For
12 U.S.C. 1752, 1757(6), 1766.
The definitions in § 700.2 apply to terms used in this chapter. Many additional definitions appear in the parts where the terms are used.
As used in this chapter:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)(1)
(i) It is determined by the Board that the facts that caused the deficient share-asset ratio no longer exist; and
(ii) The likelihood of further depreciation of the share-asset ratio is not probable; and
(iii) The return of the share-asset ratio to its normal limits within a reasonable time for the credit union concerned is probable; and
(iv) The probability of a further potential loss to the insurance fund is negligible.
(2) For purposes of this section, the following definitions are used:
(i)
(ii)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1755, 1756, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1761a, 1761b, 1766, 1767, 1782, 1784, 1786, 1787, 1789. Section 701.6 is also authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3717. Section 701.31 is also authorized by 15 U.S.C. 1601
National Credit Union Administration policies concerning chartering, field of membership modifications, and conversions are set forth in Interpretive Ruling and Policy Statement 08-2, Chartering and Field of Membership Manual (IRPS 08-2) published as appendix B to this part. The Chartering and Field of Membership Manual also is available on-line at
(a) Federal credit unions must operate in accordance with their approved bylaws. The Federal Credit Union Bylaws are hereby published as appendix A to part 701 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1) and accompanying regulations. Federal credit unions may adopt amendments to their bylaws as provided in the Bylaws, with the approval of the Board.
(b) Copies of the Federal Credit Union Bylaws may be obtained at
(c) The National Credit Union Administration may issue revisions or amendments of the Federal Credit Union Bylaws from time to time. An historic file of amendments or revisions is maintained and made available for inspection at the National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
(a)
(1) Accounting books and records; and
(2) Minutes of the proceedings of the credit union's members, board of directors, and committees of directors.
(b)
(c)
(2) Inspection may be made in person or by agent or attorney and at any reasonable time or times. The credit union may, at its option, skip inspection and deliver copies of requested documents directly to the petitioners. Member inspection rights under this section are in addition to any other member inspection rights afforded by the credit union's charter or bylaws or other Federal law or Federal regulation.
(3) If the credit union denies inspection because the petitioners have failed to obtain the minimum number of valid signatures, the credit union must inform the petitioners which signatures were not valid and why.
(d)
(1) Federal law or regulation prohibits disclosure of that portion;
(2) The publication of that portion could cause the credit union predictable and substantial financial harm;
(3) That portion contains nonpublic personal information as defined in § 716.3 of this part; or
(4) That portion contains information about credit union employees or officials the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
(e)
(f)
(2) The regional director has the discretion to refer any dispute to the credit union's supervisory committee for review and resolution. If petitioners are not satisfied with the supervisory committee's response, they may resubmit the dispute to the regional director.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(d)
(1) The administrative fee for a delinquent payment shall be an amount fixed from time to time by the National Credit Union Administration Board and based upon the administrative costs of such delinquent payments to the Administration in the preceding year.
(2) The costs of collection shall be the actual hours expended by Administration personnel multiplied by the average hourly salary and benefits costs of such personnel as determined by the National Credit Union Administration Board.
(3) The interest rate charged on any delinquent payment shall be the U.S. Department of the Treasury Tax and Loan Rate in effect on the date when the payment is due as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3717.
(4) If a credit union makes a combined payment of its operating fee and its share insurance deposit as provided in § 741.4 of this chapter and such payment is delinquent, only one administrative fee will be charged and interest
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section for corporate credit unions, “troubled condition” means any insured credit union that has one or a combination of the following conditions:
(i) Has been assigned
(A) A 4 or 5 Camel composite rating by the NCUA in the case of a federal credit union, or
(B) An equivalent 4 or 5 Camel composite rating by the state supervisor in the case of a federally insured, state-chartered credit union, or
(C) A 4 or 5 Camel composite rating by NCUA based on core workpapers received from the state supervisor in the case of a federally insured, state-chartered credit union in a state that does ot use the Camel system. In this case, the state supervisor will be notified in writing by the Regional Director in the Region in which the credit union is located that the credit union has been designated by NCUA as a troubled institution;
(ii) Has been granted assistance as outlined under sections 208 or 216 of the Federal Credit Union Act.
(4) In the case of a corporate credit union, “troubled condition” means any insured corporate credit union that has one or a combination of the following conditions:
(i) Has been assigned
(A) A 4 or 5 Corporate Risk Information System (CRIS) rating by NCUA in either the Financial Risk or Risk Management composites, in the case of a federal corporate credit union, or
(B) An equivalent 4 or 5 CRIS rating in either the Financial Risk or Risk Management composites by the state supervisor in the case of a federally insured, state-chartered corporate credit union in a state that has adopted the CRIS system, or an equivalent 4 or 5 CAMEL composite rating by the state supervisor in the case of a federally insured, state-chartered corporate credit union in a state that uses the CAMEL system, or
(C) A 4 or 5 CRIS rating in either the Financial Risk or Risk Management composites by NCUA based on core workpapers received from the state supervisor in the case of a federally insured, state-chartered credit union in a state that does not use either the CRIS or CAMEL system. In this case, the state supervisor will be notified in writing by the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions that the corporate credit union has been designated by NCUA as a troubled institution;
(ii) Has been granted assistance as outlined under sections 208 or 216 of the Federal Credit Union Act.
(c)
(i) The credit union has been chartered for less than two years; or
(ii) The credit union meets the definition of troubled condition in paragraph (b)(3) or (4) of this section.
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
(3)
(ii)
(iii)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The federal credit union limits its obligations under the agreement to a fixed dollar amount and a specified duration;
(2) The federal credit union's performance under the agreement creates an authorized loan that complies with the applicable lending regulations, including the limitations on loans to one member or associated members or officials for purposes of §§ 701.21(c)(5), (d); 723.2 and 723.8; and
(3) The federal credit union obtains a segregated deposit from the member that is sufficient in amount to cover the federal credit union's total potential liability.
(d)
(1) In which the federal credit union has perfected its security interest (for example, if the collateral is a printed security, the federal credit union must have obtained physical control of the security, and, if the collateral is a book entry security, the federal credit union must have properly recorded its security interest); and
(2) That has a market value, at the close of each business day, equal to 100 percent of the federal credit union's total potential liability and is composed of:
(i) Cash;
(ii) Obligations of the United States or its agencies;
(iii) Obligations fully guaranteed by the United States or its agencies as to principal and interest; or
(iv) Notes, drafts, or bills of exchange or banker's acceptances that are eligible for rediscount or purchase by a Federal Reserve Bank; or
(3) That has a market value equal to 110 percent of the federal credit union's total potential liability and is composed of:
(i) Real estate, the value of which is established by a signed appraisal or evaluation in accordance with part 722 of this chapter. In determining the value of the collateral, the federal credit union must factor in the value of any existing senior mortgages, liens or other encumbrances on the property except those held by the principal to the suretyship or guaranty agreement; or
(ii) Marketable securities that the federal credit union is authorized to invest in. The federal credit union must ensure that the value of the security is 110 percent of the obligation at all times during the term of the agreement.
(a)
(b)
(i)(A) Rates of interest and amounts of finance charges, including:
(
(
(
(
(B) Late charges; and
(C) Closing costs, application, origination, or other fees;
(ii) Terms of repayment, including:
(A) The maturity of loans and lines of credit;
(B) The amount, uniformity, and frequency of payments, including the accrual of unpaid interest if payments are insufficient to pay all interest due;
(C) Balloon payments; and
(D) Prepayment limits;
(iii) Conditions related to:
(A) The amount of the loan or line of credit;
(B) The purpose of the loan or line of credit;
(C) The type or amount of security and the relation of the value of the security to the amount of the loan or line of credit;
(D) Eligible borrowers; and
(E) The imposition and enforcement of liens on the shares of borrowers and accommodation parties.
(2)
(i) Insurance laws;
(ii) Laws related to transfer of and security interests in real and personal property (see, however, paragraph (g)(6) of this section concerning the use and exercise of due-on-sale clauses);
(iii) Conditions related to:
(A) Collection costs and attorneys' fees;
(B) Requirements that consumer lending documents be in “plain language;” and
(C) The circumstances in which a borrower may be declared in default and may cure default.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(ii)
(B) When the Board establishes a higher maximum rate, the Board will provide notice to federal credit unions of the adjusted rate by issuing a
(C) Federal credit unions may continue to charge rates exceeding the established maximum rate only on existing loans or lines of credit made before the effective date of any lowering of the maximum rate.
(8)(i) Except as otherwise provided herein, no official or employee of a Federal credit union, or immediate family member of an official or employee of a Federal credit union, may receive, directly or indirectly, any commission, fee, or other compensation in connection with any loan made by the credit union.
(ii) For the purposes of this section:
(iii) This section does not prohibit:
(A) Payment, by a Federal credit union, of salary to employees;
(B) Payment, by a Federal credit union, of an incentive or bonus to an employee based on the credit union's overall financial performance;
(C) Payment, by a Federal credit union, of an incentive or bonus to an employee, other than a senior management employee, in connection with a loan or loans made by the credit union, provided that the board of directors of the credit union establishes written policies and internal controls in connection with such incentive or bonus and monitors compliance with such policies and controls at least annually.
(D) Receipt of compensation from a person outside a Federal credit union by a volunteer official or non senior management employee of the credit union, or an immediate family member of a volunteer official or employee of the credit union, for a service or activity performed outside the credit union, provided that no referral has been made by the credit union or the official, employee, or family member.
(d)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Add:
(A) The amount of the current application.
(B) The outstanding balances of loans, including the used portion of an approved line of credit, extended to or endorsed, cosigned or guaranteed by the official.
(C) The total unused portion of approved lines of credit extended to or endorsed, cosigned or guaranteed by the official.
(ii) From the above total subtract:
(A) The amount of shares pledged by the official on loans or lines of credit extended to or endorsed, cosigned or guaranteed by the official.
(B) The amount of shares to be pledged by the official on the loan or line of credit applied for.
(5)
(i) An official,
(ii) An immediate family member of an official, or
(iii) Any individual having a common ownership, investment or other pecuniary interest in a business enterprise with an official or with an immediate family member of an official,
(e)
(f)
(i) A loan to finance the purchase of a mobile home if the mobile home will be used as the member-borrower's residence and the loan is secured by a first lien on the mobile home, and the mobile home meets the requirements for the home mortgage interest deduction under the Internal Revenue Code,
(ii) A second mortgage loan (or a nonpurchase money first mortgage loan in the case of a residence on which there is no existing first mortgage) if the loan is secured by a residential dwelling which is the residence of the member-borrower, and
(iii) A loan to finance the repair, alteration, or improvement of a residential dwelling which is the residence of the member-borrower.
(2) For purposes of this paragraph (f), mobile home may include a recreational vehicle, house trailer or boat.
(3) Notwithstanding the general 20-year maturity limit on second mortgage loans, a federal credit union participating in the Department of the Treasury's Making Home Affordable Program may extend the term of a modified second mortgage to match the term of a modified first mortgage, in accordance with applicable program guidelines.
(g)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(ii) In the case of a contract involving a long-term (greater than fifteen years), fixed rate first mortgage loan which was made or assumed, including a transfer of the liened property subject to the loan, during the period beginning on the date a State adopted a constitutional provision or statute prohibiting the exercise of due-on-sale clauses, or the date on which the highest court of such state has rendered a decision (or if the highest court has not so decided, the date on which the next highest court has rendered a decision resulting in a final judgment if such decision applies statewide) prohibiting such exercise, and ending on October 15, 1982, a Federal credit union may exercise a due-on-sale clause in the case of a transfer which occurs on or after November 18, 1982, unless exercise of the due-on-sale clause would be based on any of the following:
(A) The creation of a lien or other encumbrance subordinate to the lender's security instrument which does not relate to a transfer of rights of occupancy in the property;
(B) The creation of a purchase money security interest for household appliances;
(C) A transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety;
(D) The granting of a leasehold interest of 3 years or less not containing an option to purchase;
(E) A transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower;
(F) A transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property;
(G) A transfer resulting from a decree of a dissolution of marriage, a legal separation agreement, or from an incidental property settlement agreement, by which the spouse of the borrower becomes an owner of the property;
(H) A transfer into an inter vivos trust in which the borrower is and remains a beneficiary and which does not relate to a transfer of rights of occupancy in the property; or
(I) Any other transfer or disposition described in regulations promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board.
(7)
(h)
(i) 50 percent of the credit union's net worth during the initial thirty months of that third-party servicing relationship; or
(ii) 100 percent of the credit union's net worth after the initial thirty months of that third-party servicing relationship.
(2) Regional directors may grant a waiver of the limits in paragraph (h)(1) of this section to permit greater limits upon written application by a credit union. In determining whether to grant or deny a waiver, a regional director will consider:
(i) The credit union's understanding of the third-party servicer's organization, business model, financial health, and the related program risks;
(ii) The credit union's due diligence in monitoring and protecting against program risks;
(iii) If contracts between the credit union and the third-party servicer grant the credit union sufficient control over the servicer's actions and provide for replacing an inadequate servicer; and
(iv) Other factors relevant to safety and soundness.
(3) A regional director will provide a written determination on a waiver request within 45 calendar days after receipt of the request; however, the 45-day period will not begin until the requesting credit union has submitted all necessary information to the regional director. If the regional director does not provide a written determination within the 45-day period the request is deemed denied. A credit union may appeal any part of the determination to the NCUA Board. Appeals must be submitted through the regional director within 30 days of the date of the determination.
(4) For purposes of paragraph (h) of this section:
(i) The term “third-party servicer” means any entity, other than a federally-insured depository institution or a wholly-owned subsidiary of a federally-insured depository institution, that receives any scheduled, periodic payments from a borrower pursuant to the terms of a loan and distributes payments of principal and interest and any other payments with respect to the amounts received from the borrower as may be required pursuant to the terms of the loan. The term also excludes any servicing entity that meets the following three requirements:
(A) Has a majority of its voting interests owned by federally-insured credit unions;
(B) Includes in its servicing agreements with credit unions a provision that the servicer will provide NCUA with complete access to its books and records and the ability to review its internal controls as deemed necessary by NCUA in carrying out NCUA's responsibilities under the Act; and
(C) Has its credit union clients provide a copy of the servicing agreement to their regional directors.
(ii) The term “its affiliates,” as it relates to the third-party servicer, means any entities that:
(A) Control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, that third-party servicer; or
(B) Are under contract with that third-party servicer or other entity described in paragraph (h)(4)(ii)(A) of this section.
(iii) The term “vehicle loan” means any installment vehicle sales contract or its equivalent that is reported as an asset under generally accepted accounting principles. The term does not include:
(A) Loans made directly by a credit union to a member, or
(B) Loans in which neither the third-party servicer nor any of its affiliates are involved in the origination, underwriting, or insuring of the loan or the process by which the credit union acquires its interest in the loan.
(iv) The term “net worth” means the retained earnings balance of the credit union at quarter end as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. For low income-designated credit unions, net worth also includes secondary capital accounts that are uninsured and subordinate to all other claims, including claims of creditors, shareholders, and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
(i)
(1)
(i)
(A) A contract market designated for trading such contracts by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or
(B) By a Federal credit union and a primary dealer in Government securities that are counterparties in an over-the-counter transaction.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(A) A member of the Association of Primary Dealers in United States Government Securities; or
(B) Any parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entity of such primary dealer where the member guarantees (to the satisfaction of the FCU's board of directors) over-the-counter sales of financial options contracts by the parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entity to a Federal credit union.
(vii)
(2)
(i) If the real estate loans are to be sold on the secondary market within ninety (90) days of closing;
(ii) If the positions are entered into:
(A) Through a contract market designated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for trading such contracts, or
(B) With a primary dealer in Government securities;
(iii) If the positions are entered into pursuant to written policies and procedures which are approved by the Federal credit union's board of directors, and include, at a minimum:
(A) The Federal credit union's strategy in using financial options contracts and its analysis of how the strategy will reduce sensitivity to changes in price or interest rates in its commitments to originate real estate loans at specified interest rates;
(B) A list of brokers or other intermediaries through which positions may be entered into;
(C) Quantitative limits (e.g., position and stop loss limits) on the use of financial options contracts;
(D) Identification of the persons involved in financial options contract transactions, including a description of these persons' qualifications, duties, and limits of authority, and description of the procedures for segregating these persons' duties,
(E) A requirement for written reports for review by the Federal credit union's board of directors at its monthly meetings, or by a committee appointed by the board on a monthly basis, of:
(
(
(
(iv) If the Federal credit union has received written permission from the appropriate NCUA Regional Director to engage in financial options contracts transactions in accordance with this § 701.21(i) and its policies and procedures as written.
(3)
(ii) The records described in § 701.21(i)(2)(iii)(E) must be retained for two years from the date the financial options contracts are closed.
(4)
For
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(b) Subject to the provisions of this section any Federal credit union may participate in making loans with eligible organizations within the limitations of the board of director's written participation loan policies,
(1) No Federal credit union shall obtain an interest in a participation loan if the sum of that interest and any (other) indebtedness owing to the Federal credit union by the borrower exceeds 10 per centum of the Federal credit union's unimpaired capital and surplus;
(2) A written master participation agreement shall be properly executed, acted upon by the Federal credit union's board of directors, or if the board has so delegated in its policy, the investment committee or senior management official(s) and retained in the Federal credit union's office. The master agreement shall include provisions for identifying, either through a document which is incorporated by reference into the master agreement or directly in the master agreement, the participation loan or loans prior to their sale; and
(3) A Federal credit union may sell to or purchase from any participant the servicing of any loan in which it owns a participation interest.
(c) An originating lender which is a Federal credit union shall:
(1) Originate loans only to its members;
(2) Retain an interest of at least 10 per centum of the face amount of each loan;
(3) Retain the original or copies of the loan documents; and
(4) Require the credit committee or loan officer to use the same underwriting standards for participation loans used for loans that are not being sold in a participation agreement unless there is a participation agreement in place prior to the disbursement of the loan. Where a participation agreement is in place prior to disbursement, either the credit union's loan policies or the participation agreement shall address any variance from non-participation loan underwriting standards.
(d) A participant Federal credit union that is not an originating lender shall:
(1) Participate only in loans it is empowered to grant, having a participation policy in place which sets forth the loan underwriting standards prior to entering into a participation agreement;
(2) Participate in participation loans only if made to its own members or members of another participating credit union;
(3) Retain the original or a copy of the written participation loan agreement and a schedule of the loans covered by the agreement; and
(4) Obtain the approval of the board of directors or investment committee of the disbursement of proceeds to the originating lender.
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1)
(2)
(b)
(i) Eligible obligations of its members, from any source, if either: (A) They are loans it is empowered to grant or (B) they are refinanced with the consent of the borrowers, within 60 days after they are purchased, so that they are loans it is empowered to grant;
(ii) Eligible obligations of a liquidating credit union's individual members, from the liquidating credit union;
(iii) Student loans, from any source, if the purchaser is granting student loans on an ongoing basis and if the purchase will facilitate the purchasing credit union's packaging of a pool of such loans to be sold or pledged on the secondary market; and
(iv) Real estate-secured loans, from any source, if the purchaser is granting real estate-secured loans pursuant to § 701.21 on an ongoing basis and if the purchase will facilitate the purchasing credit union's packaging of a pool of such loans to be sold or pledged on the secondary mortage market. A pool must include a substantial portion of the credit union's members' loans and must be sold promptly.
(2) A Federal credit union may make purchases in accordance with this paragraph (b), provided:
(i) The board of directors or investment committee approves the purchase;
(ii) A written agreement and a schedule of the eligible obligations covered by the agreement are retained in the purchasers office; and
(iii) For purchases under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, any advance written approval required by § 741.8 of this chapter is obtained before consummation of such purchase.
(3) The aggregate of the unpaid balance of eligible obligations purchased under paragraph (b) of this section shall not exceed 5 percent of the unimpaired capital and surplus of the purchaser. The following can be exculded in calculating this 5 percent limitation:
(i) Student loans purchased in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section;
(ii) Real estate loans purchased in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section;
(iii) Eligible obligations purchased in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section that are refinanced by the purchaser so that it is a loan it is empowered to grant;
(iv) An indirect lending or indirect leasing arrangement that is classified as a loan and not the purchase of an eligible obligation because the Federal credit union makes the final underwriting decision and the sales or lease contract is assigned to the Federal credit union very soon after it is signed by the member and the dealer or leasing company.
(c)
(1) The board of directors or investment committee approves the sale; and
(2) A written agreement and a schedule of the eligible obligations covered by the agreement are retained in the seller's office.
(d)
(i) The board of directors or investment committee approves the pledge;
(ii) Copies of the original loan documents are retained; and
(iii) A written agreement covering the pledging arrangement is retained in the office of the credit union that pledges the eligible obligations.
(2) The pledge agreement shall identify the eligible obligations covered by the agreement.
(e)
(f)
(g)(1)
(2)
(i) A federal credit union's payment of salary to employees;
(ii) A federal credit union's payment of an incentive or bonus to an employee based on the credit union's overall financial performance;
(iii) A federal credit union's payment of an incentive or bonus to an employee, other than a senior management employee, in connection with that credit union's purchase, sale or pledge of an eligible obligation. This payment is permissible if the board of directors establishes a written policy and internal controls for the incentive or bonus program and monitors compliance with the policy and controls at least annually; and
(iv) Payment by a person other than the federal credit union of compensation to a volunteer official, non-senior management employee, or their immediate family member, for a service or activity performed outside the credit union provided that the federal credit union, the official, employee, or their immediate family member has not made a referral.
(3)
(4)
(a) The board of directors of a Federal credit union may authorize an interest refund to members who paid interest to the credit union during any dividend period and who are members of record at the close of business on the last day of such dividend period. Interest refunds may be made for a dividend period only if dividends on share accounts have been declared and paid for that period.
(b) The amount of interest refund to each member shall be determined as a percentage of the interest paid by the member. Such percentage may vary according to the type of extension of credit and the interest rate charged.
(c) The board of directors may exclude from an interest refund:
(1) A particular type of extension of credit;
(2) Any extension of credit made at a particular interest rate; and
(3) Any extension of credit that is presently delinquent or has been delinquent within the period for which the refund is being made.
(a) A federal credit union may make charitable contributions and/or donate funds to recipients not organized for profit that are located in or conduct activities in a community in which the federal credit union has a place of business or to organizations that are tax exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operate primarily to promote and develop credit unions.
(b) The board of directors must approve charitable contributions and/or donations, and the approval must be based on a determination by the board of directors that the contributions and/or donations are in the best interests of the federal credit union and are reasonable given the size and financial condition of the federal credit union. The board of directors, if it chooses, may establish a budget for charitable contributions and/or donations and authorize appropriate officials of the federal credit union to select recipients and disburse budgeted funds among those recipients.
A Federal credit union may act as a representative of and enter into a contractual agreement with one or more credit unions or other organizations for the purpose of sharing, utilizing, renting, leasing, purchasing, selling, and/or joint ownership of fixed assets or engaging in activities and/or services which relate to the daily operations of credit unions. Agreements must be in writing, and shall advise all parties subject to the agreement that the goods and services provided shall be subject to examination by the NCUA Board to the extent permitted by law.
Federal credit unions may provide the following services to persons within their fields of membership, regardless of membership status:
(a) Selling negotiable checks including travelers checks, money orders, and other similar money transfer instruments (including international and domestic electronic fund transfers); and
(b) Cashing checks and money orders and receiving international and domestic electronic fund transfers for a fee.
(a)
(1)
An oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with procedures established by a creditor for the type of credit requested;
(2)
(3)
(b)
(i) Any applicant or joint applicant;
(ii) Any person associated, in connection with a real estate-related loan application, with an applicant or joint applicant;
(iii) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of the dwelling for which a real estate-related loan is requested;
(iv) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of other dwellings in the vicinity of the dwelling for which a real estate-related loan is requested.
(2) With regard to a real estate-related loan, a Federal credit union may not consider a lending criterion or exercise a lending policy which has the effect of discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or familial status (having children under the age of 18). Guidelines concerning possible exceptions to this provision appear in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(3) Consideration of any of the following factors in connection with a real estate-related loan is not necessary to a Federal credit union's business, generally has a discriminatory effect, and is therefore prohibited:
(i) The age or location of the dwelling;
(ii) Zip code of the applicant's current residence;
(iii) Previous home ownership;
(iv) The age or location of dwellings in the neighborhood of the dwelling;
(v) The income level of residents in the neighborhood of the dwelling.
(c)
(i) Any applicant or joint applicant;
(ii) Any person associated, in connection with a real estate-related loan application, with an applicant or joint applicant;
(iii) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of the dwelling for which a real estate-related loan is requested;
(iv) The present or prospective owners, lessees, tenants, or occupants of other dwellings in the vicinity of the dwelling for which a real estate-related loan is requested.
(2) With respect to a real-estate related loan, a Federal credit union may not rely upon an appraisal of a dwelling if it knows or should know that the appraisal is based upon consideration of a criterion which has the effect of discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or familial status (having children under the age of 18). Guidelines concerning possible exceptions to this provision appear in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(3) A Federal credit union may not rely upon an appraisal that it knows or should know is based upon consideration of any of the following criteria, for such criteria generally have a discriminatory effect, and are not necessary to a Federal credit union's business:
(i) The age or location of the dwelling;
(ii) The age or location of dwellings in the neighborhood of the dwelling;
(iii) The income level of the residents in the neighborhood of the dwelling.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(3) of this section, it is recognized that there may be factors concerning location of the dwelling which can be properly considered in an appraisal. If any such factor(s) is relied upon, it must be specifically documented in the appraisal, accompanied by a brief statement demonstrating the necessity of using such factor(s). Guidelines concerning the consideration of location factors appear in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(5) Each Federal credit union shall make available, to any requesting member/applicant, a copy of the appraisal used in connection with that member's real estate-related loan application. The appraisal shall be available for a period of 25 months after the applicant has received notice from the
(d)
(1)
(i) With respect to written and visual advertisements, a credit union may satisfy the notice requirement by including in the advertisement a copy of the logotype, with the legend “Equal Housing Lender,” from the poster described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section or a copy of the logotype, with the legend “Equal Housing Opportunity,” from the poster described in § 110.25(a) of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) regulations (24 CFR 110.25(a)).
(ii) With respect to oral advertisements, a credit union may satisfy the notice requirement by a spoken statement that the credit union is an “Equal Housing Lender” or an “Equal Opportunity Lender.”
(iii) When an oral advertisement is used in conjunction with a written or visual advertisement, the use of either of the methods specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section will satisfy the notice requirement.
(iv) A credit union may use any other method reasonably calculated to satisfy the notice requirement.
(2)
(3)
(e)
(2) Paragraph (b)(3) of this section prohibits consideration of certain factors because of their likely discriminatory effect and because they are not necessary to make sound real estate-related loans. For purposes of clarification, the prohibited use of location factors in this section is intended to prevent abandonment of areas in which a Federal credit union's members live or want to live. It is not intended to require loans in those areas that are geographically remote from the FCU's main or branch offices or that contravene the parameters of a Federal credit union's charter. Further, this prohibition does not preclude requiring a borrower to obtain flood insurance protection pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act and part 760 of NCUA's Rules and Regulations, nor does it preclude involvement with Federal or state housing insurance programs which provide for lower interest rates for the purchase of homes in certain urban or rural areas. Also, the legitimate use of location factors in an appraisal does not constitute a violation of the provision of paragraph (b)(3) of this section, which prohibits consideration of location of the dwelling. Finally, the prohibited use of prior home ownership does not preclude a Federal credit union from considering an applicant's payment history on a loan which was made to obtain a home. Such action entails consideration of the payment record on a previous loan in determining creditworthiness; it does not entail consideration of prior home ownership.
(3)(i) Paragraph (c)(3) of this section prohibits consideration of the age or location of a dwelling in a real estate-related loan appraisal. These restrictions are intended to prohibit the use of unfounded or unsubstantiated assumptions regarding the effect upon loan risk of the age of a dwelling or the physical or economic characteristics of an area. Appraisals should be based on the present market value of the property offered as security (including consideration of specific improvements to be made by the borrower) and the likelihood that the property will retain an adequate value over the term of the loan.
(ii) The term “age of the dwelling” does not encompass structural soundness. In addition, the age of the dwelling may be used by an appraiser as a basis for conducting further inspections of certain structural aspects of the dwelling. Paragraph (c)(3) of this section does, however, prohibit an unsubstantiated determination that a house over X years in age is not structurally sound.
(iii) With respect to location factors, paragraph (c)(4) of this section recognizes that there may be location factors which may be considered in an appraisal, and requires that the use of any such factors be specifically documented in the appraisal. These factors will most often be those location factors which may negatively affect the short range future value (up to 3-5 years) of a property. Factors which in some cases may cause the market value of a property to decline are recent zoning changes or a significant number of abandoned homes in the immediate vicinity of the property. However, not all zoning changes will cause a decline in property values, and proximity to abandoned buildings may not
(a)
(b)
(2) Before accepting any public unit or nonmember shares in excess of 20% of total shares, the board of directors must adopt a specific written plan concerning the intended use of these shares and forward a copy of the plan to the Regional Director. The plan must include:
(i) A statement of the credit union's needs, sources and intended uses of public unit and nonmember shares;
(ii) Provision for matching maturities of public unit and nonmember shares with corresponding assets, or justification for any mismatch; and
(iii) Provision for adequate income spread between public unit and nonmember shares and corresponding assets.
(3) A federal credit union seeking an exemption from the limits of paragraph (b)(1) of this section must submit to the Regional Director a written request including:
(i) The new maximum level of public unit and nonmember shares requested, either as a dollar amount or a percentage of total shares;
(ii) The current plan adopted by the credit union's board of directors concerning the use of new public unit and nonmember shares;
(iii) A copy of the credit union's latest financial statement; and
(iv) A copy of the credit union's loan and investment policies.
(4) Where the financial condition and management of the credit union are sound and the credit union's plan for the funds is reasonable, there will be a presumption in favor of granting the request. When granted, exemptions will normally be for a two-year period. The Regional Director will provide a written explanation for an exemption that is granted for a lesser time period.
