[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 93 (Tuesday, May 14, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28452-28460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11212]
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 14, 2013 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 28452]]
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FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
12 CFR Part 1231
RIN 2590-AA08
Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments
AGENCY: Federal Housing Finance Agency.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is re-proposing the
Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments proposed rule that was
published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2009 (the Proposal).
Specifically, FHFA is addressing content set forth in the Proposal,
both in the Supplementary Information and the regulatory text, which
relates to prohibited and permissible golden parachute payments to
entity-affiliated parties in connection with the Federal National
Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the
Federal Home Loan Banks, and the Office of Finance of the Federal Home
Loan Bank System. This proposed rule (the ``Re-proposal'') solicits
comments on the appropriate treatment of golden parachute arrangements
entered into before the effective date of the rule. Additionally, this
Re-proposal responds to public comments received by FHFA on the golden
parachute provisions, and provides clarification regarding coverage of
retirement plans, which were the subject of significant concern
expressed in the comments.
DATES: Written comments on this proposed rule must be received on or
before July 15, 2013. For additional information, see SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments on this proposed rule,
identified by regulatory information number ``RIN 2590-AA08,'' by any
one of the following methods:
Email: Comments to Alfred M. Pollard, General Counsel, may
be sent by email at [email protected]. Please include ``RIN 2590-
AA08'' in the subject line of the message.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. If you submit your
comment to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, please also send it by email
to FHFA at [email protected] to ensure timely receipt by the agency.
Please include ``RIN 2590-AA08'' in the subject line of the message.
Hand Delivered/Courier: The hand delivery address is:
Alfred M. Pollard, General Counsel; Attention: Comments/RIN 2590-AA08,
Federal Housing Finance Agency, Eighth Floor, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20024. The package should be logged at the Guard Desk,
First Floor, on business days between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
U.S. Mail, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or
Other Mail Service: The mailing address for comments is: Alfred M.
Pollard, General Counsel; Attention: Comments/RIN 2590-AA08, Federal
Housing Finance Agency, Eighth Floor, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alfred M. Pollard, General Counsel,
(202) 649-3050, [email protected], or Lindsay Simmons, Assistant
General Counsel, (202) 649-3066, [email protected] (not toll-
free numbers). The telephone number for the Telecommunications Device
for the Hearing Impaired is (800) 877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Comments
FHFA invites comments on all aspects of the Re-proposal and will
take all comments into consideration before issuing the final
regulation. Copies of all comments will be posted without change,
including any personal information you provide, such as your name,
address, email address, and telephone number, on the FHFA internet Web
site at http://www.fhfa.gov. In addition, copies of all comments
received will be available for examination by the public on business
days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Federal Housing
Finance Agency, Eighth Floor, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC
20024. To make an appointment to inspect comments, please call the
Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3804.
II. Background
Section 1114 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(HERA) amended section 1318(e) of the Federal Housing Enterprises
Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (Safety and Soundness Act)
(12 U.S.C. 4518(e)) to provide explicit authorities to FHFA in
addressing golden parachute payments and indemnification payments. FHFA
published an interim final regulation on Golden Parachute and
Indemnification Payments in the Federal Register on September 16, 2008
(73 FR 53356). Subsequently, it published corrections rescinding that
portion of the regulation that addressed indemnification payments on
September 19, 2008 (73 FR 54309) and on September 23, 2008 (73 FR
54673). On November 14, 2008 (73 FR 67424), FHFA published in the
Federal Register a proposed amendment to the interim final regulation
that addressed indemnification payments. The public notice and comment
period closed on December 29, 2008. On January 29, 2009 (74 FR 5101),
FHFA published the final regulation on Golden Parachute Payments. On
June 29, 2009 (74 FR 30975), FHFA published a proposed amendment to the
final Golden Parachute Payments regulation that addressed in more
detail, prohibited and permissible golden parachute payments. The
proposed amendment noted that comments received in response to the
November 14, 2008, publication addressing indemnification payments will
be considered along with comments received in response to this
amendment.
As noted in the Summary, this Re-proposal only addresses issues as
well as comments received that relate to golden parachute payments.
Comments received on indemnification payments will be addressed in the
final rule on Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments.
III. Golden Parachute Payments
FHFA published a final regulation on Golden Parachute Payments in
the Federal Register on January 29, 2009 (74 FR 5101). The final Golden
Parachute Payments regulation addressed public comment on factors the
Director would consider in acting on golden parachute payments. As
stated in the Supplementary Information published with the final
regulation, comments received that addressed other elements of a golden
parachute regulation would be considered by FHFA in subsequent
rulemaking for public comment. Specifically, in response to comments
received, FHFA stated that it would consider adding provisions similar
to those of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) golden
parachute regulation in the subsequent rulemaking. The FDIC regulation
describes more specifically benefits included in or excluded from the
term ``golden parachute payment.'' Thus, the provisions of the Proposal
(published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2009) addressing golden
parachute payments are substantially similar to the FDIC regulation
that limits golden parachute payments by insured depository
institutions to institution-affiliated parties.\1\
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\1\ The FDIC regulation is found at 12 CFR part 359.
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[[Page 28453]]
IV. Comments Received on Golden Parachute Payments
The Proposal (74 FR 30975-30981), which among other things, would
have set forth the standards that the Director will take into
consideration in determining whether to limit or prohibit golden
parachute payments that its regulated entities and the Office of
Finance (OF) may make to entity-affiliated parties.\2\ The comment
period on the Proposal closed on July 29, 2009.
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\2\ To view the proposed rule, go to http://www.fhfa.gov or
http://www.regulations.gov.
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FHFA received comments on the golden parachute provisions of the
Proposal from the following: each of the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks
(Banks); the Chairs of the 12 Banks; OF; and the Chair and Vice-Chair
of the Bank of Boston.
