplementary capital. (f) Sale of covered securities. The Federal savings association must complete the sale of covered securities within one year after the OCC’s approval or non-objection under this section. A savings association may request an extension of the offering period by filing a written request with the OCC. The savings association must demonstrate good cause for the extension and file the request at least 30 days before the expiration of the offering period or any extension of the offering period. (g) Reports. A Federal savings association must file the following information with the OCC within 30 days after the savings association completes the sale of covered securities includable as supplementary capital. If the savings association filed its application or notice following the completion of the sale, it must submit this information with its application or notice: (1) A written report indicating the number of purchasers, the total dollar amount of securities sold, the net proceeds received by the savings association from the issuance, and the amount of covered securities, net of all expenses, to be included as supplementary capital; (2) Three copies of an executed form of the securities and a copy of any related documents governing the issuance or administration of the securities; and (3) A certification by the appropriate executive officer indicating that the savings association complied with all applicable laws and regulations in connection with the offering, issuance, and sale of the securities. Subpart D—[Reserved] Subpart E—Capital Distributions § 163.140 What does this subpart cover? This subpart applies to all capital distributions by a Federal savings association (‘‘you’’). § 163.141 What is a capital distribution? A capital distribution is: (a) A distribution of cash or other property to your owners made on account of their ownership, but excludes: (1) Any dividend consisting only of your shares or rights to purchase your shares; or (2) If you are a Federal mutual savings association, any payment that you are required to make under the terms of a deposit instrument and any other amount paid on deposits that the OCC determines is not a distribution for the purposes of this section; (b) Your payment to repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire any of your shares or other ownership interests, any payment to repurchase, redeem, retire, or otherwise acquire debt instruments included in your total capital under part 167 of this chapter, and any extension of credit to finance an affiliate’s acquisition of your shares or interests; (c) Any direct or indirect payment of cash or other property to owners or affiliates made in connection with a corporate restructuring. This includes your payment of cash or property to shareholders of another association or to shareholders of its holding company to acquire ownership in that association, other than by a distribution of shares; (d) Any other distribution charged against your capital accounts if you would not be well capitalized, as set forth in § 165.4(b)(1) of this chapter, following the distribution; and (e) Any transaction that the OCC determines, by order or regulation, to be in substance a distribution of capital. § 163.142 What other definitions apply to this subpart? The following definitions apply to this subpart: Affiliate means an affiliate, as defined under § 563.41(b) until superseded by regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regarding transactions with affiliates. Capital means total capital, as computed under part 167 of this chapter. Net income means your net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Retained net income means your net income for a specified period less total capital distributions declared in that period. Shares means common and preferred stock, and any options, warrants, or other rights for the acquisition of such stock. The term ‘‘share’’ also includes convertible securities upon their conversion into common or preferred stock. The term does not include convertible debt securities prior to their conversion into common or preferred stock or other securities that are not equity securities at the time of a capital distribution. § 163.143 Must I file with the OCC? Whether and what you must file with the OCC depends on whether you and your proposed capital distribution fall within certain criteria. (a) Application required. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES If: Then you: (1) You are not eligible for expedited treatment under § 116.5 of this chapter. (2) The total amount of all of your capital distributions (including the proposed capital distribution) for the applicable calendar year exceeds your net income for that year to date plus your retained net income for the preceding two years. (3) You would not be at least adequately capitalized, as set forth in § 165.4(b)(2) of this chapter, following the distribution. Must file an application with the OCC. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4701 Must file an application with the OCC. Must file an application with the OCC. Sfmt 4700 49055 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49056 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations If: Then you: (4) Your proposed capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any applicable statute, regulation, or agreement between you and the OCC or the OTS, or violate a condition imposed on you in an application or notice approved by the OCC or the OTS. Must file an application with the OCC. (b) Notice required. If you are not required to file an application under paragraph (a) of this section, but: Then you: (1) You would not be well capitalized, as set forth under § 165.4(b)(1), following the distribution. (2) Your proposed capital distribution would reduce the amount of or retire any part of your common or preferred stock or retire any part of debt instruments such as notes or debentures included in capital under part 167 of this chapter (other than regular payments required under a debt instrument approved under § 163.81). (3) You are a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, ......... Must file a notice with the OCC. Must file a notice with the OCC. Except as provided in (d), you must file a notice with the OCC. (c) No prior notice required. If neither you nor your proposed capital distribution meet any of the criteria listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Then you do not need to file a notice or an application with the OCC before making a capital distribution. (d) Informational copy of notice required. If you are a subsidiary of a stock savings and loan holding company that is filing a notice with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) for a cash divided pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1467a(f) and neither an application under (a), nor a notice under (b)(1) or (b)(2) is required, § 163.144 How do I file with the OCC? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) Contents. Your notice or application must: (1) Be in narrative form. (2) Include all relevant information concerning the proposed capital distribution, including the amount, timing, and type of distribution. (3) Demonstrate compliance with § 163.146. (b) Schedules. Your notice or application may include a schedule proposing capital distributions over a specified period, not to exceed 12 months. (c) Timing. You must file your notice or application at least 30 days before the proposed declaration of dividend or approval of the proposed capital distribution by your board of directors. § 163.145 May I combine my notice or application with other notices or applications? You may combine the notice or application required under § 163.143 with any other notice or application, if the capital distribution is a part of, or is proposed in connection with, another transaction requiring a notice or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Then you do not file a notice under (b)(3) but you must provide an informational copy to the OCC of the notice filed with the Board, at the same time it is filed with the Board. application under this chapter. If you submit a combined filing, you must: (a) State that the related notice or application is intended to serve as a notice or application under this subpart; and (b) Submit the notice or application in a timely manner. § 163.146 Will the OCC permit my capital distribution? The OCC will review your notice or application under the review procedures in 12 CFR part 116, subpart E, except that the OCC will not act on informational copies of the notice submitted to the OCC pursuant to § 163.143(d). The OCC may disapprove your notice or deny your application filed under § 163.143, in whole or in part, if it makes any of the following determinations. (a) You will be undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized as set forth in § 165.4(b) of this chapter, following the capital distribution. If so, the OCC will determine if your capital distribution is permitted under 12 U.S.C. 1831o(d)(1)(B). PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (b) Your proposed capital distribution raises safety or soundness concerns. (c) Your proposed capital distribution violates a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation, agreement between you and the OCC or the OTS, or a condition imposed on you in an application or notice approved by the OCC or the OTS. If so, the OCC will determine whether it may permit your capital distribution notwithstanding the prohibition or condition. Subpart F—Financial Management Policies § 163.161 policies. Management and financial (a)(1) For the protection of depositors and other savings associations, each Federal savings association and each service corporation must be well managed and operate safely and soundly. Each also must pursue financial policies that are safe and consistent with economical home financing and the purposes of savings associations. In implementing this section, the OCC will consider that service corporations may be authorized to engage in activities that involve a E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations higher degree of risk than activities permitted to savings associations. (2) As part of meeting its requirements under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, each Federal savings association and service corporation must maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure its safe and sound operation. (b) Compensation to officers, directors, and employees of each Federal savings association and its service corporations shall not be in excess of that which is reasonable and commensurate with their duties and responsibilities. Former officers, directors, and employees of savings association or its service corporation who regularly perform services therefore under consulting contracts are employees thereof for purposes of this paragraph (b). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.170 Examinations and audits; appraisals; establishment and maintenance of records. (a) Examinations and audits. Each Federal savings association and affiliate thereof shall be examined periodically, and may be examined at any time, by the OCC, with appraisals when deemed advisable, in accordance with general policies from time to time established by the OCC. The costs, as computed by the OCC, of any examinations made by it, including office analysis, overhead, per diem, travel expense, other supervision by the OCC, and other indirect costs, shall be paid by the savings associations examined, except that in the case of service corporations of Federal savings associations the cost of examinations, as determined by the OCC, shall be paid by the service corporations. Payments shall be made in accordance with a schedule of annual assessments based upon each savings association’s total assets and of rates for examiner time in amounts determined by the OCC. (b) Appraisals. (1) Unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, appraisal of real estate by the OCC in connection with any examination or audit of a savings association, affiliate, or service corporation shall be made by an appraiser, or by appraisers, selected by the OCC. The cost of such appraisal shall promptly be paid by such savings association, affiliate, or service corporation direct to such appraiser or appraisers upon receipt by the savings association, affiliate, or service corporation of a statement of such cost as approved by the OCC. A copy of the report of each appraisal made by the OCC pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions of this section shall be furnished to the savings association, affiliate, or service corporation, as VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 appropriate within a reasonable time, not to exceed 90 days, following the completion of such appraisals and the filing of a report thereof by the appraiser, or appraisers, with the OCC. (2) The OCC may obtain at any time, at its expense, such appraisals of any of the assets, including the security therefore, of a savings association, affiliate, or service corporation as the OCC deems appropriate. (c) Establishment and maintenance of records. To enable the OCC to examine Federal savings associations and affiliates and audit savings associations, affiliates, and service corporations pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, each savings association, affiliate, and service corporation shall establish and maintain such accounting and other records as will provide an accurate and complete record of all business it transacts. This includes, without limitation, establishing and maintaining such other records as are required by statute or any other regulation to which the savings association, affiliate, or service corporation is subject. The documents, files, and other material or property comprising said records shall at all times be available for such examination and audit wherever any of said records, documents, files, material, or property may be. (d) Change in location of records. A Federal savings association shall not transfer the location of any of its general accounting or control records, or the maintenance thereof, from its home office to a branch or service office, or from a branch or service office to its home office or to another branch or service office unless prior to the date of transfer its board of directors has: (1) By resolution authorized the transfer or maintenance; and (2) Sent a certified copy of the resolution to the OCC. (e) Use of data processing services for maintenance of records. A Federal savings association which determines to maintain any of its records by means of data processing services shall so notify the OCC in writing, at least 90 days prior to the date on which such maintenance of records will begin. Such notification shall include identification of the records to be maintained by data processing services and a statement as to the location at which such records will be maintained. Any contract, agreement, or arrangement made by a savings association pursuant to which data processing services are to be performed for such savings association shall be in writing and shall expressly provide that the records to be maintained by such services shall at all PO 00000 Frm 00109 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49057 times be available for examination and audit. § 163.171 [Reserved] § 163.172 Financial derivatives. (a) What is a financial derivative? A financial derivative is a financial contract whose value depends on the value of one or more underlying assets, indices, or reference rates. The most common types of financial derivatives are futures, forward commitments, options, and swaps. A mortgage derivative security, such as a collateralized mortgage obligation or a real estate mortgage investment conduit, is not a financial derivative under this section. (b) May I engage in transactions involving financial derivatives? (1) If you are a Federal savings association, you may engage in a transaction involving a financial derivative if you are authorized to invest in the assets underlying the financial derivative, the transaction is safe and sound, and you otherwise meet the requirements in this section. (2) [Reserved] (3) In general, if you engage in a transaction involving a financial derivative, you should do so to reduce your risk exposure. (c) What are my board of directors’ responsibilities with respect to financial derivatives? (1) Your board of directors is responsible for effective oversight of financial derivatives activities. (2) Before you may engage in any transaction involving a financial derivative, your board of directors must establish written policies and procedures governing authorized financial derivatives. Your board of directors should review applicable guidance issued by the OCC on establishing a sound risk management program. (3) Your board of directors must periodically review: (i) Compliance with the policies and procedures established under paragraph (c)(2) of this section; and (ii) The adequacy of these policies and procedures to ensure that they continue to be appropriate to the nature and scope of your operations and existing market conditions. (4) Your board of directors must ensure that management establishes an adequate system of internal controls for transactions involving financial derivatives. (d) What are management’s responsibilities with respect to financial derivatives? (1) Management is responsible for daily oversight and management of financial derivatives E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49058 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations activities. Management must implement the policies and procedures established by the board of directors and must establish a system of internal controls. This system of internal controls should, at a minimum, provide for periodic reporting to the board of directors and management, segregation of duties, and internal review procedures. (2) Management must ensure that financial derivatives activities are conducted in a safe and sound manner and should review applicable guidance issued by the OCC on implementing a sound risk management program. (e) What records must I keep on financial derivative transactions? You must maintain records adequate to demonstrate compliance with this section and with your board of directors’ policies and procedures on financial derivatives. § 163.176 Interest-rate-risk-management procedures. Federal savings associations shall take the following actions: (a) The board of directors or a committee thereof shall review the savings association’s interest-rate-risk exposure and devise a policy for the savings association’s management of that risk. (b) The board of directors shall formally adopt a policy for the management of interest-rate risk. The management of the savings association shall establish guidelines and procedures to ensure that the board’s policy is successfully implemented. (c) The management of the savings association shall periodically report to the board of directors regarding implementation of the savings association’s policy for interest-rate-risk management and shall make that information available upon request to the OCC. (d) The savings association’s board of directors shall review the results of operations at least quarterly and shall make such adjustments as it considers necessary and appropriate to the policy for interest-rate-risk management, including adjustments to the authorized acceptable level of interest-rate risk. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.177 Procedures for monitoring Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. (a) Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require savings associations (as defined by § 161.43 of this chapter) to establish and maintain procedures reasonably designed to assure and monitor compliance with the requirements of subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code, and the implementing regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Department of Treasury, 31 CFR Chapter X. (b) Establishment of a BSA compliance program—(1) Program requirement. Each savings association shall develop and provide for the continued administration of a program reasonably designed to assure and monitor compliance with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements set forth in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code and the implementing regulations issued by the Department of the Treasury at 31 CFR Chapter X. The compliance program must be written, approved by the savings association’s board of directors, and reflected in the minutes of the savings association. (2) Customer identification program. Each savings association is subject to the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 5318(l) and the implementing regulation jointly promulgated by the OCC and the Department of the Treasury at 31 CFR 1020.220, which require a customer identification program to be implemented as part of the BSA compliance program required under this section. (c) Contents of compliance program. The compliance program shall, at a minimum: (1) Provide for a system of internal controls to assure ongoing compliance; (2) Provide for independent testing for compliance to be conducted by a savings association’s in-house personnel or by an outside party; (3) Designate individual(s) responsible for coordinating and monitoring day-to-day compliance; and (4) Provide training for appropriate personnel. Subpart G—Reporting and Bonding § 163.180 Suspicious Activity Reports and other reports and statements. (a) Periodic reports. Each savings association and service corporation thereof shall make such periodic or other reports of its affairs in such manner and on such forms as the appropriate Federal banking agency may prescribe. The appropriate Federal banking agency may provide that reports filed by savings associations or service corporations to meet the requirements of other regulations also satisfy requirements imposed under this section. (b) False or misleading statements or omissions. No savings association or director, officer, agent, employee, affiliated person, or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of such association nor any person filing or seeking approval of any application shall knowingly: PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (1) Make any written or oral statement to the appropriate Federal banking agency or to an agent, representative or employee of the appropriate Federal banking agency that is false or misleading with respect to any material fact or omits to state a material fact concerning any matter within the jurisdiction of the appropriate Federal banking agency or (2) Make any such statement or omission to a person or organization auditing a savings association or otherwise preparing or reviewing its financial statements concerning the accounts, assets, management condition, ownership, safety, or soundness, or other affairs of the association. (c) Notifications of loss and reports of increase in deductible amount of bond. A savings association maintaining bond coverage as required by § 163.190 of this part shall promptly notify its bond company and file a proof of loss under the procedures provided by its bond, concerning any covered losses greater than twice the deductible amount. (d) Suspicious Activity Reports—(1) Purpose and scope. This paragraph (d) ensures that savings associations and service corporations file a Suspicious Activity Report when they detect a known or suspected violation of Federal law or a suspicious transaction related to a money laundering activity or a violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. (2) Definitions. For the purposes of this paragraph (d): (i) FinCEN means the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury. (ii) Institution-affiliated party means any institution-affiliated party as that term is defined in sections 3(u) and 8(b)(9) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(u) and 1818(b)(9)). (iii) SAR means a Suspicious Activity Report. (3) SARs required. A savings association or service corporation shall file a SAR with the appropriate Federal law enforcement agencies and the Department of the Treasury on the form prescribed by the appropriate Federal banking agency and in accordance with the form’s instructions, by sending a completed SAR to FinCEN in the following circumstances: (i) Insider abuse involving any amount. Whenever the savings association or service corporation detects any known or suspected Federal criminal violation, or pattern of criminal violations, committed or attempted against the savings association or service corporation or involving a transaction or transactions conducted through the savings association or service corporation, where the savings E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations association or service corporation believes that it was either an actual or potential victim of a criminal violation, or series of criminal violations, or that it was used to facilitate a criminal transaction, and it has a substantial basis for identifying one of its directors, officers, employees, agents or other institution-affiliated parties as having committed or aided in the commission of a criminal act, regardless of the amount involved in the violation. (ii) Violations aggregating $5,000 or more where a suspect can be identified. Whenever the savings association or service corporation detects any known or suspected Federal criminal violation, or pattern of criminal violations, committed or attempted against the savings association or service corporation or involving a transaction or transactions conducted through the savings association or service corporation and involving or aggregating $5,000 or more in funds or other assets, where the savings association or service corporation believes that it was either an actual or potential victim of a criminal violation or series of criminal violations, or that it was used to facilitate a criminal transaction, and it has a substantial basis for identifying a possible suspect or group of suspects. If it is determined prior to filing this report that the identified suspect or group of suspects has used an alias, then information regarding the true identity of the suspect or group of suspects, as well as alias identifiers, such as drivers’ license or social security numbers, addresses and telephone numbers, must be reported. (iii) Violations aggregating $25,000 or more regardless of potential suspects. Whenever the savings association or service corporation detects any known or suspected Federal criminal violation, or pattern of criminal violations, committed or attempted against the savings association or service corporation or involving a transaction or transactions conducted through the savings association or service corporation and involving or aggregating $25,000 or more in funds or other assets, where the savings association or service corporation believes that it was either an actual or potential victim of a criminal violation or series of criminal violations, or that it was used to facilitate a criminal transaction, even though there is no substantial basis for identifying a possible suspect or group of suspects. (iv) Transactions aggregating $5,000 or more that involve potential money laundering or violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. Any transaction (which for purposes of this paragraph (d)(3)(iv) VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 means a deposit, withdrawal, transfer between accounts, exchange of currency, loan, extension of credit, purchase or sale of any stock, bond, certificate of deposit, or other monetary instrument or investment security, or any other payment, transfer, or delivery by, through, or to a financial institution, by whatever means effected) conducted or attempted by, at or through the savings association or service corporation and involving or aggregating $5,000 or more in funds or other assets, if the savings association or service corporation knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that: (A) The transaction involves funds derived from illegal activities or is intended or conducted in order to hide or disguise funds or assets derived from illegal activities (including, without limitation, the ownership, nature, source, location, or control of such funds or assets) as part of a plan to violate or evade any law or regulation or to avoid any transaction reporting requirement under Federal law; (B) The transaction is designed to evade any regulations promulgated under the Bank Secrecy Act; or (C) The transaction has no business or apparent lawful purpose or is not the sort in which the particular customer would normally be expected to engage, and the institution knows of no reasonable explanation for the transaction after examining the available facts, including the background and possible purpose of the transaction. (4) Service corporations. When a service corporation is required to file a SAR under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, either the service corporation or a savings association that wholly or partially owns the service corporation may file the SAR. (5) Time for reporting. A savings association or service corporation is required to file a SAR no later than 30 calendar days after the date of initial detection of facts that may constitute a basis for filing a SAR. If no suspect was identified on the date of detection of the incident requiring the filing, a savings association or service corporation may delay filing a SAR for an additional 30 calendar days to identify a suspect. In no case shall reporting be delayed more than 60 calendar days after the date of initial detection of a reportable transaction. In situations involving violations requiring immediate attention, such as when a reportable violation is ongoing, the savings association or service corporation shall immediately notify, by telephone, an appropriate law enforcement authority and the appropriate Federal banking PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49059 agency in addition to filing a timely SAR. (6) Reports to state and local authorities. A savings association or service corporation is encouraged to file a copy of the SAR with state and local law enforcement agencies where appropriate. (7) Exception. A savings association or service corporation need not file a SAR for a robbery or burglary committed or attempted that is reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. (8) Retention of records. A savings association or service corporation shall maintain a copy of any SAR filed and the original or business record equivalent of any supporting documentation for a period of five years from the date of the filing of the SAR. Supporting documentation shall be identified and maintained by the savings association or service corporation as such, and shall be deemed to have been filed with the SAR. A savings association or service corporation shall make all supporting documentation available to appropriate law enforcement agencies upon request. A savings association or service corporation shall make all supporting documentation available to the appropriate Federal banking agency, FinCEN, or any Federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, or any Federal regulatory authority that examines the savings association or service corporation for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, or any state regulatory authority administering a state law that requires the savings association or service corporation to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act or otherwise authorizes the state authority to ensure that the institution complies with the Bank Secrecy Act, upon request. (9) Notification to board of directors— (i) Generally. Whenever a savings association (or a service corporation in which the savings association has an ownership interest) files a SAR pursuant to this paragraph (d), the management of the savings association or service corporation shall promptly notify its board of directors, or a committee of directors or executive officers designated by the board of directors to receive notice. (ii) Suspect is a director or executive officer. If the savings association or service corporation files a SAR pursuant to this paragraph (d) and the suspect is a director or executive officer, the savings association or service corporation may not notify the suspect, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 5318(g)(2), but E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49060 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations shall notify all directors who are not suspects. (10) Compliance. Failure to file a SAR in accordance with this section and the instructions may subject the savings association or service corporation, its directors, officers, employees, agents, or other institution-affiliated parties to supervisory action. (11) Obtaining SARs. A savings association or service corporation may obtain SARs and the instructions from the appropriate Federal banking agency. (12) Confidentiality of SARs. A SAR, and any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, are confidential, and shall not be disclosed except as authorized in this paragraph (d)(12). (i) Prohibition on disclosure by savings associations or service corporations. (A) General rule. No savings association or service corporation, and no director, officer, employee, or agent of a savings association or service corporation, shall disclose a SAR or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR. Any savings association or service corporation, and any director, officer, employee, or agent of any savings association or service corporation that is subpoenaed or otherwise requested to disclose a SAR, or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, shall decline to produce the SAR or such information, citing this section and 31 U.S.C. 5318(g)(2)(A)(i), and shall notify the following of any such request and the response thereto: (A) Director, Litigation Division, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the appropriate FDIC region, as appropriate and (B) The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). (ii) Rules of construction. Provided that no person involved in any reported suspicious transaction is notified that the transaction has been reported, paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall not be construed as prohibiting: (A) The disclosure by a savings association or service corporation, or any director, officer, employee or agent of a savings association or service corporation of: (1) A SAR, or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, to FinCEN or the appropriate Federal banking agency or any Federal, state, or local law enforcement agency; or any Federal regulatory authority that examines the savings association or service corporation for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, or any state regulatory authority administering a state law that requires compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act or otherwise authorizes the state authority to ensure VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 that the institution complies with the Bank Secrecy Act; or (2) The underlying facts, transactions, and documents upon which a SAR is based, including, but not limited to, disclosures: (i) To another financial institution, or any director, officer, employee or agent of a financial institution, for the preparation of a joint SAR; or (ii) In connection with certain employment references or termination notices, to the full extent authorized in 31 U.S.C. 5318(g)(2)(B); or (B) The sharing by a savings association or service corporation, or any director, officer, employee, or agent of a savings association or service corporation, of a SAR, or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, within the corporate organizational structure of the savings association or service corporation, for purposes consistent with Title II of the Bank Secrecy Act as determined by regulation or in guidance. (iii) Prohibition on disclosure by the appropriate Federal banking agency. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not, and no officer, employee or agent of appropriate Federal banking agency shall disclose a SAR, or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, except as necessary to fulfill official duties consistent with Title II of the Bank Secrecy Act. For purposes of this section, ‘‘official duties’’ shall not include the disclosure of a SAR, or any information that would reveal the existence of a SAR, in response to a request for use in a private legal proceeding or in response to a request for disclosure of non-public information under 12 CFR 4.33 or 12 CFR part 309, as appropriate. (iv) Limitation on liability. A savings association or service corporation and any director, officer, employee or agent of a savings association or service corporation that makes a voluntary disclosure of any possible violation of law or regulation to a government agency or makes a disclosure pursuant to this section or any other authority, including a disclosure made jointly with another institution, shall be protected from liability for any such disclosure, or for failure to provide notice of such disclosure to any person identified in the disclosure, or both, to the full extent provided by 31 U.S.C. 5318(g)(3). (13) Safe harbor. The safe harbor provision of 31 U.S.C. 5318(g), which exempts any financial institution that makes a disclosure of any possible violation of law or regulation from liability under any law or regulation of the United States, or any constitution, law or regulation of any state or political PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 subdivision, covers all reports of suspected or known criminal violations and suspicious activities to law enforcement and financial institution supervisory authorities, including supporting documentation, regardless of whether such reports are filed pursuant to this paragraph (d), or are filed on a voluntary basis. (e) Adjustable-rate mortgage indices— (1) Reporting obligation. Upon the request of a Federal Home Loan Bank, all savings associations within the jurisdiction of that Federal Home Loan Bank shall report the data items set forth in paragraph (e)(2) of this section for the Federal Home Loan Bank to use in calculating and publishing an adjustable-rate mortgage index. (2) Data to be reported. For purposes of paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the term ‘‘data items’’ means the data items previously collected from the monthly Thrift Financial Report or Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income, as appropriate, and such data items as may be altered, amended, or substituted by the requesting Federal Home Loan Bank. (3) Applicable indices. For the purpose of this reporting requirement, the term ‘‘adjustable-rate mortgage index’’ means any of the adjustable-rate mortgage indices calculated and published by a Federal Home Loan Bank or the Federal Home Loan Bank Board on or before August 9, 1989. § 163.190 Bonds for directors, officers, employees, and agents; form of and amount of bonds. (a) Each Federal savings association shall maintain fidelity bond coverage. The bond shall cover each director, officer, employee, and agent who has control over or access to cash, securities, or other property of the savings association. (b) The amount of coverage to be required for each Federal savings association shall be determined by the association’s management, based on its assessment of the level that would be safe and sound in view of the association’s potential exposure to risk; provided, such determination shall be subject to approval by the association’s board of directors. (c) Each Federal savings association may maintain bond coverage in addition to that provided by the insurance underwriter industry’s standard forms, through the use of endorsements, riders, or other forms of supplemental coverage, if, in the judgment of the association’s board of directors, additional coverage is warranted. (d) The board of directors of each Federal savings association shall formally approve the association’s bond E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations coverage. In deciding whether to approve the bond coverage, the board shall review the adequacy of the standard coverage and the need for supplemental coverage. Documentation of the board’s approval shall be included as a part of the minutes of the meeting at which the board approves coverage. Additionally, the board of directors shall review the association’s bond coverage at least annually to assess the continuing adequacy of coverage. § 163.191 Bonds for agents. In lieu of the bond provided in § 163.190 of this part in the case of agents appointed by a Federal savings association, a fidelity bond may be provided in an amount at least twice the average monthly collections of such agents, provided such agents shall be required to make settlement with the savings association at least monthly, and provided such bond is approved by the board of directors of the savings association. No bond need be obtained for any agent that is a financial institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. § 163.200 Conflicts of interest. If you are a director, officer, or employee of a Federal savings association, or have the power to direct its management or policies, or otherwise owe a fiduciary duty to a Federal savings association: (a) You must not advance your own personal or business interests, or those of others with whom you have a personal or business relationship, at the expense of the savings association; and (b) You must, if you have an interest in a matter or transaction before the board of directors: (1) Disclose to the board all material nonprivileged information relevant to the board’s decision on the matter or transaction, including: (i) The existence, nature and extent of your interests; and (ii) The facts known to you as to the matter or transaction under consideration; (2) Refrain from participating in the board’s discussion of the matter or transaction; and (3) Recuse yourself from voting on the matter or transaction (if you are a director). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.201 Corporate opportunity. (a) If you are a director or officer of a Federal savings association, or have the power to direct its management or policies, or otherwise owe a fiduciary duty to a Federal savings association, you must not take advantage of corporate opportunities belonging to the savings association. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (b) A corporate opportunity belongs to a Federal savings association if: (1) The opportunity is within the corporate powers of the savings association or a subsidiary of the savings association; and (2) The opportunity is of present or potential practical advantage to the savings association, either directly or through its subsidiary. (c) The OCC will not deem you to have taken advantage of a corporate opportunity belonging to the Federal savings association if a disinterested and independent majority of the savings association’s board of directors, after receiving a full and fair presentation of the matter, rejected the opportunity as a matter of sound business judgment. Subpart H—Notice of Change of Director or Senior Executive Officer § 163.550 What does this subpart do? This subpart implements 12 U.S.C. 1831i, which requires certain Federal savings associations to notify the OCC before appointing or employing directors and senior executive officers. § 163.555 subpart? What definitions apply to this The following definitions apply to this subpart: Director means an individual who serves on the board of directors of a Federal savings association. This term does not include an advisory director who: (1) Is not elected by the shareholders; (2) Is not authorized to vote on any matters before the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors; (3) Provides only general policy advice to the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors; and (4) Has not been identified by the OCC or the OTS in writing as an individual who performs the functions of a director, or who exercises significant influence over, or participates in, major policymaking decisions of the board of directors. Senior executive officer means an individual who holds the title or performs the function of one or more of the following positions (without regard to title, salary, or compensation): President, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief lending officer, or chief investment officer. Senior executive officer also includes any other person identified by the OCC or the OTS in writing as an individual who exercises significant influence over, or participates in, major policymaking decisions, whether or not hired as an employee. PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49061 Troubled condition means: (1) A Federal savings association that has a composite rating of 4 or 5, as composite rating is defined in § 116.5(c) of this chapter; (2) A Federal savings association that is subject to a capital directive, a ceaseand-desist order, a consent order, a formal written agreement, or a prompt corrective action directive relating to the safety and soundness or financial viability of the savings association, unless otherwise informed in writing by the OCC; or (3) A Federal savings association that is informed in writing by the OCC that it is in troubled condition based on information available to the OCC. § 163.560 Who must give prior notice? (a) Federal savings association. Except as provided under § 163.590, you must notify your OCC supervisory office at least 30 days before adding or replacing any member of your board of directors, employing any person as a senior executive officer, or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer so that the person would assume a different senior executive position if you are a Federal savings association and at least one of the following circumstances apply: (1) You do not comply with all minimum capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter; (2) Are in troubled condition; or (3) The OCC has notified you, in connection with its review of a capital restoration plan required under section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or part 165 of this chapter or otherwise, that a notice is required under this subpart. (b) Notice by individual. If you are an individual seeking election to the board of directors of a Federal savings association described in paragraph (a) of this section, and have not been nominated by management, you must either provide the prior notice required under paragraph (a) of this section or follow the process under § 163.590(b). § 163.565 What procedures govern the filing of my notice? The procedures found in part 116, subpart A of this chapter govern the filing of your notice under § 163.560. § 163.570 What information must I include in my notice? (a) Content requirements. Your notice must include: (1) The information required under 12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(6)(A), and the information prescribed in the Interagency Notice of Change in Director or Senior Executive Officer and the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49062 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Interagency Biographical and Financial Report which are available from the OCC; (2) Legible fingerprints of the proposed director or senior executive officer. You are not required to file fingerprints if, within three years prior to the date of submission of the notice, the proposed director or senior executive officer provided legible fingerprints as part of a notice filed with the OCC or the Office of Thrift Supervision under 12 U.S.C. 1831i; and (3) Such other information required by the OCC. (b) Modification of content requirements. The OCC may require or accept other information in place of the content requirements in paragraph (a) of this section. (1) The OCC notifies you that it has disapproved the notice; or (2) The OCC extends the 30-day period for an additional period not to exceed 60 days. If the OCC extends the 30-day period, it will notify you in writing that the period has been extended, and will state the reason for the extension. The proposed director or senior executive officer may begin service upon expiration of the extended period, unless the OCC notifies you that it has disapproved the notice during the extended period. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a proposed director or senior executive officer may begin service after the OCC notifies you, in writing, of its intention not to disapprove the notice. § 163.575 What procedures govern OCC review of my notice for completeness? § 163.590 When will the OCC waive the prior notice requirement? The OCC will first review your notice to determine whether it is complete. (a) If your notice is complete, the OCC will notify you in writing of the date that the OCC received the complete notice. (b) If your notice is not complete, the OCC will notify you in writing what additional information you need to submit, why we need the information, and when you must submit it. You must, within the specified time period, provide additional information or request that the OCC suspend processing of the notice. If you fail to act within the specified time period, the OCC may treat the notice as abandoned or may review the application based on the information provided. (a) Waiver request. (1) An individual may serve as a director or senior executive officer before filing a notice under this subpart if the OCC issues a written finding that: (i) Delay would threaten the safety or soundness of the savings association; (ii) Delay would not be in the public interest; or (iii) Other extraordinary circumstances exist that justify waiver of prior notice. (2) If the OCC grants a waiver, you must file a notice under this subpart within the time period specified by the OCC. (b) Automatic waiver. An individual may serve as a director before filing a notice under this subpart, if the individual was not nominated by management and the individual submits a notice under this subpart within seven days after election as a director. (c) Subsequent OCC action. The OCC may disapprove a notice within 30 days after the OCC issues a waiver under paragraph (a) of this section or within 30 days after the election of an individual who has filed a notice and is serving pursuant to an automatic waiver under paragraph (b) of this section. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 163.580 What standards and procedures will govern OCC review of the substance of my notice? The OCC will disapprove a notice if, pursuant to the standard set forth in 12 U.S.C. 1831i(e), the OCC finds that the competence, experience, character, or integrity of the proposed director or senior executive officer indicates that it would not be in the best interests of the depositors of the Federal savings association or of the public to permit the individual to be employed by, or associated with, the savings association. If the OCC disapproves a notice, it will issue a written notice that explains why the OCC disapproved the notice. The OCC will send the notice to the savings association and the individual. § 163.585 When may a proposed director or senior executive officer begin service? (a) A proposed director or senior executive officer may begin service 30 days after the date the OCC receives all required information, unless: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PART 164—APPRAISALS Sec. 164.1 Purpose, and scope. 164.2 Definitions. 164.3 Appraisals required; transactions requiring a state certified or licensed appraiser. 164.4 Minimum appraisal standards. 164.5 Appraiser independence. 164.6 Professional association membership; competency. 164.7 Enforcement. 164.8 Appraisal policies and practices of Federal savings associations and subsidiaries. PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1828(m), 3331 et seq, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 164.1 Purpose and scope. (a) [Reserved] (b) Purpose and scope. (1) Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (‘‘FIRREA’’) (Pub. L. 101–73, 103 Stat. 183, 511 (1989)), 12 U.S.C. 3331 et seq. provides protection for Federal financial and public policy interests in real estate related transactions by requiring real estate appraisals used in connection with Federally related transactions to be performed in writing, in accordance with uniform standards, by appraisers whose competency has been demonstrated and whose professional conduct will be subject to effective supervision. This part implements the requirements of title XI and applies to all Federally related transactions entered into by institutions regulated by the OCC (‘‘regulated institutions’’). (2) This part: (i) Identifies which real estate-related financial transactions require the services of an appraiser; (ii) Prescribes which categories of Federally related transactions shall be appraised by a state certified appraiser and which by a state licensed appraiser; and (iii) Prescribes minimum standards for the performance of real estate appraisals in connection with Federally related transactions under the jurisdiction of the OCC. § 164.2 Definitions. (a) Appraisal means a written statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion as to the market value of an adequately described property as of a specific date(s), supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information. (b) Appraisal Foundation means the Appraisal Foundation established on November 30, 1987, as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of Illinois. (c) Appraisal Subcommittee means the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council. (d) Business loan means a loan or extension of credit to any corporation, general or limited partnership, business trust, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, or other business entity. (e) Complex 1-to-4 family residential property appraisal means one in which the property to be appraised, the form of ownership, or market conditions are atypical. (f) Federally related transaction means any real estate-related financial E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations transaction entered into on or after August 9, 1990, that: (1) Any regulated institution engages in or contracts for; and (2) Requires the services of an appraiser. (g) Market value means the most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (1) Buyer and seller are typically motivated; (2) Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their own best interests; (3) A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; (4) Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (5) The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale. (h) Real estate or real property means an identified parcel or tract of land, with improvements, and includes easements, rights of way, undivided or future interests, or similar rights in a tract of land, but does not include mineral rights, timber rights, growing crops, water rights, or similar interests severable from the land when the transaction does not involve the associated parcel or tract of land. (i) Real estate-related financial transaction means any transaction involving: (1) The sale, lease, purchase, investment in or exchange of real property, including interests in property, or the financing thereof; or (2) The refinancing of real property or interests in real property; or (3) The use of real property or interests in property as security for a loan or investment, including mortgagebacked securities. (j) State certified appraiser means any individual who has satisfied the requirements for certification in a state or territory whose criteria for certification as a real estate appraiser currently meet the minimum criteria for certification issued by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation. No individual shall be a state certified appraiser unless such individual has achieved a passing grade upon a suitable examination VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 administered by a state or territory that is consistent with and equivalent to the Uniform State Certification Examination issued or endorsed by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the National Foundation. In addition, the Appraisal Subcommittee must not have issued a finding that the policies, practices, or procedures of the state or territory are inconsistent with title XI of FIRREA. The OCC may, from time to time, impose additional qualification criteria for certified appraisers performing appraisals in connection with Federally related transactions within its jurisdiction. (k) State licensed appraiser means any individual who has satisfied the requirements for licensing in a state or territory where the licensing procedures comply with title XI of FIRREA and where the Appraisal Subcommittee has not issued a finding that the policies, practices, or procedures of the state or territory are inconsistent with title XI. The OCC may, from time to time, impose additional qualification criteria for licensed appraisers performing appraisals in connection with Federally related transactions within its jurisdiction. (l) Tract development means a project of five units or more that is constructed or is to be constructed as a single development. (m) Transaction value means: (1) For loans or other extensions of credit, the amount of the loan or extension of credit; (2) For sales, leases, purchases, and investments in or exchanges of real property, the market value of the real property interest involved; and (3) For the pooling of loans or interests in real property for resale or purchase, the amount of the loan or market value of the real property calculated with respect to each such loan or interest in real property. § 164.3 Appraisals required; transactions requiring a state certified or licensed appraiser. (a) Appraisals required. An appraisal performed by a state certified or licensed appraiser is required for all real estate-related financial transactions except those in which: (1) The transaction value is $250,000 or less; (2) A lien on real estate has been taken as collateral in an abundance of caution; (3) The transaction is not secured by real estate; (4) A lien on real estate has been taken for purposes other than the real estate’s value; (5) The transaction is a business loan that: PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49063 (i) Has a transaction value of $1 million or less; and (ii) Is not dependent on the sale of, or rental income derived from, real estate as the primary source of repayment; (6) A lease of real estate is entered into, unless the lease is the economic equivalent of a purchase or sale of the leased real estate; (7) The transaction involves an existing extension of credit at the lending institution, provided that: (i) There has been no obvious and material change in market conditions or physical aspects of the property that threatens the adequacy of the institution’s real estate collateral protection after the transaction, even with the advancement of new monies; or (ii) There is no advancement of new monies, other than funds necessary to cover reasonable closing costs; (8) The transaction involves the purchase, sale, investment in, exchange of, or extension of credit secured by, a loan or interest in a loan, pooled loans, or interests in real property, including mortgaged-backed securities, and each loan or interest in a loan, pooled loan, or real property interest met OCC regulatory requirements for appraisals at the time of origination; (9) The transaction is wholly or partially insured or guaranteed by a United States government agency or United States government sponsored agency; (10) The transaction either: (i) Qualifies for sale to a United States government agency or United States government sponsored agency; or (ii) Involves a residential real estate transaction in which the appraisal conforms to the Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation appraisal standards applicable to that category of real estate; (11) The regulated institution is acting in a fiduciary capacity and is not required to obtain an appraisal under other law; or (12) The OCC determines that the services of an appraiser are not necessary in order to protect Federal financial and public policy interests in real estate-related financial transactions or to protect the safety and soundness of the institution. (b) Evaluations required. For a transaction that does not require the services of a state certified or licensed appraiser under paragraph (a)(1), (a)(5) or (a)(7) of this section, the institution shall obtain an appropriate evaluation of real property collateral that is consistent with safe and sound banking practices. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49064 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (c) Appraisals to address safety and soundness concerns. The OCC reserves the right to require an appraisal under this part whenever the agency believes it is necessary to address safety and soundness concerns. (d) Transactions requiring a state certified appraiser— (1) All transactions of $1,000,000 or more. All Federally related transactions having a transaction value of $1,000,000 or more shall require an appraisal prepared by a state certified appraiser. (2) Nonresidential and residential (other than 1-to-4 family) transactions of $250,000 or more. All Federally related transactions having a transaction value of $250,000 or more, other than those involving appraisals of 1-to-4 family residential properties, shall require an appraisal prepared by a state certified appraiser. (3) Complex residential transactions of $250,000 or more. All complex 1-to4 family residential property appraisals rendered in connection with Federally related transactions shall require a state certified appraiser if the transaction value is $250,000 or more. A regulated institution may presume that appraisals of 1-to-4 family residential properties are not complex, unless the institution has readily available information that a given appraisal will be complex. The regulated institution shall be responsible for making the final determination of whether the appraisal is complex. If during the course of the appraisal a licensed appraiser identifies factors that would result in the property, form of ownership, or market conditions being considered atypical, then either: (i) The regulated institution may ask the licensed appraiser to complete the appraisal and have a certified appraiser approve and co-sign the appraisal; or (ii) The institution may engage a certified appraiser to complete the appraisal. (e) Transactions requiring either a state certified or licensed appraiser. All appraisals for Federally related transactions not requiring the services of a state certified appraiser shall be prepared by either a state certified appraiser or a state licensed appraiser. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 164.4 Minimum appraisal standards. For Federally related transactions, all appraisals shall, at a minimum: (a) Conform to generally accepted appraisal standards as evidenced by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation unless principles of safe and sound banking require compliance with stricter standards; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (b) Be written and contain sufficient information and analysis to support the institution’s decision to engage in the transaction; (c) Analyze and report appropriate deductions and discounts for proposed construction or renovation, partially leased buildings, non-market lease terms, and tract developments with unsold units; (d) Be based upon the definition of market value as set forth in this part; and (e) Be performed by state licensed or certified appraisers in accordance with requirements set forth in this part. § 164.5 Appraiser independence. (a) Staff appraisers. If an appraisal is prepared by a staff appraiser, that appraiser must be independent of the lending, investment, and collection functions and not involved, except as an appraiser, in the Federally related transaction, and have no direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the property. If the only qualified persons available to perform an appraisal are involved in the lending, investment, or collection functions of the regulated institution, the regulated institution shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the appraisers exercise independent judgment and that the appraisal is adequate. Such steps include, but are not limited to, prohibiting an individual from performing an appraisal in connection with Federally related transactions in which the appraiser is otherwise involved and prohibiting directors and officers from participating in any vote or approval involving assets on which they performed an appraisal. (b) Fee appraisers. (1) If an appraisal is prepared by a fee appraiser, the appraiser shall be engaged directly by the regulated institution or its agent, and have no direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or the transaction. (2) A regulated institution also may accept an appraisal that was prepared by an appraiser engaged directly by another financial services institution, if: (i) The appraiser has no direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or the transaction; and (ii) The regulated institution determines that the appraisal conforms to the requirements of this part and is otherwise acceptable. § 164.6 Professional association membership; competency. (a) Membership in appraisal organizations. A state certified appraiser or a state licensed appraiser may not be excluded from consideration for an PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 assignment for a Federally related transaction solely by virtue of membership or lack of membership in any particular appraisal organization. (b) Competency. All staff and fee appraisers performing appraisals in connection with Federally related transactions must be state certified or licensed, as appropriate. However, a state certified or licensed appraiser may not be considered competent solely by virtue of being certified or licensed. Any determination of competency shall be based upon the individual’s experience and educational background as they relate to the particular appraisal assignment for which he or she is being considered. § 164.7 Enforcement. Institutions and institution-affiliated parties, including staff appraisers and fee appraisers, who violate this part may be subject to removal and/or prohibition orders, cease and desist orders, and the imposition of civil money penalties pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq., as amended, or other applicable law. § 164.8 Appraisal policies and practices of Federal savings associations and subsidiaries. (a) Introduction. The soundness of a Federal savings association’s mortgage loans and real estate investments, and those of its service corporation(s), depends to a great extent upon the adequacy of the loan underwriting used to support these transactions. An appraisal standard is one of several critical components of a sound underwriting policy because appraisal reports contain estimates of the value of collateral held or assets owned. This section sets forth the responsibilities of management to develop, implement, and maintain appraisal standards in determining compliance with the appraisal requirements of § 163.170 of this chapter. (b) Definition. For purposes of this section, management means: the directors and officers of a Federal savings association, or service corporation of such savings association, as those terms are defined in §§ 161.18 and 161.35 of this chapter respectively. (c) Responsibilities of management. An appraisal is a critical component of the loan underwriting or real estate investment decision. Therefore, management shall develop, implement, and maintain appraisal policies to ensure that appraisals reflect professional competence and to facilitate the reporting of estimates of market value upon which Federal savings associations may rely to make E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations lending decisions. To achieve these results: (1) Management shall develop written appraisal policies, subject to formal adoption by the savings association’s board of directors, that it shall implement in consultation with other appropriate personnel. These policies shall ensure that adequate appraisals are obtained and proper appraisal procedures are followed consistent with the requirements of this part 164. (2) Management shall develop and adopt guidelines and institute procedures pertaining to the hiring of appraisers to perform appraisal services for the savings association consistent with the requirements of this part 164. These guidelines shall set forth specific factors to be considered by management including, but not limited to, an appraiser’s state certification or licensing, professional education, and type of experience. An appraiser’s membership in professional appraisal organizations may be considered consistent with the requirements of § 164.6 (3) Management shall review on an annual basis the performance of all approved appraisers used within the preceding 12-month period for compliance with (i) the savings association’s appraisal policies and procedures; and (ii) the reasonableness of the value estimates reported. (d) Exemptions. The requirements of § 164.4(b) through (d) shall not apply with respect to appraisals on nonresidential properties prepared on form reports approved by the OCC and completed in accordance with the applicable instructional booklet. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES PART 165—PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION Sec. 165.1 Authority, purpose, scope, other supervisory authority, and disclosure of capital categories. 165.2 Definitions. 165.3 Notice of capital category. 165.4 Capital measures and capital category definitions. 165.5 Capital restoration plans. 165.6 Mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions under section 38. 165.7 Directives to take prompt corrective action. 165.8 Procedures for reclassifying a Federal savings association based on criteria other than capital. 165.9 Order to dismiss a director or senior executive officer. 165.10 Enforcement of directives. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1831o, 5412(b)(2)(B). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 165.1 Authority, purpose, scope, other supervisory authority, and disclosure of capital categories. (a) Authority. This part is issued by the OCC pursuant to section 38 (section 38) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act) as added by section 131 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102– 242, 105 Stat. 2236 (1991)) (12 U.S.C. 1831o). (b) Purpose. Section 38 of the FDI Act establishes a framework of supervisory actions for insured depository institutions that are not adequately capitalized. The principal purpose of this part is to define, for Federal savings associations, the capital measures and capital levels that are used for determining the supervisory actions authorized under section 38 of the FDI Act. This part also establishes procedures for submission and review of capital restoration plans and for issuance and review of directives and orders pursuant to section 38. (c) Scope. This part implements the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act as they apply to Federal savings associations. Certain of these provisions also apply to officers, directors and employees of Federal savings associations. Other provisions apply to any company that controls a Federal savings association and to the affiliates of a Federal savings association. (d) Other supervisory authority. Neither section 38 nor this part in any way limits the authority of the OCC under any other provision of law to take supervisory actions to address unsafe or unsound practices, deficient capital levels, violations of law, unsafe or unsound conditions, or other practices. Action under section 38 of the FDI Act and this part may be taken independently of, in conjunction with, or in addition to any other enforcement action available to the OCC, including issuance of cease and desist orders, capital directives, approval or denial of applications or notices, assessment of civil money penalties, or any other actions authorized by law. (e) Disclosure of capital categories. The assignment of a Federal savings association under this part within a particular capital category is for purposes of implementing and applying the provisions of section 38. Unless permitted by the OCC or otherwise required by law, no Federal savings association may state in any advertisement or promotional material its capital category under this subpart or that the OCC or any other Federal banking agency has assigned the Federal savings association to a particular category. PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 165.2 49065 Definitions. For purposes of this part, except as modified in this section or unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used in this part have the same meanings as set forth in sections 38 and 3 of the FDI Act. (a)(1) Control has the same meaning assigned to it in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1841), and the term ‘‘controlled’’ shall be construed consistently with the term ‘‘control.’’ (2) Exclusion for fiduciary ownership. No insured depository institution or company controls another insured depository institution or company by virtue of its ownership or control of shares in a fiduciary capacity. Shares shall not be deemed to have been acquired in a fiduciary capacity if the acquiring insured depository institution or company has sole discretionary authority to exercise voting rights with respect thereto. (3) Exclusion for debts previously contracted. No insured depository institution or company controls another insured depository institution or company by virtue of its ownership or control of shares acquired in securing or collecting a debt previously contracted in good faith, until two years after the date of acquisition. The two-year period may be extended at the discretion of the appropriate Federal banking agency for up to three one-year periods. (b) Controlling person means any person having control of an insured depository institution and any company controlled by that person. (c) Leverage ratio means the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets, as calculated in accordance with part 167 of this chapter. (d) Management fee means any payment of money or provision of any other thing of value to a company or individual for the provision of management services or advice to the Federal savings association or related overhead expenses, including payments related to supervisory, executive, managerial or policymaking functions, other than compensation to an individual in the individual’s capacity as an officer or employee of the Federal savings association. (e) Risk-weighted assets means total risk-weighted assets, as calculated in accordance with part 167 of this chapter. (f) Tangible equity means the amount of a Federal savings association’s core capital as computed in part 167 of this chapter plus the amount of its outstanding cumulative perpetual preferred stock (including related surplus), minus intangible assets as E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49066 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations defined in § 167.1 of this chapter, except mortgage servicing assets to the extent they are includable under § 167.12. Non-mortgage servicing assets that have not been previously deducted in calculating core capital are deducted. (g) Tier 1 capital means the amount of core capital as defined in part 167 of this chapter. (h) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio means the ratio of Tier 1 capital to riskweighted assets, as calculated in accordance with part 167 of this chapter. (i) Total assets, for purposes of § 165.4(b)(5), means adjusted total assets as calculated in accordance with part 167 of this chapter, minus intangible assets as provided in the definition of tangible equity. (j) Total risk-based capital ratio means the ratio of total capital to riskweighted assets, as calculated in accordance with part 167 of this chapter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 165.3 Notice of capital category. (a) Effective date of determination of capital category. A Federal savings association shall be deemed to be within a given capital category for purposes of section 38 of the FDI Act and this part as of the date the savings association is notified of, or is deemed to have notice of, its capital category, pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Notice of capital category. A Federal savings association shall be deemed to have been notified of its capital levels and its capital category as of the most recent date: (1) A Consolidated Report of Condition (Call Report) or Thrift Financial Report (TFR), as appropriate, is required to be filed with the OCC; (2) A final report of examination is delivered to the savings association; or (3) Written notice is provided by the OCC to the savings association of its capital category for purposes of section 38 of the FDI Act and this part or that the savings association’s capital category has changed as provided in paragraph (c) of this section or § 165.4(c). (c) Adjustments to reported capital levels and category—(1) Notice of adjustment by Federal savings association. A Federal savings association shall provide the OCC with written notice that an adjustment to the savings association’s capital category may have occurred no later than 15 calendar days following the date that any material event has occurred that would cause the savings association to be placed in a lower capital category from the category assigned to the savings association for purposes of VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 section 38 and this part on the basis of the savings association’s most recent Call Report or TFR, as appropriate, or report of examination. (2) Determination by the OCC to change capital category. After receiving notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the OCC shall determine whether to change the capital category of the Federal savings association and shall notify the savings association of the OCC determination. § 165.4 Capital measures and capital category definitions. (a) Capital measures. For purposes of section 38 and this part, the relevant capital measures shall be: (1) The total risk-based capital ratio; (2) The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio; and (3) The leverage ratio. (b) Capital categories. For purposes of section 38 and this part, a Federal savings association shall be deemed to be: (1) Well capitalized if the savings association: (i) Has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 percent or greater; and (ii) Has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0 percent or greater; and (iii) Has a leverage ratio of 5.0 percent or greater; and (iv) Is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive issued by the OCC or OTS under section 8 of the FDI Act, the International Lending Supervision Act of 1983 (12 U.S.C. 3907), the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1464(t)(6)(A)(ii)), or section 38 of the FDI Act, or any regulation thereunder, to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. (2) Adequately capitalized if the savings association: (i) Has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0 percent or greater; and (ii) Has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0 percent or greater; and (iii) Has: (A) A leverage ratio of 4.0 percent or greater; or (B) A leverage ratio of 3.0 percent or greater if the savings association is assigned a composite rating of 1, as composite rating is defined in § 116.5(c) of this chapter; and (iv) Does not meet the definition of a well capitalized savings association. (3) Undercapitalized if the savings association: (i) Has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0 percent; or (ii) Has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0 percent; or (iii)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(B) of this section, PO 00000 Frm 00118 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 has a leverage ratio that is less than 4.0 percent; or (B) Has a leverage ratio that is less than 3.0 percent if the savings association is assigned a composite rating of 1, as composite rating is defined in § 116.5(c) of this chapter. (4) Significantly undercapitalized if the savings association has: (i) A total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0 percent; or (ii) A Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3.0 percent; or (iii) A leverage ratio that is less than 3.0 percent. (5) Critically undercapitalized if the savings association has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0 percent. (c) Reclassification based on supervisory criteria other than capital. The OCC may reclassify a well capitalized Federal savings association as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized Federal savings association to comply with certain mandatory or discretionary supervisory actions as if the savings association were in the next lower capital category (except that the OCC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized savings association as critically undercapitalized) (each of these actions are hereinafter referred to generally as ‘‘reclassifications’’) in the following circumstances: (1) Unsafe or unsound condition. The OCC has determined, after notice and opportunity for hearing pursuant to § 165.8(a) of this part, that the savings association is in an unsafe or unsound condition; or (2) Unsafe or unsound practice. The OCC has determined, after notice and an opportunity for hearing pursuant to § 165.8(a) of this part, that the savings association received a less-thansatisfactory rating for any rating category (other than in a rating category specifically addressing capital adequacy) under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System, or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system adopted by the OCC; and has not corrected the conditions that served as the basis for the less than satisfactory rating. Ratings under this paragraph (c)(2) refer to the most recent ratings (as determined either on-site or off-site by the most recent examination) of which the savings association has been notified in writing. § 165.5 Capital restoration plans. (a) Schedule for filing plan—(1) In general. A Federal savings association shall file a written capital restoration plan with the OCC within 45 days of the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations date that the savings association receives notice or is deemed to have notice that the savings association is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized, unless the OCC notifies the savings association in writing that the plan is to be filed within a different period. An adequately capitalized savings association that has been required pursuant to § 165.4(c) to comply with supervisory actions as if the savings association were undercapitalized is not required to submit a capital restoration plan solely by virtue of the reclassification. (2) Additional capital restoration plans. Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a Federal savings association that has already submitted and is operating under a capital restoration plan approved under section 38 and this part is not required to submit an additional capital restoration plan based on a revised calculation of its capital measures or a reclassification of the institution under § 165.4(c) unless the OCC notifies the savings association that it must submit a new or revised capital plan. A savings association that is notified that it must submit a new or revised capital restoration plan shall file the plan in writing with the OCC within 45 days of receiving such notice, unless the OCC notifies the savings association in writing that the plan is to be filed within a different period. (b) Contents of plan. All financial data submitted in connection with a capital restoration plan shall be prepared in accordance with the instructions provided on the Call Report or TFR, as appropriate, unless the OCC instructs otherwise. The capital restoration plan shall include all of the information required to be filed under section 38(e)(2) of the FDI Act. A Federal savings association that is required to submit a capital restoration plan as the result of a reclassification of the savings association pursuant to § 165.4(c) of this part shall include a description of the steps the savings association will take to correct the unsafe or unsound condition or practice. No plan shall be accepted unless it includes any performance guarantee described in section 38(e)(2)(C) of the FDI Act by each company that controls the savings association. (c) Review of capital restoration plans. Within 60 days after receiving a capital restoration plan under this part, the OCC shall provide written notice to the Federal savings association of whether the plan has been approved. The OCC may extend the time within which notice regarding approval of a plan shall be provided. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (d) Disapproval of capital plan. If a capital restoration plan is not approved by the OCC, the Federal savings association shall submit a revised capital restoration plan, when directed to do so, within the time specified by the OCC. Upon receiving notice that its capital restoration plan has not been approved, any undercapitalized savings association (as defined in § 165.4(b)(3) of this part) shall be subject to all of the provisions of section 38 and this part applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions. These provisions shall be applicable until such time as a new or revised capital restoration plan submitted by the savings association has been approved by the OCC. (e) Failure to submit a capital restoration plan. A Federal savings association that is undercapitalized (as defined in § 165.4(b)(3) of this part) and that fails to submit a written capital restoration plan within the period provided in this section shall, upon the expiration of that period, be subject to all of the provisions of section 38 and this part applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions. (f) Failure to implement a capital restoration plan. Any undercapitalized Federal savings association that fails in any material respect to implement a capital restoration plan shall be subject to all of the provisions of section 38 and this part applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions. (g) Amendment of capital plan. A Federal savings association that has filed an approved capital restoration plan may, after prior written notice to and approval by the OCC, amend the plan to reflect a change in circumstance. Until such time as a proposed amendment has been approved, the savings association shall implement the capital restoration plan as approved prior to the proposed amendment. (h) Notice to FDIC. Within 45 days of the effective date of OCC approval of a capital restoration plan, or any amendment to a capital restoration plan, the OCC shall provide a copy of the plan or amendment to the FDIC. (i) Performance guarantee by companies that control a savings association—(1) Limitation on liability—(i) Amount limitation. The aggregate liability under the guarantee provided under section 38 and this part for all companies that control a specific Federal savings association that is required to submit a capital restoration plan under this part shall be limited to the lesser of: (A) An amount equal to 5.0 percent of the savings association’s total assets at the time the savings association was PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49067 notified or deemed to have notice that the savings association was undercapitalized; or (B) The amount necessary to restore the relevant capital measures of the savings association to the levels required for the savings association to be classified as adequately capitalized, as those capital measures and levels are defined at the time that the savings association initially fails to comply with a capital restoration plan under this part. (ii) Limit on duration. The guarantee and limit of liability under section 38 and this part shall expire after the OCC notifies the Federal savings association that it has remained adequately capitalized for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. The expiration or fulfillment by a company of a guarantee of a capital restoration plan shall not limit the liability of the company under any guarantee required or provided in connection with any capital restoration plan filed by the same savings association after expiration of the first guarantee. (iii) Collection on guarantee. Each company that controls a given Federal savings association shall be jointly and severally liable for the guarantee for such savings association as required under section 38 and this part, and the OCC may require and collect payment of the full amount of that guarantee from any or all of the companies issuing the guarantee. (2) Failure to provide guarantee. In the event that a Federal savings association that is controlled by any company submits a capital restoration plan that does not contain the guarantee required under section 38(e)(2) of the FDI Act, the savings association shall, upon submission of the plan, be subject to the provisions of section 38 and this part that are applicable to savings associations that have not submitted an acceptable capital restoration plan. (3) Failure to perform guarantee. Failure by any company that controls a Federal savings association to perform fully its guarantee of any capital plan shall constitute a material failure to implement the plan for purposes of section 38(f) of the FDI Act. Upon such failure, the savings association shall be subject to the provisions of section 38 and this part that are applicable to savings associations that have failed in a material respect to implement a capital restoration plan. § 165.6 Mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions under section 38. (a) Mandatory supervisory actions— (1) Provisions applicable to all Federal savings associations. All Federal savings E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49068 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations associations are subject to the restrictions contained in section 38(d) of the FDI Act on payment of capital distributions and management fees. (2) Provisions applicable to undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized Federal savings associations. Immediately upon receiving notice or being deemed to have notice, as provided in § 165.3 or § 165.5 of this part, that the Federal savings association is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized, the savings association shall become subject to the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act: (i) Restricting payment of capital distributions and management fees (section 38(d)); (ii) Requiring that the OCC monitor the condition of the savings association (section 38(e)(1)); (iii) Requiring submission of a capital restoration plan within the schedule established in this part (section 38(e)(2)); (iv) Restricting the growth of the savings association’s assets (section 38(e)(3)); and (v) Requiring prior approval of certain expansion proposals (section 38(e)(4)). (3) Additional provisions applicable to significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized Federal savings associations. In addition to the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, immediately upon receiving notice or being deemed to have notice, as provided in § 165.3 or § 165.5 of this part, that the Federal savings association is significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized, or that the savings association is subject to the provisions applicable to institutions that are significantly undercapitalized because the savings association failed to submit or implement in any material respect an acceptable capital restoration plan, the savings association shall become subject to the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act that restrict compensation paid to senior executive officers of the institution (section 38(f)(4)). (4) Additional provisions applicable to critically undercapitalized Federal savings associations. In addition to the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act described in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, immediately upon receiving notice or being deemed to have notice, as provided in § 165.3 of this part, that the Federal savings association is critically undercapitalized, the savings association shall become subject to the provisions of section 38 of the FDI Act: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (i) Restricting the activities of the savings association (section 38(h)(1)); and (ii) Restricting payments on subordinated debt of the savings association (section 38(h)(2)). (b) Discretionary supervisory actions. In taking any action under section 38 that is within the OCC discretion to take in connection with: A Federal savings association that is deemed to be undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, or has been reclassified as undercapitalized, or significantly undercapitalized; an officer or director of such savings association; or a company that controls such savings association, the OCC shall follow the procedures for issuing directives under §§ 165.7 and 165.9 of this part unless otherwise provided in section 38 or this part. § 165.7 Directives to take prompt corrective action. (a) Notice of intent to issue a directive—(1) In general. The OCC shall provide an undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized Federal savings association or, where appropriate, any company that controls the savings association, prior written notice of the OCC’s intention to issue a directive requiring such savings association or company to take actions or to follow proscriptions described in section 38 that are within the OCC’s discretion to require or impose under section 38 of the FDI Act, including sections 38(e)(5), (f)(2), (f)(3), or (f)(5). The savings association shall have such time to respond to a proposed directive as provided by the OCC under paragraph (c) of this section. (2) Immediate issuance of final directive. If the OCC finds it necessary in order to carry out the purposes of section 38 of the FDI Act, the OCC may, without providing the notice prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, issue a directive requiring a Federal savings association or any company that controls a Federal savings association immediately to take actions or to follow proscriptions described in section 38 that are within the OCC’s discretion to require or impose under section 38 of the FDI Act, including section 38(e)(5), (f)(2), (f)(3), or (f)(5). A savings association or company that is subject to such an immediately effective directive may submit a written appeal of the directive to the OCC. Such an appeal must be received by the OCC within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the directive, unless the OCC permits a longer period. The OCC shall consider PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 any such appeal, if filed in a timely matter, within 60 days of receiving the appeal. During such period of review, the directive shall remain in effect unless the OCC, in its sole discretion, stays the effectiveness of the directive. (b) Contents of notice. A notice of intention to issue a directive shall include: (1) A statement of the Federal savings association’s capital measures and capital levels; (2) A description of the restrictions, prohibitions or affirmative actions that the OCC proposes to impose or require; (3) The proposed date when such restrictions or prohibitions would be effective or the proposed date for completion of such affirmative actions; and (4) The date by which the Federal savings association or company subject to the directive may file with the OCC a written response to the notice. (c) Response to notice—(1) Time for response. A Federal savings association or company may file a written response to a notice of intent to issue a directive within the time period set by the OCC. The date shall be at least 14 calendar days from the date of the notice unless the OCC determines that a shorter period is appropriate in light of the financial condition of the savings association or other relevant circumstances. (2) Content of response. The response should include: (i) An explanation why the action proposed by the OCC is not an appropriate exercise of discretion under section 38; (ii) Any recommended modification of the proposed directive; and (iii) Any other relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the position of the savings association or company regarding the proposed directive. (d) OCC consideration of response. After considering the response, the OCC may: (1) Issue the directive as proposed or in modified form; (2) Determine not to issue the directive and so notify the savings association or company; or (3) Seek additional information or clarification of the response from the savings association or company, or any other relevant source. (e) Failure to file response. Failure by a Federal savings association or company to file with the OCC, within the specified time period, a written response to a proposed directive shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity to E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations respond and shall constitute consent to the issuance of the directive. (f) Request for modification or rescission of directive. Any Federal savings association or company that is subject to a directive under this part may, upon a change in circumstances, request in writing that the OCC reconsider the terms of the directive, and may propose that the directive be rescinded or modified. Unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, the directive shall continue in place while such request is pending before the OCC. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 165.8 Procedures for reclassifying a Federal savings association based on criteria other than capital. (a) Reclassification based on unsafe or unsound condition or practice—(1) Issuance of notice of proposed reclassification—(i) Grounds for reclassification. (A) Pursuant to § 165.4(c) of this part, the OCC may reclassify a well capitalized Federal savings association as adequately capitalized or subject an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to the supervisory actions applicable to the next lower capital category if: (1) The OCC determines that the savings association is in an unsafe or unsound condition; or (2) The OCC deems the savings association to be engaged in an unsafe or unsound practice and not to have corrected the deficiency. (B) Any action pursuant to this paragraph (a)(1)(i) shall hereinafter be referred to as ‘‘reclassification.’’ (ii) Prior notice to institution. Prior to taking action pursuant to § 165.4(c)(1), the OCC shall issue and serve on the Federal savings association a written notice of the OCC’s intention to reclassify the savings association. (2) Contents of notice. A notice of intention to reclassify a Federal savings association based on unsafe or unsound condition shall include: (i) A statement of the savings association’s capital measures and capital levels and the category to which the savings association would be reclassified; (ii) The reasons for reclassification of the savings association; (iii) The date by which the savings association subject to the notice of reclassification may file with the OCC a written appeal of the proposed reclassification and a request for a hearing, which shall be at least 14 calendar days from the date of service of the notice unless the OCC determines that a shorter period is appropriate in light of the financial condition of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 savings association or other relevant circumstances. (3) Response to notice of proposed reclassification. A Federal savings association may file a written response to a notice of proposed reclassification within the time period set by the OCC. The response should include: (i) An explanation of why the savings association is not in unsafe or unsound condition or otherwise should not be reclassified; and (ii) Any other relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the position of the savings association or company regarding the reclassification. (4) Failure to file response. Failure by a Federal savings association to file, within the specified time period, a written response with the OCC to a notice of proposed reclassification shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity to respond and shall constitute consent to the reclassification. (5) Request for hearing and presentation of oral testimony or witnesses. The response may include a request for an informal hearing before the OCC or its designee under this section. If the Federal savings association desires to present oral testimony or witnesses at the hearing, the savings association shall include a request to do so with the request for an informal hearing. A request to present oral testimony or witnesses shall specify the names of the witnesses and the general nature of their expected testimony. Failure to request a hearing shall constitute a waiver of any right to a hearing, and failure to request the opportunity to present oral testimony or witnesses shall constitute a waiver of any right to present oral testimony or witnesses. (6) Order for informal hearing. Upon receipt of a timely written request that includes a request for a hearing, the OCC shall issue an order directing an informal hearing to commence no later than 30 days after receipt of the request, unless the OCC allows further time at the request of the Federal savings association. The hearing shall be held in Washington, DC or at such other place as may be designated by the OCC, before a presiding officer(s) designated by the OCC to conduct the hearing. (7) Hearing procedures. (i) The Federal savings association shall have the right to introduce relevant written materials and to present oral argument at the hearing. The savings association may introduce oral testimony and present witnesses only if expressly authorized by the OCC or the presiding officer(s). Neither the provisions of the PO 00000 Frm 00121 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49069 Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554–557) governing adjudications required by statute to be determined on the record nor parts 19 or 109 of this chapter apply to an informal hearing under this section unless the OCC orders that such procedures shall apply. (ii) The informal hearing shall be recorded and a transcript furnished to the savings association upon request and payment of the cost thereof. Witnesses need not be sworn, unless specifically requested by a party or the presiding officer(s). The presiding officer(s) may ask questions of any witness. (iii) The presiding officer(s) may order that the hearing be continued for a reasonable period (normally five business days) following completion of oral testimony or argument to allow additional written submissions to the hearing record. (8) Recommendation of presiding officers. Within 20 calendar days following the date the hearing and the record on the proceeding are closed, the presiding officer(s) shall make a recommendation to the OCC on the reclassification. (9) Time for decision. Not later than 60 calendar days after the date the record is closed or the date of the response in a case where no hearing was requested, the OCC will decide whether to reclassify the Federal savings association and notify the savings association of the OCC’s decision. (b) Request for rescission of reclassification. Any Federal savings association that has been reclassified under this section, may, upon a change in circumstances, request in writing that the OCC reconsider the reclassification, and may propose that the reclassification be rescinded and that any directives issued in connection with the reclassification be modified, rescinded, or removed. Unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, the savings association shall remain subject to the reclassification and to any directives issued in connection with that reclassification while such request is pending before the OCC. § 165.9 Order to dismiss a director or senior executive officer. (a) Service of notice. When the OCC issues and serves a directive on a Federal savings association pursuant to section 165.7 requiring the savings association to dismiss any director or senior executive officer under section 38(f)(2)(F)(ii) of the FDI Act, the OCC shall also serve a copy of the directive, or the relevant portions of the directive where appropriate, upon the person to be dismissed. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49070 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Response to directive—(1) Request for reinstatement. A director or senior executive officer who has been served with a directive under paragraph (a) of this section (Respondent) may file a written request for reinstatement. The request for reinstatement shall be filed within 10 calendar days of the receipt of the directive by the Respondent, unless further time is allowed by the OCC at the request of the Respondent. (2) Contents of request; informal hearing. The request for reinstatement should include reasons why the Respondent should be reinstated, and may include a request for an informal hearing before the OCC or its designee under this section. If the Respondent desires to present oral testimony or witnesses at the hearing, the Respondent shall include a request to do so with the request for an informal hearing. The request to present oral testimony or witnesses shall specify the names of the witnesses and the general nature of their expected testimony. Failure to request a hearing shall constitute a waiver of any right to a hearing and failure to request the opportunity to present oral testimony or witnesses shall constitute a waiver of any right or opportunity to present oral testimony or witnesses. (3) Effective date. Unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, the dismissal shall remain in effect while a request for reinstatement is pending. (c) Order for informal hearing. Upon receipt of a timely written request from a Respondent for an informal hearing on the portion of a directive requiring a Federal savings association to dismiss from office any director or senior executive officer, the OCC shall issue an order directing an informal hearing to commence no later than 30 days after receipt of the request, unless the Respondent requests a later date. The hearing shall be held in Washington, DC, or at such other place as may be designated by the OCC, before a presiding officer(s) designated by the OCC to conduct the hearing. (d) Hearing procedures. (1) A Respondent may appear at the hearing personally or through counsel. A Respondent shall have the right to introduce relevant written materials and to present oral argument. A Respondent may introduce oral testimony and present witnesses only if expressly authorized by the OCC or the presiding officer(s). Neither the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act governing adjudications required by statute to be determined on the record nor parts 19 or 109 of this chapter apply to an informal hearing under this section VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 unless the OCC orders that such procedures shall apply. (2) The informal hearing shall be recorded and a transcript furnished to the Respondent upon request and payment of the cost thereof. Witnesses need not be sworn, unless specifically requested by a party or the presiding officer(s). The presiding officer(s) may ask questions of any witness. (3) The presiding officer(s) may order that the hearing be continued for a reasonable period (normally five business days) following completion of oral testimony or argument to allow additional written submissions to the hearing record. (e) Standard for review. A Respondent shall bear the burden of demonstrating that his or her continued employment by or service with the Federal savings association would materially strengthen the savings association’s ability: (1) To become adequately capitalized, to the extent that the directive was issued as a result of the savings association’s capital level or failure to submit or implement a capital restoration plan; and (2) To correct the unsafe or unsound condition or unsafe or unsound practice, to the extent that the directive was issued as a result of classification of the savings association based on supervisory criteria other than capital, pursuant to section 38(g) of the FDI Act. (f) Recommendation of presiding officers. Within 20 calendar days following the date the hearing and the record on the proceeding are closed, the presiding officer(s) shall make a recommendation to the OCC concerning the Respondent’s request for reinstatement with the Federal savings association. (g) Time for decision. Not later than 60 calendar days after the date the record is closed or the date of the response in a case where no hearing has been requested, the OCC shall grant or deny the request for reinstatement and notify the Respondent of the OCC’s decision. If the OCC denies the request for reinstatement, the OCC shall set forth in the notification the reasons for the OCC’s action. § 165.10 Enforcement of directives. (a) Judicial remedies. Whenever a Federal savings association or company that controls a Federal savings association fails to comply with a directive issued under section 38, the OCC may seek enforcement of the directive in the appropriate United States district court pursuant to section 8(i)(1) of the FDI Act. (b) Administrative remedies—(1) Failure to comply with directive. PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Pursuant to section 8(i)(2)(A) of the FDI Act, the OCC may assess a civil money penalty against any Federal savings association or company that controls a Federal savings association that violates or otherwise fails to comply with any final directive issued under section 38 and against any institution-affiliated party who participates in such violation or noncompliance. (2) Failure to implement capital restoration plan. The failure of a Federal savings association to implement a capital restoration plan required under section 38, or this part, or the failure of a company having control of a Federal savings association to fulfill a guarantee of a capital restoration plan made pursuant to section 38(e)(2) of the FDI Act shall subject the savings association or company to the assessment of civil money penalties pursuant to section 8(i)(2)(A) of the FDI Act. (c) Other enforcement action. In addition to the actions described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the OCC may seek enforcement of the provisions of section 38 or this part through any other judicial or administrative proceeding authorized by law. PART 167—CAPITAL Sec. Subpart A—Scope 167.0 Scope. Subpart B—Regulatory Capital Requirements 167.1 Definitions. 167.2 Minimum regulatory capital requirement. 167.3 Individual minimum capital requirements. 167.4 Capital directives. 167.5 Components of capital. 167.6 Risk-based capital credit risk-weight categories. 167.8 Leverage ratio. 167.9 Tangible capital requirement. 167.10 Consequences of failure to meet capital requirements. 167.11 Reservation of authority. 167.12 Purchased credit card relationships, servicing assets, intangible assets (other than purchased credit card relationships and servicing assets), credit-enhancing interest-only strips, and deferred tax assets. 167.14–167.19 [Reserved] Appendixes A–B to Part 167 [Reserved] Appendix C to Part 167—Risk-Based Capital Requirements—Internal-Ratings-Based and Advanced Measurement Approaches Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1828 (note), 5412(b)(2)(B). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (ii) Investments in any includable subsidiary in which a savings § 167.0 Scope. association has a minority interest; and (iii) Investments in any subsidiary (a) This part prescribes the minimum subject to consolidation under regulatory capital requirements for paragraph (2)(ii) of this definition. Federal savings associations. Subpart B Asset-backed commercial paper of this part applies to all Federal savings program. The term asset-backed associations, except as described in commercial paper program (ABCP paragraph (b) of this section. program) means a program that (b)(1) A Federal savings association primarily issues commercial paper that that uses Appendix C of this part must has received a credit rating from an comply with the minimum qualifying NRSRO and that is backed by assets or criteria for internal risk measurement other exposures held in a bankruptcyand management processes for remote special purpose entity. The term calculating risk-based capital requirements, utilize the methodologies sponsor of an ABCP program means a Federal savings association that: for calculating risk-based capital (1) Establishes an ABCP program; requirements, and make the required (2) Approves the sellers permitted to disclosures described in that appendix. participate in an ABCP program; (2) Subpart B of this part does not (3) Approves the asset pools to be apply to the computation of risk-based purchased by an ABCP program; or capital requirements by a Federal (4) Administers the ABCP program by savings association that uses Appendix monitoring the assets, arranging for debt C of this part. However, these savings placement, compiling monthly reports, associations: or ensuring compliance with the (i) Must compute the components of program documents and with the capital under § 167.5, subject to the program’s credit and investment policy. modifications in sections 11 and 12 of Cash items in the process of Appendix C of this part. collection. The term cash items in the (ii) Must meet the leverage ratio process of collection means checks or requirement at §§ 167.2(a)(2) and 167.8 drafts in the process of collection that with tier 1 capital, as computed under are drawn on another depository sections 11 and 12 of Appendix C of this institution, including a central bank, part. and that are payable immediately upon (iii) Must meet the tangible capital presentation; U.S. Government checks requirement described at §§ 167.2(a)(3) that are drawn on the United States and 167.9. Treasury or any other U.S. Government (iv) Are subject to §§ 167.3 (individual or Government-sponsored agency and minimum capital requirement), 167.4 that are payable immediately upon (capital directives); and 167.10 presentation; broker’s security drafts (consequences of failure to meet capital and commodity or bill-of-lading drafts requirements). payable immediately upon presentation; (v) Are subject to the reservations of and unposted debits. authority at § 167.11, which supplement Commitment. The term commitment the reservations of authority at section means any arrangement that obligates a 1 of Appendix C of this part. Federal savings association to: (c) [Reserved] (1) Purchase loans or securities; (2) Extend credit in the form of loans Subpart B—Regulatory Capital or leases, participations in loans or Requirements leases, overdraft facilities, revolving credit facilities, home equity lines of § 167.1 Definitions. credit, eligible ABCP liquidity facilities, For the purposes of this subpart: or similar transactions. Adjusted total assets. The term Common stockholders’ equity. The adjusted total assets means: term common stockholders’ equity (1) A Federal savings association’s means common stock, common stock total assets as that term is defined in this surplus, retained earnings, and section; adjustments for the cumulative effect of (2) Plus the prorated assets of any foreign currency translation, less net includable subsidiary in which the unrealized losses on available-for-sale savings association has a minority equity securities with readily ownership interest that is not determinable fair values. consolidated under GAAP; Conditional guarantee. The term (3) Minus: conditional guarantee means a contingent obligation of the United (i) Assets not included in the States Government or its agencies, the applicable capital standard except for validity of which to the beneficiary is those subject to paragraphs (3)(ii) and dependent upon some affirmative (3)(iii) of this definition; sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Subpart A—Scope VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49071 action— e.g., servicing requirements— on the part of the beneficiary of the guarantee or a third party. Credit derivative. The term credit derivative means a contract that allows one party (the protection purchaser) to transfer the credit risk of an asset or offbalance sheet credit exposure to another party (the protection provider). The value of a credit derivative is dependent, at least in part, on the credit performance of a ‘‘referenced asset.’’ Credit-enhancing interest-only strip. (1) The term credit-enhancing interestonly strip means an on-balance sheet asset that, in form or in substance: (i) Represents the contractual right to receive some or all of the interest due on transferred assets; and (ii) Exposes the Federal savings association to credit risk directly or indirectly associated with the transferred assets that exceeds its pro rata share of the savings association’s claim on the assets whether through subordination provisions or other credit enhancement techniques. (2) The OCC reserves the right to identify other cash flows or related interests as a credit-enhancing interestonly strip. In determining whether a particular interest cash flow functions as a credit-enhancing interest-only strip, The OCC will consider the economic substance of the transaction. Credit-enhancing representations and warranties. (1) The term creditenhancing representations and warranties means representations and warranties that are made or assumed in connection with a transfer of assets (including loan servicing assets) and that obligate a Federal savings association to protect investors from losses arising from credit risk in the assets transferred or loans serviced. (2) Credit-enhancing representations and warranties include promises to protect a party from losses resulting from the default or nonperformance of another party or from an insufficiency in the value of the collateral. (3) Credit-enhancing representations and warranties do not include: (i) Early-default clauses and similar warranties that permit the return of, or premium refund clauses covering, qualifying mortgage loans for a period not to exceed 120 days from the date of transfer. These warranties may cover only those loans that were originated within one year of the date of the transfer; (ii) Premium refund clauses covering assets guaranteed, in whole or in part, by the United States government, a United States government agency, or a United States government-sponsored enterprise, provided the premium E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49072 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations refund clause is for a period not to exceed 120 days from the date of transfer; or (iii) Warranties that permit the return of assets in instances of fraud, misrepresentation or incomplete documentation. Depository institution. The term domestic depository institution means a financial institution that engages in the business of banking; that is recognized as a bank by the bank supervisory or monetary authorities of the country of its incorporation and the country of its principal banking operations; that receives deposits to a substantial extent in the regular course of business; and that has the power to accept demand deposits. In the United States, this definition encompasses all Federally insured offices of commercial banks, mutual and stock savings banks, savings or building and loan associations (stock and mutual), cooperative banks, credit unions, and international banking facilities of domestic depository institutions. Bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies are excluded from this definition. For the purposes of assigning risk weights, the differentiation between OECD depository institutions and nonOECD depository institutions is based on the country of incorporation. Claims on branches and agencies of foreign banks located in the United States are to be categorized on the basis of the parent bank’s country of incorporation. Direct credit substitute. The term direct credit substitute means an arrangement in which a Federal savings association assumes, in form or in substance, credit risk associated with an on- or off-balance sheet asset or exposure that was not previously owned by the savings association (third-party asset) and the risk assumed by the savings association exceeds the pro rata share of the savings association’s interest in the third-party asset. If a savings association has no claim on the third-party asset, then the savings association’s assumption of any credit risk is a direct credit substitute. Direct credit substitutes include: (1) Financial standby letters of credit that support financial claims on a third party that exceed a savings association’s pro rata share in the financial claim; (2) Guarantees, surety arrangements, credit derivatives, and similar instruments backing financial claims that exceed a savings association’s pro rata share in the financial claim; (3) Purchased subordinated interests that absorb more than their pro rata share of losses from the underlying assets; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (4) Credit derivative contracts under which the savings association assumes more than its pro rata share of credit risk on a third-party asset or exposure; (5) Loans or lines of credit that provide credit enhancement for the financial obligations of a third party; (6) Purchased loan servicing assets if the servicer is responsible for credit losses or if the servicer makes or assumes credit-enhancing representations and warranties with respect to the loans serviced. Servicer cash advances as defined in this section are not direct credit substitutes; (7) Clean-up calls on third party assets. However, clean-up calls that are 10 percent or less of the original pool balance and that are exercisable at the option of the savings association are not direct credit substitutes; and (8) Liquidity facilities that provide support to asset-backed commercial paper (other than eligible ABCP liquidity facilities). Eligible ABCP liquidity facility. The term eligible ABCP liquidity facility means a liquidity facility that supports asset-backed commercial paper, in form or in substance, and that meets the following criteria: (1)(i) At the time of the draw, the liquidity facility must be subject to an asset quality test that precludes funding against assets that are 90 days or more past due or in default; and (ii) If the assets that the liquidity facility is required to fund against are assets or exposures that have received a credit rating by a NRSRO at the time of the inception of the facility, the facility can be used to fund only those assets or exposures that are rated investment grade by an NRSRO at the time of funding; or (2) If the assets that are funded under the liquidity facility do not meet the criteria described in paragraph (1) of this definition, the assets must be guaranteed, conditionally or unconditionally, by the United States Government, its agencies, or the central government of an OECD country. Eligible Federal savings association. (1) The term eligible Federal savings association means a Federal savings association with respect to which the Comptroller of the Currency has determined, on the basis of information available at the time, that: (i) The savings association’s management appears to be competent; (ii) The savings association, as certified by its Board of Directors, is in substantial compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, orders and written agreements and directives; and PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (iii) The savings association’s management, as certified by its Board of Directors, has not engaged in insider dealing, speculative practices, or any other activities that have or may jeopardize the association’s safety and soundness or contributed to impairing the association’s capital. (2) Federal savings associations, for purposes of this paragraph, will be deemed to be eligible unless the Comptroller makes a determination otherwise or notifies the savings association of its intent to conduct either an informal or formal examination to determine eligibility and provides written notification thereof to the savings association. Equity investments. (1) The term equity investments includes investments in equity securities and real property that would be considered an equity investment under GAAP. (2)(i) The term equity securities means any: (A) Stock, certificate of interest of participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral trust certificate or subscription, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, or voting trust certificate; or (B) In general, any interest or instrument commonly known as an equity security; or (C) Loans having profit sharing features which GAAP would reclassify as equity securities; or (D) Any security immediately convertible at the option of the holder without payment of substantial additional consideration into such a security; or (E) Any security carrying any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase such a security; or (F) Any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or Interim certificate for, or receipt for any of the foregoing or any partnership interest; or (G) Investments in equity securities and loans or advances to and guarantees issued on behalf of partnerships or joint ventures in which a Federal savings association holds an interest in real property under GAAP. (ii) The term equity securities does not include investments in a subsidiary as that term is defined in this section, equity investments that are permissible for national banks, ownership interests in pools of assets that are risk-weighted in accordance with § 167.6(a)(1)(vi) of this part, or the stock of Federal Home Loan Banks or Federal Reserve Banks. (3) For purposes of this part, the term equity investments in real property does not include interests in real property that are primarily used or intended to be E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations used by the savings association, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates as offices or related facilities for the conduct of its business. (4) In addition, for purposes of this part, the term equity investments in real property does not include interests in real property that are acquired in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted in good faith or acquired in sales under judgments, decrees, or mortgages held by the savings association, provided that the property is not intended to be held for real estate investment purposes but is expected to be disposed of within five years or a longer period approved by the OCC. Exchange rate contracts. The term exchange rate contracts includes crosscurrency interest rate swaps; forward foreign exchange rate contracts; currency options purchased; and any similar instrument that, in the opinion of the OCC, may give rise to similar risks. Face amount. The term face amount means the notational principal, or face value, amount of an off-balance sheet item or the amortized cost of an onbalance sheet asset. Financial asset. The term financial asset means cash or other monetary instrument, evidence of debt, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that conveys a right to receive or exchange cash or another financial instrument from another party. Financial standby letter of credit. The term financial standby letter of credit means a letter of credit or similar arrangement that represents an irrevocable obligation to a third-party beneficiary: (1) To repay money borrowed by, or advanced to, or for the account of, a second party (the account party); or (2) To make payment on behalf of the account party, in the event that the account party fails to fulfill its obligation to the beneficiary. Includable subsidiary. The term includable subsidiary means a subsidiary of a Federal savings association that is: (1) Engaged solely in activities not impermissible for a national bank; (2) Engaged in activities not permissible for a national bank, but only if acting solely as agent for its customers and such agency position is clearly documented in the savings association’s files; (3) Engaged solely in mortgagebanking activities; (4)(i) Itself an insured depository institution or a company the sole investment of which is an insured depository institution, and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (ii) Was acquired by the parent savings association prior to May 1, 1989; or (5) A subsidiary of any savings association existing as a savings association on August 9, 1989 that (i) Was chartered prior to October 15, 1982, as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under state law, or (ii) Acquired its principal assets from an association that was chartered prior to October 15, 1982, as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under state law. Intangible assets. The term intangible assets means assets considered to be intangible assets under GAAP. These assets include, but are not limited to, goodwill, core deposit premiums, purchased credit card relationships, favorable leaseholds, and servicing assets (mortgage and non-mortgage). Interest-only strips receivable and other nonsecurity financial instruments are not intangible assets under this definition. Interest-rate contracts. The term interest-rate contracts includes single currency interest-rate swaps; basis swaps; forward rate agreements; interest-rate options purchased; forward forward deposits accepted; and any other instrument that, in the opinion of the OCC, may give rise to similar risks, including when-issued securities. Liquidity facility. The term liquidity facility means a legally binding commitment to provide liquidity support to asset-backed commercial paper by lending to, or purchasing assets from any structure, program or conduit in the event that funds are required to repay maturing asset-backed commercial paper. Mortgage-related securities. The term mortgage-related securities means any mortgage-related qualifying securities under section 3(a)(41) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(41), Provided, That the rating requirements of that section shall not be considered for purposes of this definition. Nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). The term nationally recognized statistical rating organization means an entity recognized by the Division of Market Regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization for various purposes, including the Commission’s uniform net capital requirements for brokers and dealers. OECD-based country. The term OECDbased country means a member of that grouping of countries that are full members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49073 Development (OECD) plus countries that have concluded special lending arrangements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) associated with the IMF’s General Arrangements to Borrow. This term excludes any country that has rescheduled its external sovereign debt within the previous five years. A rescheduling of external sovereign debt generally would include any renegotiation of terms arising from a country’s inability or unwillingness to meet its external debt service obligations, but generally would not include renegotiations of debt in the normal course of business, such as a renegotiation to allow the borrower to take advantage of a decline in interest rates or other change in market conditions. Original maturity. The term original maturity means, with respect to a commitment, the earliest date after a commitment is made on which the commitment is scheduled to expire (i.e., it will reach its stated maturity and cease to be binding on either party), Provided, That either: (1) The commitment is not subject to extension or renewal and will actually expire on its stated expiration date; or (2) If the commitment is subject to extension or renewal beyond its stated expiration date, the stated expiration date will be deemed the original maturity only if the extension or renewal must be based upon terms and conditions independently negotiated in good faith with the customer at the time of the extension or renewal and upon a new, bona fide credit analysis utilizing current information on financial condition and trends. Performance-based standby letter of credit. The term performance-based standby letter of credit means any letter of credit, or similar arrangement, however named or described, which represents an irrevocable obligation to the beneficiary on the part of the issuer to make payment on account of any default by a third party in the performance of a nonfinancial or commercial obligation. Such letters of credit include arrangements backing subcontractors’ and suppliers’ performance, labor and materials contracts, and construction bids. Perpetual preferred stock. The term perpetual preferred stock means preferred stock without a fixed maturity date that cannot be redeemed at the option of the holder, and that has no other provisions that will require future redemption of the issue. For purposes of these instruments, preferred stock that can be redeemed at the option of the holder is deemed to have an ‘‘original maturity’’ of the earliest possible date E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49074 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations on which it may be so redeemed. Cumulative perpetual preferred stock is preferred stock where the dividends accumulate from one period to the next. Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock is preferred stock where the unpaid dividends are not carried over to subsequent dividend periods. Problem institution. The term problem institution means a Federal savings association that, at the time of its acquisition, merger, purchase of assets or other business combination with or by another savings association: (1) Was subject to special regulatory controls by its primary Federal or state regulatory authority; (2) Posed particular supervisory concerns to its primary Federal or state regulatory authority; or (3) Failed to meet its regulatory capital requirement immediately before the transaction. Prorated assets. The term prorated assets means the total assets (as determined in the most recently available GAAP report but in no event more than one year old) of a subsidiary (including those subsidiaries where the savings association has a minority interest) multiplied by the Federal savings association’s percentage of ownership of that subsidiary. Qualifying mortgage loan. (1) The term qualifying mortgage loan means a loan that: (i) Is fully secured by a first lien on a one-to four-family residential property; (ii) Is underwritten in accordance with prudent underwriting standards, including standards relating the ratio of the loan amount to the value of the property (LTV ratio). See Appendix to 12 CFR 160.101. A nonqualifying mortgage loan that is paid down to an appropriate LTV ratio (calculated using value at origination) may become a qualifying loan if it meets all other requirements of this definition; (iii) Maintains an appropriate LTV ratio based on the amortized principal balance of the loan; and (iv) Is performing and is not more than 90 days past due. (2) If a Federal savings association holds the first and junior lien(s) on a residential property and no other party holds an intervening lien, the transaction is treated as a single loan secured by a first lien for the purposes of determining the LTV ratio and the appropriate risk weight under § 167.6(a). (3) A loan to an individual borrower for the construction of the borrower’s home may be included as a qualifying mortgage loan. (4) A loan that meets the requirements of this section prior to modification on VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 a permanent or trial basis under the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Home Affordable Mortgage Program may be included as a qualifying mortgage loan, so long as the loan is not 90 days or more past due. Qualifying multifamily mortgage loan. (1) The term qualifying multifamily mortgage loan means a loan secured by a first lien on multifamily residential properties consisting of 5 or more dwelling units, provided that: (i) The amortization of principal and interest occurs over a period of not more than 30 years; (ii) The original minimum maturity for repayment of principal on the loan is not less than seven years; (iii) When considering the loan for placement in a lower risk-weight category, all principal and interest payments have been made on a timely basis in accordance with its terms for the preceding year; (iv) The loan is performing and not 90 days or more past due; (v) The loan is made by the Federal savings association in accordance with prudent underwriting standards; and (vi) If the interest rate on the loan does not change over the term of the loan: (A) The current loan balance amount does not exceed 80 percent of the value of the property securing the loan; and (B) For the property’s most recent fiscal year, the ratio of annual net operating income generated by the property (before payment of any debt service on the loan) to annual debt service on the loan is not less than 120 percent, or in the case of cooperative or other not-for-profit housing projects, the property generates sufficient cash flows to provide comparable protection to the institution; or (vii) If the interest rate on the loan changes over the term of the loan: (A) The current loan balance amount does not exceed 75 percent of the value of the property securing the loan; and (B) For the property’s most recent fiscal year, the ratio of annual net operating income generated by the property (before payment of any debt service on the loan) to annual debt service on the loan is not less than 115 percent, or in the case of cooperative or other not-for-profit housing projects, the property generates sufficient cash flows to provide comparable protection to the institution. (2) The term qualifying multifamily mortgage loan also includes a multifamily mortgage loan that on March 18, 1994 was a first mortgage loan on an existing property consisting of 5–36 dwelling units with an initial loan-to-value ratio of not more than PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 80% where an average annual occupancy rate of 80% or more of total units had existed for at least one year, and continues to meet these criteria. (3) For purposes of paragraphs (1)(vi) and (vii) of this definition, the term value of the property means, at origination of a loan to purchase a multifamily property: the lower of the purchase price or the amount of the initial appraisal, or if appropriate, the initial evaluation. In cases not involving the purchase of a multifamily loan, the value of the property is determined by the most current appraisal, or if appropriate, the most current evaluation. (4) In cases where a borrower refinances a loan on an existing property, as an alternative to paragraphs (1)(iii), (vi), and (vii) of this definition: (i) All principal and interest payments on the loan being refinanced have been made on a timely basis in accordance with the terms of that loan for the preceding year; and (ii) The net income on the property for the preceding year would support timely principal and interest payments on the new loan in accordance with the applicable debt service requirement. Qualifying residential construction loan. (1) The term qualifying residential construction loan, also referred to as a residential bridge loan, means a loan made in accordance with sound lending principles satisfying the following criteria: (i) The builder must have substantial project equity in the home construction project; (ii) The residence being constructed must be a 1–4 family residence sold to a home purchaser; (iii) The lending Federal savings association must obtain sufficient documentation from a permanent lender (which may be the construction lender) demonstrating that: (A) The home buyer intends to purchase the residence; and (B) Has the ability to obtain a permanent qualifying mortgage loan sufficient to purchase the residence; (iv) The home purchaser must have made a substantial earnest money deposit; (v) The construction loan must not exceed 80 percent of the sales price of the residence; (vi) The construction loan must be secured by a first lien on the lot, residence under construction, and other improvements; (vii) The lending thrift must retain sufficient undisbursed loan funds throughout the construction period to ensure project completion; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (viii) The builder must incur a significant percentage of direct costs (i.e., the actual costs of land, labor, and material) before any drawdown on the loan; (ix) If at any time during the life of the construction loan any of the criteria of this rule are no longer satisfied, the association must immediately recategorize the loan at a 100 percent risk-weight and must accurately report the loan in the association’s next quarterly Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report) or Thrift Financial Report (TFR), as appropriate; (x) The home purchaser must intend that the home will be owner-occupied; (xi) The home purchaser(s) must be an individual(s), not a partnership, joint venture, trust corporation, or any other entity (including an entity acting as a sole proprietorship) that is purchasing the home(s) for speculative purposes; and (xii) The loan must be performing and not more than 90 days past due. (2) The documentation for each loan and home sale must be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the criteria in paragraph (1) of this definition. The OCC retains the discretion to determine that any loans not meeting sound lending principles must be placed in a higher risk-weight category. The OCC also reserves the discretion to modify these criteria on a case-by-case basis provided that any such modifications are not inconsistent with the safety and soundness objectives of this definition. Qualifying securities firm. The term qualifying securities firm means: (1) A securities firm incorporated in the United States that is a broker-dealer that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and that complies with the SEC’s net capital regulations (17 CFR 240.15c3(1)); and (2) A securities firm incorporated in any other OECD-based country, if the Federal savings association is able to demonstrate that the securities firm is subject to consolidated supervision and regulation (covering its subsidiaries, but not necessarily its parent organizations) comparable to that imposed on depository institutions in OECD countries. Such regulation must include risk-based capital requirements comparable to those imposed on depository institutions under the Accord on International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards (1988, as amended in 1998). Reciprocal holdings of depository institution instruments. The term reciprocal holdings of depository institution instruments means cross- VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 holdings or other formal or informal arrangements in which two or more depository institutions swap, exchange, or otherwise agree to hold each other’s capital instruments. This definition does not include holdings of capital instruments issued by other depository institutions that were taken in satisfaction of debts previously contracted, provided that the reporting Federal savings association has not held such instruments for more than five years or a longer period approved by the OCC. Recourse. The term recourse means a Federal savings association’s retention, in form or in substance, of any credit risk directly or indirectly associated with an asset it has sold (in accordance with GAAP) that exceeds a pro rata share of that savings association’s claim on the asset. If a savings association has no claim on an asset it has sold, then the retention of any credit risk is recourse. A recourse obligation typically arises when a savings association transfers assets in a sale and retains an explicit obligation to repurchase assets or to absorb losses due to a default on the payment of principal or interest or any other deficiency in the performance of the underlying obligor or some other party. Recourse may also exist implicitly if a savings association provides credit enhancement beyond any contractual obligation to support assets it has sold. Recourse obligations include: (1) Credit-enhancing representations and warranties made on transferred assets; (2) Loan servicing assets retained pursuant to an agreement under which the savings association will be responsible for losses associated with the loans serviced. Servicer cash advances as defined in this section are not recourse obligations; (3) Retained subordinated interests that absorb more than their pro rata share of losses from the underlying assets; (4) Assets sold under an agreement to repurchase, if the assets are not already included on the balance sheet; (5) Loan strips sold without contractual recourse where the maturity of the transferred portion of the loan is shorter than the maturity of the commitment under which the loan is drawn; (6) Credit derivatives that absorb more than the savings association’s pro rata share of losses from the transferred assets; (7) Clean-up calls on assets the savings association has sold. However, clean-up calls that are 10 percent or less of the original pool balance and that are PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49075 exercisable at the option of the savings association are not recourse arrangements; and (8) Liquidity facilities that provide support to asset-backed commercial paper (other than eligible ABCP liquidity facilities). Replacement cost. The term replacement cost means, with respect to interest rate and exchange-rate contracts, the loss that would be incurred in the event of a counterparty default, as measured by the net cost of replacing the contract at the current market value. If default would result in a theoretical profit, the replacement value is considered to be zero. This mark-to-market process must incorporate changes in both interest rates and counterparty credit quality. Residential properties. The term residential properties means houses, condominiums, cooperative units, and manufactured homes. This definition does not include boats or motor homes, even if used as a primary residence, or timeshare properties. Residual characteristics. The term residual characteristics means interests similar to a multi-class pay-through obligation representing the excess cash flow generated from mortgage collateral over the amount required for the issue’s debt service and ongoing administrative expenses or interests presenting similar degrees of interest-rate/prepayment risk and principal loss risks. Residual interest. (1) The term residual interest means any on-balance sheet asset that: (i) Represents an interest (including a beneficial interest) created by a transfer that qualifies as a sale (in accordance with GAAP) of financial assets, whether through a securitization or otherwise; and (ii) Exposes a Federal savings association to credit risk directly or indirectly associated with the transferred asset that exceeds a pro rata share of that savings association’s claim on the asset, whether through subordination provisions or other credit enhancement techniques. (2) Residual interests generally include credit-enhancing interest-only strips, spread accounts, cash collateral accounts, retained subordinated interests (and other forms of overcollateralization), and similar assets that function as a credit enhancement. (3) Residual interests further include those exposures that, in substance, cause the savings association to retain the credit risk of an asset or exposure that had qualified as a residual interest before it was sold. (4) Residual interests generally do not include assets purchased from a third E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49076 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations party. However, a credit-enhancing interest-only strip that is acquired in any asset transfer is a residual interest. Risk participation. The term risk participation means a participation in which the originating party remains liable to the beneficiary for the full amount of an obligation (e.g., a direct credit substitute), notwithstanding that another party has acquired a participation in that obligation. Risk-weighted assets. The term riskweighted assets means the sum total of risk-weighted on-balance sheet assets and the total of risk-weighted offbalance sheet credit equivalent amounts. These assets are calculated in accordance with § 167.6 of this part. Securitization. The term securitization means the pooling and repackaging by a special purpose entity of assets or other credit exposures that can be sold to investors. Securitization includes transactions that create stratified credit risk positions whose performance is dependent upon an underlying pool of credit exposures, including loans and commitments. Servicer cash advance. The term servicer cash advance means funds that a residential mortgage servicer advances to ensure an uninterrupted flow of payments, including advances made to cover foreclosure costs or other expenses to facilitate the timely collection of the loan. A servicer cash advance is not a recourse obligation or a direct credit substitute if: (1) The servicer is entitled to full reimbursement and this right is not subordinated to other claims on the cash flows from the underlying asset pool; or (2) For any one loan, the servicer’s obligation to make nonreimbursable advances is contractually limited to an insignificant amount of the outstanding principal amount on that loan. State. The term state means any one of the several states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the United States. Structured financing program. The term structured financing program means a program where receivable interests and asset-or mortgage-backed securities issued by multiple participants are purchased by a special purpose entity that repackages those exposures into securities that can be sold to investors. Structured financing programs allocate credit risk, generally, between the participants and credit enhancement provided to the program. Subsidiary. The term subsidiary means any corporation, partnership, business trust, joint venture, association or similar organization in which a Federal savings association directly or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 indirectly holds an ownership interest and the assets of which are consolidated with those of the Federal savings association for purposes of reporting under GAAP. Generally, these are majority-owned subsidiaries.1 This definition does not include ownership interests that were taken in satisfaction of debts previously contracted, provided that the reporting association has not held the interest for more than five years or a longer period approved by the OCC. Tier 1 capital. The term Tier 1 capital means core capital as computed in accordance with § 167.5(a) of this part. Tier 2 capital. The term Tier 2 capital means supplementary capital as computed in accordance with § 167.5 of this part. Total assets. The term total assets means total assets as would be required to be reported for consolidated entities on period-end reports filed with the OCC in accordance with GAAP. Traded position. The term traded position means a position retained, assumed, or issued in connection with a securitization that is rated by a NRSRO, where there is a reasonable expectation that, in the near future, the rating will be relied upon by: (1) Unaffiliated investors to purchase the security; or (2) An unaffiliated third party to enter into a transaction involving the position, such as a purchase, loan, or repurchase agreement. Unconditionally cancelable. The term unconditionally cancelable means, with respect to a commitment-type lending arrangement, that the Federal savings association may, at any time, with or without cause, refuse to advance funds or extend credit under the facility. In the case of home equity lines of credit, the savings association is deemed able to unconditionally cancel the commitment if it can, at its option, prohibit additional extensions of credit, reduce the line, and terminate the commitment to the full extent permitted by relevant Federal law. United States Government or its agencies. The term United States Government or its agencies means an instrumentality of the U.S. Government whose debt obligations are fully and explicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. 