(5) The Regional Director will provide a written determination on an exemption request within 30 calendar days after receipt of the request. The 30 day period will not begin to run until all necessary information has been submitted to the Regional Director. All denials may be appealed to the NCUA Board in a timely manner. Appeals should be submitted through the Regional Director.
(6) Upon expiration of an exemption, nonmember shares currently in the credit union in excess of the limits established pursuant to (b)(1) of this section will continue to be insured by the National Credit Union Insurance Fund within applicable limits. No new shares in excess of the limits established pursuant to (b)(1) of this section shall be accepted. Existing share certificates in excess of the limits established pursuant to (b)(1) of this section may remain in the credit union only until maturity.
(c) The limitations herein do not apply to accounts maintained in accordance with § 701.37 (Treasury Tax and Loan Depositaries; Depositaries and Financial Agents of the Government) and matching funds required by § 705.7(b) (Community Development Revolving Loan Program for Credit Unions). Once a loan granted pursuant
(a)
(b)
(2) For purposes of this section, the term
(i) Payment (by reimbursement to an official or direct credit union payment to a third party) for reasonable and proper costs incurred by an official in carrying out the responsibilities of the position to which that person has been elected or appointed, if the payment is determined by the board of directors to be necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the official business of the credit union, and is in accordance with written policies and procedures, including documentation requirements, established by the board of directors. Such payments may include the payment of travel costs for officials and one guest per official;
(ii) Provision of reasonable health, accident and related types of personal insurance protection, supplied for officials at the expense of the credit union:
(iii) Indemnification and related insurance consistent with paragraph (c) of this section.
(c)
(2) Indemnification shall be consistent either with the standards applicable to credit unions generally in the state in which the principal or home office of the credit union is located, or with the relevant provisions of the Model Business Corporation Act. A Federal credit union that elects to provide indemnification shall specify whether it will follow the relevant state law or the Model Business Corporation Act. Indemnification and the method of indemnification may be provided for by charter or bylaw amendment, contract or board resolution, consistent with the procedural requirements of the applicable state law or the Model Business Corporation Act, as specified. A charter or bylaw amendment must be approved by the National Credit Union Administration.
(3) A Federal credit union may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its officials and employees against any liability asserted against them and expenses incurred by them in their official capacities and arising out of the performance of their official duties to the extent such insurance is permitted by the applicable state law or the Model Business Corporation Act.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this section, a federal credit union may not indemnify a dual employee for duties performed for any employer other than the federal credit union. For purposes of this subsection, a dual employee is a federal credit
(a)
(2) Low-income members are those members who earn 80% or less than the median family income for the metropolitan area where they live or national metropolitan area, whichever is greater. A regional director may use total median earnings for individuals instead of median family income if it is more beneficial to a federal credit union when determining if the credit union qualifies for a low-income credit union designation. A regional director will use the statewide or national, non-metropolitan area median family income instead of the metropolitan area or national metropolitan area median family income for members living outside a metropolitan area. Member earnings will be estimated based on data reported by the U.S. Census Bureau for the geographic area where the member lives. The term “low-income members” also includes those members enrolled as students in a college, university, high school, or vocational school.
(3) Federal credit unions that do not receive notification that they qualify for a low-income credit union designation but believe they qualify may submit information to the regional director to demonstrate they qualify for a low-income credit union designation. For example, federal credit unions may provide actual member income from loan applications or surveys to demonstrate a majority of their membership is low-income members.
(4) If the regional director determines a low-income designated federal credit union no longer meets the criteria for the designation, the regional director will notify the federal credit union in writing, and the federal credit union must, within five years, meet the criteria for the designation or come into compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to federal credit unions that do not have a low-income designation. The designation will remain in effect during the five-year period. If a federal credit union does not requalify and has secondary capital or nonmember deposit accounts with a maturity beyond the five-year period, a regional director may extend the time for a federal credit union to come into compliance with regulatory requirements to allow the federal credit union to satisfy the terms of any account agreements. A federal credit union may appeal a regional director's determination that the credit union no longer meets the criteria for a low-income designation to the Board within 60 days of the date of the notice from the regional director. An appeal must be submitted through the regional director.
(5) Any credit union with a low-income credit union designation on January 1, 2009 will have five years from that date to meet the criteria for low-income designation under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, unless the regional director determines a longer time is required to allow the low-income credit union to satisfy the terms of a secondary capital or nonmember deposit account agreement.
(6)
(b)
(1)
(i) States the maximum aggregate amount of uninsured secondary capital the LICU plans to accept;
(ii) Identifies the purpose for which the aggregate secondary capital will be used, and how it will be repaid;
(iii) Explains how the LICU will provide for liquidity to repay secondary capital upon maturity of the accounts;
(iv) Demonstrates that the planned uses of secondary capital conform to the LICU's strategic plan, business plan and budget; and
(v) Includes supporting pro forma financial statements, including any off-balance sheet items, covering a minimum of the next two years.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(c)
(2)
(3)
(d)
(1)
(i) The LICU will have a post-redemption net worth classification of “adequately capitalized” under part 702 of this chapter;
(ii) The discounted secondary capital has been on deposit at least two years;
(iii) The discounted secondary capital will not be needed to cover losses prior to final maturity of the account;
(iv) The LICU's books and records are current and reconciled;
(v) The proposed redemption will not jeopardize other current sources of funding, if any, to the LICU; and
(vi) The request to redeem is authorized by resolution of the LICU's board of directors.
(2)
(3)
A LICU that is authorized to accept uninsured secondary capital accounts and each investor in such an account shall execute and date the following “Disclosure and Acknowledgment” form, a signed original of which must be retained by the credit union:
[Name of CU] and [Name of investor] hereby acknowledge and agree that [Name of investor] has committed [amount of funds] to a secondary capital account with [name of credit union] under the following terms and conditions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
(a) Federal credit unions may offer share, share draft, and share certificate accounts in accordance with section 107(6) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1757(6)) and the board of directors may declare dividends on such accounts as provided in section 117 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1763).
(b) A Federal credit union shall accurately represent the terms and conditions of its share, share draft, and share certificate accounts in all advertising, disclosures, or agreements, whether written or oral
(c) A Federal credit union may, consistent with this section, parts 707 and 740 of this subchapter, other federal law, and its contractual obligations, determine the types of fees or charges and other matters affecting the opening, maintaining and closing of a share, share draft or share certificate account. State laws regulating such activities are not applicable to federal credit unions.
(d) For purposes of this section, “state law” means the constitution, statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions of any state, the District of Columbia, the several territories and possessions of the United States, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(a)
(2) The NCUA may waive the prohibition in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(i) A Federal credit union desiring a waiver must submit a written request to the NCUA regional office having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the credit union's main office is located. The request must describe in detail the contemplated investment and the need for the investment. The request must also indicate the approximate aggregate amount of fixed assets, as a percentage of shares and retained earnings, that the credit union would hold after the investment.
(ii) The regional director will inform the requesting credit union, in writing, of the date the request was received and of any additional documentation that the regional director might require in support of the waiver request.
(iii) The regional director will approve or disapprove the waiver request in writing within 45 days after receipt of the request and all necessary supporting documentation. If the regional director approves the waiver, the regional director will establish an alternative limit on aggregate investments in fixed assets, either as a dollar limit or as a percentage of the credit union's shares and retained earnings. Unless otherwise specified by the regional director, the credit union may make future acquisition of fixed assets only if the aggregate all of such future investments in fixed assets does not exceed an additional one percent of the shares and retained earnings of the credit union over the amount approved by the regional director.
(iv) If the regional director does not notify the credit union of the action taken on its request within 45 calendar days of the receipt of the waiver request or the receipt of additional requested supporting information, whichever occurs later, the credit union may proceed with its proposed investment in fixed assets. The investment, and any future investments in fixed assets, must not cause the credit union to exceed the aggregate investment limit described in its waiver request.
(b)
(2) When a Federal credit union acquires premises for future expansion, the credit union must partially occupy the premises within a reasonable period, not to exceed three years. Premises are partially occupied when the credit union is using some part of the space on a full-time basis. The NCUA may waive this partial occupation requirement in writing upon written request. The request must be made within 30 months after the property is acquired.
(3) A Federal credit union must make diligent efforts to dispose of abandoned premises and any other real property not intended for use in the conduct of credit union business. The credit union must seek fair market value for the property, and record its efforts to dispose of abandoned premises. After premises have been abandoned for four years, the credit union must publicly advertise the property for sale. Unless otherwise approved in writing by the NCUA, the credit union must complete the sale within five years of abandonment.
(c)
(i) A director, member of the credit committee or supervisory committee, or senior management employee of the federal credit union, or immediate family member of any such individual.
(ii) A corporation in which any director, member of the credit committee or supervisory committee, official, or senior management employee, or immediate family members of any such individual, is an officer or director, or has a stock interest of 10 percent or more.
(iii) A partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which any director, member of the credit committee or supervisory committee, or senior management employee, or immediate family members of any such individual, is a general partner, or a limited partner or entity member with an interest of 10 percent or more.
(2) The prohibition contained in paragraph (c)(1) of this section also applies to a lease from any other employee if the employee is directly involved in investments in fixed assets unless the board of directors determines that the employee's involvement does not present a conflict of interest.
(3) All transactions with business associates or family members not specifically prohibited by this paragraph (c) must be conducted at arm's length and in the interest of the credit union.
(d)
(1) Section 742.8 of this chapter provides that NCUA may require the credit union to divest any existing fixed assets for substantive safety and soundness reasons; and
(2) The credit union may not make any new investments in fixed assets if, after the investment, the credit union's total investments in fixed assets would exceed the five percent limitation described in paragraph (a) of this section. The regional director may waive this prohibition to allow for new investments.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Any investment in improved or unimproved real property which is being used or is intended to be used as premises;
(ii) Any leasehold improvement on premises;
(iii) The aggregate of all capital and operating lease payments on fixed assets, without discounting commitments for future payments to present value; and
(iv) Any investment in furniture, fixtures and equipment.
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b) Subject to regulation of the United States Treasury Department, a Federal credit union may serve as a Treasury tax and loan depositary, a depositary of Federal taxes, a depositary of public money, and a financial agent of the United States Government. In serving in these capacities, a Federal credit union may maintain the accounts defined in subsection (a), pledge collateral, and perform the services described under United States Treasury Department regulations for institutions acting in these capacities.
(c) Funds held in a TT&L Remittance Account, a TT&L Note Account, a Treasury General Account, and a U.S. Treasury Time Deposit—Open Account shall be considered deposits of public funds. Funds held in a TT&L Remittance Account and a TT&L Note Account shall be added together and insured up to a maximum of $100,000 in the aggregate. Funds held in a Treasury General Account and a U.S. Treasury Time Deposit—Open Account shall be added together and insured up to a maximum of $100,000 in the aggregate.
(d) Funds held in a TT&L Remittance Account, a TT&L Note Account, a Treasury General Account, and U.S. Treasury Time Deposit—Open Account are not subject to the 60-day notice requirement of Article III, section 5(a) of the Federal Credit Union Bylaws.
(a) Federal credit unions may borrow from a natural person, provided:
(1) The borrowing is evidenced by a signed promissory note which sets forth the terms and conditions regarding maturity, prepayment, interest rate, method of computation, and method of payment;
(2) The promissory note and any advertisement for such funds contains conspicuous langauge indicating that:
(i) The note represents money borrowed by the credit union;
(ii) The note does not represent shares and, therefore, is
(b) Federal credit unions must comply with the maximum borrowing authority of § 741.2 of this chapter.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(d)
(2)
(3)
2. Federal credit unions continue to have the flexibility to request other bylaw amendments if the need arises. NCUA must approve any bylaw amendments; federal credit unions may no longer adopt amendments from the “Standard Bylaw Amendments”
3. The procedure for approval of bylaw amendments is as follows:
a. The federal credit union wishing to adopt a bylaw amendment must file a request with its regional director.
b. The request must include the section of the bylaws to be amended; the reason for or purpose of the amendment, including an explanation of why the amendment is desirable and what it will accomplish for the credit union; and the specific, proposed wording of the amendment.
c. After review by the regional director and consultation within the agency, the regional director will advise the credit union if a proposed amendment is approved.
4. Federal credit unions considering an amendment may find it useful to review the bylaws section of the agency Web site, which includes Office of General Counsel opinions about proposed bylaw amendments. Opinions issued after April 2006 will include the language of approved amendments. Even if an amendment has been previously approved, the credit union must submit a proposed amendment to NCUA for review under the procedure listed above to ensure the amendment is identical. Credit unions requesting previously approved amendments will receive notice of the regional office's decision within 15 business days of the receipt of the request.
2. NCUA expects federal credit unions and their members will make every effort to resolve bylaw disputes using the credit union's internal member complaint resolution process. If a bylaw dispute cannot be resolved internally, however, credit union officials or members should contact the regional office with jurisdiction for the credit union for assistance in resolving the dispute.
3. NCUA has discretion to take administrative actions when a credit union is not in compliance with its bylaws. If a potential violation is identified, NCUA will carefully consider all of the facts and circumstances in deciding whether to take enforcement action. NCUA will not take action against minor or technical violations, but emphasizes that it retains discretion to enforce the bylaws in appropriate cases, such as safety and soundness concerns or threats to fundamental, material credit union member rights.
Section 1. Name. The name of this credit union is as stated in Section 1 of the charter (approved organization certificate) of this credit union.
Section 2. Purposes. This credit union is a member-owned, democratically operated, not-for-profit organization managed by a volunteer board of directors, with the specified mission of meeting the credit and savings needs of consumers, especially persons of modest means. The purpose of this credit union is to promote thrift among its members by affording them an opportunity to accumulate their savings and to create for them a source of credit for provident or productive purposes.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Staff commentary on qualifications for membership:
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
(a) The board has the right, at any time, to require members to give up to 60 days written notice of intention to withdraw the whole or any part of the amounts paid in by them.
(b) Reserved.
(c) No member may withdraw any shareholdings below the amount of the member's primary or contingent liability to the credit union if the member is delinquent as a borrower, or if borrowers for whom the member is comaker, endorser, or guarantor are delinquent, without the written approval of the credit committee or loan officer. Coverage of overdrafts under an overdraft protection policy does not constitute delinquency for purposes of this paragraph. Shares issued in an irrevocable trust as provided in Section 6 of this article are not subject to withdrawal restrictions except as stated in the trust agreement.
(d) The share account of a deceased member (other than one held in joint tenancy with another member) may be continued until the close of the dividend period in which the administration of the deceased's estate is completed.
(e) The board will have the right, at any time, to impose a fee for excessive share withdrawals from regular share accounts. The number of withdrawals not subject to a fee and the amount of the fee will be established by board resolution and will be subject to regulations applicable to the advertising and disclosure of terms and conditions on member accounts.
Section 6.
When shares are issued in a revocable trust, the settlor must be a member of this credit union in his or her own right. When shares are issued in an irrevocable trust, either the settlor or the beneficiary must be a member of this credit union. The name of the beneficiary must be stated in both a revocable and irrevocable trust. For purposes of
Section 7.
_
Owners of a joint account may both be members of the credit union without opening separate accounts. For joint membership, both owners are required to fulfill all of the membership requirements including each member purchasing and maintaining at least one share in the account.
_
Each member must purchase and maintain at least one share in a share account that names the member as the sole or primary owner. Being named as a joint owner of a joint account is insufficient to establish membership.
Staff commentary on shares:
Section 1.
Section 2.
b. Notice of any special meeting must state the purpose for which it is to be held, and no business other than that related to this purpose may be transacted at the meeting.
Section 3.
b. The notice of a special meeting must be given as provided in Section 2 of this article. Special meetings may be held at any location permitted for the annual meeting.
Section 4.
(a) Ascertainment that a quorum is present.
(b) Reading and approval or correction of the minutes of the last meeting.
(c) Report of directors, if there is one. For credit unions participating in the Community Development Revolving Loan Program, the directors must report on the credit union's progress on providing needed community services, if required by NCUA Regulations.
(d) Report of the financial officer or the chief management official.
(e) Report of the credit committee, if there is one.
(f) Report of the supervisory committee, as required by Section 115 of the Act.
(g) Unfinished business.
(h) New business other than elections.
(i) Elections, as required by Section 111 of the Act.
(j) Adjournment.
k. To the extent consistent with these bylaws, all meetings of the members will be conducted according to ______. The order of business for the annual meeting may vary from the suggested order, provided it includes all required items and complies with the rules of procedure adopted by the credit union.
Section 5.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 1.
b. The nominating committee files its nominations with the secretary of the credit union at least 90 days before the annual meeting, and the secretary notifies in writing all members eligible to vote at least 75 days before the annual meeting that nominations for vacancies may also be made by petition signed by 1% of the members with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 500. The secretary may use electronic mail to notify members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically.
c. The written notice must indicate that the election will not be conducted by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor when the number of nominees equals the number of positions to be filled. A brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors will be included for each nominee submitted by the nominating committee with the written notice to all eligible members. Each nominee by petition must submit a similar statement of qualifications and biographical data with the petition. The written notice must state the closing date for receiving nominations by petition. In all cases, the period for receiving nominations by petition must extend at least 30 days from the date that the petition requirement and the list of nominating committee's nominees are mailed to all members. To be effective, nominations by petition must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee or nominees stating that they are agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office. Nominations by petition must be filed with the secretary of the credit union at least 40 days before the annual meeting and the secretary will ensure that nominations by petition, along with those of the nominating committee, are posted in a conspicuous place in each credit union office at least 35 days before the annual meeting.
Section 2.
b. If sufficient nominations are made by the nominating committee or by petition to provide at least as many nominees as positions to be filled, nominations cannot be made from the floor. In the event nominations from the floor are permitted and result in more nominees than positions to be filled, when nominations have been closed, the chair appoints the tellers, ballots are distributed, the vote is taken and tallied by the tellers, and the results announced. When the number of nominees equals the number of positions to be filled, the chair may take a voice vote or declare each nominee elected by general consent or acclamation at the annual meeting.
Section 1.
b. The nominating committee files its nominations with the secretary of the credit union at least 90 days before the annual meeting, and the secretary notifies in writing all members eligible to vote at least 75 days before the annual meeting that nominations for vacancies may also be made by petition signed by 1% of the members with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 500. The secretary may use electronic mail to notify members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically.
c. The written notice must indicate that the election will not be conducted by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor when the number of nominees equals the number of positions to be filled. A brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors will be included for each nominee submitted by the nominating committee with the written notice to all eligible members. Each nominee by petition must submit a similar statement of qualifications and biographical data with the petition. The written notice must state the closing date for receiving nominations by petition. In all cases, the period for receiving nominations by petition must extend at least 30 days from the date of the petition requirement and the list of nominating committee's nominees are mailed to all members. To be effective, nominations by petition must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee or nominees stating that they are agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office. Nominations by petition must be filed with the secretary of the credit union at least 40 days before the annual meeting and the secretary will ensure that nominations by petition along with those of the nominating committee are posted in a conspicuous place in each credit union office at least 35 days before the annual meeting.
Section 2.
(a) The board of directors will appoint the election tellers;
(b) If sufficient nominations are made by the nominating committee or by petition to provide more nominees than positions to be filled, the secretary, at least 10 days before the annual meeting, will cause ballot boxes and printed ballots, or voting machines, to be placed in conspicuous locations, as determined by the board of directors with the names of the candidates posted near the boxes or voting machines. The name of each candidate will be followed by a brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors;
(c) After the members have been given 24 hours to vote at conspicuous locations as determined by the board of directors, the ballot boxes or voting machines will be opened, the vote tallied by the tellers, the tallies placed in the ballot boxes, and the ballot boxes resealed. The tellers are responsible at all times for the ballot boxes or voting machines and the integrity of the vote. A record must be kept of all persons voting and the tellers must assure themselves that each person voting is entitled to vote; and
(d) The tellers will take the ballot boxes to the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, printed ballots will be distributed to those in attendance who have not voted and their votes will be deposited in the ballot boxes placed by the tellers, before the beginning of the meeting, in conspicuous locations with the names of the candidates posted near them. After those members have been given an opportunity to vote at the annual meeting, balloting will be closed, the ballot boxes opened, the vote tallied by the tellers and added to the previous count, and the chair will announce the result of the vote.
Section 1.
b. The nominating committee files its nominations with the secretary of the credit union at least 90 days before the annual meeting, and the secretary notifies in writing all members eligible to vote at least 75 days before the annual meeting that nominations for vacancies may also be made by petition signed by 1% of the members with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 500. The secretary may use electronic mail to notify members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically.
c. The notice must indicate that the election will not be conducted by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor when the number of nominees equals the number of positions to be filled. A brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors will be included for each nominee submitted by the nominating committee with the notice to all eligible members. Each nominee by petition must submit a similar statement of qualifications and biographical data with the petition. The notice must state the closing date for receiving nominations by petition. In all cases, the period for receiving nominations by petition must extend at least 30 days from the date of the petition requirement and the list of nominating committee's nominees are mailed to all members. To be effective, nominations by petition must be accompanied by a signed certificate from the nominee or nominees stating that they are agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected to office. Nominations by petition must be filed with the secretary of the credit union at least 40 days before the annual meeting and the secretary will ensure that nominations by petition, along with those of the nominating committee, are posted in a conspicuous place in each credit union office at least 35 days before the annual meeting.
Section 2.
(a) The board of directors will appoint the election tellers;
(b) If sufficient nominations are made by the nominating committee or by petition to provide more nominees than positions to be filled, the secretary, at least 30 days before the annual meeting, will cause either a printed ballot or notice of ballot to be mailed to all members eligible to vote. Electronic mail may be used to provide the notice of ballot to members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically;
(c) If the credit union is conducting its elections electronically, the secretary will cause the following materials to be transmitted to each eligible voter and the following procedures will be followed:
(1) One notice of balloting stating the names of the candidates for the board of directors and the candidates for other separately identified offices or committees. The name of each candidate must be followed by a brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors. Electronic mail may be used to provide the notice of ballot to members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically.
(2) One mail ballot that conforms to Section 2(d) of this article and one instruction sheet stating specific instructions for the electronic election procedure, including how to access and use the system, and the period of time in which votes will be taken. The instruction will state that members without the requisite electronic device necessary to vote on the system may vote by submitting the enclosed mail ballot and specify the date the mail ballot must be received by the credit union. For members who have opted to receive notices or statements electronically, the mail ballot is not required and electronic mail may be used to provide the instructions for the electronic election procedure.
(3) It is the duty of the tellers of election to verify, or cause to be verified the name of the voter and the credit union account number as they are registered in the electronic balloting system. It is the duty of the teller to test the integrity of the balloting system at regular intervals during the election period.
(4) Ballots must be received no later than midnight, 5 calendar days before the annual meeting.
(5) The vote will be tallied by the tellers. The result must be verified at the annual meeting and the chair will make the result of the vote public at the annual meeting.
(6) In the event of malfunction of the electronic balloting system, the board of directors may in its discretion order elections be held by mail ballot only. The mail ballots must conform to Section 2(d) of this article and must be mailed once more to all eligible members 30 days before the annual meeting. The board may make reasonable adjustments to the voting time frames above, or postpone the annual meeting when necessary, to complete the elections before the annual meeting.
(d) If the credit union is conducting its election by mail ballot, the secretary will cause the following materials to be mailed to each member and the following procedures will be followed:
(1) One ballot, clearly identified as the ballot on which the names of the candidates for the board of directors and the candidates for other separately identified offices or committees are printed in random order. The name of each candidate will be followed by a brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors;
(2) One ballot envelope clearly marked with instructions that the completed ballot must be placed in that envelope and sealed;
(3) One identification form to be completed so as to include the name, address, signature and credit union account number of the voter;
(4) One mailing envelope in which the voter, following instructions provided with the mailing envelope, must insert the sealed ballot envelope and the identification form, and which must have postage prepaid and be preaddressed for return to the tellers;
(5) When properly designed with features that preserve the secrecy of the ballot, one form can be printed that represents a combined ballot and identification form, and postage prepaid and preaddressed return envelope;
(6) It is the duty of the tellers to verify, or cause to be verified, the name and credit union account number of the voter as appearing on the identification form; to place the verified identification form and the sealed ballot envelope in a place of safekeeping pending the count of the vote; in the case of a questionable or challenged identification form, to retain the identification form and sealed ballot envelope together until the verification or challenge has been resolved;
(7) Ballots mailed to the tellers must be received by the tellers no later than midnight 5 days before the date of the annual meeting;
(8) The vote will be tallied by the tellers. The result will be verified at the annual meeting and the chair will make the result of the vote public at the annual meeting.
Section 3.
(a) Nominations for directors.
(b) Nominations for credit committee members, if applicable. Elections may be by separate ballots following the same order as the above nominations or, if preferred, may be by one ballot for all offices.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
Section 7.
_ Section 8.
(a) The board of directors will appoint the election tellers;
(b) If sufficient nominations are made by the nominating committee or by petition to provide more than one nominee for any position to be filled, the secretary, at least 30 days before the annual meeting, will cause printed ballots to be mailed to all members of the credit union who are eligible to vote and who have submitted a written or electronic request for an absentee ballot;
(c) The secretary will cause the following materials to be mailed to each eligible voter who has submitted a written or electronic request for an absentee ballot:
(1) One ballot, clearly identified as the ballot on which the names of the candidates for the board of directors and the candidates for other separately identified offices or committees are printed in random order. The name of each candidate will be followed by a brief statement of qualifications and biographical data in a form approved by the board of directors;
(2) One ballot envelope clearly marked with instructions that the completed ballot must be placed in that envelope and sealed;
(3) One identification form to be completed so as to include the name, address, signature and credit union account number of the voter;
(4) One mailing envelope in which the voter, pursuant to instructions provided with the envelope, must insert the sealed ballot envelope and the identification form, and which must have postage prepaid and be preaddressed for return to the tellers;
(5) When properly designed with features that preserve the secrecy of the ballot, one form can be printed that represents a combined ballot and identification form, and postage prepaid and preaddressed return envelope;
(d) It is the duty of the election tellers to verify, or cause to be verified, the name and credit union account number of the voter as appearing on the identification form; to place the verified identification and the sealed ballot envelope in a place of safekeeping pending the count of the vote; in the case of a questionable or challenged identification form, to retain the identification form and the sealed ballot envelope together until the verification or challenge has been resolved; and in the event that more than one voting procedure is used, to verify that no eligible voter has voted more than one time;
(e) Ballots mailed to the tellers must be received by the tellers no later than midnight 5 days before the date of the annual meeting;
(f) Absentee ballots will be deposited in the ballot boxes to be taken to the annual meeting or included in a precount in accordance with procedures specified in Article V, Section 2; and
(g) If a member has chosen to receive statements and notices electronically, the credit union may provide notices required in this section by email and provide instructions for voting via electronic means instead of mail ballots.
Staff commentary on the election process:
(a) The individual must be a member of the FCU before distribution of ballots;
(b) the individual cannot have been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust unless the NCUA Board has waived the prohibition for the conviction; and
(c) the individual meets the minimum age requirement established under Article V, Section 7 of the FCU Bylaws.
Anyone meeting the three eligibility requirements may run for a seat on the board of directors if properly nominated. It is the nominating committee's duty to ascertain that all nominated candidates, including those nominated by petition, meet the eligibility requirements.
Section 1.
Section 2. C
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
(a) Directing the affairs of the credit union in accordance with the Act, these bylaws, the rules and regulations and sound business practices.
(b) Establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this credit union as stated in Article I, Section 2, of these bylaws.
(c) Establishing a loan collection program and authorizing the chargeoff of uncollectible loans.
(d) Establishing a policy to address training for newly elected and incumbent directors and volunteer officials, in areas such as ethics and fiduciary responsibility, regulatory compliance, and accounting and determining that all persons appointed or elected by this credit union to any position requiring the receipt, payment or custody of money or other property of this credit union, or in its custody or control as collateral or otherwise, are properly bonded in accordance with the Act and regulations.
(e) Performing additional acts and exercising additional powers as may be required or authorized by applicable law.
_
(f) Reviewing denied loan applications of members who file written requests for review.
(g) Appointing one or more loan officers and delegating to those officers the power to approve or disapprove loans, lines of credit or advances from lines of credit.
(h) In its discretion, appointing a loan review committee to review loan denials and delegating to the committee the power to overturn denials of loan applications. The committee will function as a mid-level appeal committee for the board. Any denial of a loan by the committee must be reviewed by the board upon written request of the member. The committee must consist of three members and the regular term of office of the committee member will be for two years. Not more than one member of the committee may be appointed as a loan officer.
_
(f) Appointing an odd number of credit committee members as provided in Article VIII of these bylaws.
Section 7.
Section 8.
b. The board may remove any board officer from office for failure to perform the duties thereof, after giving the officer reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard.
When any board officer, membership officer, executive committee member or investment committee member is absent, disqualified, or otherwise unable to perform the duties of the office, the board may by resolution designate another member of this credit union to fill the position temporarily. The board may also, by resolution, designate another member or members of this credit union to act on the credit committee when necessary in order to obtain a quorum.
Section 9.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
(a) Have custody of all funds, securities, valuable papers and other assets of this credit union.
(b) Provide and maintain full and complete records of all the assets and liabilities of this credit union in accordance with forms and procedures prescribed in regulations and other guidance approved by the Administration, including, for small credit unions, the Accounting Manual for Federal Credit Unions.
(c) Within 20 days after the close of each month, ensure that a financial statement showing the condition of this credit union as of the end of the month, including a summary of delinquent loans is prepared and submitted to the board and post a copy of the statement in a conspicuous place in the office of the credit union where it will remain until replaced by the financial statement for the next succeeding month.
(d) Ensure that financial and other reports the Administration may require are prepared and sent.
(e) Within standards and limitations prescribed by the board, employ tellers, clerks, bookkeepers, and other office employees, and have the power to remove these employees.