A. General Comments
1. Grandfathering and Coverage of Retirement Plans
In the Supplementary Information published with the Proposal, FHFA
stated its intention to apply the golden parachute provisions to
agreements entered into by a regulated entity or OF with an entity-
affiliated party on or after the date the regulation would be
effective.\3\ After considering further the types of golden parachute
agreements that may currently be in place, FHFA is clarifying its
stated intention. FHFA has determined to grandfather a defined subset
of agreements as of the date the Re-proposal is published in the
Federal Register, and that the rest will be subject to review by FHFA,
as appropriate. Specifically, FHFA intends to grandfather all
retirement plans and deferred compensation plans in place as of the Re-
proposal's publication date. FHFA has reviewed all such current plans
and has concluded that they are appropriately excepted from the scope
of the golden parachute rule.
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\3\ 74 FR at 30976 (June 29, 2009).
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With respect to severance plans, FHFA intends to allow the entities
three months from the effective date of the final rule within which
they may submit for FHFA review severance plans that would be excepted
under the terms of the regulation but for their having been adopted or
modified at a time when the entity either was in, or was in
contemplation of, a condition (``triggering event'') specified in
paragraph (1)(ii) of the definition of the term ``golden parachute
payment.'' After that three-month period, severance plans outside of
the severance-plan exception to the term ``golden parachute payment''
must be reviewed by FHFA if the entity is subject to a triggering
event.
FHFA notes that certain comments expressed concern that retirement
plans could be affected by the regulation, contrary to the intent of
the Proposal. In response to the uncertainty about the applicability of
the Proposal's definition of ``golden parachute payment,'' FHFA
summarizes below the status of different arrangements.
Qualified plans are excepted from the requirements of the
regulation and, therefore, any changes to them do not require FHFA
approval.
Non-qualified retirement plans (either defined-
contribution or defined-benefit plans or deferred compensation plans)
established for the benefit of executives whose participation in a
regulated entity's qualified plans is curtailed by the Internal Revenue
Service limits are ``bona fide deferred compensation plans'' if they
meet the various requirements listed in the Proposal.\4\ Such non-
qualified plans meeting those requirements are therefore excepted from
the Proposal's definition of ``golden parachute payment.'' \5\
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\4\ Those requirements are the requirements enumerated in
paragraphs (3)(i) through (3)(vii) of the definition of ``bona fide
deferred compensation plan or arrangement'' in Sec. 1231.2 of the
Proposal, and in addition, with respect to plans under which an
entity-affiliated party voluntarily defers a portion of his or her
compensation that would otherwise be currently paid for services
rendered, the requirements of paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) of that
definition.
\5\ While the entities are not required to submit excepted plans
for approval for purposes of the Golden Parachute and
Indemnification Payments regulation, they are required to submit
such plans for review for purposes of the proposed Executive
Compensation regulation (74 FR 26989 (June 5, 2009)).
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All retirement plans established for the benefit of
executives in place as of the Re-proposal's publication date are
grandfathered. From the Re-proposal's publication date forward, any
retirement plans that are not qualified, and that are not bona fide
deferred compensation plans, and payouts on such plans, will qualify as
golden parachute payments and will require FHFA review and approval, if
the regulated entity is subject to a triggering event.
Severance plans are excepted if they meet the various
terms of the regulation (such as those that authorize payment, for
executives whose salary is less than $300,000, of no more than 12
months compensation, as discussed further below). As stated above, FHFA
intends to allow the entities three months from the effective date of
the final rule within which they may submit for FHFA review and
approval existing severance plans that would be excepted but for their
having been adopted or modified at a time when the entity was subject
to a ``triggering event'' specified in paragraph (1)(ii) of the
definition of the term ``golden parachute payment.''
Severance plans outside of the exception to the term
``golden parachute payment'' (such as nondiscriminatory severance plans
for an executive whose salary exceeds $300,000) are subject to FHFA
review and approval if the entity is subject to a triggering event.
Change-of-control agreements and ad hoc payments are not
grandfathered or excepted and, therefore, require FHFA review and
approval if the regulated entity is subject to a triggering event.
The Proposal's definition of ``golden parachute payment,''
including the definition of ``bona fide deferred compensation plan or
arrangement'' and other exceptions, substantially adopts that of the
FDIC's regulation on this subject, which was developed after careful
review of industry practice with respect to retirement plans.\6\ Banks
and thrifts have been able to operate under that regulation for the
past 15 years.
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\6\ See 56 FR 50529 (Oct. 7, 1991), 60 FR 16069 (March 29,
1995), 61 FR 5926 (Feb. 15, 1996).
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FHFA notes that, while the statute permits FHFA to prohibit or
limit golden parachute agreements when a regulated entity is subject to
a triggering event, the statute does not require FHFA to do so. It is
FHFA's intention to consider all facts and circumstances in exercising
this discretionary authority, including the degree to which a proposed
golden parachute payment represents a reasonable payment for services
rendered over the period of employment.
The reconsideration of the treatment to be afforded golden
parachute arrangements does not affect indemnification arrangements. As
to those arrangements, FHFA reaffirms its intent \7\ that the
regulation apply to agreements entered into by a regulated entity or OF
with an entity-affiliated party on or after the date the regulation is
effective. FHFA believes that reliance on indemnification arrangements
and their significance as an element of continuing employment and
service weigh in favor of grandfathering these arrangements when
reviewed against the goals set forth in the statute. Indemnification
arrangements are subject to a separate proposed rulemaking, which will
be combined with this Re-proposal in the final rule.\8\
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\7\ 73 FR 67424, 67425 (Nov. 14, 2008).
\8\ 73 FR 67424 (Nov. 14, 2008).
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[[Page 28454]]
2. Application of the Golden Parachute Payments Prohibitions and FHFA's
Approval
All of the commenters sought clarification as to when the golden
parachute prohibitions apply and whether approval by the Director of
FHFA (the ``Director'') would be required. Their concern related to the
triggering events listed in the Proposal in paragraphs (1)(ii)(A)
through (D) in the definition of the term ``golden parachute payment''
in proposed Sec. 1231.2. Their inquiries related to the timing of a
triggering event and its effect on the ability of a regulated entity or
OF to enter into an agreement with or pay an entity-affiliated party.
