95-21564. Risk-Based Capital Requirements Transfer of Assets With Recourse  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 169 (Thursday, August 31, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 45618-45622]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-21564]
    
    
    
    
    [[Page 45617]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part VII
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of the Treasury
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Office of Thrift Supervision
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    12 CFR 567
    
    
    
    Risk-Based Capital Requirements Transfer of Assets With Recourse; Final 
    Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 169 / Thursday, August 31, 1995 / 
    Rules and Regulations 
    
    [[Page 45618]]
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
    
    Office of Thrift Supervision
    
    12 CFR Part 567
    
    [No. 95-159]
    RIN 1550-AA81
    
    
    Risk-Based Capital Requirements Transfer of Assets With Recourse
    
    AGENCY: Office of Thrift Supervision, Treasury.
    
    ACTION: Interim rule with request for comment.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) is amending its risk-
    based capital standards as required by sections 208 and 350 of the 
    Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 
    (the Riegle Act).
        Section 208 of the Riegle Act is intended to facilitate the 
    origination and sale of small business loans and leases of personal 
    property by providing a more favorable risk-based capital treatment for 
    transfers of such loans and leases with recourse. The OTS is amending 
    12 CFR Part 567 to permit qualifying institutions to elect to use this 
    more favorable capital treatment.
        Because the OTS capital rules already incorporate the requirements 
    of section 350 of the Riegle Act, the agency does not propose 
    regulatory revisions implementing this provision.
    
    DATES: The interim rule is effective August 31, 1995. Comments on this 
    interim rule must be received by October 30, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to Chief, Dissemination 
    Branch, Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street NW., Washington, DC 
    20552, Attention: Docket No. 95-159. These submissions may be hand 
    delivered to 1700 G Street NW., from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on business 
    days; they may be sent by facsimile transmission to FAX number (202) 
    906-7755. Comments will be available for inspection at 1700 G Street 
    NW., from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on business days.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John F. Connolly, Senior Program 
    Manager for Capital Policy (202/906-6465), Supervision; or Karen 
    Osterloh, Counsel, Banking and Finance (202/906-6639), Regulations and 
    Legislation Division, Chief Counsel's Office, Office of Thrift 
    Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        The OTS is amending its risk-based capital requirements, as 
    necessary, to implement sections 208 and 350 of the Riegle Community 
    Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-325, 
    108 Stat 2160 (Riegle Act). These sections address the treatment of 
    recourse obligations under the risk-based capital rules. A recourse 
    obligation arises, for example, when a savings association transfers a 
    loan or mortgage-related security subject to an agreement to repurchase 
    or replace the loan or security if the underlying borrower defaults.
        The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve 
    Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 1 are also in 
    the process of developing and issuing rules implementing sections 208 
    and 350 of the Riegle Act.
    
        \1\ These agencies with the OTS are collectively referred to as 
    ``the Banking Agencies.''
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    II. Current Treatment of Recourse Obligations Under OTS Risk-Based 
    Capital Regulations
    
        Under current OTS risk-based capital regulations, the full value of 
    assets sold with recourse must be included in total assets and 
    multiplied by the appropriate risk-weight percentage. Savings 
    associations are required to hold capital equal to 8 percent of the 
    risk-weighted value of the assets sold.2
    
        \2\ 12 CFR 567.6(a)(2)(i)(C).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        However, an alternative rule (commonly called the ``low-level 
    recourse rule'') applies whenever the foregoing requirements would 
    result in a capital charge greater than the savings association's 
    maximum recourse liability on the assets sold. Under these 
    circumstances, instead of including the assets sold in an association's 
    risk-weighted assets, the savings association's risk-based capital 
    requirement is simply increased by an amount equal to the association's 
    maximum recourse liability.3
    
        \3\ 12 CFR 567.6(a)(2)(i)(C).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Additionally, if the association is required under generally 
    accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to establish a recourse liability 
    account to absorb estimated probable losses from the recourse 
    obligation, the amount of capital required is reduced.4 When the 
    low-level recourse rule applies, the amount of the recourse obligation 
    would be deducted from the maximum contractual obligation. When the 
    low-level recourse rule does not apply, the amount of the recourse 
    liability account would be deducted from the amount of the transferred 
    assets.
    