(f) Perform other duties customarily assigned to the office of the financial officer or duties he or she is directed to perform by
ii. The board may employ one or more assistant financial officers, none of whom may also hold office as chair or vice chair, and may authorize them, under the direction of the financial officer, to perform any of the duties devolving on the financial officer, including the signing of checks. When designated by the board, any assistant financial officer may also act as financial officer during the financial officer's temporary absence or temporary inability to act.
Section 7.
Section 8.
Section 9.
Section 10.
Section 11.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
Section 7.
Section 8.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
b. If all director positions become vacant simultaneously, the supervisory committee immediately assumes the role of the board of directors. The supervisory committee acting as the board must generally call and hold a special meeting to elect a board that will serve until the next annual meeting. The special meeting must occur at least 7 but no more than 14 days after all director positions became vacant, and candidates for the board at the special meeting may be nominated by petition or from the floor. However, if the next annual meeting has been scheduled and will occur within 45 days after all the director positions become vacant, the supervisory committee may decide to forego the special meeting and continue serving as the board until the election of new directors at the annual meeting.
c. If the next annual meeting has not been scheduled, but the month and day of the previous year's meeting plus 7 days falls within 45 days after all the director positions become vacant, the supervisory committee acting as the board may decide to forego the special meeting to elect new directors. In this case, the supervisory committee must schedule the annual meeting within 7 days before or after the month and day of the previous annual meeting and continue to serve as the board until directors are elected at the annual meeting.
d. The supervisory committee acting as the board may not act on policy matters. However, directors elected at a special meeting have the same powers as directors elected at the annual meeting.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 1.
Section 1.
Section 1.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
Section 7.
Section 8.
(b) The credit union may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the individuals indicated in (a) above against any liability asserted against them and expenses reasonably incurred by them in their official capacities and arising out of the performance of their official duties to the extent such insurance is permitted by the applicable state law or the Model Business Corporation Act.
(c) The term “official” in this bylaw means a person who is a member of the board of directors, credit committee, supervisory committee, other volunteer committee (including elected or appointed loan officers or membership officers), established by the board of directors.
Section 1.
Section 1.
“Act” means the Federal Credit Union Act, as amended.
“Administration” means the National Credit Union Administration.
“Applicable law and regulations” means the Federal Credit Union Act and rules and regulations issued thereunder or other applicable federal and state statutes and rules and regulations issued thereunder as the context indicates (such as The Higher Education Act of 1965).
“Board” means board of directors of the federal credit union.
“Immediate family member” means spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.
“NCUA Board” means the Board of the National Credit Union Administration.
“Regulation” or “regulations” means rules and regulations issued by the NCUA Board.
“Share” or “shares” means all classes of shares and share certificates that may be held in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The National Credit Union Administration's (NCUA) chartering and field of membership policies are directed toward achieving the following goals:
• To encourage the formation of credit unions;
• To uphold the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act;
• To promote thrift and credit extension;
• To promote credit union safety and soundness; and
• To make quality credit union service available to all eligible persons.
NCUA may grant a charter to single occupational/associational groups, multiple groups, or communities if:
• The occupational, associational, or multiple groups possess an appropriate common bond or the community represents a well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district;
• The subscribers are of good character and are fit to represent the proposed credit union; and
• The establishment of the credit union is economically advisable.
Generally, these are the primary criteria that NCUA will consider. In unusual circumstances, however, NCUA may examine other factors, such as other federal law or public policy, in deciding if a charter should be approved.
Unless otherwise noted, the policies outlined in this manual apply only to federal credit unions.
The Federal Credit Union Act recognizes three types of federal credit union charters—single common bond (occupational and associational), multiple common bond (more than one group each having a common bond of occupation or association), and community.
The requirements that must be met to charter a federal credit union are described in Chapter 2. Special rules for credit unions serving low-income groups are described in Chapter 3.
If a federal credit union charter is granted, Section 5 of the charter will describe the credit union's field of membership, which defines those persons and entities eligible for membership. Generally, federal credit unions are only able to grant loans and provide services to persons within the field of membership who have become members of the credit union.
Federal credit unions are generally organized by persons who volunteer their time and resources and are responsible for determining the interest, commitment, and economic advisability of forming a federal credit union. The organization of a successful federal credit union takes considerable planning and dedication.
Persons interested in organizing a federal credit union should contact one of the credit union trade associations or the NCUA regional office serving the state in which the credit union will be organized. Lists of NCUA offices and credit union trade associations are shown in the appendices. NCUA will provide information to groups interested in pursuing a federal charter and will assist them in contacting an organizer.
While anyone may organize a credit union, a person with training and experience in chartering new federal credit unions is generally the most effective organizer. However, extensive involvement by the group desiring credit union service is essential.
The functions of the organizer are to provide direction, guidance, and advice on the chartering process. The organizer also provides the group with information about a credit union's functions and purpose as well as technical assistance in preparing and submitting the charter application. Close communication and cooperation between the organizer and the proposed members are critical to the chartering process.
The Federal Credit Union Act requires that seven or more natural persons—the “subscribers”—present to NCUA for approval a sworn organization certificate stating at a minimum:
• The name of the proposed federal credit union;
• The location of the proposed federal credit union and the territory in which it will operate;
• The names and addresses of the subscribers to the certificate and the number of shares subscribed by each;
• The initial par value of the shares;
• The detailed proposed field of membership; and
• The fact that the certificate is made to enable such persons to avail themselves of the advantages of the Federal Credit Union Act.
False statements on any of the required documentation filed in obtaining a federal credit union charter may be grounds for federal criminal prosecution.
Before chartering a federal credit union, NCUA must be satisfied that the institution will be viable and that it will provide needed services to its members. Economic advisability, which is a determination that a potential charter will have a reasonable opportunity to succeed, is essential in order to qualify for a credit union charter.
NCUA will conduct an independent on-site investigation of each charter application to ensure that the proposed credit union can be successful. In general, the success of any credit union depends on: (a) The character and fitness of management; (b) the depth of the members' support; and (c) present and projected market conditions.
The Federal Credit Union Act requires NCUA to ensure that the subscribers are of good “general character and fitness.” Prospective officials and employees will be the subject of credit and background investigations. The investigation report must demonstrate each applicant's ability to effectively handle financial matters. Employees and officials should also be competent, experienced, honest and of good character. Factors that may lead to disapproval of a prospective official or employee include criminal convictions, indictments, and acts of
NCUA also needs reasonable assurance that the management team will have the requisite skills—particularly in leadership and accounting—and the commitment to dedicate the time and effort needed to make the proposed federal credit union a success.
Section 701.14 of NCUA's Rules and Regulations sets forth the procedures for NCUA approval of officials of newly chartered credit unions. If the application of a prospective official or employee to serve is not acceptable to the regional director, the group can propose an alternate to act in that individual's place. If the charter applicant feels it is essential that the disqualified individual be retained, the individual may appeal the regional director's decision to the NCUA Board. If an appeal is pursued, action on the application may be delayed. If the appeal is denied by the NCUA Board, an acceptable new applicant must be provided before the charter can be approved.
Economic advisability is a major factor in determining whether the credit union will be chartered. An important consideration is the degree of support from the field of membership. The charter applicant must be able to demonstrate that membership support is sufficient to ensure viability.
NCUA has not set a minimum field of membership size for chartering a federal credit union. Consequently, groups of any size may apply for a credit union charter and be approved if they demonstrate economic advisability. However, it is important to note that often the size of the group is indicative of the potential for success. For that reason, a charter application with fewer than 3,000 primary potential members (e.g., employees of a corporation or members of an association) may not be economically advisable. Therefore, a charter applicant with a proposed field of membership of fewer than 3,000 primary potential members may have to provide more support than an applicant with a larger field of membership. For example, a small occupational or associational group may be required to demonstrate a commitment for long-term support from the sponsor.
The ability to provide effective service to members, compete in the marketplace, and to adapt to changing market conditions are key to the survival of any enterprise. Before NCUA will charter a credit union, a business plan based on realistic and supportable projections and assumptions must be submitted.
The business plan should contain, at a minimum, the following elements:
• Mission statement;
• Analysis of market conditions, including if applicable, geographic, demographic, employment, income, housing, and other economic data;
• Evidence of member support;
• Goals for shares, loans, and for number of members;
• Financial services needed/desired;
• Financial services to be provided to members of all segments within the field of membership;
• How/when services are to be implemented;
• Organizational/management plan addressing qualification and planned training of officials/employees;
• Continuity plan for directors, committee members and management staff;
• Operating facilities, to include office space/equipment and supplies, safeguarding of assets, insurance coverage, etc.;
• Type of record keeping and data processing system;
• Detailed semiannual pro forma financial statements (balance sheet, income and expense projections) for 1st and 2nd year, including assumptions—e.g., loan and dividend rates;
• Plans for operating independently;
• Written policies (shares, lending, investments, funds management, capital accumulation, dividends, collections, etc.);
• Source of funds to pay expenses during initial months of operation, including any subsidies, assistance, etc., and terms or conditions of such resources; and
• Evidence of sponsor commitment (or other source of support) if subsidies are critical to success of the federal credit union. Evidence may be in the form of letters, contracts, financial statements from the sponsor, and any other such document on which the proposed federal credit union can substantiate its projections.
While the business plan may be prepared with outside assistance, the subscribers and proposed officials must understand and support the submitted business plan.
Following the guidance contained throughout this policy, the organizers should submit wording for the proposed field of membership (the persons, organizations and other legal entities the credit union will serve) to NCUA early in the application process for written preliminary approval. The proposed field of membership must meet all common bond or community requirements.
Once the field of membership has been given preliminary approval, and the organizer is satisfied the application has merit, the organizer should conduct an organizational meeting to elect seven to ten persons to serve as subscribers. The subscribers should locate willing individuals capable of serving on the board of directors, credit committee, supervisory committee, and as chief operating officer/manager of the proposed credit union.
Subsequent organizational meetings may be held to discuss the progress of the charter investigation, to announce the proposed slate of officials, and to respond to any questions posed at these meetings.
If NCUA approves the charter application, the subscribers, as their final duty, will elect the board of directors of the proposed federal credit union. The new board of directors will then appoint the supervisory committee.
As discussed previously in this Chapter, the organizer of a federal credit union charter must, at a minimum, provide evidence that:
• The group(s) possess an appropriate common bond or the geographical area to be served is a well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district;
• The subscribers, prospective officials, and employees are of good character and fitness; and
• The establishment of the credit union is economically advisable.
As part of the application process, the organizer must submit the following forms, which are available in appendix 4 of this Manual:
• Federal Credit Union Investigation Report, NCUA 4001;
• Organization Certificate, NCUA 4008;
• Report of Official and Agreement To Serve, NCUA 4012;
• Application and Agreements for Insurance of Accounts, NCUA 9500; and
• Certification of Resolutions, NCUA 9501.
Each of these forms is described in more detail in the following sections.
The application for a new federal credit union will be submitted on NCUA 4001. State-chartered credit unions applying for conversion to a federal charter will use NCUA 4000. (See Chapter 4 for a full discussion.) The organizer is required to certify the information and recommend approval or disapproval, based on the investigation of the request.
This document, which must be completed by the subscribers, includes the seven criteria established by the Federal Credit Union Act. NCUA staff assigned to the case will assist in the proper completion of this document.
This form documents general background information of each official and employee of the proposed federal credit union. Each official and employee must complete and sign this form. The organizer must review each of the NCUA 4012s for elements that would prevent the prospective official or employee from serving. Further, such factors as serious, unresolved past due credit obligations and bankruptcies disclosed during credit checks may disqualify an individual.
This document contains the agreements with which federal credit unions must comply in order to obtain National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) coverage of member accounts. The document must be completed and signed by both the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. A federal credit union must qualify for federal share insurance.
This document certifies that the board of directors of the proposed federal credit union has resolved to apply for NCUSIF insurance of member accounts and has authorized the chief executive officer and recording officer to execute the Application and Agreements for Insurance of Accounts. Both the chief executive officer and recording officer of the proposed federal credit union must sign this form.
It is the responsibility of the federal credit union organizers or officials of an existing credit union to ensure that the proposed federal credit union name or federal credit union name change does not constitute an infringement on the name of any corporation in its trade area. This responsibility also includes researching any service marks or trademarks used by any other corporation (including credit unions) in its trade area. NCUA will ensure, to the extent possible, that the credit union's name:
• Is not already being officially used by another federal credit union;
• Will not be confused with NCUA or another federal or state agency, or with another credit union; and
• Does not include misleading or inappropriate language.
The last three words in the name of every credit union chartered by NCUA must be “Federal Credit Union.”
The word “community,” while not required, can only be included in the name of federal credit unions that have been granted a community charter.
Once NCUA receives a complete charter application package, an acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to the organizer. At some point during the review process, a staff member will be assigned to perform an on-site contact with the proposed officials and others having an interest in the proposed federal credit union.
NCUA staff will review the application package and verify its accuracy and reasonableness. A staff member will inquire into the financial management experience and the suitability and commitment of the proposed officials and employees, and will make an assessment of economic advisability. The staff member will also provide guidance to the subscribers in the proper completion of the Organization Certificate, NCUA 4008.
Credit and background investigations may be conducted concurrently by NCUA with other work being performed by the organizer and subscribers to reduce the likelihood of delays in the chartering process.
The staff member will analyze the prospective credit union's business plan for realistic projections, attainable goals, adequate service to all segments of the field of membership, sufficient start-up capital, and time commitment by the proposed officials and employees. Any concerns will be reviewed with the organizer and discussed with the prospective credit union's officials. Additional on-site contacts by NCUA staff may be necessary. The organizer and subscribers will be expected to take the steps necessary to resolve any issues or concerns. Such resolution efforts may delay processing the application.
NCUA staff will then make a recommendation to the regional director regarding the charter application. The recommendation may include specific provisions to be included in a Letter of Understanding and Agreement. In most cases, NCUA will require the prospective officials to adhere to certain operational guidelines. Generally, the agreement is for a limited term of two to four years. A sample Letter of Understanding and Agreement is found in appendix 2.
Once approved, the board of directors of the newly formed federal credit union will receive a signed charter and standard bylaws from the regional director. Additionally, the officials will be advised of the name of the examiner assigned responsibility for supervising and examining the credit union.
When a regional director disapproves any charter application, in whole or in part, the organizer will be informed in writing of the specific reasons for the disapproval. Where applicable, the regional director will provide information concerning options or suggestions that the applicant could consider for gaining approval or otherwise acquiring credit union service. The letter of denial will include the procedures for appealing the decision.
If the regional director denies a charter application, in whole or in part, that decision may be appealed to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial and must address the specific reasons for denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal with a recommendation to the NCUA Board.
Before appealing, the prospective group may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
Assistance in commencing operations is generally available through the various credit union trade organizations listed in appendix 5.
All new federal credit unions are also encouraged to establish a mentor relationship with a knowledgeable, experienced credit union individual or an existing, well-operated credit union. The mentor should provide guidance and assistance to the new credit union through attendance at meetings and general oversight. Upon request, NCUA will provide assistance in finding a qualified mentor.
Each federal credit union will be examined regularly by NCUA to determine that it remains in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to determine that it
The examiner will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the credit union and providing the necessary advice and guidance to ensure it is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The examiner will also monitor compliance with the terms of any required Letter of Understanding and Agreement. Typically, the examiner will require the credit union to submit copies of monthly board minutes and financial statements.
The Federal Credit Union Act requires all newly chartered credit unions, up to two years after the charter anniversary date, to obtain NCUA approval prior to appointment of any new board member, credit or supervisory committee member, or senior executive officer. Section 701.14 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations sets forth the notice and application requirements. If NCUA issues a Notice of Disapproval, the newly chartered credit union is prohibited from making the change.
NCUA may disapprove an individual serving as a director, committee member or senior executive officer if it finds that the competence, experience, character, or integrity of the individual indicates it would not be in the best interests of the members of the credit union or of the public to permit the individual to be employed by or associated with the credit union. If a Notice of Disapproval is issued, the credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board.
A corporate federal credit union is one that is operated primarily for the purpose of serving other credit unions. Corporate federal credit unions operate under and are administered by the NCUA Office of Corporate Credit Unions.
NCUA will attempt to assist any group in chartering a credit union or joining an existing credit union. If the group is not eligible for federal credit union service, NCUA will refer the group to the appropriate state supervisory authority where different requirements may apply.
NCUA will designate a credit union based on the following criteria:
Single Occupational: If a credit union serves a single occupational sponsor, such as ABC Corporation, it will be designated as an occupational credit union. A single occupational common bond credit union may also serve a trade, industry, or profession (TIP), such as all teachers.
Single Associational: If a credit union serves a single associational sponsor, such as the Knights of Columbus, it will be designated as an associational credit union.
Multiple Common Bond: If a credit union serves more than one group, each of which has a common bond of occupation and/or association, it will be designated as a multiple common bond credit union.
Community: All community credit unions will be designated as such, followed by a description of their geographic boundaries (
Credit unions desiring to confirm or submit an application to change their designations should contact the appropriate NCUA regional office.
Federal credit unions are permitted to serve foreign nationals within their fields of membership wherever they reside provided they have the ability, resources, and management expertise to serve such persons. Before a credit union opens a branch outside the United States, it must submit an application to do so and have prior written approval of the regional director. A federal credit union may establish a service facility on a United States military installation or United States embassy without prior NCUA approval.
As set forth in Chapter 1, the Federal Credit Union Act provides for three types of federal credit union charters—single common bond (occupational or associational), multiple common bond (multiple groups), and community. Section 109 (12 U.S.C. 1759) of the Federal Credit Union Act sets forth the membership criteria for each of these three types of credit unions.
The field of membership, which is specified in Section 5 of the charter, defines those persons and entities eligible for membership. A single common bond federal credit union consists of one group having a common bond of occupation or association. A multiple common bond federal credit union consists of more than one group, each of which has a common bond of occupation or association. A community federal credit union consists of persons or organizations within a well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district.
Once chartered, a federal credit union can amend its field of membership; however, the
Generally, federal credit unions can only grant loans and provide services to persons who have joined the credit union. The Federal Credit Union Act states that one of the purposes of federal credit unions is “to serve the productive and provident credit needs of individuals of modest means.” Although field of membership requirements are applicable, special rules set forth in Chapter 3 may apply to low-income designated credit unions and those credit unions assisting low-income groups or to a federal credit union that adds an underserved community to its field of membership.
A single occupational common bond federal credit union may include in its field of membership all persons and entities who share that common bond. NCUA permits a person's membership eligibility in a single occupational common bond group to be established in five ways:
• Employment (or a long-term contractual relationship equivalent to employment) in a single corporation or other legal entity makes that person part of a single occupational common bond;
• Employment in a corporation or other legal entity with a controlling ownership interest (which shall not be less than 10 percent) in or by another legal entity makes that person part of a single occupational common bond;
• Employment in a corporation or other legal entity which is related to another legal entity (such as a company under contract and possessing a strong dependency relationship with another company) makes that person part of a single occupational common bond;
• Employment or attendance at a school makes that person part of a single occupational common bond (see Chapter 2, Section III.A.1); or
• Employment in the same Trade, Industry, or Profession (TIP) (see Chapter 2, Section II.A.2).
A geographic limitation is not a requirement for a single occupational common bond. However, for purposes of describing the field of membership, the geographic areas being served may be included in the charter. For example:
• Employees, officials, and persons who work regularly under contract in Miami, Florida for ABC Corporation and subsidiaries;
• Employees of ABC Corporation who are paid from * * *;
• Employees of ABC Corporation who are supervised from * * *;
• Employees of ABC Corporation who are headquartered in * * *; and/or
• Employees of ABC Corporation who work in the United States.
The corporation or other legal entity (i.e., the employer) may also be included in the common bond—e.g., “ABC Corporation.” The corporation or legal entity will be defined in the last clause in Section 5 of the credit union's charter.
A charter applicant must provide documentation to establish that the single occupational common bond requirement has been met.
Some examples of single occupational common bonds are:
• Employees of the Hunt Manufacturing Company who work in West Chester, Pennsylvania. (common bond—same employer with geographic definition);
• Employees of the Buffalo Manufacturing Company who work in the United States. (common bond—same employer with geographic definition);
• Employees, elected and appointed officials of municipal government in Parma, Ohio. (common bond—same employer with geographic definition);
• Employees of Johnson Soap Company and its majority owned subsidiary, Johnson Toothpaste Company, who work in, are paid from, are supervised from, or are headquartered in Augusta and Portland, Maine. (common bond—parent and subsidiary company with geographic definition);
• Employees of MMLLJS contractor who work regularly at the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. (common bond—employees of contractors with geographic definition);
• Employees, doctors, medical staff, technicians, medical and nursing students who work in or are paid from the Newport Beach Medical Center, Newport Beach, California. (single corporation with geographic definition);
• Employees of JLS, Incorporated and MJM, Incorporated working for the LKM Joint Venture Company in Catalina Island, California. (common bond—same employer—ongoing dependent relationship);
• Employees of and students attending Georgetown University. (common bond—same occupation);
• Employees of all the schools supervised by the Timbrook Board of Education in Timbrook, Georgia. (common bond—same employer); or
• All licensed nurses in Fairfax County, Virginia. (occupational common bond TIP).
Some examples of insufficiently defined single occupational common bonds are:
• Employees of manufacturing firms in Seattle, Washington. (no defined occupational sponsor; overly broad TIP);
• Persons employed or working in Chicago, Illinois. (no occupational common bond).
A common bond based on employment in a trade, industry, or profession can include employment at any number of corporations or other legal entities that—while not under common ownership—have a common bond by virtue of producing similar products, providing similar services, or participating in the same type of business.
While proposed or existing single common bond credit unions have some latitude in defining a trade, industry, or profession occupational common bond, it cannot be defined so broadly as to include groups in fields which are not closely related. For example, the manufacturing industry, energy industry, communications industry, retail industry, or entertainment industry would not qualify as a TIP because each industry lacks the necessary commonality. However, textile workers, realtors, nurses, teachers, police officers, or U.S. military personnel are closely related and each would qualify as a TIP.
The common bond relationship must be one that demonstrates a narrow commonality of interests within a specific trade, industry, or profession. If a credit union wants to serve a physician TIP, it can serve all physicians, but that does not mean it can also serve all clerical staff in the physicians' offices. However, if the TIP is based on the health care industry, then clerical staff would be able to be served by the credit union because they work in the same industry and have the same commonality of interests.
If a credit union wants to include the airline services industry, it can serve airline and airport personnel but not passengers. Clients or customers of the TIP are not eligible for credit union membership (e.g., patients in hospitals). Any company that is involved in more than one industry cannot be included in an industry TIP (e.g., a company that makes tobacco products, food products, and electronics). However, employees of these companies may be eligible for membership in a variety of trade/profession occupational common bond TIPs.
Since a TIP must be narrowly defined, it cannot include third party vendors and other suppliers. For example, the steel suppliers to the automobile industry would not be part of the automobile industry TIP. However, the automobile industry includes manufacturers and their automobile dealerships.
In general, except for credit unions currently serving a national field of membership or operating in multiple states, a geographic limitation is required for a TIP credit union. The geographic limitation will be part of the credit union's charter and generally correspond to its current or planned operational area. More than one federal credit union may serve the same trade, industry, or profession, even if both credit unions are in the same geographic location.
This type of occupational common bond is only available to single common bond credit unions. A TIP cannot be added to a multiple common bond or community field of membership.
To obtain a TIP designation, the proposed or existing credit union must submit a request to the regional director. New charter applicants must follow the documentation requirements in Chapter 1. New charter applicants and existing credit unions must submit a business plan on how the credit union will serve the group with the request to serve the TIP. The business plan also must address how the credit union will verify the TIP. Examples of such verification include state licenses, professional licenses, organizational memberships, pay statements, union membership, or employer certification. The regional director must approve this type of field of membership before a credit union can serve a TIP. Credit unions converting to a TIP can retain members of record but cannot add new members from its previous group or groups, unless it is part of the TIP.
Section II.B on Occupational Common Bond Amendments does not apply to a TIP common bond. Removing or changing a geographical limitation will be processed as a housekeeping amendment. If safety and soundness concerns are present, the regional director may require additional information before the request can be processed.
Section II.H, on Other Persons Eligible for Credit Union Membership, applies to TIP based credit unions except for the corporate account provision which only applies to industry based TIPs. Credit unions with industry based TIPs may include corporations as members because they have the same commonality of interests as all employees in the industry. For example, an airline service TIP (industry) can serve an airline carrier (corporate account); however, a nurses TIP (profession) could not serve a hospital (corporate account) because not everyone working in the hospital shares the same profession.
If a TIP designated credit union wishes to convert to a different TIP or employer-based occupational common bond, or different charter type, it only retains members of record after the conversion. The regional director, for safety and soundness reasons, may approve a TIP designated credit union to convert to its original field of membership.
Section 5 of every single occupational federal credit union's charter defines the field of membership the credit union can legally serve. Only those persons or legal entities specified in the field of membership can be served. There are a number of instances in which Section 5 must be amended by NCUA.
First, a group sharing the credit union's common bond is added to the field of membership. This may occur through various ways including agreement between the group and the credit union directly, or through a merger, corporate acquisition, purchase and assumption (P&A), or spin-off.
Second, if the entire field of membership is acquired by another corporation, the credit union can serve the employees of the new corporation and any subsidiaries after receiving NCUA approval.
Third, a federal credit union qualifies to change its common bond from:
• A single occupational common bond to a single associational common bond;
• A single occupational common bond to a community charter; or
• A single occupational common bond to a multiple common bond.
Fourth, a federal credit union removes a portion of the group from its field of membership through agreement with the group, a spin-off, or because a portion of the group is no longer in existence.
An existing single occupational common bond federal credit union that submits a request to amend its charter must provide documentation to establish that the occupational common bond requirement has been met. The regional director must approve all amendments to an occupational common bond credit union's field of membership.
If the single common bond group that comprises a federal credit union's field of membership undergoes a substantial restructuring, the result is often that portions of the group are sold or spun off. This requires a change to the credit union's field of membership. NCUA will not permit a single common bond credit union to maintain in its field of membership a sold or spun-off group to which it has been providing service unless the group otherwise qualifies for membership in the credit union or the credit union converts to a multiple common bond credit union.
If the group comprising the single common bond of the credit union merges with, or is acquired by, another group, the credit union can serve the new group resulting from the merger or acquisition after receiving a housekeeping amendment.
Prior to granting a common bond expansion, NCUA will examine the amendment's likely effect on the credit union's operations and financial condition. In most cases, the information needed for analyzing the effect of adding a particular group will be available to NCUA through the examination and financial and statistical reports; however, in particular cases, a regional director may require additional information prior to making a decision.
A federal credit union requesting a common bond expansion must submit an Application for Field of Membership Amendment (NCUA 4015-EZ) to the appropriate NCUA regional director. An authorized credit union representative must sign the request.
All requests for approval to amend a federal credit union's charter must be submitted to the appropriate regional director.
NCUA staff will review all amendment requests in order to ensure compliance with NCUA policy.
Before acting on a proposed amendment, the regional director may require an on-site review. In addition, the regional director may, after taking into account the significance of the proposed field of membership amendment, require the applicant to submit a business plan addressing specific issues.
The financial and operational condition of the requesting credit union will be considered in every instance. NCUA will carefully consider the economic advisability of expanding the field of membership of a credit union with financial or operational problems.
In most cases, field of membership amendments will only be approved for credit unions that are operating satisfactorily. Generally, if a federal credit union is having difficulty providing service to its current membership, or is experiencing financial or other operational problems, it may have more difficulty serving an expanded field of membership.
Occasionally, however, an expanded field of membership may provide the basis for reversing current financial problems. In such cases, an amendment to expand the field of membership may be granted notwithstanding the credit union's financial or operational problems. The applicant credit union must clearly establish that the expanded field of membership is in the best interest of
If the regional director approves the requested amendment, the credit union will be issued an amendment to Section 5 of its charter.
When a regional director disapproves any application, in whole or in part, to amend the field of membership under this chapter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• Options to consider, if appropriate, for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedure.
If a field of membership expansion request, merger, or spin-off is denied by the regional director, the federal credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial, and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
In general, other than the addition of common bond groups, there are three additional ways a federal credit union with a single occupational common bond can expand its field of membership:
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a common bond or emergency merger;
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a common bond or emergency purchase and assumption (P&A); or
• By taking a portion of another credit union's field of membership through a common bond spin-off.
Generally, the requirements applicable to field of membership expansions found in this chapter apply to mergers where the continuing credit union has a federal charter. That is, the two credit unions must share a common bond.
Where the merging credit union is state-chartered, the common bond rules applicable to a federal credit union apply.
Mergers must be approved by the NCUA regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union, and, as applicable, the state regulators.
If a single occupational credit union wants to merge into a multiple common bond or community credit union, Section IV.D or Section V.D of this Chapter, respectively, should be reviewed.
An emergency merger may be approved by NCUA without regard to common bond or other legal constraints. An emergency merger involves NCUA's direct intervention and approval. The credit union to be merged must either be insolvent or likely to become insolvent, and NCUA must determine that:
• An emergency requiring expeditious action exists;
• Other alternatives are not reasonably available; and
• The public interest would best be served by approving the merger.
If not corrected, conditions that could lead to insolvency include, but are not limited to:
• Abandonment by management;
• Loss of sponsor;
• Serious and persistent recordkeeping problems; or
• Serious and persistent operational concerns.
In an emergency merger situation, NCUA will take an active role in finding a suitable merger partner (continuing credit union). NCUA is primarily concerned that the continuing credit union has the financial strength and management expertise to absorb the troubled credit union without adversely affecting its own financial condition and stability.
As a stipulated condition to an emergency merger, the field of membership of the merging credit union may be transferred intact to the continuing federal credit union without regard to any common bond restrictions. Under this authority, therefore, a single occupational common bond federal credit union may take into its field of membership any dissimilar charter type.