1 The OCC reserves the right to review a Federal savings association’s investment in a subsidiary on a case-by-case basis. If the OCC determines that such investment is more appropriately treated as an equity security or an ownership interest in a subsidiary, it will make such determination regardless of the percentage of ownership held by the savings association. PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 United States Government-sponsored agency or corporation. The term United States Government-sponsored agency or corporation means an agency or corporation originally established or chartered to serve public purposes specified by the United States Congress but whose obligations are not explicitly guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. § 167.2 Minimum regulatory capital requirement. (a) To meet its regulatory capital requirement a Federal savings association must satisfy each of the following capital standards: (1) Risk-based capital requirement. (i) A Federal savings association’s minimum risk-based capital requirement shall be an amount equal to 8% of its risk-weighted assets as measured under § 167.6 of this part. (ii) A Federal savings association may not use supplementary capital to satisfy this requirement in an amount greater than 100% of its core capital as defined in § 167.5 of this part. (2) Leverage ratio requirement. (i) A Federal savings association’s minimum leverage ratio requirement shall be the amount set forth in § 167.8 of this part. (ii) A Federal savings association must satisfy this requirement with core capital as defined in § 167.5(a) of this part. (3) Tangible capital requirement. (i) A Federal savings association’s minimum tangible capital requirement shall be the amount set forth in § 167.9 of this part. (ii) A Federal savings association must satisfy this requirement with tangible capital as defined in § 167.9 of this part in an amount not less than 1.5% of its adjusted total assets. (b) [Reserved] (c) Federal savings associations are expected to maintain compliance with all of these standards at all times. § 167.3 Individual minimum capital requirements. (a) Purpose and scope. The rules and procedures specified in this section apply to the establishment of an individual minimum capital requirement for a Federal savings association that varies from the riskbased capital requirement, the leverage ratio requirement or the tangible capital requirement that would otherwise apply to the savings association under this part. (b) Appropriate considerations for establishing individual minimum capital requirements. Minimum capital levels higher than the risk-based capital requirement, the leverage ratio requirement or the tangible capital E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations requirement required under this part may be appropriate for individual savings associations. Increased individual minimum capital requirements may be established upon a determination that the savings association’s capital is or may become inadequate in view of its circumstances. For example, higher capital levels may be appropriate for: (1) A Federal savings association receiving special supervisory attention; (2) A Federal savings association that has or is expected to have losses resulting in capital inadequacy; (3) A Federal savings association that has a high degree of exposure to interest rate risk, prepayment risk, credit risk, concentration of credit risk, certain risks arising from nontraditional activities, or similar risks; or a high proportion of offbalance sheet risk, especially standby letters of credit; (4) A Federal savings association that has poor liquidity or cash flow; (5) A Federal savings association growing, either internally or through acquisitions, at such a rate that supervisory problems are presented that are not dealt with adequately by other OCC regulations or other guidance; (6) A Federal savings association that may be adversely affected by the activities or condition of its holding company, affiliate(s), subsidiaries, or other persons or savings associations with which it has significant business relationships, including concentrations of credit; (7) A Federal savings association with a portfolio reflecting weak credit quality or a significant likelihood of financial loss, or that has loans in nonperforming status or on which borrowers fail to comply with repayment terms; (8) A Federal savings association that has inadequate underwriting policies, standards, or procedures for its loans and investments; or (9) A Federal savings association that has a record of operational losses that exceeds the average of other, similarly situated savings associations; has management deficiencies, including failure to adequately monitor and control financial and operating risks, particularly the risks presented by concentrations of credit and nontraditional activities; or has a poor record of supervisory compliance. (c) Standards for determination of appropriate individual minimum capital requirements. The appropriate minimum capital level for an individual Federal savings association cannot be determined solely through the application of a rigid mathematical formula or wholly objective criteria. The decision is necessarily based, in part, on VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 subjective judgment grounded in agency expertise. The factors to be considered in the determination will vary in each case and may include, for example: (1) The conditions or circumstances leading to the determination that a higher minimum capital requirement is appropriate or necessary for the savings association; (2) The exigency of those circumstances or potential problems; (3) The overall condition, management strength, and future prospects of the savings association and, if applicable, its holding company, subsidiaries, and affiliates; (4) The savings association’s liquidity, capital and other indicators of financial stability, particularly as compared with those of similarly situated savings associations; and (5) The policies and practices of the savings association’s directors, officers, and senior management as well as the internal control and internal audit systems for implementation of such adopted policies and practices. (d) Procedures—(1) Notification. When the OCC determines that a minimum capital requirement is necessary or appropriate for a particular Federal savings association, it shall notify the savings association in writing of its proposed individual minimum capital requirement; the schedule for compliance with the new requirement; and the specific causes for determining that the higher individual minimum capital requirement is necessary or appropriate for the savings association. (2) Response. (i) The response shall include any information that the Federal savings association wants the OCC to consider in deciding whether to establish or to amend an individual minimum capital requirement for the savings association, what the individual capital requirement should be, and, if applicable, what compliance schedule is appropriate for achieving the required capital level. The response of the savings association must be in writing and must be delivered to the OCC within 30 days after the date on which the notification was received. The OCC may extend the time period for good cause. The time period for response by the insured savings association may be shortened for good cause: (A) When, in the opinion of the OCC, the condition of the savings association so requires, and the OCC informs the savings association of the shortened response period in the notice; (B) With the consent of the savings association; or (C) When the savings association already has advised the OCC that it PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49077 cannot or will not achieve its applicable minimum capital requirement. (ii) Failure to respond within 30 days, or such other time period as may be specified by the OCC, may constitute a waiver of any objections to the proposed individual minimum capital requirement or to the schedule for complying with it, unless the OCC has provided an extension of the response period for good cause. (3) Decision. After expiration of the response period, the OCC shall decide whether or not the OCC believes the proposed individual minimum capital requirement should be established for the Federal savings association, or whether that proposed requirement should be adopted in modified form, based on a review of the savings association’s response and other relevant information. The OCC’s decision shall address comments received within the response period from the savings association and shall state the level of capital required, the schedule for compliance with this requirement, and any specific remedial action the savings association could take to eliminate the need for continued applicability of the individual minimum capital requirement. The OCC shall provide the savings association with a written decision on the individual minimum capital requirement, addressing the substantive comments made by the savings association and setting forth the decision and the basis for that decision. Upon receipt of this decision by the savings association, the individual minimum capital requirement becomes effective and binding upon the savings association. This decision represents final agency action. (4) Failure to comply. Failure to satisfy an individual minimum capital requirement, or to meet any required incremental additions to capital under a schedule for compliance with such an individual minimum capital requirement, shall constitute a legal basis for issuing a capital directive pursuant to § 167.4 of this part. (5) Change in circumstances. If, after a decision is made under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, there is a change in the circumstances affecting the savings association’s capital adequacy or its ability to reach its required minimum capital level by the specified date, the OCC may amend the individual minimum capital requirement or the savings association’s schedule for such compliance. The OCC may decline to consider a savings association’s request for such changes that are not based on a significant change in circumstances or that are E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49078 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations repetitive or frivolous. Pending the OCC’s reexamination of the original decision, that original decision and any compliance schedule established thereunder shall continue in full force and effect. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 167.4 Capital directives. (a) Issuance of a Capital Directive—(1) Purpose. (i) In addition to any other action authorized by law, the OCC may issue a capital directive to a Federal savings association that does not have an amount of capital satisfying its minimum capital requirement. Issuance of such a capital directive may be based on a Federal savings association’s noncompliance with the risk-based capital requirement, the leverage ratio requirement, the tangible capital requirement, or individual minimum capital requirement established under this part, by a written agreement under 12 U.S.C. 1464(s), or as a condition for approval of an application. A capital directive may order a Federal savings association to: (A) Achieve its minimum capital requirement by a specified date; (B) Adhere to the compliance schedule for achieving its individual minimum capital requirement; (C) Submit and adhere to a capital plan acceptable to the OCC describing the means and a time schedule by which the savings association shall reach its required capital level; (D) Take other action, including but not limited to, reducing the savings association’s assets or its rate of liability growth, or imposing restrictions on the savings association’s payment of dividends, in order to cause the savings association to reach its required capital level; (E) Take any action authorized under § 167.10(e); or (F) Take a combination of any of these actions. (ii) A capital directive issued under this section, including a plan submitted pursuant to a capital directive, is enforceable under 12 U.S.C. 1818 in the same manner and to the same extent as an effective and outstanding cease and desist order which has become final under 12 U.S.C. 1818. (2) Notice of intent to issue capital directive. The OCC will determine whether to initiate the process of issuing a capital directive. The OCC will notify a Federal savings association in writing by registered mail of its intention to issue a capital directive. The notice will state: (i) The reasons for issuance of the capital directive and (ii) The proposed contents of the capital directive. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (3) Response to notice of intent. (i) A Federal savings association may respond to the notice of intent by submitting its own compliance plan, or may propose an alternative plan. The response should also include any information that the savings association wishes the OCC to consider in deciding whether to issue a capital directive. The response must be in writing and be delivered within 30 days after the receipt of the notices. Such response must be filed in accordance with §§ 116.30 and 116.40 of this chapter. In its discretion, the OCC may extend the time period for the response for good cause. The OCC may, for good cause, shorten the 30-day time period for response by the insured savings association: (A) When, in the opinion of the OCC, the condition of the savings association so requires, and the OCC informs the savings association of the shortened response period in the notice; (B) With the consent of the savings association; or (C) When the savings association already has advised the OCC that it cannot or will not achieve its applicable minimum capital requirement. (ii) Failure to respond within 30 days of receipt, or such other time period as may be specified by the OCC, may constitute a waiver of any objections to the capital directive unless the OCC grants an extension of the time period for good cause. (4) Decision. After the closing date of the Federal savings association’s response period, or upon receipt of the savings association’s response, if earlier, the OCC shall consider the savings association’s response and may seek additional information or clarification of the response. Thereafter, the OCC will determine whether or not to issue a capital directive and, if one is to be issued, whether it should be as originally proposed or in modified form. (5) Service and effectiveness. (i) Upon issuance, a capital directive will be served upon the Federal savings association. It will include or be accompanied by a statement of reasons for its issuance and shall address the responses received during the response period. (ii) A capital directive shall become effective upon the expiration of 30 days after service upon the savings association, unless the OCC determines that a shorter effective period is necessary either on account of the public interest or in order to achieve the capital directive’s purpose. If the savings association has consented to issuance of the capital directive, it may become effective immediately. A capital PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 directive shall remain in effect and enforceable unless, and then only to the extent that, it is stayed, modified, or terminated by the OCC. (6) Change in circumstances. Upon a change in circumstances, a Federal savings association may submit a request to the OCC to reconsider the terms of the capital directive or consider changes in the savings association’s capital plan issued under a directive for the savings association to achieve its minimum capital requirement. If the OCC believes such a change is warranted, the OCC may modify the savings association’s capital requirement or may refuse to make such modification if it determines that there are not significant changes in circumstances. Pending a decision on reconsideration, the capital directive and capital plan shall continue in full force and effect. (b) Relation to other administrative actions. The OCC — (1) May consider a Federal savings association’s progress in adhering to any capital plan required under this section whenever such savings association or any affiliate of such savings association (including any company which controls such savings association) seeks approval for any proposal that would have the effect of diverting earnings, diminishing capital, or otherwise impeding such savings association’s progress in meeting its minimum capital requirement; and (2) May disapprove any proposal referred to in paragraph (b)(1) of this section if the OCC determines that the proposal would adversely affect the ability of the savings association on a current or pro forma basis to satisfy its capital requirement. § 167.5 Components of capital. (a) Core Capital. (1) The following elements,2 less the amount of any deductions pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section, comprise a Federal savings association’s core capital: (i) Common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings); (ii) Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus; 3 2 Stock issues where the dividend is reset periodically based on current market conditions and the savings association’s current credit rating, including but not limited to, auction rate, money market or remarketable preferred stock, are assigned to supplementary capital, regardless of cumulative or noncumulative characteristics. 3 Stock issued by subsidiaries that may not be counted by the parent savings association on the Call Report or TFR, as appropriate, likewise shall not be considered in calculating capital. For example, preferred stock issued by a Federal savings association or a subsidiary that is, in effect, collateralized by assets of the savings association or E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (iii) Minority interests in the equity accounts of the subsidiaries that are fully consolidated. (iv) Nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits of mutual savings associations (excluding any treasury shares held by the savings association) meeting the criteria of regulations and memoranda of the OCC to the extent that such accounts or deposits have no fixed maturity date, cannot be withdrawn at the option of the accountholder, and do not earn interest that carries over to subsequent periods; (v) [Reserved] (2) Deductions from core capital. (i) Intangible assets, as defined in § 167.1 of this part, are deducted from assets and capital in computing core capital, except as otherwise provided by § 167.12 of this part. (ii) Servicing assets that are not includable in core capital pursuant to § 167.12 of this part are deducted from assets and capital in computing core capital. (iii) Credit-enhancing interest-only strips that are not includable in core capital under § 167.12 of this part are deducted from assets and capital in computing core capital. (iv) Investments, both equity and debt, in subsidiaries that are not includable subsidiaries (including those subsidiaries where the savings association has a minority ownership interest) are deducted from assets and, thus core capital except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2)(v) and (a)(2)(vi) of this section. (v) If a Federal savings association has any investments (both debt and equity) in one or more subsidiaries engaged in any activity that would not fall within the scope of activities in which includable subsidiaries may engage, it must deduct such investments from assets and, thus, core capital in accordance with this paragraph (a)(2)(v). The savings association must first deduct from assets and, thus, core capital the amount by which any investments in such subsidiary(ies) exceed the amount of such investments held by the savings association as of April 12, 1989. Next the savings association must deduct from assets and, thus, core capital, the savings association’s investments in and extensions of credit to the subsidiary on the date as of which the savings association’s capital is being determined. (vi) If a Federal savings association holds a subsidiary (either directly or one of its subsidiaries shall not be included in capital. Similarly, common stock with mandatorily redeemable provisions is not includable in core capital. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 through a subsidiary) that is itself a domestic depository institution, the OCC may, in its sole discretion upon determining that the amount of core capital that would be required would be higher if the assets and liabilities of such subsidiary were consolidated with those of the parent savings association than the amount that would be required if the parent savings association’s investment were deducted pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2)(iv) and (a)(2)(v) of this section, consolidate the assets and liabilities of that subsidiary with those of the parent savings association in calculating the capital adequacy of the parent savings association, regardless of whether the subsidiary would otherwise be an includable subsidiary as defined in § 167.1 of this part. (vii) Deferred tax assets that are not includable in core capital pursuant to § 167.12 of this part are deducted from assets and capital in computing core capital. (b) Supplementary Capital. Supplementary capital counts towards a Federal savings association’s total capital up to a maximum of 100% of the savings association’s core capital. The following elements comprise a Federal savings association’s supplementary capital: (1) Permanent Capital Instruments. (i) Cumulative perpetual preferred stock and other perpetual preferred stock 4 issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC; (ii) Mutual capital certificates issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC; (iii) Nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits (excluding any treasury shares held by the savings association) meeting the criteria of 12 CFR 161.42 to the extent that such instruments are not included in core capital under paragraph (a) of this section; (iv) Perpetual subordinated debt issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC; and (v) Mandatory convertible subordinated debt (capital notes) issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC. (2) Maturing Capital Instruments. (i) Subordinated debt issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC; (ii) Intermediate-term preferred stock issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC and any related surplus: (iii) Mandatory convertible subordinated debt (commitment notes) 4 Other public disclosure requirements continue to apply—for example, Federal securities law and regulatory reporting requirements. PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49079 issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the OCC; and (iv) Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock that was issued before July 23, 1985 or issued pursuant to regulations and memoranda of the Office of Thrift Supervision and approved in writing by the FSLIC for inclusion as regulatory capital before or after issuance. (3) Transition rules for maturing capital instruments—(i) [Reserved] (ii) A Federal savings association issuing maturing capital instruments after November 7, 1989, may choose, subject to paragraph (b)(3)(ii)(C) of this section, to include such instruments pursuant to either paragraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) or (b)(3)(ii)(B) of this section. (A) At the beginning of each of the last five years of the life of the maturing capital instrument, the amount that is eligible to be included as supplementary capital is reduced by 20% of the original amount of that instrument (net of redemptions).5 (B) Only the aggregate amount of maturing capital instruments that mature in any one year during the seven years immediately prior to an instrument’s maturity that does not exceed 20% of an institution’s capital will qualify as supplementary capital. (C) Once a Federal savings association selects either paragraph (b)(3)(ii)(A) or (b)(3)(ii)(B) of this section for the issuance of a maturing capital instrument, it must continue to elect that option for all subsequent issuances of maturing capital instruments for as long as there is a balance outstanding of such issuances. Only when such issuances have all been repaid and the savings association has no balance of such issuances outstanding may the savings association elect the other option. (4) Allowance for loan and lease losses. Allowance for loan and lease losses established under regulations and memoranda of the OCC to a maximum of 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets.6 (5) Unrealized gains on equity securities. Up to 45 percent of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily 5 Capital instruments may be redeemed prior to maturity and without the prior approval of the OCC, as long as the instruments are redeemed with the proceeds of, or replaced by, a like amount of a similar or higher quality capital instrument. However, the OCC must be notified in writing at least 30 days in advance of such redemption. 6 See Security Guidelines, II.B. and III.D. Further, the Agencies note that, in addition to contractual obligations to a financial institution, a service provider may be required to implement its own comprehensive information security program in accordance with the Safeguards Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (‘‘FTC’’), 16 CFR part 314. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49080 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations determinable fair values may be included in supplementary capital. Unrealized gains are unrealized holding gains, net of unrealized holding losses, before income taxes, calculated as the amount, if any, by which fair value exceeds historical cost. The OCC may disallow such inclusion in the calculation of supplementary capital if the OCC determines that the equity securities are not prudently valued. (c) Total capital. (1) A Federal savings association’s total capital equals the sum of its core capital and supplementary capital (to the extent that such supplementary capital does not exceed 100% of its core capital). (2) The following assets, in addition to assets required to be deducted elsewhere in calculating core capital, are deducted from assets for purposes of determining total capital: (i) Reciprocal holdings of depository institution capital instruments; and (ii) All equity investments. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 167.6 Risk-based capital credit riskweight categories. (a) Risk-weighted assets. Riskweighted assets equal risk-weighted onbalance sheet assets (computed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section), plus risk-weighted off-balance sheet activities (computed under paragraph (a)(2) of this section), plus risk-weighted recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, and certain other positions (computed under paragraph (b) of this section). Assets not included (i.e., deducted from capital) for purposes of calculating capital under § 167.5 are not included in calculating risk-weighted assets. (1) On-balance sheet assets. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, risk-weighted on-balance sheet assets are computed by multiplying the on-balance sheet asset amounts times the appropriate risk-weight categories. The risk-weight categories are: (i) Zero percent Risk Weight (Category 1). (A) Cash, including domestic and foreign currency owned and held in all offices of a Federal savings association or in transit. Any foreign currency held by a Federal savings association must be converted into U.S. dollar equivalents; (B) Securities issued by and other direct claims on the U.S. Government or its agencies (to the extent such securities or claims are unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) or the central government of an OECD country; (C) Notes and obligations issued by either the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government; (D) Deposit reserves at, claims on, and balances due from Federal Reserve Banks; (E) The book value of paid-in Federal Reserve Bank stock; (F) That portion of assets that is fully covered against capital loss and/or yield maintenance agreements by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or any successor agency. (G) That portion of assets directly and unconditionally guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies, or the central government of an OECD country. (H) Claims on, and claims guaranteed by, a qualifying securities firm that are collateralized by cash on deposit in the savings association or by securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies, or the central government of an OECD country. To be eligible for this risk weight, the savings association must maintain a positive margin of collateral on the claim on a daily basis, taking into account any change in a savings association’s exposure to the obligor or counterparty under the claim in relation to the market value of the collateral held in support of the claim. (ii) 20 percent Risk Weight (Category 2). (A) Cash items in the process of collection; (B) That portion of assets collateralized by the current market value of securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, or the central government of an OECD country; (C) That portion of assets conditionally guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies, or the central government of an OECD country; (D) Securities (not including equity securities) issued by and other claims on the U.S. Government or its agencies which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government; (E) Securities (not including equity securities) issued by, or other direct claims on, United States Governmentsponsored agencies; (F) That portion of assets guaranteed by United States Government-sponsored agencies; (G) That portion of assets collateralized by the current market value of securities issued or guaranteed by United States Government-sponsored agencies; (H) Claims on, and claims guaranteed by, a qualifying securities firm, subject to the following conditions: (1) A qualifying securities firm must have a long-term issuer credit rating, or PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 a rating on at least one issue of longterm unsecured debt, from a NRSRO. The rating must be in one of the three highest investment grade categories used by the NRSRO. If two or more NRSROs assign ratings to the qualifying securities firm, the savings association must use the lowest rating to determine whether the rating requirement of this paragraph is met. A qualifying securities firm may rely on the rating of its parent consolidated company, if the parent consolidated company guarantees the claim. (2) A collateralized claim on a qualifying securities firm does not have to comply with the rating requirements under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(H)(1) of this section if the claim arises under a contract that: (i) Is a reverse repurchase/repurchase agreement or securities lending/ borrowing transaction executed using standard industry documentation; (ii) Is collateralized by debt or equity securities that are liquid and readily marketable; (iii) Is marked-to-market daily; (iv) Is subject to a daily margin maintenance requirement under the standard industry documentation; and (v) Can be liquidated, terminated or accelerated immediately in bankruptcy or similar proceeding, and the security or collateral agreement will not be stayed or avoided under applicable law of the relevant jurisdiction. For example, a claim is exempt from the automatic stay in bankruptcy in the United States if it arises under a securities contract or a repurchase agreement subject to section 555 or 559 of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. 555 or 559), a qualified financial contract under section 11(e)(8) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1821(e)(8)), or a netting contract between or among financial institutions under sections 401–407 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (12 U.S.C. 4401–4407), or Regulation EE (12 CFR part 231). (3) If the securities firm uses the claim to satisfy its applicable capital requirements, the claim is not eligible for a risk weight under this paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(H); (I) Claims representing general obligations of any public-sector entity in an OECD country, and that portion of any claims guaranteed by any such public-sector entity; (J) [Reserved] (K) Balances due from and all claims on domestic depository institutions. This includes demand deposits and other transaction accounts, savings deposits and time certificates of deposit, E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Federal funds sold, loans to other depository institutions, including overdrafts and term Federal funds, holdings of the savings association’s own discounted acceptances for which the account party is a depository institution, holdings of bankers acceptances of other institutions and securities issued by depository institutions, except those that qualify as capital; (L) The book value of paid-in Federal Home Loan Bank stock; (M) Deposit reserves at, claims on and balances due from the Federal Home Loan Banks; (N) Assets collateralized by cash held in a segregated deposit account by the reporting savings association; (O) Claims on, or guaranteed by, official multilateral lending institutions or regional development institutions in which the United States Government is a shareholder or contributing member; 7 (P) That portion of assets collateralized by the current market value of securities issued by official multilateral lending institutions or regional development institutions in which the United States Government is a shareholder or contributing member. (Q) All claims on depository institutions incorporated in an OECD country, and all assets backed by the full faith and credit of depository institutions incorporated in an OECD country. This includes the credit equivalent amount of participations in commitments and standby letters of credit sold to other depository institutions incorporated in an OECD country, but only if the originating bank remains liable to the customer or beneficiary for the full amount of the commitment or standby letter of credit. Also included in this category are the credit equivalent amounts of risk participations in bankers’ acceptances conveyed to other depository institutions incorporated in an OECD country. However, bank-issued securities that qualify as capital of the issuing bank are not included in this risk category; (R) Claims on, or guaranteed by depository institutions other than the central bank, incorporated in a nonOECD country, with a remaining maturity of one year or less; (S) That portion of local currency claims conditionally guaranteed by central governments of non-OECD 7 These institutions include, but are not limited to, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Investments Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Bank for International Settlements. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 countries, to the extent the savings association has local currency liabilities in that country. (iii) 50 percent Risk Weight (Category 3). (A) Revenue bonds issued by any public-sector entity in an OECD country for which the underlying obligor is a public-sector entity, but which are repayable solely from the revenues generated from the project financed through the issuance of the obligations; (B) Qualifying mortgage loans and qualifying multifamily mortgage loans; (C) Privately-issued mortgage-backed securities (i.e., those that do not carry the guarantee of a government or government sponsored entity) representing an interest in qualifying mortgage loans or qualifying multifamily mortgage loans. If the security is backed by qualifying multifamily mortgage loans, the savings association must receive timely payments of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of the security. Payments will generally be considered timely if they are not 30 days past due; (D) Qualifying residential construction loans as defined in § 167.1 of this part. (iv) 100 percent Risk Weight (Category 4). All assets not specified above or deducted from calculations of capital pursuant to § 167.5 of this part, including, but not limited to: (A) Consumer loans; (B) Commercial loans; (C) Home equity loans; (D) Non-qualifying mortgage loans; (E) Non-qualifying multifamily mortgage loans; (F) Residential construction loans; (G) Land loans; (H) Nonresidential construction loans; (I) Obligations issued by any state or any political subdivision thereof for the benefit of a private party or enterprise where that party or enterprise, rather than the issuing state or political subdivision, is responsible for the timely payment of principal and interest on the obligations, e.g., industrial development bonds; (J) Debt securities not otherwise described in this section; (K) Investments in fixed assets and premises; (L) Certain nonsecurity financial instruments including servicing assets and intangible assets includable in core capital under § 167.12 of this part; (M) Interest-only strips receivable, other than credit-enhancing interestonly strips; (N)–(O) [Reserved] (P) That portion of equity investments not deducted pursuant to § 167.5 of this part; PO 00000 Frm 00133 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49081 (Q) The prorated assets of subsidiaries (except for the assets of includable, fully consolidated subsidiaries) to the extent such assets are included in adjusted total assets; (R) All repossessed assets or assets that are more than 90 days past due; and (S) Equity investments that the OCC determines have the same risk characteristics as foreclosed real estate by the savings association; (T) Equity investments permissible for a national bank. (v) [Reserved] (vi) Indirect ownership interests in pools of assets. Assets representing an indirect holding of a pool of assets, e.g., mutual funds, are assigned to riskweight categories under this section based upon the risk weight that would be assigned to the assets in the portfolio of the pool. An investment in shares of a mutual fund whose portfolio consists primarily of various securities or money market instruments that, if held separately, would be assigned to different risk-weight categories, generally is assigned to the risk-weight category appropriate to the highest riskweighted asset that the fund is permitted to hold in accordance with the investment objectives set forth in its prospectus. The savings association may, at its option, assign the investment on a pro rata basis to different riskweight categories according to the investment limits in its prospectus. In no case will an investment in shares in any such fund be assigned to a total risk weight less than 20 percent. If the savings association chooses to assign investments on a pro rata basis, and the sum of the investment limits of assets in the fund’s prospectus exceeds 100 percent, the savings association must assign the highest pro rata amounts of its total investment to the higher risk categories. If, in order to maintain a necessary degree of short-term liquidity, a fund is permitted to hold an insignificant amount of its assets in short-term, highly liquid securities of superior credit quality that do not qualify for a preferential risk weight, such securities will generally be disregarded in determining the riskweight category into which the savings association’s holding in the overall fund should be assigned. The prudent use of hedging instruments by a mutual fund to reduce the risk of its assets will not increase the risk weighting of the mutual fund investment. For example, the use of hedging instruments by a mutual fund to reduce the interest rate risk of its government bond portfolio will not increase the risk weight of that fund above the 20 percent category. Nonetheless, if the fund engages in any E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49082 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations activities that appear speculative in nature or has any other characteristics that are inconsistent with the preferential risk-weighting assigned to the fund’s assets, holdings in the fund will be assigned to the 100 percent riskweight category. (2) Off-balance sheet items. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, risk-weighted off-balance sheet items are determined by the following two-step process. First, the face amount of the off-balance sheet item must be multiplied by the appropriate credit conversion factor listed in this paragraph (a)(2). This calculation translates the face amount of an offbalance sheet exposure into an onbalance sheet credit-equivalent amount. Second, the credit-equivalent amount must be assigned to the appropriate riskweight category using the criteria regarding obligors, guarantors, and collateral listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, provided that the maximum risk weight assigned to the creditequivalent amount of an interest-rate or exchange-rate contract is 50 percent. The following are the credit conversion factors and the off-balance sheet items to which they apply. (i) 100 percent credit conversion factor (Group A). (A) [Reserved] (B) Risk participations purchased in bankers’ acceptances; (C) [Reserved] (D) Forward agreements and other contingent obligations with a certain draw down, e.g., legally binding agreements to purchase assets at a specified future date. On the date an institution enters into a forward agreement or similar obligation, it should convert the principal amount of the assets to be purchased at 100 percent as of that date and then assign this amount to the risk-weight category appropriate to the obligor or guarantor of the item, or the nature of the collateral; (E) Indemnification of customers whose securities the savings association has lent as agent. If the customer is not indemnified against loss by the savings association, the transaction is excluded from the risk-based capital calculation. When a savings association lends its own securities, the transaction is treated as a loan. When a savings association lends its own securities or is acting as agent, agrees to indemnify a customer, the transaction is assigned to the risk weight appropriate to the obligor or collateral that is delivered to the lending or indemnifying institution or to an independent custodian acting on their behalf. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (ii) 50 percent credit conversion factor (Group B). (A) Transaction-related contingencies, including, among other things, performance bonds and performance-based standby letters of credit related to a particular transaction; (B) Unused portions of commitments (including home equity lines of credit and eligible ABCP liquidity facilities) with an original maturity exceeding one year except those listed in paragraph (a)(2)(v) of this section. For eligible ABCP liquidity facilities, the resulting credit equivalent amount is assigned to the risk category appropriate to the assets to be funded by the liquidity facility based on the assets or the obligor, after considering any collateral or guarantees, or external credit ratings under paragraph (b)(3) of this section, if applicable; and (C) Revolving underwriting facilities, note issuance facilities, and similar arrangements pursuant to which the savings association’s customer can issue short-term debt obligations in its own name, but for which the savings association has a legally binding commitment to either: (1) Purchase the obligations the customer is unable to sell by a stated date; or (2) Advance funds to its customer, if the obligations cannot be sold. (iii) 20 percent credit conversion factor (Group C). Trade-related contingencies, i.e., short-term, selfliquidating instruments used to finance the movement of goods and collateralized by the underlying shipment. A commercial letter of credit is an example of such an instrument. (iv) 10 percent credit conversion factor (Group D). Unused portions of eligible ABCP liquidity facilities with an original maturity of one year or less. The resulting credit equivalent amount is assigned to the risk category appropriate to the assets to be funded by the liquidity facility based on the assets or the obligor, after considering any collateral or guarantees, or external credit ratings under paragraph (b)(3) of this section, if applicable; (v) Zero percent credit conversion factor (Group E). (A) Unused portions of commitments with an original maturity of one year or less, except for eligible ABCP liquidity facilities; (B) Unused commitments with an original maturity greater than one year, if they are unconditionally cancelable at any time at the option of the savings association and the savings association has the contractual right to make, and in fact does make, either: (1) A separate credit decision based upon the borrower’s current financial PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 condition before each drawing under the lending facility; or (2) An annual (or more frequent) credit review based upon the borrower’s current financial condition to determine whether or not the lending facility should be continued; and (C) The unused portion of retail credit card lines or other related plans that are unconditionally cancelable by the savings association in accordance with applicable law. (vi) Off-balance sheet contracts; interest-rate and foreign exchange rate contracts (Group F)—(A) Calculation of credit equivalent amounts. The credit equivalent amount of an off-balance sheet interest rate or foreign exchange rate contract that is not subject to a qualifying bilateral netting contract in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(vi)(B) of this section is equal to the sum of the current credit exposure, i.e., the replacement cost of the contract, and the potential future credit exposure of the off-balance sheet rate contract. The calculation of credit equivalent amounts is measured in U.S. dollars, regardless of the currency or currencies specified in the off-balance sheet rate contract. (1) Current credit exposure. The current credit exposure of an off-balance sheet rate contract is determined by the mark-to-market value of the contract. If the mark-to-market value is positive, then the current credit exposure equals that mark-to-market value. If the markto-market value is zero or negative, then the current exposure is zero. In determining its current credit exposure for multiple off-balance sheet rate contracts executed with a single counterparty, a Federal savings association may net positive and negative mark-to-market values of offbalance sheet rate contracts if subject to a bilateral netting contract as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(vi)(B) of this section. (2) Potential future credit exposure. The potential future credit exposure of an off-balance sheet rate contract, including a contract with a negative mark-to-market value, is estimated by multiplying the notional principal 8 by a credit conversion factor. Federal savings associations, subject to examiner review, should use the effective rather than the apparent or stated notional amount in this calculation. The conversion factors are: 9 8 For purposes of calculating potential future credit exposure for foreign exchange contracts and other similar contracts, in which notional principal is equivalent to cash flows, total notional principal is defined as the net receipts to each party falling due on each value date in each currency. 9 No potential future credit exposure is calculated for single currency interest rate swaps in which payments are made based upon two floating rate E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Interest rate contracts (percents) Remaining maturity sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES One year or less .............................................................................................................................................. Over one year .................................................................................................................................................. 0.0 0.5 49083 Foreign exchange rate contracts (percents) 1.0 5.0 (B) Off-balance sheet rate contracts subject to bilateral netting contracts. In determining its current credit exposure for multiple off-balance sheet rate contracts executed with a single counterparty, a Federal savings association may net off-balance sheet rate contracts subject to a bilateral netting contract by offsetting positive and negative mark-to-market values, provided that: (1) The bilateral netting contract is in writing; (2) The bilateral netting contract creates a single legal obligation for all individual off-balance sheet rate contracts covered by the bilateral netting contract. In effect, the bilateral netting contract provides that the savings association has a single claim or obligation either to receive or pay only the net amount of the sum of the positive and negative mark-to-market values on the individual off-balance sheet rate contracts covered by the bilateral netting contract. The single legal obligation for the net amount is operative in the event that a counterparty, or a counterparty to whom the bilateral netting contract has been validly assigned, fails to perform due to any of the following events: default, insolvency, bankruptcy, or other similar circumstances; (3) The Federal savings association obtains a written and reasoned legal opinion(s) representing, with a high degree of certainty, that in the event of a legal challenge, including one resulting from default, insolvency, bankruptcy or similar circumstances, the relevant court and administrative authorities would find the savings association’s exposure to be the net amount under: (i) The law of the jurisdiction in which the counterparty is chartered or the equivalent location in the case of noncorporate entities, and if a branch of the counterparty is involved, then also under the law of the jurisdiction in which the branch is located; (ii) The law that governs the individual off-balance sheet rate contracts covered by the bilateral netting contract; and (iii) The law that governs the bilateral netting contract; (4) The savings association establishes and maintains procedures to monitor possible changes in relevant law and to ensure that the bilateral netting contract continues to satisfy the requirements of this section; and (5) The savings association maintains in its files documentation adequate to support the netting of an off-balance sheet rate contract.10 (C) Walkaway clause. A bilateral netting contract that contains a walkaway clause is not eligible for netting for purposes of calculating the current credit exposure amount. The term ‘‘walkaway clause’’ means a provision in a bilateral netting contract that permits a nondefaulting counterparty to make a lower payment than it would make otherwise under the bilateral netting contract, or no payment at all, to a defaulter or the estate of a defaulter, even if the defaulter or the estate of the defaulter is a net creditor under the bilateral netting contract. (D) Risk weighting. Once the savings association determines the credit equivalent amount for an off-balance sheet rate contract, that amount is assigned to the risk-weight category appropriate to the counterparty, or, if relevant, to the nature of any collateral or guarantee. Collateral held against a netting contract is not recognized for capital purposes unless it is legally available for all contracts included in the netting contract. However, the maximum risk weight for the credit equivalent amount of such off-balance sheet rate contracts is 50 percent. (E) Exceptions. The following offbalance sheet rate contracts are not subject to the above calculation, and therefore, are not part of the denominator of a Federal savings association’s risk-based capital ratio: (1) A foreign exchange rate contract with an original maturity of 14 calendar days or less; and (2) Any interest rate or foreign exchange rate contract that is traded on an exchange requiring the daily payment of any variations in the market value of the contract. (3) If a Federal savings association has multiple overlapping exposures (such as a program-wide credit enhancement and a liquidity facility) to an ABCP program that is not consolidated for risk-based capital purposes, the savings association is not required to hold duplicative riskbased capital under this part against the overlapping position. Instead, the savings association should apply to the overlapping position the applicable riskbased capital treatment that results in the highest capital charge. (b) Recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, and certain other positions—(1) In general. Except as otherwise permitted in this paragraph (b), to determine the risk-weighted asset amount for a recourse obligation or a direct credit substitute (but not a residual interest): (i) Multiply the full amount of the credit-enhanced assets for which the savings association directly or indirectly retains or assumes credit risk by a 100 percent conversion factor. (For a direct credit substitute that is an on-balance sheet asset (e.g., a purchased subordinated security), a Federal savings association must use the amount of the direct credit substitute and the full amount of the asset its supports, i.e., all the more senior positions in the structure); and (ii) Assign this credit equivalent amount to the risk-weight category appropriate to the obligor in the underlying transaction, after considering any associated guarantees or collateral. Paragraph (a)(1) of this section lists the risk-weight categories. (2) Residual interests. Except as otherwise permitted under this paragraph (b), a Federal savings association must maintain risk-based capital for residual interests as follows: (i) Credit-enhancing interest-only strips. After applying the concentration limit under § 167.12(e)(2) of this part, a indices, so-called floating/floating or basis swaps; the credit equivalent amount is measured solely on the basis of the current credit exposure. 10 By netting individual off-balance sheet rate contracts for the purpose of calculating its credit equivalent amount, a Federal savings association represents that documentation adequate to support the netting of an off-balance sheet rate contract is in the savings association’s files and available for inspection by the OCC. Upon determination by the OCC that a Federal savings association’s files are inadequate or that a bilateral netting contract may not be legally enforceable under any one of the bodies of law described in paragraphs (a)(2)(vi)(B)(3)(i) through (iii) of this section, the underlying individual off-balance sheet rate contracts may not be netted for the purposes of this section. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49084 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations saving association must maintain riskbased capital for a credit-enhancing interest-only strip equal to the remaining amount of the strip (net of any existing associated deferred tax liability), even if the amount of riskbased capital that must be maintained exceeds the full risk-based capital requirement for the assets transferred. Transactions that, in substance, result in the retention of credit risk associated with a transferred credit-enhancing interest-only strip are treated as if the strip was retained by the savings association and was not transferred. (ii) Other residual interests. A saving association must maintain risk-based capital for a residual interest (excluding a credit-enhancing interest-only strip) equal to the face amount of the residual interest (net of any existing associated deferred tax liability), even if the amount of risk-based capital that must be maintained exceeds the full riskbased capital requirement for the assets transferred. Transactions that, in substance, result in the retention of credit risk associated with a transferred residual interest are treated as if the residual interest was retained by the savings association and was not transferred. (iii) Residual interests and other recourse obligations. Where a Federal savings association holds a residual interest (including a credit-enhancing interest-only strip) and another recourse obligation in connection with the same transfer of assets, the savings association must maintain risk-based capital equal to the greater of: (A) The risk-based capital requirement for the residual interest as calculated under paragraph (b)(2)(i) through (ii) of this section; or (B) The full risk-based capital requirement for the assets transferred, subject to the low-level recourse rules under paragraph (b)(7) of this section. (3) Ratings-based approach—(i) Calculation. A Federal savings association may calculate the riskweighted asset amount for an eligible position described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section by multiplying the face amount of the position by the appropriate risk weight determined in accordance with Table A or B of this section. Note: Stripped mortgage-backed securities or other similar instruments, such as interestonly and principal-only strips, that are not credit enhancing must be assigned to the 100% risk-weight category. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 TABLE A Long term rating category Highest or second highest investment grade ................. Third highest investment grade ................................. Lowest investment grade ..... One category below investment grade ........................ Risk weight (In percent) 20 50 100 200 TABLE B Short term rating category Highest investment grade ..... Second highest investment grade ................................. Lowest investment grade ..... Risk weight (In percent) 20 50 100 (ii) Eligibility—(A) Traded positions. A position is eligible for the treatment described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, if: (1) The position is a recourse obligation, direct credit substitute, residual interest, or asset- or mortgagebacked security and is not a creditenhancing interest-only strip; (2) The position is a traded position; and (3) The NRSRO has rated a long term position as one grade below investment grade or better or a short term position as investment grade. If two or more NRSROs assign ratings to a traded position, the savings association must use the lowest rating to determine the appropriate risk-weight category under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section. (B) Non-traded positions. A position that is not traded is eligible for the treatment described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section if: (1) The position is a recourse obligation, direct credit substitute, residual interest, or asset- or mortgagebacked security extended in connection with a securitization and is not a creditenhancing interest-only strip; (2) More than one NRSRO rate the position; (3) All of the NRSROs that provide a rating rate a long term position as one grade below investment grade or better or a short term position as investment grade. If the NRSROs assign different ratings to the position, the savings association must use the lowest rating to determine the appropriate risk-weight category under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section; (4) The NRSROs base their ratings on the same criteria that they use to rate securities that are traded positions; and (5) The ratings are publicly available. (C) Unrated senior positions. If a recourse obligation, direct credit PO 00000 Frm 00136 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 substitute, residual interest, or asset- or mortgage-backed security is not rated by an NRSRO, but is senior or preferred in all features to a traded position (including collateralization and maturity), the savings association may risk-weight the face amount of the senior position under paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, based on the rating of the traded position, subject to supervisory guidance. The savings association must satisfy the OCC that this treatment is appropriate. This paragraph (b)(3)(i)(C) applies only if the traded position provides substantive credit support to the unrated position until the unrated position matures. (4) Certain positions that are not rated by NRSROs—(i) Calculation. A Federal savings association may calculate the risk-weighted asset amount for eligible position described in paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section based on the savings association’s determination of the credit rating of the position. To risk-weight the asset, the savings association must multiply the face amount of the position by the appropriate risk weight determined in accordance with Table C of this section. TABLE C Rating category Investment grade .................. One category below investment grade ........................ Risk weight (In percent) 100 200 (ii) Eligibility. A position extended in connection with a securitization is eligible for the treatment described in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section if it is not rated by an NRSRO, is not a residual interest, and meets the one of the three alternative standards described in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(A), (B), or (C) below of this section: (A) Position rated internally. A direct credit substitute, but not a purchased credit-enhancing interest-only strip, is eligible for the treatment described under paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section, if the position is assumed in connection with an asset-backed commercial paper program sponsored by the savings association. Before it may rely on an internal credit risk rating system, the saving association must demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the system is adequate. Adequate internal credit risk rating systems typically: (1) Are an integral part of the savings association’s risk management system that explicitly incorporates the full range of risks arising from the savings association’s participation in securitization activities; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) Link internal credit ratings to measurable outcomes, such as the probability that the position will experience any loss, the expected loss on the position in the event of default, and the degree of variance in losses in the event of default on that position; (3) Separately consider the risk associated with the underlying loans or borrowers, and the risk associated with the structure of the particular securitization transaction; (4) Identify gradations of risk among ‘‘pass’’ assets and other risk positions; (5) Use clear, explicit criteria to classify assets into each internal rating grade, including subjective factors; (6) Employ independent credit risk management or loan review personnel to assign or review the credit risk ratings; (7) Include an internal audit procedure to periodically verify that internal risk ratings are assigned in accordance with the savings association’s established criteria; (8) Monitor the performance of the assigned internal credit risk ratings over time to determine the appropriateness of the initial credit risk rating assignment, and adjust individual credit risk ratings or the overall internal credit risk rating system, as needed; and (9) Make credit risk rating assumptions that are consistent with, or more conservative than, the credit risk rating assumptions and methodologies of NRSROs. (B) Program ratings. (1) A recourse obligation or direct credit substitute, but not a residual interest, is eligible for the treatment described in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section, if the position is retained or assumed in connection with a structured finance program and an NRSRO has reviewed the terms of the program and stated a rating for positions associated with the program. If the program has options for different combinations of assets, standards, internal or external credit enhancements and other relevant factors, and the NRSRO specifies ranges of rating categories to them, the savings association may apply the rating category applicable to the option that corresponds to the savings association’s position. (2) To rely on a program rating, the savings association must demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the credit risk rating assigned to the program meets the same standards generally used by NRSROs for rating traded positions. The savings association must also demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the criteria underlying the assignments for the program are satisfied by the particular position. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (3) If a Federal savings association participates in a securitization sponsored by another party, the OCC may authorize the savings association to use this approach based on a program rating obtained by the sponsor of the program. (C) Computer program. A recourse obligation or direct credit substitute, but not a residual interest, is eligible for the treatment described in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of this section, if the position is extended in connection with a structured financing program and the savings association uses an acceptable credit assessment computer program to determine the rating of the position. An NRSRO must have developed the computer program and the savings association must demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the ratings under the program correspond credibly and reliably with the rating of traded positions. (5) Alternative capital computation for small business obligations— (i) Definitions. For the purposes of this paragraph (b)(5): (A) Qualified Federal savings association means a savings association that: (1) Is well capitalized as defined in § 165.4 of this chapter without applying the capital treatment described in this paragraph (b)(5); or (2) Is adequately capitalized as defined in § 165.4 of this chapter without applying the capital treatment described in this paragraph (b)(5) and has received written permission from the OCC to apply that capital treatment. (B) Small business means a business that meets the criteria for a small business concern established by the Small Business Administration in 13 CFR 121 pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 632. (ii) Capital requirement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (b), with respect to a transfer of a small business loan or lease of personal property with recourse that is a sale under GAAP, a qualified Federal savings association may elect to include only the amount of its recourse in its risk-weighted assets. To qualify for this election, the savings association must establish and maintain a reserve under GAAP sufficient to meet the reasonable estimated liability of the savings association under the recourse obligation. (iii) Aggregate amount of recourse. The total outstanding amount of recourse retained by a qualified Federal savings association with respect to transfers of small business loans and leases of personal property and included in the risk-weighted assets of the savings association as described in PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49085 paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section, may not exceed 15 percent of the association’s total capital computed under § 167.5(c). (iv) Federal savings association that ceases to be a qualified Federal savings association or that exceeds aggregate limits. If a Federal savings association ceases to be a qualified savings association or exceeds the aggregate limit described in paragraph (b)(5)(iii) of this section, the savings association may continue to apply the capital treatment described in paragraph (b)(5)(ii) of this section to transfers of small business loans and leases of personal property that occurred when the association was a qualified savings association and did not exceed the limit. (v) Prompt corrective action not affected. (A) A Federal savings association shall compute its capital without regard to this paragraph (b)(5) of this section for purposes of prompt corrective action (12 U.S.C. 1831o), unless the savings association is adequately or well capitalized without applying the capital treatment described in this paragraph (b)(5) and would be well capitalized after applying that capital treatment. (B) A Federal savings association shall compute its capital requirement without regard to this paragraph (b)(5) for the purposes of applying 12 U.S.C. 1831o(g), regardless of the association’s capital level. (6) Risk participations and syndications of direct credit substitutes. A Federal savings association must calculate the risk-weighted asset amount for a risk participation in, or syndication of, a direct credit substitute as follows: (i) If a Federal savings association conveys a risk participation in a direct credit substitute, the savings association must convert the full amount of the assets that are supported by the direct credit substitute to a credit equivalent amount using a 100 percent conversion factor. The savings association must assign the pro rata share of the credit equivalent amount that was conveyed through the risk participation to the lower of: The risk-weight category appropriate to the obligor in the underlying transaction, after considering any associated guarantees or collateral; or the risk-weight category appropriate to the party acquiring the participation. The savings association must assign the pro rata share of the credit equivalent amount that was not participated out to the risk-weight category appropriate to the obligor, after considering any associated guarantees or collateral. (ii) If a Federal savings association acquires a risk participation in a direct E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49086 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations credit substitute, the savings association must multiply its pro rata share of the direct credit substitute by the full amount of the assets that are supported by the direct credit substitute, and convert this amount to a credit equivalent amount using a 100 percent conversion factor. The savings association must assign the resulting credit equivalent amount to the riskweight category appropriate to the obligor in the underlying transaction, after considering any associated guarantees or collateral. (iii) If the Federal savings association holds a direct credit substitute in the form of a syndication where each savings association or other participant is obligated only for its pro rata share of the risk and there is no recourse to the originating party, the savings association must calculate the credit equivalent amount by multiplying only its pro rata share of the assets supported by the direct credit substitute by a 100 percent conversion factor. The savings association must assign the resulting credit equivalent amount to the riskweight category appropriate to the obligor in the underlying transaction after considering any associated guarantees or collateral. (7) Limitations on risk-based capital requirements—(i) Low-level exposure rule. If the maximum contractual exposure to loss retained or assumed by a Federal savings association is less than the effective risk-based capital requirement, as determined in accordance with this paragraph (b), for the assets supported by the savings association’s position, the risk-based capital requirement is limited to the savings association’s contractual exposure less any recourse liability account established in accordance with GAAP. This limitation does not apply when a Federal savings association provides credit enhancement beyond any contractual obligation to support assets it has sold. (ii) Mortgage-related securities or participation certificates retained in a mortgage loan swap. If a Federal savings association holds a mortgage-related security or a participation certificate as a result of a mortgage loan swap with recourse, it must hold risk-based capital to support the recourse obligation and that percentage of the mortgage-related security or participation certificate that is not covered by the recourse obligation. The total amount of riskbased capital required for the security (or certificate) and the recourse obligation is limited to the risk-based capital requirement for the underlying loans, calculated as if the savings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association continued to hold these loans as an on-balance sheet asset. (iii) Related on-balance sheet assets. If an asset is included in the calculation of the risk-based capital requirement under this paragraph (b) and also appears as an asset on the savings association’s balance sheet, the savings association must risk-weight the asset only under this paragraph (b), except in the case of loan servicing assets and similar arrangements with embedded recourse obligations or direct credit substitutes. In that case, the savings association must separately risk-weight the on-balance sheet servicing asset and the related recourse obligations and direct credit substitutes under this section, and incorporate these amounts into the risk-based capital calculation. (8) Obligations of subsidiaries. If a Federal savings association retains a recourse obligation or assumes a direct credit substitute on the obligation of a subsidiary that is not an includable subsidiary, and the recourse obligation or direct credit substitute is an equity or debt investment in that subsidiary under GAAP, the face amount of the recourse obligation or direct credit substitute is deducted for capital under §§ 167.5(a)(2) and 167.9(c). All other recourse obligations and direct credit substitutes retained or assumed by a Federal savings association on the obligations of an entity in which the savings association has an equity investment are risk-weighted in accordance with this paragraph (b). § 167.8 Leverage ratio. (a) The minimum leverage capital requirement for a Federal savings association assigned a composite rating of 1, as defined in § 116.3 of this chapter, shall consist of a ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets of 3 percent. These generally are strong associations that are not anticipating or experiencing significant growth and have well-diversified risks, including no undue interest rate risk exposure, excellent asset quality, high liquidity, and good earnings. (b) For all Federal savings associations not meeting the conditions set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the minimum leverage capital requirement shall consist of a ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets of 4 percent. Higher capital ratios may be required if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles of an individual Federal savings association. In all cases, Federal savings associations should hold capital commensurate with the level and nature of all risks, including the volume and severity of PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 problem loans, to which they are exposed. § 167.9 Tangible capital requirement. (a) Federal savings associations shall have and maintain tangible capital in an amount equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets. (b) The following elements, less the amount of any deductions pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, comprise a Federal savings association’s tangible capital: (1) Common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings); (2) Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related earnings; (3) Nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits that would qualify as core capital under § 167.5 of this part; and (4) Minority interests in the equity accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries. (c) Deductions from tangible capital. In calculating tangible capital, a Federal savings association must deduct from assets, and, thus, from capital: (1) Intangible assets (as defined in § 167.1) except for mortgage servicing assets to the extent they are includable in tangible capital under § 167.12, and credit enhancing interest-only strips and deferred tax assets not includable in tangible capital under § 167.12. (2) Investments, both equity and debt, in subsidiaries that are not includable subsidiaries (including those subsidiaries where the savings association has a minority ownership interest), except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) of this section. (3) If a Federal savings association has any investments (both debt and equity) in one or more subsidiary(ies) engaged in any activity that would not fall within the scope of activities in which includable subsidiaries may engage, it must deduct such investments from assets and, thus, tangible capital in accordance with this paragraph (c)(3). The savings association must first deduct from assets and, thus, capital the amount by which any investments in such a subsidiary(ies) exceed the amount of such investments held by the savings association. Next, the savings association must deduct from assets and, thus, tangible capital the savings association’s investments in and extensions of credit to the subsidiary on the date as of which the savings association’s capital is being determined. (4) If a savings association holds a subsidiary (either directly or through a subsidiary) that is itself a domestic depository institution the OCC may, in E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations its sole discretion upon determining that the amount of tangible capital that would be required would be higher if the assets and liabilities of such subsidiary were consolidated with those of the parent savings association than the amount that would be required if the parent savings association’s investment were deducted pursuant to paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this section, consolidate the assets and liabilities of that subsidiary with those of the parent savings association in calculating the capital adequacy of the parent savings association, regardless of whether the subsidiary would otherwise be an includable subsidiary as defined in § 167.1 of this part. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 167.10 Consequences of failure to meet capital requirements. (a) Capital plans. (1) [Reserved] (2) The OCC shall require any Federal savings association not in compliance with capital standards to submit a capital plan that: (i) Addresses the savings association’s need for increased capital; (ii) Describes the manner in which the savings association will increase capital so as to achieve compliance with capital standards; (iii) Specifies types and levels of activities in which the savings association will engage; (iv) Requires any increase in assets to be accompanied by increase in tangible capital not less in percentage amount than the leverage limit then applicable; (v) Requires any increase in assets to be accompanied by an increase in capital not less in percentage amount than required under the risk-based capital standard then applicable; and (vi) Is acceptable to the Comptroller. (3) To be acceptable to the Comptroller under this section, a plan must, in addition to satisfying all of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (a)(2)(v) of this section, contain a certification that while the plan is under review by the OCC, the savings association will not, without the prior written approval of the OCC: (i) Grow beyond net interest credited; (ii) Make any capital distributions; or (iii) Act inconsistently with any other limitations on activities established by statute, regulation or by the OCC in supervisory guidance for Federal savings associations not meeting capital standards. (4) If the plan submitted to the Comptroller under paragraph (a)(2) of this section is not approved by the Comptroller, the savings association shall immediately and without any further action, be subject to the following restrictions: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (i) It may not increase its assets beyond the amount held on the day it receives written notice of the Comptroller’s disapproval of the plan; and (ii) It must comply with any other restrictions or limitations set forth in the written notice of the Comptroller’s disapproval of the plan. (b) The Comptroller shall: (1) Prohibit any asset growth by any Federal savings association not in compliance with capital standards, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section; and (2) Require any Federal savings association not in compliance with capital standards to comply with a capital directive issued by the Comptroller which may include the restrictions contained in paragraph (e) of this section and any other restrictions the Comptroller determines appropriate. (c) A Federal savings association that wishes to obtain an exemption from the sanctions provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section must file a request for exemption with the OCC. Such request must include a capital plan that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (d) The Comptroller may permit any Federal savings association that is subject to paragraph (b) of this section to increase its assets in an amount not exceeding the amount of net interest credited to the savings association’s deposit liabilities, if: (1) The savings association obtains the Comptroller’s prior approval; (2) Any increase in assets is accompanied by an increase in tangible capital in an amount not less than 3% of the increase in assets; (3) Any increase in assets is accompanied by an increase in capital not less in percentage amount than required under the risk-based capital standards then applicable; (4) Any increase in assets is invested in low-risk assets; and (5) The savings association’s ratio of core capital to total assets is not less than the ratio existing on January 1, 1991. (e) If a Federal savings association fails to meet the risk-based capital requirement, the leverage ratio requirement, or the tangible capital requirement established under this part, the Comptroller may, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, require such savings association to take one or more of the following corrective actions: (1) Increase the amount of its regulatory capital to a specified level or levels; PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49087 (2) Convene a meeting or meetings with the supervision staff of the OCC for the purpose of accomplishing the objectives of this section; (3) Reduce the rate of earnings that may be paid on savings accounts; (4) Limit the receipt of deposits to those made to existing accounts; (5) Cease or limit the issuance of new accounts of any or all classes or categories, except in exchange for existing accounts; (6) Cease or limit lending or the making of a particular type or category of loan; (7) Cease or limit the purchase of loans or the making of specified other investments; (8) Limit operational expenditures to specified levels; (9) Increase liquid assets and maintain such increased liquidity at specified levels; or (10) Take such other action or actions as the Comptroller may deem necessary or appropriate for the safety and soundness of the savings association, or depositors or investors in the savings association. (f) The Comptroller shall treat as an unsafe and unsound practice any material failure by a Federal savings association to comply with any plan, regulation, written agreement undertaken under this section or order or directive issued to comply with the requirements of this part. § 167.11 Reservation of authority. (a) Transactions for purposes of evasion. The Comptroller may disregard any transaction entered into primarily for the purpose of reducing the minimum required amount of regulatory capital or otherwise evading the requirements of this part. (b) Average versus period-end figures. The OCC reserves the right to require a Federal savings association to compute its capital ratios on the basis of average, rather than period-end, assets when the OCC determines appropriate to carry out the purposes of this part. (c)(1) Reservation of authority. Notwithstanding the definitions of core and supplementary capital in § 167.5 of this part, the OCC may find that a particular type of purchased intangible asset or capital instrument constitutes or may constitute core or supplementary capital, and may permit one or more Federal savings associations to include all or a portion of such intangible asset or funds obtained through such capital instrument as core or supplementary capital, permanently or on a temporary basis, for the purposes of compliance with this part or for any other purposes. Similarly, the OCC may find that a E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49088 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES particular asset or core or supplementary capital component has characteristics or terms that diminish its contribution to a Federal savings association’s ability to absorb losses, and the OCC may require the discounting or deduction of such asset or component from the computation of core, supplementary, or total capital. (2) Notwithstanding § 167.6 of this part, the OCC will look to the substance of a transaction and may find that the assigned risk weight for any asset, or credit equivalent amount or credit conversion factor for any off-balance sheet item does not appropriately reflect the risks imposed on the savings association. The OCC may require the savings association to apply another risk-weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor that the OCC deems appropriate. (3) The OCC may find that the capital treatment for an exposure to a transaction not subject to consolidation on the savings association’s balance sheet does not appropriately reflect the risks imposed on the savings association. Accordingly, the OCC may require the savings association to treat the transaction as if it were consolidated on the savings association’s balance sheet. The OCC will look to the substance of and risk associated with the transaction as well as other relevant factors in determining whether to require such treatment and in calculating risk based capital as the OCC deems appropriate. (4) If this part does not specifically assign a risk weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor, the OCC may assign any risk weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor that it deems appropriate. In making this determination, the OCC will consider the risks associated with the asset or off-balance sheet item as well as other relevant factors. (d) In making a determination under this paragraph (c) of this section, the OCC will notify the savings association of the determination and solicit a response from the savings association. After review of the response by the savings association, the OCC shall issue a final supervisory decision regarding the determination made under paragraph (c) of this section. § 167.12 Purchased credit card relationships, servicing assets, intangible assets (other than purchased credit card relationships and servicing assets), creditenhancing interest-only strips, and deferred tax assets. (a) Scope. This section prescribes the maximum amount of purchased credit card relationships, serving assets, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 intangible assets (other than purchased credit card relationships and servicing assets), credit-enhancing interest-only strips, and deferred tax assets that Federal savings associations may include in calculating tangible and core capital. (b) Computation of core and tangible capital. (1) Purchased credit card relationships may be included (that is, not deducted) in computing core capital in accordance with the restrictions in this section, but must be deducted in computing tangible capital. (2) In accordance with the restrictions in this section, mortgage servicing assets may be included in computing core and tangible capital and nonmortgage servicing assets may be included in core capital. (3) Intangible assets, as defined in § 167.1 of this part, other than purchased credit card relationships described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, servicing assets described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and core deposit intangibles described in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, are deducted in computing tangible and core capital, subject to paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section. (4) Credit-enhancing interest-only strips may be included (that is not deducted) in computing core capital subject to the restrictions of this section, and may be included in tangible capital in the same amount. (5) Deferred tax assets may be included (that is not deducted) in computing core capital subject to the restrictions of paragraph (h) of this section, and may be included in tangible capital in the same amount. (c) Market valuations. The OCC reserves the authority to require any Federal savings association to perform an independent market valuation of assets subject to this section on a caseby-case basis or through the issuance of policy guidance. An independent market valuation, if required, shall be conducted in accordance with any policy guidance issued by the OCC. A required valuation shall include adjustments for any significant changes in original valuation assumptions, including changes in prepayment estimates or attrition rates. The valuation shall determine the current fair value of assets subject to this section. This independent market valuation may be conducted by an independent valuation expert evaluating the reasonableness of the internal calculations and assumptions used by the association in conducting its internal analysis. The association shall calculate an estimated fair value for assets subject to this section at least PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 quarterly regardless of whether an independent valuation expert is required to perform an independent market valuation. (d) Value limitation. For purposes of calculating core capital under this part (but not for financial statement purposes), purchased credit card relationships and servicing assets must be valued at the lesser of: (1) 90 percent of their fair value determined in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section; or (2) 100 percent of their remaining unamortized book value determined in accordance with the instructions for the Call Report or TFR, as appropriate. (e) Core capital limitations—(1) Servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships. (i) The maximum aggregate amount of servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships that may be included in core capital is limited to the lesser of: (A) 100 percent of the amount of core capital; or (B) The amount of servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships determined in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. (ii) In addition to the aggregate limitation in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, a sublimit applies to purchased credit card relationships and non mortgage-related serving assets. The maximum allowable amount of these two types of assets combined is limited to the lesser of: (A) 25 percent the amount of core capital; and (B) The amount of purchased credit card relationships and non mortgagerelated servicing assets determined in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. (2) Credit-enhancing interest-only strips. The maximum aggregate amount of credit-enhancing interest-only strips that may be included in core capital is limited to 25 percent of the amount of core capital. Purchased and retained credit-enhancing interest-only strips, on a non-tax adjusted basis, are included in the total amount that is used for purposes of determining whether a Federal savings association exceeds the core capital limit. (3) Computation. (i) For purposes of computing the limits and sublimits in paragraphs (e) and (h) of this section, core capital is computed before the deduction of disallowed servicing assets, disallowed purchased credit card relationships, disallowed creditenhancing interest-only strips (purchased and retained), and disallowed deferred tax assets. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (ii) A Federal savings association may elect to deduct the following items on a basis net of deferred tax liabilities: (A) Disallowed servicing assets; (B) Goodwill such that only the net amount must be deducted from Tier 1 capital; (C) Disallowed credit-enhancing interest only strips (both purchased and retained); and (D) Other intangible assets arising from non-taxable business combinations. A deferred tax liability that is specifically related to an intangible asset (other than purchased credit card relationships) arising from a nontaxable business combination may be netted against this intangible asset. The net amount of the intangible asset must be deducted from Tier 1 capital. (iii) Deferred tax liabilities that are netted in accordance with paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section cannot also be netted against deferred tax assets when determining the amount of deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income. (f) Tangible capital limitation. The maximum amount of mortgage servicing assets that may be included in tangible capital shall be the same amount includable in core capital in accordance with the limitations set by paragraph (e) of this section. All nonmortgage servicing assets are deducted in computing tangible capital. (g) Exemption for certain subsidiaries—(1) Exemption standard. An association holding purchased mortgage servicing rights in separately capitalized, nonincludable subsidiaries may submit an application for approval by the OCC for an exemption from the deductions and limitations set forth in this section. The deductions and limitations will apply to such purchased mortgage servicing rights, however, if the OCC determines that: (i) The thrift and subsidiary are not conducting activities on an arm’s length basis; or (ii) The exemption is not consistent with the association’s safe and sound operation. (2) Applicable requirements. If the OCC determines to grant or to permit the continuation of an exemption under paragraph (h)(1) of this section, the association receiving the exemption must ensure the following: (i) The association’s investments in, and extensions of credit to, the subsidiary are deducted from capital when calculating capital under this part; (ii) Extensions of credit and other transactions with the subsidiary are conducted in compliance with the rules for covered transactions with affiliates set forth in sections 23A and 23B of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Federal Reserve Act, as applied to thrifts; and (iii) Any contracts entered into by the subsidiary include a written disclosure indicating that the subsidiary is not a bank or Federal savings association; the subsidiary is an organization separate and apart from any bank or Federal savings association; and the obligations of the subsidiary are not backed or guaranteed by any bank or Federal savings association and are not insured by the FDIC. (h) Treatment of deferred tax assets. For purposes of calculating Tier 1 capital under this part (but not for financial statement purposes) deferred tax assets are subject to the conditions, limitations, and restrictions described in this section. (1) Tier 1 capital limitations. (i) The maximum allowable amount of deferred tax assets net of any valuation allowance that are dependent upon future taxable income will be limited to the lesser of: (A) The amount of deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income that is expected to be realized within one year of the calendar quarterend date, based on a projected future taxable income for that year; or (B) Ten percent of the amount of Tier 1 capital that exists before the deduction of any disallowed servicing assets, any disallowed purchased credit card relationships, any disallowed creditenhancing interest-only strips, and any disallowed deferred tax assets. (ii) For purposes of this limitation, all existing temporary differences should be assumed to fully reverse at the calendar quarter-end date. The recorded amount of deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income, net of any valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, in excess of this limitation will be deducted from assets and from equity capital for purposes of determining Tier 1 capital under this part. The amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized from taxes paid in prior carryback years and from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences generally would not be deducted from assets and from equity capital. (iii) Notwithstanding paragraph (h)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the amount of carryback potential that may be considered in calculating the amount of deferred tax assets that a Federal savings association that is part of a consolidated group (for tax purposes) may include in Tier 1 capital may not exceed the amount which the association could reasonably expect to have refunded by its parent. PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49089 (2) Projected future taxable income. Projected future taxable income should not include net operating loss carryforwards to be used within one year of the most recent calendar quarterend date or the amount of existing temporary differences expected to reverse within that year. Projected future taxable income should include the estimated effect of tax planning strategies that are expected to be implemented to realize tax carryforwards that will otherwise expire during that year. Future taxable income projections for the current fiscal year (adjusted for any significant changes that have occurred or are expected to occur) may be used when applying the capital limit at an interim calendar quarter-end date rather than preparing a new projection each quarter. (3) Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The deferred tax effects of any unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities may be excluded from the determination of the amount of deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income and the calculation of the maximum allowable amount of such assets. If these deferred tax effects are excluded, this treatment must be followed consistently over time. § 167.14–167.19 [Reserved] Appendixes A–B to Part 167 [Reserved] Appendix C to Part 167—Risk-Based Capital Requirements—InternalRatings-Based and Advanced Measurement Approaches Part I General Provisions Section 1 Purpose, Applicability, Reservation of Authority, and Principle of Conservatism Section 2 Definitions Section 3 Minimum Risk-Based Capital Requirements Part II Qualifying Capital Section 11 Additional Deductions Section 12 Deductions and Limitations Not Required Section 13 Eligible Credit Reserves Part III Qualification Section 21 Qualification Process Section 22 Qualification Requirements Section 23 Ongoing Qualification Section 24 Merger and Acquisition Transitional Arrangements Part IV Risk-Weighted Assets for General Credit Risk Section 31 Mechanics for Calculating Total Wholesale and Retail RiskWeighted Assets Section 32 Counterparty Credit Risk of Repo-Style Transactions, Eligible Margin Loans, and OTC Derivative Contracts Section 33 Guarantees and Credit Derivatives: PD Substitution and LGD Adjustment Approaches E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49090 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Section 34 Guarantees and Credit Derivatives: Double Default Treatment Section 35 Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Unsettled Transactions Part V Risk-Weighted Assets for Securitization Exposures Section 41 Operational Criteria for Recognizing the Transfer of Risk Section 42 Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Securitization Exposures Section 43 Ratings-Based Approach (RBA) Section 44 Internal Assessment Approach (IAA) Section 45 Supervisory Formula Approach (SFA) Section 46 Recognition of Credit Risk Mitigants for Securitization Exposures Section 47 Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Early Amortization Provisions Part VI Risk-Weighted Assets for Equity Exposures Section 51 Introduction and Exposure Measurement Section 52 Simple Risk Weight Approach (SRWA) Section 53 Internal Models Approach (IMA) Section 54 Equity Exposures to Investment Funds Section 55 Equity Derivative Contracts Part VII Risk-Weighted Assets for Operational Risk Section 61 Qualification Requirements for Incorporation of Operational Risk Mitigants Section 62 Mechanics of Risk-Weighted Asset Calculation Part VIII Disclosure Section 71 Disclosure Requirements Part IX Transition Provisions Section 81 Optional Transition Provisions Related to the Implementation of Consolidation Requirements Under FAS 167 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Part I. General Provisions Section 1. Purpose, Applicability, Reservation of Authority, and Principle of Conservatism (a) Purpose. This appendix establishes: (1) Minimum qualifying criteria for Federal savings associations using Federal savings association-specific internal risk measurement and management processes for calculating risk-based capital requirements; (2) Methodologies for such Federal savings associations to calculate their risk-based capital requirements; and (3) Public disclosure requirements for such Federal savings associations. (b) Applicability. (1) This appendix applies to a Federal savings association that: (i) Has consolidated assets, as reported on the most recent year-end Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report) or Thrift Financial Report (TFR), as appropriate, equal to $250 billion or more; (ii) Has consolidated total on-balance sheet foreign exposure at the most recent year-end equal to $10 billion or more (where total onbalance sheet foreign exposure equals total cross-border claims less claims with head office or guarantor located in another country VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 plus redistributed guaranteed amounts to the country of head office or guarantor plus local country claims on local residents plus revaluation gains on foreign exchange and derivative products, calculated in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) 009 Country Exposure Report); (iii) Is a subsidiary of a depository institution that uses 12 CFR part 3, appendix C, 12 CFR part 208, appendix F, 12 CFR part 325, appendix D, or 12 CFR part 167, appendix C, to calculate its risk-based capital requirements; or (iv) Is a subsidiary of a bank holding company that uses 12 CFR part 225, appendix G, to calculate its risk-based capital requirements. (2) Any Federal savings association may elect to use this appendix to calculate its risk-based capital requirements. (3) A Federal savings association that is subject to this appendix must use this appendix unless the OCC determines in writing that application of this appendix is not appropriate in light of the savings association’s asset size, level of complexity, risk profile, or scope of operations. In making a determination under this paragraph, the OCC will apply notice and response procedures in the same manner and to the same extent as the notice and response procedures in § 167.3(d). (c) Reservation of authority—(1) Additional capital in the aggregate. The OCC may require a Federal savings association to hold an amount of capital greater than otherwise required under this appendix if the OCC determines that the savings association’s riskbased capital requirement under this appendix is not commensurate with the savings association’s credit, market, operational, or other risks. In making a determination under this paragraph, the OCC will apply notice and response procedures in the same manner and to the same extent as the notice and response procedures in § 167.3(d). (2) Specific risk-weighted asset amounts. (i) If the OCC determines that the risk-weighted asset amount calculated under this appendix by the savings association for one or more exposures is not commensurate with the risks associated with those exposures, the OCC may require the savings association to assign a different risk-weighted asset amount to the exposures, to assign different risk parameters to the exposures (if the exposures are wholesale or retail exposures), or to use different model assumptions for the exposures (if relevant), all as specified by the OCC. (ii) If the OCC determines that the riskweighted asset amount for operational risk produced by the savings association under this appendix is not commensurate with the operational risks of the savings association, the OCC may require the savings association to assign a different risk-weighted asset amount for operational risk, to change elements of its operational risk analytical framework, including distributional and dependence assumptions, or to make other changes to the savings association’s operational risk management processes, data and assessment systems, or quantification systems, all as specified by the OCC. PO 00000 Frm 00142 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (3) Regulatory capital treatment of unconsolidated entities. The OCC may find that the capital treatment for an exposure to a transaction not subject to consolidation on the savings association’s balance sheet does not appropriately reflect the risks imposed on the savings association. Accordingly, the OCC may require the savings association to treat the transaction as if it were consolidated on the savings association’s balance sheet. The OCC will look to the substance of and risk associated with the transaction as well as other relevant factors in determining whether to require such treatment and in calculating risk-based capital as the OCC deems appropriate. (4) Other supervisory authority. Nothing in this appendix limits the authority of the OCC under any other provision of law or regulation to take supervisory or enforcement action, including action to address unsafe or unsound practices or conditions, deficient capital levels, or violations of law. (d) Principle of conservatism. Notwithstanding the requirements of this appendix, a Federal savings association may choose not to apply a provision of this appendix to one or more exposures, provided that: (1) The savings association can demonstrate on an ongoing basis to the satisfaction of the OCC that not applying the provision would, in all circumstances, unambiguously generate a risk-based capital requirement for each such exposure greater than that which would otherwise be required under this appendix; (2) The savings association appropriately manages the risk of each such exposure; (3) The savings association notifies the OCC in writing prior to applying this principle to each such exposure; and (4) The exposures to which the savings association applies this principle are not, in the aggregate, material to the savings association. Section 2. Definitions Advanced internal ratings-based (IRB) systems means a Federal savings association’s internal risk rating and segmentation system; risk parameter quantification system; data management and maintenance system; and control, oversight, and validation system for credit risk of wholesale and retail exposures. Advanced systems means a Federal savings association’s advanced IRB systems, operational risk management processes, operational risk data and assessment systems, operational risk quantification systems, and, to the extent the savings association uses the following systems, the internal models methodology, double default excessive correlation detection process, IMA for equity exposures, and IAA for securitization exposures to ABCP programs. Affiliate with respect to a company means any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the company. Applicable external rating means: (1) With respect to an exposure that has multiple external ratings assigned by NRSROs, the lowest solicited external rating assigned to the exposure by any NRSRO; and E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) With respect to an exposure that has a single external rating assigned by an NRSRO, the external rating assigned to the exposure by the NRSRO. Applicable inferred rating means: (1) With respect to an exposure that has multiple inferred ratings, the lowest inferred rating based on a solicited external rating; and (2) With respect to an exposure that has a single inferred rating, the inferred rating. Asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) program means a program that primarily issues commercial paper that: (1) Has an external rating; and (2) Is backed by underlying exposures held in a bankruptcy-remote SPE. Asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) program sponsor means a Federal savings association that: (1) Establishes an ABCP program; (2) Approves the sellers permitted to participate in an ABCP program; (3) Approves the exposures to be purchased by an ABCP program; or (4) Administers the ABCP program by monitoring the underlying exposures, underwriting or otherwise arranging for the placement of debt or other obligations issued by the program, compiling monthly reports, or ensuring compliance with the program documents and with the program’s credit and investment policy. Backtesting means the comparison of a Federal savings association’s internal estimates with actual outcomes during a sample period not used in model development. In this context, backtesting is one form of out-of-sample testing. Bank holding company is defined in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1841). Benchmarking means the comparison of a Federal savings association’s internal estimates with relevant internal and external data or with estimates based on other estimation techniques. Business environment and internal control factors means the indicators of a Federal savings association’s operational risk profile that reflect a current and forward-looking assessment of the savings association’s underlying business risk factors and internal control environment. Carrying value means, with respect to an asset, the value of the asset on the balance sheet of the Federal savings association, determined in accordance with GAAP. Clean-up call means a contractual provision that permits an originating Federal savings association or servicer to call securitization exposures before their stated maturity or call date. See also eligible cleanup call. Commodity derivative contract means a commodity-linked swap, purchased commodity-linked option, forward commodity-linked contract, or any other instrument linked to commodities that gives rise to similar counterparty credit risks. Company means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, depository institution, business trust, special purpose entity, association, or similar organization. Control. A person or company controls a company if it: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) Owns, controls, or holds with power to vote 25 percent or more of a class of voting securities of the company; or (2) Consolidates the company for financial reporting purposes. Controlled early amortization provision means an early amortization provision that meets all the following conditions: (1) The originating Federal savings association has appropriate policies and procedures to ensure that it has sufficient capital and liquidity available in the event of an early amortization; (2) Throughout the duration of the securitization (including the early amortization period), there is the same pro rata sharing of interest, principal, expenses, losses, fees, recoveries, and other cash flows from the underlying exposures based on the originating Federal savings association’s and the investors’ relative shares of the underlying exposures outstanding measured on a consistent monthly basis; (3) The amortization period is sufficient for at least 90 percent of the total underlying exposures outstanding at the beginning of the early amortization period to be repaid or recognized as in default; and (4) The schedule for repayment of investor principal is not more rapid than would be allowed by straight-line amortization over an 18-month period. Credit derivative means a financial contract executed under standard industry credit derivative documentation that allows one party (the protection purchaser) to transfer the credit risk of one or more exposures (reference exposure) to another party (the protection provider). See also eligible credit derivative. Credit-enhancing interest-only strip (CEIO) means an on-balance sheet asset that, in form or in substance: (1) Represents a contractual right to receive some or all of the interest and no more than a minimal amount of principal due on the underlying exposures of a securitization; and (2) Exposes the holder to credit risk directly or indirectly associated with the underlying exposures that exceeds a pro rata share of the holder’s claim on the underlying exposures, whether through subordination provisions or other credit-enhancement techniques. Credit-enhancing representations and warranties means representations and warranties that are made or assumed in connection with a transfer of underlying exposures (including loan servicing assets) and that obligate a Federal savings association to protect another party from losses arising from the credit risk of the underlying exposures. Credit-enhancing representations and warranties include provisions to protect a party from losses resulting from the default or nonperformance of the obligors of the underlying exposures or from an insufficiency in the value of the collateral backing the underlying exposures. Credit-enhancing representations and warranties do not include: (1) Early default clauses and similar warranties that permit the return of, or premium refund clauses that cover, first-lien residential mortgage exposures for a period not to exceed 120 days from the date of PO 00000 Frm 00143 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49091 transfer, provided that the date of transfer is within one year of origination of the residential mortgage exposure; (2) Premium refund clauses that cover underlying exposures guaranteed, in whole or in part, by the U.S. government, a U.S. government agency, or a U.S. government sponsored enterprise, provided that the clauses are for a period not to exceed 120 days from the date of transfer; or (3) Warranties that permit the return of underlying exposures in instances of misrepresentation, fraud, or incomplete documentation. Credit risk mitigant means collateral, a credit derivative, or a guarantee. Credit-risk-weighted assets means 1.06 multiplied by the sum of: (1) Total wholesale and retail risk-weighted assets; (2) Risk-weighted assets for securitization exposures; and (3) Risk-weighted assets for equity exposures. Current exposure means, with respect to a netting set, the larger of zero or the market value of a transaction or portfolio of transactions within the netting set that would be lost upon default of the counterparty, assuming no recovery on the value of the transactions. Current exposure is also called replacement cost. Default—(1) Retail. (i) A retail exposure of a Federal savings association is in default if: (A) The exposure is 180 days past due, in the case of a residential mortgage exposure or revolving exposure; (B) The exposure is 120 days past due, in the case of all other retail exposures; or (C) The savings association has taken a full or partial charge-off, write-down of principal, or material negative fair value adjustment of principal on the exposure for credit-related reasons. (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(i) of this definition, for a retail exposure held by a non-U.S. subsidiary of the savings association that is subject to an internal ratings-based approach to capital adequacy consistent with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s ‘‘International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards: A Revised Framework’’ in a non-U.S. jurisdiction, the savings association may elect to use the definition of default that is used in that jurisdiction, provided that the savings association has obtained prior approval from the OCC to use the definition of default in that jurisdiction. (iii) A retail exposure in default remains in default until the savings association has reasonable assurance of repayment and performance for all contractual principal and interest payments on the exposure. (2) Wholesale. (i) A Federal savings association’s wholesale obligor is in default if: (A) The savings association determines that the obligor is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the savings association in full, without recourse by the savings association to actions such as realizing collateral (if held); or E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49092 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (B) The obligor is past due more than 90 days on any material credit obligation(s) to the savings association.1 (ii) An obligor in default remains in default until the savings association has reasonable assurance of repayment and performance for all contractual principal and interest payments on all exposures of the savings association to the obligor (other than exposures that have been fully written-down or charged-off). Dependence means a measure of the association among operational losses across and within units of measure. Depository institution is defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813). Derivative contract means a financial contract whose value is derived from the values of one or more underlying assets, reference rates, or indices of asset values or reference rates. Derivative contracts include interest rate derivative contracts, exchange rate derivative contracts, equity derivative contracts, commodity derivative contracts, credit derivatives, and any other instrument that poses similar counterparty credit risks. Derivative contracts also include unsettled securities, commodities, and foreign exchange transactions with a contractual settlement or delivery lag that is longer than the lesser of the market standard for the particular instrument or five business days. Early amortization provision means a provision in the documentation governing a securitization that, when triggered, causes investors in the securitization exposures to be repaid before the original stated maturity of the securitization exposures, unless the provision: (1) Is triggered solely by events not directly related to the performance of the underlying exposures or the originating Federal savings association (such as material changes in tax laws or regulations); or (2) Leaves investors fully exposed to future draws by obligors on the underlying exposures even after the provision is triggered. Economic downturn conditions means, with respect to an exposure held by the savings association, those conditions in which the aggregate default rates for that exposure’s wholesale or retail exposure subcategory (or subdivision of such subcategory selected by the savings association) in the exposure’s national jurisdiction (or subdivision of such jurisdiction selected by the savings association) are significantly higher than average. Effective maturity (M) of a wholesale exposure means: (1) For wholesale exposures other than repo-style transactions, eligible margin loans, and OTC derivative contracts described in paragraph (2) or (3) of this definition: (i) The weighted-average remaining maturity (measured in years, whole or fractional) of the expected contractual cash flows from the exposure, using the undiscounted amounts of the cash flows as weights; or 1 Overdrafts are past due once the obligor has breached an advised limit or been advised of a limit smaller than the current outstanding balance. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (ii) The nominal remaining maturity (measured in years, whole or fractional) of the exposure. (2) For repo-style transactions, eligible margin loans, and OTC derivative contracts subject to a qualifying master netting agreement for which the savings association does not apply the internal models approach in paragraph (d) of section 32 of this appendix, the weighted-average remaining maturity (measured in years, whole or fractional) of the individual transactions subject to the qualifying master netting agreement, with the weight of each individual transaction set equal to the notional amount of the transaction. (3) For repo-style transactions, eligible margin loans, and OTC derivative contracts for which the savings association applies the internal models approach in paragraph (d) of section 32 of this appendix, the value determined in paragraph (d)(4) of section 32 of this appendix. Effective notional amount means, for an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative, the lesser of the contractual notional amount of the credit risk mitigant and the EAD of the hedged exposure, multiplied by the percentage coverage of the credit risk mitigant. For example, the effective notional amount of an eligible guarantee that covers, on a pro rata basis, 40 percent of any losses on a $100 bond would be $40. Eligible clean-up call means a clean-up call that: (1) Is exercisable solely at the discretion of the originating Federal savings association or servicer; (2) Is not structured to avoid allocating losses to securitization exposures held by investors or otherwise structured to provide credit enhancement to the securitization; and (3)(i) For a traditional securitization, is only exercisable when 10 percent or less of the principal amount of the underlying exposures or securitization exposures (determined as of the inception of the securitization) is outstanding; or (ii) For a synthetic securitization, is only exercisable when 10 percent or less of the principal amount of the reference portfolio of underlying exposures (determined as of the inception of the securitization) is outstanding. Eligible credit derivative means a credit derivative in the form of a credit default swap, nth-to-default swap, total return swap, or any other form of credit derivative approved by the OCC, provided that: (1) The contract meets the requirements of an eligible guarantee and has been confirmed by the protection purchaser and the protection provider; (2) Any assignment of the contract has been confirmed by all relevant parties; (3) If the credit derivative is a credit default swap or nth-to-default swap, the contract includes the following credit events: (i) Failure to pay any amount due under the terms of the reference exposure, subject to any applicable minimal payment threshold that is consistent with standard market practice and with a grace period that is closely in line with the grace period of the reference exposure; and PO 00000 Frm 00144 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (ii) Bankruptcy, insolvency, or inability of the obligor on the reference exposure to pay its debts, or its failure or admission in writing of its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due, and similar events; (4) The terms and conditions dictating the manner in which the contract is to be settled are incorporated into the contract; (5) If the contract allows for cash settlement, the contract incorporates a robust valuation process to estimate loss reliably and specifies a reasonable period for obtaining post-credit event valuations of the reference exposure; (6) If the contract requires the protection purchaser to transfer an exposure to the protection provider at settlement, the terms of at least one of the exposures that is permitted to be transferred under the contract provides that any required consent to transfer may not be unreasonably withheld; (7) If the credit derivative is a credit default swap or nth-to-default swap, the contract clearly identifies the parties responsible for determining whether a credit event has occurred, specifies that this determination is not the sole responsibility of the protection provider, and gives the protection purchaser the right to notify the protection provider of the occurrence of a credit event; and (8) If the credit derivative is a total return swap and the savings association records net payments received on the swap as net income, the savings association records offsetting deterioration in the value of the hedged exposure (either through reductions in fair value or by an addition to reserves). Eligible credit reserves means all general allowances that have been established through a charge against earnings to absorb credit losses associated with on- or offbalance sheet wholesale and retail exposures, including the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) associated with such exposures but excluding specific reserves created against recognized losses. Eligible double default guarantor, with respect to a guarantee or credit derivative obtained by a Federal savings association, means: (1) U.S.-based entities. A depository institution, a bank holding company, a savings and loan holding company (as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1467a) provided all or substantially all of the holding company’s activities are permissible for a financial holding company under 12 U.S.C. 1843(k), a securities broker or dealer registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78o et seq.), or an insurance company in the business of providing credit protection (such as a monoline bond insurer or re-insurer) that is subject to supervision by a state insurance regulator, if: (i) At the time the guarantor issued the guarantee or credit derivative or at any time thereafter, the savings association assigned a PD to the guarantor’s rating grade that was equal to or lower than the PD associated with a long-term external rating in the thirdhighest investment-grade rating category; and (ii) The savings association currently assigns a PD to the guarantor’s rating grade that is equal to or lower than the PD associated with a long-term external rating in the lowest investment-grade rating category; or E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) Non-U.S.-based entities. A foreign bank (as defined in § 211.2 of the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation K (12 CFR 211.2)), a nonU.S.-based securities firm, or a non-U.S.based insurance company in the business of providing credit protection, if: (i) The savings association demonstrates that the guarantor is subject to consolidated supervision and regulation comparable to that imposed on U.S. depository institutions, securities broker-dealers, or insurance companies (as the case may be), or has issued and outstanding an unsecured long-term debt security without credit enhancement that has a long-term applicable external rating of at least investment grade; (ii) At the time the guarantor issued the guarantee or credit derivative or at any time thereafter, the savings association assigned a PD to the guarantor’s rating grade that was equal to or lower than the PD associated with a long-term external rating in the thirdhighest investment-grade rating category; and (iii) The savings association currently assigns a PD to the guarantor’s rating grade that is equal to or lower than the PD associated with a long-term external rating in the lowest investment-grade rating category. Eligible guarantee means a guarantee that: (1) Is written and unconditional; (2) Covers all or a pro rata portion of all contractual payments of the obligor on the reference exposure; (3) Gives the beneficiary a direct claim against the protection provider; (4) Is not unilaterally cancelable by the protection provider for reasons other than the breach of the contract by the beneficiary; (5) Is legally enforceable against the protection provider in a jurisdiction where the protection provider has sufficient assets against which a judgment may be attached and enforced; (6) Requires the protection provider to make payment to the beneficiary on the occurrence of a default (as defined in the guarantee) of the obligor on the reference exposure in a timely manner without the beneficiary first having to take legal actions to pursue the obligor for payment; (7) Does not increase the beneficiary’s cost of credit protection on the guarantee in response to deterioration in the credit quality of the reference exposure; and (8) Is not provided by an affiliate of the savings association, unless the affiliate is an insured depository institution, bank, securities broker or dealer, or insurance company that: (i) Does not control the savings association; and (ii) Is subject to consolidated supervision and regulation comparable to that imposed on U.S. depository institutions, securities broker-dealers, or insurance companies (as the case may be). Eligible margin loan means an extension of credit where: (1) The extension of credit is collateralized exclusively by liquid and readily marketable debt or equity securities, gold, or conforming residential mortgages; (2) The collateral is marked to market daily, and the transaction is subject to daily margin maintenance requirements; (3) The extension of credit is conducted under an agreement that provides the savings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association the right to accelerate and terminate the extension of credit and to liquidate or set off collateral promptly upon an event of default (including upon an event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding) of the counterparty, provided that, in any such case, any exercise of rights under the agreement will not be stayed or avoided under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions; 2 and (4) The savings association has conducted sufficient legal review to conclude with a well-founded basis (and maintains sufficient written documentation of that legal review) that the agreement meets the requirements of paragraph (3) of this definition and is legal, valid, binding, and enforceable under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions. Eligible operational risk offsets means amounts, not to exceed expected operational loss, that: (1) Are generated by internal business practices to absorb highly predictable and reasonably stable operational losses, including reserves calculated consistent with GAAP; and (2) Are available to cover expected operational losses with a high degree of certainty over a one-year horizon. Eligible purchased wholesale exposure means a purchased wholesale exposure that: (1) The savings association or securitization SPE purchased from an unaffiliated seller and did not directly or indirectly originate; (2) Was generated on an arm’s-length basis between the seller and the obligor (intercompany accounts receivable and receivables subject to contra-accounts between firms that buy and sell to each other do not satisfy this criterion); (3) Provides the savings association or securitization SPE with a claim on all proceeds from the exposure or a pro rata interest in the proceeds from the exposure; (4) Has an M of less than one year; and (5) When consolidated by obligor, does not represent a concentrated exposure relative to the portfolio of purchased wholesale exposures. Eligible securitization guarantor means: (1) A sovereign entity, the Bank for International Settlements, the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank, the European Commission, a Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac), a multilateral development bank, a depository institution, a bank holding company, a savings and loan holding company (as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1467a) provided all or substantially all of the holding company’s activities are permissible for a financial holding company under 12 U.S.C. 1843(k), a foreign bank (as defined in 2 This requirement is met where all transactions under the agreement are (i) executed under U.S. law and (ii) constitute ‘‘securities contracts’’ under section 555 of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. 555), qualified financial contracts under section 11(e)(8) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1821(e)(8)), or netting contracts between or among financial institutions under sections 401–407 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (12 U.S.C. 4401–4407) or the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation EE (12 CFR part 231). PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49093 § 211.2 of the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation K (12 CFR 211.2)), or a securities firm; (2) Any other entity (other than a securitization SPE) that has issued and outstanding an unsecured long-term debt security without credit enhancement that has a long-term applicable external rating in one of the three highest investment-grade rating categories; or (3) Any other entity (other than a securitization SPE) that has a PD assigned by the savings association that is lower than or equal to the PD associated with a long-term external rating in the third highest investment-grade rating category. Eligible servicer cash advance facility means a servicer cash advance facility in which: (1) The servicer is entitled to full reimbursement of advances, except that a servicer may be obligated to make nonreimbursable advances for a particular underlying exposure if any such advance is contractually limited to an insignificant amount of the outstanding principal balance of that exposure; (2) The servicer’s right to reimbursement is senior in right of payment to all other claims on the cash flows from the underlying exposures of the securitization; and (3) The servicer has no legal obligation to, and does not make advances to the securitization if the servicer concludes the advances are unlikely to be repaid. Equity derivative contract means an equitylinked swap, purchased equity-linked option, forward equity-linked contract, or any other instrument linked to equities that gives rise to similar counterparty credit risks. Equity exposure means: (1) A security or instrument (whether voting or non-voting) that represents a direct or indirect ownership interest in, and is a residual claim on, the assets and income of a company, unless: (i) The issuing company is consolidated with the Federal savings association under GAAP; (ii) The savings association is required to deduct the ownership interest from tier 1 or tier 2 capital under this appendix; (iii) The ownership interest incorporates a payment or other similar obligation on the part of the issuing company (such as an obligation to make periodic payments); or (iv) The ownership interest is a securitization exposure; (2) A security or instrument that is mandatorily convertible into a security or instrument described in paragraph (1) of this definition; (3) An option or warrant that is exercisable for a security or instrument described in paragraph (1) of this definition; or (4) Any other security or instrument (other than a securitization exposure) to the extent the return on the security or instrument is based on the performance of a security or instrument described in paragraph (1) of this definition. Excess spread for a period means: (1) Gross finance charge collections and other income received by a securitization SPE (including market interchange fees) over a period minus interest paid to the holders E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49094 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations of the securitization exposures, servicing fees, charge-offs, and other senior trust or similar expenses of the SPE over the period; divided by: (2) The principal balance of the underlying exposures at the end of the period. Exchange rate derivative contract means a cross-currency interest rate swap, forward foreign-exchange contract, currency option purchased, or any other instrument linked to exchange rates that gives rise to similar counterparty credit risks. Excluded mortgage exposure means any one- to four-family residential pre-sold construction loan for a residence for which the purchase contract is cancelled that would receive a 100 percent risk weight under section 618(a)(2) of the Resolution Trust Corporation Refinancing, Restructuring, and Improvement Act and under 12 CFR 167.1 (definition of ‘‘qualifying residential construction loan’’) and 12 CFR 167.6(a)(1)(iv). Expected credit loss (ECL) means: (1) For a wholesale exposure to a nondefaulted obligor or segment of non-defaulted retail exposures that is carried at fair value with gains and losses flowing through earnings or that is classified as held-for-sale and is carried at the lower of cost or fair value with losses flowing through earnings, zero. (2) For all other wholesale exposures to non-defaulted obligors or segments of nondefaulted retail exposures, the product of PD times LGD times EAD for the exposure or segment. (3) For a wholesale exposure to a defaulted obligor or segment of defaulted retail exposures, the Federal savings association’s impairment estimate for allowance purposes for the exposure or segment. (4) Total ECL is the sum of expected credit losses for all wholesale and retail exposures other than exposures for which the savings association has applied the double default treatment in section 34 of this appendix. Expected exposure (EE) means the expected value of the probability distribution of non-negative credit risk exposures to a counterparty at any specified future date before the maturity date of the longest term transaction in the netting set. Any negative market values in the probability distribution of market values to a counterparty at a specified future date are set to zero to convert the probability distribution of market values to the probability distribution of credit risk exposures. Expected operational loss (EOL) means the expected value of the distribution of potential aggregate operational losses, as generated by the Federal savings association’s operational risk quantification system using a one-year horizon. Expected positive exposure (EPE) means the weighted average over time of expected (non-negative) exposures to a counterparty where the weights are the proportion of the time interval that an individual expected exposure represents. When calculating riskbased capital requirements, the average is taken over a one-year horizon. Exposure at default (EAD). (1) For the onbalance sheet component of a wholesale exposure or segment of retail exposures VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (other than an OTC derivative contract, or a repo-style transaction, or eligible margin loan for which the Federal savings association determines EAD under section 32 of this appendix), EAD means: (i) If the exposure or segment is a security classified as available-for-sale, the savings associations carrying value (including net accrued but unpaid interest and fees) for the exposure or segment less any unrealized gains on the exposure or segment and plus any unrealized losses on the exposure or segment; or (ii) If the exposure or segment is not a security classified as available-for-sale, the savings association’s carrying value (including net accrued but unpaid interest and fees) for the exposure or segment. (2) For the off-balance sheet component of a wholesale exposure or segment of retail exposures (other than an OTC derivative contract, or a repo-style transaction or eligible margin loan for which the savings association determines EAD under section 32 of this appendix) in the form of a loan commitment, line of credit, trade-related letter of credit, or transaction-related contingency, EAD means the savings association’s best estimate of net additions to the outstanding amount owed the savings association, including estimated future additional draws of principal and accrued but unpaid interest and fees, that are likely to occur over a one-year horizon assuming the wholesale exposure or the retail exposures in the segment were to go into default. This estimate of net additions must reflect what would be expected during economic downturn conditions. Traderelated letters of credit are short-term, selfliquidating instruments that are used to finance the movement of goods and are collateralized by the underlying goods. Transaction-related contingencies relate to a particular transaction and include, among other things, performance bonds and performance-based letters of credit. (3) For the off-balance sheet component of a wholesale exposure or segment of retail exposures (other than an OTC derivative contract, or a repo-style transaction or eligible margin loan for which the savings association determines EAD under section 32 of this appendix) in the form of anything other than a loan commitment, line of credit, trade-related letter of credit, or transactionrelated contingency, EAD means the notional amount of the exposure or segment. (4) EAD for OTC derivative contracts is calculated as described in section 32 of this appendix. A savings association also may determine EAD for repo-style transactions and eligible margin loans as described in section 32 of this appendix. (5) For wholesale or retail exposures in which only the drawn balance has been securitized, the savings association must reflect its share of the exposures’ undrawn balances in EAD. Undrawn balances of revolving exposures for which the drawn balances have been securitized must be allocated between the seller’s and investors’ interests on a pro rata basis, based on the proportions of the seller’s and investors’ shares of the securitized drawn balances. PO 00000 Frm 00146 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Exposure category means any of the wholesale, retail, securitization, or equity exposure categories. External operational loss event data means, with respect to a Federal savings association, gross operational loss amounts, dates, recoveries, and relevant causal information for operational loss events occurring at organizations other than the savings association. External rating means a credit rating that is assigned by an NRSRO to an exposure, provided: (1) The credit rating fully reflects the entire amount of credit risk with regard to all payments owed to the holder of the exposure. If a holder is owed principal and interest on an exposure, the credit rating must fully reflect the credit risk associated with timely repayment of principal and interest. If a holder is owed only principal on an exposure, the credit rating must fully reflect only the credit risk associated with timely repayment of principal; and (2) The credit rating is published in an accessible form and is or will be included in the transition matrices made publicly available by the NRSRO that summarize the historical performance of positions rated by the NRSRO. Financial collateral means collateral: (1) In the form of: (i) Cash on deposit with the Federal savings association (including cash held for the savings association by a third-party custodian or trustee); (ii) Gold bullion; (iii) Long-term debt securities that have an applicable external rating of one category below investment grade or higher; (iv) Short-term debt instruments that have an applicable external rating of at least investment grade; (v) Equity securities that are publicly traded; (vi) Convertible bonds that are publicly traded; (vii) Money market mutual fund shares and other mutual fund shares if a price for the shares is publicly quoted daily; or (viii) Conforming residential mortgages; and (2) In which the savings association has a perfected, first priority security interest or, outside of the United States, the legal equivalent thereof (with the exception of cash on deposit and notwithstanding the prior security interest of any custodial agent). GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States. Gain-on-sale means an increase in the equity capital (as reported on Schedule RC of the Call Report or Schedule SC of the TFR, as appropriate) of a Federal savings association that results from a securitization (other than an increase in equity capital that results from the Federal savings association’s receipt of cash in connection with the securitization). Guarantee means a financial guarantee, letter of credit, insurance, or other similar financial instrument (other than a credit derivative) that allows one party (beneficiary) to transfer the credit risk of one or more specific exposures (reference exposure) to E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations another party (protection provider). See also eligible guarantee. High volatility commercial real estate (HVCRE) exposure means a credit facility that finances or has financed the acquisition, development, or construction (ADC) of real property, unless the facility finances: (1) One- to four-family residential properties; or (2) Commercial real estate projects in which: (i) The loan-to-value ratio is less than or equal to the applicable maximum supervisory loan-to-value ratio in the OCC’s real estate lending standards at 12 CFR 160.100–160.101; (ii) The borrower has contributed capital to the project in the form of cash or unencumbered readily marketable assets (or has paid development expenses out-ofpocket) of at least 15 percent of the real estate’s appraised ‘‘as completed’’ value; and (iii) The borrower contributed the amount of capital required by paragraph (2)(ii) of this definition before the Federal savings association advances funds under the credit facility, and the capital contributed by the borrower, or internally generated by the project, is contractually required to remain in the project throughout the life of the project. The life of a project concludes only when the credit facility is converted to permanent financing or is sold or paid in full. Permanent financing may be provided by the savings association that provided the ADC facility as long as the permanent financing is subject to the savings association’s underwriting criteria for long-term mortgage loans. Inferred rating. A securitization exposure has an inferred rating equal to the external rating referenced in paragraph (2)(i) of this definition if: (1) The securitization exposure does not have an external rating; and (2) Another securitization exposure issued by the same issuer and secured by the same underlying exposures: (i) Has an external rating; (ii) Is subordinated in all respects to the unrated securitization exposure; (iii) Does not benefit from any credit enhancement that is not available to the unrated securitization exposure; and (iv) Has an effective remaining maturity that is equal to or longer than that of the unrated securitization exposure. Interest rate derivative contract means a single-currency interest rate swap, basis swap, forward rate agreement, purchased interest rate option, when-issued securities, or any other instrument linked to interest rates that gives rise to similar counterparty credit risks. Internal operational loss event data means, with respect to a Federal savings association, gross operational loss amounts, dates, recoveries, and relevant causal information for operational loss events occurring at the savings association. Investing Federal savings association means, with respect to a securitization, a Federal savings association that assumes the credit risk of a securitization exposure (other than an originating savings association of the securitization). In the typical synthetic securitization, the investing savings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association sells credit protection on a pool of underlying exposures to the originating savings association. Investment fund means a company: (1) All or substantially all of the assets of which are financial assets; and (2) That has no material liabilities. Investors’ interest EAD means, with respect to a securitization, the EAD of the underlying exposures multiplied by the ratio of: (1) The total amount of securitization exposures issued by the securitization SPE to investors; divided by (2) The outstanding principal amount of underlying exposures. Loss given default (LGD) means: (1) For a wholesale exposure, the greatest of: (i) Zero; (ii) The savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the long-run defaultweighted average economic loss, per dollar of EAD, the savings association would expect to incur if the obligor (or a typical obligor in the loss severity grade assigned by the savings association to the exposure) were to default within a one-year horizon over a mix of economic conditions, including economic downturn conditions; or (iii) The savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the economic loss, per dollar of EAD, the savings association would expect to incur if the obligor (or a typical obligor in the loss severity grade assigned by the savings association to the exposure) were to default within a one-year horizon during economic downturn conditions. (2) For a segment of retail exposures, the greatest of: (i) Zero; (ii) The savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the long-run defaultweighted average economic loss, per dollar of EAD, the savings association would expect to incur if the exposures in the segment were to default within a one-year horizon over a mix of economic conditions, including economic downturn conditions; or (iii) The savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the economic loss, per dollar of EAD, the savings association would expect to incur if the exposures in the segment were to default within a one-year horizon during economic downturn conditions. (3) The economic loss on an exposure in the event of default is all material creditrelated losses on the exposure (including accrued but unpaid interest or fees, losses on the sale of collateral, direct workout costs, and an appropriate allocation of indirect workout costs). Where positive or negative cash flows on a wholesale exposure to a defaulted obligor or a defaulted retail exposure (including proceeds from the sale of collateral, workout costs, additional extensions of credit to facilitate repayment of the exposure, and draw-downs of unused credit lines) occur after the date of default, the economic loss must reflect the net present value of cash flows as of the default date using a discount rate appropriate to the risk of the defaulted exposure. Main index means the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the FTSE All-World Index, and any other index for which the Federal PO 00000 Frm 00147 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49095 savings association can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OCC that the equities represented in the index have comparable liquidity, depth of market, and size of bid-ask spreads as equities in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and FTSE All-World Index. Multilateral development bank means the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund, the Nordic Investment Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and any other multilateral lending institution or regional development bank in which the U.S. government is a shareholder or contributing member or which the OCC determines poses comparable credit risk. Nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) means an entity registered with the SEC as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization under section 15E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78o–7). Netting set means a group of transactions with a single counterparty that are subject to a qualifying master netting agreement or qualifying cross-product master netting agreement. For purposes of the internal models methodology in paragraph (d) of section 32 of this appendix, each transaction that is not subject to such a master netting agreement is its own netting set. Nth-to-default credit derivative means a credit derivative that provides credit protection only for the nth-defaulting reference exposure in a group of reference exposures. Obligor means the legal entity or natural person contractually obligated on a wholesale exposure, except that a Federal savings association may treat the following exposures as having separate obligors: (1) Exposures to the same legal entity or natural person denominated in different currencies; (2)(i) An income-producing real estate exposure for which all or substantially all of the repayment of the exposure is reliant on the cash flows of the real estate serving as collateral for the exposure; the savings association, in economic substance, does not have recourse to the borrower beyond the real estate collateral; and no cross-default or cross-acceleration clauses are in place other than clauses obtained solely out of an abundance of caution; and (ii) Other credit exposures to the same legal entity or natural person; and (3)(i) A wholesale exposure authorized under section 364 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. 