The inquiries focused on one of the triggering events: a determination
by FHFA that the regulated entity is in a troubled condition (paragraph
(1)(ii)(C) of the term ``golden parachute payment'' in proposed Sec.
1231.2). The following responds to the specific inquiries:
i. A regulated entity or OF need not obtain the approval of the
Director to enter into an agreement with or to pay an entity-affiliated
party under the following circumstances:
A regulated entity or OF is not subject to any of the
triggering events listed in paragraphs (1)(ii)(A) through (D) of the
term ``golden parachute payment'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2;
A regulated entity or OF is no longer subject to a
triggering event (e.g., it has emerged from a troubled condition); or
An entity-affiliated party begins to receive payments
under an agreement prior to the occurrence of a triggering event that
continue after the triggering event, if the entity-affiliated party's
employment was not terminated in contemplation of the triggering event.
ii. A regulated entity or OF, when subject to a triggering event,
must obtain the permission of the Director in order to pay, or enter
into an agreement to pay, an entity-affiliated party if it:
Terminates an entity-affiliated party's employment;
Enters into an agreement with an entity-affiliated party
providing a golden parachute payment;
Amends an employment contract containing golden parachute
provisions with an entity-affiliated party;
Renews an employment agreement (including automatic
renewal) with an entity-affiliated party that contains severance
provisions; or
Makes a payment related to a change in control (not
resulting from conservatorship or receivership).
In any circumstance in which an agreement that provides for a
golden parachute payment has been approved by the Director, an
additional approval by the Director is required in order to make such a
payment under the agreement if the entity is subject to a triggering
event. The FHFA regulation, similar to the statute it implements
(HERA), limits a regulated entity that is subject to a triggering event
from making golden parachute payments or entering into agreements to
make golden parachute payments. As a consequence, FHFA may review a
golden parachute payment at the time it is being made, notwithstanding
a prior approval of the particular golden parachute agreement. This
``double approval'' process mirrors the practice of the FDIC for
institutions subject to its golden parachute payments regulation.
The double approval process is supported by the following
considerations. First, an agreement containing provisions that the
regulator considers unreasonable for an entity subject to a triggering
event should be disapproved without waiting for payments to be made
under it, so that the regulated entity can develop an alternative
acceptable arrangement and so that executives will not be relying on an
agreement under which they will not, in the event, be able to receive
payments. Further, subsequent to the approval of a golden parachute
agreement, there is a serious concern with potential further
deterioration of a regulated entity or OF and the effect that a golden
parachute payment could have on its safety and soundness. To address
that concern, FHFA believes that a review of the golden parachute
payment, and the circumstances of the Bank during the period in which
the payment is actually being made, is necessary. For that reason,
proposed Sec. 1231.6 contains procedures for a regulated entity or OF
to apply for the consent of the Director to make a golden parachute
payment by submission of a letter application. Among factors that must
be addressed in the filing seeking approval of the payment are the cost
of the payment and the effect that the payment will have on the capital
and earnings of the regulated entity (proposed Sec. 1231.6(c)(4)). In
addition, the regulation would require FHFA, among other factors, to
determine the degree to which the proposed payment represents a
reasonable payment for services rendered over the period of employment
(proposed Sec. 1231.3(b)(2)(ii)). FHFA recognizes that this factor
could be viewed very differently at the time an individual finishes
employment than at the time the individual began employment.
Having noted above specific instances that would require the
Director's approval, FHFA emphasizes that under Sec. 1231.3 of the
Proposal, a regulated entity or OF may agree to make or may make a
golden parachute payment that the Director determines is permissible. A
regulated entity or OF always may apply for a determination under this
exception if a golden parachute payment is not otherwise permissible.
In making the determination to permit a golden parachute agreement
or payment, the Director may consider the factors set forth in proposed
Sec. 1231.3(b)(2)(i) through (iii), which include consideration of the
case-specific facts and circumstances surrounding the golden parachute
payment. For example, the Director may consider mitigating factors in
determining whether to permit a golden parachute payment. Such
mitigating factors may include, among others, the individual's history
of beneficial contribution to the regulated entity, and cooperation
with FHFA's relevant remediation efforts.
Importantly, the presence of any of the negative factors enumerated
in proposed Sec. 1231.3(b)(2) is not an absolute bar to the approval
of a golden parachute payment. Absent mitigating factors, there would
be a presumption if any of those factors were present that the golden
parachute application should be denied, however, that presumption can
be overcome and the Director has discretion to do so.
B. Specific Comments
Eleven Banks and OF noted that in paragraph (1) of the term
``golden parachute payment'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2, that term is
defined to mean ``[a]ny payment (or any agreement to make any payment)
in the nature of compensation by any regulated entity or the Office of
Finance for the benefit of any current or former entity-affiliated
party pursuant to an obligation of such regulated entity or the Office
of Finance. . . .'' [Emphasis added.] They requested the express
inclusion of a specific definition of compensation in the final rule to
ensure that the term ``golden parachute payment'' will only apply in
the circumstances in connection with employment. Specifically, they
sought assurance that the final rule would not apply under any
circumstances to non-employment payments, such as debt service payments
from a Bank to OF, payments of advance proceeds, dividends, deposit
account withdrawals, and Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funds from a
Bank to a member institution. They also requested exclusion of payments
to other parties
[[Page 28455]]
(including payments to Bank directors) on the basis that payments to
such parties are not connected with an employee relationship with a
Bank.
The Safety and Soundness Act provision on golden parachute
payments, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provision on which it is
based, and the FDIC rule on which FHFA's Proposal is based, all define
a golden parachute payment as being ``in the nature of compensation,''
but none defines the term ``compensation.'' The FDIC included the
qualifying phrase ``in the nature of compensation'' in its final
regulation to make clear that the FDIC did not intend to restrict
institutions, even those that are troubled, from paying terminating
employees accrued but unused benefits, such as vacation. FDIC also
noted that the qualifying phrase is used to show that a certain payment
should be treated as a golden parachute because the regulators have
historically treated it as compensation, e.g., payments under ``split
dollar'' insurance agreements.\9\
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\9\ 60 FR 16069-16082 (March 29, 1995).