        \4\ 59 FR 27116, 27122, n.17 (May 25, 1994).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The following example illustrates how the foregoing rules work. If 
    an association transfers a $1,000 pool of small business loans with 
    unlimited recourse, it would be required to hold capital equal to 8 
    percent of $1,000 (an $80 capital charge). However, if the association 
    limits its maximum contractual recourse obligation to $30, the capital 
    requirement would be limited to $30 under the low-level recourse rule. 
    Moreover, if the association is required to establish a recourse 
    liability account of $10 under GAAP, the capital charge would be 
    reduced to $20.
    III. Section 350 of the Riegle Act
    
        Section 350(b)(1) of the Riegle Act provides that ``[t]he amount of 
    risk-based capital required to be maintained, under regulations 
    prescribed by the appropriate Federal banking agency, by any insured 
    depository institution with respect to assets transferred with recourse 
    by such institution may not exceed the maximum amount of recourse for 
    which such institution is contractually liable under the recourse 
    agreement.'' The OTS capital rule, described above, already 
    incorporates this ``low-level recourse'' approach at 12 CFR 
    567.6(a)(2)(i)(C).
        Section 350(b)(2) permits the OTS to impose a higher capital charge 
    if it determines that a higher capital requirement is necessary for the 
    savings association's safety and soundness. Consistent with this 
    section, the OTS has retained the authority to increase this capital 
    charge under appropriate circumstances.5
    
        \5\  12 CFR 567.3.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Accordingly, the OTS has determined that it does not need to take 
    further action to implement section 350 of the Riegle Act.
        The OTS, however, solicits comment on its current approach for 
    factoring associations' capital requirements under the low-level 
    recourse approach into their total risk-based capital ratio and Tier 1 
    (core) risk-based capital ratio. The numerator in these ratios is the 
    actual amount of risk-based or core capital, respectively, held by an 
    association. The denominator is the total risk-weighted assets held by 
    an association. These ratios are used to assess associations' capital 
    positions and to determine capital categories for purposes of the 
    prompt corrective action (PCA) provisions of section 38(b) of the 
    Federal Deposit Insurance Act. 12 U.S.C. 1831o.6 As OTS 
    regulations are 
    
    [[Page 45619]]
    currently worded, an association that utilizes the low-level recourse 
    rule merely adds the amount of its maximum contractual recourse 
    obligation to its capital requirement. Furthermore, the amount of 
    assets sold subject to the low-level recourse is not included in the 
    association's total risk-weighted assets. Thus, when the aforementioned 
    capital ratios under the PCA provisions are computed, adjustments must 
    be made to ensure that the ratios take into account a savings 
    association's low-level recourse exposure.
    
        \6\  See 12 CFR Part 565.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The OTS currently permits associations to use the more favorable of 
    two adjustment computations. A savings association may either: (1) 
    Deduct its aggregate low-level recourse capital requirement from the 
    capital amount (i.e., the numerator) in calculating these ratios; or 
    (2) add its low-level recourse capital requirement multiplied by 12.5 
    (i.e., the reciprocal of the 8 percent capital requirement) to its 
    risk-weighted assets (i.e., the denominator) in calculating the ratios. 
    These alternative methods for calculating an association's Tier 1 risk-
    based capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio are set forth in 
    Appendix B to section 120, ``Capital Adequacy,'' of the OTS Regulatory 
    Handbook: Thrift Activities (January, 1994). The Banking Agencies are 
    considering other alternatives including requiring all institutions to 
    follow option (2) described above. The OTS specifically requests 
    comment on this approach.
    
    IV. Section 208 of the Riegle Act
    
        Section 208 of the Riegle Act prescribes accounting principles and 
    establishes modified capital rules for transfers of small business 
    loans and leases of personal property with recourse (small business 
    obligations) by qualified insured depository institutions. The term 
    ``small business'' means a business that meets the criteria for a small 
    business concern established by the Small Business Administration under 
    section 3(a) of the Small Business Act.7 Under section 208(c), an 
    insured depository institution is a qualified institution, if it: (1) 
    Is well capitalized for PCA purposes, or (2) is adequately capitalized 
    for PCA purposes and has obtained approval to apply the modified 
    capital rules from the appropriate Federal banking agency.8 The 
    OTS solicits comments on how it should determine whether an adequately 
    capitalized association should be permitted to use the modified capital 
    rule under section 208.
    
