§ 3.4 - Reservation of authority.

(a) Deductions from capital. Notwithstanding the definitions of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital in §3.2 (c) and (d), the OCC may find that a newly developed or modified capital instrument constitutes Tier 1 capital or Tier 2 capital, and may permit one or more banks to include all or a portion of funds obtained through such capital instruments as Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital, permanently or on a temporary basis, for the purposes of compliance with this part or for other purposes. Similarly, the OCC may find that a particular intangible asset, deferred tax asset or credit-enhancing interest-only strip need not be deducted from Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital. Conversely, the OCC may find that a particular intangible asset, deferred tax asset, credit-enhancing interest-only strip or other Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital component has characteristics or terms that diminish its contribution to a bank's ability to absorb losses, and may require the deduction from Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital of all of the component or of a greater portion of the component than is otherwise required.

(b) Risk weight categories. Notwithstanding the risk categories in sections 3 and 4 of appendix A to this part, the OCC will look to the substance of the transaction and may find that the assigned risk weight for any asset or the credit equivalent amount or credit conversion factor for any off-balance sheet item does not appropriately reflect the risks imposed on a bank and may require another risk weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor that the OCC deems appropriate. Similarly, if no risk weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor is specifically assigned, the OCC may assign any risk weight, credit equivalent amount, or credit conversion factor that the OCC deems appropriate. In making its determination, the OCC considers risks associated with the asset or off-balance sheet item as well as other relevant factors.

(c) The OCC may find that the capital treatment for an exposure not subject to consolidation on the bank's balance sheet does not appropriately reflect the risks imposed on the bank. Accordingly, the OCC may require the bank to treat the exposure as if it were consolidated onto the bank's balance sheet for the purpose of determining compliance with the bank's minimum risk-based capital requirements set forth in appendix A or appendix C to this part . The OCC will look to the substance of and risk associated with the transaction as well as other relevant factors the OCC deems appropriate in determining whether to require such treatment and in determining the bank's compliance with minimum risk-based capital requirements.

[55 FR 38800, Sept. 21, 1990, as amended at 66 FR 59630, Nov. 29, 2001; 75 FR 4645, Jan. 28, 2010]