The common bond characteristic of the continuing credit union in an emergency merger does not change. That is, even
Emergency mergers involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
Another alternative for acquiring the field of membership of a failing credit union is through a consolidation known as a P&A. A P&A has limited application because, in most cases, the failing credit union must be placed into involuntary liquidation. In the few instances where a P&A may be appropriate, the assuming federal credit union, as with emergency mergers, may acquire the entire field of membership if the emergency merger criteria are satisfied. However, if the P&A does not meet the emergency merger criteria, it must be processed under the common bond requirements.
In a P&A processed under the emergency criteria, specified loans, shares, and certain other designated assets and liabilities, without regard to common bond restrictions, may also be acquired without changing the character of the continuing federal credit union for purposes of future field of membership amendments.
If the purchased and/or assumed credit union's field of membership does not share a common bond with the purchasing and/or assuming credit union, then the continuing credit union's original common bond will be controlling for future common bond expansions.
P&As involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the purchased and/or assumed credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
A spin-off occurs when, by agreement of the parties, a portion of the field of membership, assets, liabilities, shares, and capital of a credit union are transferred to a new or existing credit union. A spin-off is unique in that usually one credit union has a field of membership expansion and the other loses a portion of its field of membership.
All common bond requirements apply regardless of whether the spun-off group becomes a new credit union or goes to an existing federal charter.
The request for approval of a spin-off must be supported with a plan that addresses, at a minimum:
• Why the spin-off is being requested;
• What part of the field of membership is to be spun off;
• Whether the affected credit unions have a common bond (applies only to single occupational credit unions);
• Which assets, liabilities, shares, and capital are to be transferred;
• The financial impact the spin-off will have on the affected credit unions;
• The ability of the acquiring credit union to effectively serve the new members;
• The proposed spin-off date; and
• Disclosure to the members of the requirements set forth above.
The spin-off request must also include current financial statements from the affected credit unions and the proposed voting ballot.
For federal credit unions spinning off a group, membership notice and voting requirements and procedures are the same as for mergers (see Part 708 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations), except that only the members directly affected by the spin-off—those whose shares are to be transferred—are permitted to vote. Members whose shares are not being transferred will not be afforded the opportunity to vote. All members of the group to be spun off (whether they voted in favor, against, or not at all) will be transferred if the spin-off is approved by the voting membership. Voting requirements for federally insured state credit unions are governed by state law.
Spin-offs involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by all regional directors where the credit unions are headquartered and the state regulators, as applicable. Spin-offs in the same region also require approval by the state regulator, as applicable.
An overlap exists when a group of persons is eligible for membership in two or more credit unions. NCUA will permit single occupational federal credit unions to overlap any other charter without performing an overlap analysis.
A federal credit union's field of membership will always be governed by the common bond descriptions contained in Section 5 of its charter. Where a sponsor organization expands its operations internally, by acquisition or otherwise, the credit union may serve these new entrants to its field of membership
If a sponsor organization sells off a group, new members can no longer be served unless they otherwise qualify for membership in the credit union or it converts to a multiple common bond charter.
Credit unions must submit documentation explaining the restructuring and providing information regarding the new organizational structure.
An exclusionary clause is a limitation precluding the credit union from serving the primary members of a portion of a group otherwise included in its field of membership. NCUA no longer grants exclusionary clauses. Those granted prior to the adoption of this new chartering manual will remain in effect unless the credit unions agree to remove them or one of the affected credit unions submits a housekeeping amendment to have it removed.
A single occupational common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a community charter provided the field of membership requirements of the community charter are met. Groups within the existing charter which cannot qualify in the new charter cannot be served except for members of record, or groups or communities obtained in an emergency merger or P&A. A credit union must notify all groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of conversion. Members of record can continue to be served. Also, in order to support a case for a conversion, the applicant federal credit union may be required to develop a detailed business plan as specified in Chapter 2, Section V.A.3.
A single occupational common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a multiple common bond charter by adding a non-common bond group that is within a reasonable proximity of a service facility. Groups within the existing charter may be retained and continue to be served. However, future amendments, including any expansions of the original single common bond group, must be done in accordance with multiple common bond policy.
A credit union may request removal of a portion of the common bond group from its field of membership for various reasons. The most common reasons for this type of amendment are:
• The group is within the field of membership of two credit unions and one wishes to discontinue service;
• The federal credit union cannot continue to provide adequate service to the group;
• The group has ceased to exist;
• The group does not respond to repeated requests to contact the credit union or refuses to provide needed support; or
• The group initiates action to be removed from the field of membership.
When a federal credit union requests an amendment to remove a group from its field of membership, the regional director will determine why the credit union desires to remove the group. If the regional director concurs with the request, membership will continue for those who are already members under the “once a member, always a member” provision of the Federal Credit Union Act.
A number of persons, by virtue of their close relationship to a common bond group, may be included, at the charter applicant's option, in the field of membership. These include the following:
• Spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union;
• Employees of this credit union;
• Persons retired as pensioners or annuitants from the above employment;
• Volunteers;
• Members of the immediate family or household;
• Organizations of such persons; and
• Corporate or other legal entities in this charter.
Immediate family is defined as spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. This includes stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.
Household is defined as persons living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit.
Membership eligibility is extended only to individuals who are members of an “immediate family or household” of a credit union member. It is not necessary for the primary member to join the credit union in order for the immediate family or household member of the primary member to join, provided the immediate family or household clause is included in the field of membership. However, it is necessary for the immediate family member or household member to first join in order for that person's immediate family member or household member to join the credit union. A credit union can adopt a more restrictive definition of immediate family or household.
Volunteers, by virtue of their close relationship with a sponsor group, may be included. Examples include volunteers working at a hospital or school.
Under the Federal Credit Union Act, once a person becomes a member of the credit union, such person may remain a member of the credit union until the person chooses to withdraw or is expelled from the membership of the credit union. This is commonly referred to as “once a member, always a member.” The “once a member, always a member” provision does not prevent a credit union from restricting services to members who are no longer within the field of membership.
A single associational federal credit union may include in its field of membership, regardless of location, all members and employees of a recognized association. A single associational common bond consists of individuals (natural persons) and/or groups (non-natural persons) whose members participate in activities developing common loyalties, mutual benefits, and mutual interests. Separately chartered associational groups can establish a single common bond relationship if they are integrally related and share common goals and purposes. For example, two or more churches of the same denomination, Knights of Columbus Councils, or locals of the same union can qualify as a single associational common bond.
Individuals and groups eligible for membership in a single associational credit union can include the following:
• Natural person members of the association (for example, members of a union or church members);
• Non-natural person members of the association;
• Employees of the association (for example, employees of the labor union or employees of the church); and
• The association.
Generally, a single associational common bond does not include a geographic definition and can operate nationally. However, a proposed or existing federal credit union may limit its field of membership to a single association or geographic area. NCUA may impose a geographic limitation if it is determined that the applicant credit union does not have the ability to serve a larger group or there are other operational concerns. All single associational common bonds should include a definition of the group that may be served based on the association's charter, bylaws, and any other equivalent documentation.
The common bond for an associational group cannot be established simply on the basis that the association exists. In determining whether a group satisfies associational common bond requirements for a federal credit union charter, NCUA will consider the totality of the circumstances, which includes:
• Whether members pay dues;
• Whether members participate in the furtherance of the goals of the association;
• Whether the members have voting rights. To meet this requirement, members need not vote directly for an officer, but may vote for a delegate who in turn represents the members' interests;
• Whether the association maintains a membership list;
• Whether the association sponsors other activities;
• The association's membership eligibility requirements; and
• The frequency of meetings.
A support group whose members are continually changing or whose duration is temporary may not meet the single associational common bond criteria. Each class of member will be evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances. Individuals or honorary members who only make donations to the association are not eligible to join the credit union.
Educational groups—for example, parent-teacher organizations, alumni associations, and student organizations in any school—and church groups may constitute associational common bonds.
Student groups (e.g., students enrolled at a public, private, or parochial school) may constitute either an associational or occupational common bond. For example, students enrolled at a church sponsored school could share a single associational common bond with the members of that church and may qualify for a federal credit union charter. Similarly, students enrolled at a university, as a group by itself, or in conjunction with the faculty and employees of the school, could share a single occupational common bond and may qualify for a federal credit union charter.
The terminology “Alumni of Jacksonville State University” is insufficient to demonstrate an associational common bond. To qualify as an association, the alumni association must meet the requirements for an associational common bond. The alumni of a school must first join the alumni association, and not merely be alumni of the school to be eligible for membership.
Homeowner associations, tenant groups, consumer groups, and other groups of persons having an “interest in” a particular cause and certain consumer cooperatives may also qualify as an association.
Associations based primarily on a client-customer relationship do not meet associational common bond requirements. However, having an incidental client-customer relationship does not preclude an
Applicants for a single associational common bond federal credit union charter or a field of membership amendment to include an association must provide, at the request of the regional director, a copy of the association's charter, bylaws, or other equivalent documentation, including any legal documents required by the state or other governing authority.
The associational sponsor itself may also be included in the field of membership—e.g., “Sprocket Association”—and will be shown in the last clause of the field of membership.
If the association's membership or geographical definitions in its charter and bylaws are changed subsequent to the effective date stated in the field of membership, the credit union must submit the revised charter or bylaws for NCUA's consideration and approval prior to serving members of the association added as a result of the change.
Some examples of associational common bonds are:
• Regular members of Locals 10 and 13, IBEW, in Florida, who qualify for membership in accordance with their charter and bylaws in effect on May 20, 2001;
• Members of the Hoosier Farm Bureau in Grant, Logan, or Lee Counties of Indiana, who qualify for membership in accordance with its charter and bylaws in effect on March 7, 1997;
• Members of the Shalom Congregation in Chevy Chase, Maryland;
• Regular members of the Corporate Executives Association, located in Westchester, New York, who qualify for membership in accordance with its charter and bylaws in effect on December 1, 1997;
• Members of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin;
• Members of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association; or
• Members of St. John's Methodist Church and St. Luke's Methodist Church, located in Toledo, Ohio.
Some examples of insufficiently defined single associational common bonds are:
• All Lutherans in the United States (too broadly defined); or
• Veterans of U.S. military service (group is too broadly defined; no formal association of all members of the group).
Some examples of unacceptable single associational common bonds are:
• Alumni of Amos University (no formal association);
• Customers of Fleetwood Insurance Company (policyholders or primarily customer/client relationships do not meet associational standards);
• Employees of members of the Reston, Virginia, Chamber of Commerce (not a sufficiently close tie to the associational common bond); or
• Members of St. John's Lutheran Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church located in Anniston, Alabama (churches are not of the same denomination).
Section 5 of every associational federal credit union's charter defines the field of membership the credit union can legally serve. Only those persons who, or legal entities that, join the credit union and are specified in the field of membership can be served. There are three instances in which Section 5 must be amended by NCUA.
First, a group that shares the credit union's common bond is added to the field of membership. This may occur through various ways including agreement between the group and the credit union directly, or through a merger, purchase and assumption (P&A), or spin-off.
Second, a federal credit union qualifies to change its common bond from:
• A single associational common bond to a single occupational common bond;
• A single associational common bond to a community charter; or
• A single associational common bond to a multiple common bond.
Third, a federal credit union removes a portion of the group from its field of membership through agreement with the group, a spin-off, or a portion of the group that is no longer in existence.
An existing single associational federal credit union that submits a request to amend its charter must provide documentation to establish that the associational common bond requirement has been met. The regional director must approve all amendments to an associational common bond credit union's field of membership.
If the single common bond group that comprises a federal credit union's field of membership undergoes a substantial restructuring, the result is often that portions of the group are sold or spun off. This is an event requiring a change to the credit union's field of membership. NCUA may not permit a single associational credit union to
If the group comprising the single common bond of the credit union merges with, or is acquired by, another group, the credit union can serve the new group resulting from the merger or acquisition after receiving a housekeeping amendment.
Prior to granting a common bond expansion, NCUA will examine the amendment's likely impact on the credit union's operations and financial condition. In most cases, the information needed for analyzing the effect of adding a particular group will be available to NCUA through the examination and financial and statistical reports; however, in particular cases, a regional director may require additional information prior to making a decision.
A federal credit union requesting a common bond expansion must submit an Application for Field of Membership Amendment (NCUA 4015-EZ) to the appropriate NCUA regional director. An authorized credit union representative must sign the request.
All requests for approval to amend a federal credit union's charter must be submitted to the appropriate regional director.
NCUA staff will review all amendment requests in order to ensure conformance to NCUA policy.
Before acting on a proposed amendment, the regional director may require an on-site review. In addition, the regional director may, after taking into account the significance of the proposed field of membership amendment, require the applicant to submit a business plan addressing specific issues.
The financial and operational condition of the requesting credit union will be considered in every instance. The economic advisability of expanding the field of membership of a credit union with financial or operational problems must be carefully considered.
In most cases, field of membership amendments will only be approved for credit unions that are operating satisfactorily. Generally, if a federal credit union is having difficulty providing service to its current membership, or is experiencing financial or other operational problems, it may have more difficulty serving an expanded field of membership.
Occasionally, however, an expanded field of membership may provide the basis for reversing current financial problems. In such cases, an amendment to expand the field of membership may be granted notwithstanding the credit union's financial or operational problems. The applicant credit union must clearly establish that the expanded field of membership is in the best interest of the members and will not increase the risk to the NCUSIF.
If the regional director approves the requested amendment, the credit union will be issued an amendment to Section 5 of its charter.
When a regional director disapproves any application, in whole or in part, to amend the field of membership under this chapter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• Options to consider, if appropriate, for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedures.
If a field of membership expansion request, merger, or spin-off is denied by the regional director, the federal credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the NCUA Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
In general, other than the addition of common bond groups, there are three additional ways a federal credit union with a single
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a common bond or emergency merger;
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a common bond or emergency purchase and assumption (P&A); or
• By taking a portion of another credit union's field of membership through a common bond spin-off.
Generally, the requirements applicable to field of membership expansions found in this section apply to mergers where the continuing credit union is a federal charter. That is, the two credit unions must share a common bond.
Where the merging credit union is state-chartered, the common bond rules applicable to a federal credit union apply.
Mergers must be approved by the NCUA regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union, and, as applicable, the state regulators.
If a single associational credit union wants to merge into a multiple common bond or community credit union, Section IV.D or Section V.D of this Chapter, respectively, should be reviewed.
An emergency merger may be approved by NCUA without regard to common bond or other legal constraints. An emergency merger involves NCUA's direct intervention and approval. The credit union to be merged must either be insolvent or likely to become insolvent, and NCUA must determine that:
• An emergency requiring expeditious action exists;
• Other alternatives are not reasonably available; and
• The public interest would best be served by approving the merger.
If not corrected, conditions that could lead to insolvency include, but are not limited to:
• Abandonment by management;
• Loss of sponsor;
• Serious and persistent record keeping problems; or
• Serious and persistent operational concerns.
In an emergency merger situation, NCUA will take an active role in finding a suitable merger partner (continuing credit union). NCUA is primarily concerned that the continuing credit union has the financial strength and management expertise to absorb the troubled credit union without adversely affecting its own financial condition and stability.
As a stipulated condition to an emergency merger, the field of membership of the merging credit union may be transferred intact to the continuing federal credit union without regard to any common bond restrictions. Under this authority, therefore, a single associational common bond federal credit union may take into its field of membership any dissimilar charter type.
The common bond characteristic of the continuing credit union in an emergency merger does not change. That is, even though the merging credit union is a multiple common bond or community, the continuing credit union will remain a single common bond credit union. Similarly, if the merging credit union is an unlike single common bond, the continuing credit union will remain a single common bond credit union. Future common bond expansions will be based on the continuing credit union's single common bond.
Emergency mergers involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
Another alternative for acquiring the field of membership of a failing credit union is through a consolidation known as a P&A. A P&A has limited application because, in most cases, the failing credit union must be placed into involuntary liquidation. In the few instances where a P&A may be appropriate, the assuming federal credit union, as with emergency mergers, may acquire the entire field of membership if the emergency merger criteria are satisfied. However, if the P&A does not meet the emergency merger criteria, it must be processed under the common bond requirements.
In a P&A processed under the emergency criteria, specified loans, shares, and certain other designated assets and liabilities, without regard to common bond restrictions, may also be acquired without changing the character of the continuing federal credit union for purposes of future field of membership amendments.
If the purchased and/or assumed credit union's field of membership does not share a common bond with the purchasing and/or assuming credit union, then the continuing credit union's original common bond will be controlling for future common bond expansions.
P&As involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the purchased and/or assumed credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
A spin-off occurs when, by agreement of the parties, a portion of the field of membership, assets, liabilities, shares, and capital of a credit union are transferred to a new or existing credit union. A spin-off is unique in that usually one credit union has a field of membership expansion and the other loses a portion of its field of membership.
All common bond requirements apply regardless of whether the spun-off group becomes a new credit union or goes to an existing federal charter.
The request for approval of a spin-off must be supported with a plan that addresses, at a minimum:
• Why the spin-off is being requested;
• What part of the field of membership is to be spun off;
• Whether the affected credit unions have the same common bond (applies only to single associational credit unions);
• Which assets, liabilities, shares, and capital are to be transferred;
• The financial impact the spin-off will have on the affected credit unions;
• The ability of the acquiring credit union to effectively serve the new members;
• The proposed spin-off date; and
• Disclosure to the members of the requirements set forth above.
The spin-off request must also include current financial statements from the affected credit unions and the proposed voting ballot.
For federal credit unions spinning off a group, membership notice and voting requirements and procedures are the same as for mergers (see Part 708 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations), except that only the members directly affected by the spin-off—those whose shares are to be transferred—are permitted to vote. Members whose shares are not being transferred will not be afforded the opportunity to vote. All members of the group to be spun off (whether they voted in favor, against, or not at all) will be transferred if the spin-off is approved by the voting membership. Voting requirements for federally insured state credit unions are governed by state law.
Spin-offs involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by all regional directors where the credit unions are headquartered and the state regulators, as applicable. Spin-offs in the same region also require approval by the state regulator, as applicable.
An overlap exists when a group of persons is eligible for membership in two or more credit unions. NCUA will permit single associational federal credit unions to overlap any other charters without performing an overlap analysis.
A federal credit union's field of membership will always be governed by the common bond descriptions contained in Section 5 of its charter. Where a sponsor organization expands its operations internally, by acquisition or otherwise, the credit union may serve these new entrants to its field of membership if they are part of the common bond described in Section 5. NCUA will permit a complete overlap of the credit unions' fields of membership. If a sponsor organization sells off a group, new members can no longer be served unless they otherwise qualify for membership in the credit union or it converts to a multiple common bond.
Credit unions must submit documentation explaining the restructuring and providing information regarding the new organizational structure.
An exclusionary clause is a limitation precluding the credit union from serving the primary members of a portion of a group otherwise included in its field of membership. NCUA no longer grants exclusionary clauses. Those granted prior to the adoption of this new chartering manual will remain in effect unless the credit unions agree to remove them or one of the affected credit unions submits a housekeeping amendment to have it removed.
A single associational common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a community charter provided the field of membership requirements of the community charter are met. Groups within the existing charter which cannot qualify in the new charter cannot be served except for members of record, or groups or communities obtained in an emergency merger or P&A. A credit union must notify all groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of conversion. Members of record can continue to be served. Also, in order to support a case for a conversion, the applicant federal credit union may be required to develop a detailed business plan as specified in Chapter 2, Section V.A.3.
A single associational common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a multiple common bond charter by adding a non-common bond group that is within a reasonable proximity of a service facility. Groups within the existing charter may be retained and continue to be served. However, future amendments, including any expansions of the original single common bond group, must be done in accordance with multiple common bond policy.
A credit union may request removal of a portion of the common bond group from its field of membership for various reasons. The most common reasons for this type of amendment are:
• The group is within the field of membership of two credit unions and one wishes to discontinue service;
• The federal credit union cannot continue to provide adequate service to the group;
• The group has ceased to exist;
• The group does not respond to repeated requests to contact the credit union or refuses to provide needed support; or
• The group initiates action to be removed from the field of membership.
When a federal credit union requests an amendment to remove a group from its field of membership, the regional director will determine why the credit union desires to remove the group. If the regional director concurs with the request, membership will continue for those who are already members under the “once a member, always a member” provision of the Federal Credit Union Act.
A number of persons by virtue of their close relationship to a common bond group may be included, at the charter applicant's option, in the field of membership. These include the following:
• Spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union;
• Employees of this credit union;
• Volunteers;
• Members of the immediate family or household;
• Organizations of such persons; and
• Corporate or other legal entities in this charter.
Immediate family is defined as spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. This includes stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.
Household is defined as persons living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit.
Membership eligibility is extended only to individuals who are members of an “immediate family or household” of a credit union member. It is not necessary for the primary member to join the credit union in order for the immediate family or household member of the primary member to join, provided the immediate family or household clause is included in the field of membership. However, it is necessary for the immediate family member or household member to first join in order for that person's immediate family member or household member to join the credit union. A credit union can adopt a more restrictive definition of immediate family or household.
Volunteers, by virtue of their close relationship with a sponsor group, may be included. One example is volunteers working at a church.
Under the Federal Credit Union Act, once a person becomes a member of the credit union, such person may remain a member of the credit union until the person chooses to withdraw or is expelled from the membership of the credit union. This is commonly referred to as “once a member, always a member.” The “once a member, always a member” provision does not prevent a credit union from restricting services to members who are no longer within the field of membership.
A federal credit union may be chartered to serve a combination of distinct, definable single occupational and/or associational common bonds. This type of credit union is called a multiple common bond credit union. Each group in the field of membership must have its own occupational or associational common bond. For example, a multiple common bond credit union may include two unrelated employers, or two unrelated associations, or a combination of two or more employers or associations. Additionally, these groups must be within reasonable geographic proximity of the credit union. That is, the groups must be within the service area of one of the credit union's service facilities. These groups are referred to as select groups. A multiple common bond credit union cannot include a TIP or expand using single common bond criteria.
A federal credit union's service area is the area that can reasonably be served by the service facilities accessible to the groups within the field of membership. The service area will most often coincide with that geographic area primarily served by the service facility. Additionally, the groups served by the credit union must have access to the service facility. The non-availability of other credit union service is a factor to be considered in determining whether the group is within reasonable proximity of a credit union wishing to add the group to its field of membership.
A service facility for multiple common bond credit unions is defined as a place where shares are accepted for members' accounts, loan applications are accepted or loans are disbursed. This definition includes a credit union owned branch, a mobile branch, an office operated on a regularly scheduled weekly basis, a credit union owned
The select group as a whole will be considered to be within a credit union's service area when:
• A majority of the persons in a select group live, work, or gather regularly within the service area;
• The group's headquarters is located within the service area; or
• The group's “paid from” or “supervised from” location is within the service area.
An example of a multiple common bond field of membership is:
“The field of membership of this federal credit union shall be limited to the following:
1. Employees of Teltex Corporation who work in Wilmington, Delaware;
2. Partners and employees of Smith & Jones, Attorneys at Law, who work in Wilmington, Delaware;
3. Members of the M&L Association in Wilmington, Delaware, who qualify for membership in accordance with its charter and bylaws in effect on December 31, 1997.”
Section 5 of every multiple common bond federal credit union's charter defines the field of membership and select groups the credit union can legally serve. Only those persons or legal entities specified in the field of membership can be served. There are a number of instances in which Section 5 must be amended by NCUA.
First, a new select group is added to the field of membership. This may occur through agreement between the group and the credit union directly, or through a merger, corporate acquisition, purchase and assumption (P&A), or spin-off.
Second, a federal credit union qualifies to change its charter from:
• A single occupational or associational charter to a multiple common bond charter;
• A multiple common bond to a single occupational or associational charter;
• A multiple common bond to a community charter; or
• A community to a multiple common bond charter.
Third, a federal credit union removes a group from its field of membership through agreement with the group, a spin-off, or because the group no longer exists.
An existing multiple common bond federal credit union that submits a request to amend its charter must provide documentation to establish that the multiple common bond requirements have been met. The regional director must approve all amendments to a multiple common bond credit union's field of membership.
NCUA will approve groups to a credit union's field of membership if the agency determines in writing that the following criteria are met:
• The credit union has not engaged in any unsafe or unsound practice, as determined by the regional director, which is material during the one year period preceding the filing to add the group;
• The credit union is “adequately capitalized.” NCUA defines adequately capitalized to mean the credit union has a net worth ratio of not less than 6 percent. For low-income credit unions or credit unions chartered less than ten years, the regional director may determine that a net worth ratio of less than 6 percent is adequate if the credit union is making reasonable progress toward meeting the 6 percent net worth requirement. For any other credit union, the regional director may determine that a net worth ratio of less than 6 percent is adequate if the credit union is making reasonable progress toward meeting the 6 percent net worth requirement, and the addition of the group would not adversely affect the credit union's capitalization level;
• The credit union has the administrative capability to serve the proposed group and the financial resources to meet the need for additional staff and assets to serve the new group;
• Any potential harm the expansion may have on any other credit union and its members is clearly outweighed by the probable beneficial effect of the expansion. With respect to a proposed expansion's effect on other credit unions, the requirements on overlapping fields of membership set forth in Section IV.E of this Chapter are also applicable; and
• If the formation of a separate credit union by such group is not practical and consistent with reasonable standards for the safe and sound operation of a credit union.
A detailed analysis is required for groups of 3,000 or more primary potential members requesting to be added to a multiple common bond credit union. It is incumbent upon the credit union to demonstrate that the formation of a separate credit union by such a
A multiple common bond credit union requesting a select group expansion must submit a formal written request, using the Application for Field of Membership Amendment (NCUA 4015 or NCUA 4015-EZ) to the appropriate NCUA regional director. An authorized credit union representative must sign the request.
The NCUA 4015-EZ (for groups less than 3,000 potential members) must be accompanied by the following:
• A letter, or equivalent documentation, from the group requesting credit union service. This letter must indicate:
○ That the group wants to be added to the applicant federal credit union's field of membership;
○ The number of persons currently included within the group to be added and their locations; and
○ The group's proximity to credit union's nearest service facility.
• The most recent copy of the group's charter and bylaws or equivalent documentation (for associational groups).
The NCUA 4015 (for groups of 3,000 or more primary potential members) must be accompanied by the following:
• A letter, or equivalent documentation, from the group requesting credit union service. This letter must indicate:
○ That the group wants to be added to the federal credit union's field of membership;
○ Whether the group presently has other credit union service available;
○ The number of persons currently included within the group to be added and their locations;
○ The group's proximity to credit union's nearest service facility, and
○ Why the formation of a separate credit union for the group is not practical or consistent with safety and soundness standards. A credit union need not address every item on the list, simply those issues that are relevant to its particular request:
Member location—whether the membership is widely dispersed or concentrated in a central location.
Demographics—the employee turnover rate, economic status of the group's members, and whether the group is more apt to consist of savers and/or borrowers.
Market competition—the availability of other financial services.
Desired services and products—the type of services the group desires in comparison to the type of services a new credit union could offer.
Sponsor subsidies—the availability of operating subsidies.
The desire of the sponsor—the extent of the sponsor's interest in supporting a credit union charter.
Employee interest—the extent of the employees' interest in obtaining a credit union charter.
Evidence of past failure—whether the group previously had its own credit union or previously filed for a credit union charter.
Administrative capacity to provide services—will the group have the management expertise to provide the services requested.
• If the group is eligible for membership in any other credit union, documentation must be provided to support inclusion of the group under the overlap standards set forth in Section IV.E of this Chapter; and
• The most recent copy of the group's charter and bylaws or equivalent documentation (for associational groups).
If a select group within a federal credit union's field of membership undergoes a substantial restructuring, a change to the credit union's field of membership may be required if the credit union is to continue to provide service to the select group. NCUA permits a multiple common bond credit union to maintain in its field of membership a sold, spun-off, or merged select group to which it has been providing service. This type of amendment to the credit union's charter is not considered an expansion; therefore, the criteria relating to adding new groups are not applicable.
When two groups merge and each is in the field of membership of a credit union, then both (or all affected) credit unions can serve the resulting merged group, subject to any existing geographic limitation and without regard to any overlap provisions. However, the credit unions cannot serve the other multiple groups that may be in the field of membership of the other credit union.
All requests for approval to amend a federal credit union's charter must be submitted to the appropriate regional director.
NCUA staff will review all amendment requests in order to ensure conformance to NCUA policy.
Before acting on a proposed amendment, the regional director may require an on-site
The financial and operational condition of the requesting credit union will be considered in every instance. An expanded field of membership may provide the basis for reversing adverse trends. In such cases, an amendment to expand the field of membership may be granted notwithstanding the credit union's adverse trends. The applicant credit union must clearly establish that the approval of the expanded field of membership meets the requirements of Section IV.B.2 of this Chapter and will not increase the risk to the NCUSIF.
If the regional director approves the requested amendment, the credit union will be issued an amendment to Section 5 of its charter.
When a regional director disapproves any application, in whole or in part, to amend the field of membership under this chapter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• Options to consider, if appropriate, for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedure.
If a field of membership expansion request, merger, or spin-off is denied by the regional director, the federal credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial, and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
In general, other than the addition of select groups, there are three additional ways a multiple common bond federal credit union can expand its field of membership:
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a merger;
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a purchase and assumption (P&A); or
• By taking a portion of another credit union's field of membership through a spin-off.
A voluntary merger of two or more federal credit unions is permissible as long as each select group in the merging credit union's field of membership has less than 3,000 primary potential members. While the merger requirements outlined in Section 205 of the Federal Credit Union Act must still be met, the requirements of Chapter 2, Section IV.B.2 of this manual are not applicable.
If the merging credit unions serve the same group, and the group consists of 3,000 or more primary potential members, then the ability to form a separate credit union analysis is not required for that group. If the merging credit union has any other groups consisting of 3,000 or more primary potential members, special requirements apply. NCUA will analyze each group of 3,000 or more primary potential members, except as noted above, to determine whether the formation of a separate credit union by such a group is practical. If the formation of a separate credit union by such a group is not practical because the group lacks sufficient volunteer and other resources to support the efficient and effective operations of a credit union or does not meet the economic advisable criteria outlined in Chapter 1, the group may be merged into a multiple common bond credit union. If the formation of a separate credit union is practical, the group must be spun-off before the merger can be approved.