        \7\  See 15 U.S.C. 632(a) and 13 CFR Part 121 (1995).
        \8\  See Section 208(i)(1) and (7). Determinations as to whether 
    a savings association is a qualified institution are made without 
    regard to the accounting principles or capital requirements set 
    forth in section 208(a) and (b). See Section 208(c).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Under section 208(a), accounting principles applicable to the 
    transfer of a small business loan or lease of personal property with 
    recourse and contained in reports or statements required to be filed 
    with the appropriate Federal banking agency by a qualified insured 
    depository institution, must be consistent with GAAP. The OTS currently 
    requires savings associations to comply with GAAP in their financial 
    reports and statements, including the reporting of transfers of assets 
    with recourse.9 Accordingly, no regulatory amendments are required 
    to implement section 208(a).
    
        \9\  12 CFR 562.2(b)(1995).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Section 208(b) prescribes modified risk-based capital requirements 
    for transfers of small business loans or leases of personal property 
    with recourse that are sales under GAAP. This modified risk-based 
    capital treatment permits a qualified insured depository institution to 
    include in its risk-weighted assets, for the purposes of applicable 
    capital standards and other capital measures, only the amount of the 
    retained recourse multiplied by the appropriate risk-weight percentage. 
    For example, if an association sold a $1,000 pool of small business 
    loans with recourse, but limited its recourse liability to the first 
    $100 dollars of loss on the pool, section 208(b) would limit the 
    applicable capital charge to $8.00 (8 percent of the $100 of retained 
    recourse).
        By contrast, current OTS risk-based capital regulations require 
    savings associations to include in risk-weighted assets the full value 
    of assets transferred with recourse multiplied by the appropriate risk-
    weight percentage. If the current rule were applied to the foregoing 
    example, the association's capital charge would be 8 percent of the 
    $1,000 pool of transferred assets resulting in an $80 capital charge, 
    rather than the $8.00 capital charge under section 208(b).
        To be eligible for the preferential capital treatment under section 
    208(b), a qualified institution must ``establish and maintain a reserve 
    equal to an amount sufficient to meet the reasonable estimated 
    liability of the institution under the recourse arrangement.'' The OTS 
    capital rule follows GAAP in determining when to treat transfers with 
    recourse as sales and how those sales must be accounted for. 
    Accordingly, the OTS already requires transferors of assets with 
    recourse to accrue, as a separate liability, an amount sufficient to 
    absorb their estimated probable losses under the recourse provision for 
    the life of the assets transferred.
        Section 208(d) limits the aggregate amount of recourse that may be 
    retained by a qualified insured depository institution with respect to 
    transactions that are accorded the modified capital treatment. Under 
    this provision, the total outstanding amount of recourse retained by 
    the institution and accorded the modified capital treatment may not 
    exceed 15 percent of the association's risk-based capital or such 
    greater amount as may be established by the appropriate Federal banking 
    agency by regulation or order. The rule sets the limit under section 
    208(d) at 15 percent of the association's total capital under 12 CFR 
    567.5(c)(4).
        Furthermore, section 208(e) provides that if an institution exceeds 
    the aggregate limit or if it loses its qualified status, transactions 
    completed while the institution was qualified continue to receive the 
    favorable capital treatment. This provision is incorporated in the rule 
    at 12 CFR 567.6(a)(3)(iv).
        Section 208 contains two provisions that permit the agency, by 
    regulation, to modify the requirements specified in the statute. As 
    noted above, section 208(d)(2) permits the agency to increase the 15 
    percent aggregate limit. In addition, section 208(h) authorizes the OTS 
    to establish an alternative system governing the amount of capital and 
    reserves for small business obligations. The OTS has elected not to 
    implement these discretionary alternative provisions at this time.
        Section 208(f) states, ``The capital of an insured depository 
    institution shall be computed without regard [to section 208] in 
    determining whether the institution is adequately capitalized, 
    undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, or critically 
    undercapitalized under section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act 
    (12 U.S.C. 1831o).'' Section 1831o addresses prompt corrective action.
        The caption to section 208(f), ``Prompt Corrective Action Not 
    Affected,'' and the legislative history indicate that section 208 was 
    not intended to affect the prompt corrective action system.10 
    However, the statute does not include ``well capitalized'' in the list 
    of capital categories not affected.
    