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Against the statutory background, and the treatment of the concept
by the FDIC in its regulation, FHFA understands ``compensation'' to be
payment for employment or services rendered by individuals. So
understood, the concept does not include the various types of payments
from a Bank to members that the commenters expressed concern about:
payments of advance proceeds, dividends, deposit account withdrawals,
and AHP funds; nor does it include debt service payments from Banks to
OF.
Members of the regulated entities' boards of directors fall within
the definition of ``entity-affiliated party'' as stated in the statute
and the rule. They are responsible for the governance and oversight of
management of the regulated entity, and FHFA believes that there is no
reason to exclude them from the rule.
Eleven Banks and OF commented on the exception to the term ``golden
parachute payment'' for nondiscriminatory severance plans. That
exception requires that the severance plan provide payments for all
eligible employees upon involuntary termination, that it provide no
more than 12 months' severance, and that it have been approved by the
Director if it was adopted by the regulated entity when it was subject
to a triggering event. The commenters requested that FHFA modify this
exception in the final rule to provide that a Bank's agreement to pay
severance to a rank-and-file employee (an employee who is not an
``executive officer'' under FHFA regulations) in an amount not
exceeding compensation paid to the employee during the 12 (or, as seven
Banks requested, six) months preceding a negotiated termination of his
or her employment be excluded from the definition of ``golden parachute
payment,'' and thus not require FHFA approval even if a triggering
event were in effect with regard to the Bank. They stated that such an
exclusion would ensure that the Bank retain the flexibility to conduct
its ordinary-course personnel operations without the need for FHFA
approval of customary limited payments in connection with negotiated
terminations.
The exception for nondiscriminatory severance plans, as drafted in
the Proposal, derives from two aspects of the statute. First, Congress
chose a definition of ``entity-affiliated party'' that has broader
coverage than the term ``executive officer'' as defined in section
4502(12) of the Safety and Soundness Act (12 U.S.C. 4502(12)) with
respect to the Director's authority to prohibit and withhold executive
compensation under section 1318(a) of the Safety and Soundness Act (12
U.S.C. 4518(a)). The definition that Congress enacted includes rank-
and-file employees. Second, the statute excepts ``nondiscriminatory
benefit plans,'' an exception that FHFA has determined includes
nondiscriminatory severance plans. Because the plan must be
nondiscriminatory, individually negotiated severance arrangements do
not fall within the exception. Like most of the rest of the Proposal,
this provision is based on the FDIC's rule, which contains the same
exception for nondiscriminatory severance plans. Banks and thrifts have
been operating under that rule for the past 15 years.
After further review of the exception for nondiscriminatory
severance pay plans, FHFA has determined to make a different
modification to that exception, revising it to limit its effect to
executives whose salary does not exceed $300,000. FHFA believes that
compensation of such top executives may be so high that the payment of
a full year's severance may be inappropriate, when their institution is
in a troubled condition. However, FHFA notes that whether the recipient
of severance pay is a rank-and-file employee or a top executive, the
Director continues to have discretion to approve payment under the
regulator's approval exception discussed earlier (proposed Sec.
1231.3(b)(1)(i)).
Nine Banks and OF noted that, under paragraph (3)(i) of the
definition of ``bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement''
in proposed Sec. 1231.2, a plan or arrangement that would otherwise
qualify for an exclusion from treatment as a golden parachute payment
would not qualify for such treatment if the plan or arrangement were
not in effect at least one year prior to the occurrence of a triggering
event. Furthermore, they noted that under paragraph (3)(ii) of the
``bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement'' definition, an
increase in benefits payable under a qualifying plan or arrangement
pursuant to an amendment made during the one-year period prior to the
occurrence of a triggering event would appear not to be excluded from
the definition of a ``golden parachute payment.''
The commenters requested that paragraphs (3)(i) and (ii) of the
definition of ``bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement''
in proposed Sec. 1231.2 either be modified to provide that these one-
year rules are subject to waiver by the Director on a case-by-case
basis, or that FHFA clarify that a Bank could apply for approval to
make a payment with respect to the plan or increased benefits under
proposed Sec. Sec. 1231.3(b)(1)(i) and 1231.6. In response, as noted
earlier, FHFA is providing a blanket grandfathered status to all
deferred compensation plans in place as of the Re-proposal's
publication date. Moreover, FHFA confirms that a regulated entity or OF
always may apply for a waiver by the Director on a case-specific basis
for bona fide deferred compensation plans or arrangements that are not
grandfathered.
Additionally, the commenters requested that FHFA except amendments
to nonqualified deferred compensation plans and supplemental retirement
plans that are made to comply with law. In response, FHFA has added the
following language to the end of paragraph (3)(ii) of the definition of
the term ``bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement'':
``provided that changes required by law should be disregarded in
determining whether a plan provision has been in effect for one year.''
Ten Banks and OF commented that the definition of ``bona fide
deferred compensation plan or arrangement'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2
permits payments from plans that segregate or otherwise set aside
assets in a trust that may only be used to pay plan and other benefits.
They requested that FHFA amend paragraphs (1)(ii) and (3)(vi) of the
definition in the final rule to include ``and related expenses'' after
``benefits'' in order to account for the fact that rabbi trusts often
pay certain expenses. FHFA
[[Page 28456]]
agrees with the comment and has revised the paragraphs as requested.
Nine Banks, OF, and the Chairs of the Banks requested that FHFA
modify the circumstances that constitute one of the triggering events
set forth in the definition of the term ``golden parachute payment''
(paragraphs (1)(ii)(A) through (D) of the term ``golden parachute
payment'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2). The event that was the subject of
concern is contained in paragraph (1)(ii)(D): when a Bank or OF is
assigned a composite rating of 3 or 4 by FHFA.