A financially healthy single common bond credit union with a primary potential membership of 3,000 or more cannot merge into a multiple common bond credit union, absent supervisory reasons, unless the continuing credit union already serves the same group.
If the merger is approved, the qualifying groups within the merging credit union's field of membership will be transferred intact to the continuing credit union and can continue to be served.
Where the merging credit union is state-chartered, the field of membership rules applicable to a federal credit union apply.
Mergers must be approved by the NCUA regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union, and, as applicable, the state regulators.
The NCUA may approve the merger of any federally insured credit union when safety and soundness concerns are present without regard to the 3,000 numerical limitation. The credit union need not be insolvent or in danger of insolvency for NCUA to use this statutory authority. Examples constituting appropriate reasons for using this authority are: abandonment of the management and/or officials and an inability to find replacements, loss of sponsor support, serious and persistent record keeping problems, sustained material decline in financial condition, or other serious or persistent circumstances.
An emergency merger may be approved by NCUA without regard to field of membership rules, the 3,000 numerical limitation, or other legal constraints. An emergency merger involves NCUA's direct intervention and approval. The credit union to be merged must either be insolvent or likely to become insolvent, and NCUA must determine that:
• An emergency requiring expeditious action exists;
• Other alternatives are not reasonably available; and
• The public interest would best be served by approving the merger.
If not corrected, conditions that could lead to insolvency include, but are not limited to:
• Abandonment by management;
• Loss of sponsor;
• Serious and persistent record keeping problems; or
• Serious and persistent operational concerns.
In an emergency merger situation, NCUA will take an active role in finding a suitable merger partner (continuing credit union). NCUA is primarily concerned that the continuing credit union has the financial strength and management expertise to absorb the troubled credit union without adversely affecting its own financial condition and stability.
As a stipulated condition to an emergency merger, the field of membership of the merging credit union may be transferred intact to the continuing federal credit union without regard to any field of membership restrictions including numerical limitation requirements. Under this authority, any single occupational or associational common bond, multiple common bond, or community charter may merger into a multiple common bond credit union and that credit union can continue to serve the merging credit union's field of membership. Subsequent field of membership expansions of the continuing multiple common bond credit union must be consistent with multiple common bond policies.
Emergency mergers involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
Another alternative for acquiring the field of membership of a failing credit union is through a consolidation known as a P&A. Generally, the requirements applicable to field of membership expansions found in this chapter apply to purchase and assumptions where the purchasing credit union is a federal charter.
A P&A has limited application because, in most cases, the failing credit union must be placed into involuntary liquidation. However, in the few instances where a P&A may occur, the assuming federal credit union, as with emergency mergers, may acquire the entire field of membership if the emergency criteria are satisfied. Specified loans, shares, and certain other designated assets and liabilities, without regard to field of membership restrictions, may also be acquired without changing the character of the continuing federal credit union for purposes of future field of membership amendments. Subsequent field of membership expansions must be consistent with multiple common bond policies.
P&As involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the purchased and/or assumed credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
A spin-off occurs when, by agreement of the parties, a portion of the field of membership, assets, liabilities, shares, and capital of a credit union are transferred to a new or existing credit union. A spin-off is unique in that usually one credit union has a field of
All common bond requirements apply regardless of whether the spun-off group becomes a new charter or goes to an existing federal charter.
The request for approval of a spun-off group must be supported with a plan that addresses, at a minimum:
• Why the spin-off is being requested;
• What part of the field of membership is to be spun off;
• Which assets, liabilities, shares, and capital are to be transferred;
• The financial impact the spin-off will have on the affected credit unions;
• The ability of the acquiring credit union to effectively serve the new members;
• The proposed spin-off date; and
• Disclosure to the members of the requirements set forth above.
The spin-off request must also include current financial statements from the affected credit unions and the proposed voting ballot.
For federal credit unions spinning off a group, membership notice and voting requirements and procedures are the same as for mergers (see Part 708 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations), except that only the members directly affected by the spin-off—those whose shares are to be transferred—are permitted to vote. Members whose shares are not being transferred will not be afforded the opportunity to vote. All members of the group to be spun off (whether they voted in favor, against, or not at all) will be transferred if the spin-off is approved by the voting membership. Voting requirements for federally insured state credit unions are governed by state law.
Spin-offs involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by all regional directors where the credit unions are headquartered and the state regulators, as applicable. Spin-offs in the same region also require approval by the state regulator, as applicable.
An overlap exists when a group of persons is eligible for membership in two or more credit unions, including state charters. An overlap is permitted when the expansion's beneficial effect in meeting the convenience and needs of the members of the group proposed to be included in the field of membership clearly outweighs any adverse effect on the overlapped credit union.
Credit unions must investigate the possibility of an overlap with federally insured credit unions prior to submitting an expansion request if the group has 3,000 or more primary potential members. If cases arise where the assurance given to a regional director concerning the unavailability of credit union service is inaccurate, the misinformation may be grounds for removal of the group from the federal credit union's charter.
When an overlap situation requiring analysis does arise, officials of the expanding credit union must ascertain the views of the overlapped credit union. If the overlapped credit union does not object, the applicant must submit a letter or other documentation to that effect. If the overlapped credit union does not respond, the expanding credit union must notify NCUA in writing of its attempt to obtain the overlapped credit union's comments.
NCUA will approve an overlap if the expansion's beneficial effect in meeting the convenience and needs of the members of the group clearly outweighs any adverse effect on the overlapped credit union.
In reviewing the overlap, the regional director will consider:
• The view of the overlapped credit union(s);
• Whether the overlap is incidental in nature—the group of persons in question is so small as to have no material effect on the original credit union;
• Whether there is limited participation by members or employees of the group in the original credit union after the expiration of a reasonable period of time;
• Whether the original credit union fails to provide requested service;
• Financial effect on the overlapped credit union;
• The desires of the group(s);
• The desire of the sponsor organization; and
• The best interests of the affected group and the credit union members involved.
Generally, if the overlapped credit union does not object, and NCUA determines that there is no safety and soundness problem, the overlap will be permitted.
Potential overlaps of a federally insured state credit union's field of membership by a federal credit union will generally be analyzed in the same way as if two federal credit unions were involved. Where a federally insured state credit union's field of membership is broadly stated, NCUA will exclude its field of membership from any overlap protection.
NCUA will permit multiple common bond federal credit unions to overlap community charters without performing an overlap analysis.
A federal credit union's field of membership will always be governed by the field of membership descriptions contained in Section 5 of its charter. Where a sponsor organization expands its operations internally, by acquisition or otherwise, the credit union
Overlaps may occur as a result of restructuring or merger of the parent organization. When such overlaps occur, each credit union must request a field of membership amendment to reflect the new groups each wishes to serve. The credit union can continue to serve any current group in its field of membership that is acquiring a new group or has been acquired by a new group. The new group cannot be served by the credit union until the field of membership amendment is approved by NCUA.
Credit unions affected by organizational restructuring or merger should attempt to resolve overlap issues among themselves. Unless an agreement is reached limiting the overlap resulting from the corporate restructuring, NCUA will permit a complete overlap of the credit unions' fields of membership. When two groups merge, or one group is acquired by the other, and each is in the field of membership of a credit union, both (or all affected) credit unions can serve the resulting merged or acquired group, subject to any existing geographic limitation and without regard to any overlap provisions. This is accomplished through a housekeeping amendment.
Credit unions must submit to NCUA documentation explaining the restructuring and provide information regarding the new organizational structure.
An exclusionary clause is a limitation precluding the credit union from serving the primary members of a portion of a group otherwise included in its field of membership. NCUA no longer grants exclusionary clauses. Those granted prior to the adoption of this new chartering manual will remain in effect unless the credit unions agree to remove them or one of the affected credit unions submits a housekeeping amendment to have it removed.
A multiple common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a community charter provided the field of membership requirements of the community charter are met. Groups within the existing charter which cannot qualify in the new charter cannot be served except for members of record, or groups or communities obtained in an emergency merger or P&A. A credit union must notify all groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of conversion. Members of record can continue to be served. Also, in order to support a case for a conversion, the applicant federal credit union may be required to develop a detailed business plan as specified in Chapter 2, Section V.A.3.
A multiple common bond federal credit union may apply to convert to a single occupational or associational common bond charter provided the field of membership requirements of the new charter are met. Groups within the existing charter, which do not qualify in the new charter, cannot be served except for members of record, or groups or communities obtained in an emergency merger or P&A. A credit union must notify all groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of conversion.
A credit union may request removal of a group from its field of membership for various reasons. The most common reasons for this type of amendment are:
• The group is within the field of membership of two credit unions and one wishes to discontinue service;
• The federal credit union cannot continue to provide adequate service to the group;
• The group has ceased to exist;
• The group does not respond to repeated requests to contact the credit union or refuses to provide needed support;
• The group initiates action to be removed from the field of membership; or
• The federal credit union wishes to convert to a single common bond.
When a federal credit union requests an amendment to remove a group from its field of membership, the regional director will determine why the credit union desires to remove the group. If the regional director concurs with the request, membership will continue for those who are already members under the “once a member, always a member” provision of the Federal Credit Union Act.
A number of persons, by virtue of their close relationship to a common bond group, may be included, at the charter applicant's option, in the field of membership. These include the following:
• Spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union;
• Employees of this credit union;
• Persons retired as pensioners or annuitants from the above employment;
• Volunteers;
• Members of the immediate family or household;
• Organizations of such persons; and
• Corporate or other legal entities in this charter.
Immediate family is defined as spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. This includes stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.
Household is defined as persons living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit.
Membership eligibility is extended only to individuals who are members of an “immediate family or household” of a credit union member. It is not necessary for the primary member to join the credit union in order for the immediate family or household member of the primary member to join, provided the immediate family or household clause is included in the field of membership. However, it is necessary for the immediate family member or household member to first join in order for that person's immediate family member or household member to join the credit union. A credit union can adopt a more restrictive definition of immediate family or household.
Volunteers, by virtue of their close relationship with a sponsor group, may be included. Examples include volunteers working at a hospital or church.
Under the Federal Credit Union Act, once a person becomes a member of the credit union, such person may remain a member of the credit union until the person chooses to withdraw or is expelled from the membership of the credit union. This is commonly referred to as “once a member, always a member.” The “once a member, always a member” provision does not prevent a credit union from restricting services to members who are no longer within the field of membership.
Community charters must be based on a single, geographically well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district where individuals have common interests and/or interact. More than one credit union may serve the same community.
NCUA recognizes four types of affinity on which a community charter can be based—persons who live in, worship in, attend school in, or work in the community. Businesses and other legal entities within the community boundaries may also qualify for membership.
NCUA has established the following requirements for community charters:
• The geographic area's boundaries must be clearly defined;
• The area is a “well-defined local, community, neighborhood, or rural district;” and
• Individuals must have common interests and/or interact.
In addition to the documentation requirements set forth in Chapter 1 to charter a credit union, a community credit union applicant must provide additional documentation addressing the proposed area to be served and community service policies.
A community credit union must meet the statutory requirements that the proposed community area is (1) well-defined, and (2) a local community, neighborhood, or rural district.
“Well-defined” means the proposed area has specific geographic boundaries. Geographic boundaries may include a city, township, county (or its political equivalent), or a clearly identifiable neighborhood. Although congressional districts and state boundaries are well-defined areas, they do not meet the requirement that the proposed area be a local community.
The well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district requirement is
• The area to be served is in a recognized single political jurisdiction, i.e., a city, county, or their political equivalent, or any contiguous portion thereof.
The well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district requirement
• The area to be served is in multiple contiguous political jurisdictions, i.e., a city, county, or their political equivalent, or any contiguous portion thereof and if the population of the requested well-defined area does not exceed 500,000; or
• The area to be served is a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or its equivalent, or a portion thereof, where the population of the MSA or its equivalent does not exceed 1,000,000.
If the proposed area meets either the multiple political jurisdiction or MSA criteria, the credit union must submit a letter describing how the area meets the standards for community interaction and/or common interests.
If NCUA does not find sufficient evidence of community interaction and/or common interests or if the area to be served does not meet the MSA or multiple political jurisdiction requirements of the preceding paragraph, the application must include documentation to support that it is a well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district.
It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate the relevance of the documentation provided in support of the application. This must be provided in a narrative summary. The narrative summary must explain how the documentation demonstrates interaction and/or common interests. For example, simply listing newspapers and organizations in the area is not sufficient to demonstrate
Examples of acceptable documentation may include:
• The defined political jurisdictions;
• Major trade areas (shopping patterns and traffic flows);
• Shared/common facilities (for example, educational, medical, police and fire protection, school district, water, etc.);
• Organizations and clubs within the community area;
• Newspapers or other periodicals published for and about the area;
• A local map designating the area to be served and locations of current and proposed service facilities and a regional or state map with the proposed community outlined; or
• Other documentation that demonstrates that the area is a community where individuals have common interests and/or interact.
An applicant need not submit a narrative summary or documentation to support a proposed community charter, amendment or conversion as a well-defined local community, neighborhood or rural district if the NCUA has previously determined that the same exact geographic area meets that requirement in connection with consideration of a prior application since IRPS 99-1, as amended. Applicants may contact the appropriate regional office to find out if the area they are interested in has already been determined to meet the community requirements. If the area is the same as a previously approved area, an applicant need only include a statement to that effect in the application. Applicants may be required to submit their own summary and documentation regarding the community requirements if NCUA has reason to believe that prior submissions are no longer accurate.
A community credit union is frequently more susceptible to competition from other local financial institutions and generally does not have substantial support from any single sponsoring company or association. As a result, a community credit union will often encounter financial and operational factors that differ from an occupational or associational charter. Its diverse membership may require special marketing programs targeted to different segments of the community. For example, the lack of payroll deduction creates special challenges in the development of savings promotional programs and in the collection of loans.
Accordingly, it is essential for the proposed community credit union to develop a detailed and practical business and marketing plan for at least the first two years of operation. The proposed credit union must not only address the documentation requirements set forth in Chapter 1, but also focus on the accomplishment of the unique financial and operational factors of a community charter.
Community credit unions will be expected to regularly review and to follow, to the fullest extent economically possible, the marketing and business plan submitted with their application.
An existing federal credit union may apply to convert to a community charter. Groups currently in the credit union's field of membership but outside the new community credit union's boundaries may not be included in the new community charter. Therefore, the credit union is required to notify groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of the conversion. Members of record can continue to be served.
The documentation requirements set forth in Section V.A.2 of this Chapter must be met before a community charter can be approved. In order to support a case for a conversion to community charter, the applicant federal credit union must develop a business plan incorporating the following data:
• Pro forma financial statements for the first two years after the proposed conversion, including assumptions—e.g., member, share, loan, and asset growth;
• Marketing plan addressing how the community will be served;
• Financial services to be provided to members;
• A local map showing current and proposed service facilities; and
• Anticipated financial impact on the credit union in terms of need for additional employees and fixed assets.
Before approval of an application to convert to a community credit union, NCUA must be satisfied that the institution will be viable and capable of providing services to its members.
The geographic boundaries of a community federal credit union are the areas defined in its charter. The boundaries can usually be defined using political borders, streets, rivers, railroad tracks, etc.
A community that is a recognized legal entity, may be stated in the field of membership—for example, “Gus Township, Texas” or “Kristi County, Virginia.”
A community that is a recognized MSA must state in the field of membership the political jurisdiction(s) that comprise the MSA.
A community field of membership may include persons who work or attend school in a particular industrial park, shopping mall, office complex, or similar development. The proposed field of membership must have clearly defined geographic boundaries.
A community charter does not have to include all four affinities (
• Persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in, and businesses located in the area of Johnson City, Tennessee, bounded by Fern Street on the north, Long Street on the east, Fourth Street on the south, and Elm Avenue on the west;
• Persons who live or work in Green County, Maine;
• Persons who live, worship, or work in and businesses and other legal entities located in Independent School District No. 1, DuPage County, Illinois;
• Persons who live, worship, work (or regularly conduct business in), or attend school on the University of Dayton campus, in Dayton, Ohio;
• Persons who work for businesses located in Clifton Country Mall, in Clifton Park, New York; or
• Persons who live, work, or worship in the Binghamton, New York, MSA, consisting of Broome and Tioga Counties, New York.
Some examples of insufficiently defined community field of membership definitions are:
• Persons who live or work within and businesses located within a ten-mile radius of Washington, D.C. (using a radius does not establish a well-defined area);
• Persons who live or work in the industrial section of New York, New York (not a well-defined neighborhood, community, or rural district); or
• Persons who live or work in the greater Boston area (not a well-defined neighborhood, community, or rural district).
Some examples of unacceptable local communities, neighborhoods, or rural districts are:
• Persons who live or work in the State of California (does not meet the definition of local community, neighborhood, or rural district).
• Persons who live in the first congressional district of Florida (does not meet the definition of local community, neighborhood, or rural district).
A community credit union may amend its field of membership by adding additional affinities or removing exclusionary clauses. This can be accomplished with a housekeeping amendment.
A community credit union also may expand its geographic boundaries. Persons who live, work, worship, or attend school within the proposed well-defined local community, neighborhood or rural district must have common interests and/or interact. The credit union must follow the requirements of Section V.A.3 of this chapter.
All requests for approval to amend a community credit union's charter must be submitted to the appropriate regional director. If a decision cannot be made within a reasonable period of time, the regional director will notify the credit union.
The financial and operational condition of the requesting credit union will be considered in every instance. The economic advisability of expanding the field of membership of a credit union with financial or operational problems must be carefully considered.
In most cases, field of membership amendments will only be approved for credit unions that are operating satisfactorily. Generally, if a federal credit union is having difficulty providing service to its current membership, or is experiencing financial or other operational problems, it may have more difficulty serving an expanded field of membership.
Occasionally, however, an expanded field of membership may provide the basis for reversing current financial problems. In such cases, an amendment to expand the field of membership may be granted notwithstanding the credit union's financial or operational problems. The applicant credit union must clearly establish that the expanded field of membership is in the best interest of the members and will not increase the risk to the NCUSIF.
If the requested amendment is approved by NCUA, the credit union will be issued an amendment to Section 5 of its charter.
When NCUA disapproves any application to amend the field of membership, in whole or in part, under this chapter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• If appropriate, options or suggestions that could be considered for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedures.
If a field of membership expansion request, merger, or spin-off is denied by the regional director, the federal credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
There are three additional ways a community federal credit union can expand its field of membership:
• By taking in the field of membership of another credit union through a merger;
• By taking in the field of membership through a purchase and assumption (P&A); or
• By taking a portion of another credit union's field of membership through a spin-off.
Generally, the requirements applicable to field of membership expansions apply to mergers where the continuing credit union is a community federal charter.
Where both credit unions are community charters, the continuing credit union must meet the criteria for expanding the community boundaries. A community credit union cannot merge into a single occupational/associational, or multiple common bond credit union, except in an emergency merger. However, a single occupational or associational, or multiple common bond credit union can merge into a community charter as long as the merging credit union has a service facility within the community boundaries or a majority of the merging credit union's field of membership would qualify for membership in the community charter. While a community charter may take in an occupational, associational, or multiple common bond credit union in a merger, it will remain a community charter.
Groups within the merging credit union's field of membership located outside of the community boundaries may not continue to be served. The merging credit union must notify groups that will be removed from the field of membership as a result of the merger. However, the credit union may continue to serve members of record.
Where a state-chartered credit union is merging into a community federal credit union, the continuing federal credit union's field of membership will be worded in accordance with NCUA policy. Any subsequent field of membership expansions must comply with applicable amendment procedures.
Mergers must be approved by the NCUA regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union, and, as applicable, the state regulators.
An emergency merger may be approved by NCUA without regard to field of membership requirements or other legal constraints. An emergency merger involves NCUA's direct intervention and approval. The credit union to be merged must either be insolvent or likely to become insolvent, and NCUA must determine that:
• An emergency requiring expeditious action exists;
• Other alternatives are not reasonably available; and
• The public interest would best be served by approving the merger.
If not corrected, conditions that could lead to insolvency include, but are not limited to:
• Abandonment by management;
• Loss of sponsor;
• Serious and persistent record keeping; or
• Serious and persistent operational concerns.
In an emergency merger situation, NCUA will take an active role in finding a suitable merger partner (continuing credit union). NCUA is primarily concerned that the continuing credit union has the financial strength and management expertise to absorb the troubled credit union without adversely affecting its own financial condition and stability.
As a stipulated condition to an emergency merger, the field of membership of the merging credit union may be transferred intact to the continuing federal credit union without regard to any field of membership restrictions, including the service facility requirement. Under this authority, a federal credit union may take in any dissimilar field of membership.
Even though the merging credit union is a single common bond credit union or multiple common bond credit union or community credit union, the continuing credit union will remain a community charter. Future community expansions will be based on the continuing credit union's original community area.
Emergency mergers involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the merging credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
Another alternative for acquiring the field of membership of a failing credit union is through a consolidation known as a P&A. Generally, the requirements applicable to community expansions found in this chapter apply to purchase and assumptions where the purchasing credit union is a federal charter.
A P&A has limited application because, in most instances, the failing credit union must be placed into involuntary liquidation. However, in the few instances where a P&A may occur, the assuming federal credit union, as with emergency mergers, may acquire the entire field of membership if the emergency criteria are satisfied.
In a P&A processed under the emergency criteria, specified loans, shares, and certain other designated assets and liabilities may also be acquired without regard to field of membership restrictions and without changing the character of the continuing federal credit union for purposes of future field of membership amendments.
If the P&A does not meet the emergency criteria, then only members of record can be obtained unless they otherwise qualify for membership in the community charter.
P&As involving federally insured credit unions in different NCUA regions must be approved by the regional director where the continuing credit union is headquartered, with the concurrence of the regional director of the purchased and/or assumed credit union and, as applicable, the state regulators.
A spin-off occurs when, by agreement of the parties, a portion of the field of membership, assets, liabilities, shares, and capital of a credit union are transferred to a new or existing credit union. A spin-off is unique in that usually one credit union has a field of membership expansion and the other loses a portion of its field of membership.
All field of membership requirements apply regardless of whether the spun-off group goes to a new or existing federal charter.
The request for approval of a spin-off must be supported with a plan that addresses, at a minimum:
• Why the spin-off is being requested;
• What part of the field of membership is to be spun off;
• Whether the field of membership requirements are met;
• Which assets, liabilities, shares, and capital are to be transferred;
• The financial impact the spin-off will have on the affected credit unions;
• The ability of the acquiring credit union to effectively serve the new members;
• The proposed spin-off date; and
• Disclosure to the members of the requirements set forth above.
The spin-off request must also include current financial statements from the affected credit unions and the proposed voting ballot.
For federal credit unions spinning off a portion of the community, membership notice and voting requirements and procedures are the same as for mergers (see Part 708 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations), except that only the members directly affected by the spin-off—those whose shares are to be transferred—are permitted to vote. Members whose shares are not being transferred will not be afforded the opportunity to vote. All members of the group to be spun off (whether they voted in favor, against, or not at all) will be transferred if the spin-off is approved by the voting membership. Voting requirements for federally insured state credit unions are governed by state law.
Generally, an overlap exists when a group of persons is eligible for membership in two or more credit unions. NCUA will permit community credit unions to overlap any other charters without performing an overlap analysis.
An exclusionary clause is a limitation precluding the credit union from serving the primary members of a portion of a group or community otherwise included in its field of membership. NCUA no longer grants exclusionary clauses. Those granted prior to the adoption of this new chartering manual will remain in effect unless the credit unions agree to remove them or one of the affected credit unions submits a housekeeping amendment to have it removed.
A community federal credit union may convert to a single occupational or associational, or multiple common bond credit union. The converting credit union must meet all occupational, associational, and multiple common bond requirements, as applicable. The converting credit union may continue to serve members of record of the prior field of membership as of the date of the conversion, and any groups or communities obtained in an emergency merger or P&A. A change to the credit union's field of
A community credit union may convert to serve a new geographical area provided the field of membership requirements of V.A.3 of this chapter are met. Members of record of the original community can continue to be served.
A number of persons who have a close relationship to the community may be included, at the charter applicant's option, in the field of membership. These include the following:
• Spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union;
• Employees of this credit union;
• Volunteers in the community;
• Members of the immediate family or household; and
• Organizations of such persons
Immediate family is defined as spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild. This includes stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships.
Household is defined as persons living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit.
Membership eligibility is extended only to individuals who are members of an “immediate family or household” of a credit union member. It is not necessary for the primary member to join the credit union in order for the immediate family or household member of the primary member to join, provided the immediate family or household clause is included in the field of membership. However, it is necessary for the immediate family member or household member to first join in order for that person's immediate family member or household member to join the credit union. A credit union can adopt a more restrictive definition of immediate family or household.
Under the Federal Credit Union Act, once a person becomes a member of the credit union, such person may remain a member of the credit union until the person chooses to withdraw or is expelled from the membership of the credit union. This is commonly referred to as “once a member, always a member.” The “once a member, always a member” provision does not prevent a credit union from restricting services to members who are no longer within the field of membership.
One of the primary reasons for the creation of federal credit unions is to make credit available to people of modest means for provident and productive purposes. To help NCUA fulfill this mission, the agency has established special operational policies for federal credit unions that serve low-income groups and underserved areas. The policies provide a greater degree of flexibility that will enhance and invigorate capital infusion into low-income groups, low-income communities, and underserved areas. These unique policies are necessary to provide credit unions serving low-income groups with financial stability and potential for controlled growth and to encourage the formation of new charters as well as the delivery of credit union services in low-income communities.
A credit union serving predominantly low-income members may be designated as a low-income credit union. Section 701.34 of NCUA's Rules and Regulations defines the term “low-income members” as those members:
• Who make less than 80 percent of the average for all wage earners as established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; or
• Whose annual household income falls at or below 80 percent of the median household income for the nation as established by the Census Bureau.
The term “low-income members” also includes members who are full-time or part-time students in a college, university, high school, or vocational school.
To obtain a low-income designation from NCUA, an existing credit union must establish that a majority of its members meet the low-income definition. An existing community credit union that serves a geographic area where a majority of residents meet the annual income standard is presumed to be serving predominantly low-income members. A low-income designation for a new credit union charter may be based on a majority of the potential membership.
A credit union with a low-income designation has greater flexibility in accepting nonmember deposits insured by the NCUSIF, are exempt from the aggregate loan limit on business loans, and may offer secondary capital accounts to strengthen its capital base. It also may participate in special funding programs such as the Community Development Revolving Loan Program for Credit Unions (CDRLP) if it is involved in the stimulation of economic development and community revitalization efforts.
The CDRLP provides both loans and grants for technical assistance to low-income credit unions. The requirements for participation in the revolving loan program are in Part 705
A federal credit union charter applicant or existing credit union wishing to receive a low-income designation should forward a separate request for the designation to the regional director, along with appropriate documentation supporting the request.
For community charter applicants, the supporting material should include the median household income or annual wage figures for the community to be served. If this information is unavailable, the applicant should identify the individual zip codes or census tracts that comprise the community and NCUA will assist in obtaining the necessary demographic data.
Similarly, if single occupational or associational or multiple common bond charter applicants cannot supply income data on its potential members, they should provide the regional director with a list which includes the number of potential members, sorted by their residential zip codes, and NCUA will assist in obtaining the necessary demographic data.
An existing credit union can perform a loan or membership survey to determine if the credit union is primarily serving low-income members.
A low-income federal credit union charter applicant may contract with a third party to assist in the chartering and low-income designation process. If the charter is granted, a low-income credit union may contract with a third party to provide necessary management services. Such contracts should not exceed the duration of one year subject to renewal.
In recognition of the unique efforts needed to help make credit union service available to low-income groups, NCUA has adopted special rules that pertain to low-income credit union charters, as well as field of membership additions for low-income credit unions. These special rules provide additional latitude to enable underserved, low-income individuals to gain access to credit union service.
NCUA permits credit union chartering and field of membership amendments based on associational groups formed for the sole purpose of making credit union service available to low-income persons. The association must be defined so that all of its members will meet the low-income definition of Section 701.34 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations. Any multiple common bond credit union can add low-income associations to their fields of membership.
A low-income designated community federal credit union has additional latitude in serving persons who are affiliated with the community. In addition to serving members who live, work, worship, or attend school in the community, a low-income community federal credit union may also serve persons who participate in programs to alleviate poverty or distress, or who participate in associations headquartered in the community.
Examples of a low-income designated community and an associational-based low-income federal credit union are as follows:
• Persons who live in [the target area]; persons who work, worship, attend school, or participate in associations headquartered in [the target area]; persons participating in programs to alleviate poverty or distress which are located in [the target area]; incorporated and unincorporated organizations located in [the target area] or maintaining a facility in [the target area]; and organizations of such persons.
• Members of the Canarsie Economic Assistance League, in Brooklyn, NY, an association whose members all meet the low-income definition of Section 701.34 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations.
A multiple common bond federal credit union may include in its field of membership, without regard to location, an “underserved area” as defined by the Federal Credit Union Act. 12 U.S.C. 1759(c)(2). The addition of an “underserved area” will not change the charter type of the multiple common bond federal credit union. More than one multiple common-bond federal credit union can serve the same “underserved area,” provided each credit union is approved as provided below.
By adding an “underserved area,” a multiple common bond federal credit union does not become eligible to receive the benefits afforded to low-income designated credit unions, such as expanded use of nonmember deposits and access to the Community Development Revolving Loan Program for Credit Unions.
The Federal Credit Union Act defines an “underserved area” as (1) a “local community, neighborhood, or rural district” that (2) meets the definition of an “investment area” under section 103(16) of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (“CDFI”), 12 U.S.C. 4702(16), and (3) is “underserved by other depository institutions” based on data of the NCUA Board and the federal banking agencies.