        \10\  See S. Rep. No. 103-169, 103d Cong., 1st Sess. 38, 69 
    (1993).
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The prompt corrective action system deals primarily with imposing 
    corrective sanctions on associations that are less than adequately 
    capitalized. Therefore, allowing an association that 
    
    [[Page 45620]]
    is adequately capitalized without section 208 11 to use the 
    modified capital treatment under section 208 for purposes of 
    determining whether it is well capitalized generally would not affect 
    the application of the prompt corrective action sanctions to the 
    association. Other statutes and regulations treat an association more 
    favorably if it is well capitalized (as defined under the prompt 
    corrective action statute), but these provisions are not part of the 
    prompt corrective action system of sanctions. Permitting an association 
    be treated as well capitalized for purposes of these other provisions 
    also will not affect the imposition of prompt corrective action 
    sanctions.
    
        \11\ It is very unlikely, but theoretically possible that an 
    association that is undercapitalized without section 208 would 
    become well capitalized if it applied the modified capital treatment 
    under section 208. Because section 208 was not intended to affect 
    prompt corrective action and because allowing an undercapitalized 
    association to become well capitalized would affect prompt 
    corrective action, the OTS believes that section 208 does not allow 
    an undercapitalized association to use the modified capital 
    treatment to become well capitalized for the purposes of prompt 
    corrective action.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        There is one provision of the prompt corrective action system that 
    could be affected by treating an association as well capitalized, 
    rather than adequately capitalized. If the OTS determines that an 
    association is in an unsafe or unsound condition or is engaging in an 
    unsafe or unsound practice, section 1831o(g) authorizes the OTS--(1) to 
    reclassify a well capitalized association as adequately capitalized, 
    and (2) to require an adequately capitalized association to comply with 
    certain prompt corrective action provisions as if the association were 
    undercapitalized. Because the text and legislative history of section 
    208 clearly indicate that Congress did not intend to affect prompt 
    corrective action, the OTS believes that section 208 does not affect 
    the capital calculation for purposes of section 1831o(g), regardless of 
    the association's capital level.
        Thus, an association may use the capital treatment described in 
    section 208 when determining whether it is well capitalized for 
    purposes of prompt corrective action (except 12 U.S.C. 1831o(g)), as 
    well as for other regulations that reference the well capitalized 
    capital category.12 An association may not use the capital 
    treatment described in section 208 when determining whether it is 
    adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly 
    undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized for purposes of prompt 
    corrective action or other regulations that directly or indirectly 
    reference the prompt corrective action capital categories.13 No 
    association may use the capital treatment under section 208 for 
    purposes of 12 U.S.C. 1831o(g). The following is a summary of the 
    applicable rules:
    
        \12\ An association that is subject to a written agreement or 
    capital directive as discussed in the OTS's prompt corrective action 
    regulation would not be considered to be well capitalized.
        \13\ Under section 208, the capital calculation used to 
    determine whether an association is well capitalized differs from 
    the calculation used to determine whether an association is 
    adequately capitalized. As a result, it is possible that an 
    institution could be well capitalized using one calculation and 
    adequately capitalized using the other. In this situation, the 
    institution would be considered well capitalized.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (1) Associations that are well capitalized without using section 
    208. These associations are ``qualifying'' and may apply section 208 to 
    any transfers of small business obligations with recourse (up to the 
    15% of capital limit), for all purposes except 12 U.S.C. 1830o(g).
        (2) Associations that are adequately capitalized without using 
    section 208, but have written permission from the OTS to use section 
    208. These associations are also ``qualifying'' and may apply section 
    208 to any transfers of small business obligations with recourse (up to 
    the 15% of capital limit), for all purposes except 12 U.S.C. 1830o(g).
        (3) All other associations. Other types of associations are not 
    ``qualifying'' and cannot apply section 208 to new obligations. 
    However, if the association qualified in the past, it may continue to 
    apply section 208 to obligations arising out of transfers that occurred 
    while the association was qualified, for purposes of determining 
    capital under Part 567.14 However, section 208 may not be used by 
    these associations for purposes of prompt corrective action or other 
    regulations that directly or indirectly reference prompt corrective 
    action capital categories.
    