The commenters noted that the Federal Housing Finance Board Office
of Supervision Examination Manual (Manual) draws a sharp distinction
between a composite 3- and a composite 4-rating. The Manual provides
that the general policy in regard to a composite 3-rated Bank is that
supervisory action will be taken to address identified deficiencies or
weaknesses. In contrast, the Manual provides that the general policy in
regard to a composite 4-rated Bank is that a formal enforcement action
will be taken to address identified deficiencies or weaknesses. They
stated that the restrictions of the golden parachute rule should not be
triggered in circumstances that are not viewed as being serious enough
to require formal enforcement action. For this reason, they requested
that the portion of proposed paragraph (l)(ii)(D) of the definition of
``golden parachute payment'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2, which reads ``or
the Federal Home Loan Bank or the Office of Finance is assigned a
composite rating of 3 or 4 by FHFA'' should be revised to delete ``3
or.''
In the meantime, FHFA has adopted an examination rating system that
results in a composite rating from 1 to 5, analogous to that used by
the Federal banking agencies.\10\ FHFA has revised the definition of
``golden parachute payment'' to refer to regulated entities with a
composite rating of 4 or 5, as does the FDIC's golden parachute
regulation.\11\ However, the Director retains the discretion to
determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a 3-rated Bank (or an
Enterprise rated ``Significant Concerns'') is in a ``troubled
condition.'' Should the Director make such a determination, the golden
parachute restrictions would apply.
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\10\ 77 FR 67644 (Nov. 13, 2012).
\11\ 12 CFR 303.101(c)(1).
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Eight Banks and OF requested that FHFA modify the definition of the
term ``nondiscriminatory'' in the final rule. The term relates to the
exception from the golden parachute restrictions for a
nondiscriminatory severance plan or arrangement (paragraph (2)(v) of
the term ``golden parachute payment'' in proposed Sec. 1231.2). As
proposed, ``nondiscriminatory'' is defined to mean:
* * * that the plan, contract, or arrangement in question applies to
all employees of a regulated entity or the Office of Finance who
meet reasonable and customary eligibility requirements applicable to
all employees, such as minimum length of service requirements. A
nondiscriminatory plan, contract, or arrangement may provide
different benefits based only on objective criteria such as salary,
total compensation, length of service, job grade, or classification,
which are applied on a proportionate basis (with a variance in
severance benefits relating to any criterion of plus or minus ten
percent) to groups of employees consisting of not less than the
lesser of 33 percent of employees or 1,000 employees. [Emphasis
added.]
The commenters acknowledged that this provision is similar to the
corresponding provision in the FDIC regulation on golden parachute
payments, and that in comment letters responding to prior FHFA
rulemaking, many of the Banks urged FHFA to add provisions similar to
those in the FDIC regulation. In this case, however, they believe that
the objective criteria and application requirements (in italics above)
should be modified based on the difference in employee size between the
Banks and the depository institutions and holding companies to which
the FDIC's regulation applies. They stated that, while many of the
entities regulated by the FDIC have tens of thousands of employees, the
Banks each generally employ fewer than 400 individuals, and most employ
fewer than 300.
In recognition of the difference in employee size between the Banks
and the entities regulated by the FDIC, the commenters requested that
FHFA delete the provision prohibiting a variance in benefits of more
than plus or minus ten percent in the final regulation. They also
requested that FHFA reduce the 33 percent threshold to 20 percent, and
reduce the ``1000 employees'' to 50 employees or to such other smaller
percentage and number that FHFA determines is appropriate in light of
the relatively small size of the Banks' and OF's staffs.
In response to this request for modification, FHFA notes that
entities regulated by the FDIC under its golden parachute payments
regulation are not confined to large holding companies and banks with a
correspondingly large number of employees. FDIC-regulated entities also
include mid- and small-size banks and thrifts that have correspondingly
small numbers of employees. The FDIC has implemented the criteria
contained in the term ``nondiscriminatory'' under its regulation
effective for all the covered entities since 1996, regardless of the
differences in size and employee base. FHFA believes that the Banks'
size and number of employees is not dissimilar to many of the entities
regulated by the FDIC. For this reason, FHFA has determined not to
modify the definition of ``nondiscriminatory'' in the final rule.
The OF requested that the final rule be modified so that it does
not apply to OF or any parties associated with it. The OF asserted that
Congress intended that the golden parachute provisions in section
1318(e) (12 U.S.C. 4518(e)) of the Safety and Soundness Act, as amended
by section 1114 of HERA, apply only to golden parachute payments made
by a ``regulated entity.'' The OF asserted that the clear intent of
Congress was to exclude OF from the reach of the provisions.
In response to OF's request, FHFA notes, as it did when proposing
this rule,\12\ the following reasons why it is important and
appropriate for FHFA to apply the golden parachute provisions to OF. As
relevant background, OF is a joint office of the Banks that was
established by the Federal Housing Finance Board (FHFB), a predecessor
to FHFA. The OF is governed by a seventeen-person board of directors,
consisting of all 12 Bank presidents and five independent members.
Under the regulations of FHFB, OF is subject to the same regulatory
oversight authority and enforcement powers as are the Banks and their
respective directors, officers, and employees.\13\ The OF also is
subject to the cease-and-desist authority of FHFA, and its directors,
officers and management are subject to the removal and prohibition
authority of FHFA.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ 74 FR 30976 (June 29, 2009).
\13\ 12 CFR 1273.4 and 1273.7.
\14\ 12 U.S.C. 4631(a) and 4636a(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moreover, as FHFA stated in the Proposal, although OF is not
directly covered by section 1318(e), it is subject to the Director's
``general regulatory authority'' under section 1311(b)(2) of the Safety
and Soundness Act (12 U.S.C. 4511(b)(2)), as amended by HERA. The
Director is required to exercise that authority as necessary to ensure
that the purposes of the Safety and Soundness Act, the authorizing
statutes, and other applicable laws are carried out. Because of the
unique nature of OF and the interrelationship between it and the Banks,
FHFA believes that the purposes underlying the limitations on golden
parachute payments can best be carried out if the limitations are
consistent
[[Page 28457]]
between the Banks and OF, their joint office. Therefore, based on its
general regulatory authority over OF, FHFA believes that the Director's
oversight over golden parachutes should continue to apply to OF in the
Re-proposal.