364) to a legal entity or natural person who is a debtor-in-possession for purposes of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code; and (ii) Other credit exposures to the same legal entity or natural person. Operational loss means a loss (excluding insurance or tax effects) resulting from an operational loss event. Operational loss includes all expenses associated with an E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49096 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations operational loss event except for opportunity costs, forgone revenue, and costs related to risk management and control enhancements implemented to prevent future operational losses. Operational loss event means an event that results in loss and is associated with any of the following seven operational loss event type categories: (1) Internal fraud, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from an act involving at least one internal party of a type intended to defraud, misappropriate property, or circumvent regulations, the law, or company policy, excluding diversity- and discrimination-type events. (2) External fraud, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from an act by a third party of a type intended to defraud, misappropriate property, or circumvent the law. Retail credit card losses arising from non-contractual, third-party initiated fraud (for example, identity theft) are external fraud operational losses. All other third-party initiated credit losses are to be treated as credit risk losses. (3) Employment practices and workplace safety, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from an act inconsistent with employment, health, or safety laws or agreements, payment of personal injury claims, or payment arising from diversity- and discrimination-type events. (4) Clients, products, and business practices, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from the nature or design of a product or from an unintentional or negligent failure to meet a professional obligation to specific clients (including fiduciary and suitability requirements). (5) Damage to physical assets, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from the loss of or damage to physical assets from natural disaster or other events. (6) Business disruption and system failures, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from disruption of business or system failures. (7) Execution, delivery, and process management, which means the operational loss event type category that comprises operational losses resulting from failed transaction processing or process management or losses arising from relations with trade counterparties and vendors. Operational risk means the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems or from external events (including legal risk but excluding strategic and reputational risk). Operational risk exposure means the 99.9th percentile of the distribution of potential aggregate operational losses, as generated by the Federal savings association’s operational risk quantification system over a one-year horizon (and not incorporating eligible operational risk offsets or qualifying operational risk mitigants). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Originating Federal savings association, with respect to a securitization, means a savings association that: (1) Directly or indirectly originated or securitized the underlying exposures included in the securitization; or (2) Serves as an ABCP program sponsor to the securitization. Other retail exposure means an exposure (other than a securitization exposure, an equity exposure, a residential mortgage exposure, an excluded mortgage exposure, a qualifying revolving exposure, or the residual value portion of a lease exposure) that is managed as part of a segment of exposures with homogeneous risk characteristics, not on an individual-exposure basis, and is either: (1) An exposure to an individual for nonbusiness purposes; or (2) An exposure to an individual or company for business purposes if the Federal savings association’s consolidated business credit exposure to the individual or company is $1 million or less. Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contract means a derivative contract that is not traded on an exchange that requires the daily receipt and payment of cash-variation margin. Probability of default (PD) means: (1) For a wholesale exposure to a nondefaulted obligor, the Federal savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the long-run average one-year default rate for the rating grade assigned by the savings association to the obligor, capturing the average default experience for obligors in the rating grade over a mix of economic conditions (including economic downturn conditions) sufficient to provide a reasonable estimate of the average one-year default rate over the economic cycle for the rating grade. (2) For a segment of non-defaulted retail exposures, the savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the longrun average one-year default rate for the exposures in the segment, capturing the average default experience for exposures in the segment over a mix of economic conditions (including economic downturn conditions) sufficient to provide a reasonable estimate of the average one-year default rate over the economic cycle for the segment and adjusted upward as appropriate for segments for which seasoning effects are material. For purposes of this definition, a segment for which seasoning effects are material is a segment where there is a material relationship between the time since origination of exposures within the segment and the savings association’s best estimate of the long-run average one-year default rate for the exposures in the segment. (3) For a wholesale exposure to a defaulted obligor or segment of defaulted retail exposures, 100 percent. Protection amount (P) means, with respect to an exposure hedged by an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative, the effective notional amount of the guarantee or credit derivative, reduced to reflect any currency mismatch, maturity mismatch, or lack of restructuring coverage (as provided in section 33 of this appendix). Publicly traded means traded on: (1) Any exchange registered with the SEC as a national securities exchange under PO 00000 Frm 00148 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f); or (2) Any non-U.S.-based securities exchange that: (i) Is registered with, or approved by, a national securities regulatory authority; and (ii) Provides a liquid, two-way market for the instrument in question, meaning that there are enough independent bona fide offers to buy and sell so that a sales price reasonably related to the last sales price or current bona fide competitive bid and offer quotations can be determined promptly and a trade can be settled at such a price within five business days. Qualifying central counterparty means a counterparty (for example, a clearinghouse) that: (1) Facilitates trades between counterparties in one or more financial markets by either guaranteeing trades or novating contracts; (2) Requires all participants in its arrangements to be fully collateralized on a daily basis; and (3) The Federal savings association demonstrates to the satisfaction of the OCC is in sound financial condition and is subject to effective oversight by a national supervisory authority. Qualifying cross-product master netting agreement means a qualifying master netting agreement that provides for termination and close-out netting across multiple types of financial transactions or qualifying master netting agreements in the event of a counterparty’s default, provided that: (1) The underlying financial transactions are OTC derivative contracts, eligible margin loans, or repo-style transactions; and (2) The Federal savings association obtains a written legal opinion verifying the validity and enforceability of the agreement under applicable law of the relevant jurisdictions if the counterparty fails to perform upon an event of default, including upon an event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding. Qualifying master netting agreement means any written, legally enforceable bilateral agreement, provided that: (1) The agreement creates a single legal obligation for all individual transactions covered by the agreement upon an event of default, including bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding, of the counterparty; (2) The agreement provides the Federal savings association the right to accelerate, terminate, and close-out on a net basis all transactions under the agreement and to liquidate or set off collateral promptly upon an event of default, including upon an event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding, of the counterparty, provided that, in any such case, any exercise of rights under the agreement will not be stayed or avoided under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions; (3) The Federal savings association has conducted sufficient legal review to conclude with a well-founded basis (and maintains sufficient written documentation of that legal review) that: (i) The agreement meets the requirements of paragraph (2) of this definition; and (ii) In the event of a legal challenge (including one resulting from default or from E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding) the relevant court and administrative authorities would find the agreement to be legal, valid, binding, and enforceable under the law of the relevant jurisdictions; (4) The Federal savings association establishes and maintains procedures to monitor possible changes in relevant law and to ensure that the agreement continues to satisfy the requirements of this definition; and (5) The agreement does not contain a walkaway clause (that is, a provision that permits a non-defaulting counterparty to make a lower payment than it would make otherwise under the agreement, or no payment at all, to a defaulter or the estate of a defaulter, even if the defaulter or the estate of the defaulter is a net creditor under the agreement). Qualifying revolving exposure (QRE) means an exposure (other than a securitization exposure or equity exposure) to an individual that is managed as part of a segment of exposures with homogeneous risk characteristics, not on an individualexposure basis, and: (1) Is revolving (that is, the amount outstanding fluctuates, determined largely by the borrower’s decision to borrow and repay, up to a pre-established maximum amount); (2) Is unsecured and unconditionally cancelable by the Federal savings association to the fullest extent permitted by Federal law; and (3) Has a maximum exposure amount (drawn plus undrawn) of up to $100,000. Repo-style transaction means a repurchase or reverse repurchase transaction, or a securities borrowing or securities lending transaction, including a transaction in which the Federal savings association acts as agent for a customer and indemnifies the customer against loss, provided that: (1) The transaction is based solely on liquid and readily marketable securities, cash, gold, or conforming residential mortgages; (2) The transaction is marked-to-market daily and subject to daily margin maintenance requirements; (3)(i) The transaction is a ‘‘securities contract’’ or ‘‘repurchase agreement’’ under section 555 or 559, respectively, of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. 555 or 559), a qualified financial contract under section 11(e)(8) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1821(e)(8)), or a netting contract between or among financial institutions under sections 401–407 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (12 U.S.C. 4401–4407) or the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation EE (12 CFR part 231); or (ii) If the transaction does not meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (3)(i) of this definition, then either: (A) The transaction is executed under an agreement that provides the savings association the right to accelerate, terminate, and close-out the transaction on a net basis and to liquidate or set off collateral promptly upon an event of default (including upon an event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding) of the counterparty, provided VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 that, in any such case, any exercise of rights under the agreement will not be stayed or avoided under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions; or (B) The transaction is: (1) Either overnight or unconditionally cancelable at any time by the savings association; and (2) Executed under an agreement that provides the savings association the right to accelerate, terminate, and close-out the transaction on a net basis and to liquidate or set off collateral promptly upon an event of counterparty default; and (4) The savings association has conducted sufficient legal review to conclude with a well-founded basis (and maintains sufficient written documentation of that legal review) that the agreement meets the requirements of paragraph (3) of this definition and is legal, valid, binding, and enforceable under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions. Residential mortgage exposure means an exposure (other than a securitization exposure, equity exposure, or excluded mortgage exposure) that is managed as part of a segment of exposures with homogeneous risk characteristics, not on an individualexposure basis, and is: (1) An exposure that is primarily secured by a first or subsequent lien on one- to fourfamily residential property; or (2) An exposure with an original and outstanding amount of $1 million or less that is primarily secured by a first or subsequent lien on residential property that is not one to four family. Retail exposure means a residential mortgage exposure, a qualifying revolving exposure, or an other retail exposure. Retail exposure subcategory means the residential mortgage exposure, qualifying revolving exposure, or other retail exposure subcategory. Risk parameter means a variable used in determining risk-based capital requirements for wholesale and retail exposures, specifically probability of default (PD), loss given default (LGD), exposure at default (EAD), or effective maturity (M). Scenario analysis means a systematic process of obtaining expert opinions from business managers and risk management experts to derive reasoned assessments of the likelihood and loss impact of plausible highseverity operational losses. Scenario analysis may include the well-reasoned evaluation and use of external operational loss event data, adjusted as appropriate to ensure relevance to a Federal savings association’s operational risk profile and control structure. SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Securitization means a traditional securitization or a synthetic securitization. Securitization exposure means an onbalance sheet or off-balance sheet credit exposure that arises from a traditional or synthetic securitization (including creditenhancing representations and warranties). Securitization special purpose entity (securitization SPE) means a corporation, trust, or other entity organized for the specific purpose of holding underlying exposures of a securitization, the activities of which are limited to those appropriate to PO 00000 Frm 00149 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49097 accomplish this purpose, and the structure of which is intended to isolate the underlying exposures held by the entity from the credit risk of the seller of the underlying exposures to the entity. Senior securitization exposure means a securitization exposure that has a first priority claim on the cash flows from the underlying exposures. When determining whether a securitization exposure has a first priority claim on the cash flows from the underlying exposures, a Federal savings association is not required to consider amounts due under interest rate or currency derivative contracts, fees due, or other similar payments. Both the most senior commercial paper issued by an ABCP program and a liquidity facility that supports the ABCP program may be senior securitization exposures if the liquidity facility provider’s right to reimbursement of the drawn amounts is senior to all claims on the cash flows from the underlying exposures except amounts due under interest rate or currency derivative contracts, fees due, or other similar payments. Servicer cash advance facility means a facility under which the servicer of the underlying exposures of a securitization may advance cash to ensure an uninterrupted flow of payments to investors in the securitization, including advances made to cover foreclosure costs or other expenses to facilitate the timely collection of the underlying exposures. See also eligible servicer cash advance facility. Sovereign entity means a central government (including the U.S. government) or an agency, department, ministry, or central bank of a central government. Sovereign exposure means: (1) A direct exposure to a sovereign entity; or (2) An exposure directly and unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of a sovereign entity. Subsidiary means, with respect to a company, a company controlled by that company. Synthetic securitization means a transaction in which: (1) All or a portion of the credit risk of one or more underlying exposures is transferred to one or more third parties through the use of one or more credit derivatives or guarantees (other than a guarantee that transfers only the credit risk of an individual retail exposure); (2) The credit risk associated with the underlying exposures has been separated into at least two tranches reflecting different levels of seniority; (3) Performance of the securitization exposures depends upon the performance of the underlying exposures; and (4) All or substantially all of the underlying exposures are financial exposures (such as loans, commitments, credit derivatives, guarantees, receivables, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, other debt securities, or equity securities). Tier 1 capital is defined in subpart B of part 167, as modified in part II of this appendix. Tier 2 capital is defined in subpart B of part 167, as modified in part II of this appendix. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49098 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Total qualifying capital means the sum of tier 1 capital and tier 2 capital, after all deductions required in this appendix. Total risk-weighted assets means: (1) The sum of: (i) Credit risk-weighted assets; and (ii) Risk-weighted assets for operational risk; minus (2) Excess eligible credit reserves not included in tier 2 capital. Total wholesale and retail risk-weighted assets means the sum of risk-weighted assets for wholesale exposures to non-defaulted obligors and segments of non-defaulted retail exposures; risk-weighted assets for wholesale exposures to defaulted obligors and segments of defaulted retail exposures; risk-weighted assets for assets not defined by an exposure category; and risk-weighted assets for nonmaterial portfolios of exposures (all as determined in section 31 of this appendix) and risk-weighted assets for unsettled transactions (as determined in section 35 of this appendix) minus the amounts deducted from capital pursuant to subpart B of part 167 (excluding those deductions reversed in section 12 of this appendix). Traditional securitization means a transaction in which: (1) All or a portion of the credit risk of one or more underlying exposures is transferred to one or more third parties other than through the use of credit derivatives or guarantees; (2) The credit risk associated with the underlying exposures has been separated into at least two tranches reflecting different levels of seniority; (3) Performance of the securitization exposures depends upon the performance of the underlying exposures; (4) All or substantially all of the underlying exposures are financial exposures (such as loans, commitments, credit derivatives, guarantees, receivables, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, other debt securities, or equity securities); (5) The underlying exposures are not owned by an operating company; (6) The underlying exposures are not owned by a small business investment company described in section 302 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 682); and (7) The underlying exposures are not owned by a firm an investment in which is designed primarily to promote community welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderate-income communities or families, such as by providing services or jobs. (8) The OCC may determine that a transaction in which the underlying exposures are owned by an investment firm that exercises substantially unfettered control over the size and composition of its assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet exposures is not a traditional securitization based on the transaction’s leverage, risk profile, or economic substance. (9) The OCC may deem a transaction that meets the definition of a traditional securitization, notwithstanding paragraph (5), (6), or (7) of this definition, to be a traditional securitization based on the transaction’s leverage, risk profile, or economic substance. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Tranche means all securitization exposures associated with a securitization that have the same seniority level. Underlying exposures means one or more exposures that have been securitized in a securitization transaction. Unexpected operational loss (UOL) means the difference between the Federal savings association’s operational risk exposure and the savings association’s expected operational loss. Unit of measure means the level (for example, organizational unit or operational loss event type) at which the Federal savings association’s operational risk quantification system generates a separate distribution of potential operational losses. Value-at-Risk (VaR) means the estimate of the maximum amount that the value of one or more exposures could decline due to market price or rate movements during a fixed holding period within a stated confidence interval. Wholesale exposure means a credit exposure to a company, natural person, sovereign entity, or governmental entity (other than a securitization exposure, retail exposure, excluded mortgage exposure, or equity exposure). Examples of a wholesale exposure include: (1) A non-tranched guarantee issued by a Federal savings association on behalf of a company; (2) A repo-style transaction entered into by a Federal savings association with a company and any other transaction in which a savings association posts collateral to a company and faces counterparty credit risk; (3) An exposure that a Federal savings association treats as a covered position under any applicable market risk rule for which there is a counterparty credit risk capital requirement; (4) A sale of corporate loans by a Federal savings association to a third party in which the savings association retains full recourse; (5) An OTC derivative contract entered into by a Federal savings association with a company; (6) An exposure to an individual that is not managed by a Federal savings association as part of a segment of exposures with homogeneous risk characteristics; and (7) A commercial lease. Wholesale exposure subcategory means the HVCRE or non-HVCRE wholesale exposure subcategory. Section 3. Minimum Risk-Based Capital Requirements (a) Except as modified by paragraph (c) of this section or by section 23 of this appendix, each Federal savings association must meet a minimum ratio of: (1) Total qualifying capital to total riskweighted assets of 8.0 percent; and (2) Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of 4.0 percent. (b) Each Federal savings association must hold capital commensurate with the level and nature of all risks to which the savings association is exposed. (c) When a Federal savings association subject to any applicable market risk rule calculates its risk-based capital requirements under this appendix, the savings association must also refer to any applicable market risk PO 00000 Frm 00150 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 rule for supplemental rules to calculate riskbased capital requirements adjusted for market risk. Part II. Qualifying Capital Section 11. Additional Deductions (a) General. A Federal savings association that uses this appendix must make the same deductions from its tier 1 capital and tier 2 capital required in subpart B of part 167, except that: (1) A Federal savings association is not required to deduct certain equity investments and CEIOs (as provided in section 12 of this appendix); and (2) A Federal savings association also must make the deductions from capital required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. (b) Deductions from tier 1 capital. A Federal savings association must deduct from tier 1 capital any gain-on-sale associated with a securitization exposure as provided in paragraph (a) of section 41 and paragraphs (a)(1), (c), (g)(1), and (h)(1) of section 42 of this appendix. (c) Deductions from tier 1 and tier 2 capital. A Federal savings association must deduct the exposures specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(7) in this section 50 percent from tier 1 capital and 50 percent from tier 2 capital. If the amount deductible from tier 2 capital exceeds the Federal savings association’s actual tier 2 capital, however, the Federal savings association must deduct the excess from tier 1 capital. (1) Credit-enhancing interest-only strips (CEIOs). In accordance with paragraphs (a)(1) and (c) of section 42 of this appendix, any CEIO that does not constitute gain-on-sale. (2) Non-qualifying securitization exposures. In accordance with paragraphs (a)(4) and (c) of section 42 of this appendix, any securitization exposure that does not qualify for the Ratings-Based Approach, the Internal Assessment Approach, or the Supervisory Formula Approach under sections 43, 44, and 45 of this appendix, respectively. (3) Securitizations of non-IRB exposures. In accordance with paragraphs (c) and (g)(4) of section 42 of this appendix, certain exposures to a securitization any underlying exposure of which is not a wholesale exposure, retail exposure, securitization exposure, or equity exposure. (4) Low-rated securitization exposures. In accordance with section 43 and paragraph (c) of section 42 of this appendix, any securitization exposure that qualifies for and must be deducted under the Ratings-Based Approach. (5) High-risk securitization exposures subject to the Supervisory Formula Approach. In accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of section 45 of this appendix and paragraph (c) of section 42 of this appendix, certain high-risk securitization exposures (or portions thereof) that qualify for the Supervisory Formula Approach. (6) Eligible credit reserves shortfall. In accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of section 13 of this appendix, any eligible credit reserves shortfall. (7) Certain failed capital markets transactions. In accordance with paragraph (e)(3) of section 35 of this appendix, the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations savings association’s exposure on certain failed capital markets transactions. Section 12. Deductions and Limitations Not Required (a) Deduction of CEIOs. A Federal savings association is not required to make the deduction from capital for CEIOs in 12 CFR 167.5(a)(2)(iii) and 167.12(e). (b) Deduction for certain equity investments. A Federal savings association is not required to deduct equity securities from capital under 12 CFR 167.5(c)(2)(ii). However, it must continue to deduct equity investments in real estate under that section. See 12 CFR 167.1, which defines equity investments, including equity securities and equity investments in real estate. Section 13. Eligible Credit Reserves (a) Comparison of eligible credit reserves to expected credit losses —(1) Shortfall of eligible credit reserves. If a Federal savings association’s eligible credit reserves are less than the savings association’s total expected credit losses, the savings association must deduct the shortfall amount 50 percent from tier 1 capital and 50 percent from tier 2 capital. If the amount deductible from tier 2 capital exceeds the savings association’s actual tier 2 capital, the savings association must deduct the excess amount from tier 1 capital. (2) Excess eligible credit reserves. If a Federal savings association’s eligible credit reserves exceed the savings association’s total expected credit losses, the savings association may include the excess amount in tier 2 capital to the extent that the excess amount does not exceed 0.6 percent of the savings association’s credit-risk-weighted assets. (b) Treatment of allowance for loan and lease losses. Regardless of any provision in subpart B of part 167, the ALLL is included in tier 2 capital only to the extent provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and in section 24 of this appendix. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Part III. Qualification Section 21. Qualification Process (a) Timing. (1) A Federal savings association that is described in paragraph (b)(1) of section 1 of this appendix must adopt a written implementation plan no later than six months after the later of April 1, 2008, or the date the Federal savings association meets a criterion in that section. The implementation plan must incorporate an explicit first floor period start date no later than 36 months after the later of April 1, 2008, or the date the savings association meets at least one criterion under paragraph (b)(1) of section 1 of this appendix. The OCC may extend the first floor period start date. (2) A Federal savings association that elects to be subject to this appendix under paragraph (b)(2) of section 1 of this appendix must adopt a written implementation plan. (b) Implementation plan. (1) The savings association’s implementation plan must address in detail how the savings association complies, or plans to comply, with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix. The savings association also must maintain a comprehensive and sound VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 planning and governance process to oversee the implementation efforts described in the plan. At a minimum, the plan must: (i) Comprehensively address the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix for the savings association and each consolidated subsidiary (U.S. and foreign-based) of the savings association with respect to all portfolios and exposures of the savings association and each of its consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) Justify and support any proposed temporary or permanent exclusion of business lines, portfolios, or exposures from application of the advanced approaches in this appendix (which business lines, portfolios, and exposures must be, in the aggregate, immaterial to the savings association); (iii) Include the savings association’s selfassessment of: (A) The savings association’s current status in meeting the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix; and (B) The consistency of the savings association’s current practices with the OCC’s supervisory guidance on the qualification requirements; (iv) Based on the savings association’s selfassessment, identify and describe the areas in which the savings association proposes to undertake additional work to comply with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix or to improve the consistency of the savings association’s current practices with the OCC’s supervisory guidance on the qualification requirements (gap analysis); (v) Describe what specific actions the Federal savings association will take to address the areas identified in the gap analysis required by paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section; (vi) Identify objective, measurable milestones, including delivery dates and a date when the savings association’s implementation of the methodologies described in this appendix will be fully operational; (vii) Describe resources that have been budgeted and are available to implement the plan; and (viii) Receive approval of the savings association’s board of directors. (2) The savings association must submit the implementation plan, together with a copy of the minutes of the board of directors’ approval, to the OCC at least 60 days before the savings association proposes to begin its parallel run, unless the OCC waives prior notice. (c) Parallel run. Before determining its riskbased capital requirements under this appendix and following adoption of the implementation plan, the savings association must conduct a satisfactory parallel run. A satisfactory parallel run is a period of no less than four consecutive calendar quarters during which the savings association complies with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix to the satisfaction of the OCC. During the parallel run, the savings association must report to the OCC on a calendar quarterly basis its riskbased capital ratios using subpart B of part 167 and the risk-based capital requirements PO 00000 Frm 00151 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49099 described in this appendix. During this period, the savings association is subject to subpart B of part 167. (d) Approval to calculate risk-based capital requirements under this appendix. The OCC will notify the savings association of the date that the savings association may begin its first floor period if the OCC determines that: (1) The savings association fully complies with all the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix; (2) The savings association has conducted a satisfactory parallel run under paragraph (c) of this section; and (3) The savings association has an adequate process to ensure ongoing compliance with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix. (e) Transitional floor periods. Following a satisfactory parallel run, a Federal savings association is subject to three transitional floor periods. (1) Risk-based capital ratios during the transitional floor periods —(i) Tier 1 riskbased capital ratio. During a Federal savings association’s transitional floor periods, the savings association’s tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is equal to the lower of: (A) The savings association’s floor-adjusted tier 1 risk-based capital ratio; or (B) The savings association’s advanced approaches tier 1 risk-based capital ratio. (ii) Total risk-based capital ratio. During a savings association’s transitional floor periods, the savings association’s total riskbased capital ratio is equal to the lower of: (A) The savings association’s floor-adjusted total risk-based capital ratio; or (B) The savings association’s advanced approaches total risk-based capital ratio. (2) Floor-adjusted risk-based capital ratios. (i) A Federal savings association’s flooradjusted tier 1 risk-based capital ratio during a transitional floor period is equal to the savings association’s tier 1 capital as calculated under subpart B of part 167, divided by the product of: (A) The savings association’s total riskweighted assets as calculated under subpart B of part 167; and (B) The appropriate transitional floor percentage in Table 1. (ii) A Federal savings association’s flooradjusted total risk-based capital ratio during a transitional floor period is equal to the sum of the savings association’s tier 1 and tier 2 capital as calculated under subpart B of part 167, divided by the product of: (A) The savings association’s total riskweighted assets as calculated under subpart B of part 167; and (B) The appropriate transitional floor percentage in Table 1. (iii) A Federal savings association that meets the criteria in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of section 1 of this appendix as of April 1, 2008, must use subpart B of part 167 during the parallel run and as the basis for its transitional floors. TABLE 1—TRANSITIONAL FLOORS Transitional floor period First floor period ................... E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Transitional floor percentage 95 per 49100 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 1—TRANSITIONAL FLOORS— Continued Transitional floor period Second floor period .............. Third floor period .................. Transitional floor percentage 90 per 85 per sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (3) Advanced approaches risk-based capital ratios. (i) A Federal savings association’s advanced approaches tier 1 riskbased capital ratio equals the savings association’s tier 1 risk-based capital ratio as calculated under this appendix (other than this section on transitional floor periods). (ii) A Federal savings association’s advanced approaches total risk-based capital ratio equals the savings association’s total risk-based capital ratio as calculated under this appendix (other than this section on transitional floor periods). (4) Reporting. During the transitional floor periods, a Federal savings association must report to the OCC on a calendar quarterly basis both floor-adjusted risk-based capital ratios and both advanced approaches riskbased capital ratios. (5) Exiting a transitional floor period. A Federal savings association may not exit a transitional floor period until the savings association has spent a minimum of four consecutive calendar quarters in the period and the OCC has determined that the savings association may exit the floor period. The OCC’s determination will be based on an assessment of the savings association’s ongoing compliance with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix. (6) Interagency study. After the end of the second transition year (2010), the Federal banking agencies will publish a study that evaluates the advanced approaches to determine if there are any material deficiencies. For any primary Federal supervisor to authorize any institution to exit the third transitional floor period, the study must determine that there are no such material deficiencies that cannot be addressed by then-existing tools, or, if such deficiencies are found, they are first remedied by changes to this appendix. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a primary Federal supervisor that disagrees with the finding of material deficiency may not authorize any institution under its jurisdiction to exit the third transitional floor period unless it provides a public report explaining its reasoning. Section 22. Qualification Requirements (a) Process and systems requirements. (1) A Federal savings association must have a rigorous process for assessing its overall capital adequacy in relation to its risk profile and a comprehensive strategy for maintaining an appropriate level of capital. (2) The systems and processes used by a Federal savings association for risk-based capital purposes under this appendix must be consistent with the savings association’s internal risk management processes and management information reporting systems. (3) Each Federal savings association must have an appropriate infrastructure with risk VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 measurement and management processes that meet the qualification requirements of this section and are appropriate given the savings association’s size and level of complexity. Regardless of whether the systems and models that generate the risk parameters necessary for calculating a Federal savings association’s risk-based capital requirements are located at any affiliate of the savings association, the savings association itself must ensure that the risk parameters and reference data used to determine its riskbased capital requirements are representative of its own credit risk and operational risk exposures. (b) Risk rating and segmentation systems for wholesale and retail exposures. (1) A Federal savings association must have an internal risk rating and segmentation system that accurately and reliably differentiates among degrees of credit risk for the savings association’s wholesale and retail exposures. (2) For wholesale exposures: (i) A Federal savings association must have an internal risk rating system that accurately and reliably assigns each obligor to a single rating grade (reflecting the obligor’s likelihood of default). A Federal savings association may elect, however, not to assign to a rating grade an obligor to whom the savings association extends credit based solely on the financial strength of a guarantor, provided that all of the savings association’s exposures to the obligor are fully covered by eligible guarantees, the savings association applies the PD substitution approach in paragraph (c)(1) of section 33 of this appendix to all exposures to that obligor, and the savings association immediately assigns the obligor to a rating grade if a guarantee can no longer be recognized under this appendix. The savings association’s wholesale obligor rating system must have at least seven discrete rating grades for non-defaulted obligors and at least one rating grade for defaulted obligors. (ii) Unless the savings association has chosen to directly assign LGD estimates to each wholesale exposure, the savings association must have an internal risk rating system that accurately and reliably assigns each wholesale exposure to a loss severity rating grade (reflecting the savings association’s estimate of the LGD of the exposure). A Federal savings association employing loss severity rating grades must have a sufficiently granular loss severity grading system to avoid grouping together exposures with widely ranging LGDs. (3) For retail exposures, a Federal savings association must have an internal system that groups retail exposures into the appropriate retail exposure subcategory, groups the retail exposures in each retail exposure subcategory into separate segments with homogeneous risk characteristics, and assigns accurate and reliable PD and LGD estimates for each segment on a consistent basis. The savings association’s system must identify and group in separate segments by subcategories exposures identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(ii) and (iii) of section 31 of this appendix. (4) The savings association’s internal risk rating policy for wholesale exposures must describe the savings association’s rating PO 00000 Frm 00152 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 philosophy (that is, must describe how wholesale obligor rating assignments are affected by the savings association’s choice of the range of economic, business, and industry conditions that are considered in the obligor rating process). (5) The savings association’s internal risk rating system for wholesale exposures must provide for the review and update (as appropriate) of each obligor rating and (if applicable) each loss severity rating whenever the savings association receives new material information, but no less frequently than annually. The savings association’s retail exposure segmentation system must provide for the review and update (as appropriate) of assignments of retail exposures to segments whenever the savings association receives new material information, but generally no less frequently than quarterly. (c) Quantification of risk parameters for wholesale and retail exposures. (1) The Federal savings association must have a comprehensive risk parameter quantification process that produces accurate, timely, and reliable estimates of the risk parameters for the savings association’s wholesale and retail exposures. (2) Data used to estimate the risk parameters must be relevant to the savings association’s actual wholesale and retail exposures, and of sufficient quality to support the determination of risk-based capital requirements for the exposures. (3) The savings association’s risk parameter quantification process must produce appropriately conservative risk parameter estimates where the savings association has limited relevant data, and any adjustments that are part of the quantification process must not result in a pattern of bias toward lower risk parameter estimates. (4) The savings association’s risk parameter estimation process should not rely on the possibility of U.S. government financial assistance, except for the financial assistance that the U.S. government has a legally binding commitment to provide. (5) Where the savings association’s quantifications of LGD directly or indirectly incorporate estimates of the effectiveness of its credit risk management practices in reducing its exposure to troubled obligors prior to default, the savings association must support such estimates with empirical analysis showing that the estimates are consistent with its historical experience in dealing with such exposures during economic downturn conditions. (6) PD estimates for wholesale obligors and retail segments must be based on at least five years of default data. LGD estimates for wholesale exposures must be based on at least seven years of loss severity data, and LGD estimates for retail segments must be based on at least five years of loss severity data. EAD estimates for wholesale exposures must be based on at least seven years of exposure amount data, and EAD estimates for retail segments must be based on at least five years of exposure amount data. (7) Default, loss severity, and exposure amount data must include periods of economic downturn conditions, or the savings association must adjust its estimates E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations of risk parameters to compensate for the lack of data from periods of economic downturn conditions. (8) The savings association’s PD, LGD, and EAD estimates must be based on the definition of default in this appendix. (9) The savings association must review and update (as appropriate) its risk parameters and its risk parameter quantification process at least annually. (10) The savings association must at least annually conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of reference data to determine relevance of reference data to the savings association’s exposures, quality of reference data to support PD, LGD, and EAD estimates, and consistency of reference data to the definition of default contained in this appendix. (d) Counterparty credit risk model. A Federal savings association must obtain the prior written approval of the OCC under section 32 of this appendix to use the internal models methodology for counterparty credit risk. (e) Double default treatment. A Federal savings association must obtain the prior written approval of the OCC under section 34 of this appendix to use the double default treatment. (f) Securitization exposures. A Federal savings association must obtain the prior written approval of the OCC under section 44 of this appendix to use the Internal Assessment Approach for securitization exposures to ABCP programs. (g) Equity exposures model. A Federal savings association must obtain the prior written approval of the OCC under section 53 of this appendix to use the Internal Models Approach for equity exposures. (h) Operational risk—(1) Operational risk management processes. A Federal savings association must: (i) Have an operational risk management function that: (A) Is independent of business line management; and (B) Is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the savings association’s operational risk data and assessment systems, operational risk quantification systems, and related processes; (ii) Have and document a process (which must capture business environment and internal control factors affecting the savings association’s operational risk profile) to identify, measure, monitor, and control operational risk in savings association products, activities, processes, and systems; and (iii) Report operational risk exposures, operational loss events, and other relevant operational risk information to business unit management, senior management, and the board of directors (or a designated committee of the board). (2) Operational risk data and assessment systems. A Federal savings association must have operational risk data and assessment systems that capture operational risks to which the savings association is exposed. The savings association’s operational risk data and assessment systems must: (i) Be structured in a manner consistent with the savings association’s current VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 business activities, risk profile, technological processes, and risk management processes; and (ii) Include credible, transparent, systematic, and verifiable processes that incorporate the following elements on an ongoing basis: (A) Internal operational loss event data. The Federal savings association must have a systematic process for capturing and using internal operational loss event data in its operational risk data and assessment systems. (1) The savings association’s operational risk data and assessment systems must include a historical observation period of at least five years for internal operational loss event data (or such shorter period approved by the OCC to address transitional situations, such as integrating a new business line). (2) The Federal savings association must be able to map its internal operational loss event data into the seven operational loss event type categories. (3) The savings association may refrain from collecting internal operational loss event data for individual operational losses below established dollar threshold amounts if the savings association can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OCC that the thresholds are reasonable, do not exclude important internal operational loss event data, and permit the savings association to capture substantially all the dollar value of the savings association’s operational losses. (B) External operational loss event data. The Federal savings association must have a systematic process for determining its methodologies for incorporating external operational loss event data into its operational risk data and assessment systems. (C) Scenario analysis. The Federal savings association must have a systematic process for determining its methodologies for incorporating scenario analysis into its operational risk data and assessment systems. (D) Business environment and internal control factors. The Federal savings association must incorporate business environment and internal control factors into its operational risk data and assessment systems. The Federal savings association must also periodically compare the results of its prior business environment and internal control factor assessments against its actual operational losses incurred in the intervening period. (3) Operational risk quantification systems. (i) The Federal savings association’s operational risk quantification systems: (A) Must generate estimates of the savings association’s operational risk exposure using its operational risk data and assessment systems; (B) Must employ a unit of measure that is appropriate for the savings association’s range of business activities and the variety of operational loss events to which it is exposed, and that does not combine business activities or operational loss events with demonstrably different risk profiles within the same loss distribution; (C) Must include a credible, transparent, systematic, and verifiable approach for weighting each of the four elements, described in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section, that a savings association is required PO 00000 Frm 00153 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49101 to incorporate into its operational risk data and assessment systems; (D) May use internal estimates of dependence among operational losses across and within units of measure if the savings association can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OCC that its process for estimating dependence is sound, robust to a variety of scenarios, and implemented with integrity, and allows for the uncertainty surrounding the estimates. If the savings association has not made such a demonstration, it must sum operational risk exposure estimates across units of measure to calculate its total operational risk exposure; and (E) Must be reviewed and updated (as appropriate) whenever the savings association becomes aware of information that may have a material effect on the savings association’s estimate of operational risk exposure, but the review and update must occur no less frequently than annually. (ii) With the prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may generate an estimate of its operational risk exposure using an alternative approach to that specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section. A savings association proposing to use such an alternative operational risk quantification system must submit a proposal to the OCC. In determining whether to approve a savings association’s proposal to use an alternative operational risk quantification system, the OCC will consider the following principles: (A) Use of the alternative operational risk quantification system will be allowed only on an exception basis, considering the size, complexity, and risk profile of the savings association; (B) The savings association must demonstrate that its estimate of its operational risk exposure generated under the alternative operational risk quantification system is appropriate and can be supported empirically; and (C) A savings association must not use an allocation of operational risk capital requirements that includes entities other than depository institutions or the benefits of diversification across entities. (i) Data management and maintenance. (1) A Federal savings association must have data management and maintenance systems that adequately support all aspects of its advanced systems and the timely and accurate reporting of risk-based capital requirements. (2) A Federal savings association must retain data using an electronic format that allows timely retrieval of data for analysis, validation, reporting, and disclosure purposes. (3) A Federal savings association must retain sufficient data elements related to key risk drivers to permit adequate monitoring, validation, and refinement of its advanced systems. (j) Control, oversight, and validation mechanisms. (1) The Federal savings association’s senior management must ensure that all components of the savings association’s advanced systems function effectively and comply with the qualification requirements in this section. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49102 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (2) The savings association’s board of directors (or a designated committee of the board) must at least annually review the effectiveness of, and approve, the savings association’s advanced systems. (3) A savings association must have an effective system of controls and oversight that: (i) Ensures ongoing compliance with the qualification requirements in this section; (ii) Maintains the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of the savings association’s advanced systems; and (iii) Includes adequate governance and project management processes. (4) The Federal savings association must validate, on an ongoing basis, its advanced systems. The savings association’s validation process must be independent of the advanced systems’ development, implementation, and operation, or the validation process must be subjected to an independent review of its adequacy and effectiveness. Validation must include: (i) An evaluation of the conceptual soundness of (including developmental evidence supporting) the advanced systems; (ii) An ongoing monitoring process that includes verification of processes and benchmarking; and (iii) An outcomes analysis process that includes back-testing. (5) The Federal savings association must have an internal audit function independent of business-line management that at least annually assesses the effectiveness of the controls supporting the savings association’s advanced systems and reports its findings to the savings association’s board of directors (or a committee thereof). (6) The Federal savings association must periodically stress test its advanced systems. The stress testing must include a consideration of how economic cycles, especially downturns, affect risk-based capital requirements (including migration across rating grades and segments and the credit risk mitigation benefits of double default treatment). (k) Documentation. The Federal savings association must adequately document all material aspects of its advanced systems. Section 23. Ongoing Qualification (a) Changes to advanced systems. A Federal savings association must meet all the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix on an ongoing basis. A savings association must notify the OCC when the savings association makes any change to an advanced system that would result in a material change in the savings association’s risk-weighted asset amount for an exposure type, or when the savings association makes any significant change to its modeling assumptions. (b) Failure to comply with qualification requirements. (1) If the OCC determines that a Federal savings association that uses this appendix and has conducted a satisfactory parallel run fails to comply with the qualification requirements in section 22 of this appendix, the OCC will notify the savings association in writing of the savings association’s failure to comply. (2) The Federal savings association must establish and submit a plan satisfactory to the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 OCC to return to compliance with the qualification requirements. (3) In addition, if the OCC determines that the savings association’s risk-based capital requirements are not commensurate with the savings association’s credit, market, operational, or other risks, the OCC may require such a savings association to calculate its risk-based capital requirements: (i) Under subpart B of part 167; or (ii) Under this appendix with any modifications provided by the OCC. Section 24. Merger and Acquisition Transitional Arrangements (a) Mergers and acquisitions of companies without advanced systems. If a Federal savings association merges with or acquires a company that does not calculate its riskbased capital requirements using advanced systems, the savings association may use subpart B of part 167 to determine the riskweighted asset amounts for, and deductions from capital associated with, the merged or acquired company’s exposures for up to 24 months after the calendar quarter during which the merger or acquisition consummates. The OCC may extend this transition period for up to an additional 12 months. Within 90 days of consummating the merger or acquisition, the savings association must submit to the OCC an implementation plan for using its advanced systems for the acquired company. During the period when subpart A of this part applies to the merged or acquired company, any ALLL associated with the merged or acquired company’s exposures may be included in the savings association’s tier 2 capital up to 1.25 percent of the acquired company’s risk-weighted assets. All general allowances of the merged or acquired company must be excluded from the savings association’s eligible credit reserves. In addition, the risk-weighted assets of the merged or acquired company are not included in the savings association’s creditrisk-weighted assets but are included in total risk-weighted assets. If a savings association relies on this paragraph, the savings association must disclose publicly the amounts of risk-weighted assets and qualifying capital calculated under this appendix for the acquiring savings association and under subpart B of part 167 for the acquired company. (b) Mergers and acquisitions of companies with advanced systems—(1) If a Federal savings association merges with or acquires a company that calculates its risk-based capital requirements using advanced systems, the savings association may use the acquired company’s advanced systems to determine the risk-weighted asset amounts for, and deductions from capital associated with, the merged or acquired company’s exposures for up to 24 months after the calendar quarter during which the acquisition or merger consummates. The OCC may extend this transition period for up to an additional 12 months. Within 90 days of consummating the merger or acquisition, the savings association must submit to the OCC an implementation plan for using its advanced systems for the merged or acquired company. (2) If the acquiring Federal savings association is not subject to the advanced PO 00000 Frm 00154 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 approaches in this appendix at the time of acquisition or merger, during the period when subpart B of part 167 apply to the acquiring savings association, the ALLL associated with the exposures of the merged or acquired company may not be directly included in tier 2 capital. Rather, any excess eligible credit reserves associated with the merged or acquired company’s exposures may be included in the savings association’s tier 2 capital up to 0.6 percent of the creditrisk-weighted assets associated with those exposures. Part IV. Risk-Weighted Assets for General Credit Risk Section 31. Mechanics for Calculating Total Wholesale and Retail Risk-Weighted Assets (a) Overview. A Federal savings association must calculate its total wholesale and retail risk-weighted asset amount in four distinct phases: (1) Phase 1—categorization of exposures; (2) Phase 2—assignment of wholesale obligors and exposures to rating grades and segmentation of retail exposures; (3) Phase 3—assignment of risk parameters to wholesale exposures and segments of retail exposures; and (4) Phase 4—calculation of risk-weighted asset amounts. (b) Phase 1—Categorization. The Federal savings association must determine which of its exposures are wholesale exposures, retail exposures, securitization exposures, or equity exposures. The savings association must categorize each retail exposure as a residential mortgage exposure, a QRE, or an other retail exposure. The savings association must identify which wholesale exposures are HVCRE exposures, sovereign exposures, OTC derivative contracts, repo-style transactions, eligible margin loans, eligible purchased wholesale exposures, unsettled transactions to which section 35 of this appendix applies, and eligible guarantees or eligible credit derivatives that are used as credit risk mitigants. The savings association must identify any on-balance sheet asset that does not meet the definition of a wholesale, retail, equity, or securitization exposure, as well as any non-material portfolio of exposures described in paragraph (e)(4) of this section. (c) Phase 2—Assignment of wholesale obligors and exposures to rating grades and retail exposures to segments—(1) Assignment of wholesale obligors and exposures to rating grades. (i) The savings association must assign each obligor of a wholesale exposure to a single obligor rating grade and must assign each wholesale exposure to which it does not directly assign an LGD estimate to a loss severity rating grade. (ii) The savings association must identify which of its wholesale obligors are in default. (2) Segmentation of retail exposures. (i) The savings association must group the retail exposures in each retail subcategory into segments that have homogeneous risk characteristics. (ii) The savings association must identify which of its retail exposures are in default. The savings association must segment defaulted retail exposures separately from non-defaulted retail exposures. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (iii) If the savings association determines the EAD for eligible margin loans using the approach in paragraph (b) of section 32 of this appendix, the savings association must identify which of its retail exposures are eligible margin loans for which the savings association uses this EAD approach and must segment such eligible margin loans separately from other retail exposures. (3) Eligible purchased wholesale exposures. A Federal savings association may group its eligible purchased wholesale exposures into segments that have homogeneous risk characteristics. A Federal savings association must use the wholesale exposure formula in Table 2 in this section to determine the risk-based capital requirement for each segment of eligible purchased wholesale exposures. (d) Phase 3—Assignment of risk parameters to wholesale exposures and segments of retail exposures—(1) Quantification process. Subject to the limitations in this paragraph (d), the Federal savings association must: (i) Associate a PD with each wholesale obligor rating grade; (ii) Associate an LGD with each wholesale loss severity rating grade or assign an LGD to each wholesale exposure; (iii) Assign an EAD and M to each wholesale exposure; and (iv) Assign a PD, LGD, and EAD to each segment of retail exposures. (2) Floor on PD assignment. The PD for each wholesale obligor or retail segment may not be less than 0.03 percent, except for exposures to or directly and unconditionally guaranteed by a sovereign entity, the Bank for International Settlements, the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, the European Central Bank, or a multilateral development bank, to which the savings association assigns a rating grade associated with a PD of less than 0.03 percent. (3) Floor on LGD estimation. The LGD for each segment of residential mortgage exposures (other than segments of residential mortgage exposures for which all or substantially all of the principal of each exposure is directly and unconditionally guaranteed by the full faith and credit of a sovereign entity) may not be less than 10 percent. (4) Eligible purchased wholesale exposures. A Federal savings association must assign a PD, LGD, EAD, and M to each segment of eligible purchased wholesale exposures. If the savings association can estimate ECL (but not PD or LGD) for a segment of eligible purchased wholesale VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 exposures, the savings association must assume that the LGD of the segment equals 100 percent and that the PD of the segment equals ECL divided by EAD. The estimated ECL must be calculated for the exposures without regard to any assumption of recourse or guarantees from the seller or other parties. (5) Credit risk mitigation—credit derivatives, guarantees, and collateral. (i) A Federal savings association may take into account the risk reducing effects of eligible guarantees and eligible credit derivatives in support of a wholesale exposure by applying the PD substitution or LGD adjustment treatment to the exposure as provided in section 33 of this appendix or, if applicable, applying double default treatment to the exposure as provided in section 34 of this appendix. A Federal savings association may decide separately for each wholesale exposure that qualifies for the double default treatment under section 34 of this appendix whether to apply the double default treatment or to use the PD substitution or LGD adjustment treatment without recognizing double default effects. (ii) A Federal savings association may take into account the risk reducing effects of guarantees and credit derivatives in support of retail exposures in a segment when quantifying the PD and LGD of the segment. (iii) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(6) of this section, a Federal savings association may take into account the risk reducing effects of collateral in support of a wholesale exposure when quantifying the LGD of the exposure and may take into account the risk reducing effects of collateral in support of retail exposures when quantifying the PD and LGD of the segment. (6) EAD for OTC derivative contracts, repostyle transactions, and eligible margin loans. (i) A Federal savings association must calculate its EAD for an OTC derivative contract as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of section 32 of this appendix. A Federal savings association may take into account the risk-reducing effects of financial collateral in support of a repo-style transaction or eligible margin loan and of any collateral in support of a repo-style transaction that is included in the savings association’s VaR-based measure under any applicable market risk rule through an adjustment to EAD as provided in paragraphs (b) and (d) of section 32 of this appendix. A savings association that takes collateral into account through such an adjustment to EAD under section 32 of this appendix may not reflect such collateral in LGD. PO 00000 Frm 00155 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49103 (ii) A Federal savings association may attribute an EAD of zero to: (A) Derivative contracts that are publicly traded on an exchange that requires the daily receipt and payment of cash-variation margin; (B) Derivative contracts and repo-style transactions that are outstanding with a qualifying central counterparty (but not for those transactions that a qualifying central counterparty has rejected); and (C) Credit risk exposures to a qualifying central counterparty in the form of clearing deposits and posted collateral that arise from transactions described in paragraph (d)(6)(ii)(B) of this section. (7) Effective maturity. An exposure’s M must be no greater than five years and no less than one year, except that an exposure’s M must be no less than one day if the exposure has an original maturity of less than one year and is not part of a Federal savings association’s ongoing financing of the obligor. An exposure is not part of a Federal savings association’s ongoing financing of the obligor if the savings association: (i) Has a legal and practical ability not to renew or roll over the exposure in the event of credit deterioration of the obligor; (ii) Makes an independent credit decision at the inception of the exposure and at every renewal or roll over; and (iii) Has no substantial commercial incentive to continue its credit relationship with the obligor in the event of credit deterioration of the obligor. (e) Phase 4—Calculation of risk-weighted assets—(1) Non-defaulted exposures. (i) A Federal savings association must calculate the dollar risk-based capital requirement for each of its wholesale exposures to a nondefaulted obligor (except eligible guarantees and eligible credit derivatives that hedge another wholesale exposure and exposures to which the savings association applies the double default treatment in section 34 of this appendix) and segments of non-defaulted retail exposures by inserting the assigned risk parameters for the wholesale obligor and exposure or retail segment into the appropriate risk-based capital formula specified in Table 2 and multiplying the output of the formula (K) by the EAD of the exposure or segment. Alternatively, a Federal savings association may apply a 300 percent risk weight to the EAD of an eligible margin loan if the savings association is not able to meet the agencies’ requirements for estimation of PD and LGD for the margin loan. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (ii) The sum of all the dollar risk-based capital requirements for each wholesale exposure to a non-defaulted obligor and segment of non-defaulted retail exposures calculated in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section and in paragraph (e) of section 34 of this appendix equals the total dollar riskbased capital requirement for those exposures and segments. (iii) The aggregate risk-weighted asset amount for wholesale exposures to nondefaulted obligors and segments of nondefaulted retail exposures equals the total dollar risk-based capital requirement calculated in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section multiplied by 12.5. (2) Wholesale exposures to defaulted obligors and segments of defaulted retail exposures. (i) The dollar risk-based capital requirement for each wholesale exposure to a defaulted obligor equals 0.08 multiplied by the EAD of the exposure. (ii) The dollar risk-based capital requirement for a segment of defaulted retail exposures equals 0.08 multiplied by the EAD of the segment. (iii) The sum of all the dollar risk-based capital requirements for each wholesale exposure to a defaulted obligor calculated in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section plus the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 dollar risk-based capital requirements for each segment of defaulted retail exposures calculated in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section equals the total dollar risk-based capital requirement for those exposures and segments. (iv) The aggregate risk-weighted asset amount for wholesale exposures to defaulted obligors and segments of defaulted retail exposures equals the total dollar risk-based capital requirement calculated in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section multiplied by 12.5. (3) Assets not included in a defined exposure category. (i) A Federal savings association may assign a risk-weighted asset amount of zero to cash owned and held in all offices of the savings association or in transit and for gold bullion held in the savings association’s own vaults, or held in another savings association’s vaults on an allocated basis, to the extent the gold bullion assets are offset by gold bullion liabilities. (ii) The risk-weighted asset amount for the residual value of a retail lease exposure equals such residual value. (iii) The risk-weighted asset amount for any other on-balance-sheet asset that does not meet the definition of a wholesale, retail, securitization, or equity exposure equals the carrying value of the asset. PO 00000 Frm 00156 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (4) Non-material portfolios of exposures. The risk-weighted asset amount of a portfolio of exposures for which the Federal savings association has demonstrated to the OCC’s satisfaction that the portfolio (when combined with all other portfolios of exposures that the savings association seeks to treat under this paragraph) is not material to the savings association is the sum of the carrying values of on-balance sheet exposures plus the notional amounts of off-balance sheet exposures in the portfolio. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(4), the notional amount of an OTC derivative contract that is not a credit derivative is the EAD of the derivative as calculated in section 32 of this appendix. Section 32. Counterparty Credit Risk of RepoStyle Transactions, Eligible Margin Loans, and OTC Derivative Contracts (a) In General. (1) This section describes two methodologies—a collateral haircut approach and an internal models methodology—that a Federal savings association may use instead of an LGD estimation methodology to recognize the benefits of financial collateral in mitigating the counterparty credit risk of repo-style transactions, eligible margin loans, E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.002</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49104 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations collateralized OTC derivative contracts, and single product netting sets of such transactions and to recognize the benefits of any collateral in mitigating the counterparty credit risk of repo-style transactions that are included in a Federal savings association’s VaR-based measure under any applicable market risk rule. A third methodology, the simple VaR methodology, is available for single product netting sets of repo-style transactions and eligible margin loans. (2) This section also describes the methodology for calculating EAD for an OTC derivative contract or a set of OTC derivative contracts subject to a qualifying master netting agreement. A Federal savings association also may use the internal models methodology to estimate EAD for qualifying cross-product master netting agreements. (3) A Federal savings association may only use the standard supervisory haircut approach with a minimum 10-business-day holding period to recognize in EAD the benefits of conforming residential mortgage collateral that secures repo-style transactions (other than repo-style transactions included in the savings association’s VaR-based measure under any applicable market risk rule), eligible margin loans, and OTC derivative contracts. (4) A Federal savings association may use any combination of the three methodologies for collateral recognition; however, it must use the same methodology for similar exposures. (b) EAD for eligible margin loans and repostyle transactions—(1) General. A Federal savings association may recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of financial collateral that secures an eligible margin loan, repo- style transaction, or single-product netting set of such transactions by factoring the collateral into its LGD estimates for the exposure. Alternatively, a savings association may estimate an unsecured LGD for the exposure, as well as for any repo-style transaction that is included in the savings association’s VaR-based measure under any applicable market risk rule, and determine the EAD of the exposure using: (i) The collateral haircut approach described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; (ii) For netting sets only, the simple VaR methodology described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section; or (iii) The internal models methodology described in paragraph (d) of this section. (2) Collateral haircut approach—(i) EAD equation. A Federal savings association may determine EAD for an eligible margin loan, repo-style transaction, or netting set by setting EAD equal to max {0, [(SE¥SC) + S(Es × Hs) + S(Efx × Hfx)]}, where: (A) SE equals the value of the exposure (the sum of the current market values of all instruments, gold, and cash the Federal savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, or posted as collateral to the counterparty under the transaction (or netting set)); (B) SC equals the value of the collateral (the sum of the current market values of all instruments, gold, and cash the Federal savings association has borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral from the counterparty under the transaction (or netting set)); (C) Es equals the absolute value of the net position in a given instrument or in gold (where the net position in a given instrument 49105 or in gold equals the sum of the current market values of the instrument or gold the Federal savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, or posted as collateral to the counterparty minus the sum of the current market values of that same instrument or gold the savings association has borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral from the counterparty); (D) Hs equals the market price volatility haircut appropriate to the instrument or gold referenced in Es; (E) Efx equals the absolute value of the net position of instruments and cash in a currency that is different from the settlement currency (where the net position in a given currency equals the sum of the current market values of any instruments or cash in the currency the Federal savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, or posted as collateral to the counterparty minus the sum of the current market values of any instruments or cash in the currency the savings association has borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral from the counterparty); and (F) Hfx equals the haircut appropriate to the mismatch between the currency referenced in Efx and the settlement currency. (ii) Standard supervisory haircuts. (A) Under the standard supervisory haircuts approach: (1 ) A Federal savings association must use the haircuts for market price volatility (Hs) in Table 3, as adjusted in certain circumstances as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A)(3 ) and (4 ) of this section; TABLE 3—STANDARD SUPERVISORY MARKET PRICE VOLATILITY HAIRCUTS 1 Applicable external rating grade category for debt securities Residual maturity for debt securities Two highest investment-grade rating categories for long-term ratings/highest investment-grade rating category for short-term ratings. ≤ 1 year ..................... >1 year, ≤ 5 years ..... > 5 years ................... ≤ 1 year ..................... > 1 year, ≤ 5 years .... > 5 years ................... All .............................. Two lowest investment-grade rating categories for both short- and long-term ratings. One rating category below investment grade ................................................... Main index equities (including convertible bonds) and gold ..................................................................... Other publicly traded equities (including convertible bonds), conforming residential mortgages, and nonfinancial collateral. Mutual funds .............................................................................................................................................. Cash on deposit with the Federal savings association (including a certificate of deposit issued by the savings association). 1 The sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Issuers exempt from the 3 basis point floor Other issuers 0.005 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.06 0.15 0.01 0.04 0.08 0.02 0.06 0.12 0.25 0.15 0.25 Highest haircut applicable to any security in which the fund can invest. 0 market price volatility haircuts in Table 3 are based on a ten-business-day holding period. (2) For currency mismatches, a Federal savings association must use a haircut for foreign exchange rate volatility (Hfx) of 8 percent, as adjusted in certain circumstances as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A)(3) and (4) of this section. (3) For repo-style transactions, a Federal savings association may multiply the supervisory haircuts provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section by the square root of 1⁄2 (which equals 0.707107). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (4) A Federal savings association must adjust the supervisory haircuts upward on the basis of a holding period longer than ten business days (for eligible margin loans) or five business days (for repo-style transactions) where and as appropriate to take into account the illiquidity of an instrument. (iii) Own internal estimates for haircuts. With the prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may calculate PO 00000 Frm 00157 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 haircuts (Hs and Hfx) using its own internal estimates of the volatilities of market prices and foreign exchange rates. (A) To receive the OCC’s approval to use its own internal estimates, a Federal savings association must satisfy the following minimum quantitative standards: (1) A Federal savings association must use a 99th percentile one-tailed confidence interval. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (2) The minimum holding period for a repo-style transaction is five business days and for an eligible margin loan is ten business days. When a Federal savings association calculates an own-estimates haircut on a TN-day holding period, which is different from the minimum holding period for the transaction type, the applicable haircut (HM) is calculated using the following square root of time formula: (i) TM equals 5 for repo-style transactions and 10 for eligible margin loans; (ii) TN equals the holding period used by the savings association to derive HN; and (iii) HN equals the haircut based on the holding period TN. (3) A Federal savings association must adjust holding periods upwards where and as appropriate to take into account the illiquidity of an instrument. (4) The historical observation period must be at least one year. (5) A Federal savings association must update its data sets and recompute haircuts no less frequently than quarterly and must also reassess data sets and haircuts whenever market prices change materially. (B) With respect to debt securities that have an applicable external rating of investment grade, a Federal savings association may calculate haircuts for categories of securities. For a category of securities, the savings association must calculate the haircut on the basis of internal volatility estimates for securities in that category that are representative of the securities in that category that the savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, posted as collateral, borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral. In determining relevant categories, the savings association must at a minimum take into account: (1) The type of issuer of the security; (2) The applicable external rating of the security; (3) The maturity of the security; and (4) The interest rate sensitivity of the security. (C) With respect to debt securities that have an applicable external rating of below investment grade and equity securities, a Federal savings association must calculate a separate haircut for each individual security. (D) Where an exposure or collateral (whether in the form of cash or securities) is denominated in a currency that differs from the settlement currency, the Federal savings association must calculate a separate currency mismatch haircut for its net position in each mismatched currency based on estimated volatilities of foreign exchange rates between the mismatched currency and the settlement currency. (E) A Federal savings association’s own estimates of market price and foreign exchange rate volatilities may not take into account the correlations among securities and foreign exchange rates on either the exposure or collateral side of a transaction (or netting set) or the correlations among securities and foreign exchange rates between VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 the exposure and collateral sides of the transaction (or netting set). (3) Simple VaR methodology . With the prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may estimate EAD for a netting set using a VaR model that meets the requirements in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section. In such event, the savings association must set EAD equal to max {0, [(SE ¥ SC) + PFE]}, where: (i) SE equals the value of the exposure (the sum of the current market values of all instruments, gold, and cash the savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, or posted as collateral to the counterparty under the netting set); (ii) SC equals the value of the collateral (the sum of the current market values of all instruments, gold, and cash the savings association has borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral from the counterparty under the netting set); and (iii) PFE (potential future exposure) equals the savings association’s empirically based best estimate of the 99th percentile, onetailed confidence interval for an increase in the value of (SE ¥ SC) over a five-businessday holding period for repo-style transactions or over a ten-business-day holding period for eligible margin loans using a minimum oneyear historical observation period of price data representing the instruments that the savings association has lent, sold subject to repurchase, posted as collateral, borrowed, purchased subject to resale, or taken as collateral. The savings association must validate its VaR model, including by establishing and maintaining a rigorous and regular back-testing regime. (c) EAD for OTC derivative contracts. (1) A Federal savings association must determine the EAD for an OTC derivative contract that is not subject to a qualifying master netting agreement using the current exposure methodology in paragraph (c)(5) of this section or using the internal models methodology described in paragraph (d) of this section. (2) A Federal savings association must determine the EAD for multiple OTC derivative contracts that are subject to a qualifying master netting agreement using the current exposure methodology in paragraph (c)(6) of this section or using the internal models methodology described in paragraph (d) of this section. (3) Counterparty credit risk for credit derivatives. Notwithstanding the above: (i) A Federal savings association that purchases a credit derivative that is recognized under section 33 or 34 of this appendix as a credit risk mitigant for an exposure that is not a covered position under any applicable market risk rule need not compute a separate counterparty credit risk capital requirement under this section so long as the savings association does so consistently for all such credit derivatives and either includes all or excludes all such credit derivatives that are subject to a master netting agreement from any measure used to determine counterparty credit risk exposure to all relevant counterparties for risk-based capital purposes. (ii) A Federal savings association that is the protection provider in a credit derivative PO 00000 Frm 00158 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 must treat the credit derivative as a wholesale exposure to the reference obligor and need not compute a counterparty credit risk capital requirement for the credit derivative under this section, so long as it does so consistently for all such credit derivatives and either includes all or excludes all such credit derivatives that are subject to a master netting agreement from any measure used to determine counterparty credit risk exposure to all relevant counterparties for risk-based capital purposes (unless the savings association is treating the credit derivative as a covered position under any applicable market risk rule, in which case the savings association must compute a supplemental counterparty credit risk capital requirement under this section). (4) Counterparty credit risk for equity derivatives. A Federal savings association must treat an equity derivative contract as an equity exposure and compute a risk-weighted asset amount for the equity derivative contract under part VI (unless the savings association is treating the contract as a covered position under any applicable market risk rule). In addition, if the savings association is treating the contract as a covered position under any applicable market risk rule and in certain other cases described in section 55 of this appendix, the savings association must also calculate a riskbased capital requirement for the counterparty credit risk of an equity derivative contract under this part. (5) Single OTC derivative contract. Except as modified by paragraph (c)(7) of this section, the EAD for a single OTC derivative contract that is not subject to a qualifying master netting agreement is equal to the sum of the Federal savings association’s current credit exposure and potential future credit exposure (PFE) on the derivative contract. (i) Current credit exposure. The current credit exposure for a single OTC derivative contract is the greater of the mark-to-market value of the derivative contract or zero. (ii) PFE. The PFE for a single OTC derivative contract, including an OTC derivative contract with a negative mark-tomarket value, is calculated by multiplying the notional principal amount of the derivative contract by the appropriate conversion factor in Table 4. For purposes of calculating either the PFE under this paragraph or the gross PFE under paragraph (c)(6) of this section for exchange rate contracts and other similar contracts in which the notional principal amount is equivalent to the cash flows, notional principal amount is the net receipts to each party falling due on each value date in each currency. For any OTC derivative contract that does not fall within one of the specified categories in Table 4, the PFE must be calculated using the ‘‘other’’ conversion factors. A Federal savings association must use an OTC derivative contract’s effective notional principal amount (that is, its apparent or stated notional principal amount multiplied by any multiplier in the OTC derivative contract) rather than its apparent or stated notional principal amount in calculating PFE. PFE of the protection provider of a credit derivative is capped at the net present value of the amount of unpaid premiums. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.003</GPH> 49106 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49107 TABLE 4—CONVERSION FACTOR MATRIX FOR OTC DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS1 Remaining maturity 2 Interest rate One year or less ...... Over one to five years ..................... Over five years ......... Foreign exchange rate and gold Credit (investmentgrade reference obligor) 3 Credit (noninvestmentgrade reference obligor) Precious metals (except gold) Equity Other 0.00 0.01 0.05 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.10 0.005 0.015 0.05 0.075 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.15 (6) Multiple OTC derivative contracts subject to a qualifying master netting agreement. Except as modified by paragraph (c)(7) of this section, the EAD for multiple OTC derivative contracts subject to a qualifying master netting agreement is equal to the sum of the net current credit exposure and the adjusted sum of the PFE exposure for all OTC derivative contracts subject to the qualifying master netting agreement. (i) Net current credit exposure. The net current credit exposure is the greater of: (A) The net sum of all positive and negative mark-to-market values of the individual OTC derivative contracts subject to the qualifying master netting agreement; or (B) Zero. (ii) Adjusted sum of the PFE. The adjusted sum of the PFE, Anet, is calculated as Anet = (0.4 × Agross)+(0.6 × NGR × Agross), where: (A) Agross = the gross PFE (that is, the sum of the PFE amounts (as determined under paragraph (c)(5)(ii) of this section) for each individual OTC derivative contract subject to the qualifying master netting agreement); and (B) NGR = the net to gross ratio (that is, the ratio of the net current credit exposure to the gross current credit exposure). In calculating the NGR, the gross current credit exposure equals the sum of the positive current credit exposures (as determined under paragraph (c)(5)(i) of this section) of all individual OTC derivative contracts subject to the qualifying master netting agreement. (7) Collateralized OTC derivative contracts. A Federal savings association may recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of financial collateral that secures an OTC derivative contract or single-product netting set of OTC derivatives by factoring the collateral into its LGD estimates for the contract or netting set. Alternatively, a Federal savings association may recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of financial collateral that secures such a contract or netting set that is marked to market on a daily basis and subject to a daily margin maintenance requirement by estimating an unsecured LGD for the contract or netting set and adjusting the EAD calculated under paragraph (c)(5) or (c)(6) of this section using the collateral haircut approach in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The savings association must substitute the EAD calculated under paragraph (c)(5) or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (c)(6) of this section for SE in the equation in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section and must use a ten-business-day minimum holding period (TM= 10). (d) Internal models methodology. (1) With prior written approval from the OCC, a Federal savings association may use the internal models methodology in this paragraph (d) to determine EAD for counterparty credit risk for OTC derivative contracts (collateralized or uncollateralized) and single-product netting sets thereof, for eligible margin loans and single-product netting sets thereof, and for repo-style transactions and single-product netting sets thereof. A Federal savings association that uses the internal models methodology for a particular transaction type (OTC derivative contracts, eligible margin loans, or repo-style transactions) must use the internal models methodology for all transactions of that transaction type. A Federal savings association may choose to use the internal models methodology for one or two of these three types of exposures and not the other types. A Federal savings association may also use the internal models methodology for OTC derivative contracts, eligible margin loans, and repo-style transactions subject to a qualifying cross-product netting agreement if: (i) The savings association effectively integrates the risk mitigating effects of crossproduct netting into its risk management and other information technology systems; and (ii) The savings association obtains the prior written approval of the OCC. A savings association that uses the internal models methodology for a transaction type must receive approval from the OCC to cease using the methodology for that transaction type or to make a material change to its internal model. (2) Under the internal models methodology, a Federal savings association uses an internal model to estimate the expected exposure (EE) for a netting set and then calculates EAD based on that EE. (i) The savings association must use its internal model’s probability distribution for changes in the market value of a netting set that are attributable to changes in market variables to determine EE. (ii) Under the internal models methodology, EAD = a x effective EPE, or, PO 00000 Frm 00159 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 subject to the OCC’s approval as provided in paragraph (d)(7), a more conservative measure of EAD. (that is, effective EPE is the time-weighted average of effective EE where the weights are the proportion that an individual effective EE represents in a one-year time interval) where: (1) Effective EEtk = max (Effective EEtk ¥ 1, EEtk) (that is, for a specific datetk, effective EE is the greater of EE at that date or the effective EE at the previous date); and (2) tk represents the kth future time period in the model and there are n time periods represented in the model over the first year; and (B) a = 1.4 except as provided in paragraph (d)(6), or when the OCC has determined that the Federal savings association must set a higher based on the savings association’s specific characteristics of counterparty credit risk. (iii) A Federal savings association may include financial collateral currently posted by the counterparty as collateral (but may not include other forms of collateral) when calculating EE. (iv) If a Federal savings association hedges some or all of the counterparty credit risk associated with a netting set using an eligible credit derivative, the savings association may take the reduction in exposure to the counterparty into account when estimating EE. If the savings association recognizes this reduction in exposure to the counterparty in its estimate of EE, it must also use its internal model to estimate a separate EAD for the savings association’s exposure to the protection provider of the credit derivative. (3) To obtain the OCC’s approval to calculate the distributions of exposures upon which the EAD calculation is based, the Federal savings association must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OCC that it has been using for at least one year an internal model that broadly meets the following minimum standards, with which the savings association must maintain compliance: (i) The model must have the systems capability to estimate the expected exposure to the counterparty on a daily basis (but is E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.004</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 1 For an OTC derivative contract with multiple exchanges of principal, the conversion factor is multiplied by the number of remaining payments in the derivative contract. 2 For an OTC derivative contract that is structured such that on specified dates any outstanding exposure is settled and the terms are reset so that the market value of the contract is zero, the remaining maturity equals the time until the next reset date. For an interest rate derivative contract with a remaining maturity of greater than one year that meets these criteria, the minimum conversion factor is 0.005. 3 A Federal savings association must use the column labeled ‘‘Credit (investment-grade reference obligor)’’ for a credit derivative whose reference obligor has an outstanding unsecured long-term debt security without credit enhancement that has a long-term applicable external rating of at least investment grade. A savings association must use the column labeled ‘‘Credit (non-investment-grade reference obligor)’’ for all other credit derivatives. 49108 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations expected exposures for OTC derivative contracts both with and without the effect of collateral agreements. (vi) The savings association must have procedures to identify, monitor, and control specific wrong-way risk throughout the life of an exposure. Wrong-way risk in this context is the risk that future exposure to a counterparty will be high when the counterparty’s probability of default is also high. (vii) The model must use current market data to compute current exposures. When estimating model parameters based on historical data, at least three years of historical data that cover a wide range of economic conditions must be used and must be updated quarterly or more frequently if market conditions warrant. The savings association should consider using model parameters based on forward-looking measures, where appropriate. (viii) A savings association must subject its internal model to an initial validation and annual model review process. The model review should consider whether the inputs and risk factors, as well as the model outputs, are appropriate. (4) Maturity. (i) If the remaining maturity of the exposure or the longest-dated contract in the netting set is greater than one year, the Federal savings association must set M for the exposure or netting set equal to the lower of five years or M(EPE) 3 where: (B) dfk is the risk-free discount factor for future time period tk; and (C) D t k = t k ¥ t k ¥ 1. (ii) If the remaining maturity of the exposure or the longest-dated contract in the netting set is one year or less, the savings association must set M for the exposure or netting set equal to one year, except as provided in paragraph (d)(7) of section 31 of this appendix. (5) Collateral agreements. A Federal savings association may capture the effect on EAD of a collateral agreement that requires receipt of collateral when exposure to the counterparty increases but may not capture the effect on EAD of a collateral agreement that requires receipt of collateral when counterparty credit quality deteriorates. For this purpose, a collateral agreement means a legal contract that specifies the time when, and circumstances under which, the counterparty is required to pledge collateral to the savings association for a single financial contract or for all financial contracts in a netting set and confers upon the savings association a perfected, first priority security interest (notwithstanding the prior security interest of any custodial agent), or the legal equivalent thereof, in the collateral posted by the counterparty under the agreement. This security interest must provide the savings association with a right to close out the financial positions and liquidate the collateral upon an event of default of, or failure to perform by, the counterparty under the collateral agreement. A contract would not satisfy this requirement if the savings association’s exercise of rights under the agreement may be stayed or avoided under applicable law in the relevant jurisdictions. Two methods are available to capture the effect of a collateral agreement: (i) With prior written approval from the OCC, a savings association may include the effect of a collateral agreement within its internal model used to calculate EAD. The savings association may set EAD equal to the expected exposure at the end of the margin period of risk. The margin period of risk means, with respect to a netting set subject to a collateral agreement, the time period from the most recent exchange of collateral with a counterparty until the next required exchange of collateral plus the period of time required to sell and realize the proceeds of the least liquid collateral that can be delivered under the terms of the collateral agreement and, where applicable, the period of time required to re-hedge the resulting market risk, upon the default of the counterparty. The minimum margin period of risk is five business days for repo-style transactions and ten business days for other transactions when liquid financial collateral is posted under a daily margin maintenance requirement. This period should be extended to cover any additional time between margin calls; any potential closeout difficulties; any delays in selling collateral, particularly if the collateral is illiquid; and any impediments to prompt re-hedging of any market risk. (ii) A savings association that can model EPE without collateral agreements but cannot achieve the higher level of modeling sophistication to model EPE with collateral agreements can set effective EPE for a collateralized netting set equal to the lesser of: (A) The threshold, defined as the exposure amount at which the counterparty is required to post collateral under the collateral agreement, if the threshold is positive, plus an add-on that reflects the potential increase in exposure of the netting set over the margin period of risk. The add-on is computed as the expected increase in the netting set’s exposure beginning from current exposure of zero over the margin period of risk. The margin period of risk must be at least five business days for netting sets consisting only of repo-style transactions subject to daily remargining and daily marking-to-market, and ten business days for all other netting sets; or (B) Effective EPE without a collateral agreement. (6) Own estimate of alpha. With prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may calculate alpha as the ratio of economic capital from a full simulation of counterparty exposure across counterparties that incorporates a joint simulation of market and credit risk factors (numerator) and economic capital based on EPE (denominator), subject to a floor of 1.2. For purposes of this calculation, economic capital is the unexpected losses for all counterparty credit risks measured at a 99.9 percent confidence level over a one-year horizon. To receive approval, the savings association must meet the following minimum standards to the satisfaction of the OCC: (i) The savings association’s own estimate of alpha must capture in the numerator the effects of: (A) The material sources of stochastic dependency of distributions of market values of transactions or portfolios of transactions across counterparties; (B) Volatilities and correlations of market risk factors used in the joint simulation, which must be related to the credit risk factor used in the simulation to reflect potential increases in volatility or correlation in an economic downturn, where appropriate; and (C) The granularity of exposures (that is, the effect of a concentration in the proportion of each counterparty’s exposure that is driven by a particular risk factor). (ii) The savings association must assess the potential model uncertainty in its estimates of alpha. (iii) The savings association must calculate the numerator and denominator of alpha in a consistent fashion with respect to modeling methodology, parameter specifications, and portfolio composition. 3 Alternatively, a Federal savings association that uses an internal model to calculate a one-sided credit valuation adjustment may use the effective credit duration estimated by the model as M(EPE) in place of the formula in paragraph (d)(4). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00160 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.005</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES not expected to estimate or report expected exposure on a daily basis). (ii) The model must estimate expected exposure at enough future dates to reflect accurately all the future cash flows of contracts in the netting set. (iii) The model must account for the possible non-normality of the exposure distribution, where appropriate. (iv) The savings association must measure, monitor, and control current counterparty exposure and the exposure to the counterparty over the whole life of all contracts in the netting set. (v) The savings association must be able to measure and manage current exposures gross and net of collateral held, where appropriate. The savings association must estimate Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (iv) The savings association must review and adjust as appropriate its estimates of the numerator and denominator of alpha on at least a quarterly basis and more frequently when the composition of the portfolio varies over time. (7) Other measures of counterparty exposure. With prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may set EAD equal to a measure of counterparty credit risk exposure, such as peak EAD, that is more conservative than an alpha of 1.4 (or higher under the terms of paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section) times EPE for every counterparty whose EAD will be measured under the alternative measure of counterparty exposure. The savings association must demonstrate the conservatism of the measure of counterparty credit risk exposure used for EAD. For material portfolios of new OTC derivative products, the savings association may assume that the current exposure methodology in paragraphs (c)(5) and (c)(6) of this section meets the conservatism requirement of this paragraph for a period not to exceed 180 days. For immaterial portfolios of OTC derivative contracts, the savings association generally may assume that the current exposure methodology in paragraphs (c)(5) and (c)(6) of this section meets the conservatism requirement of this paragraph. Section 33. Guarantees and Credit Derivatives: PD Substitution and LGD Adjustment Approaches (a) Scope. (1) This section applies to wholesale exposures for which: (i) Credit risk is fully covered by an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative; or (ii) Credit risk is covered on a pro rata basis (that is, on a basis in which the Federal savings association and the protection provider share losses proportionately) by an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative. (2) Wholesale exposures on which there is a tranching of credit risk (reflecting at least two different levels of seniority) are securitization exposures subject to the securitization framework in part V. (3) A Federal savings association may elect to recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative covering an exposure described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section by using the PD substitution approach or the LGD adjustment approach in paragraph (c) of this section or, if the transaction qualifies, using the double default treatment in section 34 of this appendix. A savings association’s PD and LGD for the hedged exposure may not be lower than the PD and LGD floors described in paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of section 31 of this appendix. (4) If multiple eligible guarantees or eligible credit derivatives cover a single exposure described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a Federal savings association may treat the hedged exposure as multiple separate exposures each covered by a single eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative and may calculate a separate risk-based capital requirement for each separate exposure as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (5) If a single eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative covers multiple hedged wholesale exposures described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a Federal savings association must treat each hedged exposure as covered by a separate eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative and must calculate a separate risk-based capital requirement for each exposure as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. (6) A Federal savings association must use the same risk parameters for calculating ECL as it uses for calculating the risk-based capital requirement for the exposure. (b) Rules of recognition. (1) A Federal savings association may only recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of eligible guarantees and eligible credit derivatives. (2) A Federal savings association may only recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of an eligible credit derivative to hedge an exposure that is different from the credit derivative’s reference exposure used for determining the derivative’s cash settlement value, deliverable obligation, or occurrence of a credit event if: (i) The reference exposure ranks pari passu (that is, equally) with or is junior to the hedged exposure; and (ii) The reference exposure and the hedged exposure are exposures to the same legal entity, and legally enforceable cross-default or cross-acceleration clauses are in place to assure payments under the credit derivative are triggered when the obligor fails to pay under the terms of the hedged exposure. (c) Risk parameters for hedged exposures— (1) PD substitution approach—(i) Full coverage. If an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative meets the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is greater than or equal to the EAD of the hedged exposure, a Federal savings association may recognize the guarantee or credit derivative in determining the savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for the hedged exposure by substituting the PD associated with the rating grade of the protection provider for the PD associated with the rating grade of the obligor in the risk-based capital formula applicable to the guarantee or credit derivative in Table 2 and using the appropriate LGD as described in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section. If the savings association determines that full substitution of the protection provider’s PD leads to an inappropriate degree of risk mitigation, the savings association may substitute a higher PD than that of the protection provider. (ii) Partial coverage. If an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative meets the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is less than the EAD of the hedged exposure, the Federal savings association must treat the hedged exposure as two separate exposures (protected and unprotected) in order to recognize the credit risk mitigation benefit of the guarantee or credit derivative. (A) The savings association must calculate its risk-based capital requirement for the protected exposure under section 31 of this appendix, where PD is the protection PO 00000 Frm 00161 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49109 provider’s PD, LGD is determined under paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section, and EAD is P. If the savings association determines that full substitution leads to an inappropriate degree of risk mitigation, the savings association may use a higher PD than that of the protection provider. (B) The savings association must calculate its risk-based capital requirement for the unprotected exposure under section 31 of this appendix, where PD is the obligor’s PD, LGD is the hedged exposure’s LGD (not adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative), and EAD is the EAD of the original hedged exposure minus P. (C) The treatment in this paragraph (c)(1)(ii) is applicable when the credit risk of a wholesale exposure is covered on a partial pro rata basis or when an adjustment is made to the effective notional amount of the guarantee or credit derivative under paragraph (d), (e), or (f) of this section. (iii) LGD of hedged exposures. The LGD of a hedged exposure under the PD substitution approach is equal to: (A) The lower of the LGD of the hedged exposure (not adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative) and the LGD of the guarantee or credit derivative, if the guarantee or credit derivative provides the Federal savings association with the option to receive immediate payout upon triggering the protection; or (B) The LGD of the guarantee or credit derivative, if the guarantee or credit derivative does not provide the Federal savings association with the option to receive immediate payout upon triggering the protection. (2) LGD adjustment approach—(i) Full coverage. If an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative meets the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is greater than or equal to the EAD of the hedged exposure, the Federal savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for the hedged exposure is the greater of: (A) The risk-based capital requirement for the exposure as calculated under section 31 of this appendix, with the LGD of the exposure adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative; or (B) The risk-based capital requirement for a direct exposure to the protection provider as calculated under section 31 of this appendix, using the PD for the protection provider, the LGD for the guarantee or credit derivative, and an EAD equal to the EAD of the hedged exposure. (ii) Partial coverage. If an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative meets the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is less than the EAD of the hedged exposure, the Federal savings association must treat the hedged exposure as two separate exposures (protected and unprotected) in order to recognize the credit risk mitigation benefit of the guarantee or credit derivative. (A) The savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for the protected exposure would be the greater of: (1) The risk-based capital requirement for the protected exposure as calculated under E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49110 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations section 31 of this appendix, with the LGD of the exposure adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative and EAD set equal to P; or (2) The risk-based capital requirement for a direct exposure to the guarantor as calculated under section 31 of this appendix, using the PD for the protection provider, the LGD for the guarantee or credit derivative, and an EAD set equal to P. (B) The savings association must calculate its risk-based capital requirement for the unprotected exposure under section 31 of this appendix, where PD is the obligor’s PD, LGD is the hedged exposure’s LGD (not adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative), and EAD is the EAD of the original hedged exposure minus P. (3) M of hedged exposures. The M of the hedged exposure is the same as the M of the exposure if it were unhedged. (d) Maturity mismatch. (1) A Federal savings association that recognizes an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative in determining its risk-based capital requirement for a hedged exposure must adjust the effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant to reflect any maturity mismatch between the hedged exposure and the credit risk mitigant. (2) A maturity mismatch occurs when the residual maturity of a credit risk mitigant is less than that of the hedged exposure(s). (3) The residual maturity of a hedged exposure is the longest possible remaining time before the obligor is scheduled to fulfill its obligation on the exposure. If a credit risk mitigant has embedded options that may reduce its term, the savings association (protection purchaser) must use the shortest possible residual maturity for the credit risk mitigant. If a call is at the discretion of the protection provider, the residual maturity of the credit risk mitigant is at the first call date. If the call is at the discretion of the savings association (protection purchaser), but the terms of the arrangement at origination of the credit risk mitigant contain a positive incentive for the savings association to call the transaction before contractual maturity, the remaining time to the first call date is the residual maturity of the credit risk mitigant. For example, where there is a step-up in cost in conjunction with a call feature or where the effective cost of protection increases over time even if credit quality remains the same or improves, the residual maturity of the credit risk mitigant will be the remaining time to the first call. (4) A credit risk mitigant with a maturity mismatch may be recognized only if its original maturity is greater than or equal to one year and its residual maturity is greater than three months. (5) When a maturity mismatch exists, the savings association must apply the following adjustment to the effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant: Pm = E × (t ¥ 0.25)/(T ¥ 0.25), where: (i) Pm = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant, adjusted for maturity mismatch; (ii) E = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant; (iii) t = the lesser of T or the residual maturity of the credit risk mitigant, expressed in years; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (iv) T = the lesser of five or the residual maturity of the hedged exposure, expressed in years. (e) Credit derivatives without restructuring as a credit event. If a Federal savings association recognizes an eligible credit derivative that does not include as a credit event a restructuring of the hedged exposure involving forgiveness or postponement of principal, interest, or fees that results in a credit loss event (that is, a charge-off, specific provision, or other similar debit to the profit and loss account), the savings association must apply the following adjustment to the effective notional amount of the credit derivative: Pr = Pm × 0.60, Where: (1) Pr = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant, adjusted for lack of restructuring event (and maturity mismatch, if applicable); and (2) Pm = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant adjusted for maturity mismatch (if applicable). (f) Currency mismatch. (1) If a Federal savings association recognizes an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative that is denominated in a currency different from that in which the hedged exposure is denominated, the savings association must apply the following formula to the effective notional amount of the guarantee or credit derivative: Pc = Pr × (1 ¥ HFX), where: (i) Pc = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant, adjusted for currency mismatch (and maturity mismatch and lack of restructuring event, if applicable); (ii) Pr = effective notional amount of the credit risk mitigant (adjusted for maturity mismatch and lack of restructuring event, if applicable); and (iii) HFX = haircut appropriate for the currency mismatch between the credit risk mitigant and the hedged exposure. (2) A Federal savings association must set HFX equal to 8 percent unless it qualifies for the use of and uses its own internal estimates of foreign exchange volatility based on a tenbusiness-day holding period and daily marking-to-market and remargining. A savings association qualifies for the use of its own internal estimates of foreign exchange volatility if it qualifies for: (i) The own-estimates haircuts in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of section 32 of this appendix; (ii) The simple VaR methodology in paragraph (b)(3) of section 32 of this appendix; or (iii) The internal models methodology in paragraph (d) of section 32 of this appendix. (3) A Federal savings association must adjust HFX calculated in paragraph (f)(2) of this section upward if the savings association revalues the guarantee or credit derivative less frequently than once every ten business days using the square root of time formula provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A)(2 ) of section 32 of this appendix. Section 34. Guarantees and Credit Derivatives: Double Default Treatment (a) Eligibility and operational criteria for double default treatment. A Federal savings association may recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of a guarantee or credit derivative covering an exposure described in PO 00000 Frm 00162 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 paragraph (a)(1) of section 33 of this appendix by applying the double default treatment in this section if all the following criteria are satisfied. (1) The hedged exposure is fully covered or covered on a pro rata basis by: (i) An eligible guarantee issued by an eligible double default guarantor; or (ii) An eligible credit derivative that meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of section 33 of this appendix and is issued by an eligible double default guarantor. (2) The guarantee or credit derivative is: (i) An uncollateralized guarantee or uncollateralized credit derivative (for example, a credit default swap) that provides protection with respect to a single reference obligor; or (ii) An nth-to-default credit derivative (subject to the requirements of paragraph (m) of section 42 of this appendix). (3) The hedged exposure is a wholesale exposure (other than a sovereign exposure). (4) The obligor of the hedged exposure is not: (i) An eligible double default guarantor or an affiliate of an eligible double default guarantor; or (ii) An affiliate of the guarantor. (5) The Federal savings association does not recognize any credit risk mitigation benefits of the guarantee or credit derivative for the hedged exposure other than through application of the double default treatment as provided in this section. (6) The Federal savings association has implemented a process (which has received the prior, written approval of the OCC) to detect excessive correlation between the creditworthiness of the obligor of the hedged exposure and the protection provider. If excessive correlation is present, the savings association may not use the double default treatment for the hedged exposure. (b) Full coverage. If the transaction meets the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is at least equal to the EAD of the hedged exposure, the Federal savings association may determine its risk-weighted asset amount for the hedged exposure under paragraph (e) of this section. (c) Partial coverage. If the transaction meets the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section and the protection amount (P) of the guarantee or credit derivative is less than the EAD of the hedged exposure, the Federal savings association must treat the hedged exposure as two separate exposures (protected and unprotected) in order to recognize double default treatment on the protected portion of the exposure. (1) For the protected exposure, the savings association must set EAD equal to P and calculate its risk-weighted asset amount as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. (2) For the unprotected exposure, the savings association must set EAD equal to the EAD of the original exposure minus P and then calculate its risk-weighted asset amount as provided in section 31 of this appendix. (d) Mismatches. For any hedged exposure to which a Federal savings association applies double default treatment, the savings association must make applicable adjustments to the protection amount as E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49111 capital requirement for a hedged exposure to which a Federal savings association has applied double default treatment is KDD multiplied by the EAD of the exposure. KDD is calculated according to the following formula: KDD = Ko × (0.15 + 160 × PDg), Where: (1) (2) PDg = PD of the protection provider. (3) PDo = PD of the obligor of the hedged exposure. (4) LGDg = (i) The lower of the LGD of the hedged exposure (not adjusted to reflect the guarantee or credit derivative) and the LGD of the guarantee or credit derivative, if the guarantee or credit derivative provides the savings association with the option to receive immediate payout on triggering the protection; or (ii) The LGD of the guarantee or credit derivative, if the guarantee or credit derivative does not provide the savings association with the option to receive immediate payout on triggering the protection. (5) rOS (asset value correlation of the obligor) is calculated according to the appropriate formula for (R) provided in Table 2 in section 31 of this appendix, with PD equal to PDo. (6) b (maturity adjustment coefficient) is calculated according to the formula for b provided in Table 2 in section 31 of this appendix, with PD equal to the lesser of PDo and PDg. (7) M (maturity) is the effective maturity of the guarantee or credit derivative, which may not be less than one year or greater than five years. a credit exposure of the savings association to the counterparty. (b) Scope. This section applies to all transactions involving securities, foreign exchange instruments, and commodities that have a risk of delayed settlement or delivery. This section does not apply to: (1) Transactions accepted by a qualifying central counterparty that are subject to daily marking-to-market and daily receipt and payment of variation margin; (2) Repo-style transactions, including unsettled repo-style transactions (which are addressed in sections 31 and 32 of this appendix); (3) One-way cash payments on OTC derivative contracts (which are addressed in sections 31 and 32 of this appendix); or (4) Transactions with a contractual settlement period that is longer than the normal settlement period (which are treated as OTC derivative contracts and addressed in sections 31 and 32 of this appendix). (c) System-wide failures. In the case of a system-wide failure of a settlement or clearing system, the OCC may waive riskbased capital requirements for unsettled and failed transactions until the situation is rectified. (d) Delivery-versus-payment (DvP) and payment-versus-payment (PvP) transactions. A Federal savings association must hold riskbased capital against any DvP or PvP transaction with a normal settlement period if the savings association’s counterparty has not made delivery or payment within five business days after the settlement date. The savings association must determine its riskweighted asset amount for such a transaction by multiplying the positive current exposure of the transaction for the savings association by the appropriate risk weight in Table 5. securities, commodities, or currencies to its counterparty but has not received its corresponding deliverables by the end of the same business day. The savings association must continue to hold risk-based capital against the transaction until the savings association has received its corresponding deliverables. (2) From the business day after the savings association has made its delivery until five business days after the counterparty delivery is due, the savings association must calculate its risk-based capital requirement for the transaction by treating the current market value of the deliverables owed to the savings association as a wholesale exposure. (i) A savings association may assign an obligor rating to a counterparty for which it is not otherwise required under this appendix to assign an obligor rating on the basis of the applicable external rating of any outstanding unsecured long-term debt security without credit enhancement issued by the counterparty. (ii) A savings association may use a 45 percent LGD for the transaction rather than estimating LGD for the transaction provided the savings association uses the 45 percent LGD for all transactions described in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section. (iii) A savings association may use a 100 percent risk weight for the transaction provided the savings association uses this risk weight for all transactions described in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section. (3) If the savings association has not received its deliverables by the fifth business day after the counterparty delivery was due, the savings association must deduct the current market value of the deliverables owed to the savings association 50 percent from tier 1 capital and 50 percent from tier 2 capital. (f) Total risk-weighted assets for unsettled transactions. Total risk-weighted assets for unsettled transactions is the sum of the riskweighted asset amounts of all DvP, PvP, and non-DvP/non-PvP transactions. Section 35. Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Unsettled Transactions (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section: (1) Delivery-versus-payment (DvP) transaction means a securities or commodities transaction in which the buyer is obligated to make payment only if the seller has made delivery of the securities or commodities and the seller is obligated to deliver the securities or commodities only if the buyer has made payment. (2) Payment-versus-payment (PvP) transaction means a foreign exchange transaction in which each counterparty is obligated to make a final transfer of one or more currencies only if the other counterparty has made a final transfer of one or more currencies. (3) Normal settlement period. A transaction has a normal settlement period if the contractual settlement period for the transaction is equal to or less than the market standard for the instrument underlying the transaction and equal to or less than five business days. (4) Positive current exposure. The positive current exposure of a Federal savings association for a transaction is the difference between the transaction value at the agreed settlement price and the current market price of the transaction, if the difference results in VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 TABLE 5—RISK WEIGHTS FOR UNSETTLED DVP AND PVP TRANSACTIONS Number of business days after contractual settlement date From From From 46 or Risk weight to be applied to positive current exposure (percent) 5 to 15 ......................... 16 to 30 ....................... 31 to 45 ....................... more ............................ 100 625 937.5 1,250 (e) Non-DvP/non-PvP (non-delivery-versuspayment/non-payment-versus-payment) transactions. (1) A Federal savings association must hold risk-based capital against any non-DvP/non-PvP transaction with a normal settlement period if the savings association has delivered cash, PO 00000 Frm 00163 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Part V. Risk-Weighted Assets for Securitization Exposures Section 41. Operational Criteria for Recognizing the Transfer of Risk (a) Operational criteria for traditional securitizations. A Federal savings association that transfers exposures it has originated or purchased to a securitization SPE or other third party in connection with a traditional securitization may exclude the exposures from the calculation of its risk-weighted assets only if each of the conditions in this paragraph (a) is satisfied. A savings association that meets these conditions must hold risk-based capital against any E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.006</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES required in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of section 33 of this appendix. (e) The double default dollar risk-based capital requirement. The dollar risk-based 49112 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES securitization exposures it retains in connection with the securitization. A savings association that fails to meet these conditions must hold risk-based capital against the transferred exposures as if they had not been securitized and must deduct from tier 1 capital any after-tax gain-on-sale resulting from the transaction. The conditions are: (1) The transfer is considered a sale under GAAP; (2) The savings association has transferred to third parties credit risk associated with the underlying exposures; and (3) Any clean-up calls relating to the securitization are eligible clean-up calls. (b) Operational criteria for synthetic securitizations. For synthetic securitizations, a Federal savings association may recognize for risk-based capital purposes the use of a credit risk mitigant to hedge underlying exposures only if each of the conditions in this paragraph (b) is satisfied. A savings association that fails to meet these conditions must hold risk-based capital against the underlying exposures as if they had not been synthetically securitized. The conditions are: (1) The credit risk mitigant is financial collateral, an eligible credit derivative from an eligible securitization guarantor or an eligible guarantee from an eligible securitization guarantor; (2) The savings association transfers credit risk associated with the underlying exposures to third parties, and the terms and conditions in the credit risk mitigants employed do not include provisions that: (i) Allow for the termination of the credit protection due to deterioration in the credit quality of the underlying exposures; (ii) Require the savings association to alter or replace the underlying exposures to improve the credit quality of the pool of underlying exposures; (iii) Increase the savings association’s cost of credit protection in response to deterioration in the credit quality of the underlying exposures; (iv) Increase the yield payable to parties other than the savings association in response to a deterioration in the credit quality of the underlying exposures; or (v) Provide for increases in a retained first loss position or credit enhancement provided by the savings association after the inception of the securitization; (3) The savings association obtains a wellreasoned opinion from legal counsel that confirms the enforceability of the credit risk mitigant in all relevant jurisdictions; and (4) Any clean-up calls relating to the securitization are eligible clean-up calls. Section 42. Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Securitization Exposures (a) Hierarchy of approaches. Except as provided elsewhere in this section: (1) A Federal savings association must deduct from tier 1 capital any after-tax gainon-sale resulting from a securitization and must deduct from total capital in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section the portion of any CEIO that does not constitute gain-onsale. (2) If a securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and qualifies for the Ratings- VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Based Approach in section 43 of this appendix, a Federal savings association must apply the Ratings-Based Approach to the exposure. (3) If a securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and does not qualify for the Ratings-Based Approach, the Federal savings association may either apply the Internal Assessment Approach in section 44 of this appendix to the exposure (if the savings association, the exposure, and the relevant ABCP program qualify for the Internal Assessment Approach) or the Supervisory Formula Approach in section 45 of this appendix to the exposure (if the savings association and the exposure qualify for the Supervisory Formula Approach). (4) If a securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and does not qualify for the Ratings-Based Approach, the Internal Assessment Approach, or the Supervisory Formula Approach, the Federal savings association must deduct the exposure from total capital in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. (5) If a securitization exposure is an OTC derivative contract (other than a credit derivative) that has a first priority claim on the cash flows from the underlying exposures (notwithstanding amounts due under interest rate or currency derivative contracts, fees due, or other similar payments), with approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may choose to set the riskweighted asset amount of the exposure equal to the amount of the exposure as determined in paragraph (e) of this section rather than apply the hierarchy of approaches described in paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section. (b) Total risk-weighted assets for securitization exposures. A Federal savings association’s total risk-weighted assets for securitization exposures is equal to the sum of its risk-weighted assets calculated using the Ratings-Based Approach in section 43 of this appendix, the Internal Assessment Approach in section 44 of this appendix, and the Supervisory Formula Approach in section 45 of this appendix, and its riskweighted assets amount for early amortization provisions calculated in section 47 of this appendix. (c) Deductions. (1) If a Federal savings association must deduct a securitization exposure from total capital, the savings association must take the deduction 50 percent from tier 1 capital and 50 percent from tier 2 capital. If the amount deductible from tier 2 capital exceeds the savings association’s tier 2 capital, the savings association must deduct the excess from tier 1 capital. (2) A Federal savings association may calculate any deduction from tier 1 capital and tier 2 capital for a securitization exposure net of any deferred tax liabilities associated with the securitization exposure. (d) Maximum risk-based capital requirement. Regardless of any other provisions of this part, unless one or more underlying exposures does not meet the definition of a wholesale, retail, securitization, or equity exposure, the total PO 00000 Frm 00164 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 risk-based capital requirement for all securitization exposures held by a single Federal savings association associated with a single securitization (including any riskbased capital requirements that relate to an early amortization provision of the securitization but excluding any risk-based capital requirements that relate to the savings association’s gain-on-sale or CEIOs associated with the securitization) may not exceed the sum of: (1) The savings association’s total riskbased capital requirement for the underlying exposures as if the savings association directly held the underlying exposures; and (2) The total ECL of the underlying exposures. (e) Amount of a securitization exposure. (1) The amount of an on-balance sheet securitization exposure that is not a repostyle transaction, eligible margin loan, or OTC derivative contract (other than a credit derivative) is: (i) The Federal savings association’s carrying value minus any unrealized gains and plus any unrealized losses on the exposure, if the exposure is a security classified as available-for-sale; or (ii) The Federal savings association’s carrying value, if the exposure is not a security classified as available-for-sale. (2) The amount of an off-balance sheet securitization exposure that is not an OTC derivative contract (other than a credit derivative) is the notional amount of the exposure. For an off-balance-sheet securitization exposure to an ABCP program, such as a liquidity facility, the notional amount may be reduced to the maximum potential amount that the Federal savings association could be required to fund given the ABCP program’s current underlying assets (calculated without regard to the current credit quality of those assets). (3) The amount of a securitization exposure that is a repo-style transaction, eligible margin loan, or OTC derivative contract (other than a credit derivative) is the EAD of the exposure as calculated in section 32 of this appendix. (f) Overlapping exposures. If a Federal savings association has multiple securitization exposures that provide duplicative coverage of the underlying exposures of a securitization (such as when a savings association provides a programwide credit enhancement and multiple poolspecific liquidity facilities to an ABCP program), the savings association is not required to hold duplicative risk-based capital against the overlapping position. Instead, the savings association may apply to the overlapping position the applicable riskbased capital treatment that results in the highest risk-based capital requirement. (g) Securitizations of non-IRB exposures. If a Federal savings association has a securitization exposure where any underlying exposure is not a wholesale exposure, retail exposure, securitization exposure, or equity exposure, the savings association must: (1) If the Federal savings association is an originating savings association, deduct from tier 1 capital any after-tax gain-on-sale resulting from the securitization and deduct E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations from total capital in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section the portion of any CEIO that does not constitute gain-onsale; (2) If the securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (g)(1), apply the RBA in section 43 of this appendix to the securitization exposure if the exposure qualifies for the RBA; (3) If the securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (g)(1) and does not qualify for the RBA, apply the IAA in section 44 of this appendix to the exposure (if the Federal savings association, the exposure, and the relevant ABCP program qualify for the IAA); and (4) If the securitization exposure does not require deduction under paragraph (g)(1) and does not qualify for the RBA or the IAA, deduct the exposure from total capital in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. (h) Implicit support. If a Federal savings association provides support to a securitization in excess of the savings association’s contractual obligation to provide credit support to the securitization (implicit support): (1) The savings association must hold regulatory capital against all of the underlying exposures associated with the securitization as if the exposures had not been securitized and must deduct from tier 1 capital any after-tax gain-on-sale resulting from the securitization; and (2) The savings association must disclose publicly: (i) That it has provided implicit support to the securitization; and (ii) The regulatory capital impact to the savings association of providing such implicit support. (i) Eligible servicer cash advance facilities. Regardless of any other provisions of this part, a Federal savings association is not required to hold risk-based capital against the undrawn portion of an eligible servicer cash advance facility. (j) Interest-only mortgage-backed securities. Regardless of any other provisions of this part, the risk weight for a non-creditenhancing interest-only mortgage-backed security may not be less than 100 percent. (k) Small-business loans and leases on personal property transferred with recourse. (1) Regardless of any other provisions of this appendix, a Federal savings association that has transferred small-business loans and leases on personal property (small-business obligations) with recourse must include in risk-weighted assets only the contractual amount of retained recourse if all the following conditions are met: (i) The transaction is a sale under GAAP. (ii) The savings association establishes and maintains, pursuant to GAAP, a non-capital reserve sufficient to meet the savings association’s reasonably estimated liability under the recourse arrangement. (iii) The loans and leases are to businesses that meet the criteria for a small-business concern established by the Small Business Administration under section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). (iv) The savings association is well capitalized, as defined in the OCC’s prompt corrective action regulation at 12 CFR part VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 165. For purposes of determining whether a savings association is well capitalized for purposes of this paragraph, the savings association’s capital ratios must be calculated without regard to the capital treatment for transfers of small-business obligations with recourse specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this section. (2) The total outstanding amount of recourse retained by a Federal savings association on transfers of small-business obligations receiving the capital treatment specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this section cannot exceed 15 percent of the savings association’s total qualifying capital. (3) If a Federal savings association ceases to be well capitalized or exceeds the 15 percent capital limitation, the preferential capital treatment specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this section will continue to apply to any transfers of small-business obligations with recourse that occurred during the time that the savings association was well capitalized and did not exceed the capital limit. (4) The risk-based capital ratios of the savings association must be calculated without regard to the capital treatment for transfers of small-business obligations with recourse specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this section as provided in 12 CFR 167.6(b)(5)(v). (l) Nth-to-default credit derivatives—(1) First-to-default credit derivatives—(i) Protection purchaser. A Federal savings association that obtains credit protection on a group of underlying exposures through a first-to-default credit derivative must determine its risk-based capital requirement for the underlying exposures as if the savings association synthetically securitized the underlying exposure with the lowest riskbased capital requirement and had obtained no credit risk mitigant on the other underlying exposures. (ii) Protection provider. A Federal savings association that provides credit protection on a group of underlying exposures through a first-to-default credit derivative must determine its risk-weighted asset amount for the derivative by applying the RBA in section 43 of this appendix (if the derivative qualifies for the RBA) or, if the derivative does not qualify for the RBA, by setting its riskweighted asset amount for the derivative equal to the product of: (A) The protection amount of the derivative; (B) 12.5; and (C) The sum of the risk-based capital requirements of the individual underlying exposures, up to a maximum of 100 percent. (2) Second-or-subsequent-to-default credit derivatives—(i) Protection purchaser. (A) A Federal savings association that obtains credit protection on a group of underlying exposures through a nth-to-default credit derivative (other than a first-to-default credit derivative) may recognize the credit risk mitigation benefits of the derivative only if: (1) The savings association also has obtained credit protection on the same underlying exposures in the form of firstthrough-(n-1)-to-default credit derivatives; or (2) If n-1 of the underlying exposures have already defaulted. (B) If a savings association satisfies the requirements of paragraph (m)(2)(i)(A) of this PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49113 section, the savings association must determine its risk-based capital requirement for the underlying exposures as if the savings association had only synthetically securitized the underlying exposure with the nth lowest risk-based capital requirement and had obtained no credit risk mitigant on the other underlying exposures. (ii) Protection provider. A savings association that provides credit protection on a group of underlying exposures through a nth-to-default credit derivative (other than a first-to-default credit derivative) must determine its risk-weighted asset amount for the derivative by applying the RBA in section 43 of this appendix (if the derivative qualifies for the RBA) or, if the derivative does not qualify for the RBA, by setting its riskweighted asset amount for the derivative equal to the product of: (A) The protection amount of the derivative; (B) 12.5; and (C) The sum of the risk-based capital requirements of the individual underlying exposures (excluding the n-1 underlying exposures with the lowest risk-based capital requirements), up to a maximum of 100 percent. Section 43. Ratings-Based Approach (RBA) (a) Eligibility requirements for use of the RBA—(1) Originating Federal savings association. An originating Federal savings association must use the RBA to calculate its risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure if the exposure has two or more external ratings or inferred ratings (and may not use the RBA if the exposure has fewer than two external ratings or inferred ratings). (2) Investing Federal savings association. An investing Federal savings association must use the RBA to calculate its risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure if the exposure has one or more external or inferred ratings (and may not use the RBA if the exposure has no external or inferred rating). (b) Ratings-based approach. (1) A Federal savings association must determine the riskweighted asset amount for a securitization exposure by multiplying the amount of the exposure (as defined in paragraph (e) of section 42 of this appendix) by the appropriate risk weight provided in Table 6 and Table 7. (2) A Federal savings association must apply the risk weights in Table 6 when the securitization exposure’s applicable external or applicable inferred rating represents a long-term credit rating, and must apply the risk weights in Table 7 when the securitization exposure’s applicable external or applicable inferred rating represents a short-term credit rating. (i) A Federal savings association must apply the risk weights in column 1 of Table 6 or Table 7 to the securitization exposure if: (A) N (as calculated under paragraph (e)(6) of section 45 of this appendix) is six or more (for purposes of this section only, if the notional number of underlying exposures is 25 or more or if all of the underlying exposures are retail exposures, a Federal savings association may assume that N is six E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49114 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations or more unless the savings association knows or has reason to know that N is less than six); and (B) The securitization exposure is a senior securitization exposure. (ii) A Federal savings association must apply the risk weights in column 3 of Table 6 or Table 7 to the securitization exposure if N is less than six, regardless of the seniority of the securitization exposure. (iii) Otherwise, a Federal savings association must apply the risk weights in column 2 of Table 6 or Table 7. TABLE 6—LONG-TERM CREDIT RATING RISK WEIGHTS UNDER RBA AND IAA Column 1 Column 3 Risk weights for senior securitization exposures backed by granular pools Applicable external or inferred rating (illustrative rating example) Column 2 Risk weights for non-senior securitization exposures backed by granular pools Risk weights for securitization exposures backed by non-granular pools 7% 8% 10% 12% 15% 18% 20% 25% 35% 12% 20% 20% 35% Highest investment grade (for example, AAA) ..................... Second highest investment grade (for example, AA) ........... Third-highest investment grade—positive designation (for example, A+). Third-highest investment grade (for example, A) ................. Third-highest investment grade—negative designation (for example, A¥). Lowest investment grade—positive designation (for example, BBB+). 