        \14\ E.g., 12 CFR 567.2 (minimum capital requirements) and other 
    regulations keyed to the OTS minimum capital requirements rather 
    than the prompt corrective action categories.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        The OTS will not object if an association decides to apply the 
    capital treatment described in this rule as of March 22, 1995, because 
    this is the date by which the regulatory changes prescribed by the 
    Riegle Act were to have become effective.
        The OTS solicits comment on all aspects of this rule and any other 
    issues related to its implementation of sections 208 and 350.
        The Banking Agencies are in the process of reviewing other 
    regulations and written policies relating to transfers of assets with 
    recourse. They intend to make comprehensive revisions of their 
    regulations and written policies addressing the exposure of insured 
    depository institutions to credit risk from transfers of assets with 
    recourse. A notice of proposed rulemaking and advance notice of 
    proposed rulemaking were published in the Federal Register on May 25, 
    1994.15 The Banking Agencies are working together on this 
    rulemaking and intend to take further action as quickly as feasible.
    
        \15\ See 59 FR 27116 (May 25, 1994).
    V. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the 
    OTS hereby certifies that this interim rule will not have a significant 
    economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The changes 
    are required by statute and will not affect savings associations' risk-
    based capital for prompt corrective actions purposes. Accordingly, a 
    regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
    
    VI. Executive Order 12866
    
        The OTS has determined that this interim rule is not a significant 
    regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Under the 
    interim rule, some associations' measured risk-based capital ratios may 
    improve. This change, however, should have no material effect on the 
    safety and soundness of affected associations and will not affect their 
    measured risk-based capital for prompt corrective action purposes.
    
    VII. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    
        Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 104 Pub. 
    L. 104-4 (signed into law on March 22, 1995), requires that an agency 
    prepare a budgetary impact statement before promulgating a rule that 
    includes a Federal mandate that may result in expenditure by State, 
    local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
    sector of $100 million or more in one year. If the budgetary impact 
    statement is required, section 205 of the Act also requires an agency 
    to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
    before promulgating a rule. As discussed in the preamble, the interim 
    rule authorizes an alternative method of calculating capital that 
    permits savings associations to elect to hold less capital for certain 
    recourse obligations. The OTS has therefore determined that the interim 
    rule will not result in expenditure by State, local, or tribal 
    governments or by the private 
    
    [[Page 45621]]
    sector of more than $100 million. Accordingly, sections 202 and 205 do 
    not apply.
    
    VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act and Regulatory Burden
    
        The OTS has determined that this interim rule will not increase the 
    regulatory paperwork burden on savings associations under the Paperwork 
    Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Consequently, no 
    information has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
    for review.
        Section 302 of the Riegle Act requires that new regulations and 
    amendments to regulations that impose additional reporting, 
    disclosures, or other new requirements take effect on the first date of 
    the calendar quarter following publication of the rule unless, among 
    other things, the agency determines, for good cause, that the 
    regulations should become effective on a day other than the first day 
    of the next quarter. The OTS believes that an immediate effective date 
    is appropriate since the interim rule relieves a regulatory burden on 
    qualifying savings associations that transfer small business 
    obligations with recourse by significantly reducing the capital 
    requirements on such obligations. This immediate effective date will 
    permit qualifying institutions to reduce the amount of capital they 
    must maintain to support the risk retained in these transfers. 
    Moreover, the OTS does not anticipate that the immediate application of 
    the rules will present a hardship to institutions in terms of 
    compliance. Also, there is a statutory requirement for the OTS to 
    promulgate final regulations implementing the provisions of section 208 
    by March 22, 1995. For these reasons, the OTS has determined that this 
    effective date is appropriate.
    
    IX. Administrative Procedure Act
    
        Section 208(g) of the Riegle Act requires that the OTS promulgate 
    final rules implementing section 208 no later than March 22, 1995. The 
    OTS has determined that the notice and public participation that are 
    ordinarily required by the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) 
    (the APA) before a regulation may take effect would, in this case, be 
    impracticable due to the time constraints imposed by section 208(g). In 
    addition, advance public notice and comment is unnecessary because the 
    interim rule substantially restates the provisions of the statute. 
    Further, the interim rule would permit qualifying institutions to 
    reduce their capital levels, thereby providing these institutions with 
    greater lending flexibility. Consequently, the added delay that would 
    result from seeking advance notice and public participation could 
    potentially adversely impact credit availability.
        Section 553(d) of the APA permits the waiver of the 30-day delayed 
    effective date requirement for good cause, or where a rule relieves a 
    restriction. The OTS believes that the limitations of time and the 
    potential loss of benefit to affected parties during the pendency of 
    this rulemaking constitutes good cause to waive the 30-day delayed 
    effective date requirement. The OTS further believes that the 30-day 
    effective date may be waived because the rule relieves a restriction. 
    Accordingly, the interim rule will be immediately effective upon 
    publication in the Federal Register. Nevertheless, the OTS seeks the 
    benefit of public comment before adopting a final rule on this subject. 
    Accordingly, the OTS invites interested persons to submit comments 
    during the 60-day comment period. The OTS will revise the interim rule 
    as appropriate based on these comments.
    