Subsequent to FHFA's issuance of the Proposal, the Stop Trading on
Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012, S. 2038 (the ``STOCK Act'') was
enacted. See Public Law No. 112-105, section 16 (April 4, 2012)
(codified at 12 U.S.C. 4518a). Section 16 of the STOCK Act prohibits
senior executives of any Enterprise in conservatorship from receiving
bonuses during any period of conservatorship on or after the date of
enactment. Section 16 would require FHFA to deny any golden parachute
payment that FHFA determines is a bonus to any senior executive of any
Enterprise during any period that the Enterprise is in conservatorship.
FHFA will implement any final rule on golden parachute payments in a
manner consistent with the STOCK Act.
V. Differences Between Banks and Enterprises
Section 1313(f) of the Safety and Soundness Act (12 U.S.C.
4513(f)), as amended by section 1201 of HERA, requires the Director,
when promulgating regulations relating to the Banks, to consider the
differences between the Banks and the Enterprises with respect to the
Banks' cooperative ownership structure; mission of providing liquidity
to members; affordable housing and community development mission;
capital structure; and joint and several liability. The Director may
also consider any other differences that are deemed appropriate. In
preparing the Re-proposal, the Director considered the differences
between the Banks and the Enterprises as they relate to the above
factors. The Director requests comments from the public about whether
differences related to these factors should result in a revision of the
Re-proposal as it relates to the Banks.
Regulatory Impact
Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule does not contain any information collection
requirement that requires the approval of the Office of Management and
Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires that
a regulation that has a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities, small businesses, or small organizations must
include an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing the
regulation's impact on small entities. Such an analysis need not be
undertaken if the agency has certified that the regulation will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. 5 U.S.C. 605(b). FHFA has considered the impact of this
proposed rule under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. FHFA certifies that
this proposed rule is not likely to have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small business entities because this
proposed rule is applicable only to the regulated entities which are
not small entities for the purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 1231
Golden parachutes, Government-sponsored enterprises,
Indemnification.
Accordingly, for reasons stated in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION,
under the authority of 12 U.S.C. 4518(e) and 4526, FHFA proposes to
amend part 1231 of subchapter B of title 12 CFR Chapter XII as follows:
PART 1231--GOLDEN PARACHUTE AND INDEMNIFICATION PAYMENTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 1231 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 4518(e), 4518a, 4526.
0
2. The heading to part 1231 is revised to read as set forth above.
0
3. Section 1231.1 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1231.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to implement section 1318(e) of the
Safety and Soundness Act (12 U.S.C. 4518(e)) by setting forth the
standards that the Director will take into consideration in determining
whether to limit or prohibit golden parachute payments and by setting
forth prohibited and permissible indemnification payments that
regulated entities and the Office of Finance may make to entity-
affiliated parties.
0
4. Section 1231.2 is amended by:
0
a. Removing the paragraph designations and arranging definitions in
alphabetical order;
0
b. Removing the reserved paragraphs (l) through (n);
0
c. Adding in alphabetical order definitions for the terms ``Benefit
plan'', ``Bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement'',
``Nondiscriminatory'', ``Payment'', and ``Safety and Soundness Act'';
and
0
d. Revising the definition for the terms ``Entity-affiliated party'',
``Golden parachute payment'', and ``Troubled condition''.
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 1231.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Benefit plan means any plan, contract, agreement, or other
arrangement which is an ``employee welfare benefit plan'' as that term
is defined in section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended (29 U.S.C. 1002(1)), or other usual and
customary plans such as dependent care, tuition reimbursement, group
legal services or cafeteria plans; provided however, that such term
shall not include any plan intended to be subject to paragraphs
(2)(iii) and (v) of the term golden parachute payment as defined in
this section.
Bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement means any plan,
contract, agreement or other arrangement whereby:
(1) An entity-affiliated party voluntarily elects to defer all or a
portion of the reasonable compensation, wages or fees paid for services
rendered which otherwise would have been paid to such party at the time
the services were rendered (including a plan that provides for the
crediting of a reasonable investment return on such elective deferrals)
and the regulated entity or the Office of Finance either:
(i) Recognizes compensation expense and accrues a liability for the
benefit payments according to generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP); or
(ii) Segregates or otherwise sets aside assets in a trust which may
only be used to pay plan and other benefits and related expenses,
except that the assets of such trust may be available to satisfy claims
of creditors of the regulated entities or the Office of Finance in the
case of insolvency; or
(2) A regulated entity or the Office of Finance establishes a
nonqualified deferred compensation or supplemental retirement plan,
other than an elective deferral plan described in paragraph (1) of this
definition:
(i) Primarily for the purpose of providing benefits for certain
entity-affiliated parties in excess of the limitations on contributions
and benefits imposed by sections 401(a)(17), 402(g), 415, or any other
applicable provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.