35% 50% Lowest investment grade (for example, BBB) ...................... 60% Applicable external or inferred rating (illustrative rating example) 75% Lowest investment grade—negative designation (for example, BBB¥). 100% One category below investment grade—positive designation (for example, BB+). 250% One category below investment grade (for example, BB) ... 425% One category below investment grade—negative designation (for example, BB¥). 650% More than one category below investment grade ................ Deduction from tier 1 and tier 2 capital. TABLE 7—SHORT-TERM CREDIT RATING RISK WEIGHTS UNDER RBA AND IAA Column 1 Column 3 Risk weights for senior securitization exposures backed by granular pools Applicable external or inferred rating (illustrative rating example) Column 2 Risk weights for non-senior securitization exposures backed by granular pools Risk weights for securitization exposures backed by non-granular pools 7% 12% 60% 12% 20% 75% 20% 35% 75% Highest investment grade (for example, A1) ........................ Second highest investment grade (for example, A2) ........... Third highest investment grade (for example, A3) ............... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES All other ratings ..................................................................... Section 44. Internal Assessment Approach (IAA) (a) Eligibility requirements. A Federal savings association may apply the IAA to calculate the risk-weighted asset amount for a securitization exposure that the savings association has to an ABCP program (such as a liquidity facility or credit enhancement) if the savings association, the ABCP program, and the exposure qualify for use of the IAA. (1) Federal savings association qualification criteria. A Federal savings association qualifies for use of the IAA if the savings association has received the prior written approval of the OCC. To receive such approval, the savings association must demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Deduction from tier 1 and tier 2 capital. savings association’s internal assessment process meets the following criteria: (i) The savings association’s internal credit assessments of securitization exposures must be based on publicly available rating criteria used by an NRSRO. (ii) The savings association’s internal credit assessments of securitization exposures used for risk-based capital purposes must be consistent with those used in the savings association’s internal risk management process, management information reporting systems, and capital adequacy assessment process. (iii) The savings association’s internal credit assessment process must have sufficient granularity to identify gradations of PO 00000 Frm 00166 Applicable external or inferred rating (illustrative rating example) Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 risk. Each of the savings association’s internal credit assessment categories must correspond to an external rating of an NRSRO. (iv) The savings association’s internal credit assessment process, particularly the stress test factors for determining credit enhancement requirements, must be at least as conservative as the most conservative of the publicly available rating criteria of the NRSROs that have provided external ratings to the commercial paper issued by the ABCP program. (A) Where the commercial paper issued by an ABCP program has an external rating from two or more NRSROs and the different NRSROs’ benchmark stress factors require E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES different levels of credit enhancement to achieve the same external rating equivalent, the savings association must apply the NRSRO stress factor that requires the highest level of credit enhancement. (B) If any NRSRO that provides an external rating to the ABCP program’s commercial paper changes its methodology (including stress factors), the savings association must evaluate whether to revise its internal assessment process. (v) The Federal savings association must have an effective system of controls and oversight that ensures compliance with these operational requirements and maintains the integrity and accuracy of the internal credit assessments. The savings association must have an internal audit function independent from the ABCP program business line and internal credit assessment process that assesses at least annually whether the controls over the internal credit assessment process function as intended. (vi) The Federal savings association must review and update each internal credit assessment whenever new material information is available, but no less frequently than annually. (vii) The Federal savings association must validate its internal credit assessment process on an ongoing basis and at least annually. (2) ABCP-program qualification criteria. An ABCP program qualifies for use of the IAA if all commercial paper issued by the ABCP program has an external rating. (3) Exposure qualification criteria. A securitization exposure qualifies for use of the IAA if the exposure meets the following criteria: (i) The Federal savings association initially rated the exposure at least the equivalent of investment grade. (ii) The ABCP program has robust credit and investment guidelines (that is, underwriting standards) for the exposures underlying the securitization exposure. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (iii) The ABCP program performs a detailed credit analysis of the sellers of the exposures underlying the securitization exposure. (iv) The ABCP program’s underwriting policy for the exposures underlying the securitization exposure establishes minimum asset eligibility criteria that include the prohibition of the purchase of assets that are significantly past due or of assets that are defaulted (that is, assets that have been charged off or written down by the seller prior to being placed into the ABCP program or assets that would be charged off or written down under the program’s governing contracts), as well as limitations on concentration to individual obligors or geographic areas and the tenor of the assets to be purchased. (v) The aggregate estimate of loss on the exposures underlying the securitization exposure considers all sources of potential risk, such as credit and dilution risk. (vi) Where relevant, the ABCP program incorporates structural features into each purchase of exposures underlying the securitization exposure to mitigate potential credit deterioration of the underlying exposures. Such features may include winddown triggers specific to a pool of underlying exposures. (b) Mechanics. A Federal savings association that elects to use the IAA to calculate the risk-based capital requirement for any securitization exposure must use the IAA to calculate the risk-based capital requirements for all securitization exposures that qualify for the IAA approach. Under the IAA, a savings association must map its internal assessment of such a securitization exposure to an equivalent external rating from an NRSRO. Under the IAA, a savings association must determine the risk-weighted asset amount for such a securitization exposure by multiplying the amount of the exposure (as defined in paragraph (e) of PO 00000 Frm 00167 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49115 section 42 of this appendix) by the appropriate risk weight in Table 6 and Table 7 in paragraph (b) of section 43 of this appendix. Section 45. Supervisory Formula Approach (SFA) (a) Eligibility requirements. A Federal savings association may use the SFA to determine its risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure only if the savings association can calculate on an ongoing basis each of the SFA parameters in paragraph (e) of this section. (b) Mechanics. Under the SFA, a securitization exposure incurs a deduction from total capital (as described in paragraph (c) of section 42 of this appendix) and/or an SFA risk-based capital requirement, as determined in paragraph (c) of this section. The risk-weighted asset amount for the securitization exposure equals the SFA riskbased capital requirement for the exposure multiplied by 12.5. (c) The SFA risk-based capital requirement. (1) If KIRB is greater than or equal to L + T, the entire exposure must be deducted from total capital. (2) If KIRB is less than or equal to L, the exposure’s SFA risk-based capital requirement is UE multiplied by TP multiplied by the greater of: (i) 0.0056 * T; or (ii) S[L + T] ¥ S[L]. (3) If KIRB is greater than L and less than L + T, the Federal savings association must deduct from total capital an amount equal to UE*TP*(KIRB¥ L), and the exposure’s SFA risk-based capital requirement is UE multiplied by TP multiplied by the greater of: (i) 0.0056 * (T ¥ (KIRB¥ L)); or (ii) S[L + T] ¥ S[KIRB]. (d) The supervisory formula: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00168 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4725 this discount if the discount provides credit enhancement for the securitization exposure. (5) Thickness of tranche (T). T is the ratio of: (i) The amount of the tranche that contains the Federal savings association’s securitization exposure; to (ii) UE. (6) Effective number of exposures (N). (i) Unless the Federal savings association elects to use the formula provided in paragraph (f) of this section, Where EADi represents the EAD associated with the ith instrument in the pool of underlying exposures. (ii) Multiple exposures to one obligor must be treated as a single underlying exposure. (iii) In the case of a re-securitization (that is, a securitization in which some or all of the underlying exposures are themselves securitization exposures), the savings association must treat each underlying exposure as a single underlying exposure and must not look through to the originally securitized underlying exposures. (7) Exposure-weighted average loss given default (EWALGD). EWALGD is calculated as: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.009</GPH> individual underlying exposure, to a group of underlying exposures, or to the entire pool of underlying exposures). (iii) All assets related to the securitization are treated as underlying exposures, including assets in a reserve account (such as a cash collateral account). (4) Credit enhancement level (L). (i) L is the ratio of: (A) The amount of all securitization exposures subordinated to the tranche that contains the Federal savings association’s securitization exposure; to (B) UE. (ii) A Federal savings association must determine L before considering the effects of any tranche-specific credit enhancements. (iii) Any gain-on-sale or CEIO associated with the securitization may not be included in L. (iv) Any reserve account funded by accumulated cash flows from the underlying exposures that is subordinated to the tranche that contains the Federal savings association’s securitization exposure may be included in the numerator and denominator of L to the extent cash has accumulated in the account. Unfunded reserve accounts (that is, reserve accounts that are to be funded from future cash flows from the underlying exposures) may not be included in the calculation of L. (v) In some cases, the purchase price of receivables will reflect a discount that provides credit enhancement (for example, first loss protection) for all or certain tranches of the securitization. When this arises, L should be calculated inclusive of ER09AU11.008</GPH> (1) In these expressions, b[Y; a, b] refers to the cumulative beta distribution with parameters a and b evaluated at Y. In the case where N = 1 and EWALGD = 100 percent, S[Y] in formula (1) must be calculated with K[Y] set equal to the product of KIRB and Y, and d set equal to 1 ¥ KIRB. (2) [Reserved] (e) SFA parameters—(1) Amount of the underlying exposures (UE). UE is the EAD of any underlying exposures that are wholesale and retail exposures (including the amount of any funded spread accounts, cash collateral accounts, and other similar funded credit enhancements) plus the amount of any underlying exposures that are securitization exposures (as defined in paragraph (e) of section 42 of this appendix) plus the adjusted carrying value of any underlying exposures that are equity exposures (as defined in paragraph (b) of section 51 of this appendix). (2) Tranche percentage (TP). TP is the ratio of the amount of the Federal savings association’s securitization exposure to the amount of the tranche that contains the securitization exposure. (3) Capital requirement on underlying exposures (KIRB). (i) KIRBis the ratio of: (A) The sum of the risk-based capital requirements for the underlying exposures plus the expected credit losses of the underlying exposures (as determined under this appendix as if the underlying exposures were directly held by the Federal savings association); to (B) UE. (ii) The calculation of KIRB must reflect the effects of any credit risk mitigant applied to the underlying exposures (either to an ER09AU11.007</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49116 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49117 or under the SFA in section 45 of this appendix multiplied by the ratio of adjusted exposure amount (SE*) to original exposure amount (SE), where: (i) SE* = max {0, [SE—C x (1¥Hs¥Hfx)]}; (ii) SE = the amount of the securitization exposure calculated under paragraph (e) of section 42 of this appendix; (iii) C = the current market value of the collateral; (iv) Hs = the haircut appropriate to the collateral type; and (v) Hfx = the haircut appropriate for any currency mismatch between the collateral and the exposure. (2) Mixed collateral. Where the collateral is a basket of different asset types or a basket of assets denominated in different currencies, the haircut on the basket will be provided by an eligible securitization guarantor in determining the savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure. (2) ECL for securitization exposures. When a Federal savings association recognizes an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative provided by an eligible securitization guarantor in determining the savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure, the savings association must also: (i) Calculate ECL for the protected portion of the exposure using the same risk parameters that it uses for calculating the risk-weighted asset amount of the exposure as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section; and (ii) Add the exposure’s ECL to the Federal savings association’s total ECL. (3) Rules of recognition. A Federal savings association may recognize an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative provided by an eligible securitization guarantor in determining the savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for the securitization exposure as follows: (i) Full coverage. If the protection amount of the eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative equals or exceeds the amount of the securitization exposure, the Federal savings association may set the risk-weighted asset amount for the securitization exposure equal to the risk-weighted asset amount for a direct exposure to the eligible securitization guarantor (as determined in the wholesale risk weight function described in section 31 of this appendix), using the savings association’s PD for the guarantor, the savings association’s LGD for the guarantee or credit derivative, and an EAD equal to the amount of the securitization exposure (as determined in paragraph (e) of section 42 of this appendix). (ii) Partial coverage. If the protection amount of the eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative is less than the amount of the securitization exposure, the savings association may set the risk-weighted asset amount for the securitization exposure equal to the sum of: (A) Covered portion. The risk-weighted asset amount for a direct exposure to the eligible securitization guarantor (as determined in the wholesale risk weight function described in section 31 of this appendix), using the Federal savings association’s PD for the guarantor, the savings association’s LGD for the guarantee Section 46. Recognition of Credit Risk Mitigants for Securitization Exposures (a) General. An originating Federal savings association that has obtained a credit risk mitigant to hedge its securitization exposure to a synthetic or traditional securitization that satisfies the operational criteria in section 41 of this appendix may recognize the credit risk mitigant, but only as provided in this section. An investing savings association that has obtained a credit risk mitigant to hedge a securitization exposure may recognize the credit risk mitigant, but only as provided in this section. A savings association that has used the RBA in section 43 of this appendix or the IAA in section 44 of this appendix to calculate its risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure whose external or inferred rating (or equivalent internal rating under the IAA) reflects the benefits of a credit risk mitigant provided to the associated securitization or that supports some or all of the underlying exposures may not use the credit risk mitigation rules in this section to further reduce its risk-based capital requirement for the exposure to reflect that credit risk mitigant. (b) Collateral—(1) Rules of recognition. A Federal savings association may recognize financial collateral in determining the savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for a securitization exposure (other than a repo-style transaction, an eligible margin loan, or an OTC derivative contract for which the savings association has reflected collateral in its determination of exposure amount under section 32 of this appendix) as follows. The savings association’s risk-based capital requirement for the collateralized securitization exposure is equal to the risk-based capital requirement for the securitization exposure as calculated under the RBA in section 43 of this appendix VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Where ai is the current market value of the asset in the basket divided by the current market value of all assets in the basket and Hi is the haircut applicable to that asset. (3) Standard supervisory haircuts. Unless a Federal savings association qualifies for use of and uses own-estimates haircuts in paragraph (b)(4) of this section: (i) A savings association must use the collateral type haircuts (Hs) in Table 3; (ii) A savings association must use a currency mismatch haircut (Hfx) of 8 percent if the exposure and the collateral are denominated in different currencies; (iii) A savings association must multiply the supervisory haircuts obtained in paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (ii) by the square root of 6.5 (which equals 2.549510); and (iv) A savings association must adjust the supervisory haircuts upward on the basis of a holding period longer than 65 business days where and as appropriate to take into account the illiquidity of the collateral. (4) Own estimates for haircuts. With the prior written approval of the OCC, a Federal savings association may calculate haircuts using its own internal estimates of market price volatility and foreign exchange volatility, subject to paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of section 32 of this appendix. The minimum holding period (TM) for securitization exposures is 65 business days. (c) Guarantees and credit derivatives—(1) Limitations on recognition. A Federal savings association may only recognize an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative PO 00000 Frm 00169 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.011</GPH> (3) If C1 is no more than 0.03, a Federal savings association may set EWALGD = 0.50 if none of the underlying exposures is a securitization exposure or EWALGD = 1 if one or more of the underlying exposures is a securitization exposure, and may set N equal to the following amount: ER09AU11.010</GPH> a securitization are retail exposures, a Federal savings association may apply the SFA using the following simplifications: (i) h = 0; and (ii) v = 0. (2) Under the conditions in paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this section, a Federal savings association may employ a simplified method for calculating N and EWALGD. Where: (i) Cm is the ratio of the sum of the amounts of the ‘m’ largest underlying exposures to UE; and (ii) The level of m is to be selected by the Federal savings association. (4) Alternatively, if only C1 is available and C1 is no more than 0.03, the Federal savings association may set EWALGD = 0.50 if none of the underlying exposures is a securitization exposure or EWALGD = 1 if one or more of the underlying exposures is a securitization exposure and may set N = 1/C1. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Where LGDi represents the average LGD associated with all exposures to the ith obligor. In the case of a re-securitization, an LGD of 100 percent must be assumed for the underlying exposures that are themselves securitization exposures. (f) Simplified method for computing N and EWALGD. (1) If all underlying exposures of 49118 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations or credit derivative, and an EAD equal to the protection amount of the credit risk mitigant; and (B) Uncovered portion. (1) 1.0 minus the ratio of the protection amount of the eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative to the amount of the securitization exposure); multiplied by (2) The risk-weighted asset amount for the securitization exposure without the credit risk mitigant (as determined in sections 42– 45 of this appendix). (4) Mismatches. The Federal savings association must make applicable adjustments to the protection amount as required in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of section 33 of this appendix for any hedged securitization exposure and any more senior securitization exposure that benefits from the hedge. In the context of a synthetic securitization, when an eligible guarantee or eligible credit derivative covers multiple hedged exposures that have different residual maturities, the savings association must use the longest residual maturity of any of the hedged exposures as the residual maturity of all the hedged exposures. Section 47. Risk-Based Capital Requirement for Early Amortization Provisions (a) General. (1) An originating Federal savings association must hold risk-based capital against the sum of the originating savings association’s interest and the investors’ interest in a securitization that: (i) Includes one or more underlying exposures in which the borrower is permitted to vary the drawn amount within an agreed limit under a line of credit; and (ii) Contains an early amortization provision. (2) For securitizations described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an originating Federal savings association must calculate the risk-based capital requirement for the originating savings association’s interest under sections 42–45 of this appendix, and the risk-based capital requirement for the investors’ interest under paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Risk-weighted asset amount for investors’ interest. The originating Federal savings association’s risk-weighted asset amount for the investors’ interest in the securitization is equal to the product of the following 5 quantities: (1) The investors’ interest EAD; (2) The appropriate conversion factor in paragraph (c) of this section; (3) KIRB(as defined in paragraph (e)(3) of section 45 of this appendix); (4) 12.5; and (5) The proportion of the underlying exposures in which the borrower is permitted to vary the drawn amount within an agreed limit under a line of credit. (c) Conversion factor. (1) (i) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, to calculate the appropriate conversion factor, a Federal savings association must use Table 8 for a securitization that contains a controlled early amortization provision and must use Table 9 for a securitization that contains a non-controlled early amortization provision. In circumstances where a securitization contains a mix of retail and nonretail exposures or a mix of committed and uncommitted exposures, a Federal savings association may take a pro rata approach to determining the conversion factor for the securitization’s early amortization provision. If a pro rata approach is not feasible, a Federal savings association must treat the mixed securitization as a securitization of nonretail exposures if a single underlying exposure is a nonretail exposure and must treat the mixed securitization as a securitization of committed exposures if a single underlying exposure is a committed exposure. (ii) To find the appropriate conversion factor in the tables, a Federal savings association must divide the three-month average annualized excess spread of the securitization by the excess spread trapping point in the securitization structure. In securitizations that do not require excess spread to be trapped, or that specify trapping points based primarily on performance measures other than the three-month average annualized excess spread, the excess spread trapping point is 4.5 percent. TABLE 8—CONTROLLED EARLY AMORTIZATION PROVISIONS Uncommitted Retail Credit Lines .................................... Non-retail Credit Lines .............................. Committed Three-month average annualized excess spread Conversion Factor (CF) ................ 133.33% of trapping point or more, 0% CF. less than 133.33% to 100% of trapping point, 1% CF. less than 100% to 75% of trapping point, 2% CF. less than 75% to 50% of trapping point, 10% CF. less than 50% to 25% of trapping point, 20% CF. less than 25% of trapping point, 40% CF. 90% CF ........................................................................................................................ 90% CF 90% CF TABLE 9—NON-CONTROLLED EARLY AMORTIZATION PROVISIONS Uncommitted Retail Credit Lines .................................... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Non-retail Credit Lines .............................. Three-month average annualized excess spread Conversion Factor (CF) ................ 133.33% of trapping point or more, 0% CF. less than 133.33% to 100% of trapping point, 5% CF. less than 100% to 75% of trapping point, 15% CF. less than 75% to 50% of trapping point, 50% CF. less than 50% of trapping point, 100% CF. 100% CF ...................................................................................................................... (2) For a securitization for which all or substantially all of the underlying exposures are residential mortgage exposures, a Federal savings association may calculate the appropriate conversion factor using paragraph (c)(1) of this section or may use a conversion factor of 10 percent. If the savings association chooses to use a conversion factor of 10 percent, it must use that conversion factor for all securitizations for which all or substantially all of the underlying exposures are residential mortgage exposures. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Committed Part VI. Risk-Weighted Assets for Equity Exposures Section 51. Introduction and Exposure Measurement (a) General. To calculate its risk-weighted asset amounts for equity exposures that are not equity exposures to investment funds, a Federal savings association may apply either the Simple Risk Weight Approach (SRWA) in section 52 of this appendix or, if it qualifies to do so, the Internal Models Approach (IMA) in section 53 of this appendix. A Federal PO 00000 Frm 00170 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 100% CF 100% CF savings association must use the lookthrough approaches in section 54 of this appendix to calculate its risk-weighted asset amounts for equity exposures to investment funds. (b) Adjusted carrying value. For purposes of this part, the adjusted carrying value of an equity exposure is: (1) For the on-balance sheet component of an equity exposure, the savings association’s carrying value of the exposure reduced by any unrealized gains on the exposure that are reflected in such carrying value but excluded E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 then must include non-publicly traded equity exposures (including those held indirectly through investment funds). (4) 300 percent risk weight equity exposures. A publicly traded equity exposure (other than an equity exposure described in paragraph (b)(6) of this section and including the ineffective portion of a hedge pair) is assigned a 300 percent risk weight. (5) 400 percent risk weight equity exposures. An equity exposure (other than an equity exposure described in paragraph (b)(6) of this section) that is not publicly traded is assigned a 400 percent risk weight. (6) 600 percent risk weight equity exposures. An equity exposure to an investment firm that: (i) Would meet the definition of a traditional securitization were it not for the OCC’s application of paragraph (8) of that definition; and (ii) Has greater than immaterial leverage is assigned a 600 percent risk weight. (c) Hedge transactions—(1) Hedge pair. A hedge pair is two equity exposures that form an effective hedge so long as each equity exposure is publicly traded or has a return that is primarily based on a publicly traded equity exposure. (2) Effective hedge. Two equity exposures form an effective hedge if the exposures either have the same remaining maturity or each has a remaining maturity of at least three months; the hedge relationship is formally documented in a prospective manner (that is, before the Federal savings association acquires at least one of the equity exposures); the documentation specifies the measure of effectiveness (E) the Federal savings association will use for the hedge relationship throughout the life of the transaction; and the hedge relationship has an E greater than or equal to 0.8. A Federal savings association must measure E at least quarterly and must use one of three alternative measures of E: (i) Under the dollar-offset method of measuring effectiveness, the Federal savings association must determine the ratio of value change (RVC). The RVC is the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in value of one equity exposure to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the other equity exposure. If RVC is positive, the hedge is not effective and E equals 0. If RVC is negative and greater than or equal to ¥1 (that is, between zero and ¥1), then E equals the absolute value of RVC. If RVC is negative and less than ¥1, then E equals 2 plus RVC. (ii) Under the variability-reduction method of measuring effectiveness: (iii) Under the regression method of measuring effectiveness, E equals the coefficient of determination of a regression in PO 00000 Frm 00171 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 ER09AU11.012</GPH> sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Section 52. Simple Risk Weight Approach (SRWA) (a) General. Under the SRWA, a Federal savings association’s aggregate risk-weighted asset amount for its equity exposures is equal to the sum of the risk-weighted asset amounts for each of the savings association’s individual equity exposures (other than equity exposures to an investment fund) as determined in this section and the riskweighted asset amounts for each of the savings association’s individual equity exposures to an investment fund as determined in section 54 of this appendix. (b) SRWA computation for individual equity exposures. A Federal savings association must determine the risk-weighted asset amount for an individual equity exposure (other than an equity exposure to an investment fund) by multiplying the adjusted carrying value of the equity exposure or the effective portion and ineffective portion of a hedge pair (as defined in paragraph (c) of this section) by the lowest applicable risk weight in this paragraph (b). (1) 0 percent risk weight equity exposures. An equity exposure to an entity whose credit exposures are exempt from the 0.03 percent PD floor in paragraph (d)(2) of section 31 of this appendix is assigned a 0 percent risk weight. (2) 20 percent risk weight equity exposures. An equity exposure to a Federal Home Loan Bank or Farmer Mac is assigned a 20 percent risk weight. (3) 100 percent risk weight equity exposures. The following equity exposures are assigned a 100 percent risk weight: (i) An equity exposure that is designed primarily to promote community welfare, including the welfare of low- and moderateincome communities or families, such as by providing services or jobs, excluding equity exposures to an unconsolidated small business investment company and equity exposures held through a consolidated small business investment company described in section 302 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 682). (ii) Effective portion of hedge pairs. The effective portion of a hedge pair. (iii) Non-significant equity exposures. Equity exposures, excluding exposures to an investment firm that would meet the definition of a traditional securitization were it not for the OCC’s application of paragraph (8) of that definition and has greater than immaterial leverage, to the extent that the aggregate adjusted carrying value of the exposures does not exceed 10 percent of the savings association’s tier 1 capital plus tier 2 capital. (A) To compute the aggregate adjusted carrying value of a Federal savings association’s equity exposures for purposes of this paragraph (b)(3)(iii), the savings association may exclude equity exposures described in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3)(i), and (b)(3)(ii) of this section, the equity exposure in a hedge pair with the smaller adjusted carrying value, and a proportion of each equity exposure to an investment fund equal to the proportion of the assets of the investment fund that are not equity exposures or that meet the criterion of paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section. If a savings association does not know the actual holdings of the investment fund, the savings association may calculate the proportion of the assets of the fund that are not equity exposures based on the terms of the prospectus, partnership agreement, or similar contract that defines the fund’s permissible investments. If the sum of the investment limits for all exposure classes within the fund exceeds 100 percent, the savings association must assume for purposes of this paragraph (b)(3)(iii) that the investment fund invests to the maximum extent possible in equity exposures. (B) When determining which of a Federal savings association’s equity exposures qualify for a 100 percent risk weight under this paragraph, a savings association first must include equity exposures to unconsolidated small business investment companies or held through consolidated small business investment companies described in section 302 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 682), then must include publicly traded equity exposures (including those held indirectly through investment funds), and (C)Bt = the value at time t of the other exposure in a hedge pair. from the savings association’s tier 1 and tier 2 capital; and (2) For the off-balance sheet component of an equity exposure, the effective notional principal amount of the exposure, the size of which is equivalent to a hypothetical onbalance sheet position in the underlying equity instrument that would evidence the same change in fair value (measured in dollars) for a given small change in the price of the underlying equity instrument, minus the adjusted carrying value of the on-balance sheet component of the exposure as calculated in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. For unfunded equity commitments that are unconditional, the effective notional principal amount is the notional amount of the commitment. For unfunded equity commitments that are conditional, the effective notional principal amount is the savings association’s best estimate of the amount that would be funded under economic downturn conditions. (A) Xt = At¥ Bt; (B)At = the value at time t of one exposure in a hedge pair; and 49119 49120 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES which the change in value of one exposure in a hedge pair is the dependent variable and the change in value of the other exposure in a hedge pair is the independent variable. However, if the estimated regression coefficient is positive, then the value of E is zero. (3) The effective portion of a hedge pair is E multiplied by the greater of the adjusted carrying values of the equity exposures forming a hedge pair. (4) The ineffective portion of a hedge pair is (1¥E) multiplied by the greater of the adjusted carrying values of the equity exposures forming a hedge pair. Section 53. Internal Models Approach (IMA) (a) General. A Federal savings association may calculate its risk-weighted asset amount for equity exposures using the IMA by modeling publicly traded and non-publicly traded equity exposures (in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section) or by modeling only publicly traded equity exposures (in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section). (b) Qualifying criteria. To qualify to use the IMA to calculate risk-based capital requirements for equity exposures, a Federal savings association must receive prior written approval from the OCC. To receive such approval, the savings association must demonstrate to the OCC’s satisfaction that the savings association meets the following criteria: (1) The savings association must have one or more models that: (i) Assess the potential decline in value of its modeled equity exposures; (ii) Are commensurate with the size, complexity, and composition of the savings association’s modeled equity exposures; and (iii) Adequately capture both general market risk and idiosyncratic risk. (2) The savings association’s model must produce an estimate of potential losses for its modeled equity exposures that is no less than the estimate of potential losses produced by a VaR methodology employing a 99.0 percent, one-tailed confidence interval of the distribution of quarterly returns for a benchmark portfolio of equity exposures comparable to the savings association’s modeled equity exposures using a long-term sample period. (3) The number of risk factors and exposures in the sample and the data period used for quantification in the savings association’s model and benchmarking exercise must be sufficient to provide confidence in the accuracy and robustness of the savings association’s estimates. (4) The savings association’s model and benchmarking process must incorporate data that are relevant in representing the risk profile of the savings association’s modeled equity exposures, and must include data from at least one equity market cycle containing adverse market movements relevant to the risk profile of the savings association’s modeled equity exposures. In addition, the savings association’s benchmarking exercise must be based on daily market prices for the benchmark portfolio. If the savings association’s model uses a scenario methodology, the savings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association must demonstrate that the model produces a conservative estimate of potential losses on the savings association’s modeled equity exposures over a relevant long-term market cycle. If the savings association employs risk factor models, the savings association must demonstrate through empirical analysis the appropriateness of the risk factors used. (5) The savings association must be able to demonstrate, using theoretical arguments and empirical evidence, that any proxies used in the modeling process are comparable to the savings association’s modeled equity exposures and that the savings association has made appropriate adjustments for differences. The savings association must derive any proxies for its modeled equity exposures and benchmark portfolio using historical market data that are relevant to the savings association’s modeled equity exposures and benchmark portfolio (or, where not, must use appropriately adjusted data), and such proxies must be robust estimates of the risk of the savings association’s modeled equity exposures. (c) Risk-weighted assets calculation for a Federal savings association modeling publicly traded and non-publicly traded equity exposures. If a Federal savings association models publicly traded and nonpublicly traded equity exposures, the savings association’s aggregate risk-weighted asset amount for its equity exposures is equal to the sum of: (1) The risk-weighted asset amount of each equity exposure that qualifies for a 0 percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent risk weight under paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)(i) of section 52 (as determined under section 52 of this appendix) and each equity exposure to an investment fund (as determined under section 54 of this appendix); and (2) The greater of: (i) The estimate of potential losses on the savings association’s equity exposures (other than equity exposures referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section) generated by the savings association’s internal equity exposure model multiplied by 12.5; or (ii) The sum of: (A) 200 percent multiplied by the aggregate adjusted carrying value of the savings association’s publicly traded equity exposures that do not belong to a hedge pair, do not qualify for a 0 percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent risk weight under paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)(i) of section 52 of this appendix, and are not equity exposures to an investment fund; (B) 200 percent multiplied by the aggregate ineffective portion of all hedge pairs; and (C) 300 percent multiplied by the aggregate adjusted carrying value of the savings association’s equity exposures that are not publicly traded, do not qualify for a 0 percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent risk weight under paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)(i) of section 52 of this appendix, and are not equity exposures to an investment fund. (d) Risk-weighted assets calculation for a Federal savings association using the IMA only for publicly traded equity exposures. If a Federal savings association models only publicly traded equity exposures, the savings PO 00000 Frm 00172 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 association’s aggregate risk-weighted asset amount for its equity exposures is equal to the sum of: (1) The risk-weighted asset amount of each equity exposure that qualifies for a 0 percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent risk weight under paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)(i) of section 52 (as determined under section 52 of this appendix), each equity exposure that qualifies for a 400 percent risk weight under paragraph (b)(5) of section 52 or a 600 percent risk weight under paragraph (b)(6) of section 52 (as determined under section 52 of this appendix), and each equity exposure to an investment fund (as determined under section 54 of this appendix); and (2) The greater of: (i) The estimate of potential losses on the Federal savings association’s equity exposures (other than equity exposures referenced in paragraph (d)(1) of this section) generated by the savings association’s internal equity exposure model multiplied by 12.5; or (ii) The sum of: (A) 200 percent multiplied by the aggregate adjusted carrying value of the Federal savings association’s publicly traded equity exposures that do not belong to a hedge pair, do not qualify for a 0 percent, 20 percent, or 100 percent risk weight under paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)(i) of section 52 of this appendix, and are not equity exposures to an investment fund; and (B) 200 percent multiplied by the aggregate ineffective portion of all hedge pairs. Section 54. Equity Exposures to Investment Funds (a) Available approaches. (1) Unless the exposure meets the requirements for a community development equity exposure in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of section 52 of this appendix, a Federal savings association must determine the risk-weighted asset amount of an equity exposure to an investment fund under the Full Look-Through Approach in paragraph (b) of this section, the Simple Modified Look-Through Approach in paragraph (c) of this section, the Alternative Modified Look-Through Approach in paragraph (d) of this section, or, if the investment fund qualifies for the Money Market Fund Approach, the Money Market Fund Approach in paragraph (e) of this section. (2) The risk-weighted asset amount of an equity exposure to an investment fund that meets the requirements for a community development equity exposure in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of section 52 of this appendix is its adjusted carrying value. (3) If an equity exposure to an investment fund is part of a hedge pair and the Federal savings association does not use the Full Look-Through Approach, the savings association may use the ineffective portion of the hedge pair as determined under paragraph (c) of section 52 of this appendix as the adjusted carrying value for the equity exposure to the investment fund. The riskweighted asset amount of the effective portion of the hedge pair is equal to its adjusted carrying value. (b) Full Look-Through Approach. A Federal savings association that is able to E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations calculate a risk-weighted asset amount for its proportional ownership share of each exposure held by the investment fund (as calculated under this appendix as if the proportional ownership share of each exposure were held directly by the savings association) may either: (1) Set the risk-weighted asset amount of the Federal savings association’s exposure to the fund equal to the product of: (i) The aggregate risk-weighted asset amounts of the exposures held by the fund as if they were held directly by the savings association; and (ii) The savings association’s proportional ownership share of the fund; or (2) Include the savings association’s proportional ownership share of each exposure held by the fund in the savings association’s IMA. (c) Simple Modified Look-Through Approach. Under this approach, the riskweighted asset amount for a Federal savings association’s equity exposure to an 49121 investment fund equals the adjusted carrying value of the equity exposure multiplied by the highest risk weight in Table 10 that applies to any exposure the fund is permitted to hold under its prospectus, partnership agreement, or similar contract that defines the fund’s permissible investments (excluding derivative contracts that are used for hedging rather than speculative purposes and that do not constitute a material portion of the fund’s exposures). TABLE 10—MODIFIED LOOK-THROUGH APPROACHES FOR EQUITY EXPOSURES TO INVESTMENT FUNDS Risk weight (percent) Exposure class 0 ........................ Sovereign exposures with a long-term applicable external rating in the highest investment-grade rating category and sovereign exposures of the United States. Non-sovereign exposures with a long-term applicable external rating in the highest or second-highest investment-grade rating category; exposures with a short-term applicable external rating in the highest investment-grade rating category; and exposures to, or guaranteed by, depository institutions, foreign banks (as defined in 12 CFR 211.2), or securities firms subject to consolidated supervision and regulation comparable to that imposed on U.S. securities broker-dealers that are repo-style transactions or bankers’ acceptances. Exposures with a long-term applicable external rating in the third-highest investment-grade rating category or a short-term applicable external rating in the second-highest investment-grade rating category. Exposures with a long-term or short-term applicable external rating in the lowest investment-grade rating category. Exposures with a long-term applicable external rating one rating category below investment grade. Publicly traded equity exposures. Non-publicly traded equity exposures; exposures with a long-term applicable external rating two rating categories or more below investment grade; and exposures without an external rating (excluding publicly traded equity exposures). OTC derivative contracts and exposures that must be deducted from regulatory capital or receive a risk weight greater than 400 percent under this appendix. 20 ...................... 50 ...................... 100 200 300 400 .................... .................... .................... .................... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 1,250 ................. (d) Alternative Modified Look-Through Approach. Under this approach, a Federal savings association may assign the adjusted carrying value of an equity exposure to an investment fund on a pro rata basis to different risk weight categories in Table 10 based on the investment limits in the fund’s prospectus, partnership agreement, or similar contract that defines the fund’s permissible investments. The risk-weighted asset amount for the savings association’s equity exposure to the investment fund equals the sum of each portion of the adjusted carrying value assigned to an exposure class multiplied by the applicable risk weight. If the sum of the investment limits for exposure classes within the fund exceeds 100 percent, the savings association must assume that the fund invests to the maximum extent permitted under its investment limits in the exposure class with the highest risk weight under Table 10, and continues to make investments in order of the exposure class with the next highest risk weight under Table 10 until the maximum total investment level is reached. If more than one exposure class applies to an exposure, the Federal savings association must use the highest applicable risk weight. A Federal savings association may exclude derivative contracts held by the fund that are used for hedging rather than for speculative purposes and do not constitute a material portion of the fund’s exposures. (e) Money Market Fund Approach. The risk-weighted asset amount for a Federal savings association’s equity exposure to an investment fund that is a money market fund subject to 17 CFR 270.2a–7 and that has an applicable external rating in the highest investment-grade rating category equals the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 adjusted carrying value of the equity exposure multiplied by 7 percent. Section 55. Equity Derivative Contracts Under the IMA, in addition to holding riskbased capital against an equity derivative contract under this part, a Federal savings association must hold risk-based capital against the counterparty credit risk in the equity derivative contract by also treating the equity derivative contract as a wholesale exposure and computing a supplemental risk-weighted asset amount for the contract under part IV. Under the SRWA, a Federal savings association may choose not to hold risk-based capital against the counterparty credit risk of equity derivative contracts, as long as it does so for all such contracts. Where the equity derivative contracts are subject to a qualified master netting agreement, a Federal savings association using the SRWA must either include all or exclude all of the contracts from any measure used to determine counterparty credit risk exposure. Part VII. Risk-Weighted Assets for Operational Risk Section 61. Qualification Requirements for Incorporation of Operational Risk Mitigants (a) Qualification to use operational risk mitigants. A Federal savings association may adjust its estimate of operational risk exposure to reflect qualifying operational risk mitigants if: (1) The savings association’s operational risk quantification system is able to generate an estimate of the savings association’s operational risk exposure (which does not PO 00000 Frm 00173 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 incorporate qualifying operational risk mitigants) and an estimate of the savings association’s operational risk exposure adjusted to incorporate qualifying operational risk mitigants; and (2) The savings association’s methodology for incorporating the effects of insurance, if the savings association uses insurance as an operational risk mitigant, captures through appropriate discounts to the amount of risk mitigation: (i) The residual term of the policy, where less than one year; (ii) The cancellation terms of the policy, where less than one year; (iii) The policy’s timeliness of payment; (iv) The uncertainty of payment by the provider of the policy; and (v) Mismatches in coverage between the policy and the hedged operational loss event. (b) Qualifying operational risk mitigants. Qualifying operational risk mitigants are: (1) Insurance that: (i) Is provided by an unaffiliated company that has a claims payment ability that is rated in one of the three highest rating categories by a NRSRO; (ii) Has an initial term of at least one year and a residual term of more than 90 days; (iii) Has a minimum notice period for cancellation by the provider of 90 days; (iv) Has no exclusions or limitations based upon regulatory action or for the receiver or liquidator of a failed depository institution; and (v) Is explicitly mapped to a potential operational loss event; and (2) Operational risk mitigants other than insurance for which the OCC has given prior written approval. In evaluating an E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49122 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations operational risk mitigant other than insurance, the OCC will consider whether the operational risk mitigant covers potential operational losses in a manner equivalent to holding regulatory capital. Section 62. Mechanics of Risk-Weighted Asset Calculation (a) If a Federal savings association does not qualify to use or does not have qualifying operational risk mitigants, the savings association’s dollar risk-based capital requirement for operational risk is its operational risk exposure minus eligible operational risk offsets (if any). (b) If a Federal savings association qualifies to use operational risk mitigants and has qualifying operational risk mitigants, the savings association’s dollar risk-based capital requirement for operational risk is the greater of: (1) The Federal savings association’s operational risk exposure adjusted for qualifying operational risk mitigants minus eligible operational risk offsets (if any); or (2) 0.8 multiplied by the difference between: (i) The Federal savings association’s operational risk exposure; and (ii) Eligible operational risk offsets (if any). (c) The Federal savings association’s riskweighted asset amount for operational risk equals the savings association’s dollar riskbased capital requirement for operational risk determined under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section multiplied by 12.5. Part VIII. Disclosure Section 71. Disclosure Requirements (a) Each Federal savings association must publicly disclose each quarter its total and tier 1 risk-based capital ratios and their components (that is, tier 1 capital, tier 2 capital, total qualifying capital, and total riskweighted assets).4 (b) A Federal savings association must comply with paragraph (c) of section 71 of this appendix unless it is a consolidated subsidiary of a depository institution or bank holding company that is subject to these requirements. (c)(1) Each consolidated Federal savings association described in paragraph (b) of this section that is not a subsidiary of a non-U.S. banking organization that is subject to comparable public disclosure requirements in its home jurisdiction and has successfully completed its parallel run must provide timely public disclosures each calendar quarter of the information in tables 11.1– 11.11 below. If a significant change occurs, such that the most recent reported amounts are no longer reflective of the savings association’s capital adequacy and risk profile, then a brief discussion of this change and its likely impact must be provided as soon as practicable thereafter. Qualitative disclosures that typically do not change each quarter (for example, a general summary of the savings association’s risk management objectives and policies, reporting system, and definitions) may be disclosed annually, provided any significant changes to these are disclosed in the interim. Management is encouraged to provide all of the disclosures required by this appendix in one place on the savings association’s public Web site.5 The savings association must make these disclosures publicly available for each of the last three years (twelve quarters) or such shorter period since it began its first floor period. (2) Each Federal savings association is required to have a formal disclosure policy approved by the board of directors that addresses its approach for determining the disclosures it makes. The policy must address the associated internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. The board of directors and senior management are responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective internal control structure over financial reporting, including the disclosures required by this appendix, and must ensure that appropriate review of the disclosures takes place. One or more senior officers of the savings association must attest that the disclosures required by this appendix meet the requirements of this appendix. (3) If a Federal savings association believes that disclosure of specific commercial or financial information would prejudice seriously its position by making public information that is either proprietary or confidential in nature, the savings association need not disclose those specific items, but must disclose more general information about the subject matter of the requirement, together with the fact that, and the reason why, the specific items of information have not been disclosed. TABLE 11.1—SCOPE OF APPLICATION Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) The name of the top corporate entity in the group to which the appendix applies. (b) An outline of differences in the basis of consolidation for accounting and regulatory purposes, with a brief description of the entities 6 within the group that are fully consolidated; that are deconsolidated and deducted; for which the regulatory capital requirement is deducted; and that are neither consolidated nor deducted (for example, where the investment is risk-weighted). (c) Any restrictions, or other major impediments, on transfer of funds or regulatory capital within the group. (d) The aggregate amount of surplus capital of insurance subsidiaries (whether deducted or subjected to an alternative method) included in the regulatory capital of the consolidated group. (e) The aggregate amount by which actual regulatory capital is less than the minimum regulatory capital requirement in all subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements and the name(s) of the subsidiaries with such deficiencies. TABLE 11.2—CAPITAL STRUCTURE Qualitative Disclosures ........... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) Summary information on the terms and conditions of the main features of all capital instruments, especially in the case of innovative, complex or hybrid capital instruments. (b) The amount of tier 1 capital, with separate disclosure of: • Common stock/surplus; • Retained earnings; • Minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries; • Regulatory calculation differences deducted from tier 1 capital; 7 and • Other amounts deducted from tier 1 capital, including goodwill and certain intangibles. (c) The total amount of tier 2 capital. (d) Other deductions from capital.8 4 Other public disclosure requirements continue to apply—for example, Federal securities law and regulatory reporting requirements. 5 Alternatively, a Federal savings association may provide the disclosures in more than one place, as some of them may be included in public financial VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 reports (for example, in Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in SEC filings) or other regulatory reports. The savings association must provide a summary table on its public Web site that specifically indicates where all the disclosures may be found (for example, regulatory report schedules, page numbers in annual reports). PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 6 Entities include securities, insurance and other financial subsidiaries, commercial subsidiaries (where permitted), and significant minority equity investments in insurance, financial and commercial entities. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49123 TABLE 11.2—CAPITAL STRUCTURE—Continued (e) Total eligible capital. TABLE 11.3—CAPITAL ADEQUACY Qualitative disclosures ............ sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Quantitative disclosures .......... (a) A summary discussion of the Federal savings association’s approach to assessing the adequacy of its capital to support current and future activities. (b) Risk-weighted assets for credit risk from: • Wholesale exposures; • Residential mortgage exposures; • Qualifying revolving exposures; • Other retail exposures; • Securitization exposures; • Equity exposures; • Equity exposures subject to the simple risk weight approach; and • Equity exposures subject to the internal models approach. (c) Risk-weighted assets for market risk as calculated under any applicable market risk rule: 9 • Standardized approach for specific risk; and • Internal models approach for specific risk. (d) Risk-weighted assets for operational risk. (e) Total and tier 1 risk-based capital ratios: 10 • For the top consolidated group; and • For each DI subsidiary. 7 Representing 50 percent of the amount, if any, by which total expected credit losses as calculated within the IRB approach exceed eligible credit reserves, which must be deducted from tier 1 capital. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 8 Including 50 percent of the amount, if any, by which total expected credit losses as calculated within the IRB approach exceed eligible credit reserves, which must be deducted from tier 2 capital. PO 00000 Frm 00175 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 9 Risk-weighted assets determined under any applicable market risk rule are to be disclosed only for the approaches used. 10 Total risk-weighted assets should also be disclosed. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49124 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations General qualitative disclosure requirement For each separate risk area described in tables 11.4 through 11.11, the Federal savings association must describe its risk management objectives and policies, including: • Strategies and processes; • The structure and organization of the relevant risk management function; • The scope and nature of risk reporting and/or measurement systems; • Policies for hedging and/or mitigating risk and strategies and processes for monitoring the continuing effectiveness of hedges/mitigants. TABLE 11.4 11—CREDIT RISK: GENERAL DISCLOSURES Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... ................................................. ................................................. ................................................. (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement with respect to credit risk (excluding counterparty credit risk disclosed in accordance with Table 11.6), including: • Definitions of past due and impaired (for accounting purposes); • Description of approaches followed for allowances, including statistical methods used where applicable; and • Discussion of the Federal savings association’s credit risk management policy. (b) Total credit risk exposures and average credit risk exposures, after accounting offsets in accordance with GAAP,12 and without taking into account the effects of credit risk mitigation techniques (for example, collateral and netting), over the period broken down by major types of credit exposure.13 (c) Geographic 14 distribution of exposures, broken down in significant areas by major types of credit exposure. (d) Industry or counterparty type distribution of exposures, broken down by major types of credit exposure. (e) Remaining contractual maturity breakdown (for example, one year or less) of the whole portfolio, broken down by major types of credit exposure. (f) By major industry or counterparty type: • Amount of impaired loans; • Amount of past due loans; 15 • Allowances; and • Charge-offs during the period. (g) Amount of impaired loans and, if available, the amount of past due loans broken down by significant geographic areas including, if practical, the amounts of allowances related to each geographical area.16 (h) Reconciliation of changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses.17 15 A 11 Table 4 does not include equity exposures. example, FASB Interpretations 39 and 41. 13 For example, savings associations could apply a breakdown similar to that used for accounting purposes. Such a breakdown might, for instance, be (a) loans, off-balance sheet commitments, and other non-derivative off-balance sheet exposures, (b) debt securities, and (c) OTC derivatives. 14 Geographical areas may comprise individual countries, groups of countries, or regions within countries. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 12 For VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Federal savings association is encouraged also to provide an analysis of the aging of past-due loans. 16 The portion of general allowance that is not allocated to a geographical area should be disclosed separately. 17 The reconciliation should include the following: A description of the allowance; the opening balance of the allowance; charge-offs taken against the allowance during the period; amounts provided (or reversed) for estimated probable loan losses during the period; any other adjustments (for example, exchange rate differences, business PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 A Federal savings association might choose to define the geographical areas based on the way the company’s portfolio is geographically managed. The criteria used to allocate the loans to geographical areas must be specified. combinations, acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries), including transfers between allowances; and the closing balance of the allowance. Charge-offs and recoveries that have been recorded directly to the income statement should be disclosed separately. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49125 TABLE 11.5—CREDIT RISK: DISCLOSURES FOR PORTFOLIOS SUBJECT TO IRB RISK-BASED CAPITAL FORMULAS Qualitative disclosures Quantitative disclosures: risk assessment. Quantitative disclosures: historical results. (a) Explanation and review of the: • Structure of internal rating systems and relation between internal and external ratings; • Use of risk parameter estimates other than for regulatory capital purposes; • Process for managing and recognizing credit risk mitigation (see table 11.7); and • Control mechanisms for the rating system, including discussion of independence, accountability, and rating systems review. (b) Description of the internal ratings process, provided separately for the following: • Wholesale category; • Retail subcategories; • Residential mortgage exposures; • Qualifying revolving exposures; and • Other retail exposures. For each category and subcategory the description should include: • The types of exposure included in the category/subcategories; and • The definitions, methods and data for estimation and validation of PD, LGD, and EAD, including assumptions employed in the derivation of these variables.18 (c) For wholesale exposures, present the following information across a sufficient number of PD grades (including default) to allow for a meaningful differentiation of credit risk: 19 • Total EAD; 20 • Exposure-weighted average LGD (percentage); • Exposure-weighted average risk weight; and • Amount of undrawn commitments and exposure-weighted average EAD for wholesale exposures. For each retail subcategory, present the disclosures outlined above across a sufficient number of segments to allow for a meaningful differentiation of credit risk. (d) Actual losses in the preceding period for each category and subcategory and how this differs from past experience. A discussion of the factors that impacted the loss experience in the preceding period—for example, has the Federal savings association experienced higher than average default rates, loss rates or EADs. (e) Federal savings association’s estimates compared against actual outcomes over a longer period.21 At a minimum, this should include information on estimates of losses against actual losses in the wholesale category and each retail subcategory over a period sufficient to allow for a meaningful assessment of the performance of the internal rating processes for each category/subcategory.22 Where appropriate, the savings association should further decompose this to provide analysis of PD, LGD, and EAD outcomes against estimates provided in the quantitative risk assessment disclosures above.23 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 18 This disclosure does not require a detailed description of the model in full—it should provide the reader with a broad overview of the model approach, describing definitions of the variables and methods for estimating and validating those variables set out in the quantitative risk disclosures below. This should be done for each of the four category/subcategories. The Federal savings association should disclose any significant differences in approach to estimating these variables within each category/subcategories. 19 The PD, LGD and EAD disclosures in Table 11.5(c) should reflect the effects of collateral, qualifying master netting agreements, eligible guarantees and eligible credit derivatives as defined in part I. Disclosure of each PD grade should include the exposure-weighted average PD for each VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 grade. Where a Federal savings association aggregates PD grades for the purposes of disclosure, this should be a representative breakdown of the distribution of PD grades used for regulatory capital purposes. 20 Outstanding loans and EAD on undrawn commitments can be presented on a combined basis for these disclosures. 21 These disclosures are a way of further informing the reader about the reliability of the information provided in the ‘‘quantitative disclosures: risk assessment’’ over the long run. The disclosures are requirements from year-end 2010; in the meantime, early adoption is encouraged. The phased implementation is to allow a Federal savings association sufficient time to build up a longer run of data that will make these disclosures meaningful. 22 This regulation is not prescriptive about the period used for this assessment. Upon PO 00000 Frm 00177 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 implementation, it might be expected that a Federal savings association would provide these disclosures for as long a run of data as possible—for example, if a savings association has 10 years of data, it might choose to disclose the average default rates for each PD grade over that 10-year period. Annual amounts need not be disclosed. 23 A Federal savings association should provide this further decomposition where it will allow users greater insight into the reliability of the estimates provided in the ‘‘quantitative disclosures: risk assessment.’’ In particular, it should provide this information where there are material differences between its estimates of PD, LGD or EAD compared to actual outcomes over the long run. The savings association should also provide explanations for such differences. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49126 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 11.6—GENERAL DISCLOSURE FOR COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK OF OTC DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS, REPO-STYLE TRANSACTIONS, AND ELIGIBLE MARGIN LOANS Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement with respect to OTC derivatives, eligible margin loans, and repo-style transactions, including: • Discussion of methodology used to assign economic capital and credit limits for counterparty credit exposures; • Discussion of policies for securing collateral, valuing and managing collateral, and establishing credit reserves; • Discussion of the primary types of collateral taken; • Discussion of policies with respect to wrong-way risk exposures; and • Discussion of the impact of the amount of collateral the Federal savings association would have to provide if the savings association were to receive a credit rating downgrade. (b) Gross positive fair value of contracts, netting benefits, netted current credit exposure, collateral held (including type, for example, cash, government securities), and net unsecured credit exposure.24 Also report measures for EAD used for regulatory capital for these transactions, the notional value of credit derivative hedges purchased for counterparty credit risk protection, and, for Federal savings associations not using the internal models methodology in section 32(d) of this appendix, the distribution of current credit exposure by types of credit exposure.25 (c) Notional amount of purchased and sold credit derivatives, segregated between use for the Federal savings association’s own credit portfolio and for its intermediation activities, including the distribution of the credit derivative products used, broken down further by protection bought and sold within each product group. (d) The estimate of alpha if the Federal savings association has received supervisory approval to estimate alpha. TABLE 11.7—CREDIT RISK MITIGATION 26 27 28 Qualitative Disclosures ....... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Quantitative Disclosures ..... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement with respect to credit risk mitigation including: • Policies and processes for, and an indication of the extent to which the Federal savings association uses, onand off-balance sheet netting; • Policies and processes for collateral valuation and management; • A description of the main types of collateral taken by the Federal savings association; • The main types of guarantors/credit derivative counterparties and their creditworthiness; and • Information about (market or credit) risk concentrations within the mitigation taken. (b) For each separately disclosed portfolio, the total exposure (after, where applicable, on- or off-balance sheet netting) that is covered by guarantees/credit derivatives. 24 Net unsecured credit exposure is the credit exposure after considering the benefits from legally enforceable netting agreements and collateral arrangements, without taking into account haircuts for price volatility, liquidity, etc. 25 This may include interest rate derivative contracts, foreign exchange derivative contracts, equity derivative contracts, credit derivatives, commodity or other derivative contracts, repo-style transactions, and eligible margin loans. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 26 At a minimum, a Federal savings association must provide the disclosures in Table 11.7 in relation to credit risk mitigation that has been recognized for the purposes of reducing capital requirements under this appendix. Where relevant, Federal savings associations are encouraged to give further information about mitigants that have not been recognized for that purpose. 27 Credit derivatives that are treated, for the purposes of this appendix, as synthetic PO 00000 Frm 00178 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 securitization exposures should be excluded from the credit risk mitigation disclosures and included within those relating to securitization. 28 Counterparty credit risk-related exposures disclosed pursuant to Table 11.6 should be excluded from the credit risk mitigation disclosures in Table 11.7. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 49127 TABLE 11.8—SECURITIZATION Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement with respect to securitization (including synthetics), including a discussion of: • The Federal savings association’s objectives relating to securitization activity, including the extent to which these activities transfer credit risk of the underlying exposures away from the savings association to other entities; • The roles played by the Federal savings association in the securitization process 29 and an indication of the extent of the savings association’s involvement in each of them; and • The regulatory capital approaches (for example, RBA, IAA and SFA) that the Federal savings association follows for its securitization activities. (b) Summary of the Federal savings association’s accounting policies for securitization activities, including: • Whether the transactions are treated as sales or financings; • Recognition of gain-on-sale; • Key assumptions for valuing retained interests, including any significant changes since the last reporting period and the impact of such changes; and • Treatment of synthetic securitizations. (c) Names of NRSROs used for securitizations and the types of securitization exposure for which each agency is used. (d) The total outstanding exposures securitized by the Federal savings association in securitizations that meet the operational criteria in section 41 of this appendix (broken down into traditional/synthetic), by underlying exposure type.30 31 32 (e) For exposures securitized by the Federal savings association in securitizations that meet the operational criteria in Section 41 of this appendix: • Amount of securitized assets that are impaired/past due; and • Losses recognized by the Federal savings association during the current period 33 broken down by exposure type. (f) Aggregate amount of securitization exposures broken down by underlying exposure type. (g) Aggregate amount of securitization exposures and the associated IRB capital requirements for these exposures broken down into a meaningful number of risk weight bands. Exposures that have been deducted from capital should be disclosed separately by type of underlying asset. (h) For securitizations subject to the early amortization treatment, the following items by underlying asset type for securitized facilities: • The aggregate drawn exposures attributed to the seller’s and investors’ interests; and • The aggregate IRB capital charges incurred by the Federal savings association against the investors’ shares of drawn balances and undrawn lines. (i) Summary of current year’s securitization activity, including the amount of exposures securitized (by exposure type), and recognized gain or loss on sale by asset type. TABLE 11.9—OPERATIONAL RISK sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Qualitative Disclosures ........... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement for operational risk. (b) Description of the AMA, including a discussion of relevant internal and external factors considered in the Federal savings association’s measurement approach. (c) A description of the use of insurance for the purpose of mitigating operational risk. 29 For example: originator, investor, servicer, provider of credit enhancement, sponsor of ABCP facility, liquidity provider, or swap provider. 30 Underlying exposure types may include, for example, one- to four-family residential loans, home equity lines, credit card receivables, and auto loans. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 31 Securitization transactions in which the originating Federal savings association does not retain any securitization exposure should be shown separately but need only be reported for the year of inception. 32 Where relevant, a Federal savings association is encouraged to differentiate between exposures PO 00000 Frm 00179 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 resulting from activities in which they act only as sponsors, and exposures that result from all other Federal savings association securitization activities. 33 For example, charge-offs/allowances (if the assets remain on the savings association’s balance sheet) or write-downs of I/O strips and other residual interests. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49128 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 11.10—EQUITIES NOT SUBJECT TO MARKET RISK RULE Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement with respect to equity risk, including: • Differentiation between holdings on which capital gains are expected and those held for other objectives, including for relationship and strategic reasons; and • Discussion of important policies covering the valuation of and accounting for equity holdings in the banking book. This includes the accounting techniques and valuation methodologies used, including key assumptions and practices affecting valuation as well as significant changes in these practices. (b) Value disclosed in the balance sheet of investments, as well as the fair value of those investments; for quoted securities, a comparison to publicly quoted share values where the share price is materially different from fair value. (c) The types and nature of investments, including the amount that is: • Publicly traded; and • Non-publicly traded. (d) The cumulative realized gains (losses) arising from sales and liquidations in the reporting period. (e) • Total unrealized gains (losses) 34 • Total latent revaluation gains (losses) 35 • Any amounts of the above included in tier 1 and/or tier 2 capital. (f) Capital requirements broken down by appropriate equity groupings, consistent with the Federal savings association’s methodology, as well as the aggregate amounts and the type of equity investments subject to any supervisory transition regarding regulatory capital requirements.36 TABLE 11.11—INTEREST RATE RISK FOR NON-TRADING ACTIVITIES Qualitative Disclosures ........... Quantitative Disclosures ......... (a) The general qualitative disclosure requirement, including the nature of interest rate risk for non-trading activities and key assumptions, including assumptions regarding loan prepayments and behavior of non-maturity deposits, and frequency of measurement of interest rate risk for non-trading activities. (b) The increase (decline) in earnings or economic value (or relevant measure used by management) for upward and downward rate shocks according to management’s method for measuring interest rate risk for nontrading activities, broken down by currency (as appropriate). (a) Scope, applicability, and purpose. This section 81 provides optional transition provisions for a Federal savings association that is required for financial and regulatory reporting purposes, as a result of its implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (FAS 167), to consolidate certain variable interest entities (VIEs) as defined under GAAP. These transition provisions apply through the end of the fourth quarter following the date of a savings association’s implementation of FAS 167 (implementation date). (b) Exclusion period. (1) Exclusion of risk-weighted assets for the first and second quarters. For the first two quarters after the implementation date (exclusion period), including for the two calendar quarter-end regulatory report dates within those quarters, a Federal savings association may exclude from risk-weighted assets: (i) Subject to the limitations in paragraph (d) of section 81, assets held by a VIE, provided that the following conditions are met: (A) The VIE existed prior to the implementation date, (B) The savings association did not consolidate the VIE on its balance sheet for calendar quarter-end regulatory report dates prior to the implementation date, (C) The savings association must consolidate the VIE on its balance sheet beginning as of the implementation date as a result of its implementation of FAS 167, and (D) The savings association excludes all assets held by VIEs described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(A) through (C) of this section 81; and (ii) Subject to the limitations in paragraph (d) of this section 81, assets held by a VIE that is a consolidated ABCP program, provided that the following conditions are met: (A) The savings association is the sponsor of the ABCP program, (B) Prior to the implementation date, the savings association consolidated the VIE onto its balance sheet under GAAP and excluded the VIE’s assets from the savings association’s risk-weighted assets, and (C) The savings association chooses to exclude all assets held by ABCP program VIEs described in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section 81. (2) Risk-weighted assets during exclusion period. During the exclusion period, including for the two calendar quarter-end regulatory report dates within the exclusion period, a Federal savings association adopting the optional provisions in paragraph (b) of this section must calculate risk-weighted assets for its contractual exposures to the VIEs referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 81 on the implementation date and include this calculated amount in risk-weighted assets. Such contractual exposures may include direct-credit substitutes, recourse obligations, residual interests, liquidity facilities, and loans. (3) Inclusion of ALLL in tier 2 capital for the first and second quarters. During the exclusion period, including for the two calendar quarter-end regulatory report dates within the exclusion period, a Federal savings association that excludes VIE assets from risk-weighted assets pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section 81 may include in tier 2 capital the full amount of the ALLL calculated as of the implementation date that is attributable to the assets it excludes pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section 81 (inclusion amount). The amount of ALLL includable in tier 2 capital in accordance with this paragraph shall not be subject to the limitations set forth in section 13(A)(2) and 13(b) of this Appendix. (c) Phase-in period— (1) Exclusion amount. For purposes of this paragraph (c), exclusion amount is defined as the amount of risk-weighted assets excluded in paragraph (b)(1) of this section as of the implementation date. (2) Risk-weighted assets for the third and fourth quarters. A Federal savings association 34 Unrealized gains (losses) recognized in the balance sheet but not through earnings. 35 Unrealized gains (losses) not recognized either in the balance sheet or through earnings. 36 This disclosure should include a breakdown of equities that are subject to the 0 percent, 20 percent, 100 percent, 300 percent, 400 percent, and 600 percent risk weights, as applicable. Part IX—Transition Provisions sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Section 81—Optional Transition Provisions Related to the Implementation of Consolidation Requirements Under FAS 167 VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00180 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations that excludes assets of consolidated VIEs from risk-weighted assets pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section may, for the third and fourth quarters after the implementation date (phase-in period), including for the two calendar quarter-end regulatory report dates within those quarters, exclude from risk-weighted assets 50 percent of the exclusion amount, provided that the savings association may not include in riskweighted assets pursuant to this paragraph an amount less than the aggregate risk-weighted assets calculated pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section 81. (3) Inclusion of ALLL in tier 2 capital for the third and fourth quarters. A Federal savings association that excludes assets of consolidated VIEs from risk-weighted assets pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section may, for the phase-in period, include in tier 2 capital 50 percent of the inclusion amount it included in tier 2 capital, during the exclusion period, notwithstanding the limit on including ALLL in tier 2 capital in section 13(a)(2) and 13(b) of this Appendix. (d) Implicit recourse limitation. Notwithstanding any other provision in this section 81, assets held by a VIE to which the savings association has provided recourse through credit enhancement beyond any contractual obligation to support assets it has sold may not be excluded from risk-weighted assets. PART 168—SECURITY PROCEDURES Sec. 168.1 168.2 168.3 168.4 168.5 Authority, purpose, and scope. Designation of security officer. Security program. Report. Protection of customer information. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1828, 1831p–1, 1881–1884, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 1681s and 1681w; 15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b)(1). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 168.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. (a) This part is issued under section 3 of the Bank Protection Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C 1882), sections 501 and 505(b)(1) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b)(1)), and sections 621 and 628 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s and 1681w). This part is applicable to Federal savings associations. It requires each Federal savings association to adopt appropriate security procedures to discourage robberies, burglaries, and larcenies and to assist in the identification and prosecution of persons who commit such acts. Section 168.5 of this part is applicable to Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries (except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers). Section 168.5 of this part requires covered institutions to establish and implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information. (b) It is the responsibility of a Federal savings association’s board of directors to comply with this regulation and ensure that a written security program for the association’s main office and branches is developed and implemented. § 168.2 Designation of security officer. Within 30 days after the effective date of insurance of accounts, the board of directors of each Federal savings association shall designate a security officer who shall have the authority, subject to the approval of the board of directors, to develop, within a reasonable time but no later than 180 days, and to administer a written security program for each of the association’s offices. § 168.3 (a) Contents of security program. The security program shall: (1) Establish procedures for opening and closing for business and for the safekeeping of all currency, negotiable securities, and similar valuables at all times; (2) Establish procedures that will assist in identifying persons committing crimes against the association and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification and prosecution. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to: (i) Maintaining a camera that records activity in the office; (ii) Using identification devices, such as prerecorded serial-numbered bills, or chemical and electronic devices; and (iii) Retaining a record of any robbery, burglary, or larceny committed against the association; (3) Provide for initial and periodic training of officers and employees in their responsibilities under the security program and in proper employee conduct during and after a burglary, robbery, or larceny; and (4) Provide for selecting, testing, operating and maintaining appropriate security devices, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Security devices. Each savings association shall have, at a minimum, the following security devices: (1) A means of protecting cash and other liquid assets, such as a vault, safe, or other secure space; (2) A lighting system for illuminating, during the hours of darkness, the area around the vault, if the vault is visible from outside the office; (3) Tamper-resistant locks on exterior doors and exterior windows that may be opened; PO 00000 Frm 00181 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (4) An alarm system or other appropriate device for promptly notifying the nearest responsible law enforcement officers of an attempted or perpetrated robbery or burglary; and (5) Such other devices as the security officer determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration: (i) The incidence of crimes against financial institutions in the area; (ii) The amount of currency and other valuables exposed to robbery, burglary, or larceny; (iii) The distance of the office from the nearest responsible law enforcement officers; (iv) The cost of the security devices; (v) Other security measures in effect at the office; and (vi) The physical characteristics of the structure of the office and its surroundings. § 168.4 Security program. 49129 Report. The security officer for each Federal savings association shall report at least annually to the association’s board of directors on the implementation, administration, and effectiveness of the security program. § 168.5 Protection of customer information. Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries (except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers) must comply with the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards set forth in appendix B to part 170 of this chapter. Supplement A to appendix B to part 170 of this chapter provides interpretive guidance. PART 169—PROXIES Sec. 169.1 169.2 169.3 169.4 Definitions. Form of proxies. Holders of proxies. Proxy soliciting material. Authority: Section 2, 48 Stat. 128, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1462); section 3, as added by section 301, 103 Stat. 278 (12 U.S.C. 1462a); section 4, as added by section 301, 103 Stat. 280 (12 U.S.C. 1463), 5412(b)(2)(B). § 169.1 Definitions. As used in this part: (a) Security holder. (1) The term security holder means any person having the right to vote in the affairs of a savings association by virtue of: (i) Ownership of any security of the association or (ii) Any indebtedness to the association. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49130 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) For purposes of this part, the term security holder shall include any account holder having the right to vote in the affairs of a mutual savings association. (b) Person. The term person includes, in addition to natural persons, corporations, partnerships, pension funds, profit-sharing funds, trusts, and any other group of associated persons of whatever nature. (c) Proxy. The term proxy includes every form of authorization by which a person is, or may be deemed to be, designated to act for the security holder in the exercise of his or her voting rights in the affairs of a savings association. Such an authorization may take the form of failure to dissent or object. (d) Solicit; solicitation. (1) The terms solicit and solicitation refer to: (i) Any request for a proxy whether or not accompanied by or included in a form of proxy; (ii) Any request to execute, not execute, or revoke a proxy; or (iii) The furnishing of a form of proxy or other communication to security holders under circumstances reasonably calculated to result in the procurement, withholding, or revocation of a proxy. (2) The terms do not apply, however, to the furnishing of a form of proxy to a security holder upon the request of such security holder or to the performance by any person of ministerial acts on behalf of a person soliciting a proxy. § 169.2 Form of proxies. Every form of proxy shall conform to the following requirements: (a) The proxy shall be revocable at will by the person giving it. The power to revoke may not be conditioned on any event or occurrence or be otherwise limited; except that, in the case of a proxy relating to capital stock if such proxy is coupled with an interest, states such fact on its face, and is valid under the laws of the state in which it is to be exercised, such proxy may be made irrevocable to the extent permitted by such state law. (b) The proxy may not be part of any other document or instrument (such as an account card). (c) The proxy shall be clearly labeled ‘‘Revocable Proxy’’ in boldface type (at least as large as 18 point). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 169.3 Holders of proxies. No proxy of a mutual savings association with a term greater than eleven months or solicited at the expense of the association may designate as holder anyone other than the board of directors [trustees] as a whole, or a committee appointed by a majority of such board. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 169.4 Proxy soliciting material. No solicitation of a proxy shall be made by means of any statement, form of proxy, notice of meeting, or other communication, written or oral, which: (a) Solicits any undated or postdated proxy; (b) Solicits any proxy that provides that it shall be deemed to be dated as of any date subsequent to the date on which it is signed by the security holder; or (c)(1) Contains any statement that is false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or (2) Omits to state any material fact: (i) Necessary in order to make the statements therein not false or misleading or (ii) Necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of a proxy for the same meeting or subject matter that has subsequently become false or misleading. PART 170—SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS GUIDELINES AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES Sec. 170.1 Authority, purpose, scope and preservation of existing authority. 170.2 Determination and notification of failure to meet safety and soundness standards and request for compliance plan. 170.3 Filing of safety and soundness compliance plan. 170.4 Issuance of orders to correct deficiencies and to take or refrain from taking other actions. 170.5 Enforcement of orders. Appendix A to Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness Appendix B to Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1828, 1831p–1, 1881–1884, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 1681s and 1681w; 15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b)(1). § 170.1 Authority, purpose, scope and preservation of existing authority. (a) Authority. This part and the Guidelines in Appendices A and B to this part are issued by the OCC under section 39 (section 39) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act) (12 U.S.C. 1831p–1) as added by section 132 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) (Pub. L. 102–242, 105 Stat. 2236 (1991)), and as amended by section 956 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102– 550, 106 Stat. 3895 (1992)), and as PO 00000 Frm 00182 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 amended by section 318 of the Community Development Banking Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103–325, 108 Stat. 2160 (1994)). Appendix B to this part is further issued under sections 501(b) and 505 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Pub. L. 106–102, 113 Stat. 1338 (1999)). (b) Purpose. Section 39 of the FDI Act requires the OCC to establish safety and soundness standards. Pursuant to section 39, a Federal savings association may be required to submit a compliance plan if it is not in compliance with a safety and soundness standard established by guideline under section 39 (a) or (b). An enforceable order under section 8 of the FDI Act may be issued if, after being notified that it is in violation of a safety and soundness standard prescribed under section 39, the Federal savings association fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted plan. This part establishes procedures for submission and review of safety and soundness compliance plans and for issuance and review of orders pursuant to section 39. Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness pursuant to section 39 of the FDI Act are set forth in Appendix A to this part. Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards are set forth in appendix B to this part. (c) Scope. This part and the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness as set forth at appendix A to this part and the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards at appendix B to this part implement the provisions of section 39 of the FDI Act as they apply to Federal savings associations. (d) Preservation of existing authority. Neither section 39 of the FDI Act nor this part in any way limits the authority of the OCC under any other provision of law to take supervisory actions to address unsafe or unsound practices, violations of law, unsafe or unsound conditions, or other practices. Action under section 39 and this part may be taken independently of, in conjunction with, or in addition to any other enforcement action available to the OCC. § 170.2 Determination and notification of failure to meet safety and soundness standards and request for compliance plan. (a) Determination. The OCC may, based upon an examination, inspection, or any other information that becomes available to the OCC, determine that a Federal savings association has failed to satisfy the safety and soundness standards contained in the Interagency E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness as set forth in appendix A to this part or the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards as set forth in appendix B to this part. (b) Request for compliance plan. If the OCC determines that a Federal savings association has failed to meet a safety and soundness standard pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the OCC may request by letter or through a report of examination, the submission of a compliance plan. The savings association shall be deemed to have notice of the request three days after mailing or delivery of the letter or report of examination by the OCC. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 170.3 Filing of safety and soundness compliance plan. (a) Schedule for filing compliance plan— (1) In general. A Federal savings association shall file a written safety and soundness compliance plan with the OCC within 30 days of receiving a request for a compliance plan pursuant to § 170.2(b), unless the OCC notifies the savings association in writing that the plan is to be filed within a different period. (2) Other plans. If a savings association is obligated to file, or is currently operating under, a capital restoration plan submitted pursuant to section 38 of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1831o), a cease-and-desist order entered into pursuant to section 8 of the FDI Act, a formal or informal agreement, or a response to a report of examination, it may, with the permission of the OCC, submit a compliance plan under this section as part of that plan, order, agreement, or response, subject to the deadline provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. (b) Contents of plan. The compliance plan shall include a description of the steps the Federal savings association will take to correct the deficiency and the time within which those steps will be taken. (c) Review of safety and soundness compliance plans. Within 30 days after receiving a safety and soundness compliance plan under this subpart, the OCC shall provide written notice to the Federal savings association of whether the plan has been approved or seek additional information from the savings association regarding the plan. The OCC may extend the time within which notice regarding approval of a plan will be provided. (d) Failure to submit or implement a compliance plan. If a Federal savings association fails to submit an acceptable plan within the time specified by the OCC or fails in any material respect to VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 implement a compliance plan, then the OCC shall, by order, require the savings association to correct the deficiency and may take further actions provided in section 39(e)(2)(B) of the FDI Act. Pursuant to section 39(e)(3), the OCC may be required to take certain actions if the savings association commenced operations or experienced a change in control within the previous 24-month period, or the savings association experienced extraordinary growth during the previous 18-month period. (e) Amendment of compliance plan. A Federal savings association that has filed an approved compliance plan may, after prior written notice to and approval by the OCC, amend the plan to reflect a change in circumstance. Until such time as a proposed amendment has been approved, the savings association shall implement the compliance plan as previously approved. § 170.4 Issuance of orders to correct deficiencies and to take or refrain from taking other actions. (a) Notice of intent to issue order—(1) In general. The OCC shall provide a Federal savings association prior written notice of the OCC’s intention to issue an order requiring the savings association to correct a safety and soundness deficiency or to take or refrain from taking other actions pursuant to section 39 of the FDI Act. The savings association shall have such time to respond to a proposed order as provided by the OCC under paragraph (c) of this section. (2) Immediate issuance of final order. If the OCC finds it necessary in order to carry out the purposes of section 39 of the FDI Act, the OCC may, without providing the notice prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, issue an order requiring a savings association immediately to take actions to correct a safety and soundness deficiency or to take or refrain from taking other actions pursuant to section 39. A savings association that is subject to such an immediately effective order may submit a written appeal of the order to the OCC. Such an appeal must be received by the OCC within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the order, unless the OCC permits a longer period. The OCC shall consider any such appeal, if filed in a timely manner, within 60 days of receiving the appeal. During such period of review, the order shall remain in effect unless the OCC, in its sole discretion, stays the effectiveness of the order. (b) Contents of notice. A notice of intent to issue an order shall include: (1) A statement of the safety and soundness deficiency or deficiencies PO 00000 Frm 00183 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49131 that have been identified at the Federal savings association; (2) A description of any restrictions, prohibitions, or affirmative actions that the OCC proposes to impose or require; (3) The proposed date when such restrictions or prohibitions would be effective or the proposed date for completion of any required action; and (4) The date by which the savings association subject to the order may file with the OCC a written response to the notice. (c) Response to notice— (1) Time for response. A Federal savings association may file a written response to a notice of intent to issue an order within the time period set by the OCC. Such a response must be received by the OCC within 14 calendar days from the date of the notice unless the OCC determines that a different period is appropriate in light of the safety and soundness of the savings association or other relevant circumstances. (2) Contents of response. The response should include: (i) An explanation why the action proposed by the OCC is not an appropriate exercise of discretion under section 39 of the FDI Act; (ii) Any recommended modification of the proposed order; and (iii) Any other relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the position of the savings association regarding the proposed order. (d) The OCC’s consideration of response. After considering the response, the OCC may: (1) Issue the order as proposed or in modified form; (2) Determine not to issue the order and so notify the Federal savings association; or (3) Seek additional information or clarification of the response from the savings association, or any other relevant source. (e) Failure to file response. Failure by a Federal savings association to file with the OCC, within the specified time period, a written response to a proposed order shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity to respond and shall constitute consent to the issuance of the order. (f) Request for modification or rescission of order. Any Federal savings association that is subject to an order under this subpart may, upon a change in circumstances, request in writing that the OCC reconsider the terms of the order, and may propose that the order be rescinded or modified. Unless otherwise ordered by the OCC, the order E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49132 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations shall continue in place while such request is pending before the OCC. § 170.5 Enforcement of orders. (a) Judicial remedies. Whenever a Federal savings association fails to comply with an order issued under section 39 of the FDI Act, the OCC may seek enforcement of the order in the appropriate United States district court pursuant to section 8(i)(1) of the FDI Act. (b) Administrative remedies. Pursuant to section 8(i)(2)(A) of the FDI Act, the OCC may assess a civil money penalty against any Federal savings association that violates or otherwise fails to comply with any final order issued under section 39 and against any savings association-affiliated party who participates in such violation or noncompliance. (c) Other enforcement action. In addition to the actions described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the OCC may seek enforcement of the provisions of section 39 of the FDI Act or this part through any other judicial or administrative proceeding authorized by law. Appendix A to Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness I. Introduction A. Preservation of existing authority. B. Definitions. II. Operational and Managerial Standards A. Internal controls and information systems. B. Internal audit system. C. Loan documentation. D. Credit underwriting. E. Interest rate exposure. F. Asset growth. G. Asset quality. H. Earnings. I. Compensation, fees and benefits. III. Prohibition on Compensation That Constitutes an Unsafe and Unsound Practice A. Excessive compensation. B. Compensation leading to material financial loss. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES I. Introduction i. Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act 1 (FDI Act) requires each Federal banking agency (collectively, the agencies) to establish certain safety and soundness standards by regulation or by guideline for all insured depository 1 Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831p–1) was added by section 132 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA), Public Law 102–242, 105 Stat. 2236 (1991), and amended by section 956 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102–550, 106 Stat. 3895 (1992) and section 318 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, Public Law 103–325, 108 Stat. 2160 (1994). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 institutions. Under section 39, the agencies must establish three types of standards: (1) Operational and managerial standards; (2) compensation standards; and (3) such standards relating to asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation as they determine to be appropriate. ii. Section 39(a) requires the agencies to establish operational and managerial standards relating to: (1) Internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, in accordance with section 36 of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1831m); (2) loan documentation; (3) credit underwriting; (4) interest rate exposure; (5) asset growth; and (6) compensation, fees, and benefits, in accordance with subsection (c) of section 39. Section 39(b) requires the agencies to establish standards relating to asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation that the agencies determine to be appropriate. iii. Section 39(c) requires the agencies to establish standards prohibiting as an unsafe and unsound practice any compensatory arrangement that would provide any executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder of the institution with excessive compensation, fees or benefits and any compensatory arrangement that could lead to material financial loss to an institution. Section 39(c) also requires that the agencies establish standards that specify when compensation is excessive. iv. If an agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard established by guideline under subsection (a) or (b) of section 39, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. In the event that an institution fails to submit an acceptable plan within the time allowed by the agency or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted plan, the agency must, by order, require the institution to correct the deficiency. The agency may, and in some cases must, take other supervisory actions until the deficiency has been corrected. v. The agencies have adopted amendments to their rules and regulations to establish deadlines for submission and review of compliance plans.2 vi. The following Guidelines set out the safety and soundness standards that the agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The agencies believe that the standards adopted in these Guidelines serve this end without dictating how institutions must be managed and operated. These standards are designed to identify potential safety and soundness concerns and ensure that action is taken to address those concerns before they pose a risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund. 2 For the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, these regulations appear at 12 CFR part 30 for national banks and part 170 for Federal savings associations; for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, these regulations appear at 12 CFR part 263; and for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, these regulations appear at 12 CFR part 308 subpart R for state nonmember banks and part 390, subpart B for state savings associations. PO 00000 Frm 00184 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 A. Preservation of Existing Authority Neither section 39 nor these Guidelines in any way limits the authority of the agencies to address unsafe or unsound practices, violations of law, unsafe or unsound conditions, or other practices. Action under section 39 and these Guidelines may be taken independently of, in conjunction with, or in addition to any other enforcement action available to the agencies. Nothing in these Guidelines limits the authority of the FDIC pursuant to section 38(i)(2)(F) of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1831(o)) and part 325 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations. B. Definitions 1. In general. For purposes of these Guidelines, except as modified in the Guidelines or unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used have the same meanings as set forth in sections 3 and 39 of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1813 and 1831p–1). 2. Board of directors, in the case of a statelicensed insured branch of a foreign bank and in the case of a Federal branch of a foreign bank, means the managing official in charge of the insured foreign branch. 3. Compensation means all direct and indirect payments or benefits, both cash and non-cash, granted to or for the benefit of any executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder, including but not limited to payments or benefits derived from an employment contract, compensation or benefit agreement, fee arrangement, perquisite, stock option plan, postemployment benefit, or other compensatory arrangement. 4. Director shall have the meaning described in 12 CFR 215.2(c).3 5. Executive officer shall have the meaning described in 12 CFR 215.2(d).4 6. Principal shareholder shall have the meaning described in 12 CFR 215.2 (l ).5 II. Operational and Managerial Standards A. Internal controls and information systems. An institution should have internal controls and information systems that are appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature, scope and risk of its activities and that provide for: 1. An organizational structure that establishes clear lines of authority and responsibility for monitoring adherence to established policies; 2. Effective risk assessment; 3. Timely and accurate financial, operational and regulatory reports; 4. Adequate procedures to safeguard and manage assets; and 5. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations. B. Internal audit system. An institution should have an internal audit system that is appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities and that provides for: 3 In applying these definitions for Federal savings associations, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1464, Federal savings associations shall use the terms ‘‘Federal savings association’’ and ‘‘insured Federal savings association’’ in place of the terms ‘‘member bank’’ and ‘‘insured bank’’. 4 See footnote 3 in section I.B.4. of this appendix. 5 See footnote 3 in section I.B.4. of this appendix. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 1. Adequate monitoring of the system of internal controls through an internal audit function. For an institution whose size, complexity or scope of operations does not warrant a full scale internal audit function, a system of independent reviews of key internal controls may be used; 2. Independence and objectivity; 3. Qualified persons; 4. Adequate testing and review of information systems; 5. Adequate documentation of tests and findings and any corrective actions; 6. Verification and review of management actions to address material weaknesses; and 7. Review by the institution’s audit committee or board of directors of the effectiveness of the internal audit systems. C. Loan documentation. An institution should establish and maintain loan documentation practices that: 1. Enable the institution to make an informed lending decision and to assess risk, as necessary, on an ongoing basis; 2. Identify the purpose of a loan and the source of repayment, and assess the ability of the borrower to repay the indebtedness in a timely manner; 3. Ensure that any claim against a borrower is legally enforceable; 4. Demonstrate appropriate administration and monitoring of a loan; and 5. Take account of the size and complexity of a loan. D. Credit underwriting. An institution should establish and maintain prudent credit underwriting practices that: 1. Are commensurate with the types of loans the institution will make and consider the terms and conditions under which they will be made; 2. Consider the nature of the markets in which loans will be made; 3. Provide for consideration, prior to credit commitment, of the borrower’s overall financial condition and resources, the financial responsibility of any guarantor, the nature and value of any underlying collateral, and the borrower’s character and willingness to repay as agreed; 4. Establish a system of independent, ongoing credit review and appropriate communication to management and to the board of directors; 5. Take adequate account of concentration of credit risk; and 6. Are appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. E. Interest rate exposure. An institution should: 1. Manage interest rate risk in a manner that is appropriate to the size of the institution and the complexity of its assets and liabilities; and 2. Provide for periodic reporting to management and the board of directors regarding interest rate risk with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess the level of risk. F. Asset growth. An institution’s asset growth should be prudent and consider: 1. The source, volatility and use of the funds that support asset growth; 2. Any increase in credit risk or interest rate risk as a result of growth; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 3. The effect of growth on the institution’s capital. G. Asset quality. An insured depository institution should establish and maintain a system that is commensurate with the institution’s size and the nature and scope of its operations to identify problem assets and prevent deterioration in those assets. The institution should: 1. Conduct periodic asset quality reviews to identify problem assets; 2. Estimate the inherent losses in those assets and establish reserves that are sufficient to absorb estimated losses; 3. Compare problem asset totals to capital; 4. Take appropriate corrective action to resolve problem assets; 5. Consider the size and potential risks of material asset concentrations; and 6. Provide periodic asset reports with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess the level of asset risk. H. Earnings. An insured depository institution should establish and maintain a system that is commensurate with the institution’s size and the nature and scope of its operations to evaluate and monitor earnings and ensure that earnings are sufficient to maintain adequate capital and reserves. The institution should: 1. Compare recent earnings trends relative to equity, assets, or other commonly used benchmarks to the institution’s historical results and those of its peers; 2. Evaluate the adequacy of earnings given the size, complexity, and risk profile of the institution’s assets and operations; 3. Assess the source, volatility, and sustainability of earnings, including the effect of nonrecurring or extraordinary income or expense; 4. Take steps to ensure that earnings are sufficient to maintain adequate capital and reserves after considering the institution’s asset quality and growth rate; and 5. Provide periodic earnings reports with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess earnings performance. I. Compensation, fees and benefits. An institution should maintain safeguards to prevent the payment of compensation, fees, and benefits that are excessive or that could lead to material financial loss to the institution. III. Prohibition on Compensation That Constitutes an Unsafe and Unsound Practice A. Excessive Compensation Excessive compensation is prohibited as an unsafe and unsound practice. Compensation shall be considered excessive when amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder, considering the following: 1. The combined value of all cash and noncash benefits provided to the individual; 2. The compensation history of the individual and other individuals with comparable expertise at the institution; 3. The financial condition of the institution; 4. Comparable compensation practices at comparable institutions, based upon such PO 00000 Frm 00185 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49133 factors as asset size, geographic location, and the complexity of the loan portfolio or other assets; 5. For postemployment benefits, the projected total cost and benefit to the institution; 6. Any connection between the individual and any fraudulent act or omission, breach of trust or fiduciary duty, or insider abuse with regard to the institution; and 7. Any other factors the agencies determines to be relevant. B. Compensation Leading to Material Financial Loss Compensation that could lead to material financial loss to an institution is prohibited as an unsafe and unsound practice. Appendix B to Part 170—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I. Introduction A. Scope B. Preservation of Existing Authority C. Definitions II. Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of Directors B. Assess Risk C. Manage and Control Risk D. Oversee Service Provider Arrangements E. Adjust the Program F. Report to the Board G. Implement the Standards I. Introduction The Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards (Guidelines) set forth standards pursuant to section 39(a) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831p–1), and sections 501 and 505(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b)). These Guidelines address standards for developing and implementing administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information. These Guidelines also address standards with respect to the proper disposal of consumer information, pursuant to sections 621 and 628 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s and 1681w). A. Scope. The Guidelines apply to customer information maintained by or on behalf of entities over which the OCC has authority. For purposes of this appendix, these entities are Federal savings associations whose deposits are FDIC-insured and any subsidiaries of such savings associations, except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers. This appendix refers to such entities as ‘‘you’. These Guidelines also apply to the proper disposal of consumer information by or on behalf of such entities. B. Preservation of Existing Authority. Neither section 39 nor these Guidelines in any way limit the OCC’s authority to address unsafe or unsound practices, violations of law, unsafe or unsound conditions, or other E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49134 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations practices. The OCC may take action under section 39 and these Guidelines independently of, in conjunction with, or in addition to, any other enforcement action available to the OCC. C. Definitions. 1. Except as modified in the Guidelines, or unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used in these Guidelines have the same meanings as set forth in sections 3 and 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813 and 1831p–1). 2. For purposes of the Guidelines, the following definitions apply: a. Consumer information means any record about an individual, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that is a consumer report or is derived from a consumer report and that is maintained or otherwise possessed by you or on your behalf for a business purpose. Consumer information also means a compilation of such records. The term does not include any record that does not identify an individual. i. Examples. (1) Consumer information includes: (A) A consumer report that a Federal savings association obtains; (B) Information from a consumer report that you obtain from your affiliate after the consumer has been given a notice and has elected not to opt out of that sharing; (C) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an individual who applies for but does not receive a loan, including any loan sought by an individual for a business purpose; (D) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an individual who guarantees a loan (including a loan to a business entity); or (E) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an employee or prospective employee. (2) Consumer information does not include: (A) Aggregate information, such as the mean credit score, derived from a group of consumer reports; or (B) Blind data, such as payment history on accounts that are not personally identifiable, that may be used for developing credit scoring models or for other purposes. b. Consumer report has the same meaning as set forth in the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681a(d). c. Customer means any of your customers as defined in § 573.3(h) or any superseding regulation issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. d. Customer information means any record containing nonpublic personal information, as defined in § 573.3(n) or any superseding regulation issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, about a customer, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, that you maintain or that is maintained on your behalf. e. Customer information systems means any methods used to access, collect, store, use, transmit, protect, or dispose of customer information. f. Service provider means any person or entity that maintains, processes, or otherwise is permitted access to customer information or consumer information, through its provision of services directly to you. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 II. Standards for Information Security A. Information Security Program. You shall implement a comprehensive written information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to your size and complexity and the nature and scope of your activities. While all parts of your organization are not required to implement a uniform set of policies, all elements of your information security program must be coordinated. B. Objectives. Your information security program shall be designed to: 1. Ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information; 2. Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; 3. Protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer; and 4. Ensure the proper disposal of customer information and consumer information. III. Development and Implementation of Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of Directors. Your board of directors or an appropriate committee of the board shall: 1. Approve your written information security program; and 2. Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of your information security program, including assigning specific responsibility for its implementation and reviewing reports from management. B. Assess Risk. You shall: 1. Identify reasonably foreseeable internal and external threats that could result in unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of customer information or customer information systems. 2. Assess the likelihood and potential damage of these threats, taking into consideration the sensitivity of customer information. 3. Assess the sufficiency of policies, procedures, customer information systems, and other arrangements in place to control risks. C. Manage and Control Risk. You shall: 1. Design your information security program to control the identified risks, commensurate with the sensitivity of the information as well as the complexity and scope of your activities. You must consider whether the following security measures are appropriate for you and, if so, adopt those measures you conclude are appropriate: a. Access controls on customer information systems, including controls to authenticate and permit access only to authorized individuals and controls to prevent employees from providing customer information to unauthorized individuals who may seek to obtain this information through fraudulent means. b. Access restrictions at physical locations containing customer information, such as buildings, computer facilities, and records storage facilities to permit access only to authorized individuals; c. Encryption of electronic customer information, including while in transit or in PO 00000 Frm 00186 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 storage on networks or systems to which unauthorized individuals may have access; d. Procedures designed to ensure that customer information system modifications are consistent with your information security program; e. Dual control procedures, segregation of duties, and employee background checks for employees with responsibilities for or access to customer information; f. Monitoring systems and procedures to detect actual and attempted attacks on or intrusions into customer information systems; g. Response programs that specify actions for you to take when you suspect or detect that unauthorized individuals have gained access to customer information systems, including appropriate reports to regulatory and law enforcement agencies; and h. Measures to protect against destruction, loss, or damage of customer information due to potential environmental hazards, such as fire and water damage or technological failures. 2. Train staff to implement your information security program. 3. Regularly test the key controls, systems and procedures of the information security program. The frequency and nature of such tests should be determined by your risk assessment. Tests should be conducted or reviewed by independent third parties or staff independent of those that develop or maintain the security programs. 4. Develop, implement, and maintain, as part of your information security program, appropriate measures to properly dispose of customer information and consumer information in accordance with each of the requirements in this paragraph III. D. Oversee Service Provider Arrangements. You shall: 1. Exercise appropriate due diligence in selecting your service providers; 2. Require your service providers by contract to implement appropriate measures designed to meet the objectives of these Guidelines; and 3. Where indicated by your risk assessment, monitor your service providers to confirm that they have satisfied their obligations as required by paragraph D.2. As part of this monitoring, you should review audits, summaries of test results, or other equivalent evaluations of your service providers. E. Adjust the Program. You shall monitor, evaluate, and adjust, as appropriate, the information security program in light of any relevant changes in technology, the sensitivity of your customer information, internal or external threats to information, and your own changing business arrangements, such as mergers and acquisitions, alliances and joint ventures, outsourcing arrangements, and changes to customer information systems. F. Report to the Board. You shall report to your board or an appropriate committee of the board at least annually. This report should describe the overall status of the information security program and your compliance with these Guidelines. The reports should discuss material matters related to your program, addressing issues E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations such as: risk assessment; risk management and control decisions; service provider arrangements; results of testing; security breaches or violations and management’s responses; and recommendations for changes in the information security program. G. Implement the Standards. 1. Effective date. You must implement an information security program pursuant to these Guidelines by July 1, 2001. 2. Two-year grandfathering of agreements with service providers. Until July 1, 2003, a contract that you have entered into with a service provider to perform services for you or functions on your behalf satisfies the provisions of paragraph III.D., even if the contract does not include a requirement that the servicer maintain the security and confidentiality of customer information, as long as you entered into the contract on or before March 5, 2001. 3. Effective date for measures relating to the disposal of consumer information. You must satisfy these Guidelines with respect to the proper disposal of consumer information by July 1, 2005. 4. Exception for existing agreements with service providers relating to the disposal of consumer information. Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph III.G.3., your contracts with service providers that have access to consumer information and that may dispose of consumer information, entered into before July 1, 2005, must comply with the provisions of the Guidelines relating to the proper disposal of consumer information by July 1, 2006. Supplement A to Appendix B to Part 170— Interagency Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Customer Information and Customer Notice I. Background sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES This Guidance 1 interprets section 501(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (‘‘GLBA’’) and the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards (the ‘‘Security Guidelines’’) 2 and describes response programs, including customer notification procedures, that a financial institution should develop and implement to address unauthorized access to or use of customer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to a customer. The scope of, and definitions of terms used in, this Guidance are identical to those of the Security Guidelines. For example, the term ‘‘customer information’’ is the same term used in the Security Guidelines, and means any record containing nonpublic personal information about a customer, whether in paper, electronic, or 1 This Guidance was originally jointly issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS). 2 12 CFR part 30, app. B and 12 CFR part 170, app. B (OCC); 12 CFR part 208, app. D–2 and part 225, app. F (Board); and 12 CFR part 364, app. B (FDIC). The ‘‘Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards’’ were formerly known as ‘‘The Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information.’’ VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 other form, maintained by or on behalf of the institution. A. Interagency Security Guidelines Section 501(b) of the GLBA required the Agencies to establish appropriate standards for financial institutions subject to their jurisdiction that include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information. Accordingly, the Agencies issued Security Guidelines requiring every financial institution to have an information security program designed to: 1. Ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information; 2. Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and 3. Protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. B. Risk Assessment and Controls 1. The Security Guidelines direct every financial institution to assess the following risks, among others, when developing its information security program: a. Reasonably foreseeable internal and external threats that could result in unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of customer information or customer information systems; b. The likelihood and potential damage of threats, taking into consideration the sensitivity of customer information; and c. The sufficiency of policies, procedures, customer information systems, and other arrangements in place to control risks.3 2. Following the assessment of these risks, the Security Guidelines require a financial institution to design a program to address the identified risks. The particular security measures an institution should adopt will depend upon the risks presented by the complexity and scope of its business. At a minimum, the financial institution is required to consider the specific security measures enumerated in the Security Guidelines,4 and adopt those that are appropriate for the institution, including: a. Access controls on customer information systems, including controls to authenticate and permit access only to authorized individuals and controls to prevent employees from providing customer information to unauthorized individuals who may seek to obtain this information through fraudulent means; b. Background checks for employees with responsibilities for access to customer information; and c. Response programs that specify actions to be taken when the financial institution suspects or detects that unauthorized individuals have gained access to customer information systems, including appropriate reports to regulatory and law enforcement agencies.5 3 See Security Guidelines, III.B. Security Guidelines, III.C. 5 See Security Guidelines, III.C. 4 See PO 00000 Frm 00187 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49135 C. Service Providers The Security Guidelines direct every financial institution to require its service providers by contract to implement appropriate measures designed to protect against unauthorized access to or use of customer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.6 II. Response Program Millions of Americans, throughout the country, have been victims of identity theft.7 Identity thieves misuse personal information they obtain from a number of sources, including financial institutions, to perpetrate identity theft. Therefore, financial institutions should take preventative measures to safeguard customer information against attempts to gain unauthorized access to the information. For example, financial institutions should place access controls on customer information systems and conduct background checks for employees who are authorized to access customer information.8 However, every financial institution should also develop and implement a risk-based response program to address incidents of unauthorized access to customer information in customer information systems 9 that occur nonetheless. A response program should be a key part of an institution’s information security program.10 The program should be appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. In addition, each institution should be able to address incidents of unauthorized access to customer information in customer information systems maintained by its domestic and foreign service providers. 6 See Security Guidelines, III.B. and III.D. Further, the Agencies note that, in addition to contractual obligations to a financial institution, a service provider may be required to implement its own comprehensive information security program in accordance with the Safeguards Rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (‘‘FTC’’), 16 CFR part 314. 7 The FTC estimates that nearly 10 million Americans discovered they were victims of some form of identity theft in 2002. See The Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Survey Report, (September 2003), available at https://www.ftc.gov/ os/2003/09/synovatereport.pdf. 8 Institutions should also conduct background checks of employees to ensure that the institution does not violate 12 U.S.C. 1829, which prohibits an institution from hiring an individual convicted of certain criminal offenses or who is subject to a prohibition order under 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(6). 9 Under the Guidelines, an institution’s customer information systems consist of all of the methods used to access, collect, store, use, transmit, protect, or dispose of customer information, including the systems maintained by its service providers. See Security Guidelines, I.C.2.d. 10 See FFIEC Information Technology Examination Handbook, Information Security Booklet, Dec. 2002 available at https:// www.ffiec.gov/ffiecinfobase/html_pages/ infosec_book_frame.htm. Federal Reserve SR 97–32, Sound Practice Guidance for Information Security for Networks, Dec. 4, 1997; OCC Bulletin 2000–14, ‘‘Infrastructure Threats—Intrusion Risks’’ (May 15, 2000), for additional guidance on preventing, detecting, and responding to intrusions into financial institution computer systems. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49136 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Therefore, consistent with the obligations in the Guidelines that relate to these arrangements, and with existing guidance on this topic issued by the Agencies,11 an institution’s contract with its service provider should require the service provider to take appropriate actions to address incidents of unauthorized access to the financial institution’s customer information, including notification to the institution as soon as possible of any such incident, to enable the institution to expeditiously implement its response program. A. Components of a Response Program sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 1. At a minimum, an institution’s response program should contain procedures for the following: a. Assessing the nature and scope of an incident, and identifying what customer information systems and types of customer information have been accessed or misused; b. Notifying its primary Federal regulator as soon as possible when the institution becomes aware of an incident involving unauthorized access to or use of sensitive customer information, as defined below; c. Consistent with the Agencies’ Suspicious Activity Report (‘‘SAR’’) regulations,12 notifying appropriate law enforcement authorities, in addition to filing a timely SAR in situations involving Federal criminal violations requiring immediate attention, such as when a reportable violation is ongoing; d. Taking appropriate steps to contain and control the incident to prevent further unauthorized access to or use of customer information, for example, by monitoring, 11 See Federal Reserve SR Ltr. 00–04, Outsourcing of Information and Transaction Processing, Feb. 9, 2000; OCC Bulletin 2001–47, ‘‘Third-Party Relationships Risk Management Principles,’’ Nov. 1, 2001; FDIC FIL 68–99, Risk Assessment Tools and Practices for Information System Security, July 7, 1999; OTS Thrift Bulletin 82a, Third Party Arrangements, Sept. 1, 2004. 12 An institution’s obligation to file a SAR is set out in the Agencies’ SAR regulations and Agency guidance. See 12 CFR 21.11 (national banks, Federal branches and agencies); 12 CFR 208.62 (state member banks); 12 CFR 211.5(k) (Edge and agreement corporations); 12 CFR 211.24(f) (uninsured state branches and agencies of foreign banks); 12 CFR 225.4(f) (bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries); 12 CFR part 353 (state non-member banks); and 12 CFR 163.180 (Federal savings associations). National banks must file SARs in connection with computer intrusions and other computer crimes. See OCC Bulletin 2000– 14, ‘‘Infrastructure Threats—Intrusion Risks’’ (May 15, 2000); Advisory Letter 97–9, ‘‘Reporting Computer Related Crimes’’ (November 19, 1997) (general guidance still applicable though instructions for new SAR form published in 65 FR 1229, 1230 (January 7, 2000)). See also Federal Reserve SR 01–11, Identity Theft and Pretext Calling, Apr. 26, 2001; SR 97–28, Guidance Concerning Reporting of Computer Related Crimes by Financial Institutions, Nov. 6, 1997; FDIC FIL 48–2000, Suspicious Activity Reports, July 14, 2000; FIL 47–97, Preparation of Suspicious Activity Reports, May 6, 1997; OTS CEO Memorandum 139, Identity Theft and Pretext Calling, May 4, 2001; CEO Memorandum 126, New Suspicious Activity Report Form, July 5, 2000. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 freezing, or closing affected accounts, while preserving records and other evidence; 13 and e. Notifying customers when warranted. 2. Where an incident of unauthorized access to customer information involves customer information systems maintained by an institution’s service providers, it is the responsibility of the financial institution to notify the institution’s customers and regulator. However, an institution may authorize or contract with its service provider to notify the institution’s customers or regulator on its behalf. III. Customer Notice Financial institutions have an affirmative duty to protect their customers’ information against unauthorized access or use. Notifying customers of a security incident involving the unauthorized access or use of the customer’s information in accordance with the standard set forth below is a key part of that duty. Timely notification of customers is important to manage an institution’s reputation risk. Effective notice also may reduce an institution’s legal risk, assist in maintaining good customer relations, and enable the institution’s customers to take steps to protect themselves against the consequences of identity theft. When customer notification is warranted, an institution may not forgo notifying its customers of an incident because the institution believes that it may be potentially embarrassed or inconvenienced by doing so. A. Standard for Providing Notice When a financial institution becomes aware of an incident of unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, the institution should conduct a reasonable investigation to promptly determine the likelihood that the information has been or will be misused. If the institution determines that misuse of its information about a customer has occurred or is reasonably possible, it should notify the affected customer as soon as possible. Customer notice may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides the institution with a written request for the delay. However, the institution should notify its customers as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation. 1. Sensitive Customer Information Under the Guidelines, an institution must protect against unauthorized access to or use of customer information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. Substantial harm or inconvenience is most likely to result from improper access to sensitive customer information because this type of information is most likely to be misused, as in the commission of identity theft. For purposes of this Guidance, sensitive customer information means a customer’s name, address, or telephone number, in conjunction with the customer’s social security number, driver’s license number, account number, credit or debit card 13 See FFIEC Information Technology Examination Handbook, Information Security Booklet, Dec. 2002, pp. 68–74. PO 00000 Frm 00188 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 number, or a personal identification number or password that would permit access to the customer’s account. Sensitive customer information also includes any combination of components of customer information that would allow someone to log onto or access the customer’s account, such as user name and password or password and account number. 2. Affected Customers If a financial institution, based upon its investigation, can determine from its logs or other data precisely which customers’ information has been improperly accessed, it may limit notification to those customers with regard to whom the institution determines that misuse of their information has occurred or is reasonably possible. However, there may be situations where the institution determines that a group of files has been accessed improperly, but is unable to identify which specific customers’ information has been accessed. If the circumstances of the unauthorized access lead the institution to determine that misuse of the information is reasonably possible, it should notify all customers in the group. B. Content of Customer Notice 1. Customer notice should be given in a clear and conspicuous manner. The notice should describe the incident in general terms and the type of customer information that was the subject of unauthorized access or use. It also should generally describe what the institution has done to protect the customers’ information from further unauthorized access. In addition, it should include a telephone number that customers can call for further information and assistance.14 The notice also should remind customers of the need to remain vigilant over the next twelve to twenty-four months, and to promptly report incidents of suspected identity theft to the institution. The notice should include the following additional items, when appropriate: a. A recommendation that the customer review account statements and immediately report any suspicious activity to the institution; b. A description of fraud alerts and an explanation of how the customer may place a fraud alert in the customer’s consumer reports to put the customer’s creditors on notice that the customer may be a victim of fraud; c. A recommendation that the customer periodically obtain credit reports from each nationwide credit reporting agency and have information relating to fraudulent transactions deleted; d. An explanation of how the customer may obtain a credit report free of charge; and e. Information about the availability of the FTC’s online guidance regarding steps a consumer can take to protect against identity theft. The notice should encourage the customer to report any incidents of identity theft to the FTC, and should provide the 14 The institution should, therefore, ensure that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place, including trained personnel, to respond appropriately to customer inquiries and requests for assistance. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations FTC’s Web site address and toll-free telephone number that customers may use to obtain the identity theft guidance and report suspected incidents of identity theft.15 2. The Agencies encourage financial institutions to notify the nationwide consumer reporting agencies prior to sending notices to a large number of customers that include contact information for the reporting agencies. PART 171—FAIR CREDIT REPORTING subsidiaries in accordance with § 159.3(h)(1) of this chapter (defined as ‘‘you’’). (b) In general. You must properly dispose of any consumer information that you maintain or otherwise possess in accordance with the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards, as set forth in appendix B to part 170, to the extent that you are covered by the scope of the Guidelines. (c) Rule of construction. Nothing in this section shall be construed to: (1) Require you to maintain or destroy any record pertaining to a consumer that is not imposed under any other law; or (2) Alter or affect any requirement imposed under any other provision of law to maintain or destroy such a record. Sec. Subpart J—Identity Theft Red Flags Subparts A–H [Reserved] § 171.90 Duties regarding the detection, prevention, and mitigation of identity theft. C. Delivery of Customer Notice Customer notice should be delivered in any manner designed to ensure that a customer can reasonably be expected to receive it. For example, the institution may choose to contact all customers affected by telephone or by mail, or by electronic mail for those customers for whom it has a valid e-mail address and who have agreed to receive communications electronically. Subpart I—Duties of Users of Consumer Reports Regarding Records Disposal 171.80–170.82 [Reserved] 171.83 Disposal of consumer information. Subpart J—Identity Theft Red Flags 171.90 Duties regarding the detection, prevention, and mitigation of identity theft. 