To be eligible for approval as “underserved,” a proposed area must be a well-defined local community, neighborhood, or rural district as defined in Chapter 2, sections V.A.1. and V.A.2. of this Manual. However, if the proposed area qualifies as a community either because it consists of multiple political jurisdictions with a total population of 500,000 or less, or is within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”) that has a population of 1 million or less, the applicant is not required to submit a supplemental letter describing how the area meets the standards for community interaction and/or common interests.
To be approved as an “underserved area,” the proposed area must meet the CDFI definition of an “investment area.”
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A proposed area that is “distressed” also must display “significant unmet needs” for loans or for one or more of the financial services credit unions are authorized to offer. To meet this criterion, the credit union must include within its Business Plan a section, one page in length, entitled “Significant Unmet Needs for Credit Union Services” (“SUN section”) that establishes the existence of such unmet needs by identifying the credit and depository needs of the community and detailing how the credit union plans to serve those needs. The credit union may choose which among the following “credit and depository needs” to address in the SUN section: loans, share draft accounts, savings accounts, check cashing, money orders, certified checks, automated teller machines, deposit taking, safe deposit box services, and similar services. The existence of each “credit and depository need” the credit union identifies and plans to serve must be supported by objective reasons and/or accompanying documentation derived from an identified, authoritative source of the credit union's choice. Third party documentation generally is the most compelling.
A proposed area that meets the CDFI definition of an “investment area” (
Without regard to a proposed area's location within or outside an MSA, this criterion compares two ratios: the ratio of facilities to the population of the non-“distressed” tracts (the benchmark) versus the same facilities-to-population ratio among all the tracts of the proposed area as a whole. If the benchmark ratio is greater than the ratio for the whole area, then the area is “underserved by other depository institutions,” and vice versa.
If NCUA approves the request to add an “underserved area,” the credit union will be issued an amendment to Section 5 of its charter.
Once a credit union is initially approved to serve an “underserved area,” other credit unions that subsequently apply may be approved to serve the same area. To be approved, the area must qualify as “underserved” at the time the new applicant applies. An applicant must demonstrate the area continues to be “distressed”, as provided above, only if a new decennial Census has been published since the date the area was last approved. In any case, the applicant must demonstrate that the area still has “significant unmet needs” for loans or credit union services (to qualify as an “investment area”), and remains “underserved by other depository institutions” (to qualify as “underserved”).
A federal credit union that desires to include an underserved community in its field of membership must first develop, and submit for approval, a business plan specifying how it will serve the community. In addition, the business plan must include a SUN section as provided in section III.B.2.b. above. The credit union will be expected to regularly review the business plan to determine if the community is being adequately served. The regional director may require periodic service status reports from a credit union about the “underserved area” to ensure that the needs of the community are being met, and must require such reports before NCUA allows a multiple common bond federal credit union to add an additional “underserved area.”
Once an “underserved area” has been added to a federal credit union's field of membership, the credit union must establish within two years, and maintain, an office or service facility in the community. A service facility is defined as a place where shares are accepted for members' accounts, loan applications are accepted and loans are disbursed. By definition, a service facility includes a credit union-owned branch, a shared branch, a mobile branch, or an office operated on a regularly scheduled weekly basis or a credit union owned electronic facility that meets, at a minimum, the above requirements. This definition does not include an ATM or the credit union's Internet Web site.
When NCUA disapproves any application to add an “underserved area” in whole or in part, under this chapter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• Options to consider, if appropriate, for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedures.
If the regional director denies an “underserved area” request, the federal credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the NCUA Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. A reconsideration will contain new and material evidence addressing the reasons for the initial denial. The regional director will have 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the request is again denied, the applicant may proceed with the appeal process within 60 days of the date of the last denial. A second request for reconsideration will be treated as an appeal to the NCUA Board.
A charter conversion is a change in the jurisdictional authority under which a credit union operates.
Federal credit unions receive their charters from NCUA and are subject to its supervision, examination, and regulation.
State-chartered credit unions are incorporated in a particular state, receiving their charter from the state agency responsible for credit unions and subject to the state's regulator. If the state-chartered credit union's deposits are federally insured, it will also fall under NCUA's jurisdiction.
A federal credit union's power and authority are derived from the Federal Credit Union Act and NCUA Rules and Regulations. State-chartered credit unions are governed by state law and regulation. Certain federal laws and regulations also apply to federally insured state chartered credit unions.
There are two types of charter conversions: federal charter to state charter and state charter to federal charter. Common bond and community requirements are not an issue from NCUA's standpoint in the case of a federal to state charter conversion. The procedures and forms relevant to both types of charter conversion are included in appendix 4.
Any state-chartered credit union may apply to convert to a federal credit union. In order to do so it must:
• Comply with state law regarding conversion and file proof of compliance with NCUA;
• File the required conversion application, proposed federal credit union organization certificate, and other documents with NCUA;
• Comply with the requirements of the Federal Credit Union Act, e.g., chartering and reserve requirements; and
• Be granted federal share insurance by NCUA.
Conversions are treated the same as any initial application for a federal charter, including an on-site examination by NCUA where appropriate. NCUA will also consult with the appropriate state authority regarding the credit union's current financial condition, management expertise, and past performance. Since the applicant in a conversion is an ongoing credit union, the economic advisability of granting a charter is more readily determinable than in the case of an initial charter applicant.
A converting state credit union's field of membership must conform to NCUA's chartering policy. The field of membership will
If the converting credit union is a community charter and the new federal charter is community-based, it must meet the community field of membership requirements set forth in Chapter 2, Section V of this manual. If the state-chartered credit union's community boundary is more expansive than the approved federal boundary, only members of record outside of the new community boundary may continue to be served.
The converting credit union, regardless of charter type, may continue to serve members of record. The converting credit union may retain in its field of membership any group or community added pursuant to state emergency provisions.
The following documents must be submitted with the conversion proposal:
• Conversion of State Charter to Federal Charter (NCUA 4000);
• Organization Certificate (NCUA 4008). Only Part (3) and the signature/notary section should be completed and, where applicable, signed by the credit union officials.
• Report of Officials and Agreement to Serve (NCUA 4012);
• The Application to Convert From State Credit Union to Federal Credit Union (NCUA 4401);
• The Application and Agreements for Insurance of Accounts (NCUA 9500);
• Certification of Resolution (NCUA 9501);
• Written evidence regarding whether the state regulator is in agreement with the conversion proposal; and
• Business plan, as appropriate, including the most current financial report and delinquent loan schedule.
If the state charter is applying to become a federal community charter, it must also comply with the documentation requirements included in Chapter 2, Section V.A.2 of this manual.
The application will be reviewed to determine that it is complete and that the proposal is in compliance with Section 125 of the Federal Credit Union Act. This review will include a determination that the state credit union's field of membership is in compliance with NCUA's chartering policies. The regional director may make further investigation into the proposal and may require the submission of additional information to support the request to convert.
NCUA may conduct an on-site examination of the books and records of the credit union. Non-federally insured credit unions will be assessed an insurance application fee.
The conversion will be approved by the regional director if it is in compliance with Section 125 of the Federal Credit Union Act and meets the criteria for federal insurance. Where applicable, the regional director will specify any special conditions that the credit union must meet in order to convert to a federal charter, including changes to the credit union's field of membership in order to conform to NCUA's chartering policies. Some of these conditions may be set forth in a Letter of Understanding and Agreement (LUA), which requires the signature of the officials and the regional director.
The regional director will notify both the credit union and the state regulator of the decision on the conversion.
When NCUA disapproves any application to convert to a federal charter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• Options to consider, if appropriate, for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedures.
If a conversion to a federal charter is denied by the regional director, the applicant credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the NCUA Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. The request will not be considered as an appeal, but a request for reconsideration by the regional director. The regional director will have 30 business days from the date of the receipt of the request for reconsideration to make a final decision. If the application is again denied, the credit
Upon being informed of the regional director's preliminary approval, the board must:
• Comply with all requirements of the state regulator that will enable the credit union to convert to a federal charter and cease being a state credit union;
• Obtain a letter or official statement from the state regulator certifying that the credit union has met all of the state requirements and will cease to be a state credit union upon its receiving a federal charter. A copy of this document must be submitted to the regional director;
• Obtain a letter from the private share insurer (includes excess share insurers), if applicable, certifying that the credit union has met all withdrawal requirements. A copy of this document must be submitted to the regional director; and
• Submit a statement of the action taken to comply with any conditions imposed by the regional director in the preliminary approval of the conversion proposal and, if applicable, submit the signed LUA.
When the regional director has received evidence that the board of directors has satisfactorily completed the actions described above, the federal charter and new Certificate of Insurance will be issued.
The credit union may then complete the conversion as discussed in the following section. A denial of a conversion application can be appealed. Refer to Section II.C.6 of this chapter.
The date on which the regional director approves the Organization Certificate and the Application and Agreements for Insurance of Accounts is the date on which the credit union becomes a federal credit union. The regional director will notify the credit union and the state regulator of the date of the conversion.
As of the effective date of the conversion, the federal credit union will be the owner of all of the assets and will be responsible for all of the liabilities and share accounts of the state credit union.
Upon receipt of its federal charter, the board will hold its first meeting as a federal credit union. At this meeting, the board will transact such business as is necessary to complete the conversion as approved and to operate the credit union in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Credit Union Act and NCUA Rules and Regulations.
As of the commencement of operations, the accounting system, records, and forms must conform to the standards established by NCUA.
Changing of the credit union's name on all signage, records, accounts, investments, and other documents should be accomplished as soon as possible after conversion. The credit union has 180 days from the effective date of the conversion to change its signage and promotional material. This requires the credit union to discontinue using any remaining stock of “state credit union” stationery immediately, and discontinue using credit cards, ATM cards, etc., within 180 days after the effective date of the conversion, or the reissue date,whichever is later. The regional director has the discretion to extend the timeframe for an additional 180 days. Member share drafts with the state-chartered name can be used by the members until depleted.
Within 10 business days after commencement of operations, the recently converted federal credit union must submit to the regional director the following:
• Report of Officials (NCUA 4501); and
• Financial and Statistical Reports, as of the commencement of business of the federal credit union.
Any federal credit union may apply to convert to a state credit union. In order to do so, it must:
• Notify NCUA prior to commencing the process to convert to a state charter and state the reason(s) for the conversion;
• Comply with the requirements of Section 125 of the Federal Credit Union Act that enable it to convert to a state credit union and to cease being a federal credit union; and
• Comply with applicable state law and the requirements of the state regulator.
It is important that the credit union provide an accurate disclosure of the reasons for the conversion. These reasons should be stated in specific terms, not as generalities. The federal credit union converting to a state charter remains responsible for the entire
If the federal credit union intends to continue federal share insurance after the conversion to a state credit union, it must submit an Application for Insurance of Accounts (NCUA 9600) to the regional director at the time it requests approval of the conversion proposal. The regional director has the authority to approve or disapprove the application.
If the converting federal credit union does not intend to continue federal share insurance or if its application for continued insurance is denied, insurance will cease in accordance with the provisions of Section 206 of the Federal Credit Union Act.
If, upon its conversion to a state credit union, the federal credit union will be terminating its federal share insurance or converting from federal to non-federal share insurance, it must comply with the membership notice and voting procedures set forth in Section 206 of the Federal Credit Union Act and Part 708 of NCUA's Rules and Regulations, and address the criteria set forth in Section 205(c) of the Federal Credit Union Act.
Where the state credit union will be non-federally insured, federal insurance ceases on the effective date of the charter conversion. If it will be otherwise uninsured, then federal insurance will cease one year after the date of conversion subject to the restrictions in Section 206(d)(1) of the Federal Credit Union Act. In either case, the state credit union will be entitled to a refund of the federal credit union's NCUSIF capitalization deposit after the final date on which any of its shares are federally insured.
The NCUA Board reserves the right to delay the refund of the capitalization deposit for up to one year if it determines that payment would jeopardize the NCUSIF.
Upon approval of a proposition for conversion by a majority vote of the board of directors at a meeting held in accordance with the federal credit union's bylaws, the conversion proposal will be submitted to the regional director and will include:
• A current financial report;
• A current delinquent loan schedule;
• An explanation and appropriate documents relative to any changes in insurance of member accounts;
• A resolution of the board of directors;
• A proposed Notice of Special Meeting of the Members (NCUA 4221);
• A copy of the ballot to be sent to all members (NCUA 4506);
• If the credit union intends to continue with federal share insurance, an application for insurance of accounts (NCUA 9600);
• Evidence that the state regulator is in agreement with the conversion proposal; and
• A statement of reasons supporting the request to convert.
The proposal will be reviewed to determine that it is complete and is in compliance with Section 125 of the Federal Credit Union Act. The regional director may make further investigation into the proposal and require the submission of additional information to support the request.
The regional director will specify any special conditions that the credit union must meet in order to proceed with the conversion.
The proposal will be approved by the regional director if it is in compliance with Section 125 and, in the case where the state credit union will no longer be federally insured, the notice and voting requirements of Section 206 of the Federal Credit Union Act.
The regional director will notify both the credit union and the state regulator of the decision on the proposal.
When NCUA disapproves any application to convert to a state charter, the applicant will be informed in writing of the:
• Specific reasons for the action;
• If appropriate, options or suggestions that could be considered for gaining approval; and
• Appeal procedures.
If the regional director denies a conversion to a state charter, the applicant credit union may appeal the decision to the NCUA Board. An appeal must be sent to the appropriate regional office within 60 days of the date of denial and must address the specific reason(s) for the denial. The regional director will then forward the appeal to the NCUA Board. NCUA central office staff will make an independent review of the facts and present the appeal to the NCUA Board with a recommendation.
Before appealing, the credit union may, within 30 days of the denial, provide supplemental information to the regional director for reconsideration. The request will not be
The members may not vote on the proposal until it is approved by the regional director. Once approval of the proposal is received, the following actions will be taken by the board of directors:
• The proposal must be submitted to the members for approval and a date set for a meeting to vote on the proposal. The proposal may be acted on at the annual meeting or at a special meeting for that purpose. The members must also be given the opportunity to vote by written ballot to be filed by the date set for the meeting.
• Members must be given advance notice (NCUA 4221) of the meeting at which the proposal is to be submitted. The notice must:
○ Specify the purpose, time and place of the meeting;
○ Include a brief, complete, and accurate statement of the reasons for and against the proposed conversion, including any effects it could have upon share holdings, insurance of member accounts, and the policies and practices of the credit union;
○ Specify the costs of the conversion, i.e., changing the credit union's name, examination and operating fees, attorney and consulting fees, tax liability, etc.;
○ Inform the members that they have the right to vote on the proposal at the meeting, or by written ballot to be filed not later than the date and time announced for the annual meeting, or at the special meeting called for that purpose;
○ Be accompanied by a Federal to State Conversion—Ballot for Conversion Proposal (NCUA 4506); and
○ State in
• The proposed conversion must be approved by a majority of all of the members who vote on the proposal, a quorum being present, in order for the credit union to proceed further with the proposition, provided federal insurance is maintained. If the proposed state-chartered credit union will not be federally insured, 20 percent of the total membership must participate in the voting, and of those, a majority must vote in favor of the proposal. Ballots cast by members who did not attend the meeting but who submitted their ballots in accordance with instructions above will be counted with votes cast at the meeting. In order to have a suitable record of the vote, the voting at the meeting should be by written ballot as well.
• The board of directors shall, within 10 days, certify the results of the membership vote to the regional director. The statement shall be verified by affidavits of the Chief Executive Officer and the Recording Officer on NCUA 4505.
If the proposal for conversion is approved by a majority of all members who voted, the board of directors will:
• Ensure that all requirements of state law and the state regulator have been accommodated;
• Ensure that the state charter or the license has been received within 90 days from the date the members approved the proposal to convert; and
• Ensure that the regional director is kept informed as to progress toward conversion and of any material delay or of substantial difficulties which may be encountered.
If the conversion cannot be completed within the 90-day period, the regional director should be informed of the reasons for the delay. The regional director may set a new date for the conversion to be completed.
In order for the conversion to be completed, the following steps are necessary:
• The board of directors will submit a copy of the state charter to the regional director within 10 days of its receipt. This will be accompanied by the federal charter and the federal insurance certificate. A copy of the financial reports as of the preceding month-end should be submitted at this time.
• The regional director will notify the credit union and the state regulator in writing of the receipt of evidence that the credit union has been authorized to operate as a state credit union.
• The credit union shall cease to be a federal credit union as of the effective date of the state charter.
• If the regional director finds a material deviation from the provisions that would invalidate any steps taken in the conversion, the credit union and the state regulator shall be promptly notified in writing. This notice may be either before or after the copy of the state charter is filed with the regional director. The notice will inform the credit union as to the nature of the adverse findings. The conversion will not be effective and completed until the improper actions and steps have been corrected.
• Upon ceasing to be a federal credit union, the credit union shall no longer be subject to any of the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act, except as may apply if federal share insurance coverage is continued. The
• If the regional director is satisfied that the conversion has been accomplished in accordance with the approved proposal, the federal charter will be canceled.
• There is no federal requirement for closing the records of the federal credit union at the time of conversion or for the manner in which the records shall be maintained thereafter. The converting credit union is advised to contact the state regulator for applicable state requirements.
• The credit union shall neither use the words “Federal Credit Union” in its name nor represent itself in any manner as being a federal credit union.
• Changing of the credit union's name on all signage, records, accounts, investments, and other documents should be accomplished as soon as possible after conversion. Unless it violates state law, the credit union has 180 days from the effective date of the conversion to change its signage and promotional material. This requires the credit union to discontinue using any remaining stock of “federal credit union” stationery immediately, and discontinue using credit cards, ATM cards, etc., within 180 days after the effective date of the conversion, or the reissue date, whichever is later. The regional director has the discretion to extend the timeframe for an additional 180 days. Member share drafts with the federal chartered name can be used by the members until depleted. If the state credit union is not federally insured, it must change its name and must immediately cease using any credit union documents referencing federal insurance.
• If the state credit union is to be federally insured, the regional director will issue a new insurance certificate.
12 U.S.C. 1766(a), 1790d.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Except as provided below, the terms used in this part have the same meanings as set forth in FCUA sections 101 and 216, 12 U.S.C. 1752, 1790d.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) For a low income-designated credit union, net worth also includes secondary capital accounts that are uninsured and subordinate to all other claims, including claims of creditors, shareholders and the NCUSIF; and
(3) For a credit union that acquires another credit union in a mutual combination, net worth includes the retained earnings of the acquired credit union, or of an integrated set of activities and assets, at the point of acquisition. A mutual combination is a transaction in which a credit union acquires another credit union, or acquires an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed as a credit union.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(2) For each quarter, a credit union must elect a measure of total assets from paragraph (k)(1) of this section to apply for all purposes under this part except §§ 702.103 through 702.108 [risk-based net worth requirement].
(l)
(a)
(1) The net worth ratio as defined in § 702.2(g); and
(2) If determined to be applicable under § 702.103, a risk-based net worth requirement.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(2) Failure to timely file a Call Report as required under this section in no way alters the effective date of a change in net worth classification under this paragraph (b) of this section, or the affected credit union's corresponding legal obligations under this part.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Has a net worth ratio of two percent (2%) or more but less than four percent (4%); or
(ii) Has a net worth ratio of four percent (4%) or more but less than five percent (5%), and either—
(A) Fails to submit an acceptable net worth restoration plan within the time prescribed in § 702.206; or
(B) Materially fails to implement a net worth restoration plan approved by the NCUA Board; or
(5)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(d)
For purposes of § 702.102, a credit union is defined as “complex” and a risk-based net worth requirement is applicable only if the credit union meets both of the following criteria as reflected its most recent Call Report:
(a)
(b)
A risk portfolio is a portfolio of assets, liabilities, or contingent liabilities as specified below, each expressed as a percentage of the credit union's quarter-end total assets reflected in its most recent Call Report, rounded to two decimal places (Table 2):
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Except as provided below (Table 3), the weighted-average life of an investment for purposes of §§ 702.106(c) and 702.107(c) is defined pursuant to § 702.2(m):
(a)
(2) For investments in money market funds, as defined in 17 CFR 270.2a-7, and collective investment funds operated in accordance with short-term investment fund rules set forth in 12 CFR
(3) For other investments in registered investment companies or collective investment funds, the weighted-average life is defined as greater than five (5) years, but less than or equal to seven (7) years;
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
A credit union's risk-based net worth requirement is the aggregate of the following standard component amounts, each expressed as a percentage of the credit union's quarter-end total assets as reflected in its most recent Call Report, rounded to two decimal places (Table 4):
(a)
(1) Six percent (6%) of the amount of long-term real estate loans less than or equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of total assets; and
(2) Fourteen percent (14%) of the amount in excess of twenty-five percent
(25%) of total assets;
(b)
(1) Six percent (6%) of the amount of member business loans outstanding less than or equal to fifteen percent (15%) of total assets;
(2) Eight percent (8%) of the amount of member business loans outstanding greater than fifteen percent (15%), but less than or equal to twenty-five percent (25%), of total assets; and
(3) Fourteen percent (14%) of the amount in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of total assets;
(c)
(1) Three percent (3%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life (as specified in § 702.105 above) of one (1) year or less;
(2) Six percent (6%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than one (1) year, but less than or equal to three (3) years;
(3) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than three (3) years, but less than or equal to ten (10) years; and
(4) Twenty percent (20%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than ten (10) years;
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
A credit union may substitute one or more alternative components below, in place of the corresponding standard components in § 702.106 above, when any alternative component amount, expressed as a percentage of the credit union's quarter-end total assets as reflected in its most recent Call Report, rounded to two decimal places, is smaller (Table 5):
(a)
(1)
(i) Eight percent (8%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity of greater than 5 years, but less than or equal to 12 years;
(ii) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity of greater than 12 years, but less than or equal to 20 years; and
(iii) Fourteen percent (14%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 20 years;
(2)
(i) Six percent (6%) of the amount of such loans with a documented call provision of 5 years or less and with a remaining maturity of greater than 5 years, but less than or equal to 12 years;
(ii) Ten percent (10%) of the amount of such loans with a documented call provision of 5 years or less and with a remaining maturity of greater than 12 years, but less than or equal to 20 years; and
(iii) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of such loans with a documented call provision of 5 years or less and with a remaining maturity of greater than 20 years;
(b)
(1)
(i) Six percent (6%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity of 3 or fewer years;
(ii) Nine percent (9%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 3 years, but less than or equal to 5 years;
(iii) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 5 years, but less than or equal to 7 years;
(iv) Fourteen percent (14%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 7 years, but less than or equal to 12 years; and
(v) Sixteen percent (16%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 12 years; and
(2)
(i) Six percent (6%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity of 3 or fewer years;
(ii) Eight percent (8%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 3 years, but less than or equal to 5 years;
(iii) Ten percent (10%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 5 years, but less than or equal to 7 years;
(iv) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 7 years, but less than or equal to 12 years; and
(v) Fourteen percent (14%) of the amount of such loans with a remaining maturity greater than 12 years.
(c)
(1) Three percent (3%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life (as specified in § 702.105 above) of one (1) year or less;
(2) Six percent (6%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than one (1) year, but less than or equal to three (3) years;
(3) Eight percent (8%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than three (3) years, but less than or equal to five (5) years;
(4) Twelve percent (12%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than five (5) years, but less than or equal to seven (7) years;
(5) Sixteen percent (16%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than seven (7) years, but less than or equal to ten (10) years; and
(6) Twenty percent (20%) of the amount of investments with a weighted-average life greater than ten (10) years.
(d)
(1) Six percent (6%) of the amount of loans sold with contractual recourse obligations of six percent (6%) or greater; and
(2) The weighted average recourse percent of the amount of loans sold with contractual recourse obligations of less than six percent (6%), as computed by the credit union.
(a)
(b)
(1) Credit risk; or
(2) Interest rate risk as demonstrated by economic value exposure measures.
(c)
(1) Before an application under paragraph (a) above may be submitted to the NCUA Board, it must be submitted in duplicate to the appropriate State official and the appropriate Regional Director; and
(2) The NCUA Board, when evaluating the application of a FISCU, shall consult and seek to work cooperatively with the appropriate State official, and shall provide prompt notice of its decision to the appropriate State official.
(a)
(b)
(1) Is necessary to avoid a significant redemption of shares; and
(2) Would further the purpose of this part.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i)
(A) The assets of the credit union are increasing consistent with the approved plan; and
(B) The credit union is implementing steps to increase the net worth ratio consistent with the approved plan;
(ii)
(A) Total accounts receivable and accrued income on loans and investments; or
(B) Total cash and cash equivalents; or
(C) Total loans outstanding, not to exceed the sum of total assets (per § 702.2(j)) plus the quarter-end balance of unused commitments to lend and unused lines of credit provided however that a credit union which increases a balance as permitted under paragraphs (A), (B) or (C) cannot offer rates on shares in excess of prevailing rates on shares in its relevant market area, and cannot open new branches;
(4)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(c)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(c)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(i) Entering into any material transaction not within the scope of an approved net worth restoration plan (or approved revised business plan under subpart C of this part);
(ii) Extending credit for transactions deemed highly leveraged by the NCUA Board or, if State-chartered, by the appropriate State official;
(iii) Amending the credit union's charter or bylaws, except to the extent necessary to comply with any law, regulation, or order;
(iv) Making any material change in accounting methods; and
(v) Paying dividends or interest on new share accounts at a rate exceeding the prevailing rates of interest on insured deposits in its relevant market area;
(13)
(14)
(c)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(2)
(3)
(ii)
(A) Has been in substantial compliance with an approved net worth restoration plan requiring consistent improvement in net worth since the date the net worth restoration plan was approved;
(B) Has positive net income or has an upward trend in earnings that the NCUA Board projects as sustainable; and
(C) Is viable and not expected to fail.
(iii)
(A) Recertify the credit union if it continues to satisfy the criteria of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section; or
(B) Promptly place the credit union into liquidation, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1787(a)(3)(A)(ii), if it fails to satisfy the criteria of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section.
(4)
(d)
(a)
(1) The NCUA Board shall seek the views of the appropriate State official (as defined in § 702.2(b), and give him or her an opportunity to take the proposed action;
(2) The NCUA Board shall, upon timely request of the appropriate State official, promptly provide him or her with a written statement of the reasons for the proposed conservatorship or liquidation, and reasonable time to respond to that statement; and
(3) If the appropriate State official makes a timely written response that disagrees with the proposed conservatorship or liquidation and gives reasons for that disagreement, the NCUA Board shall not place the credit
(i) The NCUSIF faces a significant risk of loss if the credit union is not placed into conservatorship or liquidation; and
(ii) Conservatorship or liquidation is necessary either to reduce the risk of loss, or to reduce the expected loss, to the NCUSIF with respect to the credit union.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(c)
(1) Specify—
(i) A quarterly timetable of steps the credit union will take to increase its net worth ratio so that it becomes “adequately capitalized” by the end of the term of the NWRP, and to remain so for four (4) consecutive calendar quarters. If “complex,” the credit union is subject to a risk-based net worth requirement that may require a net worth ratio higher than six percent (6%) to become “adequately capitalized”;
(ii) The projected amount of earnings to be transferred to the regular reserve account in each quarter of the term of the NWRP as required under § 702.201(a), or as permitted under § 702.201(b);
(iii) How the credit union will comply with the mandatory and any discretionary supervisory actions imposed on it by the NCUA Board under this subpart;
(iv) The types and levels of activities in which the credit union will engage; and
(v) If reclassified to a lower category under § 702.102(b), the steps the credit union will take to correct the unsafe or unsound practice(s) or condition(s);
(2) Include pro forma financial statements, including any off-balance sheet items, covering a minimum of the next two years; and
(3) Contain such other information as the NCUA Board has required.
(d)
(1) Complies with paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) Is based on realistic assumptions, and is likely to succeed in restoring the credit union's net worth; and (3) Would not unreasonably increase the credit union's exposure to risk (including credit risk, interest-rate risk, and other types of risk).
(e)
(f)
(2)
(3)
(g)
(2)
(3)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(d)
(e)
Beginning on the effective date of classification, an “adequately capitalized” new credit union must increase the dollar amount of its net worth by the amount reflected in its approved initial or revised business plan in accordance with § 702.304(a)(2), or in the absence of such a plan, in accordance with § 702.201, and quarterly transfer that amount from undivided earnings to its regular reserve account, until it is “well capitalized.”
(a)
(1)
(2)
(i) Has not increased its net worth ratio consistent with its then-present approved business plan;
(ii) Has no then-present approved business plan; or
(iii) Has failed to comply with paragraph (a)(3) of this section; and
(3)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(i) Has not increased its net worth ratio consistent with its then-present approved business plan;
(ii) Has no then-present approved business plan; or
(iii) Has failed to comply with paragraph (a)(3) of this section; and
(3)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(i) The effective date of classification as “uncapitalized”; or
(ii) The last day of the calendar month following expiration of the time period provided in the credit union's initial business plan (approved at the time its charter was granted) to remain “uncapitalized,” regardless whether a revised business plan was rejected, approved or implemented.
(3)
(d)
(a)
(i) The last of the calendar month following the end of the calendar quarter that the credit union's net worth ratio has not increased consistent with its the-present approved business plan;
(ii) The effective date of classification as less than “adequately capitalized” if the credit union has no then-present approved business plan; or
(iii) The effective date of classification as less than “adequately capitalized” if the credit union has increased the total amount of member business loans in violation of § 702.304(a)(3).
(2)
(3)
(b)
(1) Address changes, since the new credit union's current business plan was approved, in any of the business plan elements required for charter approval under Chapter 1, section IV.D. of
(2) Establish a timetable of quarterly targets for net worth during each year in which the RBP is in effect so that the credit union becomes “adequately capitalized” by the time it no longer qualifies as “new” per § 702.301(b);
(3) Specify the projected amount of earnings to be transferred quarterly to its regular reserve as provided under § 702.304(a)(1) or 702.305(a)(1);
(4) Explain how the new credit union will comply with the mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions imposed on it by the NCUA Board under this subpart;
(5) Specify the types and levels of activities in which the new credit union will engage;
(6) In the case of a new credit union reclassified to a lower category under § 702.302(d), specify the steps the credit union will take to correct the unsafe or unsound condition or practice; and
(7) Include such other information as the NCUA Board may require.