401(a)(17), 402(g), 415); or
(ii) Primarily for the purpose of providing supplemental retirement
benefits or other deferred compensation for a select group of
directors,
[[Page 28458]]
management or highly compensated employees (excluding severance
payments described in paragraph (2)(v) of the term golden parachute
payment as defined in this section and permissible golden parachute
payments described in Sec. 1231.3(b)); and
(3) In the case of any nonqualified deferred compensation or
supplemental retirement plans as described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
this definition, the following requirements shall apply:
(i) The plan was in effect at least one year prior to any of the
events described in paragraph (1)(ii) of the term golden parachute
payment as defined in this section;
(ii) Any payment made pursuant to such plan is made in accordance
with the terms of the plan as in effect no later than one year prior to
any of the events described in paragraph (1)(ii) of the term golden
parachute payment as defined in this section and in accordance with any
amendments to such plan during such one-year period that do not
increase the benefits payable thereunder, provided that changes
required by law should be disregarded in determining whether a plan
provision has been in effect for one year;
(iii) The entity-affiliated party has a vested right, as defined
under the applicable plan document, at the time of termination of
employment to payments under such plan;
(iv) Benefits under such plan are accrued each period only for
current or prior service rendered to the employer (except that an
allowance may be made for service with a predecessor employer);
(v) Any payment made pursuant to such plan is not based on any
discretionary acceleration of vesting or accrual of benefits which
occurs at any time later than one year prior to any of the events
described in paragraph (1)(ii) of the term golden parachute payment as
defined in this section;
(vi) The regulated entity or the Office of Finance has previously
recognized compensation expense and accrued a liability for the benefit
payments according to GAAP or segregated or otherwise set aside assets
in a trust which may only be used to pay plan benefits and related
expenses, except that the assets of such trust may be available to
satisfy claims of the regulated entity's creditors in the case of
insolvency; and
(vii) Payments pursuant to such plans shall not be in excess of the
accrued liability computed in accordance with GAAP.
* * * * *
Entity-affiliated party means:
(1) With respect to the Office of Finance, any director, officer,
or management of the Office of Finance; and
(2) With respect to a regulated entity:
(i) Any director, officer, employee, or controlling stockholder of,
or agent for, a regulated entity;
(ii) Any shareholder, affiliate, consultant, or joint venture
partner of a regulated entity, and any other person, as determined by
the Director (by regulation or on a case-by-case basis) that
participates in the conduct of the affairs of a regulated entity,
provided that a member of a Federal Home Loan Bank shall not be deemed
to have participated in the affairs of that Federal Home Loan Bank
solely by virtue of being a shareholder of, and obtaining advances
from, that Federal Home Loan Bank;
(iii) Any independent contractor for a regulated entity (including
any attorney, appraiser, or accountant) if:
(A) The independent contractor knowingly or recklessly participates
in any violation of any law or regulation, any breach of fiduciary
duty, or any unsafe or unsound practice; and
(B) Such violation, breach, or practice caused, or is likely to
cause, more than a minimal financial loss to, or a significant adverse
effect on, the regulated entity;
(iv) Any not-for-profit corporation that receives its principal
funding, on an ongoing basis, from any regulated entity.
* * * * *
Golden parachute payment means:
(1) Any payment (or any agreement to make any payment) in the
nature of compensation by any regulated entity or the Office of Finance
for the benefit of any current or former entity-affiliated party
pursuant to an obligation of such regulated entity or the Office of
Finance that:
(i) Is contingent on, or by its terms is payable on or after, the
termination of such party's primary employment or affiliation with the
regulated entity or the Office of Finance; and
(ii) Is received on or after, or is made in contemplation of, any
of the following events:
(A) The insolvency (or similar event) of the regulated entity which
is making the payment;
(B) The appointment of any conservator or receiver for such
regulated entity;
(C) The regulated entity is in a troubled condition; or
(D) The regulated entity is assigned a composite rating of 4 or 5
by FHFA.
(2) Exceptions. The term golden parachute payment shall not
include:
(i) Any payment made pursuant to a pension or retirement plan that
is qualified (or is intended within a reasonable period of time to be
qualified) under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26
U.S.C. 401) or pursuant to a pension or other retirement plan that is
governed by the laws of any foreign country;
(ii) Any payment made pursuant to a ``benefit plan'' as that term
is defined in this section;
(iii) Any payment made pursuant to a ``bona fide deferred
compensation plan or arrangement'' as that term is defined in this
section;
(iv) Any payment made by reason of death or by reason of
termination caused by the disability of an entity-affiliated party; or
(v) Any payment made pursuant to a nondiscriminatory severance pay
plan or arrangement that provides for payment of severance benefits to
all eligible employees upon involuntary termination other than for
cause, voluntary resignation, or early retirement; provided that:
(A) No employee shall receive any such payment that exceeds the
base compensation paid to such employee during the 12 months (or such
longer period or greater benefit as the Director shall consent to)
immediately preceding termination of employment, resignation, or early
retirement, and such severance pay plan or arrangement shall not have
been adopted or modified to increase the amount or scope of severance
benefits at a time when the regulated entity or the Office of Finance
is in a condition specified in paragraph (1)(ii) of the term golden
parachute payment as defined in this section or in contemplation of
such a condition without the prior written consent of the Director; and
(B) If an employee's salary exceeds $300,000, the exception
provided under this paragraph (2)(v) shall not apply to that employee;
or
(vi) Any severance or similar payment that is required to be made
pursuant to a state statute or foreign law that is applicable to all
employers within the appropriate jurisdiction (with the exception of
employers that may be exempt due to their small number of employees or
other similar criteria.
* * * * *
Nondiscriminatory means that the plan, contract, or arrangement in
question applies to all employees of a regulated entity or the Office
of Finance who meet reasonable and customary eligibility requirements
applicable to all employees, such as minimum length of service
requirements. A
[[Page 28459]]
nondiscriminatory plan, contract, or arrangement may provide different
benefits based only on objective criteria such as salary, total
compensation, length of service, job grade, or classification, which
are applied on a proportionate basis (with a variance in severance
benefits relating to any criterion of plus or minus ten percent) to
groups of employees consisting of not less than the lesser of 33
percent of employees or 1,000 employees.
* * * * *
Payment means:
(1) Any direct or indirect transfer of any funds or any asset;
(2) Any forgiveness of any debt or other obligation;
(3) The conferring of any benefit, including but not limited to
stock options and stock appreciation rights; and
(4) Any segregation of any funds or assets, the establishment or
funding of any trust or the purchase of or arrangement for any letter
of credit or other instrument, for the purpose of making, or pursuant
to any agreement to make, any payment on or after the date on which
such funds or assets are segregated, or at the time of or after such
trust is established or letter of credit or other instrument is made
available, without regard to whether the obligation to make such
payment is contingent on:
(i) The determination, after such date, of the liability for the
payment of such amount; or
(ii) The liquidation, after such date, of the amount of such
payment.