171.91 Duties of card issuers regarding changes of address. 171.92 Examples. Appendices A–I to Part 171 [Reserved] Appendix J to Part 171—Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1828, 1831p–1, 1881–1884, and 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 1681b, 1681m, 1681s, 1681s–2, 1681s–3, 1681t, and 1681w; 15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805; Section 214 Pub. L. 108–159, 117 Stat. 1952. Subparts A–H [Reserved] Subpart I—Duties of Users of Consumer Reports Regarding Records Disposal §§ 171.80–170.82 [Reserved] § 171.83 Disposal of consumer information. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) Scope. This section applies to Federal savings associations whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Federal savings association operating 15 Currently, the FTC Web site for the ID Theft brochure and the FTC Hotline phone number are https://www.consumer.gov/idtheft and 1–877– IDTHEFT. The institution may also refer customers to any materials developed pursuant to section 151(b) of the FACT Act (educational materials developed by the FTC to teach the public how to prevent identity theft). VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (a) Scope. This section applies to a financial institution or creditor that is a Federal savings association whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or, in accordance with § 159.3(h)(1) of this chapter, a Federal savings association operating subsidiary that is not functionally regulated within the meaning of section 5(c)(5) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1844(c)(5)). (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section and appendix J, the following definitions apply: (1) Account means a continuing relationship established by a person with a financial institution or creditor to obtain a product or service for personal, family, household or business purposes. Account includes: (i) An extension of credit, such as the purchase of property or services involving a deferred payment; and (ii) A deposit account. (2) The term board of directors includes: (i) In the case of a branch or agency of a foreign bank, the managing official in charge of the branch or agency; and (ii) In the case of any other creditor that does not have a board of directors, a designated employee at the level of senior management. (3) Covered account means: (i) An account that a financial institution or creditor offers or maintains, primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, that involves or is designed to permit multiple payments or transactions, such as a credit card account, mortgage loan, automobile loan, margin account, cell PO 00000 Frm 00189 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49137 phone account, utility account, checking account, or savings account; and (ii) Any other account that the financial institution or creditor offers or maintains for which there is a reasonably foreseeable risk to customers or to the safety and soundness of the financial institution or creditor from identity theft, including financial, operational, compliance, reputation, or litigation risks. (4) Credit has the same meaning as in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(r)(5). (5) Creditor has the same meaning as in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(r)(5), and includes lenders such as banks, finance companies, automobile dealers, mortgage brokers, utility companies, and telecommunications companies. (6) Customer means a person that has a covered account with a financial institution or creditor. (7) Financial institution has the same meaning as in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(t). (8) Identity theft has the same meaning as in 16 CFR 603.2(a). (9) Red Flag means a pattern, practice, or specific activity that indicates the possible existence of identity theft. (10) Service provider means a person that provides a service directly to the financial institution or creditor. (c) Periodic Identification of Covered Accounts. Each financial institution or creditor must periodically determine whether it offers or maintains covered accounts. As a part of this determination, a financial institution or creditor must conduct a risk assessment to determine whether it offers or maintains covered accounts described in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, taking into consideration: (1) The methods it provides to open its accounts; (2) The methods it provides to access its accounts; and (3) Its previous experiences with identity theft. (d) Establishment of an Identity Theft Prevention Program—(1) Program requirement. Each financial institution or creditor that offers or maintains one or more covered accounts must develop and implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program (Program) that is designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of a covered account or any existing covered account. The Program must be appropriate to the size and complexity of the financial institution or creditor and the nature and scope of its activities. (2) Elements of the Program. The Program must include reasonable policies and procedures to: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49138 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (i) Identify relevant Red Flags for the covered accounts that the financial institution or creditor offers or maintains, and incorporate those Red Flags into its Program; (ii) Detect Red Flags that have been incorporated into the Program of the financial institution or creditor; (iii) Respond appropriately to any Red Flags that are detected pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section to prevent and mitigate identity theft; and (iv) Ensure the Program (including the Red Flags determined to be relevant) is updated periodically, to reflect changes in risks to customers and to the safety and soundness of the financial institution or creditor from identity theft. (e) Administration of the Program. Each financial institution or creditor that is required to implement a Program must provide for the continued administration of the Program and must: (1) Obtain approval of the initial written Program from either its board of directors or an appropriate committee of the board of directors; (2) Involve the board of directors, an appropriate committee thereof, or a designated employee at the level of senior management in the oversight, development, implementation and administration of the Program; (3) Train staff, as necessary, to effectively implement the Program; and (4) Exercise appropriate and effective oversight of service provider arrangements. (f) Guidelines. Each financial institution or creditor that is required to implement a Program must consider the guidelines in appendix J of this part and include in its Program those guidelines that are appropriate. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 171.91 Duties of card issuers regarding changes of address. (a) Scope. This section applies to an issuer of a debit or credit card (card issuer) that is a Federal savings association whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or, in accordance with § 159.3(h)(1) of this chapter, a Federal savings association operating subsidiary that is not functionally regulated within the meaning of section 5(c)(5) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1844(c)(5)). (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section: (1) Cardholder means a consumer who has been issued a credit or debit card. (2) Clear and conspicuous means reasonably understandable and designed to call attention to the nature and significance of the information presented. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (c) Address validation requirements. A card issuer must establish and implement reasonable policies and procedures to assess the validity of a change of address if it receives notification of a change of address for a consumer’s debit or credit card account and, within a short period of time afterwards (during at least the first 30 days after it receives such notification), the card issuer receives a request for an additional or replacement card for the same account. Under these circumstances, the card issuer may not issue an additional or replacement card, until, in accordance with its reasonable policies and procedures and for the purpose of assessing the validity of the change of address, the card issuer: (1)(i) Notifies the cardholder of the request: (A) At the cardholder’s former address; or (B) By any other means of communication that the card issuer and the cardholder have previously agreed to use; and (ii) Provides to the cardholder a reasonable means of promptly reporting incorrect address changes; or (2) Otherwise assesses the validity of the change of address in accordance with the policies and procedures the card issuer has established pursuant to § 171.90 of this part. (d) Alternative timing of address validation. A card issuer may satisfy the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section if it validates an address pursuant to the methods in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section when it receives an address change notification, before it receives a request for an additional or replacement card. (e) Form of notice. Any written or electronic notice that the card issuer provides under this paragraph must be clear and conspicuous and provided separately from its regular correspondence with the cardholder. § 171.92 Examples. The examples in Appendix J and Supplement A to Appendix J are not exclusive. Compliance with an example, to the extent applicable, constitutes compliance with this subpart. Examples in a paragraph illustrate only the issue described in the paragraph and do not illustrate any other issue that may arise in this subpart. Appendices A–I to Part 171 [Reserved] Appendix J to Part 171—Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation Section 171.90 of this part requires each financial institution and creditor that offers PO 00000 Frm 00190 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 or maintains one or more covered accounts, as defined in § 171.90(b)(3) of this part, to develop and provide for the continued administration of a written Program to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of a covered account or any existing covered account. These guidelines are intended to assist financial institutions and creditors in the formulation and maintenance of a Program that satisfies the requirements of § 171.90 of this part. I. The Program In designing its Program, a financial institution or creditor may incorporate, as appropriate, its existing policies, procedures, and other arrangements that control reasonably foreseeable risks to customers or to the safety and soundness of the financial institution or creditor from identity theft. II. Identifying Relevant Red Flags (a) Risk Factors. A financial institution or creditor should consider the following factors in identifying relevant Red Flags for covered accounts, as appropriate: (1) The types of covered accounts it offers or maintains; (2) The methods it provides to open its covered accounts; (3) The methods it provides to access its covered accounts; and (4) Its previous experiences with identity theft. (b) Sources of Red Flags. Financial institutions and creditors should incorporate relevant Red Flags from sources such as: (1) Incidents of identity theft that the financial institution or creditor has experienced; (2) Methods of identity theft that the financial institution or creditor has identified that reflect changes in identity theft risks; and (3) Applicable supervisory guidance. (c) Categories of Red Flags. The Program should include relevant Red Flags from the following categories, as appropriate. Examples of Red Flags from each of these categories are appended as Supplement A to this Appendix J. (1) Alerts, notifications, or other warnings received from consumer reporting agencies or service providers, such as fraud detection services; (2) The presentation of suspicious documents; (3) The presentation of suspicious personal identifying information, such as a suspicious address change; (4) The unusual use of, or other suspicious activity related to, a covered account; and (5) Notice from customers, victims of identity theft, law enforcement authorities, or other persons regarding possible identity theft in connection with covered accounts held by the financial institution or creditor. III. Detecting Red Flags The Program’s policies and procedures should address the detection of Red Flags in connection with the opening of covered accounts and existing covered accounts, such as by: (a) Obtaining identifying information about, and verifying the identity of, a person E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations opening a covered account, for example, using the policies and procedures regarding identification and verification set forth in the Customer Identification Program rules implementing 31 U.S.C. 5318(l) (31 CFR 1020.220); and (b) Authenticating customers, monitoring transactions, and verifying the validity of change of address requests, in the case of existing covered accounts. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES IV. Preventing and Mitigating Identity Theft The Program’s policies and procedures should provide for appropriate responses to the Red Flags the financial institution or creditor has detected that are commensurate with the degree of risk posed. In determining an appropriate response, a financial institution or creditor should consider aggravating factors that may heighten the risk of identity theft, such as a data security incident that results in unauthorized access to a customer’s account records held by the financial institution, creditor, or third party, or notice that a customer has provided information related to a covered account held by the financial institution or creditor to someone fraudulently claiming to represent the financial institution or creditor or to a fraudulent website. Appropriate responses may include the following: (a) Monitoring a covered account for evidence of identity theft; (b) Contacting the customer; (c) Changing any passwords, security codes, or other security devices that permit access to a covered account; (d) Reopening a covered account with a new account number; (e) Not opening a new covered account; (f) Closing an existing covered account; (g) Not attempting to collect on a covered account or not selling a covered account to a debt collector; (h) Notifying law enforcement; or (i) Determining that no response is warranted under the particular circumstances. V. Updating the Program Financial institutions and creditors should update the Program (including the Red Flags determined to be relevant) periodically, to reflect changes in risks to customers or to the safety and soundness of the financial institution or creditor from identity theft, based on factors such as: (a) The experiences of the financial institution or creditor with identity theft; (b) Changes in methods of identity theft; (c) Changes in methods to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft; (d) Changes in the types of accounts that the financial institution or creditor offers or maintains; and (e) Changes in the business arrangements of the financial institution or creditor, including mergers, acquisitions, alliances, joint ventures, and service provider arrangements. VI. Methods for Administering the Program (a) Oversight of Program. Oversight by the board of directors, an appropriate committee of the board, or a designated employee at the level of senior management should include: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) Assigning specific responsibility for the Program’s implementation; (2) Reviewing reports prepared by staff regarding compliance by the financial institution or creditor with § 171.90 of this part; and (3) Approving material changes to the Program as necessary to address changing identity theft risks. (b) Reports. (1) In general. Staff of the financial institution or creditor responsible for development, implementation, and administration of its Program should report to the board of directors, an appropriate committee of the board, or a designated employee at the level of senior management, at least annually, on compliance by the financial institution or creditor with § 171.90 of this part. (2) Contents of report. The report should address material matters related to the Program and evaluate issues such as: the effectiveness of the policies and procedures of the financial institution or creditor in addressing the risk of identity theft in connection with the opening of covered accounts and with respect to existing covered accounts; service provider arrangements; significant incidents involving identity theft and management’s response; and recommendations for material changes to the Program. (c) Oversight of service provider arrangements. Whenever a financial institution or creditor engages a service provider to perform an activity in connection with one or more covered accounts the financial institution or creditor should take steps to ensure that the activity of the service provider is conducted in accordance with reasonable policies and procedures designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate the risk of identity theft. For example, a financial institution or creditor could require the service provider by contract to have policies and procedures to detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider’s activities, and either report the Red Flags to the financial institution or creditor, or to take appropriate steps to prevent or mitigate identity theft. VII. Other Applicable Legal Requirements Financial institutions and creditors should be mindful of other related legal requirements that may be applicable, such as: (a) For financial institutions and creditors that are subject to 31 U.S.C. 5318(g), filing a Suspicious Activity Report in accordance with applicable law and regulation; (b) Implementing any requirements under 15 U.S.C. 1681c–1(h) regarding the circumstances under which credit may be extended when the financial institution or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies under 15 U.S.C. 1681s–2, for example, to correct or update inaccurate or incomplete information, and to not report information that the furnisher has reasonable cause to believe is inaccurate; and (d) Complying with the prohibitions in 15 U.S.C. 1681m on the sale, transfer, and placement for collection of certain debts resulting from identity theft. PO 00000 Frm 00191 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49139 Supplement A to Appendix J In addition to incorporating Red Flags from the sources recommended in section II.b. of the Guidelines in Appendix J of this part, each financial institution or creditor may consider incorporating into its Program, whether singly or in combination, Red Flags from the following illustrative examples in connection with covered accounts: Alerts, Notifications or Warnings from a Consumer Reporting Agency 1. A fraud or active duty alert is included with a consumer report. 2. A consumer reporting agency provides a notice of credit freeze in response to a request for a consumer report. 3. A consumer reporting agency provides a notice of address discrepancy, as defined in § 171.82(b) of this part. 4. A consumer report indicates a pattern of activity that is inconsistent with the history and usual pattern of activity of an applicant or customer, such as: a. A recent and significant increase in the volume of inquiries; b. An unusual number of recently established credit relationships; c. A material change in the use of credit, especially with respect to recently established credit relationships; or d. An account that was closed for cause or identified for abuse of account privileges by a financial institution or creditor. Suspicious Documents 5. Documents provided for identification appear to have been altered or forged. 6. The photograph or physical description on the identification is not consistent with the appearance of the applicant or customer presenting the identification. 7. Other information on the identification is not consistent with information provided by the person opening a new covered account or customer presenting the identification. 8. Other information on the identification is not consistent with readily accessible information that is on file with the financial institution or creditor, such as a signature card or a recent check. 9. An application appears to have been altered or forged, or gives the appearance of having been destroyed and reassembled. Suspicious Personal Identifying Information 10. Personal identifying information provided is inconsistent when compared against external information sources used by the financial institution or creditor. For example: a. The address does not match any address in the consumer report; or b. The Social Security Number (SSN) has not been issued, or is listed on the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File. 11. Personal identifying information provided by the customer is not consistent with other personal identifying information provided by the customer. For example, there is a lack of correlation between the SSN range and date of birth. 12. Personal identifying information provided is associated with known fraudulent activity as indicated by internal or third-party sources used by the financial institution or creditor. For example: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49140 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES a. The address on an application is the same as the address provided on a fraudulent application; or b. The phone number on an application is the same as the number provided on a fraudulent application. 13. Personal identifying information provided is of a type commonly associated with fraudulent activity as indicated by internal or third-party sources used by the financial institution or creditor. For example: a. The address on an application is fictitious, a mail drop, or a prison; or b. The phone number is invalid, or is associated with a pager or answering service. 14. The SSN provided is the same as that submitted by other persons opening an account or other customers. 15. The address or telephone number provided is the same as or similar to the address or telephone number submitted by an unusually large number of other persons opening accounts or by other customers. 16. The person opening the covered account or the customer fails to provide all required personal identifying information on an application or in response to notification that the application is incomplete. 17. Personal identifying information provided is not consistent with personal identifying information that is on file with the financial institution or creditor. 18. For financial institutions and creditors that use challenge questions, the person opening the covered account or the customer cannot provide authenticating information beyond that which generally would be available from a wallet or consumer report. Unusual Use of, or Suspicious Activity Related to, the Covered Account 19. Shortly following the notice of a change of address for a covered account, the institution or creditor receives a request for a new, additional, or replacement card or a cell phone, or for the addition of authorized users on the account. 20. A new revolving credit account is used in a manner commonly associated with known patterns of fraud. For example: a. The majority of available credit is used for cash advances or merchandise that is easily convertible to cash (e.g., electronics equipment or jewelry); or b. The customer fails to make the first payment or makes an initial payment but no subsequent payments. 21. A covered account is used in a manner that is not consistent with established patterns of activity on the account. There is, for example: a. Nonpayment when there is no history of late or missed payments; b. A material increase in the use of available credit; c. A material change in purchasing or spending patterns; d. A material change in electronic fund transfer patterns in connection with a deposit account; or e. A material change in telephone call patterns in connection with a cellular phone account. 22. A covered account that has been inactive for a reasonably lengthy period of time is used (taking into consideration the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 type of account, the expected pattern of usage and other relevant factors). 23. Mail sent to the customer is returned repeatedly as undeliverable although transactions continue to be conducted in connection with the customer’s covered account. 24. The financial institution or creditor is notified that the customer is not receiving paper account statements. 25. The financial institution or creditor is notified of unauthorized charges or transactions in connection with a customer’s covered account. Notice From Customers, Victims of Identity Theft, Law Enforcement Authorities, or Other Persons Regarding Possible Identity Theft in Connection With Covered Accounts Held by the Financial Institution or Creditor 26. The financial institution or creditor is notified by a customer, a victim of identity theft, a law enforcement authority, or any other person that it has opened a fraudulent account for a person engaged in identity theft. PART 172—LOANS IN AREAS HAVING SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS Sec. 172.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. 172.2 Definitions. 172.3 Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available. 172.4 Exemptions. 172.5 Escrow requirement. 172.6 Required use of standard flood hazard determination form. 172.7 Forced placement of flood insurance. 172.8 Determination fees. 172.9 Notice of special flood hazards and availability of Federal disaster relief assistance. 172.10 Notice of servicer’s identity. Appendix A to Part 172—Sample Form of Notice of Special Flood Hazards and Availability of Federal Disaster Relief Assistance Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464; 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, 4128, and 5412(b)(2)(B). § 172.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. (a) Authority. This part is issued pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464 and 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, 4128. (b) Purpose. The purpose of this part is to implement the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4001– 4129). (c) Scope. This part, except for §§ 172.6 and 172.8, applies to loans secured by buildings or mobile homes located or to be located in areas determined by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have special flood hazards. Sections 172.6 and 172.8 of this part apply to PO 00000 Frm 00192 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 loans secured by buildings or mobile homes, regardless of location. § 172.2 Definitions. (a) Act means the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4001–4129). (b) Federal savings association means, for purposes of this part, a Federal savings association as that term is defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(b)(2) and any subsidiaries or service corporations thereof. (c) Building means a walled and roofed structure, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, and a walled and roofed structure while in the course of construction, alteration, or repair. (d) Community means a state or a political subdivision of a state that has zoning and building code jurisdiction over a particular area having special flood hazards. (e) Designated loan means a loan secured by a building or mobile home that is located or to be located in a special flood hazard area in which flood insurance is available under the Act. (f) Director of FEMA means the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (g) Mobile home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term mobile home does not include a recreational vehicle. For purposes of this part, the term mobile home means a mobile home on a permanent foundation. The term mobile home includes a manufactured home as that term is used in the NFIP. (h) NFIP means the National Flood Insurance Program authorized under the Act. (i) Residential improved real estate means real estate upon which a home or other residential building is located or to be located. (j) Servicer means the person responsible for: (1) Receiving any scheduled, periodic payments from a borrower under the terms of a loan, including amounts for taxes, insurance premiums, and other charges with respect to the property securing the loan; and (2) Making payments of principal and interest and any other payments from the amounts received from the borrower as may be required under the terms of the loan. (k) Special flood hazard area means the land in the flood plain within a community having at least a one percent chance of flooding in any given year, as designated by the Director of FEMA. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (l) Table funding means a settlement at which a loan is funded by a contemporaneous advance of loan funds and an assignment of the loan to the person advancing the funds. § 172.3 Requirement to purchase flood insurance where available. (a) In general. A Federal savings association shall not make, increase, extend, or renew any designated loan unless the building or mobile home and any personal property securing the loan is covered by flood insurance for the term of the loan. The amount of insurance must be at least equal to the lesser of the outstanding principal balance of the designated loan or the maximum limit of coverage available for the particular type of property under the Act. Flood insurance coverage under the Act is limited to the overall value of the property securing the designated loan minus the value of the land on which the property is located. (b) Table funded loans. A Federal savings association that acquires a loan from a mortgage broker or other entity through table funding shall be considered to be making a loan for the purposes of this part. § 172.4 Exemptions. The flood insurance requirement prescribed by § 172.3 does not apply with respect to: (a) Any state-owned property covered under a policy of self-insurance satisfactory to the Director of FEMA, who publishes and periodically revises the list of states falling within this exemption; or (b) Property securing any loan with an original principal balance of $5,000 or less and a repayment term of one year or less. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 172.5 Escrow requirement. If a Federal savings association requires the escrow of taxes, insurance premiums, fees, or any other charges for a loan secured by residential improved real estate or a mobile home that is made, increased, extended, or renewed on or after October 1, 1996, the savings association shall also require the escrow of all premiums and fees for any flood insurance required under § 172.3. The savings association, or a servicer acting on behalf of the savings association, shall deposit the flood insurance premiums on behalf of the borrower in an escrow account. This escrow account will be subject to escrow requirements adopted pursuant to section 10 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2609) (RESPA), which generally limits the amount that may be maintained in escrow accounts for VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 certain types of loans and requires escrow account statements for those accounts, only if the loan is otherwise subject to RESPA. Following receipt of a notice from the Director of FEMA or other provider of flood insurance that premiums are due, the savings association, or a servicer acting on behalf of the savings association, shall pay the amount owed to the insurance provider from the escrow account by the date when such premiums are due. § 172.6 Required use of standard flood hazard determination form. (a) Use of form. A Federal savings association shall use the standard flood hazard determination form developed by the Director of FEMA when determining whether the building or mobile home offered as collateral security for a loan is or will be located in a special flood hazard area in which flood insurance is available under the Act. The standard flood hazard determination form may be used in a printed, computerized, or electronic manner. A Federal savings association may obtain the standard flood hazard determination form from FEMA, P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794–2012. (b) Retention of form. A Federal savings association shall retain a copy of the completed standard flood hazard determination form, in either hard copy or electronic form, for the period of time the savings association owns the loan. § 172.7 Forced placement of flood insurance. If a Federal savings association, or a servicer acting on behalf of the savings association, determines at any time during the term of a designated loan that the building or mobile home and any personal property securing the designated loan is not covered by flood insurance or is covered by flood insurance in an amount less than the amount required under § 172.3, then the savings association or its servicer shall notify the borrower that the borrower should obtain flood insurance, at the borrower’s expense, in an amount at least equal to the amount required under § 172.3, for the remaining term of the loan. If the borrower fails to obtain flood insurance within 45 days after notification, then the savings association or its servicer shall purchase insurance on the borrower’s behalf. The savings association or its servicer may charge the borrower for the cost of premiums and fees incurred in purchasing the insurance. § 172.8 Determination fees. (a) General. Notwithstanding any Federal or state law other than the Flood PO 00000 Frm 00193 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49141 Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4001–4129), any Federal savings association, or a servicer acting on behalf of the savings association, may charge a reasonable fee for determining whether the building or mobile home securing the loan is located or will be located in a special flood hazard area. A determination fee may also include, but is not limited to, a fee for life-of-loan monitoring. (b) Borrower fee. The determination fee authorized by paragraph (a) of this section may be charged to the borrower if the determination: (1) Is made in connection with a making, increasing, extending, or renewing of the loan that is initiated by the borrower; (2) Reflects the Director of FEMA’s revision or updating of floodplain areas or flood-risk zones; (3) Reflects the Director of FEMA’s publication of a notice or compendium that: (i) Affects the area in which the building or mobile home securing the loan is located; or (ii) By determination of the Director of FEMA, may reasonably require a determination whether the building or mobile home securing the loan is located in a special flood hazard area; or (4) Results in the purchase of flood insurance coverage by the lender or its servicer on behalf of the borrower under § 172.7. (c) Purchaser or transferee fee. The determination fee authorized by paragraph (a) of this section may be charged to the purchaser or transferee of a loan in the case of the sale or transfer of the loan. § 172.9 Notice of special flood hazards and availability of Federal disaster relief assistance. (a) Notice requirement. When a Federal savings association makes, increases, extends, or renews a loan secured by a building or a mobile home located or to be located in a special flood hazard area, the savings association shall mail or deliver a written notice to the borrower and to the servicer in all cases whether or not flood insurance is available under the Act for the collateral securing the loan. (b) Contents of notice. The written notice must include the following information: (1) A warning, in a form approved by the Director of FEMA, that the building or the mobile home is or will be located in a special flood hazard area; (2) A description of the flood insurance purchase requirements set forth in section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)); E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49142 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (3) A statement, where applicable, that flood insurance coverage is available under the NFIP and may also be available from private insurers; and (4) A statement whether Federal disaster relief assistance may be available in the event of damage to the building or mobile home caused by flooding in a Federally-declared disaster. (c) Timing of notice. The Federal savings association shall provide the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section to the borrower within a reasonable time before the completion of the transaction, and to the servicer as promptly as practicable after the savings association provides notice to the borrower and in any event no later than the savings association provides other similar notices to the servicer concerning hazard insurance and taxes. Notice to the servicer may be made electronically or may take the form of a copy of the notice to the borrower. (d) Record of receipt. The Federal savings association shall retain a record of the receipt of the notices by the borrower and the servicer for the period of time the savings association owns the loan. (e) Alternate method of notice. Instead of providing the notice to the borrower required by paragraph (a) of this section, a Federal savings association may obtain satisfactory written assurance from a seller or lessor that, within a reasonable time before the completion of the sale or lease transaction, the seller or lessor has provided such notice to the purchaser or lessee. The savings association shall retain a record of the written assurance from the seller or lessor for the period of time the savings association owns the loan. (f) Use of prescribed form of notice. A Federal savings association will be considered to be in compliance with the requirement for notice to the borrower of this section by providing written notice to the borrower containing the language presented in appendix A to this part within a reasonable time before the completion of the transaction. The notice presented in appendix A to this part satisfies the borrower notice requirements of the Act. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 172.10 Notice of servicer’s identity. (a) Notice requirement. When a Federal savings association makes, increases, extends, renews, sells, or transfers a loan secured by a building or mobile home located or to be located in a special flood hazard area, the savings association shall notify the Director of FEMA (or the Director’s designee) in writing of the identity of the servicer of the loan. The Director of FEMA has VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 designated the insurance provider to receive the savings association’s notice of the servicer’s identity. This notice may be provided electronically if electronic transmission is satisfactory to the Director of FEMA’s designee. (b) Transfer of servicing rights. The Federal savings association shall notify the Director of FEMA (or the Director’s designee) of any change in the servicer of a loan described in paragraph (a) of this section within 60 days after the effective date of the change. This notice may be provided electronically if electronic transmission is satisfactory to the Director of FEMA’s designee. Upon any change in the servicing of a loan described in paragraph (a) of this section, the duty to provide notice under this paragraph (b) shall transfer to the transferee servicer. Appendix A to Part 172—Sample Form of Notice of Special Flood Hazards and Availability of Federal Disaster Relief Assistance We are giving you this notice to inform you that: The building or mobile home securing the loan for which you have applied is or will be located in an area with special flood hazards. The area has been identified by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a special flood hazard area using FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map or the Flood Hazard Boundary Map for the following community: llllll. This area has at least a one percent (1%) chance of a flood equal to or exceeding the base flood elevation (a 100year flood) in any given year. During the life of a 30-year mortgage loan the risk of a 100year flood in a special flood hazard area is 26 percent (26%). Federal law allows a lender and borrower jointly to request the Director of FEMA to review the determination of whether the property securing the loan is located in a special flood hazard area. If you would like to make such a request, please contact us for further information. ll The community in which the property securing the loan is located participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Federal law will not allow us to make you the loan that you have applied for if you do not purchase flood insurance. The flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan. If you fail to purchase or renew flood insurance on the property, Federal law authorizes and requires us to purchase the flood insurance for you at your expense. • Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP may be purchased through an insurance agent who will obtain the policy either directly through the NFIP or through an insurance company that participates in the NFIP. Flood insurance also may be available from private insurers that do not participate in the NFIP. • At a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover the lesser of: PO 00000 Frm 00194 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (1) the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or (2) the maximum amount of coverage allowed for the type of property under the NFIP. Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP is limited to the overall value of the property securing the loan minus the value of the land on which the property is located. • Federal disaster relief assistance (usually in the form of a low-interest loan) may be available for damages incurred in excess of your flood insurance if your community’s participation in the NFIP is in accordance with NFIP requirements. ll Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP is not available for the property securing the loan because the community in which the property is located does not participate in the NFIP. In addition, if the non-participating community has been identified for at least one year as containing a special flood hazard area, properties located in the community will not be eligible for Federal disaster relief assistance in the event of a Federally-declared flood disaster. PART 174—ACQUISITION OF CONTROL OF FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Sec. 174.1 Scope of part. 174.2 Definitions. 174.3 Acquisition of control of Federal savings associations. 174.4 Control. 174.5 Certifications of ownership. 174.6 Procedural requirements. 174.7 Determination by the OCC. 174.8 [Reserved] Appendix A to Part 174—Rebuttal of control agreement. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1817(j). § 174.1 Scope of part. The purpose of this part is to implement the provisions of the Change in Bank Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j) (‘‘Control Act’’) relating to acquisitions and changes in control of Federal savings associations that are organized in stock form. § 174.2 Definitions. As used in this part and in the forms under this part, the following definitions apply, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) Acquire when used in connection with the acquisition of stock of a savings association means obtaining ownership, control, power to vote, or sole power of disposition of stock, directly or indirectly or through one or more transactions or subsidiaries, through purchase, assignment, transfer, exchange, succession, or other means, including: (1) An increase in percentage ownership resulting from a redemption, repurchase, reverse stock split or a E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations similar transaction involving other securities of the same class, and (2) The acquisition of stock by a group of persons and/or companies acting in concert which shall be deemed to occur upon formation of such group: Provided, That an investment advisor shall not be deemed to acquire the voting stock of its advisee if the advisor: (i) Votes the stock only upon instruction from the beneficial owner, and (ii) Does not provide the beneficial owner with advice concerning the voting of such stock. (b) Acquiror means a person or company. (c) Acting in concert means: (1) Knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, or (2) A combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. (3) A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company (‘‘other party’’) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan as defined in § 192.25 of this chapter will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the plan will be aggregated. (d) Affiliate means any person or company which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a person, savings association or company. (e) [Reserved] (f) Company means any corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, unincorporated organization, joint-stock company or similar organization, as defined in paragraph (r) of this section; but a company does not include: (1) The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), or any Federal Home Loan Bank; (2) Any company the majority of shares of which is owned by: (i) The United States or any state; (ii) An officer of the United States or any state in his or her official capacity; or (iii) An instrumentality of the United States or any state; or VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (3) A savings and loan holding company registered under section 10(b) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (Holding Company Act). (g) Controlling shareholder means any person who directly or indirectly or acting in concert with one or more persons or companies, or together with members of his or her immediate family, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote 10 percent or more of the voting stock of a company or controls in any manner the election or appointment of a majority of the company’s board of directors. (h) Comptroller means the Comptroller of the Currency. (i) [Reserved] (j) Immediate family means a person’s spouse, father, mother, children, brothers, sisters and grandchildren; the father, mother, brothers, and sisters of the person’s spouse; and the spouse of the person’s child, brother or sister. (k) Management official means any president, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, vice president, director, partner, or trustee, or any other person who performs or has a representative or nominee performing similar policymaking functions, including executive officers of principal business units or divisions or subsidiaries who perform policymaking functions, for a savings association or a company, whether or not incorporated. (l) [Reserved] (m) Person means an individual or a group of individuals acting in concert who do not constitute a ‘‘company’’ as defined in paragraph (f) of this section. (n) Repealed Control Act means the Change in Savings and Loan Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1730(q), as in effect immediately prior to its repeal by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. (o) [Reserved] (p) Savings Association means a Federal savings and loan association or a Federal savings bank chartered under section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA), a building and loan, savings and loan or homestead association or a cooperative bank (other than a cooperative bank described in 12 U.S.C. 1813(a)(2)) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and any corporation (other than a bank) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that the OCC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation jointly determine to be operating in substantially the same manner as a savings association. (q) [Reserved] (r) Similar organization for purposes of paragraph (f) of this section means a PO 00000 Frm 00195 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49143 combination of parties with the potential for or practical likelihood of continuing rather than temporary existence, where the parties thereto have knowingly and voluntarily associated for a common purpose pursuant to identifiable and binding relationships which govern the parties with respect to either: (1) The transferability and voting of any stock or other indicia of participation in another entity, or (2) Achievement of a common or shared objective, such as to collectively manage or control another entity. (s) Stock means common or preferred stock, general or limited partnership shares or interests, or similar interests. (t) Uninsured institution means any financial institution the deposits of which are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (u)(1) Voting stock means common or preferred stock, general or limited partnership shares or interests, or similar interests if the shares or interests, by statute, charter or in any manner, entitle the holder: (i) To vote for or to select directors, trustees, or partners (or persons exercising similar functions of the issuing savings association or company); or (ii) To vote or to direct the conduct of the operations or other significant policies of the issuer: (2) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (u)(1) of this section, preferred stock, limited partnership shares or interests, or similar interests are not ‘‘voting stock’’ if: (i) Voting rights associated with the stock, shares or interests are limited solely to the type customarily provided by statute with regard to matters that would significantly and adversely affect the rights or preference of the stock, security or other interest, such as the issuance of additional amounts or classes of senior securities, the modification of the terms of the stock, security or interest, the dissolution of the issuer, or the payment of dividends by the issuer when preferred dividends are in arrears; (ii) The stock, shares or interests represent an essentially passive investment or financing device and do not otherwise provide the holder with control over the issuer; and (iii) The stock, shares or interests do not at the time entitle the holder, by statute, charter, or otherwise, to select or to vote for the selection of directors, trustees, or partners (or persons exercising similar functions) of the issuer; (3) Notwithstanding anything in paragraphs (u)(1) and (u)(2) of this E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49144 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations section, ‘‘voting stock’’ shall be deemed to include stock and other securities that, upon transfer or otherwise, are convertible into voting stock or exercisable to acquire voting stock where the holder of the stock, convertible security or right to acquire voting stock has the preponderant economic risk in the underlying voting stock. Securities immediately convertible into voting stock at the option of the holder without payment of additional consideration shall be deemed to constitute the voting stock into which they are convertible; other convertible securities and rights to acquire voting stock shall not be deemed to vest the holder with the preponderant economic risk in the underlying voting stock if the holder has paid less than 50 percent of the consideration required to directly acquire the voting stock and has no other economic interest in the underlying voting stock. For purposes of calculating the percentage of voting stock held by a particular acquiror, stock or other securities convertible into voting stock or exercisable to acquire voting stock which are deemed voting stock under this paragraph (u)(3) shall be included in calculating the amount of voting stock held by the acquiror and the total amount of stock outstanding only to the extent of the voting stock obtainable by such acquiror by such conversion or exercise of rights. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 174.3 Acquisition of control of Federal savings associations. (a) [Reserved] (b) Acquisition by a person or company. Unless a transaction is exempt from prior notice under paragraph (d) of this section, no person or company (other than certain persons affiliated with a savings and loan holding company who are subject to 10(e)(4) of the HOLA), shall acquire control, as defined in § 174.4 (a) and (b) of this part, of a Federal savings association until written notice has been provided to the appropriate OCC licensing office and the OCC indicates in writing its intent not to disapprove the proposed acquisition or 60 days (or such period of time as the OCC may specify if the review period has been extended under § 174.6(c)(3) of this part) have passed since receipt of a notice deemed sufficient under § 174.6(c)(2). Notwithstanding the forgoing, acquisitions by persons or companies by means of a merger with an interim association are not subject to this part, but shall be subject to approval under § 163.22, and either § 152.13 or applicable state law. (c) Exempt Transactions. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) [Reserved] (2) The following transactions are exempt from the notice requirements of paragraph (b) of this section: (i)(A) Control of a Federal savings association acquired by a bank holding company that is registered under and subject to, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, or any company controlled by such bank holding company; (B) Control of a Federal savings association acquired solely as a result of a pledge or hypothecation of stock to secure a loan contracted for in good faith or the liquidation of a loan contracted for in good faith, in either case where such loan was made in the ordinary course of the business of the lender: Provided, further, That acquisition of control pursuant to such pledge, hypothecation or liquidation is reported to the OCC within 30 days, and Provided, further, That the acquiror shall not retain such control for more than one year from the date on which such control was acquired; however, the OCC may, upon application by an acquiror, extend such one-year period from year to year, for an additional period of time not exceeding three years, if the OCC finds such extension is warranted and would not be detrimental to the public interest; (C) Control of a Federal savings association acquired through a percentage increase in stock ownership following a pro rata stock dividend or stock split, if the proportional interests of the recipients remain substantially the same; (D) Acquisition of additional stock after a non-disapproval under § 174.7 of this part, or any predecessor provision, has been received: Provided, That such acquisition is consistent with any conditions imposed in connection with such non-disapproval and with the representations made by the acquiror in its notice; and (E) Acquisitions of less than 25 percent (25%) of a class of stock by a tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan as defined in § 192.25. (ii) Transactions for which approval is required under the HOLA; (iii) Transactions for which approval is required under part 146 or § 152.13 and § 163.22 of this chapter; (iv) Transactions for which a change of control notice must be submitted to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to the Change in Bank Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j); (v) Acquisition of additional stock of a Federal savings association by any person who: (A) Has held power to vote 25 percent or more of any class of voting stock in PO 00000 Frm 00196 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 such association continuously since March 9, 1979; or (B) Has maintained control of the savings association continuously since acquiring control in compliance with the Control Act (or the Repealed Control Act) and the OCC’s regulations thereunder then in effect: Provided, That such acquisition is consistent with any conditions imposed in connection with such acquisition of control and with the representations made by the acquiror in its notice; and (vi) Acquisitions of stock of a de novo Federal savings association in connection with the organization of such association: Provided, That the OCC has considered the financial and managerial resources of the acquiror in granting the association its Federal savings association charter; and additional acquisitions of stock of such association, and further provided, that the acquisitions are consistent with any conditions imposed in connection with the approval of the association’s charter and with representations made by the acquiror in its application for a Federal savings association charter, and that the OCC has no supervisory objection to the acquiror’s additional acquisitions. (3) An acquiror that would be considered to be in control of a Federal savings association pursuant to § 174.4 of this part on December 26, 1985, shall not be subject to this § 174.3 unless the acquiror acquires additional stock of the savings association or obtains a control factor with respect to such association after December 26, 1985: Provided, That an acquiror shall not be deemed to have acquired control of a savings association on the basis of actions taken prior to December 26, 1985, or on the basis of actions taken after December 26, 1985, if such actions are pursuant to and consistent with a materially complete application under the Holding Company Act or notice under the Repealed Control Act filed prior to December 26, 1985, if such acquisition is made pursuant to an application approved under the Holding Company Act or a notice under the Repealed Control Act that was not disapproved. (d) Transactions exempt from prior notice. (1) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the following transactions are exempt from prior approval and prior notice under § 174.3: Provided, That the timing of the transaction was not within the control of the acquiror. (i) Control of a savings association acquired through bona fide gift; (ii) Control of a savings association acquired through liquidation of a loan contracted in good faith where the loan E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations was not made in the ordinary course of business of the lender; (iii) Control of a savings association acquired through a percentage increase in ownership following a stock split or redemption that was not pro rata; (iv) Control determined pursuant to § 174.4 (a) or (b) as a result of actions by third parties that are not within the control of the acquiror; (v) Control of a savings association acquired through testate or intestate succession: Provided, That the acquiror transmits written notification of the acquisition to the OCC within 60 days of the acquisition and provides such additional information as the OCC may specifically request. (2) The exemptions provided by paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iv) of this section are subject to the following conditions: (i) The acquiror shall file a notice or rebuttal, as appropriate, with the OCC within 90 days of acquisition of control; (ii) The acquiror shall not take any action to direct the management or policies of the savings association or which are designed to effect a change in the business plan of the savings association other than voting on matters that may be presented to stockholders by management of the savings association until the OCC has acted favorably upon the acquiror’s notice or rebuttal, and the OCC may require that the acquiror take such steps as the OCC deems necessary to insure that control is not exercised; and (iii) If the OCC disapproves the acquiror’s notice or rebuttal, the acquiror shall divest such portion of the stock held by the acquiror so as to cause the acquiror not to be determined to be in control of the savings association under § 174.4 of this part, within one year or such shorter period of time and in the manner that the OCC may order. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 174.4 Control. (a) Conclusive control. (1) An acquiror shall be deemed to have acquired control of a Federal savings association if the acquiror directly or indirectly, through one or more subsidiaries or transactions or acting in concert with one or more persons or companies: (i) Acquires 25 percent or more of any class of voting stock of the savings association; (ii) Acquires irrevocable proxies representing 25 percent or more of any class of voting stock of the savings association; or (iii) Acquires any combination of voting stock and irrevocable proxies representing 25 percent or more of any class of voting stock of a savings association. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (iv) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (3) [Reserved] (4) A person or company shall be deemed to control a savings association if the OCC determines that such person has the power to direct the management or policies of the savings association. (b) Rebuttable control determinations. (1) An acquiror shall be determined, subject to rebuttal, to have acquired control of a Federal savings association, if the acquiror directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries or transactions or acting in concert with one or more persons or companies: (i) Acquires more than 10 percent of any class of voting stock of the savings association and is subject to any control factor, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section; (ii) Acquires 25 percent or more of any class of stock of the savings association and is subject to any control factor, as defined in paragraph (c) of this section. (2) An acquiror shall be determined, subject to rebuttal, to have acquired control of a savings association, if the acquiror directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries or transactions or acting in concert with one or more persons or companies, holds any combination of voting stock and revocable proxies, representing 25 percent or more of any class of voting stock of a savings association, excluding such proxies held in connection with a solicitation by, or in opposition to, a solicitation on behalf of management of the savings association, but including a solicitation in connection with an election of directors, and such proxies would enable the acquiror to: (i) Elect one-third or more of the savings association’s board of directors, including nominees or representatives of the acquiror currently serving on such board; (ii) Cause the savings association’s stockholders to approve the acquisition or corporate reorganization of the savings association; or (iii) Exert a continuing influence on a material aspect of the business operations of the savings association. (c) Control factors. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the following constitute control factors. References to the acquiror include actions taken directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries or transactions or acting in concert with one or more persons or companies: (1) The acquiror would be one of the two largest holders of any class of voting stock of the Federal savings association. (2) The acquiror would hold 25 percent or more of the total PO 00000 Frm 00197 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49145 stockholders’ equity of the Federal savings association. (3) The acquiror would hold more than 35 percent of the combined debt securities and stockholders’ equity of the Federal savings association. (4) The acquiror is party to any agreement: (i) Pursuant to which the acquiror possesses a material economic stake in the Federal savings association resulting from a profit-sharing arrangement, use of common names, facilities or personnel, or the provision of essential services to the savings association; or (ii) That enables the acquiror to influence a material aspect of the management or policies of the Federal savings association, other than agreements to which the savings association is a party where the restrictions are customary under the circumstances and in the case of an acquisition agreement, which apply only during the period when the acquiror is seeking the OCC’s approval to acquire the savings association, the agreement prohibits transactions between the acquiror and the savings association and their respective affiliates without approval by the OCC during the pendency of the notice process, and the agreement contains no material forfeiture provisions applicable to the savings association in the event the acquisition is not approved or not approved by a specified date. (5) The acquiror would have the ability, other than through the holding of revocable proxies, to direct the votes of 25 percent or more of a class of the Federal savings association’s voting stock or to vote 25 percent or more of a class of the savings association’s voting stock in the future upon the occurrence of a future event. (6) The acquiror would have the power to direct the disposition of 25 percent or more of a class of the Federal savings association’s voting stock in a manner other than a widely dispersed or public offering. (7) The acquiror and/or the acquiror’s representatives or nominees would constitute more than one member of the Federal savings association’s board of directors. (8) The acquiror or a nominee or management official of the acquiror would serve as the chairman of the board of directors, chairman of the executive committee, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, or in any position with similar policymaking authority in the Federal savings association. (d) Rebuttable presumptions of concerted action. An acquiror will be E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49146 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations presumed to be acting in concert with the following persons and companies: (1) A company will be presumed to be acting in concert with a controlling shareholder, partner, trustee or management official of such company with respect to the acquisition of stock of a Federal savings association, if (i) Both the company and the person own stock in the savings association, (ii) The company provides credit to the person to purchase the savings association’s stock, or (iii) The company pledges its assets or otherwise is instrumental in obtaining financing for the person to acquire stock of the savings association; (2) A person will be presumed to be acting in concert with members of the person’s immediate family; (3) Persons will be presumed to be acting in concert with each other where (i) Both own stock in the savings association and both are also management officials, controlling shareholders, partners, or trustees of another company, or (ii) One person provides credit to another person or is instrumental in obtaining financing for another person to purchase stock of the savings association; (4) A company controlling or controlled by another company and companies under common control will be presumed to be acting in concert; (5) Persons or companies will be presumed to be acting in concert where they constitute a group under the beneficial ownership reporting rules under section 13 or the proxy rules under section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. (6) A person or company will be presumed to be acting in concert with any trust for which such person or company serves as trustee, except that a tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan as defined in § 192.2(a)(39) shall not be presumed to be acting in concert with its trustee or person acting in a similar fiduciary capacity solely for the purposes of determining whether to combine the holdings of a plan and its trustee or fiduciary. (7) Persons or companies will be presumed to be acting in concert with each other and with any other person or company with which they also are presumed to act in concert. (e) Procedures for rebuttal—(1) Rebuttal of control determination. An acquiror attempting to rebut a determination of control that would arise under paragraph (b) of this section shall file a submission with the appropriate OCC licensing office setting VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 forth the facts and circumstances which support the acquiror’s contention that no control relationship would exist if the acquiror acquires stock or obtains a control factor with respect to a Federal savings association. The rebuttal must be filed and accepted in accordance with this section before the acquiror acquires such stock or control factor. (i) An acquiror seeking to rebut the determination of control arising under paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall submit to the appropriate OCC licensing office an executed agreement materially conforming to the agreement set forth at Appendix A to this part. Unless agreed to by the OCC in writing, no other agreement or filing shall be deemed to rebut the determination of control arising under paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If accepted by the OCC, the acquiror shall furnish a copy of the executed agreement to the association to which the rebuttal pertains. (ii) An acquiror seeking to rebut the determination of control with respect to holding of proxies arising under paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this section, except that in the case of a rebuttal of the presumption of control arising under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the OCC may require the acquiror to furnish information in response to a specific request for information and depending upon the particular facts and circumstances, to provide an executed rebuttal agreement materially conforming to the agreement set forth at Appendix A to this part, with any modifications deemed necessary by the OCC. (2) Presumptions of concerted action. An acquiror attempting to rebut the presumption of concerted action arising under paragraph (d) of this section shall file a submission with the appropriate OCC licensing office setting forth facts and circumstances which clearly and convincingly demonstrate the acquiror’s contention that no action in concert exists. Such a statement must be accompanied by an affidavit, in form and content satisfactory to the OCC, executed by each person or company presumed to be acting in concert, stating that such person or company does not and shall not, without having made necessary filings and obtained approval or clearance thereof under the Holding Company Act or the Control Act, as applicable, have any agreements or understandings, written or tacit, with respect to the exercise of control, directly or indirectly, over the management or policies of the savings association, including agreements relating to voting, acquisition or disposition of the Federal savings PO 00000 Frm 00198 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 association’s stock. The affidavit shall also recite that the signatory is aware that the filing of a false affidavit may subject the person or company to criminal sanctions, would constitute a violation of the OCC’s regulations at 12 CFR 163.180(b), and would be considered a ‘‘presumptive disqualifier’’ under 12 CFR 174.7(g)(1)(v). (3) Determination. A rebuttal filed pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section shall not be deemed sufficient unless it includes all the information, agreements, and affidavits required by the OCC and this part, as well as any additional relevant information as the OCC may require by written request to the acquiror. Within 20 calendar days after proper filing of a rebuttal submission, the OCC will provide written notification of its determination to accept or reject the submission; request additional information in connection with the submission; or return the submission to the acquiror as materially deficient. Within 15 calendar days after proper filing of any additional information furnished in response to a specific request by the OCC, the OCC shall notify the acquiror in writing as to whether the rebuttal is thereby deemed to be sufficient. If the OCC fails to notify an acquiror within such time, the rebuttal shall be deemed to be accepted. The OCC may reject any rebuttal which is inconsistent with facts and circumstances known to it or where the rebuttal does not clearly and convincingly refute the rebuttable determination of control or presumption of action in concert, and may determine to reject a submission solely on such bases. (f) Safe harbor. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, where an acquiror has no intention to participate in or to seek to exercise control over a Federal savings association’s management or policies, the acquiror may seek to qualify for a safe harbor with respect to its ownership of stock of the savings association. (1) In order to qualify for the safe harbor, an acquiror must submit a certification to the appropriate OCC licensing office that shall be signed by the acquiror or an authorized representative thereof and shall read as follows: The undersigned makes this submission pursuant to § 174.4(f) of the regulations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (‘‘OCC’’) with respect to [name of savings association] and hereby certifies to the OCC the following: The undersigned is not in control of [name of savings association] under § 174.4(a); E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations The undersigned is not subject to any control factor as enumerated in § 174.4(c) with respect to the [name of savings association]; The undersigned will not solicit proxies relating to the voting stock of [name of savings association]; Before any change in status occurs that would bring the undersigned within the scope of § 174.4(a) or (b), the undersigned will file and obtain approval of a rebuttal or nondisapproval of a notice or holding company application, as appropriate. The undersigned has not acquired stock of [name of savings association] for the purpose or effect of changing or influencing the control of [name of savings association] or in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect. (2) An acquiror claiming safe-harbor status may vote freely and dissent with respect to its own stock. Certifications provided for in this paragraph must be filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office in accordance with §§ 116.30 and 116.40 of this chapter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 174.5 Certifications of ownership. (a) Acquisition of stock. (1) Upon the acquisition of beneficial ownership that exceeds, in the aggregate, 10 percent of any class of stock of a Federal savings association or additional stock above 10 percent of the stock of a savings association occurring after December 26, 1985, an acquiror shall file with the OCC a certification as described in this section. (2) The certification filed pursuant to this section shall be signed by the acquiror or an authorized representative thereof and shall read as follows: The undersigned is the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of a class of stock of [name of savings association]. The undersigned is not in control of such association, as defined in 12 CFR 174.4(a), and is not subject to a rebuttable determination of control under § 174.4(b), and will take no action that would result in a determination of control or a rebuttable determination of control without first filing and obtaining approval of an application under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1467a, or notice under the Change in Bank Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j), or filing and obtaining acceptance by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of a rebuttal of the rebuttable determination of control. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this paragraph (a), an acquiror is not required to file a certification if: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (i) The OCC has issued a notice of non-disapproval of the acquisition of the savings association; or (ii) The acquiror has filed a materially complete notice pursuant to § 174.3 of this part. (b) Privacy. All certifications filed under this § 174.5 shall be for the information of the OCC in connection with its examination functions and shall be provided confidential treatment by the OCC. § 174.6 Procedural requirements. (a) Form of notice. A notice required by § 174.3 of this part shall be filed on the form indicated below. An acquiror may request confidential treatment of portions of a notice only by complying with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section. (1) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (3) [Reserved] (4) [Reserved] (5) [Reserved] (6) Notice Form 1393, parts A and B. This form shall be used for all notices filed under § 174.3(b) of this part regarding the acquisition of control of a Federal savings association by any person or persons not constituting a company. (b) Filing requirements—(1) Notices, and rebuttals. (i) Complete copies including exhibits and all other pertinent documents of notices and rebuttal submissions shall be filed with the appropriate OCC licensing office. Unsigned copies shall be conformed. Each copy shall include a summary of the proposed transaction. (ii) Any person or company may amend a notice or rebuttal submission, or file additional information, upon request of the OCC or, in the case of the party filing a notice or rebuttal, upon such party’s own initiative. (2) [Reserved] (c) Sufficiency and waiver. (1) Except as provided in § 174.6(c)(5), a notice filed pursuant to § 174.3(b) shall not be deemed sufficient unless it includes all of the information required by the form prescribed by the OCC and this part, including a complete description of the acquiror’s proposed plan for acquisition of control whether pursuant to one or more transactions, and any additional relevant information as the OCC may require by written request to the acquiror. Unless a notice specifically indicates otherwise, the notice shall be considered to pertain to acquisition of 100 percent of a Federal savings association’s voting stock. Where a notice pertains to a lesser amount of stock, the OCC may condition its nondisapproval to apply only to such PO 00000 Frm 00199 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49147 amount, in which case additional acquisitions may be made only by amendment to the acquiror’s notice and the OCC’s non-disapproval thereof. Failure by an acquiror to respond completely to a written request by the OCC for additional information within 30 calendar days of the date of such request may be deemed to constitute withdrawal of the notice or rebuttal filing or may be treated as grounds for an issuance of a notice of disapproval of a notice or rejection of a rebuttal. (2) The period for the OCC’s review of any proposed acquisition will commence upon receipt by the OCC of a notice deemed sufficient under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The OCC shall notify an acquiror in writing within 30 calendar days after proper filing of a notice as to whether the notice— (i) Is sufficient; (ii) Is insufficient, and what additional information is requested in order to render the notice sufficient; or (iii) Is materially deficient and will not be processed. The OCC shall also notify an acquiror in writing within 15 calendar days after proper filing of any additional information furnished in response to a specific request by the OCC as to whether the notice is thereby deemed to be sufficient. If the OCC fails to so notify an acquiror within such time, the notice shall be deemed to be sufficient as of the expiration of the applicable period. (3) After additional information has been requested and supplied, the OCC may request additional information only with respect to matters derived from or prompted by information already furnished, or information of a material nature that was not reasonably available from the acquiror, was concealed, or pertains to developments subsequent to the time of the OCC’s initial request for additional information. With regard to information of a material nature that was not reasonably available from the acquiror or was concealed at the time a notice was deemed to be sufficient or which pertains to developments subsequent to the time a notice was deemed to be sufficient, the OCC, at its option, may request such additional information as it considers necessary, or may deem the notice not to be sufficient until such additional information is furnished and cause the review period to commence again in its entirety upon receipt of such additional information. (i) The 60-day period for the OCC’s review of a notice deemed to be sufficient also may be extended by the OCC for up to an additional 30 days. (ii) The period for the OCC’s review of a notice may be further extended not E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49148 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations to exceed two additional times for not more than 45 days each time if— (A) The OCC determines that any acquiring party has not furnished all the information required under this part; (B) In the OCC’s judgment, any material information submitted is substantially inaccurate; (C) The OCC has been unable to complete an investigation of each acquiror because of any delay caused by, or the inadequate cooperation of, such acquiror; or (D) The OCC determines that additional time is needed to investigate and determine that no acquiring party has a record of failing to comply with the requirements of subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 31 of the United States Code. (4) [Reserved] (5) The OCC may waive any requirements of this paragraph (c) determined to be unnecessary by the OCC, upon its own initiative, upon the written request of an acquiring person, or in a supervisory case. (d) Public notice. (1) The acquiror must publish a public notice of a notice under § 174.3(b) of this chapter, in accordance with the procedures in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. Promptly after publication, the acquiror must transmit copies of the public notice and the publisher’s affidavit to the OCC. (2) The acquiror must provide a copy of the public notice to the savings association whose stock is sought to be acquired, and may provide a copy of the public notice to any other person who may have an interest in the notice. (3) The OCC will notify the persons whose requests for announcements, as described in 12 CFR part 195, appendix B, have been received in time for the notification. The OCC may also notify any other persons who may have an interest in the notice. (e) Submission of comments. Commenters may submit comments on the notice in accordance with the procedures in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. (f) Disclosure. (1) Any notice, other filings, public comment, or portion thereof, made pursuant to this part for which confidential treatment is not requested in accordance with this paragraph (f), shall be immediately available to the public and not subject to the procedures set forth herein. Public disclosure shall be made of other portions of a notice, other filing or public comment in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) and part 4 of this chapter. Submitters should VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 provide confidential and nonconfidential versions of their filings, as described in § 174.6(f)(2) and (3) in order to facilitate this process. (2) Any person who submits any information or causes or permits any information to be submitted to the OCC pursuant to this part may request that the OCC afford confidential treatment under the Freedom of Information Act to such information for reasons of personal privacy or business confidentiality, which shall include such information that would be deemed to result in the commencement of a tender offer under § 240.14d–2 of title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or for any other reason permitted by Federal law. Such request for confidentiality must be made and justified in accordance with paragraph (f)(5) of this section at the time of filing, and must, to the extent practicable, identify with specificity the information for which confidential treatment may be available and not merely indicate portions of documents or entire documents in which such information is contained. Failure to specifically identify information for which confidential treatment is requested, failure to specifically justify the bases upon which confidentiality is claimed in accordance with paragraph (f)(5) of this section, or overbroad and indiscriminate claims for confidential treatment, may be bases for denial of the request. In addition, the filing party should take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure, as nearly as practicable, that at the time the information is first received by the OCC it is supplied segregated from information for which confidential treatment is not being requested, it is appropriately marked as confidential, and it is accompanied by a written request for confidential treatment which identifies with specificity the information as to which confidential treatment is requested. Any such request must be substantiated in accordance with paragraph (f)(5) of this section. (3) All documents which contain information for which a request for confidential treatment is made or the appropriate segregable portions thereof shall be marked by the person submitting the records with a prominent stamp, typed legend, or other suitable form of notice on each page or segregable portion of each page, stating ‘‘Confidential Treatment Requested by [name].’’ If such marking is impracticable under the circumstances, a cover sheet prominently marked ‘‘Confidential Treatment Requested by [name]’’ should be securely attached to PO 00000 Frm 00200 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 each group of records submitted for which confidential treatment is requested. Each of the records transmitted in this manner should be individually marked with an identifying number and code so that they are separately identifiable. (4) A determination as to the validity of any request for confidential treatment may be made when a request for disclosure of the information under the Freedom of Information Act is received, or at any time prior thereto. If the OCC receives a request for the information under the Freedom of Information Act, the OCC will advise the filing party before it discloses material for which confidential treatment has been requested. (5) Substantiation of a request for confidential treatment shall consist of a statement setting forth, to the extent appropriate or necessary for the determination of the request for confidential treatment, the following information regarding the request: (i) The reasons, concisely stated and referring to specific exemptive provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, why the information should be withheld from access under the Freedom of Information Act; (ii) The applicability of any specific statutory or regulatory provisions which govern or may govern the treatment of the information; (iii) The existence and applicability of any prior determination by the OCC, other Federal agencies, or a court, concerning confidential treatment of the information; (iv) The adverse consequences to a business enterprise, financial or otherwise, that would result from disclosure of confidential commercial or financial information, including any adverse effect on the business’ competitive position; (v) The measures taken by the business to protect the confidentiality of the commercial or financial information in question and of similar information, prior to, and after, its submission to the OCC; (vi) The ease or difficulty of a competitor’s obtaining or compiling the commercial or financial information; (vii) Whether commercial or financial information was voluntarily submitted to the OCC, and, if so, whether and how disclosure of the information would tend to impede the availability of similar information to the OCC; (viii) The extent, if any, to which portions of the substantiation of the request for confidential treatment should be afforded confidential treatment; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (ix) The amount of time after the consummation of the proposed acquisition for which the information should remain confidential and a justification thereof; (x) Such additional facts and such legal and other authorities as the requesting person may consider appropriate. (6) Any person requesting access to a notice, other filing, or public comment made pursuant to this part for purposes of commenting on a pending submission may prominently label such request: ‘‘Request for Disclosure of Filing(s) Made Under part 174/Priority Treatment Requested.’’ (g) Supervisory cases. The provisions of paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of this section may be waived by the OCC in connection with a transaction approved by the OCC for supervisory reasons. (h) [Reserved] (i) Additional procedures for acquisitions involving mergers. Acquisitions of control involving mergers (including mergers with an interim association) shall also be subject to the procedures set forth in § 163.22 of this chapter to the extent applicable, except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section. (j) Additional procedures for acquisitions of recently converted savings associations. Notices and rebuttals involving acquisitions of the stock of a recently converted savings association under § 192.3(i)(3) of this chapter shall also address the criteria for approval set forth at § 192.3(i)(5) of this chapter. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 174.7 Determination by the OCC. (a) (1) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (3) [Reserved] (b) [Reserved] (c) [Reserved] (d) Notice criteria. In making its determination whether to disapprove a notice, the OCC may disapprove any proposed acquisition, if the OCC determines that: (1) The proposed acquisition of control would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the banking business in any part of the United States; (2) The effect of the proposed acquisition of control in any section of the country may be substantially to lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly or the proposed acquisition of control would in any other manner be in restraint of trade, and the anticompetitive effects of the proposed acquisition of control are not clearly VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served; (3) The financial condition of any acquiring person or company or the future prospects of the institution is such as might jeopardize the financial stability of the association or prejudice the interests of the depositors of the association; (4) The competence, experience, or integrity of the acquiring person or any of the proposed management personnel indicates that it would not be in the interests of the depositors of the association, the OCC, or the public to permit such person to control the association; (5) The acquiring person fails or refuses to furnish information requested by the OCC; or (6) The OCC determines that the proposed acquisition would have an adverse effect on the Deposit Insurance Fund. (e) Failure to disapprove a notice. If, upon expiration of the 60-day review period of any notice deemed to be sufficient filed pursuant to § 174.6(c), or extension thereof, the OCC has failed to disapprove such notice, the proposed acquisition may take place: Provided, That it is consummated within one year and in accordance with the terms and representations in the notice and that there is no material change in circumstances prior to the acquisition. (f) [Reserved] (g) Presumptive disqualifiers—(1) Integrity factors. The following factors shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that an acquiror may fail to satisfy the integrity test of paragraph (d)(4) of this section: (i) During the 10-year period immediately preceding filing of the notice, criminal, civil or administrative judgments, consents or orders, and any indictments, formal investigations, examinations, or civil or administrative proceedings (excluding routine or customary audits, inspections and investigations) that terminated in any agreements, undertakings, consents or orders, issued against, entered into by, or involving the acquiror or affiliates of the acquiror by any Federal or state court, any department, agency, or commission of the U.S. Government, any state or municipality, any Federal Home Loan Bank, any self-regulatory trade or professional organization, or any foreign government or governmental entity, which involve: (A) Fraud, moral turpitude, dishonesty, breach of trust or fiduciary duties, organized crime or racketeering; PO 00000 Frm 00201 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49149 (B) Violation of securities or commodities laws or regulations; (C) Violation of depository institution laws or regulations; (D) Violation of housing authority laws or regulations; or (E) Violation of the rules, regulations, codes of conduct or ethics of a selfregulatory trade or professional organization; (ii) Denial, or withdrawal after receipt of formal or informal notice of an intent to deny, by the acquiror or affiliates of the acquiror, of (A) Any application relating to the organization of a financial institution, (B) An application to acquire any financial institution or holding company thereof under the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act or the Bank Holding Company Act or otherwise, (C) A notice relating to a change in control of any of the foregoing under the Control Act or (D) An application or notice under a state holding company or change in control statute; (iii) The acquiror or affiliates of the acquiror were placed in receivership or conservatorship during the preceding 10 years, or any management official of the acquiror was a management official or director (other than an official or director serving at the request of the OCC, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Resolution Trust Corporation, or the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation) or controlling shareholder of a company or savings association that was placed into receivership, conservatorship, or a management consignment program, or was liquidated during his or her tenure or control or within two years thereafter; (iv) Felony conviction of the acquiror, an affiliate of the acquiror or a management official of the acquiror or an affiliate of the acquiror; (v) Knowingly making any written or oral statement to the OCC or any predecessor agency (or its delegate) in connection with a notice or other filing under this part that is false or misleading with respect to a material fact or omits to state a material fact with respect to information furnished or requested in connection with such a notice or other filing; (vi) Acquisition and retention at the time of submission of a notice, of stock in the savings association by the acquiror in violation of § 174.3 or its predecessor sections. (2) Financial factors. The following shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that an acquiror may fail to satisfy the financial condition test of paragraph (d)(3) of this section: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49150 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (i) Liability for amounts of debt which, in the opinion of the OCC, create excessive risks of default and pressure on the savings association to be acquired; or (ii) Failure to furnish a business plan or furnishing a business plan projecting activities which are inconsistent with economical home financing. § 174.8 [Reserved] Appendix A to Part 174—Rebuttal of Control Agreement Agreement sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Rebuttal of Rebuttable Determination of Control Under Part 174 I. WHEREAS A. [ ] is the owner of [ ] shares (the ‘‘Shares’’) of the [ ] stock (the ‘‘Stock’’) of [name and address of association], which Shares represent [ ] percent of a class of ‘‘voting stock’’ of [ ] as defined under the Acquisition of Control Regulations (‘‘Regulations’’) of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (‘‘OCC’’), 12 CFR part 174 (‘‘Voting Stock’’); B. [ ] is a ‘‘savings association’’ within the meaning of the Regulations; C. [ ] seeks to acquire additional shares of stock of [ ] (‘‘Additional Shares’’), such that [ ]’s ownership thereof will exceed 10 percent of a class of Voting Stock but will be less than 25 percent of a class of Voting Stock of [ ]; [and/or] [ ] seeks to [ ], which would constitute the acquisition of a ‘‘control factor’’ as defined in the Regulations (‘‘Control Factor’’); D. [ ] does not seek to acquire the [Additional Shares or Control Factor] for the purpose or effect of changing the control of [ ] or in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect; E. The Regulations require a company or a person who intends to hold 10 percent or more but less than 25 percent of any class of Voting Stock of a savings association or holding company thereof and that also would possess any of the Control Factors specified in the Regulations, to file and obtain clearance of a notice (‘‘Notice’’) under the Change in Control Act (‘‘Control Act’’), 12 U.S.C. 1817(j), prior to acquiring such amount of stock and a Control Factor unless the rebuttable determination of control has been rebutted. F. Under the Regulations, [ ] would be determined to be in control, subject to rebuttal, of [ ] upon acquisition of the [Additional Shares or Control Factor]; G. [ ] has no intention to manage or control, directly or indirectly, [ ]; H. [ ] has filed on [ ], a written statement seeking to rebut the determination of control, attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, (this submission referred to as the ‘‘Rebuttal’’); I. In order to rebut the rebuttable determination of contro1, [ ] agrees to offer this Agreement as evidence that the acquisition of the [Additional Shares or Control Factor] as proposed would not VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 constitute an acquisition of control under the Regulations. II. The OCC has determined, and hereby agrees, to act favorably on the Rebuttal, and in consideration of such a determination and agreement by the OCC to act favorably on the Rebuttal, [ ] and any other existing, resulting or successor entities of [ ] agree with the OCC that: A. Unless [ ] shall have filed a Notice under the Control Act, or an Application under the Holding Company Act, as appropriate, and shall have obtained clearance of the Notice in accordance with the Regulations, [ ] will not, except as expressly permitted otherwise herein or pursuant to an amendment to this Rebuttal Agreement: 1. Seek or accept representation of more than one member of the board of directors of [insert name of association and any holding company thereof]; 2. Have or seek to have any representative serve as the chairman of the board of directors, or chairman of an executive or similar committee of [insert name of association and any holding company thereof]’s board of directors or as president or chief executive officer of [insert name of association and any holding company thereof]; 3. Engage in any intercompany transaction with [ ] or [ ]’s affiliates; 4. Propose a director in opposition to nominees proposed by the management of [insert name of association and any holding company thereof] for the board of directors of [insert name of association and any holding company thereof] other than as permitted in paragraph A–1; 5. Solicit proxies or participate in any solicitation of proxies with respect to any matter presented to the stockholders [ ] other than in support of, or in opposition to, a solicitation conducted on behalf of management of [ ]; 6. Do any of the following, except as necessary solely in connection with [ ]’s performance of duties as a member of [ ]’s board of directors: (a) Influence or attempt to influence in any respect the loan and credit decisions or policies of [ ], the pricing of services, any personnel decisions, the location of any offices, branching, the hours of operation or similar activities of [ ]; (b) Influence or attempt to influence the dividend policies and practices of [ ] or any decisions or policies of [ ] as to the offering or exchange of any securities; (c) Seek to amend, or otherwise take action to change, the bylaws, articles of incorporation, or charter of [ ]; (d) Exercise, or attempt to exercise, directly or indirectly, control or a controlling influence over the management, policies or business operations of [ ]; or (e) Seek or accept access to any non-public information concerning [ ]. B. [ ] is not a party to any agreement with [ ]. C. [ ] shall not assist, aid or abet any of [ ]’s affiliates or associates that are not parties to this Agreement to act, or act in concert with any person or company, in a manner which is inconsistent with the terms PO 00000 Frm 00202 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 hereof or which constitutes an attempt to evade the requirements of this Agreement. D. Any amendment to this Agreement shall only be proposed in connection with an amended rebuttal filed by [ ] with the OCC for its determination; E. Prior to acquisition of any shares of ‘‘Voting Stock’’ of [ ] as defined in the Regulations in excess of the Additional Shares, any required filing will be made by [ ] under the Control Act or the Holding Company Act and either approval of the acquisition under the Holding Company Act or any Notice filed under the Control Act shall be cleared in accordance with applicable regulations; F. At any time during which 10 percent or more of any class of Voting Stock of [ ] is owned or controlled by [ ], no action which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement shall be taken by [ ] until [ ] files and either obtains a favorable determination with respect to either an amended rebuttal, approval of an Application under the Holding Company Act, or clearance of a Notice under the Control Act in accordance with applicable regulations; G. Where any amended rebuttal filed by [ ] is denied or disapproved, [ ] shall take no action which is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, except after either (1) reducing the amount of shares of Voting Stock of [ ] owned or controlled by [ ] to an amount under 10 percent of a class of Voting Stock, or immediately ceasing any other actions that give rise to a conclusive or rebuttable determination of control under the Regulations; or (2) filing a Notice under the Control Act or an Application under the Holding Company Act, as appropriate, and either obtaining clearance of the Notice or approval of the Application, in accordance with applicable regulations; H. Where any Notice filed by [ ] is disapproved, [ ] shall take no action which is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, except after reducing the amount of shares of Voting Stock of [ ] owned or controlled by [ ] to an amount under 10 percent of any class of Voting Stock, or immediately ceasing any other actions that give rise to a conclusive or rebuttable determination of control under the Regulations; I. Should circumstances beyond [ ]’s control result in [ ] being placed in a position to direct the management or policies of [ ], then [ ] shall either (1) promptly file a Notice under the Control Act or an Application under the Holding Company Act, as appropriate, and take no affirmative steps to enlarge that control pending either a final determination with respect to the Notice or Application, or (2) promptly reduce the amount of shares of [ ] Voting Stock owned or controlled by [ ] to an amount under 10 percent of any class of Voting Stock or immediately cease any actions that give rise to a conclusive or rebuttable determination of control under the Regulations; J. By entering into this Agreement and by offering it for reliance in reaching a decision on the request to rebut the presumption of control under the Regulations, as long as 10 percent or more of any class of Voting Stock E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations of [ ] is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by [ ], and [ ] possesses any Control Factor as defined in the Regulations, [ ] will submit to the jurisdiction of the Regulations, including (1) the filing of an amended rebuttal or Notice for any proposed action which is prohibited by this Agreement, and (2) the provisions relating to a penalty for any person who willfully violates or with reckless disregard for the safety or soundness of a savings association participates in a violation of the Control Act and the Regulations thereunder, and any regulation or order issued by the OCC. K. Any violation of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a violation of the [Control Act or Holding Company Act] and the Regulations, and shall be subject to such remedies and procedures as are provided in the [Control Act or Holding Company Act], as appropriate and the Regulations for a violation thereunder and in addition shall be subject to any such additional remedies and procedures as are provided under any other applicable statutes or regulations for a violation, willful or otherwise, of any agreement entered into with the OCC. III. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which counterparts collectively shall constitute one instrument representing the Agreement among the parties thereto. It shall not be necessary that any one counterpart be signed by all of the parties hereto as long as each of the parties has signed at least one counterpart. IV. This Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations of the OCC. V. This Agreement shall terminate upon (i) clearance by the OCC of [ ]’s Notice under the Control Act to acquire [ ], and consummation of the transaction as described in such Notice, (ii) in the disposition by [ ] of a sufficient number of shares of [ ], or (iii) the taking of such other action that thereafter [ ] is not in control and would not be determined to be in control of [ ] under the Control Act or the Regulations of the OCC as in effect at that time. VI. IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties thereto have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized officer. lllllllllllllllllllll [Acquiror] Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Date: llllllllllllllllll By: lllllllllllllllllll sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES PART 190—PREEMPTION OF STATE USURY LAWS Sec. 190.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. 190.2 Definitions. 190.3 Operation. 190.4 Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans—consumer protection provisions. 190.100 Status of Interpretations issued under Public Law 96–161. 190.101 State criminal usury statutes. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1735f–7a, 5412(b)(2)(B). § 190.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. (a) Authority. This part contains regulations issued under section 501 of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980, Public Law 96–221, 94 Stat. 161. (b) Purpose and scope. The purpose of this permanent preemption of state interest-rate ceilings applicable to Federally-related residential mortgage loans is to ensure that the availability of such loans is not impeded in states having restrictive interest limitations. This part applies to loans, mortgages, credit sales, and advances, secured by first liens on residential real property, stock in residential cooperative housing corporations, or residential manufactured homes as defined in § 190.2 of this part. § 190.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (a) Loans mean any loans, mortgages, credit sales, or advances. (b) Federally-related loans include any loan: (1) Made by any lender whose deposits or accounts are insured by any agency of the Federal government; (2) Made by any lender regulated by any agency of the Federal government; (3) Made by any lender approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for participation in any mortgage insurance program under the National Housing Act; (4) Made in whole or in part by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; insured, guaranteed, supplemented, or assisted in any way by the Secretary or any officer or agency of the Federal government, or made under or in connection with a housing or urban development program administered by the Secretary, or a housing or related program administered by any other such officer or agency; (5) Eligible for purchase by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Government National Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or made by any financial institution from which the loan could be purchased by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation; or (6) Made in whole or in part by any entity which: (i) Regularly extends, or arranges for the extension of, credit payable by agreement in more than four installments or for which the payment of a finance charge is or may be required; and PO 00000 Frm 00203 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49151 (ii) Makes or invests in residential real property loans, including loans secured by first liens on residential manufactured homes that aggregate more than $1,000,000 per year; except that the latter requirement shall not apply to such an entity selling residential manufactured homes and providing financing for such sales through loans or credit sales secured by first liens on residential manufactured homes, if the entity has an arrangement to sell such loans or credit sales in whole or in part, or where such loans or credit sales are sold in whole or in part, to a lender or other institution otherwise included in this section. (c) Loans which are secured by first liens on real estate means loans on the security of any instrument (whether a mortgage, deed of trust, or land contract) which makes the interest in real estate (whether in fee, or in a leasehold or subleasehold extending, or renewable, automatically or at the option of the holder or the lender, for a period of at least 5 years beyond the maturity of the loan) specific security for the payment of the obligation secured by the instrument: Provided, That the instrument is of such a nature that, in the event of default, the real estate described in the instrument could be subjected to the satisfaction of the obligation with the same priority as a first mortgage of a first deed of trust in the jurisdiction where the real estate is located. (d) Loans secured by first liens on stock in a residential cooperative housing corporation means loans on the security of: (1) A first security interest in stock or a membership certificate issued to a tenant stockholder or resident member by a cooperative housing organization; and (2) An assignment of the borrower’s interest in the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement issued by such organization. (e) Loans secured by first liens on residential manufactured homes means a loan made pursuant to an agreement by which the party extending the credit acquires a security interest in the residential manufactured home which will have priority over any conflicting security interest. (f) Residential real property means real estate improved or to be improved by a structure or structures designed primarily for dwelling, as opposed to commercial use. (g) Residential manufactured home shall mean a manufactured home as defined in the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49152 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Standards Act, 42 U.S.C. 5402(6), which is or will be used as a residence. (h) State means the several states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, except as provided in section 501(a)(2)(B) of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980, Public Law 96–221, 94 Stat. 161. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 190.3 Operation. (a) The provisions of the constitution or law of any state expressly limiting the rate or amount of interest, discount points, finance charges, or other charges which may be charged, taken, received, or reserved shall not apply to any Federally-related loan: (1) Made after March 31, 1980; and (2) Secured by a first lien on: (i) Residential real property; (ii) Stock in a residential cooperative housing corporation when the loan is used to finance the acquisition of such stock; or (iii) A residential manufactured home: Provided, That the loan so secured contains the consumer safeguards required by § 190.4 of this part; (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to loans made in any state on or before the date (after April 1, 1980 and prior to April l, 1983) on which the state adopts a law or certifies that the voters of such state have voted in favor of any law, constitutional or otherwise, which states explicitly and by its terms that such state does not want the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section to apply with respect to loans made in such state, except that— (1) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to any loan which is made after such date pursuant to a commitment therefore which was entered into during the period beginning on April 1, 1980, and ending on the date the state takes such action; (2) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to any rollover of a loan which loan was made, or committed to be made, during the period beginning on April 1, 1980, and ending on the date the state takes such action, if the mortgage document or loan note provided that the interest rate to the original borrower could be changed through the use of such a rollover; and (3) At any time after the date of adoption of these regulations, any state may adopt a provision of law placing limitations on discount points or such other charges on any loan described in this part. (c) Nothing in this section preempts limitations in state laws on prepayment VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 charges, attorneys’ fees, late charges or other provisions designed to protect borrowers. § 190.4 Federally-related residential manufactured housing loans—consumer protection provisions. (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (1) Prepayment. A ‘‘prepayment’’ occurs upon— (i) Refinancing or consolidation of the indebtedness; (ii) Actual prepayment of the indebtedness by the debtor, whether voluntarily or following acceleration of the payment obligation by the creditor; or (iii) The entry of a judgment for the indebtedness in favor of the creditor. (2) Actuarial method. The term actuarial method means the method of allocating payments made on a debt between the outstanding balance of the obligation and the finance charge pursuant to which a payment is applied first to the accumulated finance charge and any remainder is subtracted from, or any deficiency is added to, the outstanding balance of the obligation. (3) Precomputed Finance Charge. The term precomputed finance charge means interest or a time/price differential as computed by the add-on or discount method. Precomputed finance charges do not include loan fees, points, finder’s fees, or similar charges. (4) Creditor. The term creditor means any entity covered by this part, including those which regularly extend or arrange for the extension of credit and assignees that are creditors under section 501(a)(1)(C)(v) of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980. (b) General. (1) The provisions of the constitution or the laws of any state expressly limiting the rate or amount of interest, discount points, finance charges, or other charges which may be charged, taken, received, or reserved shall not apply to any loan, mortgage, credit sale, or advance which is secured by a first lien on a residential mobile home if a creditor covered by this part complies with the consumer protection regulations of this section. (2) Relation to state law. (i) In making loans or credit sales subject to this section, creditors shall comply with state and Federal law in accordance with the following: (A) State law regulating matters not covered by this section. When state law regulating matters not covered by this section is otherwise applicable to a loan or credit sale subject to this section, creditors shall comply with such state law provisions. PO 00000 Frm 00204 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (B) State law regulating matters covered by this section. Creditors need comply only with the provisions of this section, unless the OCC determines that an otherwise applicable state law regulating matters covered by this section provides greater protection to consumers. Such determinations shall be published in the Federal Register and shall operate prospectively. (ii) Any interested party may petition the OCC for a determination that state law requirements are more protective of consumers than the provisions of this section. Petitions shall include: (A) A copy of the state law to be considered; (B) Copies of any relevant judicial, regulatory, or administrative interpretations of the state law; and (C) An opinion or memorandum from the state Attorney General or other appropriate state official having primary enforcement responsibilities for the subject state law provision, indicating how the state law to be considered offers greater protection to consumers than the OCC’s regulation. (c) Refund of precomputed finance charge. In the event the entire indebtedness is prepaid, the unearned portion of the precomputed finance charge shall be refunded to the debtor. This refund shall be in an amount not less than the amount which would be refunded if the unearned precomputed finance charge were calculated in accordance with the actuarial method, except that the debtor shall not be entitled to a refund which, is less than one dollar. The unearned portion of the precomputed finance charge is, at the option of the creditor, either: (1) That portion of the precomputed finance charge which is allocable to all unexpired payment periods as originally scheduled, or if deferred, as deferred. A payment period shall be deemed unexpired if prepayment is made within 15 days after the payment period’s scheduled due date. The unearned precomputed finance charge is the total of that which would have been earned for each such period had the loan not been precomputed, by applying to unpaid balances of principal, according to the actuarial method, an annual percentage rate based on those charges which are considered precomputed finance charges in this section, assuming that all payments were made as originally scheduled, or as deferred, if deferred. The creditor, at its option, may round this annual percentage rate to the nearest one-quarter of one percent; or (2) The total precomputed finance charge less the earned precomputed finance charge. The earned E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations precomputed finance charge shall be determined by applying an annual percentage rate based on the total precomputed finance charge (as that term is defined in this section), under the actuarial method, to the unpaid balances for the actual time those balances were unpaid up to the date of prepayment. If a late charge or deferral fee has been collected, it shall be treated as a payment. (d) Prepayment penalties. A debtor may prepay in full or in part the unpaid balance of the loan at any time without penalty. The right to prepay shall be disclosed in the loan contract in type larger than that used for the body of the document. (e) Balloon payments— (1) Federal savings associations. Federal savings association creditors may enter into agreements with debtors which provide for non-amortized and partiallyamortized loans on residential manufactured homes, and such loans shall be governed by the provisions of this section and 12 CFR 560.220 until superseding regulations are issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding the Alternative Mortgage Transactions Parity Act. (2) Other creditors. All other creditors may enter into agreements with debtors which provide for non-amortized and partially-amortized loans on residential manufactured homes to the extent authorized by applicable Federal or state law or regulation. (f) Late charges. (1) No late charge may be assessed, imposed, or collected unless provided for by written contract between the creditor and debtor. (2) To the extent that applicable state law does not provide for a longer period of time, no late charge may be collected on an installment which is paid in full on or before the 15th day after its scheduled or deferred due date even though an earlier maturing installment or a late charge on an earlier installment may not have been paid in full. For purposes of assessing late charges, payments received are deemed to be applied first to current installments. (3) A late charge may be imposed only once on an installment; however, no such charge may be collected for a late installment which has been deferred. (4) To the extent that applicable state law does not provide for a lower charge or a longer grace period, a late charge on any installment not paid in full on or before the 15th day after its scheduled or deferred due date may not exceed five percent of the unpaid amount of the installment. (5) If, at any time after imposition of a late charge, the lender provides the borrower with written notice regarding VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 amounts claimed to be due but unpaid, the notice shall separately state the total of all late charges claimed. (6) Interest after the final scheduled maturity date may not exceed the maximum rate otherwise allowable under state law for such contracts, and if such interest is charged, no separate late charge may be made on the final scheduled installment. (g) Deferral fees. (1) With respect to mobile home credit transactions containing precomputed finance charges, agreements providing for deferral of all or part of one or more installments shall be in writing, signed by the parties, and (i) Provide, to the extent that applicable state law does not provide for a lower charge, for a charge not exceeding one percent of each installment or part thereof for each month from the date when such installment was due to the date when it is agreed to become payable and proportionately for a part of each month, counting each day as 1/30th of a month; (ii) Incorporate by reference the transaction to which the deferral applied; (iii) Disclose each installment or part thereof in the amount to be deferred, the date or dates originally payable, and the date or dates agreed to become payable: and (iv) Set forth the fact of the deferral charge, the dollar amount of the charge for each installment to be deferred, and the total dollar amount to be paid by the debtor for the privilege of deferring payment. (2) No term of a writing executed by the debtor shall constitute authority for a creditor unilaterally to grant a deferral with respect to which a charge is to be imposed or collected. (3) The deferral period is that period of time in which no payment is required or made by reason of the deferral. (4) Payments received with respect to deferred installments shall be deemed to be applied first to deferred installments. (5) A charge may not be collected for the deferral of an installment or any part thereof if, with respect to that installment, a refinancing or consolidation agreement is concluded by the parties, or a late charge has been imposed or collected, unless such late charge is refunded to the borrower or credited to the deferral charge. (h) Notice before repossession, foreclosure, or acceleration. (1) Except in the case of abandonment or other extreme circumstances, no action to repossess or foreclose, or to accelerate payment of the entire outstanding balance of the obligation, may be taken PO 00000 Frm 00205 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49153 against the debtor until 30 days after the creditor sends the debtor a notice of default in the form set forth in paragraph (h)(2) of this section. Such notice shall be sent by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. In the case of default on payments, the sum stated in the notice may only include payments in default and applicable late or deferral charges. If the debtor cures the default within 30 days of the postmark of the notice and subsequently defaults a second time, the creditor shall again give notice as described in this paragraph (h)(1). The debtor is not entitled to notice of default more than twice in any one-year period. (2) The notice in the following form shall state the nature of the default, the action the debtor must take to cure the default, the creditor’s intended actions upon failure of the debtor to cure the default, and the debtor’s right to redeem under state law. To: Date: , 20 Notice of Default and Right To Cure Default Name, address, and telephone number of creditor Account number, if any Brief identification of credit transaction You are now in default on this credit transaction. You have a right to correct this default within 30 days from the postmarked date of this notice. If you correct the default, you may continue with the contract as though you did not default. Your default consists of: Describe default alleged Cure of default: Within 30 days from the postmarked date of this notice, you may cure your default by (describe the acts necessary for cure, including, if applicable, the amount of payment required, including itemized delinquency or deferral charges). Creditor’s rights: If you do not correct your default in the time allowed, we may exercise our rights against you under the law by (describe action creditor intends to take). If you have any questions, write (the creditor) at the above address or call (creditor’s designated employee) at (telephone number) between the hours of and on (state days of week). If this default was caused by your failure to make a payment or payments, and you want to pay by mail, please send a check or money order; do not send cash. § 190.100 Status of Interpretations issued under Public Law 96–161. The OCC continues to adhere to the views expressed in the formal E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49154 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Interpretations issued under the authority of section 105(c) of Public Law 96–161, 93 Stat. 1233 (1979). These interpretations, which relate to the temporary preemption of state interest ceilings contained in Public Law 96– 161, may be found at 45 FR 2840 (Jan. 15, 1980); 45 FR 6165 (Jan. 25, 1980); 45 FR 8000 (Feb. 6, 1980); 45 FR 15921 (Mar. 12, 1980). § 190.101 State criminal usury statutes. (a) Section 501 provides that ‘‘the provisions of the constitution or laws of any state expressly limiting the rate or amount of interest, discount points, finance charges, or other charges shall not apply to any’’ Federally-related loan secured by a first lien on residential real property, a residential manufactured home, or all the stock allocated to a dwelling unit in a residential housing cooperative. 12 U.S.C. 1735f–7 note (Supp. IV 1980). The question has arisen as to whether the Federal statute preempts a state law which deems it a criminal offense to charge interest at a rate in excess of that specified in the state law. (b) Section 501 preempts all state laws which expressly limit the rate or amount of interest chargeable on a Federally-related residential first mortgage. It does not matter whether the statute in question imposes criminal or civil sanctions; section 501, by its terms, preempts ‘‘any’’ state law which imposes a ceiling on interest rates. The wording of the Federal statute clearly expresses an intent to displace all direct state law restraints on interest. Any state law that conflicts with this Congressional purpose must yield. PART 191—PREEMPTION OF STATE DUE-ON-SALE LAWS Sec. 191.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. 191.2 Definitions. 191.3 Loans originated by Federal savings associations. 191.4 Loans originated by lenders other than Federal savings associations. 191.5 Limitation on exercise of due-on-sale clauses. 191.6 Interpretations. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1464, 1701j–3, and 5412(b)(2)(B). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 191.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. (a) Authority. This part contains regulations issued under section 5 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended, and under section 341 of the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, Public Law 97–320, 96 Stat. 1469, 1505–1507. (b) Purpose and scope. The purpose of this permanent preemption of state VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 prohibitions on the exercise of due-onsale clauses by all lenders, whether Federally- or state-chartered, is to reaffirm the authority of Federal savings associations to enforce due-on-sale clauses, and to confer on other lenders generally comparable authority with respect to the exercise of such clauses. This part applies to all real property loans, and all lenders making such loans, as those terms are defined in § 191.2 of this part. § 191.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (a) Assumed includes transfers of real property subject to a real property loan by assumptions, installment land sales contracts, wraparound loans, contracts for deed, transfers subject to the mortgage or similar lien, and other like transfers. ‘‘Completed credit application’’ has the same meaning as completed application for credit as provided in § 202.2(f) of this title. (b) Due-on-sale clause means a contract provision which authorizes the lender, at its option, to declare immediately due and payable sums secured by the lender’s security instrument upon a sale of transfer of all or any part of the real property securing the loan without the lender’s prior written consent. For purposes of this definition, a sale or transfer means the conveyance of real property of any right, title or interest therein, whether legal or equitable, whether voluntary or involuntary, by outright sale, deed, installment sale contract, land contract, contract for deed, leasehold interest with a term greater than three years, lease-option contract or any other method of conveyance of real property interests. (c) Federal savings association has the same meaning as provided in § 141.11 of this chapter. (d) Federal credit union means a credit union chartered under the Federal Credit Union Act. (e) Home has the same meaning as provided in § 141.14 of this chapter. (f) Savings association has the same meaning as provided in § 161.43 of this chapter. (g) Lender means a person or government agency making a real property loan, including without limitation, individuals, Federal savings associations, state-chartered savings associations, national banks, statechartered banks and state-chartered mutual savings banks, Federal credit unions, state-chartered credit unions, mortgage banks, insurance companies and finance companies which make real property loans, manufactured-home PO 00000 Frm 00206 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 retailers who extend credit, agencies of the Federal government, any lender approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for participation in any mortgage insurance program under the National Housing Act, and any assignee or transferee, in whole or part, of any such persons or agencies. (h) Loan secured by a lien on real property means a loan on the security of any instrument (whether a mortgage, deed or trust, or land contract) which makes the interest in real property (whether in fee, or in a leasehold or subleasehold) specific security for the payment of the obligation secured by the instrument. (i) Loan secured by a lien on stock in a residential cooperative housing corporation means a loan on the security of: (1) A security interest in stock or a membership certificate issued to a tenant stockholder or resident member by a cooperative housing organization; and (2) An assignment of the borrower’s interest in the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement issued by such organization. (j) Loan secured by a lien on a residential manufactured home, whether real or personal property, means a loan made pursuant to an agreement by which the party extending the credit acquires a security interest in the residential manufactured home. (k) Loan originated by a Federal savings association or other lender means any loan for which the lender makes the first advance of credit thereunder, Provided, That such lender then held a beneficial interest in the loan, whether as to the whole loan or a portion thereof, and whether or not the loan is later held by or transferred to another lender. (l) Real property loan means any loan, mortgage, advance or credit sale secured by a lien on real property, the stock or membership certificate allocated to a dwelling unit in a cooperative housing corporation, or a residential manufactured home, whether real or personal property. (m) Residential manufactured home has the same meaning as provided in § 190.2(g) of this chapter. (n) Reverse mortgage means an instrument that provides for one or more payments to a homeowner based on accumulated equity. The lender may make payment directly, through the purchase of an annuity through an insurance company, or in any other manner. The loan may be due either on a specific date or when a specified event E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations occurs, such as the sale of the property or the death of the borrower. (o) State means the several states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. (p)(1) A window-period loan means a real property loan, not originated by a Federal savings association, which was made or assumed during a windowperiod created by state law and subject to that law, which loan was recorded, at the time of origination or assumption, before October 15, 1982, or within 60 days thereafter (December 14, 1982). (2) The window-period begins on: (i) The date a state adopted a law (by means of a constitutional provision or statute) prohibiting the unrestricted exercise of due-on-sale clauses upon outright transfers of property securing loans subject to the state law creating the window-period, or the effective date of a constitutional or statutory provision so adopted, whichever is later; or (ii) The date on which the highest court of the state rendered a decision prohibiting such unrestricted exercise (or if the highest court has not so decided, the date on which the next highest appellate court rendered a decision resulting in a final judgment which applies statewide), and ends on the earlier of the date such state law prohibition terminated under state law or October 15, 1982. (3) Categories of state law which create window-periods by prohibiting the unrestricted exercise of due-on-sale clauses upon outright transfers of property securing loans subject to such state law restrictions include laws or judicial decisions which permit the lender to exercise its option under a due-on-sale clause only where: (i) The lender’s security interest or the likelihood of repayment is impaired; or (ii) The lender is required to accept an assumption of the existing loan without an interest-rate change or with an interest-rate change below the market interest rate currently being offered by the lender on similar loans secured by similar property at the time of the transfer. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 191.3 Loans originated by Federal savings associations. (a) With regard to any real property loan originated or to be originated by a Federal savings association, as a matter of contract between it and the borrower, a Federal savings association continues to have the power to include a due-onsale clause in its loan instrument. (b) Except as otherwise provided in § 191.5 of this part with respect to any VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 such loan made on the security of a home occupied or to be occupied by the borrower, exercise by any lender of a due-on-sale clause in a loan originated by a Federal savings association shall be exclusively governed by the terms of the loan contract, and all rights and remedies of the lender and borrower shall at all times be fixed and governed by that contract. § 191.4 Loans originated by lenders other than Federal savings associations. (a) With regard to any real property loan originated by a lender other than a Federal savings association, as a matter of contract between it and the borrower, the lender has the power to include a due on sale clause in its loan instrument. (b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of this section and § 191.5 of this part, the exercise of due-on-sale clauses in loans originated by lenders other than Federal savings associations shall be governed exclusively by the terms of the loan contract, and all rights and remedies of the lender and the borrower shall be fixed and governed by that contract. (c)(1) In the case of a window-period loan, the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section shall apply only in the case of a sale or transfer of the property subject to the real property loan and only if such sale or transfer occurs on or after October 15, 1985: Provided, That: (i) With respect to real property loans originated in a state by lenders other than national banks, Federal savings associations, and Federal credit unions, a state may otherwise regulate such contracts by state law enacted prior to October 16, 1985, in which case paragraph (b) of this section shall apply only if such state law so provides; and (ii) With respect to real property loans originated by national banks and Federal credit unions, the OCC or the National Credit Union Administration Board, respectively, may otherwise regulate such contracts by regulations promulgated prior to October 16, 1985, in which case paragraph (b) of this section shall apply only if such regulation so provides. (2) A lender may not exercise its options pursuant to a due-on-sale clause contained in a window-period loan in the case of a sale or transfer of property securing such loan where the sale or transfer occurred prior to October 15, 1982. (d)(1) Prior to the sale or transfer of property securing a window-period loan subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. PO 00000 Frm 00207 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49155 (i) Any lender in the business of making real property loans may require any successor or transferee of the borrower to supply credit information customarily required by the lender in connection with credit applications, to complete its customary credit application, and to meet customary credit standards applied by such lender, at the date of sale or transfer, to the lender’s similar loans secured by similar property. (ii) Any lender not in the business of making loans may require any successor or transferee of the borrower to meet credit standards customarily applied by other similarly situated lenders or sellers in the geographic market within which the transaction occurs, for similar loans secured by similar property, prior to the lender’s consent to the transfer. (2) The lender may exercise a due-onsale clause in a window-period loan if: (i) The successor or transferee of the borrower fails to meet the lender’s credit standards as set forth in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section; or (ii) Upon transfer of the security property and not later than fifteen days after written request by the lender, the successor or transferee of the borrower fails to provide information requested by the lender pursuant to paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) of this section, to determine whether such successor or transferee of the borrower meets the lender’s customary credit standards. (3) The lender shall, within thirty days of receipt of a completed credit application and any other related information provided by the successor or transferee of the borrower, determine whether such successor or transferee meets the customary credit standards of the lender and provide written notice to the successor or transferee of its decision, and the reasons in the event of a disapproval. Failure of the lender to provide such notice shall preclude the lender from exercise of its due-on-sale clause upon the sale or transfer of the property securing the loan. (4) The lender’s right to exercise a due-on-sale clause pursuant to this paragraph (d)(4) is in addition to any other rights afforded the lender by state law regulating window-period loans with regard to the exercise of due-onsale clauses and loan assumptions. § 191.5 Limitation on exercise of due-onsale clauses. (a) General. Except as provided in § 191.4(c) and (d)(4) of this part, due-onsale practices of Federal savings associations and other lenders shall be governed exclusively by the OCC’s regulations, in preemption of and without regard to any limitations E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49156 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations imposed by state law on either their inclusion or exercise including, without limitation, state law prohibitions against restraints on alienation, prohibitions against penalties and forfeitures, equitable restrictions and state law dealing with equitable transfers. (b) Specific limitations. With respect to any loan on the security of a home occupied or to be occupied by the borrower, (1) A lender shall not (except with regard to a reverse mortgage) exercise its option pursuant to a due-on-sale clause upon: (i) The creation of a lien or other encumbrance subordinate to the lender’s security instrument which does not relate to a transfer of rights of occupancy in the property: Provided, That such lien or encumbrance is not created pursuant to a contract for deed; (ii) The creation of a purchase-money security interest for household appliances; (iii) A transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety; (iv) The granting of a leasehold interest which has a term of three years or less and which does not contain an option to purchase (that is, either a lease of more than three years or a lease with an option to purchase will allow the exercise of a due-on-sale clause); (v) A transfer, in which the transferee is a person who occupies or will occupy the property, which is: (A) A transfer to a relative resulting from the death of the borrower; (B) A transfer where the spouse or child(ren) becomes an owner of the property; or (C) A transfer resulting from a decree of dissolution of marriage, legal separation agreement, or from an incidental property settlement agreement by which the spouse becomes an owner of the property; or (vi) A transfer into an inter vivos trust in which the borrower is and remains the beneficiary and occupant of the property, unless, as a condition precedent to such transfer, the borrower refuses to provide the lender with reasonable means acceptable to the lender by which the lender will be assured of timely notice of any subsequent transfer of the beneficial interest or change in occupancy. (2) A lender shall not impose a prepayment penalty or equivalent fee when the lender or party acting on behalf of the lender. (i) Declares by written notice that the loan is due pursuant to a due-on-sale clause or (ii) Commences a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure proceeding to VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 enforce a due-on-sale clause or to seek payment in full as a result of invoking such clause. (3) A lender shall not impose a prepayment penalty or equivalent fee when the lender or party acting on behalf of the lender fails to approve within 30 days the completed credit application of a qualified transferee of the security property to assume the loan in accordance with the terms of the loan, and thereafter the borrower transfers the security property to such transferee and prepays the loan in full within 120 days after receipt by the lender of the completed credit application. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(3), a qualified transferee is a person who qualifies for the loan under the lender’s applicable underwriting standards and who occupies or will occupy the security property. (4) A lender waives its option to exercise a due-on-sale clause as to a specific transfer if, before the transfer, the lender and the existing borrower’s prospective successor in interest agree in writing that the successor in interest will be obligated under the terms of the loan and that interest on sums secured by the lender’s security interest will be payable at a rate the lender shall request. Upon such agreement and resultant waiver, a lender shall release the existing borrower from all obligations under the loan instruments, and the lender is deemed to have made a new loan to the existing borrower’s successor in interest. The waiver and release apply to all loans secured by homes occupied by borrowers made by a Federal savings association after July 31, 1976, and to all loans secured by homes occupied by borrowers made by other lenders after the effective date of this regulation. (5) Nothing in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be construed to restrict a lender’s right to enforce a due-on-sale clause upon the subsequent occurrence of any event which disqualifies a transfer for a previously-applicable exception under that paragraph (b)(1). (c) Policy considerations. Paragraph (b) of this section does not prohibit a lender from requiring, as a condition to an assumption, continued maintenance of mortgage insurance by the existing borrower’s successor in interest, whether by endorsement of the existing policy or by entrance into a new contract of insurance. § 191.6 Frm 00208 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 PART 192—CONVERSIONS FROM MUTUAL TO STOCK FORM Sec. 192.5 What does this part do? 192.10 May I form a holding company as part of my conversion? 192.15 May I form a charitable organization as part of my conversion? 192.20 May I acquire another insured stock depository institution as part of my conversion? 192.25 What definitions apply to this part? Subpart A—Standard Conversions Prior to Conversion 192.100 What must I do before a conversion? 192.105 What information must I include in my business plan? 192.110 Who must review my business plan? 192.115 How will the appropriate Federal banking agency review my business plan? 192.120 May I discuss my plans to convert with others? Plan of Conversion 192.125 Must my board of directors adopt a plan of conversion? 192.130 What must I include in my plan of conversion? 192.135 How do I notify my members that my board of directors approved a plan of conversion? 192.140 May I amend my plan of conversion? Filing Requirements 192.150 What must I include in my application for conversion? 192.155 How do I file my application for conversion? 192.160 May I keep portions of my application for conversion confidential? 192.165 How do I amend my application for conversion? Notice of Filing of Application and Comment Process 192.180 How do I notify the public that I filed an application for conversion? 192.185 How may a person comment on my application for conversion? Appropriate Federal Banking Agency Review of the Application for Conversion 192.200 What actions may the appropriate Federal banking agency take on my application? 192.205 May a court review the appropriate Federal banking agency’s final action on my conversion? Vote by Members Interpretations. The OCC periodically will publish Interpretations under section 341 of the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, Public Law 97–320, 96 Stat. PO 00000 1469, 1505–1507, in the Federal Register in response to written requests sent to the OCC. 192.225 Must I submit the plan of conversion to my members for approval? 192.230 Who is eligible to vote? 192.235 How must I notify my members of the meeting? E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations 192.240 What must I submit to the appropriate Federal banking agency after the members’ meeting? Proxy Solicitation 192.250 Who must comply with these proxy solicitation provisions? 192.255 What must the form of proxy include? 192.260 May I use previously executed proxies? 192.265 How may I use proxies executed under this part? 192.270 What must I include in my proxy statement? 192.275 Filing How do I file revised proxy materials? 192.280 Must I mail a member’s proxy solicitation material? 192.285 What solicitations are prohibited? 192.290 What will the appropriate Federal banking agency do if a solicitation violates these prohibitions? 192.295 Will the appropriate Federal banking agency require me to re-solicit proxies? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Offering Circular 192.300 What must happen before the appropriate Federal banking agency declares my offering circular effective? 192.305 When may I distribute the offering circular? 192.310 When must I file a post-effective amendment to the offering circular? Offers and Sales of Stock 192.320 Who has priority to purchase my conversion shares? 192.325 When may I offer to sell my conversion shares? 192.330 How do I price my conversion shares? 192.335 How do I sell my conversion shares? 192.340 What sales practices are prohibited? 192.345 How may a subscriber pay for my conversion shares? 192.350 Must I pay interest on payments for conversion shares? 192.355 What subscription rights must I give to each eligible account holder and each supplemental eligible account holder? 192.360 Are my officers, directors, and their associates eligible account holders? 192.365 May other voting members purchase conversion shares in the conversion? 192.370 Does the appropriate Federal banking agency limit the aggregate purchases by officers, directors, and their associates? 192.375 How do I allocate my conversion shares if my shares are oversubscribed? 192.380 May my employee stock ownership plan purchase conversion shares? 192.385 May I impose any purchase limitations? 192.390 Must I provide a purchase preference to persons in my local community? 192.395 What other conditions apply when I offer conversion shares in a community offering, a public offering, or both? VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Completion of the Offering 192.400 When must I complete the sale of my stock? 192.405 How do I extend the offering period? Completion of the Conversion 192.420 When must I complete my conversion? 192.425 Who may terminate the conversion? 192.430 What happens to my old charter? 192.435 What happens to my corporate existence after conversion? 192.440 What voting rights must I provide to stockholders after the conversion? 192.445 What must I provide my savings account holders? Liquidation Account 192.450 What is a liquidation account? 192.455 What is the initial balance of the liquidation account? 192.460 How do I determine the initial balances of liquidation sub-accounts? 192.465 Do account holders retain any voting rights based on their liquidation sub-accounts? 192.470 Must I adjust liquidation subaccounts? 192.475 What is a liquidation? 192.480 Does the liquidation account affect my net worth? 192.485 What provision must I include in my new Federal charter? Post-Conversion 192.500 What management stock benefit plans may I implement? 192.505 May my directors, officers, and their associates freely trade shares? 192.510 May I repurchase shares after conversion? 192.515 What information must I provide to the appropriate Federal banking agency before I repurchase my shares? 192.520 May I declare or pay dividends after I convert? 192.525 Who may acquire my shares after I convert? 192.530 What other requirements apply after I convert? Contributions to Charitable Organizations 192.550 May I donate conversion shares or conversion proceeds to a charitable organization? 192.555 How do my members approve a charitable contribution? 192.560 How much may I contribute to a charitable organization? 192.565 What must the charitable organization include in its organizational documents? 192.570 How do I address conflicts of interest involving my directors? 192.575 What other requirements apply to charitable organizations? Subpart B—Voluntary Supervisory Conversions 192.600 What does this subpart do? 192.605 How may I conduct a voluntary supervisory conversion? 192.610 Do my members have rights in a voluntary supervisory conversion? PO 00000 Frm 00209 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49157 Eligibility 192.625 When is a savings association eligible for a voluntary supervisory conversion? 192.630 When is a state-chartered savings bank eligible for a voluntary supervisory conversion? Plan of Supervisory Conversion 192.650 What must I include in my plan of voluntary supervisory conversion? Voluntary Supervisory Conversion Application 192.660 What must I include in my voluntary supervisory conversion application? Appropriate Federal banking agency review of the Voluntary Supervisory Conversion Application 192.670 Will the appropriate Federal banking agency approve my voluntary supervisory conversion application? 