(c)
(1) Addresses the items enumerated in paragraph (b) of this section;
(2) Is based on realistic assumptions, and is likely to succeed in building the credit union's net worth; and
(3) Would not unreasonably increase the credit union's exposure to risk (including credit risk, interest-rate risk, and other types of risk).
(d)
(e)
(2)
(3)
(f)
(2)
(g)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The charge will not cause the credit union's net worth classification to fall below “adequately capitalized” under subparts B or C of this part; or
(2) If the charge will cause the net worth classification to fall below “adequately capitalized,” the appropriate Regional Director and, if State-chartered, the appropriate State official, have given written approval (in an NWRP or otherwise) for the charge.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Charges for loan losses shall be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP);
(2) The allowance for loan and lease losses (ALL) established for loans must fairly present the probable losses for all categories of loans and the proper valuation of loans. The valuation allowance must encompass specifically
(3) Adjustments to the valuation ALL will be recorded in the expense account “Provision for Loan and Lease Losses”;
(4) The maintenance of an ALL shall not affect the requirement to transfer earnings to a credit union's regular reserve when required under subparts B or C of this part; and
(5) At a minimum, adjustments to the ALL shall be made prior to the distribution or posting of any dividend to the accounts of members.
(a)
(b)
(1) The payment of dividends will not cause the credit union's net worth classification to fall below “adequately capitalized” under subpart B or C of this part; or
(2) If the payment of dividends will cause the net worth classification to fall below “adequately capitalized,” the appropriate Regional Director and, if State-chartered, the appropriate State official, have given prior written approval (in an NWRP or otherwise) to pay a dividend.
12 U.S.C. 1757(7), 1757(8), 1757(15).
(a) This part interprets several of the provisions of Sections 107(7), 107(8), and 107(15) of the Federal Credit Union Act (Act), 12 U.S.C. 1757(7), 1757(8), 1757(15), which list those securities, deposits, and other obligations in which a Federal credit union may invest. Part 703 identifies certain investments and deposit activities permissible under the Act and prescribes regulations governing those investments and deposit activities on the basis of safety and soundness concerns. Additionally, part 703 identifies and prohibits certain investments and deposit activities. Investments and deposit activities that are permissible under the Act and not prohibited or otherwise regulated by part 703 remain permissible for Federal credit unions.
(b) This part does not apply to:
(1) Investment in loans to members and related activities, which is governed by §§ 701.21, 701.22, 701.23, and part 723 of this chapter;
(2) The purchase of real estate-secured loans pursuant to Section 107(15)(A) of the Act, which is governed by § 701.23 of this chapter, except those real estate-secured loans purchased as a part of an investment repurchase transaction, which is governed by §§ 703.13 and 703.14 of this chapter;
(3) Investment in credit union service organizations, which is governed by part 712 of this chapter;
(4) Investment in fixed assets, which is governed by § 701.36 of this chapter;
(5) Investment by corporate credit unions, which is governed by part 704 of this chapter; or
(6) Investment activity by State-chartered credit unions, except as provided in § 741.3(a)(2) and § 741.219 of this chapter.
(1) Either is represented by an instrument issued in bearer or registered form or, if not represented by an instrument, is registered in books maintained to record transfers by or on behalf of the issuer;
(2) Is of a type commonly dealt in on securities exchanges or markets or, when represented by an instrument, is commonly recognized in any area in which it is issued or dealt in as a medium for investment; and
(3) Either is one of a class or series or by its terms is divisible into a class or series of shares, participations, interests, or obligations.
A Federal credit union's board of directors must establish written investment policies consistent with the Act, this part, and other applicable laws and regulations and must review the policy at least annually. These policies may be part of a broader, asset-liability management policy. Written investment policies must address the following:
(a) The purposes and objectives of the Federal credit union's investment activities;
(b) The characteristics of the investments the Federal credit union may make including the issuer, maturity, index, cap, floor, coupon rate, coupon formula, call provision, average life, and interest rate risk;
(c) How the Federal credit union will manage interest rate risk;
(d) How the Federal credit union will manage liquidity risk;
(e) How the Federal credit union will manage credit risk including specifically listing institutions, issuers, and counterparties that may be used, or
(f) How the Federal credit union will manage concentration risk, which can result from dealing with a single or related issuers, lack of geographic distribution, holding obligations with similar characteristics like maturities and indexes, holding bonds having the same trustee, and holding securitized loans having the same originator, packager, or guarantor;
(g) Who has investment authority and the extent of that authority. Those with authority must be qualified by education or experience to assess the risk characteristics of investments and investment transactions. Only officials or employees of the Federal credit union may be voting members of an investment-related committee;
(h) The broker-dealers the Federal credit union may use;
(i) The safekeepers the Federal credit union may use;
(j) How the Federal credit union will handle an investment that, after purchase, is outside of board policy or fails a requirement of this part; and
(k) How the Federal credit union will conduct investment trading activities, if applicable, including addressing:
(1) Who has purchase and sale authority;
(2) Limits on trading account size;
(3) Allocation of cash flow to trading accounts;
(4) Stop loss or sale provisions;
(5) Dollar size limitations of specific types, quantity and maturity to be purchased;
(6) Limits on the length of time an investment may be inventoried in a trading account; and
(7) Internal controls, including segregation of duties.
(a) Federal credit unions with assets of $10,000,000 or greater must comply with all generally accepted accounting principles applicable to reports or statements required to be filed with NCUA. Federal credit unions with assets less than $10,000,000 are encouraged to do the same, but are not required to do so.
(b) A Federal credit union must maintain documentation for each investment transaction for as long as it holds the investment and until the documentation has been audited in accordance with § 715.4 of this chapter and examined by NCUA. The documentation should include, where applicable, bids and prices at purchase and sale and for periodic updates, relevant disclosure documents or a description of the security from an industry-recognized information provider, financial data, and tests and reports required by the Federal credit union's investment policy and this part.
(c) A Federal credit union must maintain documentation its board of directors used to approve a broker-dealer or a safekeeper for as long as the broker-dealer or safekeeper is approved and until the documentation has been audited in accordance with § 715.4 of this chapter and examined by NCUA.
(d) A Federal credit union must obtain an individual confirmation statement from each broker-dealer for each investment purchased or sold.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a Federal credit union must retain discretionary control over its purchase and sale of investments. A Federal credit union has not delegated discretionary control to an investment adviser when the Federal credit union reviews all recommendations from investment advisers and is required to authorize a recommended purchase or sale transaction before its execution.
(b)(1) A Federal credit union may delegate discretionary control over the purchase and sale of investments to a person other than a Federal credit union official or employee:
(i) Provided the person is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b); and
(ii) In an amount up to 100 percent of its net worth in the aggregate at the time of delegation.
(2) At least annually, the Federal credit union must adjust the amount of funds held under discretionary control to comply with the 100 percent of net worth cap. The Federal credit union's board of directors must receive notice as soon as possible, but no later than the next regularly scheduled board meeting, of the amount exceeding the net worth cap and notify in writing the appropriate regional director within 5 days after the board meeting. The credit union must develop a plan to comply with the cap within a reasonable period of time.
(3) Before transacting business with an investment adviser, a Federal credit union must analyze his or her background and information available from State or Federal securities regulators, including any enforcement actions against the adviser, associated personnel, and the firm for which the adviser works.
(c) A Federal credit union may not compensate an investment adviser with discretionary control over the purchase and sale of investments on a per transaction basis or based on capital gains, capital appreciation, net income, performance relative to an index, or any other incentive basis.
(d) A Federal credit union must obtain a report from its investment adviser at least monthly that details the investments under the adviser's control and their performance.
A Federal credit union must conduct and document a credit analysis on an investment and the issuing entity before purchasing it, except for investments issued or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies, enterprises, or corporations or fully insured (including accumulated interest) by the National Credit Union Administration or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. A Federal credit union must update this analysis at least annually for as long as it holds the investment.
A Federal credit union's board of directors must receive notice as soon as possible, but no later than the next regularly scheduled board meeting, of any investment that either is outside of board policy after purchase or has failed a requirement of this part. The board of directors must document its action regarding the investment in the minutes of the board meeting, including a detailed explanation of any decision not to sell it. The Federal credit union must notify in writing the appropriate regional director of an investment that has failed a requirement of this part within 5 days after the board meeting.
(a) A Federal credit union may purchase and sell investments through a broker-dealer as long as the broker-dealer is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a
(b) Before purchasing an investment through a broker-dealer, a Federal credit union must analyze and annually update the following:
(1) The background of any sales representative with whom the Federal credit union is doing business;
(2) Information available from State or Federal securities regulators and securities industry self-regulatory organizations, such as the National Association of Securities Dealers and the North American Securities Administrators Association, about any enforcement actions against the broker-dealer, its affiliates, or associated personnel; and
(3) If the broker-dealer is acting as the Federal credit union's counterparty, the ability of the broker-dealer and its subsidiaries or affiliates to fulfill commitments, as evidenced by capital strength, liquidity, and operating results. The Federal credit union should consider current financial data, annual reports, reports of nationally-recognized statistical rating organizations, relevant disclosure documents, and other sources of financial information.
(c) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply when the
(a) A Federal credit union's purchased investments and repurchase collateral must be in the Federal credit union's possession, recorded as owned by the Federal credit union through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or held by a board-approved safekeeper under a written custodial agreement that requires the safekeeper to exercise, at least, ordinary care.
(b) Any safekeeper used by a Federal credit union must be regulated and supervised by either the Securities and Exchange Commission, a Federal or State depository institution regulatory agency, or a State trust company regulatory agency.
(c) A Federal credit union must obtain and reconcile monthly a statement of purchased investments and repurchase collateral held in safekeeping.
(d) Annually, the Federal credit union must analyze the ability of the safekeeper to fulfill its custodial responsibilities, as evidenced by capital strength, liquidity, and operating results. The Federal credit union should consider current financial data, annual reports, reports of nationally-recognized statistical rating organizations, relevant disclosure documents, and other sources of financial information.
(a) At least quarterly, a Federal credit union must prepare a written report listing all of its shares and deposits in banks, credit unions, and other depository institutions, that have one or more of the following features:
(1) Embedded options;
(2) Remaining maturities greater than 3 years; or
(3) Coupon formulas that are related to more than one index or are inversely related to, or multiples of, an index.
(b) The requirement of paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to shares and deposits that are securities.
(c) If a Federal credit union does not have an investment-related committee, then each member of its board of directors must receive a copy of the report described in paragraph (a) of this section. If a Federal credit union has an investment-related committee, then each member of the committee must receive a copy of the report, and each member of the board must receive a summary of the information in the report.
(a) Before purchasing or selling a security, a Federal credit union must obtain either price quotations on the security from at least two broker-dealers or a price quotation on the security from an industry-recognized information provider. This requirement to obtain price quotations does not apply to new issues purchased at par or at original issue discount.
(b) At least monthly, a Federal credit union must determine the fair value of each security it holds. It may determine fair value by obtaining a price quotation on the security from an industry-recognized information provider, a broker-dealer, or a safekeeper.
(c) At least annually, the Federal credit union's supervisory committee or its external auditor must independently assess the reliability of monthly price quotations received from a broker-dealer or safekeeper. The Federal credit union's supervisory committee or external auditor must follow generally accepted auditing standards, which require either re-computation or reference to market quotations.
(d) If a Federal credit union is unable to obtain a price quotation required by this section for a particular security, then it may obtain a quotation for a security with substantially similar characteristics.
(a) At least monthly, a Federal credit union must prepare a written report setting forth, for each security held, the fair value and dollar change since the prior month-end, with summary information for the entire portfolio.
(b) At least quarterly, a Federal credit union must prepare a written report setting forth the sum of the fair values of all fixed and variable rate securities held that have one or more of the following features:
(1) Embedded options;
(2) Remaining maturities greater than 3 years; or
(3) Coupon formulas that are related to more than one index or are inversely related to, or multiples of, an index.
(c) Where the amount calculated in paragraph (b) of this section is greater than a Federal credit union's net worth, the report described in that paragraph must provide a reasonable and supportable estimate of the potential impact, in percentage and dollar terms, of an immediate and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates of plus and minus 300 basis points on:
(1) The fair value of each security in the Federal credit union's portfolio;
(2) The fair value of the Federal credit union's portfolio as a whole; and
(3) The Federal credit union's net worth.
(d) If the Federal credit union does not have an investment-related committee, then each member of its board of directors must receive a copy of the reports described in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section. If the Federal credit union has an investment-related committee, then each member of the committee must receive copies of the reports, and each member of the board of directors must receive a summary of the information in the reports.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Any securities the Federal credit union receives are permissible investments for Federal credit unions, the Federal credit union, or its agent, either takes physical possession or control of the repurchase securities or is recorded as owner of them through the Federal Reserve Book Entry Securities Transfer System, the Federal credit union, or its agent, receives a daily assessment of their market value, including accrued interest, and the Federal credit union maintains adequate margins that reflect a risk assessment of the securities and the term of the transaction; and
(2) The Federal credit union has entered into signed contracts with all approved counterparties.
(d)
(1) The transaction meets the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) Any cash the Federal credit union receives is subject to the borrowing limit specified in Section 107(9) of the Act, and any investments the Federal credit union purchases with that cash are permissible for Federal credit unions; and
(3) The investments referenced in paragraph (d)(2) of this section mature no later than the maturity of the borrowing repurchase transaction.
(e)
(1) The Federal credit union receives written confirmation of the loan;
(2) Any collateral the Federal credit union receives is a legal investment for Federal credit unions, the Federal credit union, or its agent, obtains a first priority security interest in the collateral by taking physical possession or control of the collateral, or is recorded as owner of the collateral through the Federal Reserve Book Entry Securities Transfer System; and the Federal credit union, or its agent,
(3) Any cash the Federal credit union receives is subject to the borrowing limit specified in Section 107(9) of the Act, and any investments the Federal credit union purchases with that cash are permissible for Federal credit unions and mature no later than the maturity of the transaction; and
(4) The Federal credit union has executed a written loan and security agreement with the borrower.
(f)(1)
(2) A Federal credit union must record any security it purchases or sells for trading purposes at fair value on the trade date. The trade date is the date the Federal credit union commits, orally or in writing, to purchase or sell a security.
(3) At least monthly, the Federal credit union must give its board of directors or investment-related committee a written report listing all purchase and sale transactions of trading securities and the resulting gain or loss on an individual basis.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Yankee dollar deposits;
(2) Eurodollar deposits;
(3) Banker's acceptances;
(4) Deposit notes; and
(5) Bank notes with original weighted average maturities of less than 5 years.
(g)
(1) The option and dividend rate are based on a domestic equity index;
(2) Proceeds from the options are used only to fund dividends on the equity-linked share certificates;
(3) Dividends on the share certificates are derived solely from the change in the domestic equity index over a specified period;
(4) The options' expiration dates are no later than the maturity date of the share certificate.
(5) The certificate may be redeemed prior to the maturity date only upon the member's death or termination of the corresponding option;
(6) The total costs associated with the purchase of the option is known by the Federal credit union prior to effecting the transaction;
(7) The options are purchased at the same time the certificate is issued to the member.
(8) The counterparty to the transaction is a domestic counterparty and has been approved by the Federal credit union's board of directors;
(9) The counterparty to the transaction:
(i) Has a long-term, senior, unsecured debt rating from a nationally-recognized statistical rating organization of AA− (or equivalent) or better at the time of the transaction, and the contract between the counterparty and the Federal credit union specifies that if the long-term, senior, unsecured debt rating declines below AA− (or equivalent) then the counterparty agrees to post collateral with an independent party in an amount fully securing the value of the option; or
(ii) Posts collateral with an independent party in an amount fully securing the value of the option if the counterparty does not have a long-term, senior unsecured debt rating from a nationally-recognized statistical rating organization.
(10) Any collateral posted by the counterparty is a permissible investment for Federal credit unions and is valued daily by an independent third party along with the value of the option;
(11) The aggregate amount of equity-linked member share certificates does not exceed the credit union's net worth;
(12) The terms of the share certificate include a guarantee that there can be no loss of principal to the member regardless of changes in the value of the option unless the certificate is redeemed prior to maturity; and
(13) The Federal credit union provides its board of directors with a monthly report detailing at a minimum:
(i) The dollar amount of outstanding equity-linked share certificates;
(ii) Their maturities; and
(iii) The fair value of the options as determined by an independent third party.
(h)
(1) The aggregate of the investments with any one counterparty is limited to 25 percent of the credit union's net worth and 100 percent of its net worth with all counterparties;
(2) At the time a federal credit union purchases the securities, the counterparty, or a party fully guaranteeing the transaction, must have outstanding debt with a long-term rating no lower than A−or its equivalent and outstanding debt with a short-term rating, if any, no lower than A-1 or its equivalent;
(3) The federal credit union must obtain a daily assessment of the market value of the securities under § 703.13(c)(1) using an independent qualified agent;
(4) The mortgage note repurchase transaction is limited to a maximum term of 90 days;
(5) All mortgage note repurchase transactions will be conducted under tri-party custodial agreements; and
(6) A federal credit union must obtain an undivided interest in the securities.
(a)
(1) Any derivatives permitted under §§ 701.21(i) and 703.14(g) of this chapter;
(2) Embedded options not required under GAAP to be accounted for separately from the host contract; and
(3) Interest rate lock commitments or forward sales commitments made in connection with a loan originated by the Federal credit union.
(b)
(c)
(d) A Federal credit union may not purchase a commercial mortgage related security that is not otherwise permitted by Section 107(7)(E) of the Act; and
(e)
(1) A Federal credit union may invest in and hold exchangeable collateralized mortgage obligations (exchangeable CMOs) representing beneficial ownership interests in one or more interest-only classes of a CMO (IO CMOs) or principal-only classes of a CMO (PO CMOs), but only if:
(i) At the time of purchase, the ratio of the market price to the remaining principal balance is between .8 and 1.2, meaning that the discount or premium of the market price to par must be less than 20 points;
(ii) The offering circular or other official information available at the time of purchase indicates that the notional principal on each underlying IO CMO should decline at the same rate as the principal on one or more of the underlying non-IO CMOs, and that the principal on each underlying PO CMO should decline at the same rate as the principal, or notional principal, on one or more of the underlying non-PO CMOs; and
(iii) The credit union staff has the expertise dealing with exchangeable CMOs to apply the conditions in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this section.
(2) A Federal credit union that invests in an exchangeable CMO may exercise the exchange option only if all of the underlying CMOs are permissible investments for that credit union.
(3) A Federal credit union may accept an exchangeable CMO representing beneficial ownership interests in one or more IO CMOs or PO CMOs as an asset associated with an investment repurchase transaction or as collateral in a securities lending transaction. When the exchangeable CMO is associated with one of these two transactions, it need not conform to the conditions in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
(f)
(a) A Federal credit union's officials and senior management employees, and their immediate family members, may not receive anything of value in connection with its investment transactions. This prohibition also applies to any other employee, such as an investment officer, if the employee is directly involved in investments, unless the Federal credit union's board of directors determines that the employee's involvement does not present a conflict of interest. This prohibition does not include compensation for employees.
(b) A Federal credit union's officials and employees must conduct all transactions with business associates or family members that are not specifically prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section at arm's length and in the Federal credit union's best interest.
(a) Subject to safety and soundness considerations, a Federal credit union may hold a CMO/REMIC residual, stripped mortgage-backed securities, or zero coupon security with a maturity greater than 10 years, if it purchased the investment:
(1) Before December 2, 1991; or
(2) On or after December 2, 1991, but before January 1, 1998, if for the purpose of reducing interest rate risk and if the Federal credit union meets the following:
(i) The Federal credit union has a monitoring and reporting system in place that provides the documentation necessary to evaluate the expected and actual performance of the investment under different interest rate scenarios;
(ii) The Federal credit union uses the monitoring and reporting system to conduct and document an analysis that shows, before purchase, that the proposed investment will reduce its interest rate risk;
(iii) After purchase, the Federal credit union evaluates the investment at least quarterly to determine whether or not it actually has reduced the interest rate risk; and
(iv) The Federal credit union accounts for the investment consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.
(b) All grandfathered investments are subject to the valuation and monitoring requirements of §§ 703.10, 703.11, and 703.12 of this part.
(a) Under the investment pilot program, NCUA will permit a limited number of Federal credit unions to engage in investment activities prohibited by this part but permitted by the Act.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, before a Federal credit union may engage in additional activities it must obtain written approval from NCUA. To obtain approval, a Federal credit union must submit a request to its regional director that addresses the following items:
(1) Certification that the Federal credit union is “well-capitalized” under part 702 of this chapter;
(2) Board policies approving the activities and establishing limits on them;
(3) A complete description of the activities, with specific examples of how they will benefit the Federal credit union and how they will be conducted;
(4) A demonstration of how the activities will affect the Federal credit union's financial performance, risk profile, and asset-liability management strategies;
(5) Examples of reports the Federal credit union will generate to monitor the activities;
(6) Projections of the associated costs of the activities, including personnel, computer, audit, and so forth;
(7) Descriptions of the internal systems that will measure, monitor, and report the activities;
(8) Qualifications of the staff and officials responsible for implementing and overseeing the activities; and
(9) Internal control procedures that will be implemented, including audit requirements.
(c) A third-party seeking approval of an investment pilot program must submit a request to the Director of the Office of Capital Markets and Planning that addresses the following items:
(1) A complete description of the activities with specific examples of how a credit union will conduct and account for them, and how they will benefit a Federal credit union;
(2) A description of any risks to a Federal credit union from participating in the program; and
(3) Contracts that must be executed by the Federal credit union.
(d) A Federal credit union need not obtain individual written approval to engage in investment activities prohibited by this part but permitted by statute where the activities are part of a third-party investment program that NCUA has approved under this section.
12 U.S.C. 1766(a), 1781, 1789.
(a) This part establishes special rules for all federally insured corporate credit unions. Non federally insured corporate credit unions must agree, by written contract, to both adhere to the requirements of this part and submit to examinations, as determined by NCUA, as a condition of receiving shares or deposits from federally insured credit unions. This part grants certain additional authorities to federal corporate credit unions. Except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this part, other provisions of NCUA's Rules and Regulations (12 CFR chapter VII) and the Federal Credit Union Act apply to federally chartered corporate credit unions and federally insured state-chartered corporate credit unions to the same extent that they apply to other federally chartered and federally insured state-chartered credit unions, respectively.
(b) The Board has the authority to issue orders which vary from this part. This authority is provided under Section 120(a) of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. 1766(a). Requests by state-chartered corporate credit unions for waivers to this part and for expansions of authority under appendix B of this part must be approved by the state regulator before being submitted to NCUA.
(1) Is chartered under Federal or state law as a credit union;
(2) Receives shares from and provides loan services to credit unions;
(3) Is operated primarily for the purpose of serving other credit unions;
(4) Is designated by NCUA as a corporate credit union;
(5) Limits natural person members to the minimum required by state or federal law to charter and operate the credit union; and
(6) Does not condition the eligibility of any credit union to become a member on that credit union's membership in any other organization.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(i) The initial disclosure must be signed by either all of the directors of the member credit union or, if authorized by board resolution, the chair and secretary of the board; and
(ii) The annual disclosure notice must be signed by the chair of the corporate credit union. The chair must sign a statement that certifies that the notice has been sent to member credit unions with membership capital accounts. The certification must be maintained in the corporate credit union's files and be available for examiner review.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(i) May be adjusted no more frequently than once every six months; and
(ii) Must be adjusted in relation to a measure,
(iii)
(9)
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i) Member paid-in capital means paid-in capital that is held by the corporate credit union's members. A corporate credit union may not condition membership, services, or prices for services on a credit union's ownership of paid-in capital.
(ii) Nonmember paid-in capital means paid-in capital that is not held by the corporate credit union's members.
(7)
(d)
(e)
(i) An expectation that the corporate credit union has or anticipates losses resulting in capital inadequacy;
(ii) Significant exposure exists, unsupported by adequate capital or risk management processes, due to credit, liquidity, market, fiduciary, operational, and similar types of risks;
(iii) A merger has been approved; or
(iv) An emergency exists because of a natural disaster.
(2) When the OCCU Director determines that a different minimum capital ratio is necessary or appropriate for a particular corporate credit union, he or she will notify the corporate credit union in writing of the proposed capital ratio and the date by which the capital ratio must be reached. The OCCU Director also will provide an explanation of why the proposed capital ratio is considered necessary or appropriate.
(3)(i) The corporate credit union may respond to any or all of the items in the notice. The response must be in writing and delivered to the OCCU Director within 30 calendar days after the date on which the corporate credit union received the notice. The OCCU Director may shorten the time period when, in its opinion, the condition of the corporate credit union so requires, provided that the corporate credit union is informed promptly of the new time period, or with the consent of the corporate credit union. In its discretion, the OCCU Director may extend the time period for good cause.
(ii) Failure to respond within 30 calendar days or such other time period as may be specified by the OCCU Director shall constitute a waiver of any objections to any item in the notice. Failure to address any item in a response shall constitute a waiver of any objection to that item.
(iii) After the close of the corporate credit union's response period, the OCCU Director will decide, based on a review of the corporate credit union's response and other information concerning the corporate credit union, whether a different minimum capital ratio should be established for the corporate credit union and, if so, the capital ratio and the date the requirement must be reached. The corporate credit union will be notified of the decision in writing. The notice will include an explanation of the decision, except for a decision not to establish a different minimum capital ratio for the corporate credit union.
(f)
(g)
(i) The capital ratio falls below the minimum requirement and is not restored to the minimum requirement by the next month end; or
(ii) Regardless of whether the capital ratio is restored by the next month end, the capital ratio falls below the minimum requirement for three months in any 12-month period.
(2) The capital restoration plan must, at a minimum, include the following:
(i) Reasons why the capital ratio fell below the minimum requirement;
(ii) Descriptions of steps to be taken to restore the capital ratio to the minimum requirement within specific time frames;
(iii) Actions to be taken to maintain the capital ratio at the minimum required level and increase it thereafter;
(iv) Balance sheet and income projections, including assumptions, for the current calendar year and one additional calendar year; and
(v) Certification from the board of directors that it will follow the proposed plan if approved by the OCCU Director.
(3) The capital restoration plan must be submitted to the OCCU Director within 30 calendar days of the occurrence. The OCCU Director will respond to the corporate credit union regarding the adequacy of the plan within 45 calendar days of its receipt.
(h)
(2) A capital directive may order a corporate credit union to:
(i) Achieve adequate capitalization within a specified time frame by taking any action deemed necessary, including but not limited to the following:
(A) Increase the amount of capital to specific levels;
(B) Reduce dividends;
(C) Limit receipt of deposits to those made to existing accounts;
(D) Cease or limit issuance of new accounts or any or all classes of accounts;
(E) Cease or limit lending or making a particular type or category of loans;
(F) Cease or limit the purchase of specified investments;
(G) Limit operational expenditures to specified levels;
(H) Increase and maintain liquid assets at specified levels; and
(I) Restrict or suspend expanded authorities issued under appendix B of this part.
(ii) Adhere to a previously submitted plan to achieve adequate capitalization.
(iii) Submit and adhere to a capital plan acceptable to NCUA describing the means and a time schedule by which the corporate credit union shall achieve adequate capitalization.
(iv) Meet with NCUA.
(v) Take a combination of these actions.
(3) Prior to issuing a capital directive, NCUA will notify a corporate credit union in writing of its intention to issue a capital directive.
(i) The notice will state:
(A) The reasons for the issuance of the directive; and
(B) The proposed content of the directive.
(ii) A corporate credit union must respond in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of the notice stating that it either concurs or disagrees with the notice. If it disagrees with the notice, it must state the reasons why the directive should not be issued and/or propose alternative contents for the directive. The response should include all matters that the corporate credit union wishes to be considered. For good cause, including the following conditions, the response time may be shortened or lengthened:
(A) When the condition of the corporate requires, and the corporate credit union is notified of the shortened response period in the notice;
(B) With the consent of the corporate credit union; or
(C) When the corporate credit union already has advised NCUA that it cannot or will not achieve adequate capitalization.
(iii) Failure to respond within 30 calendar days, or another time period specified in the notice, shall constitute a waiver of any objections to the proposed directive.
(4) After the closing date of the corporate credit union's response period, or the receipt of the response, if earlier, NCUA shall consider the response and may seek additional information or clarification. Based on the information provided during the response period, NCUA will determine whether or not to issue a capital directive and, if issued, the form it should take.
(5) Upon issuance, a capital directive and a statement of the reasons for its issuance will be delivered to the corporate credit union. A directive is effective immediately upon receipt by the corporate credit union, or upon such later date as may be specified therein, and shall remain effective and enforceable until it is stayed, modified, or terminated by NCUA.
(6) A capital directive may be issued in addition to, or in lieu of, any other action authorized by law in response to a corporate credit union's failure to achieve or maintain the applicable minimum capital ratios.
(7) Upon a change in circumstances, a corporate credit union may request reconsideration of the terms of the directive. Requests that are not based on a significant change in circumstances or are repetitive or frivolous will not be considered. Pending a decision on reconsideration, the directive shall continue in full force and effect.
(i)
(1) Its retained earnings must increase:
(i) During the current month, by an amount equal to or greater than the monthly earnings retention amount; or
(ii) During the current and prior two months, by an amount equal to or greater than the quarterly earnings retention amount.
(2) Earnings retention amounts are calculated as follows:
(i) The monthly earnings retention amount is determined by multiplying the earnings retention factor by the prior month-end moving daily average net assets; and
(ii) The quarterly earnings retention amount is determined by multiplying the earnings retention factor by moving daily average net assets for each of the prior three month-ends.
(3) The earnings retention factor is determined as follows:
(i) If the prior month-end retained earnings ratio is less than 2 percent and the core capital ratio is less than 3 percent, the earnings retention factor is .15 percent per annum; or
(ii) If the prior month-end retained earnings ratio is less than 2 percent and the core capital ratio is equal to or greater than 3 percent, the earnings retention factor is .10 percent per annum.