* * * * *
Safety and Soundness Act means the Federal Housing Enterprises
Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.), as
amended.
Troubled condition means a regulated entity that:
(1) Is subject to a cease-and-desist order or written agreement
issued by FHFA that requires action to improve the financial condition
of the regulated entity or is subject to a proceeding initiated by the
Director, which contemplates the issuance of an order that requires
action to improve the financial condition of the regulated entity,
unless otherwise informed in writing by FHFA; or
(2) Is informed in writing by the Director that it is in a troubled
condition for purposes of the requirements of this part on the basis of
the most recent report of examination or other information available to
FHFA, on account of its financial condition, risk profile, or
management deficiencies.
5. Section 1231.3 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 1231.3 Golden parachute payments.
(a) Prohibited golden parachute payments. No regulated entity or
the Office of Finance shall make or agree to make any golden parachute
payment, except as provided in this part.
(b) Permissible golden parachute payments. (1) A regulated entity
or the Office of Finance may agree to make or may make a golden
parachute payment if and to the extent that:
(i) The Director determines that such a payment or agreement is
permissible; or
(ii) Such an agreement is made in order to hire a person to become
an entity-affiliated party either at a time when the regulated entity
or the Office of Finance satisfies, or in an effort to prevent it from
imminently satisfying, any of the criteria set forth in paragraph
(1)(ii) of the term golden parachute payment as defined in Sec. 1231.2
of this part, and the Director consents in writing to the amount and
terms of the golden parachute payment. Such consent by the Director
shall not improve the entity-affiliated party's position in the event
of the insolvency of the regulated entity since such consent can
neither bind a receiver nor affect the provability of receivership
claims; or
(iii) Such a payment is made pursuant to an agreement which
provides for a reasonable severance payment, not to exceed 12 months
salary, to an entity-affiliated party in the event of a change in
control of the regulated entity; provided, however, that a regulated
entity shall obtain the consent of the Director prior to making such a
payment, and this paragraph (b)(1)(iii) shall not apply to any change
in control of a regulated entity that results from the regulated entity
being placed into conservatorship or receivership; and
(iv) A regulated entity or the Office of Finance making a request
pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section shall
demonstrate that it does not possess and is not aware of any
information, evidence, documents, or other materials that would
indicate that there is a reasonable basis to believe, at the time such
payment is proposed to be made, that:
(A) The entity-affiliated party has committed any fraudulent act or
omission, breach of trust or fiduciary duty, or insider abuse with
regard to the regulated entity or the Office of Finance that is likely
to have a material adverse effect on the regulated entity or the Office
of Finance;
(B) The entity-affiliated party is substantially responsible for
the insolvency of, the appointment of a conservator or receiver for, or
the troubled condition of the regulated entity;
(C) The entity-affiliated party has materially violated any
applicable Federal or State law or regulation that has had or is likely
to have a material effect on the regulated entity or the Office of
Finance; and
(D) The entity-affiliated party has violated or conspired to
violate sections 215, 657, 1006, 1014, or 1344 of title 18 of the
United States Code, or section 1341 or 1343 of such title affecting a
``financial institution'' as the term is defined in title 18 of the
United States Code (18 U.S.C. 20).
(2) In making a determination under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through
(iii) of this section, the Director may consider:
(i) Whether, and to what degree, the entity-affiliated party was in
a position of managerial or fiduciary responsibility;
(ii) The length of time the entity-affiliated party was affiliated
with the regulated entity or the Office of Finance, and the degree to
which the proposed payment represents a reasonable payment for services
rendered over the period of employment; and
(iii) Any other factor the Director determines relevant to the
facts and circumstances surrounding the golden parachute payment,
including any fraudulent act or omission, breach of fiduciary duty,
violation of law, rule, regulation, order, or written agreement, and
the level of willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, and
malfeasance on the part of the entity-affiliated party.
0
6. Section 1231.5 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1231.5 Applicability in the event of receivership.
The provisions of this part, or any consent or approval granted
under the provisions of this part by FHFA, shall not in any way bind
any receiver of a regulated entity in receivership. Any consent or
approval granted under the provisions of this part by FHFA shall not in
any way obligate FHFA or receiver to pay any claim or obligation
pursuant to any golden parachute, severance, indemnification, or other
agreement. Nothing in this part may be construed to permit the payment
of salary or any liability or legal expense of an entity-affiliated
party contrary to section 1318(e)(3) of the Safety and Soundness Act
(12 U.S.C. 4518(e)(3)).
0
7. Section 1231.6 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 1231.6 Filing instructions.
(a) Scope. This section contains the procedures to apply for the
consent of
[[Page 28460]]
the Director to make golden parachute payments under Sec. 1231.3(b) of
this part (including entering into agreements to make such payments) or
to make excess nondiscriminatory severance plan payments under
paragraph (2)(v) of the term golden parachute payment as defined in
Sec. 1231.2 of this part.
(b) Where to file. A regulated entity or the Office of Finance must
submit a letter application to the Manager, Executive Compensation,
Division of Supervision Policy and Support.
(c) Content of filing. The letter application must contain the
following:
(1) The reasons why the regulated entity or the Office of Finance
seeks to make the payment;
(2) An identification of the entity-affiliated party who will
receive the payment;
(3) A copy of any contract or agreement regarding the subject
matter of the filing;
(4) The cost of the proposed payment and its impact on the capital
and earnings of the regulated entity;
(5) The reasons why the consent to the payment should be granted;
and
(6) Certification and documentation as to each of the factors
listed in Sec. 1231.3(b)(1)(iv).
(d) Additional information. FHFA may request additional information
at any time during the processing of the letter application.
(e) Written notice. FHFA shall provide the applicant with written
notice of the decision as soon as it is rendered.
Dated: May 6, 2013.
Edward J. DeMarco,
Acting Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.
[FR Doc. 2013-11212 Filed 5-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE XXXX-XX-P