192.675 What conditions will the appropriate Federal banking agency impose on an approval? Offers and Sales of Stock 192.680 How do I sell my shares? Post-Conversion 192.690 Who may not acquire additional shares after the voluntary supervisory conversion? Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 2901, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78c, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78w. § 192.5 What does this part do? (a) General. This part governs how a savings association (‘‘you’’) may convert from the mutual to the stock form of ownership. Subpart A of this part governs standard mutual-to-stock conversions. Subpart B of this part governs voluntary supervisory mutualto-stock conversions. This part supersedes all inconsistent charter and bylaw provisions of Federal savings associations converting to stock form. (b) Prescribed forms. You must use the forms prescribed under this part and provide such information as the appropriate Federal banking agency may require under the forms by regulation or otherwise. The forms required under this part include: Form AC (Application for Conversion); Form PS (Proxy Statement); Form OC (Offering Circular); and Form OF (Order Form). Forms are available on the OCC’s web site at https://www.occ.gov. (c) Waivers. The appropriate Federal banking agency may waive any requirement of this part or a provision in any prescribed form. To obtain a waiver, you must file a written request with the appropriate Federal banking agency that: (1) Specifies the requirement(s) or provision(s) you want the appropriate Federal banking agency to waive; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49158 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) Demonstrates that the waiver is equitable; is not detrimental to you, your account holders, or other savings associations; and is not contrary to the public interest; and (3) Includes an opinion of counsel demonstrating that applicable law does not conflict with the requirement or provision. § 192.10 May I form a holding company as part of my conversion. You may convert to the stock form of ownership as part of a transaction where you organize a holding company to acquire all of your shares upon their issuance. In such a transaction, your holding company will offer rights to purchase its shares instead of your shares. Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System address holding company application requirements. § 192.15 May I form a charitable organization as part of my conversion? When you convert to the stock form, you may form a charitable organization. Your contributions to the charitable organization are governed by the requirements of §§ 192.550 through 192.575. § 192.20 May I acquire another insured stock depository institution as part of my conversion? When you convert to stock form, you may acquire for cash or stock another insured depository institution that is already in the stock form of ownership. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.25 part?. What definitions apply to this The following definitions apply to this part and the forms prescribed under this part: Acting in concert has the same meaning as in § 174.2(c) of this chapter. The rebuttable presumptions of § 174.4(d) of this chapter, other than §§ 174.4(d)(1) and (d)(2) of this chapter, apply to the share purchase limitations at §§ 192.355 through 192.395. Affiliate of, or a person affiliated with, a specified person is a person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the specified person. Associate of a person is: (1) A corporation or organization (other than you or your majority-owned subsidiaries), if the person is a senior officer or partner, or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10 percent or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization. (2) A trust or other estate, if the person has a substantial beneficial interest in the trust or estate or is a VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 trustee or fiduciary of the trust or estate. For purposes of §§ 192.370, 192.380, 192.385, 192.390, 192.395 and 192.505, a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in your tax-qualified or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan, or who is a trustee or a fiduciary of the plan, is not an associate of the plan. For the purposes of § 192.370, your tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan is not an associate of a person. (3) Any person who is related by blood or marriage to such person and: (i) Who lives in the same home as the person; or (ii) Who is your director or senior officer, or a director or senior officer of your holding company or your subsidiary. Association members or members are persons who, under applicable law, are eligible to vote at the meeting on conversion. Control (including controlling, controlled by, and under common control with ) means the direct or indirect power to direct or exercise a controlling influence over the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise as described in part 174 of this chapter. Eligibility record date is the date for determining eligible account holders. The eligibility record date must be at least one year before the date your board of directors adopts the plan of conversion. Eligible account holders are any persons holding qualifying deposits on the eligibility record date. IRS is the Internal Revenue Service. Local community includes: (1) Every county, parish, or similar governmental subdivision in which you have a home or branch office; (2) Each county’s, parish’s, or subdivision’s metropolitan statistical area; (3) All zip code areas in your Community Reinvestment Act assessment area; and (4) Any other area or category you set out in your plan of conversion, as approved by the appropriate Federal banking agency. Offer, offer to sell, or offer for sale is an attempt or offer to dispose of, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a security or interest in a security for value. Preliminary negotiations or agreements with an underwriter, or among underwriters who are or will be in privity of contract with you, are not offers, offers to sell, or offers for sale. Person is an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint- PO 00000 Frm 00210 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization, or a government or political subdivision of a government. Proxy soliciting material includes a proxy statement, form of proxy, or other written or oral communication regarding the conversion. Purchase or buy includes every contract to acquire a security or interest in a security for value. Qualifying deposit is the total balance in an account holder’s savings accounts at the close of business on the eligibility or supplemental eligibility record date. Your plan of conversion may provide that only savings accounts with total deposit balances of $50 or more will qualify. Sale or sell includes every contract to dispose of a security or interest in a security for value. An exchange of securities in a merger or acquisition approved by the appropriate Federal banking agency is not a sale. Savings account is any withdrawable account as defined in § 161.42 of this chapter, including a demand account as defined in § 161.16 of this chapter. Solicitation and solicit is a request for a proxy, whether or not accompanied by or included in a form of proxy; a request to execute, not execute, or revoke a proxy; or the furnishing of a form of proxy or other communication reasonably calculated to cause your members to procure, withhold, or revoke a proxy. Solicitation or solicit does not include providing a form of proxy at the unsolicited request of a member, the acts required to mail communications for members, or ministerial acts performed on behalf of a person soliciting a proxy. Subscription offering is the offering of shares through nontransferable subscription rights to: (1) Eligible account holders under § 192.355; (2) Tax-qualified employee stock ownership plans under § 192.380; (3) Supplemental eligible account holders under § 192.355; and (4) Other voting members under § 192.365. Supplemental eligibility record date is the date for determining supplemental eligible account holders. The supplemental eligibility record date is the last day of the calendar quarter before the appropriate Federal banking agency approves your conversion and will only occur if such agency has not approved your conversion within 15 months after the eligibility record date. Supplemental eligible account holders are any persons, except your officers, directors, and their associates, E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations holding qualifying deposits on the supplemental eligibility record date. Tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan is any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan, such as an employee stock ownership plan, stock bonus plan, profit-sharing plan, or other plan, and a related trust, that is qualified under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 401). Underwriter is any person who purchases any securities from you with a view to distributing the securities, offers or sells securities for you in connection with the securities’ distribution, or participates or has a direct or indirect participation in the direct or indirect underwriting of any such undertaking. Underwriter does not include a person whose interest is limited to a usual and customary distributor’s or seller’s commission from an underwriter or dealer. Subpart A—Standard Conversions Prior to Conversion § 192.100 What must I do before a conversion? (a) Your board, or a subcommittee of your board, must meet with the appropriate Federal banking agency before you pass your plan of conversion. The meeting may occur at the appropriate Federal banking agency or your offices at your option. At that meeting you must provide the appropriate Federal banking agency with a written strategic plan that outlines the objectives of the proposed conversion and the intended use of the conversion proceeds. (b) You should also consult with the appropriate Federal banking agency before you file your application for conversion. The appropriate Federal banking agency will discuss the information that you must include in the application for conversion, general issues that you may confront in the conversion process, and any other pertinent issues. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.105 What information must I include in my business plan? (a) Prior to filing an application for conversion, you must adopt a business plan reflecting your intended plans for deployment of the proposed conversion proceeds. Your business plan is required, under § 192.150, to be included in your conversion application. At a minimum, your business plan must address: (1) Your projected operations and activities for three years following the conversion. You must describe how you will deploy the conversion proceeds at the converted savings association (and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 holding company, if applicable), what opportunities are available to reasonably achieve your planned deployment of conversion proceeds in your proposed market areas, and how your deployment will provide a reasonable return on investment commensurate with investment risk, investor expectations, and industry norms, by the final year of the business plan. You must include three years of projected financial statements. The business plan must provide that the converted savings association must retain at least 50 percent of the net conversion proceeds. The appropriate Federal banking agency may require that a larger percentage of proceeds remain in the institution. (2) Your plan for deploying conversion proceeds to meet credit and lending needs in your proposed market areas. The appropriate Federal banking agencies strongly discourage business plans that provide for a substantial investment in mortgage securities or other securities, except as an interim measure to facilitate orderly, prudent deployment of proceeds during the three years following the conversion, or as part of a properly managed leverage strategy. (3) The risks associated with your plan for deployment of conversion proceeds, and the effect of this plan on management resources, staffing, and facilities. (4) The expertise of your management and board of directors, or that you have planned for adequate staffing and controls to prudently manage the growth, expansion, new investment, and other operations and activities proposed in your business plan. (b) You may not project returns of capital or special dividends in any part of the business plan. A newly converted company may not plan on stock repurchases in the first year of the business plan. § 192.110 plan? Who must review my business (a) Your chief executive officer and members of the board of directors must review, and at least two-thirds of your board of directors must approve, the business plan. (b) Your chief executive officer and at least two-thirds of the board of directors must certify that the business plan accurately reflects the intended plans for deployment of conversion proceeds, and that any new initiatives reflected in the business plan are reasonably achievable. You must submit these certifications with your business plan, as part of your conversion application under § 192.150. PO 00000 Frm 00211 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49159 § 192.115 How will the appropriate Federal banking agency review my business plan? (a) The appropriate Federal banking agency will review your business plan to determine that it demonstrates a safe and sound deployment of conversion proceeds, as part of its review of your conversion application. In making its determination, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider how you have addressed the applicable factors of § 192.105. No single factor will be determinative. (b) If you are a Federal savings association, you must file your business plan with the appropriate OCC licensing office. If you are a state savings association, you must file your business plan with the appropriate FDIC region. The appropriate Federal banking agency may request additional information, if necessary, to support its determination under paragraph (a) of this section. You must file your business plan as a confidential exhibit to the Form AC. (c) If the appropriate Federal banking agency approves your application for conversion and you complete your conversion, you must operate within the parameters of your business plan. You must obtain the prior written approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency for any material deviations from your business plan. § 192.120 May I discuss my plans to convert with others? (a) You may discuss information about your conversion with individuals that you authorize to prepare documents for your conversion. (b) Except as permitted under paragraph (a) of this section, you must keep all information about your conversion confidential until your board of directors adopts your plan of conversion. (c) If you violate this section, the appropriate Federal banking agency may require you to take remedial action. For example, the appropriate Federal banking agency may require you to take any or all of the following actions: (1) Publicly announce that you are considering a conversion; (2) Set an eligibility record date acceptable to the appropriate Federal banking agency; (3) Limit the subscription rights of any person who violates or aids a violation of this section; or (4) Take any other action to assure that your conversion is fair and equitable. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49160 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Plan of Conversion § 192.125 Must my board of directors adopt a plan of conversion? Prior to filing an application for conversion, your board of directors must adopt a plan of conversion that conforms to §§ 192.320 through 192.485 and 192.505. Your board of directors must adopt the plan by at least a twothirds vote. Your plan of conversion is required, under § 192.150, to be included in your conversion application. § 192.130 What must I include in my plan of conversion? You must include the information included in §§ 192.320 through 192.485 and 192.505 in your plan of conversion. The appropriate Federal banking agency may require you to delete or revise any provision in your plan of conversion if it determines the provision is inequitable; is detrimental to you, your account holders, or other savings associations; or is contrary to public interest. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.135 How do I notify my members that my board of directors approved a plan of conversion? (a) Notice. You must promptly notify your members that your board of directors adopted a plan of conversion and that a copy of the plan is available for the members’ inspection in your home office and in your branch offices. You must mail a letter to each member or publish a notice in the local newspaper in every local community where you have an office. You may also issue a press release. The appropriate Federal banking agency may require broader publication, if necessary, to ensure adequate notice to your members. (b) Contents of notice. You may include any of the following statements and descriptions in your letter, notice, or press release. (1) Your board of directors adopted a proposed plan to convert from a mutual to a stock savings institution. (2) You will send your members a proxy statement with detailed information on the proposed conversion before you convene a members’ meeting to vote on the conversion. (3) Your members will have an opportunity to approve or disapprove the proposed conversion at a meeting. At least a majority of the eligible votes must approve the conversion. (4) You will not vote existing proxies to approve or disapprove the conversion. You will solicit new proxies for voting on the proposed conversion. (5) The appropriate Federal banking agency, and in the case of a state- VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 chartered savings association, the appropriate state regulator, must approve the conversion before the conversion will be effective. Your members will have an opportunity to file written comments, including objections and materials supporting the objections, with the appropriate Federal banking agency. (6) The IRS must issue a favorable tax ruling, or a tax expert must issue an appropriate tax opinion, on the tax consequences of your conversion before the appropriate Federal banking agency will approve the conversion. The ruling or opinion must indicate the conversion will be a tax-free reorganization. (7) The appropriate Federal banking agency, and in the case of a statechartered savings association, the appropriate state regulator, might not approve the conversion, and the IRS or a tax expert might not issue a favorable tax ruling or tax opinion. (8) Savings account holders will continue to hold accounts in the converted savings association with the same dollar amounts, rates of return, and general terms as existing deposits. FDIC will continue to insure the accounts. (9) Your conversion will not affect borrowers’ loans, including the amount, rate, maturity, security, and other contractual terms. (10) Your business of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. (11) Your current management and staff will continue to conduct current services for depositors and borrowers under current policies and in existing offices. (12) You may continue to be a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. (13) You may substantively amend your proposed plan of conversion before the members’ meeting. (14) You may terminate the proposed conversion. (15) After the appropriate Federal banking agency, and in the case of a state-chartered savings association, the appropriate state regulator, approves the proposed conversion, you will send proxy materials providing additional information. After you send proxy materials, members may telephone or write to you with additional questions. (16) The proposed record date for determining the eligible account holders who are entitled to receive subscription rights to purchase your shares. (17) A brief description of the circumstances under which supplemental eligible account holders will receive subscription rights to purchase your shares. PO 00000 Frm 00212 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (18) A brief description of how voting members may participate in the conversion. (19) A brief description of how directors, officers, and employees will participate in the conversion. (20) A brief description of the proposed plan of conversion. (21) The par value (if any) and approximate number of shares you will issue and sell in the conversion. (c) Other requirements. (1) You may not solicit proxies, provide financial statements, describe the benefits of conversion, or estimate the value of your shares upon conversion in the letter, notice, or press release. (2) If you respond to inquiries about the conversion, you may address only the matters listed in paragraph (b) of this section. § 192.140 May I amend my plan of conversion? You may amend your plan of conversion before you solicit proxies. After you solicit proxies, you may amend your plan of conversion only if the appropriate Federal banking agency concurs. Filing Requirements § 192.150 What must I include in my application for conversion? (a) Your application for conversion must include all of the following information. (1) Your plan of conversion. (2) Pricing materials meeting the requirements of § 192.200(b). (3) Proxy soliciting materials under § 192.270, including: (i) A preliminary proxy statement with signed financial statements; (ii) A form of proxy meeting the requirements of § 192.255; and (iii) Any additional proxy soliciting materials, including press releases, personal solicitation instructions, radio or television scripts that you plan to use or furnish to your members, and a legal opinion indicating that any marketing materials comply with all applicable securities laws. (4) An offering circular described in § 192.300. (5) The documents and information required by Form AC. You may obtain Form AC from the appropriate Federal banking agency. (6) Where indicated, written consents, signed and dated, of any accountant, attorney, investment banker, appraiser, or other professional who prepared, reviewed, passed upon, or certified any statement, report, or valuation for use. See Form AC, instruction B(7). (7) Your business plan, submitted as a separately bound, confidential exhibit. See § 192.160. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (8) Any additional information that the appropriate Federal banking agency requests. (b) The appropriate Federal banking agency will not accept for filing, and will return, any application for conversion that is improperly executed, materially deficient, substantially incomplete, or that provides for unreasonable conversion expenses. § 192.155 How do I file my application for conversion? If you are a Federal savings association, you must file an original and at least one conformed copy of Form AC with the appropriate OCC licensing office. If you are a state savings association, you must file all copies of your application with the appropriate FDIC region. § 192.160 May I keep portions of my application for conversion confidential? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) The appropriate Federal banking agency makes all filings under this part available to the public, but may keep portions of your application for conversion confidential under paragraph (b) of this section. (b) You may request that the appropriate Federal banking agency keep portions of your application confidential. To do so, you must separately bind and clearly designate as ‘‘confidential’’ any portion of your application for conversion that you deem confidential. You must provide a written statement specifying the grounds supporting your request for confidentiality. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not treat as confidential the portion of your application describing how you plan to meet your Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) objectives. The CRA portion of your application may not incorporate by reference information contained in the confidential portion of your application. (c) The appropriate Federal banking agency will determine whether confidential information must be made available to the public under 5 U.S.C. 552 and part 4 of this chapter or 12 CFR 309. The appropriate Federal banking agency will advise you before it makes information you designated as ‘‘confidential’’ available to the public. § 192.165 How do I amend my application for conversion? To amend your application for conversion, you must: (a) File an amendment with an appropriate facing sheet; (b) Number each amendment consecutively; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (c) Respond to all issues raised by the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (d) Demonstrate that the amendment conforms to all applicable regulations. Notice of Filing of Application and Comment Process § 192.180 How do I notify the public that I filed an application for conversion? (a) You must publish a public notice of the application in accordance with the procedures in subpart B of part 116 of this chapter. You must simultaneously prominently post the notice in your home office and all branch offices. (b) Promptly after publication, you must file any public notice and an affidavit of publication from each publisher. If you are a Federal savings association, you must file the affidavit and two copies of any public notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office. If you are a state savings association, you must file all copies with the appropriate FDIC region. (c) If the appropriate Federal banking agency does not accept your application for conversion under § 192.200 and requires you to file a new application, you must publish and post a new notice and allow an additional 30 days for comment. § 192.185 How may a person comment on my application for conversion? Commenters may submit comments on your application in accordance with the procedures in subpart C of part 116 of this chapter. A commenter must file the original and one copy of any comments with the appropriate OCC licensing office for Federal savings association applications and with the appropriate FDIC region for state savings association applications. Agency Review of the Application for Conversion § 192.200 What actions may the appropriate Federal banking agency take on my application? (a) The appropriate Federal banking agency may approve your application for conversion only if: (1) Your conversion complies with this part; (2) You will meet your regulatory capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter after the conversion; and (3) Your conversion will not result in a taxable reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (b) The appropriate Federal banking agency will review the appraisal required by § 192.150(a)(2) in determining whether to approve your PO 00000 Frm 00213 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49161 application. The appropriate Federal banking agency will review the appraisal under the following requirements. (1) Independent persons experienced and expert in corporate appraisal, and acceptable to the appropriate Federal banking agency, must prepare the appraisal report. (2) An affiliate of the appraiser may serve as an underwriter or selling agent, if you ensure that the appraiser is separate from the underwriter or selling agent affiliate and the underwriter or selling agent affiliate does not make recommendations or affect the appraisal. (3) The appraiser may not receive any fee in connection with the conversion other than for appraisal services. (4) The appraisal report must include a complete and detailed description of the elements of the appraisal, a justification for the appraisal methodology, and sufficient support for the conclusions. (5) If the appraisal is based on a capitalization of your pro forma income, it must indicate the basis for determining the income to be derived from the sale of shares, and demonstrate that the earnings multiple used is appropriate, including future earnings growth assumptions. (6) If the appraisal is based on a comparison of your shares with outstanding shares of existing stock associations, the existing stock associations must be reasonably comparable in size, market area, competitive conditions, risk profile, profit history, and expected future earnings. (7) The appropriate Federal banking agency may decline to process the application for conversion and deem it materially deficient or substantially incomplete if the initial appraisal report is materially deficient or substantially incomplete. (8) You may not represent or imply that the appropriate Federal banking agency approved the appraisal. (c) The appropriate Federal banking agency will review your compliance record under part 195 of this chapter and your business plan to determine how you will serve the convenience and needs of your communities after the conversion. (1) Based on this review, the appropriate Federal banking agency may approve your application, deny your application, or approve your application on the condition that you will improve your CRA performance or that you will address the particular credit or lending needs of the communities that you will serve. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49162 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (2) The appropriate Federal banking agency may deny your application if your business plan does not demonstrate that your proposed use of conversion proceeds will help you to meet the credit and lending needs of the communities that you will serve. (d) The appropriate Federal banking agency may request that you amend your application if further explanation is necessary, material is missing, or material must be corrected. (e) The appropriate Federal banking agency will deny your application if the application does not meet the requirements of this subpart, unless The appropriate Federal banking agency waives the requirement under § 192.5(c). § 192.205 May a court review the appropriate Federal banking agency’s final action on my conversion? (a) Any person aggrieved by the appropriate Federal banking agency’s final action on your application for conversion may ask the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the principal office or residence of such person is located, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, to review the action under 12 U.S.C. 1464(i)(2)(B). (b) To obtain court review of the action, this statute requires the aggrieved person to file a written petition requesting that the court modify, terminate, or set aside the final appropriate Federal banking agency action. The aggrieved person must file the petition with the court within the later of 30 days after the appropriate Federal agency publishes notice of its final action in the Federal Register or 30 days after you mail the proxy statement to your members under § 192.235. Vote by Members sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.225 Must I submit the plan of conversion to my members for approval? (a) After the appropriate Federal banking agency approves your plan of conversion, you must submit your plan of conversion to your members for approval. You must obtain this approval at a meeting of your members, which may be a special or annual meeting, unless you are a state-chartered savings association and state law requires you to obtain approval at an annual meeting. (b) Your members must approve your plan of conversion by a majority of the total outstanding votes, unless you are a state-chartered savings association and state law prescribes a higher percentage. (c) Your members may vote in person or by proxy. (d) You may notify eligible account holders or supplemental eligible VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 account holders who are not voting members of your proposed conversion. You may include only the information in § 192.135 in your notice. § 192.230 Who is eligible to vote? You determine members’ eligibility to vote by setting a voting record date. You must set a voting record date that is not more than 60 days nor less than 20 days before your meeting, unless you are a state-chartered savings association and state law requires a different voting record date. § 192.235 How must I notify my members of the meeting? (a) You must notify your members of the meeting to consider your conversion by sending the members a proxy statement cleared by the appropriate Federal banking agency. (b) You must notify your members 20 to 45 days before your meeting, unless you are a state-chartered savings association and state law requires a different notice period. (c) You must also notify each beneficial holder of an account held in a fiduciary capacity: (1) If you are a Federal savings association, and the name of the beneficial holder is disclosed on your records; or (2) If you are a state-chartered association and the beneficial holder possesses voting rights under state law. provide proxy solicitation material to members for the meeting to vote on your plan of conversion. (b) Your members must comply with these proxy solicitation provisions when they provide proxy solicitation materials to members for the meeting to vote on your conversion, pursuant to § 192.280, except where: (1) The member solicits 50 people or fewer and does not solicit proxies on your behalf; or (2) The member solicits proxies through newspaper advertisements after your board of directors adopts the plan of conversion. Any newspaper advertisements may include only the following information: (i) Your name; (ii) The reason for the advertisement; (iii) The proposal or proposals to be voted upon; (iv) Where a member may obtain a copy of the proxy solicitation material; and (v) A request for your members to vote at the meeting. § 192.255 include? What must the form of proxy Proxy Solicitation The form of proxy must include all of the following: (a) A statement in bold face type stating that management is soliciting the proxy. (b) Blank spaces where the member must date and sign the proxy. (c) Clear and impartial identification of each matter or group of related matters that members will vote upon. You must include any proposed charitable contribution as an item to be voted on separately. (d) The phrase ‘‘Revocable Proxy’’ in bold face type (at least 18 point). (e) A description of any charter or state law requirement that restricts or conditions votes by proxy. (f) An acknowledgment that the member received a proxy statement before he or she signed the form of proxy. (g) The date, time, and the place of the meeting, when available. (h) A way for the member to specify by ballot whether he or she approves or disapproves of each matter that members will vote upon. (i) A statement that management will vote the proxy in accordance with the member’s specifications. (j) A statement in bold face type indicating how management will vote the proxy if the member does not specify a choice for a matter. § 192.250 Who must comply with these proxy solicitation provisions? § 192.260 proxies? (a) You must comply with these proxy solicitation provisions when you You may not use previously executed proxies for the plan of conversion vote. § 192.240 What must I submit after the members’ meeting? (a) Promptly after the members’ meeting, you must file all of the following information with the appropriate OCC licensing office if you are a Federal savings association, and with the appropriate FDIC region if you are a state savings association. (1) A certified copy of each adopted resolution on the conversion. (2) The total votes eligible to be cast. (3) The total votes represented in person or by proxy. (4) The total votes cast in favor of and against each matter. (5) The percentage of votes necessary to approve each matter. (6) An opinion of counsel that you conducted the members’ meeting in compliance with all applicable state or Federal laws and regulations. (b) Promptly after completion of the conversion, you must submit an opinion of counsel that you complied with all laws applicable to the conversion. PO 00000 Frm 00214 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM May I use previously executed 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations If members consider your plan of conversion at an annual meeting, you may vote proxies obtained through other proxy solicitations only on matters not related to your plan of conversion. § 192.265 How may I use proxies executed under this part? You may vote a proxy obtained under this part on matters that are incidental to the conduct of the meeting. You may not vote a proxy obtained under this subpart at any meeting other than the meeting (or any adjournment of the meeting) to vote on your plan of conversion. § 192.270 What must I include in my proxy statement? (a) Content requirements. You must prepare your proxy statement in compliance with this part and Form PS. (b) Other requirements. (1) The appropriate Federal banking agency will review your proxy solicitation material when it reviews the application for conversion and will clear the proxy solicitation material. (2) You must provide a cleared written proxy statement to your members before or at the same time you provide any other soliciting material. You must mail cleared proxy solicitation material to your members within ten days after the appropriate Federal banking agency clears the solicitation. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.275 How do I file revised proxy materials? (a) You must file revised proxy materials as an amendment to your application for conversion. See § 192.155 for where to file. (b) To revise your proxy solicitation materials, you must file: (1) Seven copies of your revised proxy materials as required by Form PS; (2) Seven copies of your revised form of proxy, if applicable; and (3) Seven copies of any additional proxy solicitation material subject to § 192.270. (c) You must mark four of the seven required copies to clearly indicate changes from the prior filing. (d) You must file seven definitive copies of all proxy solicitation material, in the form in which you furnish the material to your members. You must file no later than the date that you send or give the proxy solicitation material to your members. You must indicate the date that you will release the materials. (e) Unless the appropriate Federal banking agency requests you to do so, you do not have to file copies of replies to inquiries from your members or copies of communications that merely VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 request members to sign and return proxy forms. § 192.280 Must I mail a member’s proxy solicitation material? (a) You must mail the member’s cleared proxy solicitation material if: (1) Your board of directors adopted a plan of conversion; (2) A member requests in writing that you mail the proxy solicitation material; (3) The appropriate Federal banking agency has cleared the member’s proxy solicitation; and (4) The member agrees to defray your reasonable expenses. (b) As soon as practicable after you receive a request under paragraph (a) of this section, you must mail or otherwise furnish the following information to the member: (1) The approximate number of members that you solicited or will solicit, or the approximate number of members of any group of account holders that the member designates; and (2) The estimated cost of mailing the proxy solicitation material for the member. (c) You must mail cleared proxy solicitation material to the designated members promptly after the member furnishes the materials, envelopes (or other containers), and postage (or payment for postage) to you. (d) You are not responsible for the content of a member’s proxy solicitation material. (e) A member may furnish other members its own proxy solicitation material, cleared by the appropriate Federal banking agency, subject to the rules in this section. § 192.285 What solicitations. are prohibited? (a) False or misleading statements. (1) No one may use proxy solicitation material for the members’ meeting if the material contains any statement which, considering the time and the circumstances of the statement: (i) Is false or misleading with respect to any material fact; (ii) Omits any material fact that is necessary to make the statements not false or misleading; or (iii) Omits any material fact that is necessary to correct a statement in an earlier communication that has become false or misleading. (2) No one may represent or imply that the appropriate Federal banking agency determined that the proxy solicitation material is accurate, complete, not false or not misleading, or passed upon the merits of or approved any proposal. (b) Other prohibited solicitations. No person may solicit: PO 00000 Frm 00215 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49163 (1) An undated or post-dated proxy; (2) A proxy that states it will be dated after the date it is signed by a member; (3) A proxy that is not revocable at will by the member; or (4) A proxy that is part of another document or instrument. § 192.290 What will the appropriate Federal banking agency do if a solicitation violates these prohibitions? (a) If a solicitation violates § 192.285, the appropriate Federal banking agency may require remedial measures, including: (1) Correction of the violation by a retraction and a new solicitation; (2) Rescheduling the members’ meeting; or (3) Any other actions necessary to ensure a fair vote. (b) The appropriate Federal banking agency may also bring an enforcement action against the violator. § 192.295 Will the appropriate Federal banking agency require me to re-solicit proxies? If you amend your application for conversion, the appropriate Federal banking agency may require you to resolicit proxies for your members’ meeting as a condition of approval of the amendment. Offering Circular § 192.300 What must happen before the appropriate Federal banking agency declares my offering circular effective? (a) You must prepare and file your offering circular with the Securities and Corporate Practices Division of the OCC if you are a Federal savings association and with the appropriate FDIC region if you are a state savings association, in compliance with this part and Form OC and, where applicable, part 197 of this chapter. File your offering circular in accordance with the procedures in section 192.155. (b) You must condition your stock offering upon member approval of your plan of conversion. (c) The appropriate Federal banking agency will review the Form OC and may comment on the included disclosures and financial statements. (d) You must file any revised offering circular, final offering circular, and any post-effective amendment to the final offering circular in accordance with the procedures in section 192.155. (e) The appropriate Federal banking agency will not approve the adequacy or accuracy of the offering circular or the disclosures. (f) After you satisfactorily address the appropriate Federal banking agency’s concerns, you must request the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49164 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations appropriate Federal banking agency to declare your Form OC effective for a time period. The time period may not exceed the maximum time period for the completion of the sale of all of your shares under § 192.400. § 192.305 When may I distribute the offering circular? (a) You may distribute a preliminary offering circular at the same time as or after you mail the proxy statement to your members. (b) You may not distribute an offering circular until the appropriate Federal banking agency declares it effective. You must distribute the offering circular in accordance with this part. (c) You must distribute your offering circular to persons listed in your plan of conversion within 10 days after the appropriate Federal banking agency declares it effective. § 192.310 When must I file a post-effective amendment to the offering circular? (a) You must file a post-effective amendment to the offering circular with the appropriate Federal banking agency when a material event or change of circumstance occurs. (b) After the appropriate Federal banking agency declares the posteffective amendment effective, you must immediately deliver the amendment to each person who subscribed for or ordered shares in the offering. (c) Your post-effective amendment must indicate that each person may increase, decrease, or rescind their subscription or order. (d) The post-effective offering period must remain open no less than 10 days nor more than 20 days, unless the appropriate Federal banking agency approves a longer rescission period. Offers and Sales of Stock sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.320 Who has priority to purchase my conversion shares? You must offer to sell your shares in the following order: (a) Eligible account holders. (b) Tax-qualified employee stock ownership plans. (c) Supplemental eligible account holders. (d) Other voting members who have subscription rights. (e) Your community, your community and the general public, or the general public. § 192.325 When may I offer to sell my conversion shares? (a) You may offer to sell your conversion shares after the appropriate Federal banking agency approves your conversion, clears your proxy statement, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 and declares your offering circular effective. (b) The offer may commence at the same time you start the proxy solicitation of your members. offering, you must fill all subscription orders first. (e) You must prepare your order form in compliance with this part and Form OF. § 192.330 shares? § 192.340 What sales practices are prohibited? How do I price my conversion (a) You must sell your conversion shares at a uniform price per share and at a total price that is equal to the estimated pro forma market value of your shares after you convert. (b) The maximum price must be no more than 15 percent above the midpoint of the estimated price range in your offering circular. (c) The minimum price must be no more than 15 percent below the midpoint of the estimated price range in your offering circular. (d) If the appropriate Federal banking agency permits, you may increase the maximum price of conversion shares sold. The maximum price, as adjusted, must be no more than 15 percent above the maximum price computed under paragraph (b) of this section. (e) The maximum price must be between $5 and $50 per share. (f) You must include the estimated price in any preliminary offering circular. § 192.335 shares? How do I sell my conversion (a) You must distribute order forms to all eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, and other voting members to enable them to subscribe for the conversion shares they are permitted under the plan of conversion. You may either send the order forms with your offering circular or after you distribute your offering circular. (b) You may sell your conversion shares in a community offering, a public offering, or both. You may begin the community offering, the public offering, or both at any time during the subscription offering or upon conclusion of the subscription offering. (c) You may pay underwriting commissions (including underwriting discounts). The appropriate Federal banking agency may object to the payment of unreasonable commissions. You may reimburse an underwriter for accountable expenses in a subscription offering if the public offering is limited. If no public offering occurs, you may pay an underwriter a consulting fee. The appropriate Federal banking agency may object to the payment of unreasonable consulting fees. (d) If you conduct the community offering, the public offering, or both at the same time as the subscription PO 00000 Frm 00216 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (a) In connection with offers, sales, or purchases of conversion shares under this part, you and your directors, officers, agents, or employees may not: (1) Employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud; (2) Obtain money or property by means of any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact necessary to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or (3) Engage in any act, transaction, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a purchaser or seller. (b) During your conversion, no person may: (1) Transfer, or enter into any agreement or understanding to transfer, the legal or beneficial ownership of subscription rights for your conversion shares or the underlying securities to the account of another; (2) Make any offer, or any announcement of an offer, to purchase any of your conversion shares from anyone but you; or (3) Knowingly acquire more than the maximum purchase allowable under your plan of conversion. (c) The restrictions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do not apply to offers for more than 10 percent of any class of conversion shares by: (1) An underwriter or a selling group, acting on your behalf, that makes the offer with a view toward public resale; or (2) One or more of your tax-qualified employee stock ownership plans so long as the plan or plans do not beneficially own more than 25 percent of any class of your equity securities in the aggregate. (d) If any person is found to have violated the restrictions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, they may face prosecution or other legal action. § 192.345 How may a subscriber pay for my conversion shares? (a) A subscriber may purchase conversion shares with cash, by a withdrawal from a savings account, or a withdrawal from a certificate of deposit. If a subscriber purchases shares by a withdrawal from a certificate of deposit, you may not assess a penalty for the withdrawal. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) You may not extend credit to any person to purchase your conversion shares. § 192.350 Must I pay interest on payments for conversion shares? (a) You must pay interest from the date you receive a payment for conversion shares until the date you complete or terminate the conversion. You must pay interest at no less than your passbook rate for amounts paid in cash, check, or money order. (b) If a subscriber withdraws money from a savings account to purchase conversion shares, you must pay interest on the payment until you complete or terminate the conversion as if the withdrawn amount remained in the account. (c) If a depositor fails to maintain the applicable minimum balance requirement because he or she withdraws money from a certificate of deposit to purchase conversion shares, you may cancel the certificate and pay interest at no less than your passbook rate on any remaining balance. § 192.355 What subscription rights must I give to each eligible account holder and each supplemental eligible account holder? (a) You must give each eligible account holder subscription rights to purchase conversion shares in an amount equal to the greater of: (1) The maximum purchase limitation established for the community offering or the public offering under § 192.395; (2) One-tenth of one percent of the total stock offering; or (3) Fifteen times the following number: The total number of conversion shares that you will issue, multiplied by the following fraction. The numerator is the total qualifying deposit of the eligible account holder. The denominator is the total qualifying deposits of all eligible account holders. You must round down the product of this multiplied fraction to the next whole number. (b) You must give subscription rights to purchase shares to each supplemental eligible account holder in the same amount as described in paragraph (a) of this section, except that you must compute the fraction described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section as follows: The numerator is the total qualifying deposit of the supplemental eligible account holder. The denominator is the total qualifying deposits of all supplemental eligible account holders. deposits in the year before the eligibility record date, you must subordinate subscription rights for these deposits to subscription rights exercised by other eligible account holders. § 192.365 May other voting members purchase conversion shares in the conversion? (a) You must give rights to purchase your conversion shares in the conversion to voting members who are neither eligible account holders nor supplemental eligible account holders. You must allocate rights to each voting member that are equal to the greater of: (1) The maximum purchase limitation established for the community offering and the public offering under § 192.395; or (2) One-tenth of one percent of the total stock offering. (b) You must subordinate the voting members’ rights to the rights of eligible account holders, tax-qualified employee stock ownership plans, and supplemental eligible account holders. § 192.360 Are my officers, directors, and their associates eligible account holders? § 192.370 Does the appropriate Federal banking agency limit the aggregate purchases by officers, directors, and their associates? Your officers, directors, and their associates may be eligible account holders. However, if an officer, director, or his or her associate receives subscription rights based on increased (a) When you convert, your officers, directors, and their associates may not purchase, in the aggregate, more than the following percentage of your total stock offering: Officer and director purchases (percent) Institution size $50,000,000 or less ............................................................................................................................................................. $50,000,001–100,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................... $100,000,001–150,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $150,000,001–200,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $200,000,001–250,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $250,000,001–300,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $300,000,001–350,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $350,000,001–400,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $400,000,001–450,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. $450,000,001–500,000,000 ................................................................................................................................................. Over $500,000,000 .............................................................................................................................................................. (b) The purchase limitations in this section do not apply to shares held in tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans that are attributable to your officers, directors, and their associates. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.375 How do I allocate my conversion shares if my shares are oversubscribed? (a) If your conversion shares are oversubscribed by your eligible account holders, you must allocate shares among the eligible account holders so that each, to the extent possible, may purchase 100 shares. (b) If your conversion shares are oversubscribed by your supplemental VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 49165 eligible account holders, you must allocate shares among the supplemental eligible account holders so that each, to the extent possible, may purchase 100 shares. (c) If a person is an eligible account holder and a supplemental eligible account holder, you must include the eligible account holder’s allocation in determining the number of conversion shares that you may allocate to the person as a supplemental eligible account holder. (d) For conversion shares that you do not allocate under paragraphs (a) and (b) PO 00000 Frm 00217 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 of this section, you must allocate the shares among the eligible or supplemental eligible account holders equitably, based on the amounts of qualifying deposits. You must describe this method of allocation in your plan of conversion. (e) If shares remain after you have allocated shares as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, and if your voting members oversubscribe, you must allocate your conversion shares among those members equitably. You must describe E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49166 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations purchased directly by, or otherwise attributable to, that person. § 192.380 May my employee stock ownership plan purchase conversion shares? § 192.390 Must I provide a purchase preference to persons in my local community? (a) Your tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan may purchase up to 10 percent of the total offering of your conversion shares. (b) If the appropriate Federal banking agency approves a revised stock valuation range as described in § 192.330(e), and the final conversion stock valuation range exceeds the former maximum stock offering range, you may allocate conversion shares to your tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan, up to the 10 percent limit in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) If your tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan is not able to or chooses not to purchase stock in the offering, it may, with prior appropriate Federal banking agency approval and appropriate disclosure in your offering circular, purchase stock in the open market, or purchase authorized but unissued conversion shares. (d) You may include stock contributed to a charitable organization in the conversion in the calculation of the total offering of conversion shares under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, unless the appropriate Federal banking agency objects on supervisory grounds. (a) In your subscription offering, you may give a purchase preference to eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, and voting members residing in your local community. (b) In your community offering, you must give a purchase preference to natural persons residing in your local community. § 192.385 May I impose any purchase limitations? sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES the method of allocation in your plan of conversion. You must complete all sales of your stock within 45 calendar days after the last day of the subscription period, unless the offering is extended under § 192.405. (a) You may limit the number of shares that any person, group of associated persons, or persons otherwise acting in concert, may subscribe to up to five percent of the total stock sold. (b) If you set a limit of five percent under paragraph (a) of this section, you may modify that limit with appropriate Federal banking agency approval to provide that any person, group of associated persons, or persons otherwise acting in concert subscribing for five percent, may purchase between five and ten percent as long as the aggregate amount that the subscribers purchase does not exceed 10 percent of the total stock offering. (c) You may require persons exercising subscription rights to purchase a minimum number of conversion shares. The minimum number of shares must equal the lesser of the number of shares obtained by a $500 subscription or 25 shares. (d) In setting purchase limitations under this section, you may not aggregate conversion shares attributed to a person in your tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan with shares VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 192.395 What other conditions apply when I offer conversion shares in a community offering, a public offering, or both? (a) You must offer and sell your stock to achieve a widespread distribution of the stock. (b) If you offer shares in a community offering, a public offering, or both, you must first fill orders for your stock up to a maximum of two percent of the conversion stock on a basis that will promote a widespread distribution of stock. You must allocate any remaining shares on an equal number of shares per order basis until you fill all orders. Completion of the Offering § 192.400 When must I complete the sale of my stock? § 192.405 period? How do I extend the offering (a) You must request, in writing, an extension of any offering period. (b) The appropriate Federal banking agency may grant extensions of time to sell your shares. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not grant any single extension of more than 90 days. (c) If the appropriate Federal banking agency grants your request for an extension of time, you must provide a post-effective amendment to the offering circular under § 192.310 to each person who subscribed for or ordered stock. Your amendment must indicate that the appropriate Federal banking agency extended the offering period and that each person who subscribed for or ordered stock may increase, decrease, or rescind their subscription or order within the time remaining in the extension period. PO 00000 Frm 00218 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Completion of the Conversion § 192.420 When must I complete my conversion? (a) In your plan of conversion, you must set a date by which the conversion must be completed. This date must not be more than 24 months from the date that your members approve the plan of conversion. The date, once set, may not be extended by you or by the appropriate Federal banking agency. You must terminate the conversion if it is not completed by that date. (b) Your conversion is complete on the date that you accept the offers for your stock. § 192.425 Who may terminate the conversion? (a) Your members may terminate the conversion by failing to approve the conversion at your members’ meeting. (b) You may terminate the conversion before your members’ meeting. (c) You may terminate the conversion after the members’ meeting only if the appropriate Federal banking agency concurs. § 192.430 charter? What happens to my old (a) If you are a Federally chartered mutual savings association or savings bank, and you convert to a Federally chartered stock savings association or savings bank, you must apply to the OCC to amend your charter and bylaws consistent with part 152 of this chapter, as part of your application for conversion. You may only include OCC pre-approved anti-takeover provisions in your amended charter and bylaws. See 12 CFR 152.4(b)(8). (b) If you are a Federally chartered mutual savings association or savings bank and you convert to a statechartered stock savings association under this part, you must surrender your charter to the OCC for cancellation promptly after the state issues your charter. You must promptly file a copy of your new state stock charter with the FDIC. (c) If you are a state-chartered mutual savings association or savings bank, and you convert to a Federally chartered stock savings association or savings bank, you must apply to the OCC for a new charter and bylaws consistent with part 152 of this chapter. You may only include OCC pre-approved anti-takeover provisions in your charter and bylaws. See 12 CFR 152.4(b)(8). (d) Your new or amended charter must require you to establish and maintain a liquidation account for eligible and supplemental eligible account holders under § 192.450. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 192.435 What happens to my corporate existence after conversion? § 192.460 How do I determine the initial balances of liquidation sub-accounts? Your corporate existence will continue following your conversion, unless you convert to a state-chartered stock savings association and state law prescribes otherwise. (a)(1) You determine the initial subaccount balance for a savings account held by an eligible account holder by multiplying the initial balance of the liquidation account by the following fraction: The numerator is the qualifying deposit in the savings account expressed in dollars on the eligibility record date. The denominator is total qualifying deposits of all eligible account holders on that date. (2) You determine the initial subaccount balance for a savings account held by a supplemental eligible account holder by multiplying the initial balance of the liquidation account by the following fraction: The numerator is the qualifying deposit in the savings account expressed in dollars on the supplemental eligibility record date. The denominator is total qualifying deposits of all supplemental eligible account holders on that date. (3) If an account holder holds a savings account on the eligibility record date and a separate savings account on the supplemental eligibility record date, you must compute separate subaccounts for the qualifying deposits in the savings account on each record date. (b) You may not increase the initial sub-account balances. You must decrease the initial balance under § 192.470 as depositors reduce or close their accounts. § 192.440 What voting rights must I provide to stockholders after the conversion? You must provide your stockholders with exclusive voting rights, except as provided in § 192.445(c). § 192.445 What must I provide my savings account holders? (a) You must provide each savings account holder, without payment, a withdrawable savings account or accounts in the same amount and under the same terms and conditions as their accounts before your conversion. (b) You must provide a liquidation account for each eligible and supplemental eligible account holder under § 192.450. (c) If you are a state-chartered savings association and state law requires you to provide voting rights to savings account holders or borrowers, your charter must: (1) Limit these voting rights to the minimum required by state law; and (2) Require you to solicit proxies from the savings account holders and borrowers in the same manner that you solicit proxies from your stockholders. Liquidation Account sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.450 What is a liquidation account? (a) A liquidation account represents the potential interest of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders in your net worth at the time of conversion. You must maintain a sub-account to reflect the interest of each account holder. (b) Before you may provide a liquidation distribution to common stockholders, you must give a liquidation distribution to those eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders who hold savings accounts from the time of conversion until liquidation. (c) You may not record the liquidation account in your financial statements. You must disclose the liquidation account in the footnotes to your financial statements. § 192.455 What is the initial balance of the liquidation account? The initial balance of the liquidation account is your net worth in the statement of financial condition included in the final offering circular. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 192.465 Do account holders retain any voting rights based on their liquidation subaccounts? Eligible account holders or supplemental eligible account holders do not retain any voting rights based on their liquidation sub-accounts. § 192.470 Must I adjust liquidation subaccounts? (a)(1) You must reduce the balance of an eligible account holder’s or supplemental eligible account holder’s sub-account if the deposit balance in the account holder’s savings account at the close of business on any annual closing date, which for purposes of this section is your fiscal year end, after the relevant eligibility record dates is less than: (i) The deposit balance in the account holder’s savings account at the close of business on any other annual closing date after the relevant eligibility record date; or (ii) The qualifying deposits in the account holder’s savings account on the relevant eligibility record date. (2) The reduction must be proportionate to the reduction in the deposit balance. (b) If you reduce the balance of a liquidation sub-account, you may not PO 00000 Frm 00219 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49167 subsequently increase it if the deposit balance increases. (c) You are not required to adjust the liquidation account and sub-account balances at each annual closing date if you maintain sufficient records to make the computations if a liquidation subsequently occurs. (d) You must maintain the liquidation sub-account for each account holder as long as the account holder maintains an account with the same social security number. (e) If there is a complete liquidation, you must provide each account holder with a liquidation distribution in the amount of the sub-account balance. § 192.475 What is a liquidation? (a) A liquidation is a sale of your assets and settlement of your liabilities with the intent to cease operations and close. Upon liquidation, you must return your charter to the governmental agency that issued it. The government agency must cancel your charter. (b) A merger, consolidation, or similar combination or transaction with another depository institution, is not a liquidation. If you are involved in such a transaction, the surviving institution must assume the liquidation account. § 192.480 Does the liquidation account affect my net worth? The liquidation account does not affect your net worth. § 192.485 What provision must I include in my new Federal charter? If you convert to Federal stock form, you must include the following provision in your new charter: ‘‘Liquidation Account. Under appropriate Federal banking agency regulations, the association must establish and maintain a liquidation account for the benefit of its savings account holders as of _____. If the association undergoes a complete liquidation, it must comply with appropriate Federal banking agency regulations with respect to the amount and priorities on liquidation of each of the savings account holder’s interests in the liquidation account. A savings account holder’s interest in the liquidation account does not entitle the savings account holder to any voting rights.’’ Post-Conversion § 192.500. What management stock benefit plans may I implement? (a) During the 12 months after your conversion, you may implement a stock option plan (Option Plan), an employee stock ownership plan or other taxqualified employee stock benefit plan E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49168 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (collectively, ESOP), and a management recognition plan (MRP), provided you meet all of the following requirements. (1) You disclose the plans in your proxy statement and offering circular and indicate in your offering circular that there will be a separate shareholder vote on the Option Plan and the MRP at least six months after the conversion. No shareholder vote is required to implement the ESOP. Your ESOP must be tax-qualified. (2) Your Option Plan does not encompass more than ten percent of the number of shares that you issued in the conversion. (3)(i) Your ESOP and MRP do not encompass, in the aggregate, more than ten percent of the number of shares that you issued in the conversion. If you have tangible capital of ten percent or more following the conversion, the appropriate Federal banking agency may permit your ESOP and MRP to encompass, in the aggregate, up to 12 percent of the number of shares issued in the conversion; and (ii) Your MRP does not encompass more than three percent of the number of shares that you issued in the conversion. If you have tangible capital of ten percent or more after the conversion, the appropriate Federal banking agency may permit your MRP to encompass up to four percent of the number of shares that you issued in the conversion. (4) No individual receives more than 25 percent of the shares under any plan. (5) Your directors who are not your officers do not receive more than five percent of the shares of your MRP or Option Plan individually, or 30 percent of any such plan in the aggregate. (6) Your shareholders approve each of the Option Plan and the MRP by a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast at a duly called meeting before you establish or implement the plan. You may not hold this meeting until six months after your conversion. (7) When you distribute proxies or related material to shareholders in connection with the vote on a plan, you state that the plan complies with the appropriate Federal banking agency’s regulations and that the appropriate Federal banking agency does not endorse or approve the plan in any way. You may not make any written or oral representations to the contrary. (8) You do not grant stock options at less than the market price at the time of grant. (9) You do not fund the Option Plan or the MRP at the time of the conversion. (10) Your plan does not begin to vest earlier than one year after shareholders VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 approve the plan, and does not vest at a rate exceeding 20 percent per year. (11) Your plan permits accelerated vesting only for disability or death, or if you undergo a change of control. (12) Your plan provides that your executive officers or directors must exercise or forfeit their options in the event the institution becomes critically undercapitalized (as defined in § 165.4 of this chapter), is subject to appropriate Federal banking agency enforcement action, or receives a capital directive under § 165.7 of this chapter. (13) You file a copy of the proposed Option Plan or MRP with the appropriate Federal banking agency and certify to such agency that the plan approved by the shareholders is the same plan that you filed with, and disclosed in, the proxy materials distributed to shareholders in connection with the vote on the plan. (14) You file the plan and the certification with the appropriate Federal banking agency within five calendar days after your shareholders approve the plan. (b) You may provide dividend equivalent rights or dividend adjustment rights to allow for stock splits or other adjustments to your stock in your ESOP, MRP, and Option Plan. (c) The restrictions in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to plans implemented more than 12 months after the conversion, provided that materials pertaining to any shareholder vote regarding such plans are not distributed within the 12 months after the conversion. If a plan adopted in conformity with paragraph (a) of this section is amended more than 12 months following your conversion, your shareholders must ratify any material deviations to the requirements in paragraph (a). § 192.505 May my directors, officers, and their associates freely trade shares? (a) Directors and officers who purchase conversion shares may not sell the shares for one year after the date of purchase, except that in the event of the death of the officer or director, the successor in interest may sell the shares. (b) You must include notice of the restriction described in paragraph (a) of this section on each certificate of stock that a director or officer purchases during the conversion or receives in connection with a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise with respect to such restricted shares. (c) You must instruct your stock transfer agent about the transfer restrictions in this section. (d) For three years after you convert, your officers, directors, and their PO 00000 Frm 00220 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 associates may purchase your stock only from a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, your officers, directors, and their associates may engage in a negotiated transaction involving more than one percent of your outstanding stock, and may purchase stock through any of your management or employee stock benefit plans. § 192.510 May I repurchase shares after conversion? (a) You may not repurchase your shares in the first year after the conversion except: (1) In extraordinary circumstances, you may make open market repurchases of up to five percent of your outstanding stock in the first year after the conversion if you file a notice under § 192.515(a) and the appropriate Federal banking agency does not disapprove your repurchase. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not approve such repurchases unless the repurchase meets the standards in § 192.515(c), and the repurchase is consistent with paragraph (c) of this section. (2) You may repurchase qualifying shares of a director or conduct an appropriate Federal banking agencyapproved repurchase pursuant to an offer made to all shareholders of your association. (3) Repurchases to fund management recognition plans that have been ratified by shareholders do not count toward the repurchase limitations in this section. Repurchases in the first year to fund such plans require prior written notification to the appropriate Federal banking agency. (4) Purchases to fund tax qualified employee stock benefit plans do not count toward the repurchase limitations in this section. (b) After the first year, you may repurchase your shares, subject to all other applicable regulatory and supervisory restrictions and paragraph (c) of this section. (c) All stock repurchases are subject to the following restrictions. (1) You may not repurchase your shares if the repurchase will reduce your regulatory capital below the amount required for your liquidation account under § 192.450. You must comply with the capital distribution requirements at part 163, subpart E of this chapter. (2) The restrictions on share repurchases apply to a charitable organization under § 192.550. You must aggregate purchases of shares by the charitable organization with your repurchases. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 192.515 What information must I provide to the appropriate Federal banking agency before I repurchase my shares? (a) To repurchase stock in the first year following conversion, other than repurchases under § 192.510(a)(3) or (a)(4), you must file a written notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office if you are a Federal savings association and with the appropriate FDIC region if you are a state savings association. You must provide the following information: (1) Your proposed repurchase program; (2) The effect of the repurchases on your regulatory capital; and (3) The purpose of the repurchases and, if applicable, an explanation of the extraordinary circumstances necessitating the repurchases. (b) You must file your notice with the appropriate OCC licensing office if you are a Federal savings association and with the appropriate regional director of the FDIC if you are a state savings association at least ten days before you begin your repurchase program. (c) You may not repurchase your shares if the appropriate Federal banking agency objects to your repurchase program. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not object to your repurchase program if: (1) Your repurchase program will not adversely affect your financial condition; (2) You submit sufficient information to evaluate your proposed repurchases; (3) You demonstrate extraordinary circumstances and a compelling and valid business purpose for the share repurchases; and (4) Your repurchase program would not be contrary to other applicable regulations. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.520 May I declare or pay dividends after I convert? You may declare or pay a dividend on your shares after you convert if: (a) The dividend will not reduce your regulatory capital below the amount required for your liquidation account under § 192.450; (b) You comply with all capital requirements under part 167 of this chapter after you declare or pay dividends; (c) You comply with the capital distribution requirements under part 163, subpart E, of this chapter; and (d) You do not return any capital, other than ordinary dividends, to purchasers during the term of the business plan submitted with the conversion. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 192.525 Who may acquire my shares after I convert? (a) For three years after you convert, no person may, directly or indirectly, acquire or offer to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent of any class of your equity securities without the appropriate Federal banking agency’s prior written approval. If a person violates this prohibition, you may not permit the person to vote shares in excess of ten percent, and may not count the shares in excess of ten percent in any shareholder vote. (b) A person acquires beneficial ownership of more than ten percent of a class of shares when he or she holds any combination of your stock or revocable or irrevocable proxies under circumstances that give rise to a conclusive control determination or rebuttable control determination under §§ 174.4(a) and (b) of this chapter. The appropriate Federal banking agency will presume that a person has acquired shares if the acquiror entered into a binding written agreement for the transfer of shares. For purposes of this section, an offer is made when it is communicated. An offer does not include non-binding expressions of understanding or letters of intent regarding the terms of a potential acquisition. (c) Notwithstanding the restrictions in this section: (1) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to any offer with a view toward public resale made exclusively to you, to the underwriters, or to a selling group acting on your behalf. (2) Unless the appropriate Federal banking agency objects in writing, any person may offer or announce an offer to acquire up to one percent of any class of shares. In computing the one percent limit, the person must include all of his or her acquisitions of the same class of shares during the prior 12 months. (3) A corporation whose ownership is, or will be, substantially the same as your ownership may acquire or offer to acquire more than ten percent of your common stock, if it makes the offer or acquisition more than one year after you convert. (4) One or more of your tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans may acquire your shares, if the plan or plans do not beneficially own more than 25 percent of any class of your shares in the aggregate. (5) An acquiror does not have to file a separate application to obtain the appropriate Federal banking agency’s approval under paragraph (a) of this section, if the acquiror files an application under part 174 of this PO 00000 Frm 00221 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49169 chapter that specifically addresses the criteria listed under paragraph (d) of this section and you do not oppose the proposed acquisition. (d) The appropriate Federal banking agency may deny an application under paragraph (a) of this section if the proposed acquisition: (1) Is contrary to the purposes of this part; (2) Is manipulative or deceptive; (3) Subverts the fairness of the conversion; (4) Is likely to injure you; (5) Is inconsistent with your plan to meet the credit and lending needs of your proposed market area; (6) Otherwise violates laws or regulations; or (7) Does not prudently deploy your conversion proceeds. § 192.530 What other requirements apply after I convert? After you convert, you must: (a) Promptly register your shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a–78jj, as amended). You may not deregister the shares for three years. (b) Encourage and assist a market maker to establish and to maintain a market for your shares. A market maker for a security is a dealer who: (1) Regularly publishes bona fide competitive bid and offer quotations for the security in a recognized inter-dealer quotation system; (2) Furnishes bona fide competitive bid and offer quotations for the security on request; or (3) May effect transactions for the security in reasonable quantities at quoted prices with other brokers or dealers. (c) Use your best efforts to list your shares on a national or regional securities exchange or on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation system. (d) File all post-conversion reports that the appropriate Federal banking agency requires. Contributions to Charitable Organizations § 192.550 May I donate conversion shares or conversion proceeds to a charitable organization? You may contribute some of your conversion shares or proceeds to a charitable organization if: (a) Your plan of conversion provides for the proposed contribution; (b) Your members approve the proposed contribution; and (c) The IRS either has approved, or approves within two years after formation, the charitable organization as E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49170 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations § 192.570 How do I address conflicts of interest involving my directors? a tax-exempt charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Code. § 192.555 How do my members approve a charitable contribution? At the meeting to consider your conversion, your members must separately approve by at least a majority of the total eligible votes, a contribution of conversion shares or proceeds. If you are in mutual holding company form and adding a charitable contribution as part of a second step stock conversion, you must also have your minority shareholders separately approve the charitable contribution by a majority of their total eligible votes. § 192.560 How much may I contribute to a charitable organization? You may contribute a reasonable amount of conversion shares or proceeds to a charitable organization, if your contribution will not exceed limits for charitable deductions under the Internal Revenue Code and the appropriate Federal banking agency does not object on supervisory grounds. If you are a well-capitalized savings association, the appropriate Federal banking agency generally will not object if you contribute an aggregate amount of eight percent or less of the conversion shares or proceeds. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.565 What must the charitable organization include in its organizational documents? The charitable organization’s charter (or trust agreement) and gift instrument must provide that: (a) The charitable organization’s primary purpose is to serve and make grants in your local community; (b) As long as the charitable organization controls shares, it must vote those shares in the same ratio as all other shares voted on each proposal considered by your shareholders; (c) For at least five years after its organization, one seat on the charitable organization’s board of directors (or board of trustees) is reserved for an independent director (or trustee) from your local community. This director may not be your officer, director, or employee, or your affiliate’s officer, director, or employee, and should have experience with local community charitable organizations and grant making; and (d) For at least five years after its organization, one seat on the charitable organization’s board of directors (or board of trustees) is reserved for a director from your board of directors or the board of directors of an acquiror or resulting institution in the event of a merger or acquisition of your organization. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (a) A person who is your director, officer, or employee, or a person who has the power to direct your management or policies, or otherwise owes a fiduciary duty to you (for example, holding company directors) and who will serve as an officer, director, or employee of the charitable organization, is subject to § 163.200 of this chapter. See Form AC (Exhibit 9) for further information on operating plans and conflict of interest plans. (b) Before your board of directors may adopt a plan of conversion that includes a charitable organization, you must identify your directors that will serve on the charitable organization’s board. These directors may not participate in your board’s discussions concerning contributions to the charitable organization, and may not vote on the matter. § 192.575 What other requirements apply to charitable organizations? (a) The charitable organization’s charter (or trust agreement) and the gift instrument for the contribution must provide that: (1) The appropriate Federal banking agency may examine the charitable organization at the charitable organization’s expense; (2) The charitable organization must comply with all supervisory directives that the appropriate Federal banking agency imposes; (3) The charitable organization must annually provide the appropriate Federal banking agency with a copy of the annual report that the charitable organization submitted to the IRS; (4) The charitable organization must operate according to written policies adopted by its board of directors (or board of trustees), including a conflict of interest policy; and (5) The charitable organization may not engage in self-dealing, and must comply with all laws necessary to maintain its tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. (b) You must include the following legend in the stock certificates of shares that you contribute to the charitable organization or that the charitable organization otherwise acquires: ‘‘The board of directors must consider the shares that this stock certificate represents as voted in the same ratio as all other shares voted on each proposal considered by the shareholders, as long as the shares are controlled by the charitable organization.’’ (c) As long as the charitable organization controls shares, you must consider those shares as voted in the PO 00000 Frm 00222 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 same ratio as all of the shares voted on each proposal considered by your shareholders. (d) After you complete your stock offering, you must submit copies of the following documents to the appropriate OCC licensing office in accordance with part 192.155, or if you are a state savings association, with the appropriate FDIC region: the charitable organization’s charter and bylaws (or trust agreement), operating plan (within six months after your stock offering), conflict of interest policy, and the gift instrument for your contributions of either stock or cash to the charitable organization. Subpart B—Voluntary Supervisory Conversions § 192.600 What does this subpart do? (a) You must comply with this subpart to engage in a voluntary supervisory conversion. This subpart applies to all voluntary supervisory conversions under sections 5(i)(1), (i)(2), and (p) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA), 12 U.S.C. 1464(i)(1), (i)(2), and (p). (b) Subpart A of this part also applies to a voluntary supervisory conversion, unless a requirement is clearly inapplicable. § 192.605 How may I conduct a voluntary supervisory conversion? (a) You may sell your shares or the shares of a holding company to the public under the requirements of subpart A of this part. (b) You may convert to stock form by merging into an interim Federal-or statechartered stock association. (c) You may sell your shares directly to an acquiror, who may be a person, company, depository institution, or depository institution holding company. (d) You may merge or consolidate with an existing or newly created depository institution. The merger or consolidation must be authorized by, and is subject to, other applicable laws and regulations. § 192.610 Do my members have rights in a voluntary supervisory conversion? Your members do not have the right to approve or participate in a voluntary supervisory conversion, and will not have any legal or beneficial ownership interests in the converted association, unless the appropriate Federal banking agency provides otherwise. Your members may have interests in a liquidation account, if one is established. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Eligibility Plan of Supervisory Conversion § 192.625 When is a savings association eligible for a voluntary supervisory conversion? § 192.650 What must I include in my plan of voluntary supervisory conversion? (a) If you are an insured savings association, you may be eligible to convert under this subpart if: (1) You are significantly undercapitalized (or you are undercapitalized and a standard conversion that would make you adequately capitalized is not feasible) and you will be a viable entity following the conversion; (2) Severe financial conditions threaten your stability and a conversion is likely to improve your financial condition; (3) FDIC will assist you under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1823; or (4) You are in receivership and a conversion will assist you. (b) You will be a viable entity following the conversion if you satisfy all of the following: (1) You will be adequately capitalized as a result of the conversion; (2) You, your proposed conversion, and your acquiror(s) comply with applicable supervisory policies; (3) The transaction is in your best interest, and the best interest of the Deposit Insurance Fund and the public; and (4) The transaction will not injure or be detrimental to you, the Deposit Insurance Fund, or the public interest. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.630 When is a state-chartered savings bank eligible for a voluntary supervisory conversion. If you are a state-chartered savings bank you may be eligible to convert to a Federal stock savings bank under this subpart if: (a) FDIC certifies under section 5(o)(2)(C) of the HOLA that severe financial conditions threaten your stability and that the voluntary supervisory conversion is likely to improve your financial condition; or (b) You meet the following conditions: (1) Your liabilities exceed your assets, as calculated under generally accepted accounting principles, assuming you are a going concern; and (2) You will issue a sufficient amount of permanent capital stock to meet your applicable FDIC capital requirement immediately upon completion of the conversion, or FDIC determines that you will achieve an acceptable capital level within an acceptable time period. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 A majority of your board of directors must adopt a plan of voluntary supervisory conversion. You must include all of the following information in your plan of voluntary supervisory conversion. (a) Your name and address. (b) The name, address, date and place of birth, and social security number of each proposed purchaser of conversion shares and a description of that purchaser’s relationship to you. (c) The title, per-unit par value, number, and per-unit and aggregate offering price of shares that you will issue. (d) The number and percentage of shares that each investor will purchase. (e) The aggregate number and percentage of shares that each director, officer, and any affiliates or associates of the director or officer will purchase. (f) A description of any liquidation account. (g) Certified copies of all resolutions of your board of directors relating to the conversion. Voluntary Supervisory Conversion Application § 192.660 What must I include in my voluntary supervisory conversion application? You must include all of the following information and documents in a voluntary supervisory conversion application to the appropriate OCC licensing office if you are a Federal savings association and to the appropriate FDIC region if you are a state savings association under this subpart: (a) Eligibility. (1) Evidence establishing that you meet the eligibility requirements under §§ 192.625 or 192.630. (2) An opinion of qualified, independent counsel or an independent, certified public accountant regarding the tax consequences of the conversion, or an IRS ruling indicating that the transaction qualifies as a tax-free reorganization. (3) An opinion of independent counsel indicating that applicable state law authorizes the voluntary supervisory conversion, if you are a state-chartered savings association converting to state stock form. (b) Plan of conversion. A plan of voluntary supervisory conversion that complies with § 192.650. (c) Business plan. A business plan that complies with § 192.105, when required by the appropriate Federal banking agency. PO 00000 Frm 00223 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49171 (d) Financial data. (1) Your most recent audited financial statements and Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income or Thrift Financial Report, as appropriate. You must explain how your current capital levels make you eligible to engage in a voluntary supervisory conversion under §§ 192.625 or 192.630. (2) A description of your estimated conversion expenses. (3) Evidence supporting the value of any non-cash asset contributions. Appraisals must be acceptable to the appropriate Federal banking agency and the non-cash asset must meet all other appropriate Federal banking agency policy guidelines. (4) Pro forma financial statements that reflect the effects of the transaction. You must identify your tangible, core, and risk-based capital levels and show the adjustments necessary to compute the capital levels. You must prepare your pro forma statements in conformance with the appropriate Federal banking agency regulations and policy. (e) Proposed documents. (1) Your proposed charter and bylaws. (2) Your proposed stock certificate form. (f) Agreements. (1) A copy of any agreements between you and proposed purchasers. (2) A copy and description of all existing and proposed employment contracts. You must describe the term, salary, and severance provisions of the contract, the identity and background of the officer or employee to be employed, and the amount of any conversion shares to be purchased by the officer or employee or his or her affiliates or associates. (g) Related applications. (1) All filings required under the securities offering rules of parts 192 and 197 of this chapter. (2) Any required Control Act notice, rebuttal submission under part 174 of this chapter, or copies of any Holding Company Act Applications, including prior-conduct certifications under Regulatory Bulletin 20. (3) A subordinated debt application, if applicable. (4) Applications for permission to organize a stock association and for approval of a merger, if applicable, and a copy of any application for Federal Home Loan Bank membership or FDIC insurance of accounts, if applicable. (5) A statement describing any other applications required under Federal or state banking laws for all transactions related to your conversion, copies of all dispositive documents issued by regulatory authorities relating to the applications, and, if requested by the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49172 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations appropriate Federal banking agency, copies of the applications and related documents. (h) Waiver request. A description of any of the features of your application that do not conform to the requirements of this subpart, including any request for waiver of these requirements. Appropriate Federal Banking Agency Review of the Voluntary Supervisory Conversion Application § 192.670 Will the appropriate Federal banking agency approve my voluntary supervisory conversion application? The appropriate Federal banking agency will generally approve your application to engage in a voluntary supervisory conversion unless it determines: (a) You do not meet the eligibility requirements for a voluntary supervisory conversion under §§ 192.625 or 192.630 or because the proceeds from the sale of your conversion stock, less the expenses of the conversion, would be insufficient to satisfy any applicable viability requirement; (b) The transaction is detrimental to or would cause potential injury to you or the Deposit Insurance Fund or is contrary to the public interest; (c) You or your acquiror, or the controlling parties or directors and officers of you or your acquiror, have engaged in unsafe or unsound practices in connection with the voluntary supervisory conversion; or (d) You fail to justify an employment contract incidental to the conversion, or the employment contract will be an unsafe or unsound practice or represent a sale of control. In a voluntary supervisory conversion, the appropriate Federal banking agency generally will not approve employment contracts of more than one year for your existing management. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 192.675 What conditions will the appropriate Federal banking agency impose on an approval? (a) The appropriate Federal banking agency will condition approval of a voluntary supervisory conversion application on all of the following. (1) You must complete the conversion stock sale within three months after the appropriate Federal banking agency approves your application. The appropriate Federal banking agency may grant an extension for good cause. (2) You must comply with all filing requirements of parts 192 and 197 of this chapter. (3) You must submit an opinion of independent legal counsel indicating that the sale of your shares complies VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 with all applicable state securities law requirements. (4) You must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. (5) You must satisfy any other requirements or conditions the appropriate Federal banking agency may impose. (b) The appropriate Federal banking agency may condition approval of a voluntary supervisory conversion application on either of the following: (1) You must satisfy any conditions and restrictions the appropriate Federal banking agency imposes to prevent unsafe or unsound practices, to protect the Deposit Insurance Fund and the public interest, and to prevent potential injury or detriment to you before and after the conversion. The appropriate Federal banking agency may impose these conditions and restrictions on you (before and after the conversion) or, as appropriate, your acquiror, controlling parties, or your directors and officers; or (2) You must infuse a larger amount of capital, if necessary, for safety and soundness reasons. Offers and Sales of Stock § 192.680 How do I sell my shares? If you convert under this subpart, you must offer and sell your shares under part 197 of this chapter. Post-Conversion § 192.690 Who may not acquire additional shares after the voluntary supervisory conversion? For three years after the completion of a voluntary supervisory conversion, neither you nor your controlling shareholder(s) may acquire shares from minority shareholders without the appropriate Federal banking agency’s prior approval. PART 193—ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS Subpart A—Form and Content of Financial Statements Sec. 193.1 Form and content of financial statements. 193.2 Definitions. 193.3 Qualification of public accountant. 193.4 Condensed financial information [Parent only]. Subpart B [Reserved] Subpart C—Financial Statement Presentation 193.101 Application of this subpart. 193.102 Financial statement presentation. Appendix A to Part 193—Financial Statement Line Items PO 00000 Frm 00224 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78c(b), 78m, 78n, 78w. Subpart A—Form and Content of Financial Statements § 193.1 Form and content of financial statements. (a) This subpart A states the requirements as to form and content of financial statements included by a Federal savings association in the following documents. However, the OCC’s regulations governing the applicable documents specify the actual financial statements that are to be included in that document. (1) Any proxy statement or offering circular required to be used in connection with a conversion under part 192 of this chapter. (2) Any offering circular or nonpublic offering materials required to be used in connection with an offer or sale of securities under part 197 of this chapter. (3) Any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq., made pursuant to the requirements of part 194 of this chapter. (b) Except as otherwise provided by the OCC by rule, regulation or order made specifically applicable to financial statements governed by this section, financial statements shall: (1) Be prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) Comply with subpart C of this part; (3) Consistent with the provisions of this subpart, comply with articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11 of Regulation S–X adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 CFR 210.1–210.4, 210.10, and 210.11). (4) Be audited, when required, by an independent auditor in accordance with the standards imposed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. (c) The term ‘‘financial statements’’ includes all notes to the statements and related schedules. § 193.2 Definitions. (a) Registrant. The term ‘‘registrant’’ means an applicant, a savings association, or any other person required to prepare financial statements in accordance with this subpart. (b) Significant subsidiary. The term ‘‘significant subsidiary’’ means a subsidiary, including its subsidiaries, which meets any of the following conditions: (1) The association’s and its other subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the subsidiary exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations association and its subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year (for purposes of determining whether financial statements of a business acquired or to be acquired in a business combination accounted for as a pooling of interests are required pursuant to 17 CFR 210.3–05, this condition is also met when the number of common shares exchanged by the association exceeds 10 percent of its total common shares outstanding at the date the combination is initiated); or (2) The association’s and its other subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of the total assets of the association and its subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or (3) The association’s and its other subsidiaries’ equity in the income from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items, and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of the subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of such income of the association and its subsidiaries consolidated for the most recently completed fiscal year. Note to paragraph (b): For purposes of making the prescribed income test the following guidance should be applied: 1. When a loss has been incurred by either the parent or its consolidated subsidiaries or the tested subsidiary, but not both, the equity in the income or loss of the tested subsidiary should be excluded from the income of the association and its subsidiaries consolidated for purposes of the computation. 2. If income of the association and its subsidiaries consolidated for the most recent fiscal year is at least 10 percent lower than the average of the income for the last five fiscal years, such average income should be substituted for purposes of the computation. Any loss years should be omitted for purposes of computing average income. Note to § 193.2: See also 17 CFR 210.1–02. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 193.3 Qualification of public accountant. The term ‘‘qualified public accountant’’ means a certified public accountant or licensed public accountant certified or licensed by a regulatory authority of a state or other political subdivision of the United States who is in good standing as such under the laws of the jurisdiction where the home office of the registrant to be audited is located. Any person or firm who is suspended from practice before the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental agency is not a ‘‘qualified public accountant’’ for purposes of this section. Note to § 193.3: See also 17 CFR 210.2–01. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 49173 § 193.4 Condensed financial information [Parent only]. § 193.102 Financial statement presentation. (a) The information prescribed by Schedule III pursuant to section IV of Appendix A to this part shall be presented in a note to the financial statements when the restricted net assets (17 CFR 210.4–08(e)(3)) of consolidated subsidiaries exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. The investment in and indebtedness of and to association subsidiaries shall be stated separately in the condensed balance sheet from amounts for other subsidiaries; and the amount of cash dividends paid to the parent association for each of the last three years by association subsidiaries shall be stated separately in the condensed income statement from amounts for other subsidiaries. (b) For purposes of the above test, restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries shall mean that amount of the association’s proportionate share of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries (after intercompany eliminations) which as of the end of the most recent year may not be transferred to the parent company by subsidiaries in the form of loans, advances, or cash dividends without the consent of a third party (i.e., lender, regulatory agency, foreign government, etc.). (c) Where restrictions on the amount of funds which may be loaned or advanced differ from the amount restricted as to transfer in the form of cash dividends, the amount least restrictive to the subsidiary shall be used. Redeemable preferred stocks (See item I (22) in Appendix A to this part) and minority interest (See item I (21) in Appendix A to this part) shall be deducted in computing net assets for purposes of this test. Federal savings associations shall comply with Appendix A to this part, which specifies the various line items that should appear on the face of the financial statements governed by this subpart C and additional disclosures that should be included with the financial statements in related notes. Subpart B [Reserved] Subpart C—Financial Statement Presentation § 193.101 Application of this subpart. This subpart contains rules pertaining to the form and content of financial statements included as part of: (a) A conversion application under part 192, including financial statements in proxy statements and offering circulars, (b) A filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq., and (c) Any offering circular required to be used in connection with the issuance of mutual capital certificates under § 163.74 and debt securities under § 163.80 and § 163.81 of this chapter. PO 00000 Frm 00225 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Appendix A to Part 193—Financial Statement Line Items I. Balance Sheet Assets 1. Cash and amounts due from depository institutions. (a) The amounts in this caption should include noninterest-bearing deposits with depository institutions. (b) State in a note the amount and terms of any deposits in depository institutions held as compensating balances against longor short-term borrowing arrangements. This disclosure should include the provisions of any restrictions as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposits are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. In cases where compensating balance arrangements exist but are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet, describe in the notes to the financial statements these arrangements and the amount involved, if determinable, for the most recent audited balance sheet required and for any subsequent unaudited balance sheet required. Compensating balances that are maintained under an agreement to ensure future credit availability shall be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements along with the amount and terms of the agreement. (c) Checks outstanding in excess of an applicant’s book balance in a demand deposit account shall be shown as a liability. 2. Interest-bearing deposits in other banks. 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements or similar arrangements. These amounts should be presented, i.e., gross and not netted against Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase, as reported in caption 15. 4. Trading account assets. Include securities considered to be held for trading purposes. 5. Other short-term investments. 6. Investment securities. (a) Include securities considered to be held for investment purposes. Disclose the aggregate book value of investment securities as the line item on the balance sheet; and also show on the face of the balance sheet the aggregate market value at the balance sheet date. The aggregate amounts should include securities pledged, loaned, or sold under repurchase agreements and similar arrangements. Borrowed securities and securities purchased under resale agreements or similar arrangements should be excluded. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49174 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Disclose in a note the carrying value and market value of securities of (i) the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government agencies and corporations; (ii) states of the U.S. and political subdivisions thereof; and (iii) other securities. 7. Assets held for sale. Investments in assets considered to be held for sale purposes should be reported separately in the statement of financial condition. 8. Loans. (a) Disclose separately: (i) Total loans (including financing type leases), (ii) allowance for loan losses, (iii) unearned income on installment loans, (iv) discount on loans purchased, and (v) loans in process. (b) State on the balance sheet or in a note the amount of loans in each of the following categories: (i) Real estate mortgage; (ii) real estate construction; (iii) installment; and (iv) commercial, financial, and agricultural. (c)(i) Include under the real estate mortgage category loans payable in monthly, quarterly, or other periodic installments and secured by developed income property and/or personal residences. (ii) Include under the real estate construction category loans secured by real estate which are made for the purpose of financing construction of real estate and land development projects. (iii) Include under the installment category loans to individuals generally repayable in monthly installments. This category shall include, but not be limited to, credit card and related activities, individual automobile loans, other installment loans, mobile home loans, and residential repair and modernization loans. (iv) Include under the commercial, financial, and agricultural category all loans not included in another category. This category shall include, but not be limited to, loans to real estate investment trusts, mortgage companies, banks, and other financial institutions; loans for carrying securities; and loans for agricultural purposes. Do not include loans secured primarily by developed real estate. (d) State separately any other loan category regardless of relative size if necessary to reflect any unusual risk concentration. (e) Unearned income on installment loans shall be shown and deducted separately from total loans. (f) Unamortized discounts on purchased loans shall be deducted separately from total loans. (g) Loans in process shall be deducted separately from total loans. (h) A series of categories other than those specified in item (b) of paragraph 8. may be used to present details of loans if considered a more appropriate presentation. The categories specified in item (b) of paragraph 8. should be considered the minimum categories that may be presented. (i) For each period for which an income statement is presented, disclose in a note the total dollar amount of loans being serviced by the association for the benefit of others. (j)(i)(A) As of each balance sheet date, disclose in a note the aggregate dollar amount of loans (exclusive of loans to any such persons which in the aggregate do not exceed $60,000 during the last year) made by the association or any of its subsidiaries to VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 directors, executive officers, or principal holders of equity securities (17 CFR 210.1– 02) of the association or any of its significant subsidiaries (17 CFR 210.1–02) or to any associate of such persons. For the latest fiscal year, an analysis of activity with respect to such aggregate loans to related parties should be provided. The analysis should include at the beginning of the period new loans, repayments, and other changes. (Other changes, if significant, should be explained.) (B) This disclosure need not be furnished when the aggregate amount of such loans at the balance sheet date (or with respect to the latest fiscal year, the maximum amount outstanding during the period) does not exceed 5 percent of stockholders’ equity at the balance sheet date. (ii) If a significant portion of the aggregate amount of loans outstanding at the end of the fiscal year disclosed pursuant to item (i)(A) of this paragraph (j) relates to nonaccrual, past due, restructured, and potential problem loans (see Securities and Exchange Commission’s Securities Act Industry Guide 3, section III.C.), so state and disclose the aggregate amount of such loans along with such other information necessary to an understanding of the effects of the transactions on the financial statements. (iii) Notwithstanding the aggregate disclosure called for by paragraph (j)(i) of this balance sheet caption 8, if any loans were not made in the ordinary course of business during any period for which an income statement is required to be filed, provide an appropriate description of each such loan (see 17 CFR 210.9–03.7(e)(3)). (iv) For purposes only of Balance Sheet item 8(j), the following definitions shall apply: (A) Associate used to indicate a relationship with any person means (1) any corporation, venture, or organization of which such person is a general partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of any class of equity securities; (2) any trust or other estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or for which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity; and (3) any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons. (B) Executive officer means the president, any vice president in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as loans, investments, operations, administration, or finance), and any other officer or person who performs similar policy-making functions. (C) Immediate family with regard to a person means such person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mother- and father-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, and brothersand sisters-in-law. (D) Ordinary course of business with regard to loans means those loans which were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. (k) For each period for which an income statement is presented, furnish in a note a PO 00000 Frm 00226 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 statement of changes in the allowance for loan losses, showing balances at beginning and end of the period, provision charged to income, recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and losses charged to the allowance. 9. Premises and equipment. 10. Real estate owned. State, parenthetically or otherwise: (a) The amount of real estate owned by class as described in item (b) of paragraph 10. and the basis for determining that amount; and (b) A description of each class of real estate owned (i) acquired by foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, (ii) in judgment and subject to redemption, or (iii) acquired for development or resale. Show separately any accumulated depreciation or valuation allowances. Disclose the policies regarding, and amounts of, capitalized costs, including interest. 11. Investment in joint ventures. In a note, present summarized aggregate financial statements for investments in real estate or other joint ventures which individually (a) are 20 percent or more owned by the association or any of its subsidiaries, or (b) have liabilities (including contingent liabilities) to the parent exceeding 10 percent of the parent’s regulatory capital. If an allowance for real estate losses subsequent to acquisition is maintained, the amount shall be disclosed, deducted from the other real estate owned, and a statement of changes in the allowance showing balances at beginning and end of period should be included. Provision charged to income and losses charged to the allowance account shall be furnished for each period for which an income statement is filed. 12. Other assets. (a) Disclose separately on the balance sheet or in a note thereto any of the following assets or any other asset the amount of which exceeds 30 percent of stockholders’ equity. The remaining assets may be shown as one amount. (i) Accrued interest receivable. State separately those amounts relating to loans and those amounts relating to investments. (ii) Excess of cost over assets acquired (net of amortization). (b) State in a note (i) amounts representing investments in affiliates and investments in other persons which are accounted for by the equity method, and (ii) indebtedness of affiliates and other persons, the investments in which are accounted for by the equity method. State the basis of determining the amounts reported under paragraph (b)(i). 13. Total assets. Liabilities, and Stockholders’ Equity 14. Deposits. (a) Disclose separately on the balance sheet or in a note the amounts in the following categories of interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits: (i) NOW account and MMDA deposits, (ii) savings deposits, and (iii) time deposits. (b) Include under the savings-deposits category interest-bearing deposits without specified maturity or contractual provisions requiring advance notice of intention to withdraw funds. Include deposits for which an association may require at its option written notice of intended withdrawal not less than 14 days in advance. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (c) Include under the time-deposits category deposits subject to provisions specifying maturity or other withdrawal conditions such as time certificates of deposits, open account time deposits, and deposits accumulated for the payment of personal loans. (d) Include accrued interest or dividends, if appropriate. 15. Short-term borrowings. (a) State separately, here or in a note, the amounts payable for (i) Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, (ii) commercial paper, and (iii) other short-term borrowings. (b) Federal funds purchased and sales of securities under repurchase agreements shall be reported gross and not netted against sales of Federal funds and purchase of securities under resale agreements. (c) Include as securities sold under agreements to repurchase all transactions of this type regardless of (i) whether they are called simultaneous purchases and sales, buy-backs, turnarounds, overnight transactions, delayed deliveries, or other terms signifying the same substantive transaction, and (ii) whether the transactions are with the same or different institutions, if the purpose of the transactions is to repurchase identical or similar securities. (d) The amount and terms (including commitment fees and the conditions under which lines may be withdrawn) of unused lines of credit for short-term financing shall be disclosed, if significant, in the notes to the financial statements. The amount of these lines of credit which support a commercial paper borrowing arrangement or similar arrangements shall be separately identified. 16. Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance. 17. Other liabilities. Disclose separately on the balance sheet or in a note any of the following liabilities or any other items which are individually in excess of 30 percent of stockholders’ equity (except that amounts in excess of 5 percent of stockholders’ equity should be disclosed with respect to item (d)). The remaining items may be shown as one amount. (a) Income taxes payable. (b) Deferred income taxes. (c) Indebtedness to affiliate and other persons the investment in which is accounted for by the equity method. (d) Indebtedness to directors, executive officers, and principal holders of equity securities of the registrant or any of its significant subsidiaries. (The guidance in balance sheet caption ‘‘8(j)’’ shall be used to identify related parties for purposes of this disclosure.) 18. Bonds, mortgages, and similar debt. (a) Include bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, capital notes, debentures, mortgages, and similar debt. (b) For each issue or type of obligation state in a note: (i) The general character of each type of debt, including: (A) The rate of interest, (B) the date of maturity, or, if maturing serially, a brief indication of the serial maturities, such as ‘‘maturing serially from 1980 to 1990,’’ (C) if the payment of principal or interest is contingent, an appropriate VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 indication of such contingency, (D) a brief indication of priority, and (E) if convertible, the basis. For amounts owed to related parties see 17 CFR 210.4–08(k). (ii) The amount and terms (including commitment fees and the conditions under which commitments may be withdrawn) of unused commitments for long-term financing arrangements that, if used, would be disclosed under this caption shall be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements, if significant. (c) State in the notes with appropriate explanations (i) the title and amount of each issue of debt of a subsidiary included in item (a) of paragraph 18 which has not been assumed or guaranteed by the association, and (ii) any liens on premises of a subsidiary or its consolidated subsidiaries which have not been assumed by the subsidiary or its consolidated subsidiaries. 19. Deferred credits. State separately those items which exceed 30 percent of stockholders’ equity. 20. Commitments and contingent liabilities. Total commitments to fund loans should be disclosed. The dollar amounts and terms of other than floating market-rate commitments should also be disclosed. 21. Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries. 22. Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption requirements or the redemption of which is outside the control of the issuer. (a) Include under this caption amounts applicable to any class of stock which has any of the following characteristics: (i) It is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date or dates, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise; (ii) it is redeemable at the option of the holder; or (iii) it has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer, such as stock which must be redeemed out of future earnings. Amounts attributable to preferred stock which is not redeemable or is redeemable solely at the option of the issuer shall be included under caption 23 unless it meets one or more of the above criteria. (b) State on the face of the balance sheet the title, carrying amount, and redemption amount of each issue. (If there is more than one issue, these amounts may be aggregated on the face of the balance sheet and details concerning each issue may be presented in the note required by item (c) of paragraph 22.) Show also the dollar amount of any shares subscribed for but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable therefrom. If the carrying value is different from the redemption amount, describe the accounting treatment for such difference in the note required by item (c) of paragraph 22. Also state in this note or on the face of the balance sheet, for each issue, the number of shares authorized and the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate. (See 17 CFR 210.4–07.) (c) State in a separate note captioned ‘‘Redeemable Preferred Stock’’ (i) a general description of each issue, including its redemption features (e.g., sinking fund, at option of holders, out of future earnings) and the rights, if any, of holders in the event of default, including the effect, if any, on junior PO 00000 Frm 00227 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49175 securities in the event a required dividend, sinking fund, or other redemption payment(s) is not made, (ii) the combined aggregate amount of redemption requirements for all issues each year for the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet, and (iii) the changes in each issue for each period for which an income statement is required to be presented. (See also 17 CFR 210.4–08(d)). (d) Securities reported under this caption are not to be included under a general heading ‘‘stockholders’ equity’’ or combined in a total with items described in captions 23, 24 or 25, which follow. 23. Preferred stock which is not redeemable or is redeemed solely at the option of the issuer. State on the face of the balance sheet, or, if more than one issue is outstanding, state in a note, the title of each issue and the dollar amount thereof. Show also the dollar amount of any shares subscribed for but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable. State on the face of the balance sheet or in a note, for each issue, the number of shares authorized and the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate. (See 17 CFR 210.4–07.) Show in a note or separate statement the changes in each class of preferred shares reported under this caption for each period for which an income statement is required to be presented. (See also 17 CFR 210.4–08(d)). 24. Common stock. For each class of common shares state, on the face of the balance sheet, the number of shares issued or outstanding, as appropriate (see 17 CFR 210.4–07), and the dollar amount thereof. If convertible, this fact should be indicated on the face of the balance sheet. For each class of common stock state, on the face of the balance sheet or in a note, the title of the issue, the number of shares authorized, and, if convertible, the basis for conversion (see also 17 CFR 210.4–08(d)). Show also the dollar amount of any common stock subscribed for but unissued, and show the deduction of subscriptions receivable. Show in a note or statement the changes in each class of common stock for each period for which an income statement is required to be presented. 25. Other stockholders’ equity. (a) Separate captions shall be shown on the face of the balance sheet for (i) additional paid-in capital, (ii) other additional capital, and (iii) retained earnings, both (A) restricted and (B) unrestricted. (See 17 CFR 210.4–08(e).) Additional paid-in capital and other additional capital may be combined with the stock caption to which it applies, if appropriate. State whether or not the association is in compliance with the Federal regulatory capital requirements (and state requirements where applicable). Also include the dollar amount of those regulatory capital requirements and the amount by which the association exceeds or fails to meet those requirements. (b) For a period of at least 10 years subsequent to the effective date of a quasireorganization, any description of retained earnings shall indicate the point in time from which the new retained earnings dates, and for a period of at least three years shall indicate, on the face of the balance sheet, the total amount of the deficit eliminated. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49176 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (c) Changes in stockholders’ equity shall be disclosed in accordance with the requirements of 17 CFR 210.3–04. 26. Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity. II. Income Statement 1. Interest and fees on loans. (a) Include interest, service charges, and fees which are related to or are an adjustment of the loan interest yield. (b) Current amortization of premiums on mortgages or other loans shall be deducted from interest on loans, and current accretion of discount on such items shall be added to interest on loans. (c) Discounts and other deferred amounts which are related to or are an adjustment of the loan interest yield shall be amortized into income using the interest (level yield) method. 2. Interest and dividends on investment securities. Include accretion of discount on securities and deduct amortization of premiums on securities. 3. Trading account interest. Include interest from securities carried in a dealer trading account or accounts that are held principally for resale to customers. 4. Other interest income. Include interest on short-term investments (Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell) and interest on bank deposits. 5. Total interest income. 6. Interest on deposits. Include interest on all deposits. On the income statement or in a note, state separately, in the same categories as those specified for deposits at balance sheet caption 14(a), the interest on those deposits. Early withdrawal penalties should be netted against interest on deposits and, if material, disclosed on the income statement. 7. Interest on short-term borrowings. Include interest on borrowed funds, including Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, commercial paper, and other short-term borrowings. 8. Interest on long-term borrowings. Include interest on bonds, capital notes, debentures, mortgages on association premises, capitalized leases, and similar debt. 9. Total interest expense. 10. Net interest income. 11. Provision for loan losses. 12. Net interest income after provision for loan losses. 13. Other income. Disclose separately any of the following amounts, or any other item of other income, which exceeds 1 percent of the aggregate of total interest income and other income. The remaining amount may be shown as one amount, except for investment securities gains or losses which shall be shown separately regardless of size. (a) Commissions and fees from fiduciary activities. (b) Fees for other services to customers. (c) Commissions, fees, and markups on securities underwriting and other securities activities. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (d) Profit or loss on transactions in investment securities. (e) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and 50-percent- or less-owned persons. (f) Gains or losses on disposition of investments in securities of subsidiaries and 50-percent- or less-owned persons. (g) Profit or loss from real estate operations. (h) Other fees related to loan originations or commitments not included in income statement caption 1. The remaining other income may be shown in one amount. (i) Investment securities gains or losses. The method followed in determining the cost of investments sold (e.g., ‘‘average cost,’’ ‘‘first-in, first-out,’’ or ‘‘identified certificate’’) and related income taxes shall be disclosed. 14. Other expenses. Disclose separately any of the following amounts, or any other item of other expense, which exceeds 1 percent of the aggregate of total interest income and other income. The remaining amounts may be shown as one amount. (a) Salaries and employee benefits. (b) Net occupancy expense of premises. (c) Net cost of operations of other real estate (including provisions for real estate losses, rental income, and gains and losses on sales of real estate). (d) Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries. (e) Goodwill amortization. 15. Other income and expenses. State separately material events or transactions that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently, but not both, and therefore do not meet both criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. Examples of items which would be reported separately are gain or loss from the sale of premises and equipment, provision for loss on real estate owned, or provision for gain or loss on the sale of loans. 16. Income or losses before income tax expense. 17. Income tax expense. The information required by 17 CFR 210.4–08(h) should be disclosed. 18. Income or loss before extraordinary items effects of changes in accounting principles. 19. Extraordinary items, less applicable tax. 20. Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. 21. Net income or loss. 22. Earnings-per-share data. 23. Conversion footnote. If the association is an applicant for conversion from a mutual to a stock association or has converted within the last three years, describe in a note the general terms of the conversion and restrictions on the operations of the association imposed by the conversion. Also, state the amount of net proceeds received from the conversion and costs associated with the conversion. 24. Mergers and acquisitions. For the period in which a business combination occurs and is accounted for by the purchase method of accounting, in addition to those disclosures required by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16, the PO 00000 Frm 00228 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 association shall make those disclosures as noted below for all combinations involving significant acquisitions. (A significant acquisition is defined for this purpose to be one in which the assets of the acquired association, or group of associations, exceed 10 percent of the assets of the consolidated association at the end of the most recent period being reported upon.) (a) Amounts and descriptions of discounts and premiums related to recording the aggregate interest-bearing assets and liabilities at their fair market value. The disclosure should also include the methods of amortization or accretion and the estimated remaining lives. (b) The net effect on net income before taxes of the amortization and accretion of discounts, premiums, and intangible assets related to the purchase accounting transaction(s). For subsequent periods, the association shall disclose the remaining total unamortized or unaccreted amounts of discounts, premiums, and intangible assets as of the date of the most recent balance sheet presented. In addition, the association shall disclose the net effect on net income before taxes of the amortization and accretion of discounts, premiums, and intangible assets related to prior business combinations accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Such disclosures need not be made if the total amounts of discounts, premiums, or intangible assets do not exceed 30 percent of stockholders’ equity as of the date of the most recent balance sheet presented. III. Statement of Cash Flows The amounts shown in this statement should be those items which materially enhance the reader’s understanding of the association’s business. For example, gains from sales of loans should be segregated from sales of mortgage-backed securities and other securities, if material, proceeds from principal repayments and maturities from loans and mortgage-backed securities should be segregated from proceeds from sales of loans and mortgage-backed securities, purchases of loans, mortgage-backed securities and other securities should be segregated, if material. Additional guidance may be found in the FASB’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 95 Statement of Cash Flows. IV. Schedules Required to be Filed The following schedules, which should be examined by an independent accountant, shall be filed unless the required information is not applicable or is presented in the related financial statements: (1) Schedule I—Indebtedness of and to related parties—Not Current. For each period for which an income statement is required, the following schedule should be filed in support of the amounts required to be reported by balance sheet items 8(j) and 17(c) unless such aggregate amount does not exceed 5 percent of stockholders’ equity at either the beginning or the end of the period: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49177 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TO RELATED PARTIES—NOT CURRENT Indebtedness of— Name of person 1 Balance at beginning Additions 2 Deductions 3 Balance at end A B C D E INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TO RELATED PARTIES—NOT CURRENT Indebtedness to— Name of person 1 Balance at beginning Additions 2 Deductions 3 Balance at end F G H I A 1 The persons named shall be grouped as in the related schedule required for investments in related parties. The information called for shall be shown separately for any persons whose investments were shown separately in such related schedule. 2 For each person named in column A, explain in a note the nature and purpose of any increase during the period that is in excess of 10 percent of the related balance at either the beginning or end of the period. 3 If deduction was other than a receipt or disbursement of cash, explain. (2) Schedule II—Guarantees of securities of other issuers. The following schedule should be filed as of the date of the most recently audited balance sheet with respect to any guarantees of securities of other issuers by the person for which the statements are being filed: GUARANTEES OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ISSUERS 1 Col. A. Name of issuer of securities guaranteed by person for which statement is filed Col. B. Title of issue of each class of securities guaranteed Col. C. Total amount guaranteed and outstanding 2 Col. D. Amount owned by person or persons for which statement is filed GUARANTEES OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ISSUERS 1 Col. A. Name of issuer of securities guaranteed by person for which statement is filed Col. E. Amount in treasury of issuer of securities guaranteed Col. G. Nature of any default by issue of securities guaranteed in principal, interest, sinking fund or redemption provisions, or payment of dividends 4 Col. F. Nature of guarantee 3 1 Indicate in a note to the most recent schedule being filed for a particular person or group any significant changes since the date of the related balance sheet. If this schedule is filed in support of consolidated or combined statements, there shall be set forth guarantees by any person included in the consolidation or combination, except that such guarantees of securities which are included in the consolidated or combined balance sheet need not be set forth. 2 Indicate any amounts included in column C which are included also in column D or E. 3 There need be made only a brief statement of the nature of the guarantee, such as ‘‘Guarantee of principal and interest,’’ or ‘‘Guarantee of dividends.’’ If the guarantee is of interest or dividends, state the annual aggregate amount of interest or dividends so guaranteed. 4 Only a brief statement as to any such defaults need be made. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (3) Schedule III—Condensed financial information. The following schedule shall be filed as of the dates and for the periods specified in the schedule. Condensed Financial Information [Parent only] [Association may determine disclosure based on information provided in footnotes below] (a) Provide condensed financial information as to financial position, changes in financial position, and results of operations of the association as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are required. The financial information required need not be presented in greater detail than is required for a condensed statement by 17 CFR 210.10–01(a) (2), (3), (4). Detailed footnote disclosure which would normally be included with complete financial statements VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 may be omitted with the exception of disclosure regarding material contingencies, long-term obligations, and guarantees. Description of significant provisions of the association’s long-term obligations, mandatory dividend, or redemption requirements of redeemable stocks, and guarantees of the association shall be provided along with a 5-year schedule of maturities of debt. If the material contingencies, long-term obligations, redeemable stock requirements, and guarantees of the association have been separately disclosed in the consolidated statements, they need not be repeated in this schedule. (b) Disclose separately the amount of cash dividends paid to the association for each of the last three fiscal years by consolidated subsidiaries, unconsolidated subsidiaries, and 50-percent- or less-owned persons PO 00000 Frm 00229 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 accounted for by the equity method, respectively. PART 194—SECURITIES OF FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Sec. Subpart A—Regulations 194.1 Requirements under certain sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 194.2 [Reserved] 194.3 Liability for certain statements by Federal savings associations. 194.210 Form and content of financial statements. Subpart B—Interpretations 194.801 194.802 E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM Application of this subpart. Description of business. 09AUR2 49178 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78w, 78d–1. Subpart A—Regulations § 194.1 Requirements under certain sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In respect to any securities issued by Federal savings associations, the powers, functions, and duties vested in the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) to administer and enforce sections 10A(m), 12, 13, 14(a), 14(c), 14(d), 14(f), and 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the ‘‘Act’’); and sections 302, 303, 304, 306, 401(b), 404, 406, and 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (codified at 15 U.S.C. 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7261, 7262, 7264, and 7265) are vested in the OCC. The rules, regulations and forms prescribed by the Commission pursuant to those sections or applicable in connection with obligations imposed by those sections, shall apply to securities issued by Federal savings associations, except as otherwise provided in this part. The term ‘‘Securities and Exchange Commission’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ as used in those rules and regulations shall, with respect to securities issued by Federal savings associations, be deemed to refer to the OCC unless the context otherwise requires. All filings with respect to securities issued by Federal savings associations required by those rules and regulations to be made with the Commission shall be made with the OCC’s Securities and Corporate Practices Division. Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided by the OCC in the application fee schedule published in the Thrift Bulletin pursuant to 12 CFR part 102, all filing fees specified by the Commission’s rules shall be paid to the OCC. If, after the OCC reviews a Form 10–K, Form 10–Q, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G and determines that the filing is materially deficient such that the OCC requires that an amendment be filed to correct the deficiency, then, upon the filing of the amendment to the Form 10–K, Form 10–Q, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, as the case may be, the filer shall pay an additional filing fee to the OCC, in the amount specified by the OCC. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 194.2 [Reserved] § 194.3 Liability for certain statements by Federal savings associations. This section replaces adherence to 17 CFR 240.3b–6 and applies as follows: (a) A statement within the coverage of paragraph (b) of this section which is made by or on behalf of an issuer or by VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 an outside reviewer retained by the issuer shall be deemed not to be a fraudulent statement (as defined in paragraph (d) of this section), unless it is shown that such statement was made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or was disclosed other than in good faith. (b) This section applies to the following statements: (1) A forward-looking statement (as defined in paragraph (c) of this section) made in a proxy statement or offering circular filed with the OCC under part 192 of this chapter; in a registration statement filed with the OCC under the Act on Form 10 (17 CFR 249.210); in part I of a quarterly report filed with the OCC on Form 10–Q (17 CFR 249.308a); in an annual report to shareholders meeting the requirements of § 194.1 of this part, particularly 17 CFR 240.14a– 3 (b) and (c) or 17 CFR 240.14c–3 (a) and (b) under the Act; in a statement reaffirming such forward-looking statement subsequent to the date the document was filed or the annual report was made publicly available; or a forward-looking statement made prior to the date the document was filed or the date the annual report was made publicly available if such statement is reaffirmed in a filed document or annual report made publicly available within a reasonable time after the making of such forward-looking statement: Provided, That (i) At the time such statements are made or reaffirmed, either: (A) The issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Act and has complied with the requirements of 17 CFR 240.13a–1 or 240.15d–1 thereunder, if applicable, to file its most recent annual report on Form 10–K; or (B) If the issuer is not subject to the reporting requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Act, the statements are made either in a registration statement filed under part 197 of this chapter or pursuant to section 12 (b) or (g) of the Act, or in a proxy statement or offering circular filed with the OCC under part 192 of this chapter if such statements are reaffirmed in a registration statement under the Act on Form 10, filed with the OCC within 180 days of the Federal savings association’s conversion, and (ii) The statements are not made by or on behalf of an issuer that is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940; (2) Information relating to the effects of changing prices on the business enterprise presented voluntarily or pursuant to item 303 of Regulation S– K (17 CFR 229.303), management’s discussion and analysis of financial PO 00000 Frm 00230 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 condition and results of operations, or item 302 of Regulation S–K (17 CFR 229.302), supplementary financial information, and disclosed in a document filed with the OCC or in an annual report to shareholders meeting the requirements of 17 CFR 240.14a–3 (b) and (c) or 17 CFR 240.14c–3 (a) and (b) under the Act: Provided, That such information included in a proxy statement or offering circular filed pursuant to part 192 of this chapter shall be reaffirmed in a registration statement under the Act on Form 10 filed with the OCC within 180 days of the association’s conversion. (c) For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘forward-looking statement’’ shall mean and shall be limited to: (1) A statement containing a projection of revenues, income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure, or other financial items; (2) A statement of management’s plans and objectives for future operations; (3) A statement of future economic performance contained in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations pursuant to item 303 of Regulation S– K; or (4) A statement of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the statements described in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this section. (d) For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘fraudulent statement’’ shall mean a statement which is an untrue statement of a material fact, a statement false or misleading with respect to any material fact, an omission to state a material fact necessary to make a statement not misleading, or which constitutes the employment of a manipulative, deceptive, or fraudulent device, contrivance, scheme, transaction, act, practice, course of business, or an artifice to defraud, as those terms are used in the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. § 194.210 Form and content of financial statements. The financial statements required to be contained in filings with the OCC under the Act are as set out in the applicable form and Regulation S–X, 17 CFR part 210. Those financial statements, however, shall conform as to form and content to the requirements of § 193.1 of this chapter. Subpart B—Interpretations § 194.801 Application of this subpart. This subpart contains interpretations pertaining to the requirements of the E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as applied to Federal savings associations by the OCC. § 194.802 Description of business. (a) This section applies to the description-of-business portion of: (1) Registration statements filed on Form 10 (item 1) (17 CFR 249.210), (2) Proxy and information statements relating to mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, and similar matters (item 14 of Schedule 14A and item 1 of Schedule 14C) (17 CFR 240.14a–101 and 240.14c–101), and (3) Annual reports filed on Form 10– K (item 7) (17 CFR 249.310). (b) The description of business should conform to the description of business required by item 7 of Form PS under part 192 of this chapter. (c) No repetitive disclosure is required by virtue of similar requirements in item 7 of Form PS and items 301 and 303 of Regulation S–K (17 CFR 229.301, 303). However, there should be included appropriate disclosure which arises by virtue of the registrant being a stock Federal savings association. For example, the table regarding return on equity and assets, item 7(d)(5), should include a line item for ‘‘dividend payout ratio (dividends declared per share divided by net income per share).’’ PART 195—COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT Sec. Subpart A—General 195.11 Authority, purposes, and scope. 195.12 Definitions. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Subpart B—Standards for Assessing Performance 195.21 Performance tests, standards, and ratings, in general. 195.22 Lending test. 195.23 Investment test. 195.24 Service test. 195.25 Community development test for wholesale or limited purpose savings associations. 195.26 Small savings association performance standards. 195.27 Strategic plan. 195.28 Assigned ratings. 