    List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 567
    
        Capital, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Savings 
    associations.
    
        For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Office of Thrift 
    Supervision hereby amends Part 567, chapter V, title 12, Code of 
    Federal Regulation as set forth below:
    
    Subchapter D--Regulations Applicable to All Savings Associations
    
    PART 567--CAPITAL
    
        1. The authority citation for part 567 is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1462, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1467a, 1835, 1848 
    (note), 4808.
    
        2. Section 567.6(a) is revised by adding a fourth and fifth 
    sentence between the phrase `` `recourse servicing'.'' and the 
    parenthetical in (a)(2)(i)(C), and by adding a new paragraph (a)(3) to 
    read as follows:
    Sec. 567.6   Risk-based capital credit risk-weight categories.
    
        (a) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (C) * * * This category also includes transfers of small business 
    loans or leases of personal property with recourse. Such transfers, 
    however, may be subject to the alternative capital computation set 
    forth in paragraph (a)(3) of this section. * * *
    * * * * *
        (3) Alternative capital computation for small business 
    obligations-- (i) Definitions. For the purposes of this paragraph 
    (a)(3):
        (A) Qualified savings association means a savings association that:
        (1) Is well capitalized as defined in 12 CFR 565.4 without applying 
    the capital treatment described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this 
    section; or
        (2) Is adequately capitalized as defined in 12 CFR 565.4 without 
    applying the capital treatment described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of 
    this section and has received written permission from the OTS to apply 
    that capital calculation.
        (B) Small business means a business that meets the criteria for a 
    small business concern established by the Small Business Administration 
    in 12 CFR 121 pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 632.
        (ii) Capital requirement. With respect to a transfer of a small 
    business loan or lease of personal property with recourse that is a 
    sale under generally accepted accounting principles, a qualified 
    savings association may elect to include only the amount of its 
    retained recourse in its risk-weighted assets for the purposes of 
    paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section. To qualify for this election, 
    the savings association must establish and maintain a reserve under 
    generally accepted accounting principles sufficient to meet the 
    reasonable estimated liability of the savings association under the 
    recourse arrangement.
        (iii) Aggregate amount of recourse. The total outstanding amount of 
    recourse retained by a qualified 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 paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, may not exceed 15 
    percent of the association's total capital computed under 
    Sec. 567.5(c)(4).
        (iv) Savings association that ceases to be a qualified savings 
    association or that exceeds aggregate limits. If a savings association 
    ceases to be a qualified savings association or exceeds the aggregate 
    limit described in paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section, the savings 
    association may continue to apply the capital treatment described in 
    paragraph (a)(3)(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 savings 
    association shall compute its capital without regard to this paragraph 
    (a)(3) 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 
    
    [[Page 45622]]
    treatment described in this paragraph (a)(3) and would be well 
    capitalized after applying that capital treatment.
        (B) A savings association shall compute its capital without regard 
    to this paragraph (a)(3) for the purposes of applying 12 U.S.C. 
    1831o(g), regardless of the association's capital level.
    * * * * *
        Dated: August 21, 1995.
    
        By the Office of Thrift Supervision.
    John F. Downey,
    Director, Supervision.
    [FR Doc. 95-21564 Filed 8-30-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6720-01-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/31/1995
Published:
08/31/1995
Department:
Thrift Supervision Office
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim rule with request for comment.
Document Number:
95-21564
Dates:
The interim rule is effective August 31, 1995. Comments on this interim rule must be received by October 30, 1995.
Pages:
45618-45622 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
No. 95-159
RINs:
1550-AA81: Risk-Based Capital Requirements, Small Business Loan Recourse Obligations
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1550-AA81/risk-based-capital-requirements-small-business-loan-recourse-obligations
PDF File:
95-21564.pdf
CFR: (2)
12 CFR 567.5(c)(4)
12 CFR 567.6