195.29 Effect of CRA performance on applications. Subpart C—Records, Reporting, and Disclosure Requirements 195.41 Assessment area delineation. 195.42 Data collection, reporting, and disclosure. 195.43 Content and availability of public file. 195.44 Public notice by savings associations. 195.45 Publication of planned examination schedule. Appendix A to Part 195—Ratings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Appendix B to Part 195—CRA Notice Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1814, 1816, 1828(c), 2901 through 2908, 5412(b)(2)(B). Subpart A—General § 195.11 Authority, purposes, and scope. (a) Authority. This part is issued under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA), as amended (12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.); section 5, as amended, and sections 3, and 4, as added, of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933 (12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, and 1464); and sections 4, 6, and 18(c), as amended of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1814, 1816, 1828(c)). (b) Purposes. In enacting the CRA, the Congress required each appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to assess an institution’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of the local communities in which the institution is chartered, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution, and to take this record into account in the agency’s evaluation of an application for a deposit facility by the institution. This part is intended to carry out the purposes of the CRA by: (1) Establishing the framework and criteria by which the appropriate Federal banking agency assesses a savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the savings association; and (2) Providing that the appropriate Federal banking agency takes that record into account in considering certain applications. (c) Scope— (1) General. This part applies to all savings associations except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (2) Certain special purpose savings associations. This part does not apply to special purpose savings associations that do not perform commercial or retail banking services by granting credit to the public in the ordinary course of business, other than as incident to their specialized operations. These associations include banker’s banks, as defined in 12 U.S.C. 24 (Seventh), and associations that engage only in one or more of the following activities: Providing cash management controlled disbursement services or serving as correspondent associations, trust companies, or clearing agents. § 195.12 Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (a) Affiliate means any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under PO 00000 Frm 00231 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49179 common control with another company. The term ‘‘control’’ has the meaning given to that term in 12 U.S.C. 1841(a)(2), and a company is under common control with another company if both companies are directly or indirectly controlled by the same company. (b) Area median income means: (1) The median family income for the MSA, if a person or geography is located in an MSA, or for the metropolitan division, if a person or geography is located in an MSA that has been subdivided into metropolitan divisions; or (2) The statewide nonmetropolitan median family income, if a person or geography is located outside an MSA. (c) Assessment area means a geographic area delineated in accordance with § 195.41. (d) Automated teller machine (ATM) means an automated, unstaffed banking facility owned or operated by, or operated exclusively for, the savings association at which deposits are received, cash dispersed, or money lent. (e) [Reserved] (f) Branch means a staffed banking facility authorized as a branch, whether shared or unshared, including, for example, a mini-branch in a grocery store or a branch operated in conjunction with any other local business or nonprofit organization. (g) Community development means: (1) Affordable housing (including multifamily rental housing) for low or moderate-income individuals; (2) Community services targeted to low- or moderate-income individuals; (3) Activities that promote economic development by financing businesses or farms that meet the size eligibility standards of the Small Business Administration’s Development Company or Small Business Investment Company programs (13 CFR 121.301) or have gross annual revenues of $1 million or less; (4) Activities that revitalize or stabilize— (i) Low- or moderate-income geographies; (ii) Designated disaster areas; or (iii) Distressed or underserved, nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies designated by the appropriate Federal banking agency based on— (A) Rates of poverty, unemployment, and population loss; or (B) Population size, density, and dispersion. Activities revitalize and stabilize geographies designated based on population size, density, and dispersion if they help to meet essential community needs, including needs of E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49180 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations low- and moderate-income individuals; or (5) Loans, investments, and services that— (i) Support, enable or facilitate projects or activities that meet the ‘‘eligible uses’’ criteria described in Section 2301(c) of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), Public Law 110–289, 122 Stat. 2654, as amended, and are conducted in designated target areas identified in plans approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in accordance with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP); (ii) Are provided no later than two years after the last date funds appropriated for the NSP are required to be spent by grantees; and (iii) Benefit low-, moderate-, and middle-income individuals and geographies in the savings association’s assessment area(s) or areas outside the savings association’s assessment area(s) provided the savings association has adequately addressed the community development needs of its assessment area(s). (h) Community development loan means a loan that: (1) Has as its primary purpose community development; and (2) Except in the case of a wholesale or limited purpose savings association: (i) Has not been reported or collected by the savings association or an affiliate for consideration in the savings association’s assessment as a home mortgage, small business, small farm, or consumer loan, unless it is a multifamily dwelling loan (as described in appendix A to part 203 of this title); and (ii) Benefits the savings association’s assessment area(s) or a broader statewide or regional area that includes the savings association’s assessment area(s). (i) Community development service means a service that: (1) Has as its primary purpose community development; (2) Is related to the provision of financial services; and (3) Has not been considered in the evaluation of the savings association’s retail banking services under § 195.24(d). (j) Consumer loan means a loan to one or more individuals for household, family, or other personal expenditures. A consumer loan does not include a home mortgage, small business, or small farm loan. Consumer loans include the following categories of loans: (1) Motor vehicle loan, which is a consumer loan extended for the VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 purchase of and secured by a motor vehicle; (2) Credit card loan, which is a line of credit for household, family, or other personal expenditures that is accessed by a borrower’s use of a ‘‘credit card,’’ as this term is defined in § 226.2 of this title; (3) Home equity loan, which is a consumer loan secured by a residence of the borrower; (4) Other secured consumer loan, which is a secured consumer loan that is not included in one of the other categories of consumer loans; and (5) Other unsecured consumer loan, which is an unsecured consumer loan that is not included in one of the other categories of consumer loans. (k) Geography means a census tract delineated by the United States Bureau of the Census in the most recent decennial census. (l) Home mortgage loan means a ‘‘home improvement loan,’’ ‘‘home purchase loan,’’ or a ‘‘refinancing’’ as defined in § 203.2 of this title. (m) Income level includes: (1) Low-income, which means an individual income that is less than 50 percent of the area median income or a median family income that is less than 50 percent in the case of a geography. (2) Moderate-income, which means an individual income that is at least 50 percent and less than 80 percent of the area median income or a median family income that is at least 50 and less than 80 percent in the case of a geography. (3) Middle-income, which means an individual income that is at least 80 percent and less than 120 percent of the area median income or a median family income that is at least 80 and less than 120 percent in the case of a geography. (4) Upper-income, which means an individual income that is 120 percent or more of the area median income or a median family income that is 120 percent or more in the case of a geography. (n) Limited purpose savings association means a savings association that offers only a narrow product line (such as credit card or motor vehicle loans) to a regional or broader market and for which a designation as a limited purpose savings association is in effect, in accordance with § 195.25(b). (o) Loan location. A loan is located as follows: (1) A consumer loan is located in the geography where the borrower resides; (2) A home mortgage loan is located in the geography where the property to which the loan relates is located; and (3) A small business or small farm loan is located in the geography where the main business facility or farm is PO 00000 Frm 00232 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 located or where the loan proceeds otherwise will be applied, as indicated by the borrower. (p) Loan production office means a staffed facility, other than a branch, that is open to the public and that provides lending-related services, such as loan information and applications. (q) Metropolitan division means a metropolitan division as defined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (r) MSA means a metropolitan statistical area as defined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (s) Nonmetropolitan area means any area that is not located in an MSA. (t) Qualified investment means a lawful investment, deposit, membership share, or grant that has as its primary purpose community development. (u) Small savings association —(1) Definition. Small savings association means a savings association that, as of December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years, had assets of less than $1.122 billion. Intermediate small savings association means a small savings association with assets of at least $280 million as of December 31 of both of the prior two calendar years and less than $1.122 billion as of December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years. (2) Adjustment . The dollar figures in paragraph (u)(1) of this section shall be adjusted annually and published by the OCC based on the year-to-year change in the average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, not seasonally adjusted, for each twelve-month period ending in November, with rounding to the nearest million. (v) Small business loan means a loan included in ‘‘loans to small businesses’’ as defined in the instructions for preparation of the Thrift Financial Report (TFR) or Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report), as appropriate. (w) Small farm loan means a loan included in ‘‘loans to small farms’’ as defined in the instructions for preparation of the TFR or Call Report, as appropriate. (x) Wholesale savings association means a savings association that is not in the business of extending home mortgage, small business, small farm, or consumer loans to retail customers, and for which a designation as a wholesale savings association is in effect, in accordance with § 195.25(b). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Subpart B—Standards for Assessing Performance sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 195.21 Performance tests, standards, and ratings, in general. (a) Performance tests and standards. The appropriate Federal banking agency assesses the CRA performance of a savings association in an examination as follows: (1) Lending, investment, and service tests. The appropriate Federal banking agency applies the lending, investment, and service tests, as provided in §§ 195.22 through 195.24, in evaluating the performance of a savings association, except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this section. (2) Community development test for wholesale or limited purpose savings associations. The appropriate Federal banking agency applies the community development test for a wholesale or limited purpose savings association, as provided in § 195.25, except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section. (3) Small savings association performance standards. The appropriate Federal banking agency applies the small savings association performance standards as provided in § 195.26 in evaluating the performance of a small savings association or a savings association that was a small savings association during the prior calendar year, unless the savings association elects to be assessed as provided in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(4) of this section. The savings association may elect to be assessed as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section only if it collects and reports the data required for other savings associations under § 195.42. (4) Strategic plan. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the performance of a savings association under a strategic plan if the savings association submits, and the appropriate Federal banking agency approves, a strategic plan as provided in § 195.27. (b) Performance context. The appropriate Federal banking agency applies the tests and standards in paragraph (a) of this section and also considers whether to approve a proposed strategic plan in the context of: (1) Demographic data on median income levels, distribution of household income, nature of housing stock, housing costs, and other relevant data pertaining to a savings association’s assessment area(s); (2) Any information about lending, investment, and service opportunities in the savings association’s assessment area(s) maintained by the savings VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 association or obtained from community organizations, state, local, and tribal governments, economic development agencies, or other sources; (3) The savings association’s product offerings and business strategy as determined from data provided by the savings association; (4) Institutional capacity and constraints, including the size and financial condition of the savings association, the economic climate (national, regional, and local), safety and soundness limitations, and any other factors that significantly affect the savings association’s ability to provide lending, investments, or services in its assessment area(s); (5) The savings association’s past performance and the performance of similarly situated lenders; (6) The savings association’s public file, as described in § 195.43, and any written comments about the savings association’s CRA performance submitted to the savings association or the appropriate Federal banking agency; and (7) Any other information deemed relevant by the appropriate Federal banking agency. (c) Assigned ratings. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns to a savings association one of the following four ratings pursuant to § 195.28 and Appendix A of this part: ‘‘outstanding’’; ‘‘satisfactory’’; ‘‘needs to improve’’; or ‘‘substantial noncompliance,’’ as provided in 12 U.S.C. 2906(b)(2). The rating assigned by the appropriate Federal banking agency reflects the savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the savings association. (d) Safe and sound operations. This part and the CRA do not require a savings association to make loans or investments or to provide services that are inconsistent with safe and sound operations. To the contrary, the appropriate Federal banking agency anticipates savings associations can meet the standards of this part with safe and sound loans, investments, and services on which the savings associations expect to make a profit. Savings associations are permitted and encouraged to develop and apply flexible underwriting standards for loans that benefit low- or moderateincome geographies or individuals, only if consistent with safe and sound operations. (e) Low-cost education loans provided to low-income borrowers. In assessing and taking into account the record of a PO 00000 Frm 00233 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49181 savings association under this part, the appropriate Federal banking agency considers, as a factor, low-cost education loans originated by the savings association to borrowers, particularly in its assessment area(s), who have an individual income that is less than 50 percent of the area median income. For purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘low-cost education loans’’ means any education loan, as defined in section 140(a)(7) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)(7)) (including a loan under a state or local education loan program), originated by the savings association for a student at an ‘‘institution of higher education,’’ as that term is generally defined in sections 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002) and the implementing regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education, with interest rates and fees no greater than those of comparable education loans offered directly by the U.S. Department of Education. Such rates and fees are specified in section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e). (f) Activities in cooperation with minority- or women-owned financial institutions and low-income credit unions. In assessing and taking into account the record of a nonminorityowned and nonwomen-owned savings association under this part, the appropriate Federal banking agency considers as a factor capital investment, loan participation, and other ventures undertaken by the savings association in cooperation with minority- and womenowned financial institutions and lowincome credit unions. Such activities must help meet the credit needs of local communities in which the minorityand women-owned financial institutions and low-income credit unions are chartered. To be considered, such activities need not also benefit the savings association’s assessment area(s) or the broader statewide or regional area that includes the savings association’s assessment area(s). § 195.22 Lending test. (a) Scope of test. (1) The lending test evaluates a savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) through its lending activities by considering a savings association’s home mortgage, small business, small farm, and community development lending. If consumer lending constitutes a substantial majority of a savings association’s business, the appropriate Federal banking agency will evaluate the savings association’s consumer lending E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49182 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations in one or more of the following categories: motor vehicle, credit card, home equity, other secured, and other unsecured loans. In addition, at a savings association’s option, the appropriate Federal banking agency will evaluate one or more categories of consumer lending, if the savings association has collected and maintained, as required in § 195.42(c)(1), the data for each category that the savings association elects to have the appropriate Federal banking agency evaluate. (2) The appropriate Federal banking agency considers originations and purchases of loans. The appropriate Federal banking agency will also consider any other loan data the savings association may choose to provide, including data on loans outstanding, commitments and letters of credit. (3) A savings association may ask the appropriate Federal banking agency to consider loans originated or purchased by consortia in which the savings association participates or by third parties in which the savings association has invested only if the loans meet the definition of community development loans and only in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. The appropriate Federal banking agency will not consider these loans under any criterion of the lending test except the community development lending criterion. (b) Performance criteria. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates a savings association’s lending performance pursuant to the following criteria: (1) Lending activity. The number and amount of the savings association’s home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in the savings association’s assessment area(s); (2) Geographic distribution. The geographic distribution of the savings association’s home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, based on the loan location, including: (i) The proportion of the savings association’s lending in the savings association’s assessment area(s); (ii) The dispersion of lending in the savings association’s assessment area(s); and (iii) The number and amount of loans in low-, moderate-, middle-, and upperincome geographies in the savings association’s assessment area(s); (3) Borrower characteristics. The distribution, particularly in the savings association’s assessment area(s), of the savings association’s home mortgage, small business, small farm, and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 consumer loans, if applicable, based on borrower characteristics, including the number and amount of: (i) Home mortgage loans to low-, moderate-, middle-, and upper-income individuals; (ii) Small business and small farm loans to businesses and farms with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less; (iii) Small business and small farm loans by loan amount at origination; and (iv) Consumer loans, if applicable, to low-, moderate-, middle-, and upperincome individuals; (4) Community development lending. The savings association’s community development lending, including the number and amount of community development loans, and their complexity and innovativeness; and (5) Innovative or flexible lending practices. The savings association’s use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderate-income individuals or geographies. (c) Affiliate lending. (1) At a savings association’s option, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider loans by an affiliate of the savings association, if the savings association provides data on the affiliate’s loans pursuant to § 195.42. (2) The appropriate Federal banking agency considers affiliate lending subject to the following constraints: (i) No affiliate may claim a loan origination or loan purchase if another institution claims the same loan origination or purchase; and (ii) If a savings association elects to have the appropriate Federal banking agency consider loans within a particular lending category made by one or more of the savings association’s affiliates in a particular assessment area, the savings association shall elect to have the appropriate Federal banking agency consider, in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, all the loans within that lending category in that particular assessment area made by all of the savings association’s affiliates. (3) The appropriate Federal banking agency does not consider affiliate lending in assessing a savings association’s performance under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section. (d) Lending by a consortium or a third party. Community development loans originated or purchased by a consortium in which the savings association participates or by a third party in which the savings association has invested: (1) Will be considered, at the savings association’s option, if the savings association reports the data pertaining to these loans under § 195.42(b)(2); and PO 00000 Frm 00234 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (2) May be allocated among participants or investors, as they choose, for purposes of the lending test, except that no participant or investor: (i) May claim a loan origination or loan purchase if another participant or investor claims the same loan origination or purchase; or (ii) May claim loans accounting for more than its percentage share (based on the level of its participation or investment) of the total loans originated by the consortium or third party. (e) Lending performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance as provided in Appendix A of this part. § 195.23 Investment test. (a) Scope of test. The investment test evaluates a savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) through qualified investments that benefit its assessment area(s) or a broader statewide or regional area that includes the savings association’s assessment area(s). (b) Exclusion. Activities considered under the lending or service tests may not be considered under the investment test. (c) Affiliate investment. At a savings association’s option, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider, in its assessment of a savings association’s investment performance, a qualified investment made by an affiliate of the savings association, if the qualified investment is not claimed by any other institution. (d) Disposition of branch premises. Donating, selling on favorable terms, or making available on a rent-free basis a branch of the savings association that is located in a predominantly minority neighborhood to a minority depository institution or women’s depository institution (as these terms are defined in 12 U.S.C. 2907(b)) will be considered as a qualified investment. (e) Performance criteria. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the investment performance of a savings association pursuant to the following criteria: (1) The dollar amount of qualified investments; (2) The innovativeness or complexity of qualified investments; (3) The responsiveness of qualified investments to credit and community development needs; and (4) The degree to which the qualified investments are not routinely provided by private investors. (f) Investment performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations performance as provided in Appendix A of this part. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 195.24 Service test. (a) Scope of test. The service test evaluates a savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) by analyzing both the availability and effectiveness of a savings association’s systems for delivering retail banking services and the extent and innovativeness of its community development services. (b) Area(s) benefitted. Community development services must benefit a savings association’s assessment area(s) or a broader statewide or regional area that includes the savings association’s assessment area(s). (c) Affiliate service. At a savings association’s option, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider, in its assessment of a savings association’s service performance, a community development service provided by an affiliate of the savings association, if the community development service is not claimed by any other institution. (d) Performance criteria—retail banking services. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the availability and effectiveness of a savings association’s systems for delivering retail banking services, pursuant to the following criteria: (1) The current distribution of the savings association’s branches among low-, moderate-, middle-, and upperincome geographies; (2) In the context of its current distribution of the savings association’s branches, the savings association’s record of opening and closing branches, particularly branches located in low- or moderate-income geographies or primarily serving low- or moderateincome individuals; (3) The availability and effectiveness of alternative systems for delivering retail banking services (e.g., ATMs, ATMs not owned or operated by or exclusively for the savings association, banking by telephone or computer, loan production offices, and bank-at-work or bank-by-mail programs) in low- and moderate-income geographies and to low- and moderate-income individuals; and (4) The range of services provided in low-, moderate-, middle-, and upperincome geographies and the degree to which the services are tailored to meet the needs of those geographies. (e) Performance criteria—community development services. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates community development services pursuant to the following criteria: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (1) The extent to which the savings association provides community development services; and (2) The innovativeness and responsiveness of community development services. (f) Service performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance as provided in Appendix A of this part. § 195.25 Community development test for wholesale or limited purpose savings associations. (a) Scope of test. The appropriate Federal banking agency assesses a wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) under the community development test through its community development lending, qualified investments, or community development services. (b) Designation as a wholesale or limited purpose savings association. In order to receive a designation as a wholesale or limited purpose savings association, a savings association shall file a request, in writing, with the appropriate Federal banking agency, at least three months prior to the proposed effective date of the designation. If the appropriate Federal banking agency approves the designation, it remains in effect until the savings association requests revocation of the designation or until one year after the appropriate Federal banking agency notifies the savings association that the appropriate Federal banking agency has revoked the designation on its own initiative. (c) Performance criteria. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the community development performance of a wholesale or limited purpose savings association pursuant to the following criteria: (1) The number and amount of community development loans (including originations and purchases of loans and other community development loan data provided by the savings association, such as data on loans outstanding, commitments, and letters of credit), qualified investments, or community development services; (2) The use of innovative or complex qualified investments, community development loans, or community development services and the extent to which the investments are not routinely provided by private investors; and (3) The savings association’s responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (d) Indirect activities. At a savings association’s option, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider in PO 00000 Frm 00235 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49183 its community development performance assessment: (1) Qualified investments or community development services provided by an affiliate of the savings association, if the investments or services are not claimed by any other institution; and (2) Community development lending by affiliates, consortia and third parties, subject to the requirements and limitations in § 195.22(c) and (d). (e) Benefit to assessment area(s)—(1) Benefit inside assessment area(s). The appropriate Federal banking agency considers all qualified investments, community development loans, and community development services that benefit areas within the savings association’s assessment area(s) or a broader statewide or regional area that includes the savings association’s assessment area(s). (2) Benefit outside assessment area(s). The appropriate Federal banking agency considers the qualified investments, community development loans, and community development services that benefit areas outside the savings association’s assessment area(s), if the savings association has adequately addressed the needs of its assessment area(s). (f) Community development performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s community development performance as provided in Appendix A of this part. § 195.26 Small savings association performance standards. (a) Performance criteria—(1) Small savings associations that are not intermediate small savings associations. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the record of a small savings association that is not, or that was not during the prior calendar year, an intermediate small savings association, of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) pursuant to the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. (2) Intermediate small savings associations. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the record of a small savings association that is, or that was during the prior calendar year, an intermediate small savings association, of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) pursuant to the criteria set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. (b) Lending test. A small savings association’s lending performance is evaluated pursuant to the following criteria: E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49184 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (1) The savings association’s loan-todeposit ratio, adjusted for seasonal variation, and, as appropriate, other lending-related activities, such as loan originations for sale to the secondary markets, community development loans, or qualified investments; (2) The percentage of loans and, as appropriate, other lending-related activities located in the savings association’s assessment area(s); (3) The savings association’s record of lending to and, as appropriate, engaging in other lending-related activities for borrowers of different income levels and businesses and farms of different sizes; (4) The geographic distribution of the savings association’s loans; and (5) The savings association’s record of taking action, if warranted, in response to written complaints about its performance in helping to meet credit needs in its assessment area(s). (c) Community development test. An intermediate small savings association’s community development performance also is evaluated pursuant to the following criteria: (1) The number and amount of community development loans; (2) The number and amount of qualified investments; (3) The extent to which the savings association provides community development services; and (4) The savings association’s responsiveness through such activities to community development lending, investment, and services needs. (d) Small savings association performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates the performance of a savings association evaluated under this section as provided in Appendix A of this part. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 195.27 Strategic plan. (a) Alternative election. The appropriate Federal banking agency will assess a savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s) under a strategic plan if: (1) The savings association has submitted the plan to the appropriate Federal banking agency as provided for in this section; (2) The appropriate Federal banking agency has approved the plan; (3) The plan is in effect; and (4) The savings association has been operating under an approved plan for at least one year. (b) Data reporting. The appropriate Federal banking agency’s approval of a plan does not affect the savings association’s obligation, if any, to report data as required by VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 § 195.42. (c) Plans in general—(1) Term. A plan may have a term of no more than five years, and any multi-year plan must include annual interim measurable goals under which the appropriate Federal banking agency will evaluate the savings association’s performance. (2) Multiple assessment areas. A savings association with more than one assessment area may prepare a single plan for all of its assessment areas or one or more plans for one or more of its assessment areas. (3) Treatment of affiliates. Affiliated institutions may prepare a joint plan if the plan provides measurable goals for each institution. Activities may be allocated among institutions at the institutions’ option, provided that the same activities are not considered for more than one institution. (d) Public participation in plan development. Before submitting a plan to the appropriate Federal banking agency for approval, a savings association shall: (1) Informally seek suggestions from members of the public in its assessment area(s) covered by the plan while developing the plan; (2) Once the savings association has developed a plan, formally solicit public comment on the plan for at least 30 days by publishing notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation in each assessment area covered by the plan; and (3) During the period of formal public comment, make copies of the plan available for review by the public at no cost at all offices of the savings association in any assessment area covered by the plan and provide copies of the plan upon request for a reasonable fee to cover copying and mailing, if applicable. (e) Submission of plan. The savings association shall submit its plan to the appropriate Federal banking agency at least three months prior to the proposed effective date of the plan. The savings association shall also submit with its plan a description of its informal efforts to seek suggestions from members of the public, any written public comment received, and, if the plan was revised in light of the comment received, the initial plan as released for public comment. (f) Plan content—(1) Measurable goals. (i) A savings association shall specify in its plan measurable goals for helping to meet the credit needs of each assessment area covered by the plan, particularly the needs of low- and moderate-income geographies and lowand moderate-income individuals, PO 00000 Frm 00236 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 through lending, investment, and services, as appropriate. (ii) A savings association shall address in its plan all three performance categories and, unless the savings association has been designated as a wholesale or limited purpose savings association, shall emphasize lending and lending-related activities. Nevertheless, a different emphasis, including a focus on one or more performance categories, may be appropriate if responsive to the characteristics and credit needs of its assessment area(s), considering public comment and the savings association’s capacity and constraints, product offerings, and business strategy. (2) Confidential information. A savings association may submit additional information to the appropriate Federal banking agency on a confidential basis, but the goals stated in the plan must be sufficiently specific to enable the public and the appropriate Federal banking agency to judge the merits of the plan. (3) Satisfactory and outstanding goals. A savings association shall specify in its plan measurable goals that constitute ‘‘satisfactory’’ performance. A plan may specify measurable goals that constitute ‘‘outstanding’’ performance. If a savings association submits, and the appropriate Federal banking agency approves, both ‘‘satisfactory’’ and ‘‘outstanding’’ performance goals, the appropriate Federal banking agency will consider the savings association eligible for an ‘‘outstanding’’ performance rating. (4) Election if satisfactory goals not substantially met. A savings association may elect in its plan that, if the savings association fails to meet substantially its plan goals for a satisfactory rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency will evaluate the savings association’s performance under the lending, investment, and service tests, the community development test, or the small savings association performance standards, as appropriate. (g) Plan approval—(1) Timing. The appropriate Federal banking agency will act upon a plan within 60 calendar days after it receives the complete plan and other material required under paragraph (e) of this section. If the appropriate Federal banking agency fails to act within this time period, the plan shall be deemed approved unless the appropriate Federal banking agency extends the review period for good cause. (2) Public participation. In evaluating the plan’s goals, the appropriate Federal banking agency considers the public’s involvement in formulating the plan, written public comment on the plan, E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations and any response by the savings association to public comment on the plan. (3) Criteria for evaluating plan. The appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates a plan’s measurable goals using the following criteria, as appropriate: (i) The extent and breadth of lending or lending-related activities, including, as appropriate, the distribution of loans among different geographies, businesses and farms of different sizes, and individuals of different income levels, the extent of community development lending, and the use of innovative or flexible lending practices to address credit needs; (ii) The amount and innovativeness, complexity, and responsiveness of the savings association’s qualified investments; and (iii) The availability and effectiveness of the savings association’s systems for delivering retail banking services and the extent and innovativeness of the savings association’s community development services. (h) Plan amendment. During the term of a plan, a savings association may request the appropriate Federal banking agency to approve an amendment to the plan on grounds that there has been a material change in circumstances. The savings association shall develop an amendment to a previously approved plan in accordance with the public participation requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. (i) Plan assessment. The appropriate Federal banking agency approves the goals and assesses performance under a plan as provided for in Appendix A of this part. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 195.28 Assigned ratings. (a) Ratings in general. Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the appropriate Federal banking agency assigns to a savings association a rating of ‘‘outstanding,’’ ‘‘satisfactory,’’ ‘‘needs to improve,’’ or ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ based on the savings association’s performance under the lending, investment and service tests, the community development test, the small savings association performance standards, or an approved strategic plan, as applicable. (b) Lending, investment, and service tests. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns a rating for a savings association assessed under the lending, investment, and service tests in accordance with the following principles: (1) A savings association that receives an ‘‘outstanding’’ rating on the lending VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 test receives an assigned rating of at least ‘‘satisfactory’’; (2) A savings association that receives an ‘‘outstanding’’ rating on both the service test and the investment test and a rating of at least ‘‘high satisfactory’’ on the lending test receives an assigned rating of ‘‘outstanding’’; and (3) No savings association may receive an assigned rating of ‘‘satisfactory’’ or higher unless it receives a rating of at least ‘‘low satisfactory’’ on the lending test. (c) Effect of evidence of discriminatory or other illegal credit practices. (1) The appropriate Federal banking agency’s evaluation of a savings association’s CRA performance is adversely affected by evidence of discriminatory or other illegal credit practices in any geography by the savings association or in any assessment area by any affiliate whose loans have been considered as part of the savings association’s lending performance. In connection with any type of lending activity described in § 195.22(a), evidence of discriminatory or other credit practices that violate an applicable law, rule, or regulation includes, but is not limited to: (i) Discrimination against applicants on a prohibited basis in violation, for example, of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act or the Fair Housing Act; (ii) Violations of the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act; (iii) Violations of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act; (iv) Violations of section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act; and (v) Violations of the Truth in Lending Act provisions regarding a consumer’s right of rescission. (2) In determining the effect of evidence of practices described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section on the savings association’s assigned rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency considers the nature, extent, and strength of the evidence of the practices; the policies and procedures that the savings association (or affiliate, as applicable) has in place to prevent the practices; any corrective action that the savings association (or affiliate, as applicable) has taken or has committed to take, including voluntary corrective action resulting from self-assessment; and any other relevant information. § 195.29 Effect of CRA performance on applications. (a) CRA performance. Among other factors, the appropriate Federal banking agency takes into account the record of performance under the CRA of each applicant savings association, and for PO 00000 Frm 00237 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49185 applications under section 10(e) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(e)), of each proposed subsidiary savings association, in considering an application for: (1) The establishment of a domestic branch or other facility that would be authorized to take deposits; (2) The relocation of the main office or a branch; (3) The merger or consolidation with or the acquisition of the assets or assumption of the liabilities of an insured depository institution requiring appropriate Federal banking agency approval under the Bank Merger Act (12 U.S.C. 1828(c)); (4) A Federal thrift charter; and (5) Acquisitions subject to section 10(e) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(e)). (b) Charter application. An applicant for a Federal thrift charter shall submit with its application a description of how it will meet its CRA objectives. The appropriate Federal banking agency takes the description into account in considering the application and may deny or condition approval on that basis. (c) Interested parties. The appropriate Federal banking agency takes into account any views expressed by interested parties that are submitted in accordance with the applicable comment procedures in considering CRA performance in an application listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. (d) Denial or conditional approval of application. A savings association’s record of performance may be the basis for denying or conditioning approval of an application listed in paragraph (a) of this section. (e) Insured depository institution. For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘insured depository institution’’ has the meaning given to that term in 12 U.S.C. 1813. Subpart C—Records, Reporting, and Disclosure Requirements § 195.41 Assessment area delineation. (a) In general. A savings association shall delineate one or more assessment areas within which the appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates the savings association’s record of helping to meet the credit needs of its community. The appropriate Federal banking agency does not evaluate the savings association’s delineation of its assessment area(s) as a separate performance criterion, but the appropriate Federal banking agency reviews the delineation for compliance with the requirements of this section. E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49186 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (b) Geographic area(s) for wholesale or limited purpose savings associations. The assessment area(s) for a wholesale or limited purpose savings association must consist generally of one or more MSAs or metropolitan divisions (using the MSA or metropolitan division boundaries that were in effect as of January 1 of the calendar year in which the delineation is made) or one or more contiguous political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, or towns, in which the savings association has its main office, branches, and deposit-taking ATMs. (c) Geographic area(s) for other savings associations. The assessment area(s) for a savings association other than a wholesale or limited purpose savings association must: (1) Consist generally of one or more MSAs or metropolitan divisions (using the MSA or metropolitan division boundaries that were in effect as of January 1 of the calendar year in which the delineation is made) or one or more contiguous political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, or towns; and (2) Include the geographies in which the savings association has its main office, its branches, and its deposittaking ATMs, as well as the surrounding geographies in which the savings association has originated or purchased a substantial portion of its loans (including home mortgage loans, small business and small farm loans, and any other loans the savings association chooses, such as those consumer loans on which the savings association elects to have its performance assessed). (d) Adjustments to geographic area(s). A savings association may adjust the boundaries of its assessment area(s) to include only the portion of a political subdivision that it reasonably can be expected to serve. An adjustment is particularly appropriate in the case of an assessment area that otherwise would be extremely large, of unusual configuration, or divided by significant geographic barriers. (e) Limitations on the delineation of an assessment area. Each savings association’s assessment area(s): (1) Must consist only of whole geographies; (2) May not reflect illegal discrimination; (3) May not arbitrarily exclude low- or moderate-income geographies, taking into account the savings association’s size and financial condition; and (4) May not extend substantially beyond an MSA boundary or beyond a state boundary unless the assessment area is located in a multistate MSA. If a savings association serves a geographic area that extends VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 substantially beyond a state boundary, the savings association shall delineate separate assessment areas for the areas in each state. If a savings association serves a geographic area that extends substantially beyond an MSA boundary, the savings association shall delineate separate assessment areas for the areas inside and outside the MSA. (f) Savings associations serving military personnel. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, a savings association whose business predominantly consists of serving the needs of military personnel or their dependents who are not located within a defined geographic area may delineate its entire deposit customer base as its assessment area. (g) Use of assessment area(s). The appropriate Federal banking agency uses the assessment area(s) delineated by a savings association in its evaluation of the savings association’s CRA performance unless the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that the assessment area(s) do not comply with the requirements of this section. § 195.42 Data collection, reporting, and disclosure. (a) Loan information required to be collected and maintained. A savings association, except a small savings association, shall collect, and maintain in machine readable form (as prescribed by the appropriate Federal banking agency) until the completion of its next CRA examination, the following data for each small business or small farm loan originated or purchased by the savings association: (1) A unique number or alphanumeric symbol that can be used to identify the relevant loan file; (2) The loan amount at origination; (3) The loan location; and (4) An indicator whether the loan was to a business or farm with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less. (b) Loan information required to be reported. A savings association, except a small savings association or a savings association that was a small savings association during the prior calendar year, shall report annually by March 1 to the appropriate Federal banking agency in machine readable form (as prescribed by the agency) the following data for the prior calendar year: (1) Small business and small farm loan data. For each geography in which the savings association originated or purchased a small business or small farm loan, the aggregate number and amount of loans: (i) With an amount at origination of $100,000 or less; PO 00000 Frm 00238 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (ii) With amount at origination of more than $100,000 but less than or equal to $250,000; (iii) With an amount at origination of more than $250,000; and (iv) To businesses and farms with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less (using the revenues that the savings association considered in making its credit decision); (2) Community development loan data. The aggregate number and aggregate amount of community development loans originated or purchased; and (3) Home mortgage loans. If the savings association is subject to reporting under part 203 of this title, the location of each home mortgage loan application, origination, or purchase outside the MSAs in which the savings association has a home or branch office (or outside any MSA) in accordance with the requirements of part 203 of this title. (c) Optional data collection and maintenance—(1) Consumer loans. A savings association may collect and maintain in machine readable form (as prescribed by the appropriate Federal banking agency) data for consumer loans originated or purchased by the savings association for consideration under the lending test. A savings association may maintain data for one or more of the following categories of consumer loans: Motor vehicle, credit card, home equity, other secured, and other unsecured. If the savings association maintains data for loans in a certain category, it shall maintain data for all loans originated or purchased within that category. The savings association shall maintain data separately for each category, including for each loan: (i) A unique number or alpha-numeric symbol that can be used to identify the relevant loan file; (ii) The loan amount at origination or purchase; (iii) The loan location; and (iv) The gross annual income of the borrower that the savings association considered in making its credit decision. (2) Other loan data. At its option, a savings association may provide other information concerning its lending performance, including additional loan distribution data. (d) Data on affiliate lending. A savings association that elects to have the appropriate Federal banking agency consider loans by an affiliate, for purposes of the lending or community development test or an approved strategic plan, shall collect, maintain, and report for those loans the data that E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations the savings association would have collected, maintained, and reported pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section had the loans been originated or purchased by the savings association. For home mortgage loans, the savings association shall also be prepared to identify the home mortgage loans reported under part 203 of this title by the affiliate. (e) Data on lending by a consortium or a third-party. A savings association that elects to have the appropriate Federal banking agency consider community development loans by a consortium or third party, for purposes of the lending or community development tests or an approved strategic plan, shall report for those loans the data that the savings association would have reported under paragraph (b)(2) of this section had the loans been originated or purchased by the savings association. (f) Small savings associations electing evaluation under the lending, investment, and service tests. A savings association that qualifies for evaluation under the small savings association performance standards but elects evaluation under the lending, investment, and service tests shall collect, maintain, and report the data required for other savings associations pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. (g) Assessment area data. A savings association, except a small savings association or a savings association that was a small savings association during the prior calendar year, shall collect and report to the appropriate Federal banking agency by March 1 of each year a list for each assessment area showing the geographies within the area. (h) CRA Disclosure Statement. The appropriate Federal banking agency prepares annually for each savings association that reports data pursuant to this section a CRA Disclosure Statement that contains, on a state-by-state basis: (1) For each county (and for each assessment area smaller than a county) with a population of 500,000 persons or fewer in which the savings association reported a small business or small farm loan: (i) The number and amount of small business and small farm loans reported as originated or purchased located in low-, moderate-, middle-, and upperincome geographies; (ii) A list grouping each geography according to whether the geography is low-, moderate-, middle-, or upperincome; (iii) A list showing each geography in which the savings association reported a small business or small farm loan; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (iv) The number and amount of small business and small farm loans to businesses and farms with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less; (2) For each county (and for each assessment area smaller than a county) with a population in excess of 500,000 persons in which the savings association reported a small business or small farm loan: (i) The number and amount of small business and small farm loans reported as originated or purchased located in geographies with median income relative to the area median income of less than 10 percent, 10 or more but less than 20 percent, 20 or more but less than 30 percent, 30 or more but less than 40 percent, 40 or more but less than 50 percent, 50 or more but less than 60 percent, 60 or more but less than 70 percent, 70 or more but less than 80 percent, 80 or more but less than 90 percent, 90 or more but less than 100 percent, 100 or more but less than 110 percent, 110 or more but less than 120 percent, and 120 percent or more; (ii) A list grouping each geography in the county or assessment area according to whether the median income in the geography relative to the area median income is less than 10 percent, 10 or more but less than 20 percent, 20 or more but less than 30 percent, 30 or more but less than 40 percent, 40 or more but less than 50 percent, 50 or more but less than 60 percent, 60 or more but less than 70 percent, 70 or more but less than 80 percent, 80 or more but less than 90 percent, 90 or more but less than 100 percent, 100 or more but less than 110 percent, 110 or more but less than 120 percent, and 120 percent or more; (iii) A list showing each geography in which the savings association reported a small business or small farm loan; and (iv) The number and amount of small business and small farm loans to businesses and farms with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less; (3) The number and amount of small business and small farm loans located inside each assessment area reported by the savings association and the number and amount of small business and small farm loans located outside the assessment area(s) reported by the savings association; and (4) The number and amount of community development loans reported as originated or purchased. (i) Aggregate disclosure statements. The appropriate Federal banking agency, in conjunction with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the OCC, as PO 00000 Frm 00239 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49187 appropriate, prepares annually, for each MSA or metropolitan division (including an MSA or metropolitan division that crosses a state boundary) and the nonmetropolitan portion of each state, an aggregate disclosure statement of small business and small farm lending by all institutions subject to reporting under this part or parts 25, 228, or 345 of this title. These disclosure statements indicate, for each geography, the number and amount of all small business and small farm loans originated or purchased by reporting institutions, except that the appropriate Federal banking agency may adjust the form of the disclosure if necessary, because of special circumstances, to protect the privacy of a borrower or the competitive position of an institution. (j) Central data depositories. The appropriate Federal banking agency makes the aggregate disclosure statements, described in paragraph (i) of this section, and the individual savings association CRA Disclosure Statements, described in paragraph (h) of this section, available to the public at central data depositories. The appropriate Federal banking agency publishes a list of the depositories at which the statements are available. § 195.43 file. Content and availability of public (a) Information available to the public. A savings association shall maintain a public file that includes the following information: (1) All written comments received from the public for the current year and each of the prior two calendar years that specifically relate to the savings association’s performance in helping to meet community credit needs, and any response to the comments by the savings association, if neither the comments nor the responses contain statements that reflect adversely on the good name or reputation of any persons other than the savings association or publication of which would violate specific provisions of law; (2) A copy of the public section of the savings association’s most recent CRA Performance Evaluation prepared by the appropriate Federal banking agency. The savings association shall place this copy in the public file within 30 business days after its receipt from the appropriate Federal banking agency; (3) A list of the savings association’s branches, their street addresses, and geographies; (4) A list of branches opened or closed by the savings association during the current year and each of the prior two calendar years, their street addresses, and geographies; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49188 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (5) A list of services (including hours of operation, available loan and deposit products, and transaction fees) generally offered at the savings association’s branches and descriptions of material differences in the availability or cost of services at particular branches, if any. At its option, a savings association may include information regarding the availability of alternative systems for delivering retail banking services (e.g., ATMs, ATMs not owned or operated by or exclusively for the savings association, banking by telephone or computer, loan production offices, and bank-at-work or bank-by-mail programs); (6) A map of each assessment area showing the boundaries of the area and identifying the geographies contained within the area, either on the map or in a separate list; and (7) Any other information the savings association chooses. (b) Additional information available to the public—(1) Savings associations other than small savings associations. A savings association, except a small savings association or a savings association that was a small savings association during the prior calendar year, shall include in its public file the following information pertaining to the savings association and its affiliates, if applicable, for each of the prior two calendar years: (i) If the savings association has elected to have one or more categories of its consumer loans considered under the lending test, for each of these categories, the number and amount of loans: (A) To low-, moderate-, middle-, and upper-income individuals; (B) Located in low-, moderate-, middle-, and upper-income census tracts; and (C) Located inside the savings association’s assessment area(s) and outside the savings association’s assessment area(s); and (ii) The savings association’s CRA Disclosure Statement. The savings association shall place the statement in the public file within three business days of its receipt from the appropriate Federal banking agency. (2) Savings associations required to report Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. A savings association required to report home mortgage loan data pursuant to part 203 of this title shall include in its public file a copy of the HMDA Disclosure Statement provided by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council pertaining to the savings association for each of the prior two calendar years. In addition, a savings association that VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 elected to have the appropriate Federal banking agency consider the mortgage lending of an affiliate for any of these years shall include in its public file the affiliate’s HMDA Disclosure Statement for those years. The savings association shall place the statement(s) in the public file within three business days after its receipt. (3) Small savings associations. A small savings association or a savings association that was a small savings association during the prior calendar year shall include in its public file: (i) The savings association’s loan-todeposit ratio for each quarter of the prior calendar year and, at its option, additional data on its loan-to-deposit ratio; and (ii) The information required for other savings associations by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if the savings association has elected to be evaluated under the lending, investment, and service tests. (4) Savings associations with strategic plans. A savings association that has been approved to be assessed under a strategic plan shall include in its public file a copy of that plan. A savings association need not include information submitted to the appropriate Federal banking agency on a confidential basis in conjunction with the plan. (5) Savings associations with less than satisfactory ratings. A savings association that received a less than satisfactory rating during its most recent examination shall include in its public file a description of its current efforts to improve its performance in helping to meet the credit needs of its entire community. The savings association shall update the description quarterly. (c) Location of public information. A savings association shall make available to the public for inspection upon request and at no cost the information required in this section as follows: (1) At the main office and, if an interstate savings association, at one branch office in each state, all information in the public file; and (2) At each branch: (i) A copy of the public section of the savings association’s most recent CRA Performance Evaluation and a list of services provided by the branch; and (ii) Within five calendar days of the request, all the information in the public file relating to the assessment area in which the branch is located. (d) Copies. Upon request, a savings association shall provide copies, either on paper or in another form acceptable to the person making the request, of the information in its public file. The savings association may charge a PO 00000 Frm 00240 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 reasonable fee not to exceed the cost of copying and mailing (if applicable). (e) Updating. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a savings association shall ensure that the information required by this section is current as of April 1 of each year. § 195.44 Public notice by savings associations. A savings association shall provide in the public lobby of its main office and each of its branches the appropriate public notice set forth in Appendix B of this part. Only a branch of a savings association having more than one assessment area shall include the bracketed material in the notice for branch offices. Only a savings association that is an affiliate of a holding company shall include the last two sentences of the notices. § 195.45 Publication of planned examination schedule. The appropriate Federal banking agency publishes at least 30 days in advance of the beginning of each calendar quarter a list of savings associations scheduled for CRA examinations in that quarter. Appendix A to Part 195—Ratings (a) Ratings in general. (1) In assigning a rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency evaluates a savings association’s performance under the applicable performance criteria in this part, in accordance with §§ 195.21 and 195.28. This includes consideration of low-cost education loans provided to low-income borrowers and activities in cooperation with minority- or women-owned financial institutions and low-income credit unions, as well as adjustments on the basis of evidence of discriminatory or other illegal credit practices. (2) A savings association’s performance need not fit each aspect of a particular rating profile in order to receive that rating, and exceptionally strong performance with respect to some aspects may compensate for weak performance in others. The savings association’s overall performance, however, must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices and generally with the appropriate rating profile as follows. (b) Savings associations evaluated under the lending, investment, and service tests—(1) Lending performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns each savings association’s lending performance one of the five following ratings. (i) Outstanding. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance ‘‘outstanding’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) Excellent responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area(s), taking into account the number and amount of home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s); E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (B) A substantial majority of its loans are made in its assessment area(s); (C) An excellent geographic distribution of loans in its assessment area(s); (D) An excellent distribution, particularly in its assessment area(s), of loans among individuals of different income levels and businesses (including farms) of different sizes, given the product lines offered by the savings association; (E) An excellent record of serving the credit needs of highly economically disadvantaged areas in its assessment area(s), low-income individuals, or businesses (including farms) with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less, consistent with safe and sound operations; (F) Extensive use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderate-income individuals or geographies; and (G) It is a leader in making community development loans. (ii) High satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance ‘‘high satisfactory’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) Good responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area(s), taking into account the number and amount of home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s); (B) A high percentage of its loans are made in its assessment area(s); (C) A good geographic distribution of loans in its assessment area(s); (D) A good distribution, particularly in its assessment area(s), of loans among individuals of different income levels and businesses (including farms) of different sizes, given the product lines offered by the savings association; (E) A good record of serving the credit needs of highly economically disadvantaged areas in its assessment area(s), low-income individuals, or businesses (including farms) with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less, consistent with safe and sound operations; (F) Use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderateincome individuals or geographies; and (G) It has made a relatively high level of community development loans. (iii) Low satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance ‘‘low satisfactory’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) Adequate responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area(s), taking into account the number and amount of home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s); (B) An adequate percentage of its loans are made in its assessment area(s); (C) An adequate geographic distribution of loans in its assessment area(s); (D) An adequate distribution, particularly in its assessment area(s), of loans among individuals of different income levels and businesses (including farms) of different sizes, given the product lines offered by the savings association; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (E) An adequate record of serving the credit needs of highly economically disadvantaged areas in its assessment area(s), low-income individuals, or businesses (including farms) with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less, consistent with safe and sound operations; (F) Limited use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderate-income individuals or geographies; and (G) It has made an adequate level of community development loans. (iv) Needs to improve. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance ‘‘needs to improve’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) Poor responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area(s), taking into account the number and amount of home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s); (B) A small percentage of its loans are made in its assessment area(s); (C) A poor geographic distribution of loans, particularly to low- or moderate-income geographies, in its assessment area(s); (D) A poor distribution, particularly in its assessment area(s), of loans among individuals of different income levels and businesses (including farms) of different sizes, given the product lines offered by the savings association; (E) A poor record of serving the credit needs of highly economically disadvantaged areas in its assessment area(s), low-income individuals, or businesses (including farms) with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less, consistent with safe and sound operations; (F) Little use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderate-income individuals or geographies; and (G) It has made a low level of community development loans. (v) Substantial noncompliance. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s lending performance as being in ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) A very poor responsiveness to credit needs in its assessment area(s), taking into account the number and amount of home mortgage, small business, small farm, and consumer loans, if applicable, in its assessment area(s); (B) A very small percentage of its loans are made in its assessment area(s); (C) A very poor geographic distribution of loans, particularly to low- or moderateincome geographies, in its assessment area(s); (D) A very poor distribution, particularly in its assessment area(s), of loans among individuals of different income levels and businesses (including farms) of different sizes, given the product lines offered by the savings association; (E) A very poor record of serving the credit needs of highly economically disadvantaged areas in its assessment area(s), low-income individuals, or businesses (including farms) with gross annual revenues of $1 million or less, consistent with safe and sound operations; PO 00000 Frm 00241 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49189 (F) No use of innovative or flexible lending practices in a safe and sound manner to address the credit needs of low- or moderateincome individuals or geographies; and (G) It has made few, if any, community development loans. (2) Investment performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns each savings association’s investment performance one of the five following ratings. (i) Outstanding. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment performance ‘‘outstanding’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) An excellent level of qualified investments, particularly those that are not routinely provided by private investors, often in a leadership position; (B) Extensive use of innovative or complex qualified investments; and (C) Excellent responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (ii) High satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment performance ‘‘high satisfactory’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) A significant level of qualified investments, particularly those that are not routinely provided by private investors, occasionally in a leadership position; (B) Significant use of innovative or complex qualified investments; and (C) Good responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (iii) Low satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment performance ‘‘low satisfactory’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) An adequate level of qualified investments, particularly those that are not routinely provided by private investors, although rarely in a leadership position; (B) Occasional use of innovative or complex qualified investments; and (C) Adequate responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (iv) Needs to improve. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment performance ‘‘needs to improve’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) A poor level of qualified investments, particularly those that are not routinely provided by private investors; (B) Rare use of innovative or complex qualified investments; and (C) Poor responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (v) Substantial noncompliance. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s investment performance as being in ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (A) Few, if any, qualified investments, particularly those that are not routinely provided by private investors; (B) No use of innovative or complex qualified investments; and (C) Very poor responsiveness to credit and community development needs. (3) Service performance rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns each savings association’s service performance one of the five following ratings. (i) Outstanding. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance ‘‘outstanding’’ if, in E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 49190 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) Its service delivery systems are readily accessible to geographies and individuals of different income levels in its assessment area(s); (B) To the extent changes have been made, its record of opening and closing branches has improved the accessibility of its delivery systems, particularly in low- or moderateincome geographies or to low- or moderateincome individuals; (C) Its services (including, where appropriate, business hours) are tailored to the convenience and needs of its assessment area(s), particularly low- or moderate-income geographies or low- or moderate-income individuals; and (D) It is a leader in providing community development services. (ii) High satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance ‘‘high satisfactory’’ if, in general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) Its service delivery systems are accessible to geographies and individuals of different income levels in its assessment area(s); (B) To the extent changes have been made, its record of opening and closing branches has not adversely affected the accessibility of its delivery systems, particularly in low- and moderate-income geographies and to lowand moderate-income individuals; (C) Its services (including, where appropriate, business hours) do not vary in a way that inconveniences its assessment area(s), particularly low- and moderateincome geographies and low- and moderateincome individuals; and (D) It provides a relatively high level of community development services. (iii) Low satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance ‘‘low satisfactory’’ if, in general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) Its service delivery systems are reasonably accessible to geographies and individuals of different income levels in its assessment area(s); (B) To the extent changes have been made, its record of opening and closing branches has generally not adversely affected the accessibility of its delivery systems, particularly in low- and moderate-income geographies and to low- and moderateincome individuals; (C) Its services (including, where appropriate, business hours) do not vary in a way that inconveniences its assessment area(s), particularly low- and moderateincome geographies and low- and moderateincome individuals; and (D) It provides an adequate level of community development services. (iv) Needs to improve. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance ‘‘needs to improve’’ if, in general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) Its service delivery systems are unreasonably inaccessible to portions of its assessment area(s), particularly to low- or moderate-income geographies or to low- or moderate-income individuals; VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (B) To the extent changes have been made, its record of opening and closing branches has adversely affected the accessibility of its delivery systems, particularly in low- or moderate-income geographies or to low- or moderate-income individuals; (C) Its services (including, where appropriate, business hours) vary in a way that inconveniences its assessment area(s), particularly low- or moderate-income geographies or low- or moderate-income individuals; and (D) It provides a limited level of community development services. (v) Substantial noncompliance. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a savings association’s service performance as being in ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ if, in general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) Its service delivery systems are unreasonably inaccessible to significant portions of its assessment area(s), particularly to low- or moderate-income geographies or to low- or moderate-income individuals; (B) To the extent changes have been made, its record of opening and closing branches has significantly adversely affected the accessibility of its delivery systems, particularly in low- or moderate-income geographies or to low- or moderate-income individuals; (C) Its services (including, where appropriate, business hours) vary in a way that significantly inconveniences its assessment area(s), particularly low- or moderate-income geographies or low- or moderate-income individuals; and (D) It provides few, if any, community development services. (c) Wholesale or limited purpose savings associations. The appropriate Federal banking agency assigns each wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s community development performance one of the four following ratings. (1) Outstanding. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s community development performance ‘‘outstanding’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (i) A high level of community development loans, community development services, or qualified investments, particularly investments that are not routinely provided by private investors; (ii) Extensive use of innovative or complex qualified investments, community development loans, or community development services; and (iii) Excellent responsiveness to credit and community development needs in its assessment area(s). (2) Satisfactory. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s community development performance ‘‘satisfactory’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (i) An adequate level of community development loans, community development services, or qualified investments, particularly investments that are not routinely provided by private investors; (ii) Occasional use of innovative or complex qualified investments, community development loans, or community development services; and PO 00000 Frm 00242 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 (iii) Adequate responsiveness to credit and community development needs in its assessment area(s). (3) Needs to improve. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s community development performance as ‘‘needs to improve’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (i) A poor level of community development loans, community development services, or qualified investments, particularly investments that are not routinely provided by private investors; (ii) Rare use of innovative or complex qualified investments, community development loans, or community development services; and (iii) Poor responsiveness to credit and community development needs in its assessment area(s). (4) Substantial noncompliance. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a wholesale or limited purpose savings association’s community development performance in ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ if, in general, it demonstrates: (i) Few, if any, community development loans, community development services, or qualified investments, particularly investments that are not routinely provided by private investors; (ii) No use of innovative or complex qualified investments, community development loans, or community development services; and (iii) Very poor responsiveness to credit and community development needs in its assessment area(s). (d) Savings associations evaluated under the small savings association performance standard.—(1) Lending test ratings. (i) Eligibility for a satisfactory lending test rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates a small savings association’s lending performance ‘‘satisfactory’’ if, in general, the savings association demonstrates: (A) A reasonable loan-to-deposit ratio (considering seasonal variations) given the savings association’s size, financial condition, the credit needs of its assessment area(s), and taking into account, as appropriate, other lending-related activities such as loan originations for sale to the secondary markets and community development loans and qualified investments; (B) A majority of its loans and, as appropriate, other lending-related activities, are in its assessment area; (C) A distribution of loans to and, as appropriate, other lending-related activities for individuals of different income levels (including low- and moderate-income individuals) and businesses and farms of different sizes that is reasonable given the demographics of the savings association’s assessment area(s); (D) A record of taking appropriate action, when warranted, in response to written complaints, if any, about the savings association’s performance in helping to meet the credit needs of its assessment area(s); and (E) A reasonable geographic distribution of loans given the savings association’s assessment area(s). E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (ii) Eligibility for an ‘‘outstanding’’ lending test rating. A small savings association that meets each of the standards for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating under this paragraph and exceeds some or all of those standards may warrant consideration for a lending test rating of ‘‘outstanding.’’ (iii) Needs to improve or substantial noncompliance ratings. A small savings association may also receive a lending test rating of ‘‘needs to improve’’ or ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ depending on the degree to which its performance has failed to meet the standard for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating. (2) Community development test ratings for intermediate small savings associations—(i) Eligibility for a satisfactory community development test rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates an intermediate small savings association’s community development performance ‘‘satisfactory’’ if the savings association demonstrates adequate responsiveness to the community development needs of its assessment area(s) through community development loans, qualified investments, and community development services. The adequacy of the savings association’s response will depend on its capacity for such community development activities, its assessment area’s need for such community development activities, and the availability of such opportunities for community development in the savings association’s assessment area(s). (ii) Eligibility for an outstanding community development test rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency rates an intermediate small savings association’s community development performance ‘‘outstanding’’ if the savings association demonstrates excellent responsiveness to community development needs in its assessment area(s) through community development loans, qualified investments, and community development services, as appropriate, considering the savings association’s capacity and the need and availability of such opportunities for community development in the savings association’s assessment area(s). (iii) Needs to improve or substantial noncompliance ratings. An intermediate small savings association may also receive a community development test rating of ‘‘needs to improve’’ or ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ depending on the degree to which its performance has failed to meet the standards for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating. (3) Overall rating—(i) Eligibility for a satisfactory overall rating. No intermediate small savings association may receive an assigned overall rating of ‘‘satisfactory’’ unless it receives a rating of at least ‘‘satisfactory’’ on both the lending test and the community development test. (ii) Eligibility for an outstanding overall rating. (A) An intermediate small savings association that receives an ‘‘outstanding’’ rating on one test and at least ‘‘satisfactory’’ on the other test may receive an assigned overall rating of ‘‘outstanding.’’ (B) A small savings association that is not an intermediate small savings association that meets each of the standards for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating under the lending test and exceeds some or all of those standards VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 may warrant consideration for an overall rating of ‘‘outstanding.’’ In assessing whether a savings association’s performance is ‘‘outstanding,’’ the appropriate Federal banking agency considers the extent to which the savings association exceeds each of the performance standards for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating and its performance in making qualified investments and its performance in providing branches and other services and delivery systems that enhance credit availability in its assessment area(s). (iii) Needs to improve or substantial noncompliance overall ratings. A small savings association may also receive a rating of ‘‘needs to improve’’ or ‘‘substantial noncompliance’’ depending on the degree to which its performance has failed to meet the standards for a ‘‘satisfactory’’ rating. (e) Strategic plan assessment and rating— (1) Satisfactory goals. The appropriate Federal banking agency approves as ‘‘satisfactory’’ measurable goals that adequately help to meet the credit needs of the savings association’s assessment area(s). (2) Outstanding goals. If the plan identifies a separate group of measurable goals that substantially exceed the levels approved as ‘‘satisfactory,’’ the appropriate Federal banking agency will approve those goals as ‘‘outstanding.’’ (3) Rating. The appropriate Federal banking agency assesses the performance of a savings association operating under an approved plan to determine if the savings association has met its plan goals: (i) If the savings association substantially achieves its plan goals for a satisfactory rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency will rate the savings association’s performance under the plan as ‘‘satisfactory.’’ (ii) If the savings association exceeds its plan goals for a satisfactory rating and substantially achieves its plan goals for an outstanding rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency will rate the savings association’s performance under the plan as ‘‘outstanding.’’ (iii) If the savings association fails to meet substantially its plan goals for a satisfactory rating, the appropriate Federal banking agency will rate the savings association as either ‘‘needs to improve’’ or ‘‘substantial noncompliance,’’ depending on the extent to which it falls short of its plan goals, unless the savings association elected in its plan to be rated otherwise, as provided in § 195.27(f)(4). Appendix B to Part 195—CRA Notice (a) Notice for main offices and, if an interstate savings association, one branch office in each state. Community Reinvestment Act Notice Under the Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), the [Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)] evaluates our record of helping to meet the credit needs of this community consistent with safe and sound operations. The [OCC or FDIC] also takes this record into account when deciding on certain applications submitted by us. Your involvement is encouraged. PO 00000 Frm 00243 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49191 You are entitled to certain information about our operations and our performance under the CRA, including, for example, information about our branches, such as their location and services provided at them; the public section of our most recent CRA Performance Evaluation, prepared by the [OCC or FDIC]; and comments received from the public relating to our performance in helping to meet community credit needs, as well as our responses to those comments. You may review this information today. At least 30 days before the beginning of each quarter, the [OCC or FDIC] publishes a nationwide list of the savings associations that are scheduled for CRA examination in that quarter. This list is available from the [OCC Deputy Comptroller (address) or FDIC appropriate regional director (address)]. You may send written comments about our performance in helping to meet community credit needs to (name and address of official at savings association) and the [OCC Deputy Comptroller (address) or FDIC appropriate regional director (address)]. Your letter, together with any response by us, will be considered by the [OCC or FDIC] in evaluating our CRA performance and may be made public. You may ask to look at any comments received by the [OCC Deputy Comptroller or FDIC appropriate regional director]. You may also request from the [OCC Deputy Comptroller or FDIC appropriate regional director] an announcement of our applications covered by the CRA filed with the [OCC or FDIC]. We are an affiliate of (name of holding company), a savings and loan holding company. You may request from the (title of responsible official), Federal Reserve Bank of llll (address) an announcement of applications covered by the CRA filed by savings and loan holding companies. (b) Notice for branch offices. Community Reinvestment Act Notice Under the Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), the [Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)] evaluates our record of helping to meet the credit needs of this community consistent with safe and sound operations. The [OCC or FDIC] also takes this record into account when deciding on certain applications submitted by us. Your involvement is encouraged. You are entitled to certain information about our operations and our performance under the CRA. You may review today the public section of our most recent CRA evaluation, prepared by the [OCC or FDIC] and a list of services provided at this branch. You may also have access to the following additional information, which we will make available to you at this branch within five calendar days after you make a request to us: (1) A map showing the assessment area containing this branch, which is the area in which the [OCC or FDIC] evaluates our CRA performance in this community; (2) information about our branches in this assessment area; (3) a list of services we provide at those locations; (4) data on our lending performance in this assessment area; E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49192 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations and (5) copies of all written comments received by us that specifically relate to our CRA performance in this assessment area, and any responses we have made to those comments. If we are operating under an approved strategic plan, you may also have access to a copy of the plan. [If you would like to review information about our CRA performance in other communities served by us, the public file for our entire savings association is available at (name of office located in state), located at (address).] At least 30 days before the beginning of each quarter, the [OCC or FDIC] publishes a nationwide list of the savings associations that are scheduled for CRA examination in that quarter. This list is available from the [OCC Deputy Comptroller (address) or FDIC appropriate regional office (address)]. You may send written comments about our performance in helping to meet community credit needs to (name and address of official at savings association) and the [OCC or FDIC]. Your letter, together with any response by us, will be considered by the [OCC or FDIC] in evaluating our CRA performance and may be made public. You may ask to look at any comments received by the [OCC Deputy Comptroller or FDIC appropriate regional director]. You may also request an announcement of our applications covered by the CRA filed with the [OCC Deputy Comptroller or FDIC appropriate regional director]. We are an affiliate of (name of holding company), a savings and loan holding company. You may request from the (title of responsible official), Federal Reserve Bank of llll (address) an announcement of applications covered by the CRA filed by savings and loan holding companies. PART 196—MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL INTERLOCKS Sec. 196.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. 196.2 Definitions. 196.3 Prohibitions. 196.4 Interlocking relationships permitted by statute. 196.5 Small market share exemption. 196.6 General exemption. 196.7 Change in circumstances. 196.8 Enforcement. 196.9 Interlocking relationships permitted pursuant to Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 3201–3208; 5412(b)(2)(B). sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 196.1 Authority, purpose, and scope. (a) Authority. This part is issued under the provisions of the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act (Interlocks Act) (12 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.), as amended. (b) Purpose. The purpose of the Interlocks Act and this part is to foster competition by generally prohibiting a management official from serving two nonaffiliated depository organizations in situations where the management VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 interlock likely would have an anticompetitive effect. (c) Scope. This part applies to management officials of Federal savings associations and their affiliates. § 196.2 Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (a) Affiliate. (1) The term affiliate has the meaning given in section 202 of the Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201). For purposes of that section 202, shares held by an individual include shares held by members of his or her immediate family. ‘‘Immediate family’’ means spouse, mother, father, child, grandchild, sister, brother, or any of their spouses, whether or not any of their shares are held in trust. (2) For purposes of section 202(3)(B) of the Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201(3)(B)), an affiliate relationship involving a savings association based on common ownership does not exist if the OCC determines, after giving the affected persons the opportunity to respond, that the asserted affiliation was established in order to avoid the prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the OCC considers, among other things, whether a person, including members of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage is substantially disproportionate to that person’s ownership of shares in the other organization. (b) Area median income means: (1) The median family income for the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), if a depository organization is located in an MSA; or (2) The statewide nonmetropolitan median family income, if a depository organization is located outside an MSA. (c) Community means a city, town, or village, and contiguous or adjacent cities, towns, or villages. (d) Contiguous or adjacent cities, towns, or villages means cities, towns, or villages whose borders touch each other or whose borders are within 10 road miles of each other at their closest points. The property line of an office located in an unincorporated city, town, or village is the boundary line of that city, town, or village for the purpose of this definition. (e) Depository holding company means a bank holding company or a savings and loan holding company (as more fully defined in section 202 of the PO 00000 Frm 00244 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201)) having its principal office located in the United States. (f) Depository institution means a commercial bank (including a private bank), a savings bank, a trust company, a savings and loan association, a building and loan association, a homestead association, a cooperative bank, an industrial bank, or a credit union, chartered under the laws of the United States and having a principal office located in the United States. Additionally, a United States office, including a branch or agency, of a foreign commercial bank is a depository institution. (g) Depository institution affiliate means a depository institution that is an affiliate of a depository organization. (h) Depository organization means a depository institution or a depository holding company. (i) Low- and moderate-income areas means census tracts (or, if an area is not in a census tract, block numbering areas delineated by the United States Bureau of the Census) where the median family income is less than 100 percent of the area median income. (j) Management official. (1) The term management official means: (i) A director; (ii) An advisory or honorary director of a depository institution with total assets of $100 million or more; (iii) A senior executive officer as that term is defined in § 163.555 of this chapter; (iv) A branch manager; (v) A trustee of a depository organization under the control of trustees; and (vi) Any person who has a representative or nominee serving in any of the capacities in this paragraph (j)(1). (2) The term management official does not include: (i) A person whose management functions relate exclusively to the business of retail merchandising or manufacturing; (ii) A person whose management functions relate principally to the business outside the United States of a foreign commercial bank; or (iii) A person described in the provisos of section 202(4) of the Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201(4)) (referring to an officer of a statechartered savings bank, cooperative bank, or trust company that neither makes real estate mortgage loans nor accepts savings). (k) Office means a principal or branch office of a depository institution located in the United States. Office does not include a representative office of a E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations foreign commercial bank, an electronic terminal, or a loan production office. (l) Person means a natural person, corporation, or other business entity. (m) Relevant metropolitan statistical area (RMSA) means an MSA, a primary MSA, or a consolidated MSA that is not comprised of designated Primary MSAs to the extent that these terms are defined and applied by the Office of Management and Budget. (n) Representative or nominee means a natural person who serves as a management official and has an obligation to act on behalf of another person with respect to management responsibilities. The OCC will find that a person has an obligation to act on behalf of another person only if the first person has an agreement, express or implied, to act on behalf of the second person with respect to management responsibilities. The OCC will determine, after giving the affected persons an opportunity to respond, whether a person is a representative or nominee. (o) Savings association means: (1) Any Federal savings association (as defined in section 3(b)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b)(2)); (2) [Reserved]; and (3) Any corporation (other than a bank as defined in section 3(a)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(a)(1)) the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, that the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Comptroller of the Currency jointly determine to be operating in substantially the same manner as a Federal savings association. (p) Total assets. (1) The term total assets means assets measured on a consolidated basis and reported in the most recent fiscal year-end Consolidated Report of Condition and Income. (2) The term total assets does not include: (i) Assets of a diversified savings and loan holding company as defined by section 10(a)(1)(F) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)(1)(F)) other than the assets of its depository institution affiliate; (ii) Assets of a bank holding company that is exempt from the prohibitions of section 4 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 pursuant to an order issued under section 4(d) of that Act (12 U.S.C. 1843(d)) other than the assets of its depository institution affiliate; or (iii) Assets of offices of a foreign commercial bank other than the assets of its United States branch or agency. VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (q) United States means the United States of America, any state or territory of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. § 196.3 Prohibitions. (a) Community. A management official of a depository organization may not serve at the same time as a management official of an unaffiliated depository organization if the depository organizations in question (or a depository institution affiliate thereof) have offices in the same community. (b) RMSA. A management official of a depository organization may not serve at the same time as a management official of an unaffiliated depository organization if the depository organizations in question (or a depository institution affiliate thereof) have offices in the same RMSA and each depository organization has total assets of $50 million or more. (c) Major assets. A management official of a depository organization with total assets exceeding $2.5 billion (or any affiliate of such an organization) may not serve at the same time as a management official of an unaffiliated depository organization with total assets exceeding $1.5 billion (or any affiliate of such an organization), regardless of the location of the two depository organizations. The OCC will adjust these thresholds, as necessary, based on the year-to-year change in the average of the Consumer Price Index for the Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, not seasonally adjusted, with rounding to the nearest $100 million. The OCC will announce the revised thresholds by publishing a final rule without notice and comment in the Federal Register. § 196.4 Interlocking relationships permitted by statute. The prohibitions of § 196.3 do not apply in the case of any one or more of the following organizations or to a subsidiary thereof: (a) A depository organization that has been placed formally in liquidation, or which is in the hands of a receiver, conservator, or other official exercising a similar function; (b) A corporation operating under section 25 or section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 601 et seq. and 12 U.S.C. 611 et seq., respectively) (Edge Corporations and Agreement Corporations); (c) A credit union being served by a management official of another credit union; (d) A depository organization that does not do business within the United PO 00000 Frm 00245 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49193 States except as an incident to its activities outside the United States; (e) A state-chartered savings and loan guaranty corporation; (f) A Federal Home Loan Bank or any other bank organized solely to serve depository institutions (a bankers’ bank) or solely for the purpose of providing securities clearing services and services related thereto for depository institutions and securities companies; (g) A depository organization that is closed or is in danger of closing as determined by the appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency and is acquired by another depository organization. This exemption lasts for five years, beginning on the date the depository organization is acquired; (h)(1) A diversified savings and loan holding company (as defined in section 10(a)(1)(F) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)(1)(F)) with respect to the service of a director of such company who also is a director of an unaffiliated depository organization if: (i) Both the diversified savings and loan holding company and the unaffiliated depository organization notify their appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency at least 60 days before the dual service is proposed to begin; and (ii) The appropriate regulatory agency does not disapprove the dual service before the end of the 60-day period. (2) The OCC may disapprove a notice of proposed service if it finds that: (i) The service cannot be structured or limited so as to preclude an anticompetitive effect in financial services in any part of the United States; (ii) The service would lead to substantial conflicts of interest or unsafe or unsound practices; or (iii) The notificant failed to furnish all the information required by the OCC. (3) The OCC may require that any interlock permitted under this paragraph (h) be terminated if a change in circumstances occurs with respect to one of the interlocked depository organizations that would have provided a basis for disapproval of the interlock during the notice period; and (i) Any savings association which has issued stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance pursuant to section 10(q) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, except that this paragraph (i) shall apply only with regard to service as a single management official of such savings association, or any subsidiary of such savings association, by a single management official of the savings and loan holding company which purchased the stock issued in connection with E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49194 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations such qualified stock issuance, and shall apply only when the OCC has determined that such service is consistent with the purposes of the Interlocks Act and the Home Owners’ Loan Act. the OCC grants an interlock exemption in reliance upon a presumption under paragraph (b) of this section, the interlock may continue for three years, unless otherwise provided by the OCC in writing. § 196.5 § 196.7 Small market share exemption. (a) Exemption. A management interlock that is prohibited by § 196.3 is permissible, if: (1) The interlock is not prohibited by § 196.3(c); and (2) The depository organizations (and their depository institution affiliates) hold, in the aggregate, no more than 20 percent of the deposits in each RMSA or community in which both depository organizations (or their depository institution affiliates) have offices. The amount of deposits shall be determined by reference to the most recent annual Summary of Deposits published by the FDIC for the RMSA or community. (b) Confirmation and records. Each depository organization must maintain records sufficient to support its determination of eligibility for the exemption under paragraph (a) of this section, and must reconfirm that determination on an annual basis. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 196.6 General exemption. (a) Exemption. The OCC may by agency order exempt an interlock from the prohibitions in § 196.3 if it finds that the interlock would not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition and would not present safety and soundness concerns. A depository organization may apply to the OCC for an exemption under part 116, subpart E, of this chapter. (b) Presumptions. In reviewing an application for an exemption under this section, the OCC will apply a rebuttable presumption that an interlock will not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition if the depository organization seeking to add a management official: (1) Primarily serves low- and moderate-income areas; (2) Is controlled or managed by persons who are members of a minority group, or women; (3) Is a depository institution that has been chartered for less than two years; or (4) Is deemed to be in ‘‘troubled condition’’ as defined in § 163.555 of this chapter. (c) Duration. Unless a shorter expiration period is provided in the OCC approval, an exemption permitted by paragraph (a) of this section may continue so long as it does not result in a monopoly or substantial lessening of competition, or is unsafe or unsound. If VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Change in circumstances. (a) Termination. A management official shall terminate his or her service or apply for an exemption if a change in circumstances causes the service to become prohibited. A change in circumstances may include an increase in asset size of an organization, a change in the delineation of the RMSA or community, the establishment of an office, an increase in the aggregate deposits of the depository organization, or an acquisition, merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the ownership structure of a depository organization that causes a previously permissible interlock to become prohibited. (b) Transition period. A management official described in paragraph (a) of this section may continue to serve the depository organization involved in the interlock for 15 months following the date of the change in circumstances. The OCC may shorten this period under appropriate circumstances. § 196.8 Enforcement. Except as provided in this section, the OCC administers and enforces the Interlocks Act with respect to savings associations and their affiliates, and may refer any case of a prohibited interlocking relationship involving these entities to the Attorney General of the United States to enforce compliance with the Interlocks Act and this part. If an affiliate of a savings association is subject to the primary regulation of another Federal depository organization supervisory agency, then the OCC does not administer and enforce the Interlocks Act with respect to that affiliate. § 196.9 Interlocking relationships permitted pursuant to Federal Deposit Insurance Act. A management official or prospective management official of a depository organization may enter into an otherwise prohibited interlocking relationship with another depository organization for a period of up to 10 years if such relationship is approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation pursuant to section 13(k)(1)(A)(v) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1823(k)(1)(A)(v)). PART 197—SECURITIES OFFERINGS Sec. PO 00000 Frm 00246 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 197.1 Definitions. 197.2 Offering circular requirement. 197.3 Exemptions. 197.4 Non-public offering. 197.5 Filing and signature requirements. 197.6 Effective date. 197.7 Form, content, and accounting. 197.8 Use of the offering circular. 197.9 Escrow requirement. 197.10 Unsafe or unsound practices. 197.11 Withdrawal or abandonment. 197.12 Securities sale report. 197.13 Public disclosure and confidential treatment. 197.14 Waiver. 197.15 Requests for interpretive advice or waiver. 197.16 Delayed or continuous offering and sale of securities. 197.17 Sales of securities at an office of a savings association. 197.18 Current and periodic reports. 197.19 Approval of the security. 197.21 Filing of copies of offering circulars in certain exempt offerings. Appendix A to Part 197—Form for Securities Sale Report Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 1464 5412(b)(2)(B); 15 U.S.C. 78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78n, 78p, 78w. § 197.1 Definitions. (a) For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply: (1) Accredited investor means the same as in Commission Rule 501(a) (17 CFR 230.501(a)) under the Securities Act, and includes any savings association. (2) Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission. (3) Dividend or interest reinvestment plan means a plan which is offered solely to existing security holders of the savings association which allows such persons to reinvest dividends or interest paid to them on securities issued by the savings association, and which also may allow additional cash amounts to be contributed by the participants in the plan, provided that the securities to be issued are newly issued, or are purchased for the account of plan participants, at prices not in excess of current market prices at the time of purchase, or at prices not in excess of an amount determined in accordance with a pricing formula specified in the plan and based upon average or current market prices at the time of purchase. (4) Employee benefit plan means any purchase, savings, option, rights, bonus, ownership, appreciation, profit sharing, thrift, incentive, pension or similar plan solely for officers, directors or employees. (5) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a– 78jj). (6) Filing date means the date on which a document is actually received E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations during business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, by the OCC. However if the last date on which a document can be accepted falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, such document may be filed on the next business day. (7) Issuer means a savings association which issues or proposes to issue any security. (8) Offer; Sale or sell. For purposes of this part, the term offer, offer to sell, or offer for sale shall include every attempt or offer to dispose of, or solicitation of an offer to buy, a security or interest in a security, for value. However, these terms shall not include preliminary negotiations or agreements between an issuer and any underwriter or among underwriters who are or are to be in privity of contract with the issuer. Sale and sell includes every contract to sell or otherwise dispose of a security or interest in a security for value. Every offer or sale of a warrant or right to purchase or subscribe to another security of the same or another issuer, as well as every sale or offer of a security which gives the holder a present or future right or privilege to convert the security into another security of the same or another issuer, includes an offer and sale of the other security only at the time of the offer or sale of the warrant or right or convertible security; but neither the exercise of the right to purchase or subscribe or to convert nor the issuance of securities pursuant thereto is an offer or sale. (9) Person means the same as in § 192.25 of this chapter, and includes a savings association. (10) Purchase and buy mean the same as in § 192.25 of this chapter. (11) Savings association means a Federal savings association and includes a Federally-chartered savings association in organization under this chapter, which is granted conditional approval of insurance of accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In addition, for purposes of § 197.2 of this part, savings association includes any underwriter participating in the distribution of securities of a savings association. (12) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a– 77aa). (13) Security means any nonwithdrawable account, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profitsharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 certificate or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing, except that a security shall not include an account insured, in whole or in part, by the FDIC. (14) Underwriter means any person who has purchased from an issuer with a view to, or offers or sells for an issuer in connection with, the distribution of any security, or participates or has a participation in the direct or indirect underwriting of any such undertaking; but such term shall not include a person whose interest is limited to a commission from an underwriter or dealer not in excess of the usual and customary distributors’ or sellers’ commission and such term shall also not include any person who has continually held the securities being transferred for a period of two (2) consecutive years provided that the securities sold in any one (1) transaction shall be less than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding securities of the same class. The following shall apply for the purpose of determining the period securities have been held: (i) Stock dividends, splits and recapitalizations. Securities acquired from the issuer as a dividend or pursuant to a stock split, reverse split or recapitalization shall be deemed to have been acquired at the same time as the securities on which the dividend or, if more than one, the initial dividend was paid, the securities involved in the split or reverse split, or the securities surrendered in connection with the recapitalization. (ii) Conversions. If the securities sold were acquired from the issuer for consideration consisting solely of other securities of the same issuer surrendered for conversion, the securities so acquired shall be deemed to have been acquired at the same time as the securities surrendered for conversion. (iii) Contingent issuance of securities. Securities acquired as a contingent payment of the purchase price of an equity interest in a business, or the assets of a business, sold to the issuer or an affiliate of the issuer shall be deemed to have been acquired at the time of such sale if the issuer was then committed to issue the securities subject only to conditions other than the payment of further consideration for such securities. An agreement entered into in connection with any such purchase to remain in the employment of, or not to compete with, the issuer or PO 00000 Frm 00247 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49195 affiliate or the rendering of services pursuant to such agreement shall not be deemed to be the payment of further consideration for such securities. (iv) Pledged securities. Securities which are bona fide pledged by any person other than the issuer when sold by the pledgee, or by a purchaser, after a default in the obligation secured by the pledge, shall be deemed to have been acquired when they were acquired by the pledgor, except that if the securities were pledged without recourse they shall be deemed to have been acquired by the pledgee at the time of the pledge or by the purchaser at the time of purchase. (v) Gifts of securities. Securities acquired from any person, other than the issuer, by gift shall be deemed to have been acquired by the donee when they were acquired by the donor. (vi) Trusts. Securities acquired from the settler of a trust by the trust or acquired from the trust by the beneficiaries thereof shall be deemed to have been acquired when they were acquired by the settler. (vii) Estates. Securities held by the estate of a deceased person or acquired from such an estate by the beneficiaries thereof shall be deemed to have been acquired when they were acquired by the deceased person, except that no holding period is required if the estate is not an affiliate of the issuer or if the securities are sold by a beneficiary of the estate who is not such an affiliate. (viii) Exchange transactions. A person receiving securities in a transaction involving an exchange of the securities of one issuer for securities of another issuer shall be deemed to have acquired the securities received when such person acquired the securities exchanged. (b) A term not defined in this part but defined in another part of this chapter, when used in this part, shall have the meanings given in such other part, unless the context otherwise requires. (c) When used in the rules, regulations, or forms of the Commission referred to in this part, the term Commission shall be deemed to refer to the OCC, the term registrant shall be deemed to refer to an issuer defined in this part, and the term registration statement or prospectus shall be deemed to refer to an offering circular filed under this part, unless the context otherwise requires. § 197.2 Offering circular requirement. (a) General. No savings association shall offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any security issued by it unless: (1) The offer or sale is accompanied or preceded by an offering circular E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49196 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations which includes the information required by this part and which has been filed and declared effective pursuant to this part; or (2) An exemption is available under this part. (b) Communications not deemed an offer. The following communications shall not be deemed an offer under this section: (1) Prior to filing an offering circular, any notice of a proposed offering which satisfies the requirements of Commission Rule 135 (17 CFR 230.135) under the Securities Act; (2) Subsequent to filing an offering circular, any notice circular, advertisement, letter, or other communication published or transmitted to any person which satisfies the requirements of Commission Rule 134 (17 CFR 230.134) under the Securities Act; and (3) Oral offers of securities covered by an offering circular made after filing the offering circular with the OCC. (c) Preliminary offering circular. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a preliminary offering circular may be used for an offer of any security prior to the effective date of the offering circular if: (1) The preliminary offering circular has been filed pursuant to this part; (2) The preliminary offering circular includes the information required by this part, except for the omission of information relating to offering price, discounts or commissions, amount of proceeds, conversion rates, call prices, or other matters dependent on the offering price; and (3) The offering circular declared effective by the OCC is furnished to the purchaser prior to, or simultaneously with, the sale of any such security. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 197.3 Exemptions. The offering circular requirement of § 197.2 of this part shall not apply to an issuer’s offer or sale of securities: (a) [Reserved] (b) Exempt from registration under either section 3(a) or section 4 of the Securities Act, but only by reason of an exemption other than section 3(a)(5) (for regulated savings associations), and section 3(a)(11) (for intrastate offerings) of the Securities Act; (c) In a conversion from the mutual to the stock form of organization pursuant to part 192 of this chapter, except for a supervisory conversion undertaken pursuant to subpart C of part 192 of this chapter; (d) In a non-public offering which satisfies the requirements of § 197.4 of this part; (e) That are debt securities issued in denominations of $100,000 or more, VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 which are fully collateralized by cash, any security issued, or guaranteed as to principal and interest, by the United States, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association or by interests in mortgage notes secured by real property; (f) Distributed exclusively abroad to foreign nationals: Provided, That (1) the offering is made subject to safeguards reasonably designed to preclude distribution or redistribution of the securities within, or to nationals of, the United States, and (2) such safeguards include, without limitation, measures that would be sufficient to ensure that registration of the securities would not be required if the securities were not exempt under the Securities Act; or (g) To its officers, directors or employees pursuant to an employee benefit plan or a dividend or interest reinvestment plan, and provided that any such plan has been approved by the majority of shareholders present in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders of the savings association. § 197.4 Non-public offering. Offers and sales of securities by an issuer that satisfy the conditions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section and the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section shall be deemed to be transactions not involving any public offering within the meaning of section 4(2) of the Securities Act and §§ 197.3(b) and 197.3(d) of this part. However, an issuer shall not be deemed to be not in compliance with the provisions of this section solely by reason of making an untimely filing of the notice required to be filed by paragraph (c) of this section so long as the notice is actually filed and all other conditions and requirements of this section are satisfied. (a) Regulation D. The offer and sale of all securities in the transaction satisfies the Commission’s Regulation D (17 CFR 230.501–230.506), except for the notice requirements of Commission Rule 503 (17 CFR 230.503) and the limitations on resale in Commission Rule 502(d) (17 CFR 230.502(d)). (b) Sales to 35 persons. The offer and sale of all securities in the transaction satisfies each of the following conditions: (1) Sales of the security are not made to more than 35 persons during the offering period, as determined under the integration provisions of Commission Rule 502(a) (17 CFR 230.502(a)). The number of purchasers referred to above is exclusive of any accredited investor, officer, director or affiliate of the issuer. PO 00000 Frm 00248 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 For purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, a husband and wife (together with any custodian or trustee acting for the account of their minor children) are counted as one person and a partnership, corporation or other organization which was not specifically formed for the purpose of purchasing the security offered in reliance upon this exemption, is counted as one person. (2) All purchasers either have a preexisting personal or business relationship with the issuer or any of its officers, directors or controlling persons, or by reason of their business or financial experience or the business or financial experience of their professional advisors who are unaffiliated with and who are not compensated by the issuer or any affiliate or selling agent of the issuer, directly or indirectly, could reasonably be assumed to have the capacity to protect their own interests in connection with the transaction. (3) Each purchaser represents that the purchaser is purchasing for the purchaser’s own account (or a trust account if the purchaser is a trustee) and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of the security. (4) The offer and sale of the security is not accomplished by the publication of any advertisement. (c) Filing of notice of sales. Within 30 days after the first sale of the securities, every six months after the first sale of the securities and not later than 30 days after the last sale of securities in an offering pursuant to this section, the issuer, shall file with the OCC’s Securities and Corporate Practices Division, a report describing the results of the sale of securities as required by § 197.12(b) of this part. (d) Limitation on resale. The issuer shall exercise reasonable care to assure that the purchasers of the securities are not underwriters within the meaning of § 197.1(a)(14) of this part, which reasonable care shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Reasonable inquiry to determine if the purchaser is acquiring the securities for the purchaser or for other persons; (2) Written disclosure to each purchaser prior to the sale that the securities are not offered by an offering circular filed with, and declared effective by, the OCC pursuant to § 197.2 of this part, but instead are being sold in reliance upon the exemption from the offering circular requirement provided for by this section; and (3) Placement of a legend on the certificate, or other document evidencing the securities, indicating E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations that the securities have not been offered by an offering circular filed with, and declared effective by, the OCC and that due care should be taken to ensure that the seller of the securities is not an underwriter within the meaning of § 197.1(a)(14) of this part. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES § 197.5 Filing and signature requirements. (a) Procedures. An offering circular, amendment, notice, report, or other document required by this part shall, unless otherwise indicated, be filed in accordance with the requirements of §§ 192.115(a), 192.150(a)(6), 192.155, 192.180(b), and Form AC, General Instruction B, of this chapter. (b) Number of copies. (1) Unless otherwise required, any filing under this part shall include four copies of the document, one manually signed copy with exhibits and three conformed copies with exhibits, to be filed as follows: (i) For a de novo savings association, with the appropriate District Counsel office; and (ii) For an existing savings association, with the OCC’s Securities and Corporate Practices Division. (2) Within five days after the effective date of an offering circular or the commencement of a public offering after the effective date, whichever occurs later, four copies of the offering circular used shall be filed with the OCC, as described in (b)(1). (3) After the effective date of an offering circular, an offering circular which varies from the form previously filed shall not be used, unless it includes only non-material supplemental or additional information and until 4 copies have been filed with the OCC in the manner required. (c) Signature. (1) Any offering circular, amendment, or consent filed with the OCC pursuant to this part shall include an attached manually signed signature page which authorizes the filing and has been signed by: (i) The issuer, by its duly authorized representative; (ii) The issuer’s principal executive officer; (iii) The issuer’s principal financial officer; (iv) The issuer’s principal accounting officer; and (v) At least a majority of the issuer’s directors. (2) Any other document filed pursuant to this part shall be signed by a person authorized to do so. (3) At least one copy of every document filed pursuant to this part shall be manually signed, and every copy of a document filed shall: VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 (i) Have the name of each person who signs typed or printed beneath the signature; (ii) State the capacity or capacities in which the signature is provided; (iii) Provide the name of each director of the issuer, if a majority of directors is required to sign the document; and (iv) With regard to any copies not manually signed, bear typed or printed signatures. § 197.6 Effective date. (a) Except as provided for in paragraph (d) of this section, an offering circular filed by a savings association shall be deemed to be automatically declared effective by the OCC on the twentieth day after filing or on such earlier date as the OCC may determine for good cause shown. (b) If any amendment is filed prior to the effective date, the offering circular shall be deemed to have been filed when such amendment was filed. (c) The period until automatic effectiveness under this section shall be stated at the bottom of the facing page of the Form OC or any amendment. (d) The effectiveness will be delayed if a duly authorized amendment, telegram confirmed in writing, or letter states that the effective date is delayed until a further amendment is filed specifically stating that the offering circular will become effective in accordance with this section. (e) An amendment filed after the effective date of the offering circular shall become effective on such date as the OCC may determine. (f) If it appears to the OCC at any time that the offering circular includes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, then the OCC may pursue any remedy it is authorized to pursue under section 5(d) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1464(d)) or section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1818), including, but not limited to, institution of cease-and-desist proceedings. § 197.7 Form, content, and accounting. (a) Form and content. Any offering circular or amendment filed pursuant to this part shall: (1) Be filed under cover of Form OC, which is under part 192 of this chapter; (2) Comply with the requirements of Items 3 and 4 of Form OC and the requirements of all items of the form for registration (17 CFR part 239) that the issuer would be eligible to use were it required to register the securities under the Securities Act; PO 00000 Frm 00249 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 49197 (3) Comply with all item requirements of the Form S–1 (17 CFR part 239) for registration under the Securities Act, if the association issuing the securities is not in compliance with the OCC’s regulatory capital requirements during the time the offering is made; (4) Where a form specifies that the information required by an item in the Commission’s Regulation S–K (17 CFR part 229) should be furnished, include such information and all of the information required by Item 7 of Form PS, which is under part 192 of this chapter; (5) Include after the facing page of the Form OC a cross-reference sheet listing each item requirement of the form for registration under the Securities Act and indicate for each item the applicable heading or subheading in the offering circular under which the required information is disclosed; (6) Include in part II of the Form OC the applicable undertakings required by the form for registration under the Securities Act; (7) If the issuer has not previously been required to file reports pursuant to section 13(a) of the Exchange Act or § 197.18 of this part, include in part II of Form OC the following undertaking: ‘‘The issuer hereby undertakes, in connection with any distribution of the offering circular, to have a preliminary or effective offering circular including the information required by this part distributed to all persons expected to be mailed confirmations of sale not less than 48 hours prior to the time such confirmations are expected to be mailed’’; (8) In offerings involving the issuance of options, warrants, subscription rights or conversion rights within the meaning of § 197.1(a)(8) of this part, include in part II of Form OC an undertaking to provide a copy of the issuer’s most recent audited financial statements to persons exercising such options, warrants or rights promptly upon receiving written notification of the exercise thereof; (9) Include as supplemental information and not as part of the Form OC and only with respect to de novo offerings, a copy of the application for permission to organize as submitted to the OCC for Federally-chartered associations, or a copy of the application for insurance of accounts as submitted to the FDIC for statechartered associations; and (10) In addition to the information expressly required to be included by this section, there shall be added such further material information, if any, as may be necessary to make the required statements, in light of the circumstances E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 49198 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations under which they are made, not misleading. (b) Accounting requirements. To be declared effective an offering circular or amendment shall satisfy the accounting requirements in subpart A of part 193 of this chapter. § 197.8 Use of the offering circular. (a) An offering circular or amendment declared effective by the OCC shall not be used more than nine months after the effective date, unless the information contained therein is as of a date not more than 16 months prior to such use. (b) An offering circular filed under § 197.5(b)(3) of this part shall not extend the period for which an effective offering circular or amendment may be used under paragraph (c) of this section. (c) If any event arises, or change in fact occurs, after the effective date and such event or change in fact, individually or in the aggregate, results in the offering circular containing any untrue statement of material fact, or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make statements made in the offering circular not misleading under the circumstances, then no offering circular, which has been declared effective under this part, shall be used until an amendment reflecting such event or change in fact has been filed with, and declared effective by, the OCC. § 197.9 Escrow requirement. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) Any funds received in an offering which is offered and sold on a best efforts all-or-none condition or with a minimum-maximum amount to be sold shall be held in an escrow or similar separate account until such time as all of the securities are sold with respect to a best efforts all-or-none offering or the stated minimum amount of securities are sold in a minimum-maximum offering. (b) If the amount of securities required to be sold under escrow conditions in paragraph (a) of this section are not sold within the time period for the offering as disclosed in the offering circular, all funds in the escrow account shall be promptly refunded unless the OCC otherwise approves an extension of the offering period upon a showing of good cause and provided that the extension is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors. § 197.10 Unsafe or unsound practices. (a) No person shall directly or indirectly, (1) Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud, (2) Make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 fact necessary in order to make statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (3) Engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any person, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security of a savings association. (b) Violations of this section shall constitute an unsafe or unsound practice within the meaning of section (3)(a) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1462a(a), and section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1818. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the applicability of section 10(b) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78j(b)) or Rule 10b–5 promulgated thereunder (17 CFR 240.10b–5). § 197.11 Withdrawal or abandonment. (a) Any offering circular, amendment, or exhibit may be withdrawn prior to the effective date. A withdrawal shall be signed and state the grounds upon which it is made. Any document withdrawn will not be removed from the files of the OCC, but will be marked ‘‘Withdrawn upon the request of the issuer on (date).’’ (b) When an offering circular or amendment has been on file with the OCC for a period of nine months and has not become effective, the OCC may, in its discretion, determine whether the filing has been abandoned, after notifying the issuer that the filing is out of date and must either be amended to comply with the applicable requirements of this part or be withdrawn within 30 days after the date of such notice. When a filing is abandoned, the filing will not be removed from the files of the OCC, but will be marked ‘‘Declared abandoned by the OCC on (date).’’ § 197.12 Securities sale report. Frm 00250 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 § 197.13 Public disclosure and confidential treatment. (a) Any offering circular, amendment, exhibit, notice, or report filed pursuant to this part will be publicly available. Any other related documents will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), and part 4 of this chapter. (b) Any requests for confidential treatment of information in a document required to be filed under this part shall be made as required under Commission Rule 24b–2 (17 CFR 240.24b–2) under the Exchange Act. § 197.14 (a) Within 30 days after the first sale of the securities, every six months after such 30 day period and not later than 30 days after the later of the last sale of securities in an offering pursuant to § 197.2 of this part or the application of the proceeds therefrom, the issuer shall file with the OCC, a report describing the results of the sale of the securities and the application of the proceeds, which shall include all of the information required by Form G–12 set forth appendix A to this part and shall also include the following: (1) The name, address, and docket number of the issuer; PO 00000 (2) The title, number, aggregate and per-unit offering price of the securities sold; (3) The aggregate and per-unit dollar amounts of actual itemized expenses, discounts or commissions, and other fees; (4) The aggregate and per-unit dollar amounts of the net proceeds raised, and the use of proceeds therefrom; and (5) The number of purchasers of each class of securities sold and the number of owners of record of each class of the issuer’s equity securities after the issuance of the securities or termination of the offer. (b) Within 30 days after the first sale of the securities, every six months after the first sale of the securities and not later than 30 days after the last sale of securities in an offering pursuant to § 197.4 of this part, the issuer shall file with the OCC a report describing the results of the sale of securities, which shall include all of the information required by Form G–12 set forth at appendix A to this part, and shall also include the following: (1) All of the information required by paragraph (a) of this section; and (2) A detailed statement of the factual and legal grounds for the exemption claimed. Waiver. (a) The OCC may waive any requirement of this part, or any required information: (1) Determined to be unnecessary by the OCC; (2) In connection with a transaction approved by the OCC for supervisory reasons, or (3) Where a provision of this part conflicts with a requirement of applicable state law. (b) Any condition, stipulation or provision binding any person acquiring a security issued by a savings association which seeks to waive compliance with any provision of this E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Rules and Regulations part shall be void, unless approved by the OCC. § 197.15 Requests for interpretive advice or waiver. Any requests to the OCC for interpretive advice or a waiver with respect to any provision of this part shall satisfy the following requirements: (a) A copy of the request, including any attachments, shall be filed consistent with the procedures in § 197.5 of this part; (b) The provisions of this part to which the request relates, the participants in the proposed transaction, and the reasons for the request, shall be specifically identified or described; and (c) The request shall include a legal opinion as to each legal issue raised and an accounting opinion as to each accounting issue raised. § 197.16 Delayed or continuous offering and sale of securities. Any offer or sale of securities under § 197.2 of this part may be made on a continuous or delayed basis in the future, if: (a) The securities would satisfy all of the eligibility requirements of the Commission’s Rule 415, 17 CFR 230.415; and (b) The association issuing the securities is in compliance with the OCC’s regulatory capital requirements during the time the offering is made. § 197.17 Sales of securities at an office of a savings association. Sales of securities of a savings association or its affiliates at an office of a savings association may only be made in accordance with the provisions of 12 CFR 197.76. § 197.18 Current and periodic reports. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (a) Each savings association which files an offering circular which becomes effective pursuant to this part, after such effective date, shall file with the OCC periodic and current reports on Forms 8–K, 10–Q and 10–K as may be required by section 13 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78m) as if the securities sold by such offering circular were securities registered pursuant to section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78l). The duty to file periodic and current reports VerDate Mar<15>2010 20:33 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 under this section shall be automatically suspended if and so long as any issue of securities of the savings association is registered pursuant to section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78l). The duty to file under this section shall also be automatically suspended as to any fiscal year, other than the fiscal year within which such offering circular became effective, if, at the beginning of such fiscal year, the securities of each class to which the offering circular relates are held of record by less than three hundred persons and upon the filing of a Form 15. (b) For purposes of registering securities under section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, an issuer subject to the reporting requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may use the Commission’s registration statement on Form 10 or Form 8–A or 8–B as applicable. § 197.19 Approval of the security. Any securities of a savings association which are not exempt under this part and are offered or sold pursuant to an offering circular which becomes effective under this part, are deemed to be approved as to form and terms for purposes of § 197.3 of this chapter. § 197.21 Filing of copies of offering circulars in certain exempt offerings. A copy of the offering circular, or similar document, if any, used in connection with an offering exempt from the offering circular requirement of § 197.2 by reason of § 197.3(e) or § 197.4 of this part shall be mailed to the OCC, in the manner described in § 197.5, within 30 days after the first sale of such securities. Such copy of the offering circular, or similar document, is solely for the information of the OCC and shall not be deemed to be ‘‘filed’’ with the OCC pursuant to § 197.2 of this part. The mailing to the OCC of such offering circular, or similar document, shall not be a pre-condition of the applicable exemption from the offering circular requirements of § 197.2 of this part. Appendix A to Part 197—Form for Securities Sale Report Office of the Comptroller of the Currency [Form G–12] PO 00000 Frm 00251 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 9990 49199 Securities Sale Report Pursuant to § 197.12 OCC No. llllllllllllllll Issuer’s Name: llllllllllllll Address: llllllllllllllll If in organization, state the date of FDIC certification of insurance of accounts: llll State the title, number, aggregate and perunit offering price of the securities sold: llll State the aggregate and per-unit dollar amounts of actual itemized offering expenses, discounts, commissions, and other fees: llll State the aggregate and per-unit dollar amounts of the net proceeds raised: llll Describe the use of proceeds. If unknown, provide reasonable estimates of the dollar amount allocated to each purpose for which the proceeds will be used: llll State the number of purchasers of each class of securities sold and the number of owners of record of each class of the issuer’s equity securities at the close or termination of the offering: llll For a non-public offering, also state the factual and legal grounds for the exemption claimed (attach additional pages if necessary): llll For a non-public offering, all offering materials used should be listed: llll Person to Contact: llllllllllll Telephone No.: lllllllllllll This issuer has duly caused this securities sale report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned person. Date of securities sale report lllllll Issuer: lllllllllllllllll Signature: llllllllllllllll Name: lllllllllllllllll Title: llllllllllllllllll Instruction: Print the name and title of the signing representative under his or her signature. Ten copies of the securities sale report should be filed, including one copy manually signed, as required under 12 CFR 197.5. Attention Intentional misstatements or omissions of fact constitute violations of Federal law (see 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 12 CFR 197.180(b)). Dated: July 7, 2011. John Walsh, Acting Comptroller of the Currency. [FR Doc. 2011–17581 Filed 7–21–11; 4:15 am] BILLING CODE 4810–33–P E:\FR\FM\09AUR2.SGM 09AUR2

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 9, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48950-49199]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17581]



[[Page 48949]]

Vol. 76

Tuesday,

No. 153

August 9, 2011

Part II





Department of the Treasury





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Office of the Comptroller of the Currency





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12 CFR Parts 100, 108, 109, et al.





Office of Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank 
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; Interim Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 48950]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

12 CFR Parts 100, 108, 109, 112, 116, 128, 133, 136, 141, 143, 144, 
145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 155, 157, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 
165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 
195, 196, 197

[Docket ID OCC-2011-0016]
RIN 1557-AD47


Office of Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

AGENCY: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comment.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Title III of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer Protection Act, all functions of the Office of Thrift 
Supervision (OTS) relating to Federal savings associations and the 
rulemaking authority of the OTS relating to all savings associations 
are transferred to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) 
on July 21, 2011 (transfer date). In order to facilitate the OCC's 
enforcement and administration of former OTS rules and to make 
appropriate changes to these rules to reflect OCC supervision of 
Federal savings associations as of the transfer date, the OCC is 
republishing, with nomenclature and other technical changes, the OTS 
regulations currently found in Chapter V of Title 12 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations. The republished regulations will be recodified 
with the OCC's regulations in Chapter I at parts 100 through 197 
(Republished Regulations), effective on July 21, 2011. The Republished 
Regulations will supersede the OTS regulations in Chapter V for 
purposes of OCC supervision and regulation of Federal savings 
associations, and certain of the Republished Rules will supersede the 
OTS regulations in Chapter V for purposes of the FDIC's supervision of 
state savings associations. Chapter V of Title 12 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations will be vacated at a later date.

DATES: This interim final rule is effective July 21, 2011. Comments 
must be received on or before October 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Because paper mail in the Washington, DC area and at the OCC 
is subject to delay, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal or e-mail, if possible. Please use the 
title ``Republication of Regulations in Connection with Office of 
Thrift Supervision Integration Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010'' to facilitate the 
organization and distribution of the comments. You may submit comments 
by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal--``regulations.gov'': Go to 
https://www.regulations.gov. Select ``Document Type'' of ``Rule,'' and 
in ``Enter Keyword or ID Box,'' enter Docket ID ``OCC-2011-0016'' and 
click ``Search.'' On ``View By Relevance'' tab at bottom of screen, in 
the ``Agency'' column, locate the Rule for OCC, in the ``Action'' 
column, click on ``Submit a Comment'' or ``Open Docket Folder'' to 
submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related 
materials for this rulemaking action.
     Click on the ``Help'' tab on the Regulations.gov home page 
to get information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for 
submitting or viewing public comments, viewing other supporting and 
related materials, and viewing the docket after the close of the 
comment period.
     E-mail: regs.comments@occ.treas.gov.
     Mail: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E 
Street, SW., Mail Stop 2-3, Washington, DC 20219.
     Fax: (202) 874-5274.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: 250 E Street, SW., Mail Stop 2-3, 
Washington, DC 20219.
    Instructions: You must include ``OCC'' as the agency name and 
``Docket ID OCC-2011-0016'' in your comment. In general, OCC will enter 
all comments received into the docket and publish them on the 
Regulations.gov Web site without change, including any business or 
personal information that you provide such as name and address 
information, e-mail addresses, or phone numbers. Comments received, 
including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the 
public record and subject to public disclosure. Do not enclose any 
information in your comment or supporting materials that you consider 
confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.
    You may review comments and other related materials that pertain to 
this interim final rule by any of the following methods:
     Viewing Comments Electronically: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Select ``Document Type'' of ``Public 
Submissions,'' in ``Enter Keyword or ID Box,'' enter Docket ID ``OCC-
2011-0016,'' and click ``Search.'' Comments will be listed under ``View 
By Relevance'' tab at bottom of screen.
     Viewing Comments Personally: You may personally inspect 
and photocopy comments at the OCC, 250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC. 
For security reasons, the OCC requires that visitors make an 
appointment to inspect comments. You may do so by calling (202) 874-
4700. Upon arrival, visitors will be required to present valid 
government-issued photo identification and to submit to security 
screening in order to inspect and photocopy comments.
     Docket: You may also view or request available background 
documents and project summaries using the methods described above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andra Shuster, Senior Counsel, or 
Heidi Thomas, Special Counsel, Legislative and Regulatory Activities 
Division, (202) 874-5090, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 
250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20219.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On July 21, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act or 
Act).\1\ Title III of the Dodd-Frank Act transfers the powers, 
authorities, rights, and duties of the OTS to other Federal banking 
agencies, including the OCC, on July 21, 2011, the transfer date. The 
OTS is abolished 90 days thereafter.
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    \1\ Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010).
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    Under Title III of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC will assume all 
functions of the OTS and the Director of the OTS relating to Federal 
savings associations.\2\ As a result, the OCC will have responsibility 
for the ongoing supervision, examination and regulation of Federal 
savings associations as of the transfer date. The Act also transfers to 
the OCC the rulemaking authority of the OTS relating to all savings 
associations, both state and Federal.\3\ The legislation

[[Page 48951]]

continues in effect all OTS orders, resolutions, determinations, 
agreements, regulations, interpretive rules, other interpretations, 
guidelines, procedures and other advisory materials in effect the day 
before the transfer date, and allows the OCC to enforce these materials 
with respect to Federal savings associations, until modified, 
terminated, set aside or superseded by the OCC, a court, or by 
operation of law.\4\
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    \2\ Dodd-Frank Act section 312(b)(2)(B)(i) (to be codified 12 
U.S.C. 5412(b)(2)(B)(i)). Title III transfers all supervisory 
functions of the OTS relating to state savings associations to the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and all functions 
relating to the supervision of any savings and loan holding company 
and non-depository institution subsidiaries of such holding 
companies, as well as rulemaking authority for savings and loan 
holding companies, to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System (Board).
    \3\ Id. As discussed below, although this is the language in the 
Act, the FDIC has identified a number of independent bases for 
rulemaking authority for state savings associations. Where no such 
authority has been found, the FDIC will enforce applicable OCC 
regulations for state savings associations.
    \4\ Dodd-Frank Act, section 316(b) (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 
5414(b)).
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    In an effort to ensure an orderly transfer of OTS regulations to 
the OCC as of the transfer date, the OCC has determined that it is 
appropriate to republish in 12 CFR Chapter I all OTS regulations from 
12 CFR Chapter V that we have the authority to promulgate and enforce, 
with appropriate nomenclature and other technical changes. The 
Republished Regulations will supersede the OTS regulations found in 
Chapter V for purposes of the OCC's supervision and regulation of 
Federal savings associations, and, where applicable, for purposes of 
the FDIC's supervision and regulation of state savings associations.

OCC Regulatory Actions To Integrate OTS Functions

    Since the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC, in collaboration 
with the OTS, has been reviewing its regulations, as well as those of 
the OTS, to determine what changes are needed to facilitate a smooth 
regulatory transition to OCC supervision of Federal savings 
associations. This review is being accomplished in several phases. On 
July 21, 2011, the OCC issued a final rule revising certain OCC rules 
that are central to internal agency functions and operations 
immediately upon the transfer of supervisory jurisdiction for Federal 
savings associations.\5\ This final rule amends the OCC's rules at 12 
CFR part 4 pertaining to its organization and functions, the 
availability of information from the OCC under the Freedom of 
Information Act, the release of non-public OCC information, and 
restrictions on the post-employment activities of senior examiners; and 
at 12 CFR part 8, pertaining to assessments. The final rule also amends 
12 CFR parts 5 and 28 to implement sections 603 and 335 of the Dodd-
Frank Act, respectively; and 12 CFR parts 5, 7, and 34, to implement 
sections 1044 through 1047 of the Act pertaining to preemption and 
visitorial powers.
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    \5\ See the Rules and Regulations section of the July 21, 2011 
issue of the Federal Register.
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    This interim final rule is the next step of our review of OCC and 
OTS regulations. As described in more detail below, this interim final 
rule republishes those OTS regulations that the OCC has the authority 
to promulgate and will enforce as of the transfer date.\6\
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    \6\ Pursuant to section 316(c)(2) of the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC 
(along with the FDIC) published a notice in the Federal Register 
identifying those OTS regulations that are continued under the Act 
that each agency will enforce beginning on the transfer date. 76 FR 
39246 (July 6, 2011).
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    Subsequent to the transfer date, the OCC will consider more 
comprehensive substantive amendments, as necessary, to the Republished 
Regulations. For example, we may propose to repeal or combine 
provisions in cases where OCC and former OTS rules are substantively 
identical or substantially overlap. In addition, we may propose to 
repeal or modify OCC or former OTS rules where differences in 
regulatory approach are not required by statute or warranted by 
features unique to either the national bank or Federal savings 
association charter. This substantive review also will provide an 
opportunity for the OCC to ask for comments suggesting revisions to the 
rules for both national banks and Federal savings associations that 
would remove provisions that are ``outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, 
or excessively burdensome,'' consistent with the goals outlined in an 
executive order recently issued by the President.\7\
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    \7\ Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory 
Review'' 76 FR 3821 (Jan. 21, 2011).
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II. Description of the Interim Final Rule

    As noted above, the interim final rule republishes those OTS 
regulations the OCC has the authority to promulgate and, along with the 
FDIC in the case of state savings associations, will enforce as of the 
transfer date. The OTS regulations are currently set out in Chapter V 
of Title 12 as parts 500 through 591. In order to reduce confusion and 
to assist the thrift industry, we have preserved where possible the 
OTS's numbering system by republishing these regulations with OCC part 
numbers that correspond to the former OTS rules, specifically, by 
changing the ``5'' to a ``1''. For example, 12 CFR part 545 is 
republished as 12 CFR part 145. We note, however, that there were a 
number of instances where the OTS numbering system has been modified 
because it deviated from standard CFR numbering conventions. Therefore, 
for example, former parts 563b through 563g are being republished as 
parts 192 through 197 (with corresponding cross-reference changes). 
This preamble contains a redesignation table indicating how the newly 
issued parts in Chapter I correspond to the former parts in Chapter V.
    We also have made nomenclature and other technical amendments to 
reflect OCC supervision of Federal savings associations and FDIC 
supervision of state savings associations, along with certain required 
Dodd-Frank Act changes. OTS regulations in Chapter V of Title 12 that 
will be unnecessary following the transfer date, or that are superseded 
by this rulemaking (or other rulemakings by the FDIC and the Board) or 
other provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, will be repealed at a later 
date. We have added a new part 100 to clarify that the Republished 
Regulations supersede any rules applying to savings associations 
contained in Chapter V of Title 12.
    In addition, part 100 provides that the Comptroller may, for good 
cause and to the extent permitted by statute, waive the applicability 
of any provision of parts 100 through 197. This provision transfers to 
the Comptroller authority provided to the OTS Director by 12 CFR 
500.30(a).
    The OCC has worked closely with the OTS, FDIC and the Board to 
coordinate the republication of OTS rules. Although section 312 of the 
Dodd-Frank Act transfers all OTS rulemaking authority for all savings 
associations to the OCC, where the FDIC has identified an independent 
basis for its rulemaking authority over state savings associations 
(either due to other amendments made by the Dodd-Frank Act or based on 
other statutory authority) the FDIC will promulgate regulations for 
state savings associations. Therefore, not all of the Republished 
Regulations apply to state savings associations.\8\ The FDIC will 
publish a separate rulemaking amending its rules or republishing 
certain OTS rules under this authority.
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    \8\ The following regulations apply to state savings 
associations: certain provisions in part 160 (Lending and 
Investment), part 161 (Definitions), certain provisions in part 163 
(Savings Association Operations), part 169 (Proxies), part 190 
(Preemption of State Usury Laws), part 191 (Preemption of State Due-
on-Sale Laws), part 192 (Conversions from Mutual to Stock Form), and 
part 195 (Community Reinvestment).
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    We also have not republished those OTS rules relating exclusively 
to savings and loan holding companies (SLHCs), because the Dodd-Frank 
Act transferred the OTS's supervision and rulewriting authority for 
SLHCs to the Board.\9\ Where OTS rules addressed both savings 
associations and SLHCs, we have republished only those parts of the 
rule pertaining to savings associations.
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    \9\ See section 312 of the Dodd-Frank Act, (to be codified at 12 
U.S.C. 5412).

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[[Page 48952]]

    Similarly, under the Dodd-Frank Act, rulewriting authority for 
certain consumer rules is transferred to the Bureau of Consumer 
Financial Protection (Bureau). Therefore, although the OCC has the 
authority to enforce these rules for Federal savings associations and 
national banks with total assets of $10 billion or less, we have not 
republished these rules and they remain in Chapter V of the Code of 
Federal Regulations, until superseded by the Bureau.\10\
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    \10\ See section 1022 of the Dodd-Frank Act, (to be codified at 
12 U.S.C. 5512). These rules include 12 CFR parts 563, subpart D 
(S.A.F.E. Act), 571 subparts A through E and Sec.  571.82 in subpart 
I (Fair Credit Reporting) and 573 (Privacy).
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    We also note that, in addition to parts 100 through 197, certain 
rules contained in parts 1 through 41 will also take into consideration 
the OCC's supervision of Federal savings associations, such as part 4 
(regarding disclosure of information) and part 8 (regarding 
assessments).

A. General Nomenclature Changes

    The OCC has made certain nomenclature and other non-substantive 
changes consistently throughout the Republished Regulations to replace 
references to the OTS and its administrative structure with appropriate 
references to the OCC and, in the case of rules also applicable to 
state savings associations, the FDIC. Specifically, these changes are 
as follows:
     References to ``the OTS,'' ``Office,'' and ``Secretary'' 
have been changed to ``the OCC'' or ``FDIC'' or to ``the appropriate 
Federal banking agency'' (AFBA), as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(q) and as 
amended by the Dodd-Frank Act. Because some of the Republished 
Regulations apply to both Federal and state savings associations, the 
term ``AFBA'' is used where a provision applies to both types of 
institutions. We have added the definition of AFBA to part 161.
     References to ``the Director of the OTS'' or ``Director'' 
have been changed to ``Comptroller'' or ``Board of Directors of the 
FDIC'' or ``FDIC,'' as appropriate. We have added the definition of 
``Comptroller'' and ``OCC'' to part 161.
     In some cases, references to specific offices within the 
OTS have been removed and replaced with the names of the corresponding 
office within the OCC (for example, references to the OTS Office of 
Enforcement have been changed to reference the OCC's Enforcement and 
Compliance Division). However, some OTS rules include references to 
offices that do not correspond easily to the OCC's administrative 
structure. In those cases, the specific reference has been replaced 
with ``the OCC.'' Similar references have been made to the FDIC where 
appropriate. OCC and FDIC handbooks and other agency publications 
(which will be amended as appropriate after the transfer date), as well 
as OCC and FDIC Web sites will provide the specific filing 
locations.\11\
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    \11\ The OCC's Web site is found at www.occ.gov. The FDIC's Web 
site is found at www.fdic.gov.
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     In some cases, we have reduced the number of copies of 
filings to be submitted to the OCC.
     Some OTS regulations include agency addresses and contact 
information as well as addresses of third parties. Because office 
addresses frequently are subject to change as a result of moves and 
reassignments, the OCC generally has chosen not to include specific 
addresses in its regulations governing national banks, and has made 
similar changes in the Republished Regulations. Updated contact 
information for these entities will continue to be available on the 
OCC's Web site or in other agency publications, or by contacting the 
specified third parties.
     Cross-references in the Republished Rules have been 
changed to reference the new OCC CFR numbers in Chapter I. For example, 
a reference to 12 CFR 550.80 has been changed to reference the new 
section 12 CFR 150.80 in the Republished Regulations. Cross-references 
also have been updated to reference OCC rules, or relevant rules issued 
by the FDIC or the Board.

B. Specific Section Changes

    In addition to the changes described above, the OCC has made other 
notable changes to sections of the Republished Regulations to implement 
provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act or to delete obsolete references.\12\
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    \12\ We note that section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act requires 
the Federal banking agencies to amend their rules to provide 
alternatives for references to external credit ratings in there 
regulations. OTS rules include such references related to lending 
and investment in part 560, and regulatory capital requirements in 
part 567. The OTS issued an ANPR addressing lending and investment 
on October 14, 2010. (75 FR 63107), and it joined the other Federal 
banking agencies in issuing an ANPR addressing the regulatory 
capital requirements on August 25, 2010 (75 FR 52283). We have not 
amended these references in the Republished Regulations as the OCC 
is currently drafting separate proposals to address section 939A. We 
anticipate that the final OCC rules addressing section 939A will 
make any necessary amendments to parts 160 and 167 of the 
Republished Regulations, incorporating comments received including 
those in response to the OTS ANPRs.
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     Deposit activities of savings associations--part 157. 
Section 627 of the Dodd-Frank Act removed the prohibition of paying 
interest on demand accounts from the HOLA. Section 157.14 provided that 
savings associations could pay interest only on savings accounts. 
Therefore, in order to implement the Dodd-Frank Act change, we have 
removed the word ``savings'' from this section.
     Preemption--parts 145, 150, 157, and 160. The OTS 
regulations at 12 CFR parts 545, 550, 557 and 560 include certain 
``occupation of the field'' statements on Federal preemption. Section 
1046 of the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the Home Owners' Loan Act 
(HOLA) does not occupy the field in any area of state law. Therefore, 
these occupation of the field statements in the OTS regulations have 
been removed from the Republished Regulations in Sec. Sec.  145.2, 
150.136, 157.11 and 160.2 by this interim final rule. In addition, the 
current OTS regulations do not accurately characterize the preemption 
standards applicable to Federal savings associations after the Dodd-
Frank Act. The Act changes the preemption standards applicable to 
Federal savings associations to conform to those applicable to national 
banks.\13\ The Act specifically provides that, as of the transfer date, 
determinations by a court or by the OCC under the HOLA with respect to 
Federal savings associations must be made in accordance with the laws 
and legal standards applicable to national banks regarding the 
application of state law.\14\ The OCC recently published a final rule 
hat implements this standard for Federal savings associations. To 
conform with the Dodd-Frank Act, this interim final rule adds 
references to the new preemption standards applicable to Federal 
savings associations in Sec. Sec.  157.11 and 160.2 of the Republished 
Regulations and removes a now obsolete cross-reference in Sec.  
160.110.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Dodd-Frank Act section 1046, 124 Stat. 2017 (to be codified 
at 12 U.S.C. 1465). In addition, the Act states that the provisions 
in section 1047(a) regarding visitorial powers shall apply to 
Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries to the same 
extent and in the same manner as if they were national banks or 
national bank subsidiaries. Dodd-Frank Act section 1047(b), 124 
Stat. 2018 (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 1465).
    \14\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Historical references. We have removed a number of 
historical references contained in the OTS rules in Chapter V that are 
no longer relevant.
     Alternative Mortgage Transactions Parity Act (AMTPA). 
Section 1002 of the Dodd-Frank Act transfers rulemaking authority for 
the AMTPA to the Bureau. Therefore, we have not republished Sec.  
560.220, which implements AMTPA, as OCC rules.

[[Page 48953]]

     Regulations relating to transactions with affiliates, 
extensions of credit to insiders and tying arrangements. Section 
312(b)(2)(A) transfers all OTS rulemaking authority relating to 
transactions with affiliates, extensions of credit to insiders and 
tying arrangements to the Board. Therefore, we have not republished 
Sec. Sec.  563.36, 563.41 and 563.43, but rather refer Federal savings 
associations to the Board's regulations.
     Savings associations--Operations: In Sec.  
163.22(e)(1)(iv), we have removed the reference to the Board and FDIC, 
as 12 U.S.C. 1828(c) no longer requires the Federal banking agencies to 
seek competitive impact reports from the other Federal banking agencies 
before acting on a merger, consolidation, or assumption of liabilities. 
Instead, competitive impact reports are required only from the Attorney 
General. In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, savings 
associations that are part of a SLHC structure must now file a notice 
of a declaration of a dividend with the Board. We have amended Sec.  
163.143 to require that, in the case of cash dividends, Federal savings 
associations that are subsidiaries of a stock SLHC file an 
informational copy of that notice with the OCC at the same time it is 
filed with the Board. We note that under the regulation Federal savings 
associations that are subsidiaries of stock SLHCs must file notices of 
a declaration of a noncash dividend and other capital distributions 
with the OCC. In addition, pursuant to an amendment made to the HOLA by 
the Dodd-Frank Act,\15\ Federal savings associations that are 
subsidiaries of mutual SLHCs are required to provide a notice of a 
declaration of dividends to both the Board and the OCC. Our amendment 
to Sec.  163.143 accounts for this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Dodd-Frank Act, section 625 (to be codified at 12 U.S.C. 
1467a(o)(11)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Change in bank control. Part 574 of the OTS rules 
addressing change in control of savings associations referenced control 
as being ``more than 25%,'' however because the underlying statute (the 
Change in Bank Control Act, 12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) uses the phrase ``25% or 
more,'' we have replaced the former OTS phrase with the statutory 
language throughout part 174 in the Republished Regulations. We also 
have conformed Sec.  574.7(d)(3) to better track the statutory 
language. Additionally, throughout this rule, we have removed those 
sections that apply only to SLHCs, and have added provisions from 
former part 574 in place of cross-references where the cross-referenced 
provision is now contained in a Board regulation.
     References to Thrift Financial Report (TFR). Where there 
were references to the TFR in Chapter V of the OTS rules, we have added 
``Consolidated Reports of Condition or Income'' (Call Report) or 
``Thrift Financial Report,'' as appropriate'' to account for the phase 
out of the TFR.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See the joint Paperwork Reduction Act Notice published by 
the OTS, OCC, FDIC and the Board proposing to phase out of the TFR. 
76 FR 39981 (July 7, 2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Remaining Fair Credit Reporting regulations. As noted 
above, under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Bureau assumes rulemaking 
authority for the majority of rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act 
(FCRA). However, the OCC retains rulemaking authority for Sec.  571.83 
of subpart I and all of subpart J. All of the FCRA rules were 
originally published together in part 571 of the OTS rules and 
contained generally applicable provisions in subpart A. One such 
provision stated that examples given in the rules were not exclusive 
and that compliance with an example would constitute compliance with 
the rule. In part 171 of the Republished Regulations, we have included 
this provision to apply it to subpart J, which includes examples.

III. Notice and Comment

    This interim final rule is effective on July 21, 2011. Pursuant to 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), notice 
and comment are not required prior to the issuance of a final rule if 
an agency, for good cause, finds that ``notice and public procedure 
thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.''
    Section 316(b) of the Dodd-Frank Act provides that all OTS 
regulations in effect the day before the transfer date shall continue 
in effect until modified, terminated, set aside, or superseded by the 
OCC. The interim final rule makes non-substantive, technical changes to 
the OTS regulations, such as renumbering, changing internal cross-
references, replacing appropriate nomenclature, and changing the 
address for filing applications and notices. The rule also makes a few 
changes to conform the rules for Federal savings associations to 
changes in the law affected by the Dodd-Frank Act. Because these 
regulations are nearly identical to the OTS's rules which savings 
associations are currently subject to, the new rules do not change or 
impose additional requirements that necessitate adjustments by these 
institutions. In addition, codifying former OTS regulations as OCC 
regulations with nomenclature changes and updated filing addresses will 
help reduce confusion in the industry. Moreover, the transferring rules 
in general were originally issued by the OTS following notice and 
comment rulemaking, as appropriate.
    Therefore, the OCC has concluded that advance notice and comment 
under the APA is unnecessary and not in the public interest.

IV. Effective Date

    This interim final rule is effective on July 21, 2011. A final rule 
may be published with an immediate effective date if an agency finds 
good cause and publishes such with the final rule.\17\ The purpose of a 
delayed effective date is to permit regulated entities to adjust their 
behavior before the final rule takes effect. As described above, the 
interim final rule makes non-substantive, technical changes, which will 
not require savings associations to adjust their behavior in a 
substantive manner. In addition, the interim final rule provides 
guidance regarding certain required Dodd-Frank Act changes. It is 
important to have these regulations in place on July 21, 2011, the 
transfer date, to facilitate a seamless transition when the OCC and the 
FDIC assume responsibility for supervising savings associations on that 
day and to inform the industry what rules will apply as of the transfer 
date. For these reasons, the OCC finds good cause to dispense with a 
delayed effective date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 302 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4802) requires, subject to certain 
exceptions, that regulations imposing additional reporting, disclosure, 
or other requirements on insured depository institutions take effect on 
the first day of the calendar quarter after publication of the final 
rule. As a general matter this interim final rule does not impose 
additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements. However, to 
the extent that there are any additional reporting, disclosure, or 
other requirements, because they impose minimal burden on savings 
associations and because of the need to have final rules in place on he 
transfer date, the OCC finds good cause not to delay the effectiveness 
of these rules.

V. Request for Comments

    Although notice and comment are not required prior to the effective 
date of this interim final rule, the OCC invites comments on all 
aspects of the rule and will revise it if necessary or appropriate in 
light of the comments received.

[[Page 48954]]

VI. Regulatory Analysis

Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 19, 1980) 
(RFA) applies only to rules for which an agency publishes a general 
notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). Pursuant to 
the APA at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), general notice and an opportunity for 
public comment are not required prior to the issuance of a final rule 
when an agency, for good cause, finds that ``notice and public 
procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' As discussed above, the OCC has determined for good 
cause that the APA does not require general notice and public comment 
on this interim final rule and, therefore, we are not publishing a 
general notice of proposed rulemaking. Thus, the RFA, pursuant 5 U.S.C. 
601(2), does not apply to this interim final rule.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, Public Law 
104-4 (2 U.S.C. 1532) (Unfunded Mandates Act), requires that an agency 
prepare a budgetary impact statement before promulgating any rule 
likely to result in a Federal mandate that may result in the 
expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. The 
OCC has determined that there is no Federal mandate imposed by this 
rulemaking that may result in the expenditure by state, local, and 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any one year.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The OCC may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not 
required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a 
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
    This rule contains information collection requirements under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), which have been previously approved by 
OMB under the following OMB control numbers, and the PRA burden for 
which is unchanged by this rule: OMB Control Nos. 1550-0003; 1550-0005 
through 1550-0007; 1550-0011 through 1550-0020; 1550-0021, 1550-0025; 
1550-0030; 1550-0032; 1550-0035; 1550-0037; 1550-0041; 1550-0047; 1550-
0051; 1550-0053; 1550-0056; 1550-0060; 1550-0062; 1550-0066; 1550-0072; 
1550-0077 through 1550-0078; 1550-0081; 1550-0088; 1550-0092; 1550-0094 
through 1550-0095; 1550-0103 through 1550-0106; 1550-0109 through 1550-
0110; 1550-0112 through 1550-0113; 1550-0115; 1550-0117; 1557-0119; 
1550-0122; and 1550-0127. The information collection approved under OMB 
Control No. 1550-0059 will be amended through a non-substantive change. 
There are no new information collection requirements in this interim 
final rule.

VII. Redesignation Table

    The following redesignation table is provided for reader reference 
and shows the relationship of former section numbers within Chapter V 
to the new section numbers in Chapter I.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12 CFR Chapter V: Former part or section    12 CFR Chapter I: New part
                  numbers                        or section numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 508..................................  Part 108
Part 509..................................  Part 109
Part 512..................................  Part 112
Part 516..................................  Part 116
Part 528..................................  Part 128
Section 528.1.............................  Section 128.1
Section 528.1a............................  Section 128.10
Section 528.2.............................  Section 128.2
Section 528.2a............................  Section 128.11
Section 528.3.............................  Section 128.3
Section 528.4.............................  Section 128.4
Section 528.5.............................  Section 128.5
Section 528.6.............................  Section 128.6
Section 528.7.............................  Section 128.7
Section 528.8.............................  Section 128.8
Section 528.9.............................  Section 128.9
Part 533..................................  Part 133
Part 536..................................  Part 136
Part 541..................................  Part 141
Part 543..................................  Part 143
Section 543.1.............................  Section 143.1
Section 543.2.............................  Section 143.2
Section 543.3.............................  Section 143.3
Section 543.5.............................  Section 143.4
Section 543.6.............................  Section 143.5
Section 543.7.............................  Section 143.6
Section 543.7-1...........................  Section 143.7
Section 543.8.............................  Section 143.8
Section 543.9.............................  Section 143.9
Section 543.10............................  Section 143.10
Section 543.11............................  Section 143.11
Section 543.11-1..........................  Section 143.12
Section 543.14............................  Section 143.14
Part 544..................................  Part 144
Part 545..................................  Part 145
Part 546..................................  Part 146
Part 550..................................  Part 150
Part 551..................................  Part 151
Part 552..................................  Part 152
Section 552.2-1...........................  Section 152.1
Section 552.2-2...........................  Section 152.2
Section 552.2-3...........................  Section 152.17
Section 552.2-6...........................  Section 152.18
Section 552.2-7...........................  Section 152.19
Section 552.3.............................  Section 152.3
Section 552.4.............................  Section 152.4
Section 552.5.............................  Section 152.5
Section 552.6.............................  Section 152.6
Section 552.6-1...........................  Section 152.7
Section 552.6-2...........................  Section 152.8
Section 552.6-3...........................  Section 152.9
Section 552.6-4...........................  None
Section 552.9.............................  None
Section 552.10............................  Section 152.10
Section 552.11............................  Section 152.11
Section 552.12............................  Section 152.12
Section 552.13............................  Section 152.13
Section 552.14............................  Section 152.14
Section 552.15............................  Section 152.15
Section 552.16............................  Section 152.16
Part 555..................................  Part 155
Part 557..................................  Part 157
Part 559..................................  Part 159
Part 560..................................  Part 160
Part 561..................................  Part 161
Part 562..................................  Part 162
Part 563..................................  Part 163
Part 563b.................................  Part 192
Part 563c.................................  Part 193
Part 563c, Subpart A......................  Part 193, Subpart A
Part 563c, Subpart B......................  Part 193, Subpart B
Section 563c.101..........................  Section 193.101
Section 563c.102..........................  Section 193.102 and new
                                             Appendix A
Part 563d.................................  Part 194
Section 563d.1............................  Section 194.1
Section 563d.2............................  Section 194.2
Section 563d.3b-6.........................  Section 194.3
Section 563d.210..........................  Section 194.210
Section 563d.801..........................  Section 194.801
Section 563d.802..........................  Section 194.802
Part 563e.................................  Part 195
Part 563f.................................  Part 196
Part 563g.................................  Part 197
Section 563g.1............................  Section 197.1
Section 563g.2............................  Section 197.2
Section 563g.3............................  Section 197.3
Section 563g.4............................  Section 197.4
Section 563g.5............................  Section 197.5
Section 563g.6............................  Section 197.6
Section 563g.7............................  Section 197.7
Section 563g.8............................  Section 197.8
Section 563g.9............................  Section 197.9
Section 563g.10...........................  Section 197.10
Section 563g.11...........................  Section 197.11
Section 563g.12...........................  Section 197.12
Section 563g.13...........................  Section 197.13
Section 563g.14...........................  Section 197.14
Section 563g.15...........................  Section 197.15
Section 563g.16...........................  Section 197.16
Section 563g.17...........................  Section 197.17
Section 563g.18...........................  Section 197.18
Section 563g.19...........................  Section 197.19
Section 563g.20...........................  Part 197, Appendix A
Section 563g.21...........................  Section 197.21
Part 564..................................  Part 164
Part 565..................................  Part 165
Part 567..................................  Part 167
Part 568..................................  Part 168
Part 569..................................  Part 169
Part 570..................................  Part 170
Part 571..................................  Part 171
Part 572..................................  Part 172
Part 574..................................  Part 174
Section 574.1.............................  Section 174.1
Section 574.2.............................  Section 174.2
Section 574.3.............................  Section 174.3
Section 574.4.............................  Section 174.4
Section 574.5.............................  Section 174.5
Section 574.6.............................  Section 174.6
Section 574.7.............................  Section 174.7
Section 574.8.............................  Section 174.8
Section 574.100...........................  Part 174, Appendix A
Part 590..................................  Part 190
Part 591..................................  Part 191
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 48955]]

List of Subjects

12 CFR Part 100

    Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 108

    Administrative practice and procedure, Crime, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 109

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties.

12 CFR Part 112

    Administrative practice and procedure, Investigations.

12 CFR Part 116

    Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 128

    Advertising, Aged, Civil rights, Credit, Equal employment 
opportunity, Fair housing, Individuals with disabilities, Marital 
status discrimination, Mortgages, Religious discrimination, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Sex 
discrimination, Signs and symbols.

12 CFR Part 133

    Confidential business information, Freedom of information, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 136

    Consumer protection, Insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 141

    Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 143

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements; Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 144

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 145

    Consumer protection, Credit, Electronic funds transfers, 
Investments, Manufactured homes, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 146

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 150

    Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations, Trusts and trustees.

12 CFR Part 151

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities, Trusts and trustees.

12 CFR Part 152

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities.

12 CFR Part 155

    Accounting, Consumer protection, Electronic funds transfers, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 157

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 159

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Subsidiaries.

12 CFR Part 160

    Consumer protection, Investments, Manufactured homes, Mortgages, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities.

12 CFR Part 161

    Administrative practice and procedure, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 162

    Accounting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings 
associations.

12 CFR Part 163

    Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, 
Conflict of interests, Crime, Currency, Investments, Mortgages, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities, Surety bonds.

12 CFR Part 164

    Appraisals, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 165

    Administrative practice and procedure, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 167

    Capital, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Risk, Savings 
associations.

12 CFR Part 168

    Consumer protection, Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations, Security measures.

12 CFR Part 169

    Savings associations, Securities.

12 CFR Part 170

    Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Bank deposit 
insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Safety and 
soundness, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 171

    Consumer protection, Credit, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Privacy, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 172

    Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings 
associations.

12 CFR Part 174

    Administrative practice and procedure, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Savings associations, Securities.

12 CFR Part 190

    Banks, banking, Loan programs-housing and community development, 
Manufactured homes, Mortgages.

12 CFR Part 191

    Banks, banking, Loan programs-housing and community development, 
Mortgages.

12 CFR Part 192

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities.

12 CFR Part 193

    Accounting, Savings associations, Securities.

12 CFR Part 194

    Authority delegations (Government agencies), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Securities.

12 CFR Part 195

    Community development, Credit, Investments, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations.

12 CFR Part 196

    Antitrust, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings 
associations.

12 CFR Part 197

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, 
Securities.


0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Chapter I of Title 12 of the

[[Page 48956]]

Code of Federal Regulations is amended by adding parts 100, 108, 109, 
112, 116, 128, 133, 136, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 152, 155, 
157, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 
174, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, respectively, to read as 
follows:

PART 100--RULES APPLICABLE TO SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462a, 1463, 5412(b)(2)(B), 5414(b)(2).


Sec.  100.1  Certain regulations superseded.

    Effective on July 21, 2011, section 312(b)(2)(B) of the Dodd-Frank 
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub. L. 111-203, 124 
Stat. 1376 (2010)) (12 U.S.C. 5412(b)(2)(B)) transferred rulemaking 
authority of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) relating to all 
savings associations, both state and Federal to the OCC. The 
regulations set forth in parts 100 through 197 of this Chapter I 
applying to Federal savings associations and state savings 
associations, as those terms are defined in section 3(b) of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(b)), supersede corresponding 
regulations set forth in parts 500 through 591 of Chapter V of the Code 
of Federal Regulations that were applicable to such entities prior to 
July 21, 2011.


Sec.  100.2  Waiver authority.

    The Comptroller of the Currency may, for good cause and to the 
extent permitted by statute, waive the applicability of any provision 
of parts 100 through 197.

PART 108--REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, AND PROHIBITIONS WHERE A CRIME IS 
CHARGED OR PROVEN

Sec.
108.1 Scope.
108.2 Definitions.
108.3 Issuance of Notice or Order.
108.4 Contents and service of the Notice or Order.
108.5 Petition for hearing.
108.6 Initiation of hearing.
108.7 Conduct of hearings.
108.8 Default.
108.9 Rules of evidence.
108.10 Burden of persuasion.
108.11 Relevant considerations.
108.12 Proposed findings and conclusions and recommended decision.
108.13 Decision of the OCC.
108.14 Miscellaneous.

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1464, 1818, 5412(b)(2)(B).


Sec.  108.1  Scope.

    The rules in this part apply to hearings, which are exempt from the 
adjudicative provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, afforded 
to any officer, director, or other person participating in the conduct 
of the affairs of a Federal savings association, Federal savings 
association subsidiary, or affiliate service corporation, where such 
person has been suspended or removed from office or prohibited from 
further participation in the conduct of the affairs of one of the 
aforementioned entities by a Notice or Order served by the OCC upon the 
grounds set forth in section 8(g) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 
(12 U.S.C. 1818(g)).


Sec.  108.2  Definitions.

    As used in this part--
    (a) The term OCC means the Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) The term Notice means a Notice of Suspension or Notice of 
Prohibition issued by the OCC pursuant to section 8(g) of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Act.
    (d) The term Order means an Order of Removal or Order of 
Prohibition issued by the OCC pursuant to section 8(g) of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Act.
    (e) The term association means a Federal savings association within 
the meaning of section 2(5) of the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, as 
amended, 12 U.S.C. 1462(5) (``HOLA''), Federal savings association 
subsidiary and an affiliate service corporation within the meaning of 
section 8(b)(8) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, 12 
U.S.C. 1818(b)(8) (``FDIA'').
    (f) The term subject individual means a person served with a Notice 
or Order.
    (g) The term petitioner means a subject individual who has filed a 
petition for informal hearing under this part.


Sec.  108.3  Issuance of Notice or Order.

    (a) The OCC may issue and serve a Notice upon an officer, director, 
or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of an 
association, where the individual is charged in any information, 
indictment, or complaint with the commission of or participation in a 
crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust that is punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or Federal law, 
if the OCC, upon due deliberation, determines that continued service or 
participation by the individual may pose a threat to the interests of 
the association's depositors or may threaten to impair public 
confidence in the association. The Notice shall remain in effect until 
the information, indictment, or complaint is finally disposed of or 
until terminated by the OCC.
    (b) The OCC may issue and serve an Order upon a subject individual 
against whom a judgment of conviction, or an agreement to enter a 
pretrial diversion or other similar program has been rendered, where 
such judgment is not subject to further appellate review, and the OCC, 
upon the deliberation, has determined that continued service or 
participation by the subject individual may pose a threat to the 
interests of the association's depositors or may threaten to impair 
public confidence in the association.


Sec.  108.4  Contents and service of the Notice or Order.

    (a) The Notice or Order shall set forth the basis and facts in 
support of the OCC's issuance of such Notice or Order, and shall inform 
the subject individual of his right to a hearing, in accordance with 
this part, for the purpose of determining whether the Notice or Order 
should be continued, terminated, or otherwise modified.
    (b) The OCC shall serve a copy of the Notice or Order upon the 
subject individual and the related association in the manner set forth 
in Sec.  109.11 of this chapter.
    (c) Upon receipt of the Notice or Order, the subject individual 
shall immediately comply with the requirements thereof.


Sec.  108.5  Petition for hearing.

    (a) To obtain a hearing, the subject individual must file two 
copies of a petition with the OCC within 30 days of being served with 
the Notice or Order.
    (b) The petition filed under this section shall admit or deny 
specifically each allegation in the Notice or Order, unless the 
petitioner is without knowledge or information, in which case the 
petition shall so state and the statement shall have the effect of a 
denial. Any allegation not denied shall be deemed to be admitted. When 
a petitioner intends in good faith to deny only a part of or to qualify 
an allegation, he shall specify so much of it as is true and shall deny 
only the remainder.
    (c) The petition shall state whether the petitioner is requesting 
termination or modification of the Notice or Order, and shall state 
with particularity how the petitioner intends to show that his 
continued service to or participation in the conduct of the affairs of 
the association would not, or is not likely to, pose a threat to the 
interests of the association's depositors or to impair public 
confidence in the association.

[[Page 48957]]

Sec.  108.6  Initiation of hearing.

    (a) Within 10 days of the filing of a petition for hearing, the OCC 
shall notify the petitioner of the time and place fixed for hearing, 
and it shall designate one or more OCC employees to serve as presiding 
officer.
    (b) The hearing shall be scheduled to be held no later than 30 days 
from the date the petition was filed, unless the time is extended at 
the request of the petitioner.
    (c) A petitioner may appear personally or through counsel, but if 
represented by counsel, said counsel is required to comply with Sec.  
109.6 of this chapter.
    (d) A representative(s) of the OCC's Enforcement and Compliance 
Division also may attend the hearing and participate therein as a 
party.


Sec.  108.7  Conduct of hearings.

    (a) Hearings provided by this section are not subject to the 
adjudicative provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 
554-557). The presiding officer is, however, authorized to exercise all 
of the powers enumerated in Sec.  109.5 of this chapter.
    (b) Witnesses may be presented, within time limits specified by the 
presiding officer, provided that at least 10 days prior to the hearing 
date, the party presenting the witnesses furnishes the presiding 
officer and the opposing party with a list of such witnesses and a 
summary of the proposed testimony. However, the requirement for 
furnishing such a witness list and summary of testimony shall not apply 
to the presentation of rebuttal witnesses. The presiding officer may 
ask questions of any witness, and each party shall have an opportunity 
to cross-examine any witness presented by an opposing party.
    (c) Upon the request of either the petitioner or a representative 
of the Enforcement and Compliance Division, the record shall remain 
open for a period of 5 business days following the hearing, during 
which time the parties may make any additional submissions for the 
record. Thereafter, the record shall be closed.
    (d) Following the introduction of all evidence, the petitioner and 
the representative of the Enforcement and Compliance Division shall 
have an opportunity for oral argument; however, the parties may jointly 
waive the right to oral argument, and, in lieu thereof, elect to submit 
written argument.
    (e) All oral testimony and oral argument shall be recorded, and 
transcripts made available to the petitioner upon payment of the cost 
thereof. A copy of the transcript shall be sent directly to the 
presiding officer, who shall have authority to correct the record sua 
sponte or upon the motion of any party.
    (f) The parties may, in writing, jointly waive an oral hearing and 
instead elect a hearing upon a written record in which all evidence and 
argument would be submitted to the presiding officer in documentary 
form and statements of individuals would be made by affidavit.


Sec.  108.8  Default.

    If the subject individual fails to file a petition for a hearing, 
or fails to appear at a hearing, either in person or by attorney, or 
fails to submit a written argument where oral argument has been waived 
pursuant to Sec.  108.7(d) or (f) of this part, the Notice shall remain 
in effect until the information, indictment, or complaint is finally 
disposed of and the Order shall remain in effect until terminated by 
the OCC.


Sec.  108.9  Rules of evidence.

    (a) Formal rules of evidence shall not apply to a hearing, but the 
presiding officer may limit the introduction of irrelevant, immaterial, 
or unduly repetitious evidence.
    (b) All matters officially noticed by the presiding officer shall 
appear on the record.


Sec.  108.10  Burden of persuasion.

    The petitioner has the burden of showing, by a preponderance of the 
evidence, that his or her continued service to or participation in the 
conduct of the affairs of the association does not, or is not likely 
to, pose a threat to the interests of the association's depositors or 
threaten to impair public confidence in the association.


Sec.  108.11  Relevant considerations.

    (a) In determining whether the petitioner has shown that his or her 
continued service to or participation in the conduct of the affairs of 
the association would not, or is not likely to, pose a threat to the 
interests of the association's depositors or threaten to impair public 
confidence in the association, in order to decide whether the Notice or 
Order should be continued, terminated, or otherwise modified, the OCC 
will consider:
    (1) The nature and extent of the petitioner's participation in the 
affairs of the association;
    (2) The nature of the offense with which the petitioner has been 
charged;
    (3) The extent of the publicity accorded the indictment and trial; 
and
    (4) Such other relevant factors as may be entered on the record.
    (b) When considering a request for the termination or modification 
of a Notice, the OCC will not consider the ultimate guilt or innocence 
of the petitioner with respect to the criminal charge that is 
outstanding.
    (c) When considering a request for the termination or modification 
of an Order which has been issued following a final judgment of 
conviction against a subject individual, the OCC will not collaterally 
review such final judgment of conviction.


Sec.  108.12  Proposed findings and conclusions and recommended 
decision.

    (a) Within 30 days after completion of oral argument or the 
submission of written argument where oral argument has been waived, the 
presiding officer shall file with and certify to the OCC for decision 
the entire record of the hearing, which shall include a recommended 
decision, the Notice or Order, and all other documents filed in 
connection with the hearing.
    (b) The recommended decision shall contain:
    (1) A statement of the issue(s) presented,
    (2) A statement of findings and conclusions, and the reasons or 
basis therefor, on all material issues of fact, law, or discretion 
presented on the record, and
    (3) An appropriate recommendation as to whether the suspension, 
removal, or prohibition should be continued, modified, or terminated.


Sec.  108.13  Decision of the OCC.

    (a) Within 30 days after the recommended decision has been 
certified to the OCC, the OCC shall issue a final decision.
    (b) The OCC's final decision shall contain a statement of the basis 
therefor. The OCC may satisfy this requirement where it adopts the 
recommended decision of the presiding officer upon finding that the 
recommended decision satisfies the requirements of Sec.  109.38 of this 
chapter.
    (c) The OCC shall serve upon the petitioner and the representative 
of the Enforcement and Compliance Division a copy of the OCC's final 
decision and the related recommended decision.


Sec.  108.14  Miscellaneous.

    The provisions of Sec. Sec.  109.10, 109.11, and 109.12 of this 
chapter shall apply to proceedings under this part.

PART 109--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN ADJUDICATORY 
PROCEEDINGS

Subpart A--Uniform Rules of Practice and Procedure

Sec.

[[Page 48958]]

109.1 Scope.
109.2 Rules of construction.
109.3 Definitions.
109.4 Authority of the Comptroller.
109.5 Authority of the administrative law judge.
109.6 Appearance and practice in adjudicatory proceedings.
109.7 Good faith certification.
109.8 Conflicts of interest.
109.9 Ex parte communications.
109.10 Filing of papers.
109.11 Service of papers.
109.12 Construction of time limits.
109.13 Change of time limits.
109.14 Witness fees and expenses.
109.15 Opportunity for informal settlement.
109.16 OCC's right to conduct examination.
109.17 Collateral attacks on adjudicatory proceeding.
109.18 Commencement of proceeding and contents of notice.
109.19 Answer.
109.20 Amended pleadings.
109.21 Failure to appear.
109.22 Consolidation and severance of actions.
109.23 Motions.
109.24 Scope of document discovery.
109.25 Request for document discovery from parties.
109.26 Document subpoenas to nonparties.
109.27 Deposition of witness unavailable for hearing.
109.28 Interlocutory review.
109.29 Summary disposition.
109.30 Partial summary disposition.
109.31 Scheduling and prehearing conferences.
109.32 Prehearing submissions.
109.33 Public hearings.
109.34 Hearing subpoenas.
109.35 Conduct of hearings.
109.36 Evidence.
109.37 Post-hearing filings.
109.38 Recommended decision and filing of record.
109.39 Exceptions to recommended decision.
109.40 Review by the Comptroller.
109.41 Stays pending judicial review.
Subpart B--Local Rules
109.100 Scope.
109.101 Appointment of Office of Financial Institution Adjudication.
109.102 Discovery.
109.103 Civil money penalties.
109.104 Additional procedures.
Subpart C [Reserved]
Subpart D [Reserved]

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 504, 554-557; 12 U.S.C. 1464, 1467, 1467a, 
1468, 1817(j), 1818, 1820(k), 1829(e), 3349, 4717, 5412(
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