(4) The OCCU Director may approve a decrease to the earnings retention amount if it is determined a lesser amount is necessary to avoid a significant adverse impact upon a corporate credit union.
(5) Operating management of the corporate credit union must notify its board of directors, supervisory committee, the OCCU Director and, if applicable, the state regulator within 10 calendar days of determining that the retained earnings ratio has declined below 2 percent. If the decline in the retained earnings ratio is due, in full or in part, to a decline in the dollar amount of retained earnings and the retained earnings ratio is not restored to at least 2 percent by the next month end, a retained earnings action plan is required to be submitted within 30 calendar days.
(6) The retained earnings action plan must be submitted to the OCCU Director and, if applicable, the state regulator and, at a minimum, include the following:
(i) Reasons why the dollar amount of retained earnings has decreased;
(ii) Description of actions to be taken to increase the dollar amount of retained earnings within specific time frames; and
(iii) Monthly balance sheet and income projections, including assumptions, for the next 12-month period.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Senior managers have an in-depth, working knowledge of their direct areas of responsibility and are capable of identifying, hiring, and retaining qualified staff;
(2) Qualified personnel are employed or under contract for all line support and audit areas, and designated back-up personnel or resources with adequate cross-training are in place;
(3) GAAP is followed, except where law or regulation has provided for a departure from GAAP;
(4) Accurate balance sheets, income statements, and internal risk assessments (
(5) Systems are audited periodically in accordance with industry-established standards;
(6) Financial performance is evaluated to ensure that the objectives of the corporate credit union and the responsibilities of management are met; and
(7) Planning addresses the retention of external consultants, as appropriate, to review the adequacy of technical, human, and financial resources dedicated to support major risk areas.
(a)
(1) Appropriate tests and criteria for evaluating investments and investment transactions before purchase; and
(2) Reasonable and supportable concentration limits for limited liquidity investments in relation to capital.
(b)
(c)
(1) Securities, deposits, and obligations set forth in Sections 107(7), 107(8), and 107(15) of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. 1757(7), 1757(8), and 1757(15), except as provided in this section;
(2) Deposits in, the sale of federal funds to, and debt obligations of corporate credit unions, Section 107(8) institutions, and state banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks not domiciled in the state in which the corporate credit union does business;
(3) Corporate CUSOs, as defined in and subject to the limitations of § 704.11;
(4) Marketable debt obligations of corporations chartered in the United States. This authority does not apply to debt obligations that are convertible into the stock of the corporation; and
(5) Domestically-issued asset-backed securities.
(d)
(1) The corporate credit union, directly or through its agent, receives written confirmation of the transaction, and either takes physical possession or control of the repurchase securities or is recorded as owner of the repurchase securities through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry Securities Transfer System;
(2) The repurchase securities are legal investments for that corporate credit union;
(3) The corporate credit union, directly or through its agent, receives daily assessment of the market value of the repurchase securities and maintains adequate margin that reflects a risk assessment of the repurchase securities and the term of the transaction; and
(4) The corporate credit union has entered into signed contracts with all approved counterparties and agents, and ensures compliance with the contracts. Such contracts must address any supplemental terms and conditions necessary to meet the specific requirements of this part. Third party arrangements must be supported by tri-party contracts in which the repurchase securities are priced and reported daily and the tri-party agent ensures compliance; and
(e)
(1) The corporate credit union, directly or through its agent, receives written confirmation of the loan, obtains a first priority security interest in the collateral by taking physical possession or control of the collateral, or is recorded as owner of the collateral through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry Securities Transfer System;
(2) The collateral is a legal investment for that corporate credit union;
(3) The corporate credit union, directly or through its agent, receives daily assessment of the market value of collateral and maintains adequate margin that reflects a risk assessment of the collateral and terms of the loan; and
(4) The corporate credit union has entered into signed contracts with all agents and, directly or through its agent, has executed a written loan and security agreement with the borrower. The corporate or its agent ensures compliance with the agreements.
(f)
(g)
(1) Delivery and acceptance are mandatory;
(2) The transaction is clearly disclosed in the appropriate risk reporting required under § 704.8(b);
(3) If the corporate credit union is the purchaser, it has adequate cash flow projections evidencing its ability to purchase the instrument;
(4) If the corporate credit union is the seller, it owns the instrument on the trade date; and
(5) The transaction is settled on a cash basis at the settlement date.
(h)
(1) Purchasing or selling derivatives, except for embedded options not required under GAAP to be accounted for separately from the host contract or forward sales commitments on loans to be purchased by the corporate credit union;
(2) Engaging in trading securities unless accounted for on a trade date basis;
(3) Engaging in adjusted trading or short sales; and
(4) Purchasing mortgage servicing rights, small business related securities, residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations, residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits, or residual interests in asset-backed securities; and
(5) Purchasing stripped mortgage backed securities (SMBS), or securities that represent interests in SMBS, except as described in subparagraphs (i) and (iii) below.
(i) A corporate credit union may invest in exchangeable collateralized mortgage obligations (exchangeable CMOs) representing beneficial ownership interests in one or more interest-only classes of a CMO (IO CMOs) or principal-only classes of a CMO (PO CMOs), but only if:
(A) At the time of purchase, the ratio of the market price to the remaining principal balance is between .8 and 1.2, meaning that the discount or premium of the market price to par must be less than 20 points;
(B) The offering circular or other official information available at the time of purchase indicates that the notional principal on each underlying IO CMO should decline at the same rate as the principal on one or more of the underlying non-IO CMOs, and that the principal on each underlying PO CMO should decline at the same rate as the principal, or notional principal, on one or more of the underlying non-PO CMOs; and
(C) The credit union investment staff has the expertise dealing with exchangeable CMOs to apply the conditions in paragraphs (h)(5)(i)(A) and (B) of this section.
(ii) A corporate credit union that invests in an exchangeable CMO may exercise the exchange option only if all of the underlying CMOs are permissible investments for that credit union.
(iii) A corporate credit union may accept an exchangeable CMO representing beneficial ownership interests in one or more IO CMOs or PO CMOs as an asset associated with an investment repurchase transaction or as collateral in a securities lending transaction. When the exchangeable CMO is associated with one of these two transactions, it need not conform to the conditions in paragraphs (h)(5)(i)(A) or (B) of this section.
(i)
(j)
(a)
(1) The approval process associated with credit limits;
(2) Due diligence analysis requirements;
(3) Maximum credit limits with each obligor and transaction counterparty, set as a percentage of capital. In addition to addressing deposits and securities, limits with transaction counterparties must address aggregate exposures of all transactions including, but not limited to, repurchase agreements, securities lending, and forward settlement of purchases or sales of investments; and
(4) Concentrations of credit risk (
(b)
(c)
(2)
(i) Aggregate investments in repurchase and securities lending agreements with any one counterparty are limited to 200 percent of capital;
(ii) Investments in corporate CUSOs are subject to the limitations of § 704.11; and
(iii) Aggregate investments in corporate credit unions are not subject to the limitations of paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
(3) For purposes of measurement, each new credit transaction must be evaluated in terms of the corporate credit union's capital at the time of the transaction. An investment that fails a requirement of this section because of a subsequent reduction in capital will be deemed nonconforming. A corporate credit union is required to exercise reasonable efforts to bring nonconforming investments into conformity within 90 calendar days. Investments that remain nonconforming for 90 calendar days will be deemed to fail a requirement of this section and the corporate credit union will have to comply with § 704.10.
(d)
(2) At the time of purchase, investments with long-term ratings must be rated no lower than AA- (or equivalent) and investments with short-term ratings must be rated no lower than A-1 (or equivalent).
(3) Any rating(s) relied upon to meet the requirements of this part must be identified at the time of purchase and must be monitored for as long as the corporate owns the investment.
(4) When two or more ratings are relied upon to meet the requirements of this part at the time of purchase, the board or an appropriate committee must place on the § 704.6(e)(1) investment watch list any investment for which a rating is downgraded below the minimum rating requirements of this part.
(5) Investments are subject to the requirements of § 704.10 if:
(i) One rating was relied upon to meet the requirements of this part and that rating is downgraded below the minimum rating requirements of this part; or
(ii) Two or more ratings were relied upon to meet the requirements of this part and at least two of those ratings are downgraded below the minimum rating requirements of this part.
(e)
(2) At a minimum, the corporate credit union must maintain:
(i) A justification for each approved credit limit;
(ii) Disclosure documents, if any, for all instruments held in portfolio. Documents for an instrument that has been sold must be retained until completion of the next NCUA examination; and
(iii) The latest available financial reports, industry analyses, internal and external analyst evaluations, and rating agency information sufficient to support each approved credit limit.
(a)
(1) Loan types and limits;
(2) Required documentation and collateral; and
(3) Analysis and monitoring standards.
(b)
(c)
(ii) The maximum aggregate amount in secured loans and lines of credit to any one member credit union, excluding those secured by shares or marketable securities and member reverse repurchase transactions, must not exceed 100 percent of capital.
(2)
(3)
(d)
(2)
(e)
(1) Member credit unions are exempt from part 723 of this chapter;
(2) Corporate CUSOs are not subject to part 723 of this chapter.
(3) Other members not excluded under § 723.1(b) of this chapter must comply with part 723 of this chapter unless the loan or line of credit is fully guaranteed by a credit union or fully secured by U.S. Treasury or agency securities. Those guaranteed and secured loans must comply with the aggregate limits of § 723.16 but are exempt from the other requirements of part 723.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(1) The purpose and objectives of the corporate credit union's asset and liability activities;
(2) The maximum allowable percentage decline in net economic value (NEV), compared to base case NEV;
(3) The minimum allowable NEV ratio;
(4) Policy limits and specific test parameters for the interest rate sensitivity analysis requirements set forth in paragraph (d) of this section;
(5) The modeling of indexes that serve as references in financial instrument coupon formulas; and
(6) The tests that will be used, prior to purchase, to estimate the impact of investments on the percentage decline in NEV, compared to base case NEV. The most recent NEV analysis, as determined under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section may be used as a basis of estimation.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(i) Evaluate the risk in its balance sheet by measuring, at least quarterly, the impact of an instantaneous, permanent, and parallel shock in the yield curve of plus and minus 100, 200, and 300 basis points on its NEV and NEV ratio. If the base case NEV ratio falls below 3 percent at the last testing date, these tests must be calculated at least
(ii) Limit its risk exposure to levels that do not result in a base case NEV ratio or any NEV ratio resulting from the tests set forth in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section below 2 percent; and
(iii) Limit its risk exposures to levels that do not result in a decline in NEV of more than 15 percent.
(2) A corporate credit union must assess annually if it should conduct periodic additional tests to address market factors that may materially impact that corporate credit union's NEV. These factors should include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) Changes in the shape of the Treasury yield curve;
(ii) Adjustments to prepayment projections used for amortizing securities to consider the impact of significantly faster/slower prepayment speeds;
(iii) Adjustments to the market spread assumptions for non Treasury instruments to consider the impact of widening spreads; and
(iv) Adjustments to volatility assumptions to consider the impact that changing volatilities have on embedded option values.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(1) Evaluate the potential liquidity needs of its membership in a variety of economic scenarios;
(2) Regularly monitor sources of internal and external liquidity;
(3) Demonstrate that the accounting classification of investment securities is consistent with its ability to meet potential liquidity demands; and
(4) Develop a contingency funding plan that addresses alternative funding strategies in successively deteriorating liquidity scenarios. The plan must:
(i) List all sources of liquidity, by category and amount, that are available to service an immediate outflow of funds in various liquidity scenarios;
(ii) Analyze the impact that potential changes in fair value will have on the disposition of assets in a variety of interest rate scenarios; and
(iii) Be reviewed by the board or an appropriate committee no less frequently than annually or as market or business conditions dictate.
(b)
(a) Any corporate credit union in possession of an investment, including a
(1) The investment's characteristics and risks;
(2) The process to obtain and adequately evaluate the investment's market pricing, cash flows, and risk;
(3) How the investment fits into the credit union's asset and liability management strategy;
(4) The impact that either holding or selling the investment will have on the corporate credit union's earnings, liquidity, and capital in different interest rate environments; and
(5) The likelihood that the investment may again pass the requirements of this part.
(b) The OCCU Director may require, for safety and soundness reasons, a shorter time period for plan development than that set forth in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) If the plan described in paragraph (a) of this section is not approved by the OCCU Director, the credit union must adhere to the OCCU Director's directed course of action.
(a) A corporate CUSO is an entity that:
(1) Is at least partly owned by a corporate credit union;
(2) Primarily serves credit unions;
(3) Restricts its services to those related to the normal course of business of credit unions; and
(4) Is structured as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership under state law.
(b)
(2) The aggregate of all investments in and loans to member and nonmember corporate CUSOs must not exceed 30 percent of a corporate credit union's capital. A corporate credit union may lend to member and nonmember corporate CUSOs an additional 15 percent of capital if the loan is collateralized by assets in which the corporate has a perfected security interest under state law.
(3) If the limitations in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section are reached or exceeded because of the profitability of the CUSO and the related GAAP valuation of the investment under the equity method without an additional cash outlay by the corporate, divestiture is not required. A corporate credit union may continue to invest up to the regulatory limit without regard to the increase in the GAAP valuation resulting from the corporate CUSO's profitability.
(c)
(d)
(2) A corporate credit union investing in or lending to a corporate CUSO must obtain a written legal opinion that concludes the corporate CUSO is organized and operated in a manner that the corporate credit union will not reasonably be held liable for the obligations of the corporate CUSO. This opinion must address factors that have led courts to “pierce the corporate veil,” such as inadequate capitalization, lack of corporate identity, common boards of directors and employees, control of one entity over another, and lack of separate books and records.
(e)
(f) An official of a corporate credit union which has invested in or loaned to a corporate CUSO may not receive, either directly or indirectly, any salary, commission, investment income, or other income, compensation, or consideration from the corporate CUSO. This prohibition also extends to immediate family members of officials.
(g) Prior to making an investment in or loan to a corporate CUSO, a corporate credit union must obtain a written agreement that the corporate CUSO will:
(1) Follow GAAP;
(2) Provide financial statements to the corporate credit union at least quarterly;
(3) Obtain an annual CPA opinion audit and provide a copy to the corporate credit union. A wholly owned or majority owned CUSO is not required to obtain a separate annual audit if it is included in the corporate credit union's annual consolidated audit; and
(4) Allow the auditor, board of directors, and NCUA complete access to its books, records, and any other pertinent documentation.
(h) Corporate credit union authority to invest in or loan to a CUSO is limited to that provided in this section. A corporate credit union is not authorized to invest in or loan to a CUSO under part 712 of this chapter.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(b)
(1) A federal corporate credit union must request approval from NCUA. The request must include a full explanation and complete documentation of the service and how the service relates to a corporate credit union's authority to provide services to its members. The request must be submitted jointly to the OCCU Director and the Secretary of the Board. The request will be treated as a petition to amend § 704.12 and NCUA will request public comment or otherwise act on the petition within a reasonable period of time. Before engaging in the formal approval process, a corporate credit union should seek an advisory opinion from NCUA's Office of General Counsel as to whether a proposed service is already covered by one of the authorized categories without filing a petition to amend the regulation; and
(2) A state-chartered corporate credit union must submit a request for a waiver that complies with § 704.1(b) to the OCCU Director.
(c)
(a)
(1) At least a majority of directors, including the chair of the board, must serve on the board as representatives of member credit unions;
(2) The chair of the board may not serve simultaneously as an officer, director, or employee of a credit union trade association;
(3) A majority of directors may not serve simultaneously as officers, directors, or employees of the same credit union trade association or its affiliates (not including chapters or other subunits of a state trade association);
(4) For purposes of meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, an individual may not serve as a director or chair of the board if that individual holds a subordinate employment relationship to another employee who serves as an officer, director, or employee of a credit union trade association; and
(5) In the case of a corporate credit union whose membership is composed of more than 25 percent non credit unions, the majority of directors serving as representatives of member credit unions, including the chair, must be elected only by member credit unions.
(b)
(c)
(2) Any vacancy on the board of a corporate credit union caused by a representative being unable to complete his or her term shall be filled by the board of the corporate credit union according to its bylaws governing the filling of board vacancies.
(d)
(2) An individual is “interested” in an entity if he or she:
(i) Serves as a director, officer, or employee of the entity;
(ii) Has a business, ownership, or deposit relationship with the entity; or
(iii) Has a business, financial, or familial relationship with an individual whom he or she knows has a pecuniary interest in the entity.
(3) In the event of the disqualification of any directors, by operation of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the remaining qualified directors present at the meeting, if constituting a quorum with the disqualified directors, may exercise, by majority vote, all the powers of the board with respect to the matter under consideration. Where all of the directors are disqualified, the matter must be decided by the members of the corporate credit union.
(4) In the event of the disqualification of any committee member by operation of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the remaining qualified committee members, if constituting a quorum with the disqualified committee members, may exercise, by majority vote, all the powers of the committee with respect to the matter under consideration. Where all of the committee members are disqualified, the matter shall be decided by the board of directors.
(e)
(2) The provisions of § 701.14 of this chapter apply to corporate credit unions, except that where “Regional Director” is used, read “NCUA Board.”
(a)
(b)
Services, facilities, personnel, or equipment shared with any party shall be supported by a written contract, with the duties and responsibilities of each party specified and the allocation of service fee/expenses fully supported and documented.
(a) This part does not expand the powers and authorities of any state-chartered corporate credit union, beyond those powers and authorities provided under the laws of the state in which it was chartered.
(b) A state-chartered corporate credit union that is not insured by the NCUSIF, but that receives funds from federally insured credit unions, is considered an “institution-affiliated party” within the meaning of Section 206(r) of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. 1786(r).
(c) NCUA will notify, consult with, and provide explanation to the appropriate state supervisory authority before taking administrative action against a state-chartered corporate credit union.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) When the bond of a credit union is terminated in its entirety;
(2) When bond coverage is terminated, by issuance of a written notice, on an employee, director, officer, supervisory or credit committee member; or
(3) When a deductible is increased above permissible limits. Said notification shall be sent to NCUA and shall include a brief statement of cause for termination or increase.
(d)
(2) It is the duty of the board of directors of each corporate credit union to provide adequate protection to meet its unique circumstances by obtaining, when necessary, bond coverage in excess of the minimums in the table in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
(e)
(2) A deductible may be applied separately to one or more insuring clauses in a blanket bond. Deductibles in excess of those showing in this section must have the written approval of NCUA at least 30 calendar days prior to the effective date of the deductibles.
(f)
(a)
(b)
(1) Its retained earnings must increase:
(i) During the current month, by an amount equal to or greater than the monthly earnings retention amount; or
(ii) During the current and prior two months, by an amount equal to or greater than the quarterly earnings retention amount.
(2) Earnings retention amounts are calculated as follows:
(i) The monthly earnings retention amount is determined by multiplying the earnings retention factor by the prior month-end moving daily average net assets; and
(ii) The quarterly earnings retention amount is determined by multiplying the earnings retention factor by moving daily average net assets for each of the prior three month-ends.
(3) The earnings retention factor is determined as follows:
(i) If the prior month-end retained earnings ratio is less than 1 percent and the core capital ratio is less than 3 percent, the earnings retention factor is .15 percent per annum; or
(ii) If the prior month-end retained earnings ratio is less than 1 percent and the core capital ratio is equal to or greater than 3 percent, the earnings retention factor is .075 percent per annum.
(4) The OCCU Director may approve a decrease to the earnings retention amount set forth in this section if it is determined a lesser amount is necessary to avoid a significant adverse impact upon a wholesale corporate credit union.
(5) Operating management of the wholesale corporate credit union must notify its board of directors, supervisory committee, OCCU Director and, if applicable, the state regulator within 10 calendar days of determining the retained earnings ratio has declined below 1 percent. If the decline in the retained earnings ratio is due in full or in part, to a decline in the dollar amount of retained earnings and the retained earnings ratio is not restored to at least 1 percent by the next month end, a retained earnings action plan is required to be submitted within 30 calendar days.
(6) The retained earnings action plan must be submitted to the OCCU Director and, if applicable, the state regulator and, at a minimum, include the following:
(i) Reasons why the dollar amount of retained earnings has decreased;
(ii) Description of actions to be taken to increase the dollar amount of retained earnings within specific time frames; and
(iii) Monthly balance sheet and income projections, including assumptions for the ensuing 12-month period.
This appendix contains sample forms intended for use by corporate credit unions to aid in compliance with the membership capital account and paid-in capital disclosure requirements of § 704.3.
(1) A membership capital account is not subject to share insurance coverage by the NCUSIF or other deposit insurer.
(2) A membership capital account is not releasable due solely to the merger, charter conversion or liquidation of the member credit union. In the event of a merger, the membership capital account transfers to the continuing credit union. In the event of a charter conversion, the membership capital account transfers to the new institution. In the event of liquidation, the membership capital account may be released to facilitate the payout of shares with the prior written approval of NCUA.
(3) A member credit union may withdraw membership capital with three years' notice.
(4) Membership capital cannot be used to pledge borrowings.
(5) Membership capital is available to cover losses that exceed retained earnings and paid-in capital.
(6) Where the corporate credit union is liquidated, membership capital accounts are payable only after satisfaction of all liabilities of the liquidation estate including uninsured obligations to shareholders and the NCUSIF.
(7) Where the corporate credit union is merged into another corporate credit union, the membership capital account will transfer to the continuing corporate credit union. The three-year notice period for withdrawal of the membership capital account will remain in effect.
(8) {If an adjusted balance account}: The membership capital balance will be adjusted __(1 or 2)___ time(s) annually in relation to the member credit union's ___ (assets or other measure) ___ as of ___(date(s))___. {If a term certificate}: The membership capital account is a term certificate that will mature on ___(date)___.
I have read the above terms and conditions and I understand them.
I further agree to maintain in the credit union's files the annual notice of terms and conditions of the membership capital account.
The notice form must be signed by either all of the directors of the member credit union or, if authorized by board resolution, the chair and secretary of the board of the credit union.
The annual disclosure notice form must be signed by the chair of the corporate credit union. The chair must then sign a statement that certifies that the notice has been sent to member credit unions with membership capital accounts. The certification must be maintained in the corporate credit union's files and be available for examiner review.
(1) A paid-in capital account is not subject to share insurance coverage by the NCUSIF or other deposit insurer.
(2) A paid-in capital account is not releasable due solely to the merger, charter conversion or liquidation of the member credit union. In the event of a merger, the paid-in capital account transfers to the continuing credit union. In the event of a charter conversion, the paid-in capital account transfers to the new institution. In the event of liquidation, the paid-in capital account may be released to facilitate the payout of shares with the prior written approval of NCUA.
(3) The funds are callable only at the option of the corporate credit union and only if the corporate credit union meets its minimum required capital and NEV ratios after the funds are called.
(4) Paid-in capital cannot be used to pledge borrowings.
(5) Paid-in capital is available to cover losses that exceed retained earnings.
(6) Where the corporate credit union is liquidated, paid-in capital accounts are payable only after satisfaction of all liabilities of the liquidation estate including uninsured obligations to shareholders and the NCUSIF, and membership capital holders.
(7) Where the corporate credit union is merged into another corporate credit union, the paid-in capital account will transfer to the continuing corporate credit union.
(8) Paid-in capital is perpetual maturity and noncumulative dividend.
I have read the above terms and conditions and I understand them. I further agree to maintain in the credit union's files the annual notice of terms and conditions of the paid-in capital instrument.
The notice form must be signed by either all of the directors of the credit union or, if authorized by board resolution, the chair and secretary of the board of the credit union.
A corporate credit union may obtain all or part of the expanded authorities contained in
A corporate credit union seeking expanded authorities must submit to NCUA a self-assessment plan supporting its request. A corporate credit union may adopt expanded authorities when NCUA has provided final approval. If NCUA denies a request for expanded authorities, it will advise the corporate credit union of the reason(s) for the denial and what it must do to resubmit its request. NCUA may revoke these expanded authorities at any time if an analysis indicates a significant deficiency. NCUA will notify the corporate credit union in writing of the identified deficiency. A corporate credit union may request, in writing, reinstatement of the revoked authorities by providing a self-assessment plan detailing how it has corrected the deficiency.
In order to participate in any of the authorities set forth in Base-Plus, Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Part V of this appendix, a corporate credit union must evaluate monthly the changes in NEV and the NEV ratio for the tests set forth in § 704.8(d)(1)(i).
A corporate that has met the requirements for this Base-plus authority may, in performing the rate stress tests set forth in § 704.8(d)(1)(i), allow its NEV to decline as much as 20 percent.
(a) A corporate credit union that has met the requirements for this Part I may:
(1) Purchase investments with long-term ratings no lower than A- (or equivalent);
(2) Purchase investments with short-term ratings no lower than A-2 (or equivalent), provided that the issuer has a long-term rating no lower than A- (or equivalent) or the investment is a domestically-issued asset-backed security;
(3) Engage in short sales of permissible investments to reduce interest rate risk;
(4) Purchase principal only (PO) stripped mortgage-backed securities to reduce interest rate risk; and
(5) Enter into a dollar roll transaction.
(b) Aggregate investments in repurchase and securities lending agreements with any one counterparty are limited to 300 percent of capital.
(c) In performing the rate stress tests set forth in § 704.8(d)(1)(i), the NEV of a corporate credit union that has met the requirements of this Part I may decline as much as:
(1) 20 percent;
(2) 28 percent if the corporate credit union has a 5 percent minimum capital ratio and is specifically approved by NCUA; or
(3) 35 percent if the corporate credit union has a 6 percent minimum capital ratio and is specifically approved by NCUA.
(d) The maximum aggregate amount in unsecured loans and lines of credit to any one member credit union, excluding pass-through and guaranteed loans from the CLF and the NCUSIF, must not exceed 100 percent of the corporate credit union's capital. The board of directors must establish the limit, as a percent of the corporate credit union's capital plus pledged shares, for secured loans and lines of credit.
(a) A corporate credit union that has met the requirements for this Part II may:
(1) Purchase investments with long-term ratings no lower than BBB (flat) (or equivalent). The aggregate of all investments rated BBB+ (or equivalent) or lower in any single obligor is not to exceed 25 percent of capital;
(2) Purchase investments with short-term ratings no lower than A-2 (or equivalent), provided that the issuer has a long-term rating no lower than BBB (flat) (or equivalent) or the investment is a domestically issued asset-backed security;
(3) Engage in short sales of permissible investments to reduce interest rate risk;
(4) Purchase principal only (PO) stripped mortgage-backed securities to reduce interest rate risk; and
(5) Enter into a dollar roll transaction.
(b) Aggregate investments in repurchase and securities lending agreements with any one counterparty are limited to 400 percent of capital.
(c) In performing the rate stress tests set forth in § 704.8(d)(1)(i), the NEV of a corporate credit union which has met the requirements of this Part II may decline as much as:
(1) 20 percent;
(2) 28 percent if the corporate credit union has a 5 percent minimum capital ratio and is specifically approved by NCUA; or
(3) 35 percent if the corporate credit union has a 6 percent minimum capital ratio and is specifically approved by NCUA.
(d) The maximum aggregate amount in unsecured loans and lines of credit to any one member credit union, excluding pass-through and guaranteed loans from the CLF and the NCUSIF, must not exceed 100 percent of the corporate credit union's capital. The board of directors must establish the limit, as a percent of the corporate credit union's capital plus pledged shares, for secured loans and lines of credit.
(a) A corporate credit union that has met the requirements of either Part I or Part II of this appendix and the additional requirements for Part III may invest in:
(1) Debt obligations of a foreign country;
(2) Deposits and debt obligations of foreign banks or obligations guaranteed by these banks;
(3) Marketable debt obligations of foreign corporations. This authority does not apply to debt obligations that are convertible into the stock of the corporation; and
(4) Foreign issued asset-backed securities.
(b) All foreign investments are subject to the following requirements:
(1) Investments must be rated no lower than the minimum permissible domestic rating under the corporate credit union's Part I or Part II authority;
(2) A sovereign issuer, and/or the country in which an obligor is organized, must have a long-term foreign currency (non-local currency) debt rating no lower than AA- (or equivalent);
(3) For each approved foreign bank line, the corporate credit union must identify the specific banking centers and branches to which it will lend funds;
(4) Obligations of any single foreign obligor may not exceed 50 percent of capital; and
(5) Obligations in any single foreign country may not exceed 250 percent of capital.
(a) A corporate credit union that has met the requirements for this Part IV may enter into derivative transactions specifically approved by NCUA to:
(1) Create structured products;
(2) Manage its own balance sheet; and
(3) Hedge the balance sheets of its members.
(b) Credit Ratings:
(1) All derivative transactions are subject to the following requirements:
(i) If the counterparty is domestic, the counterparty rating must be no lower than the minimum permissible rating for comparable term permissible investments; and
(ii) If the counterparty is foreign, the corporate must have Part III expanded authority and the counterparty rating must be no lower that the minimum permissible rating for a comparable term investment under Part III Authority.
(iii) Any rating(s) relied upon to meet the requirements of this part must be identified at the time the transaction is entered into and must be monitored for as long as the contract remains open.
(iv) Section 704.10 of this part if:
(A) one rating was relied upon to meet the requirements of this part and that rating is downgraded below the minimum rating requirements of this part; or
(B) two or more ratings were relied upon to meet the requirements of this part and at least two of those ratings are downgraded below the minimum rating requirements of this part.
(2) Exceptions. Credit ratings are not required for derivative transactions with:
(i) Domestically chartered credit unions;
(ii) U.S. government sponsored enterprises; or
(iii) Counterparties if the transaction is fully guaranteed by an entity with a minimum permissible rating for comparable term investments.
A corporate credit union that has met the requirements for this Part V may participate in loans with member natural person credit unions as approved by the OCCU Director and subject to the following:
(a) The maximum aggregate amount of participation loans with any one member credit union must not exceed 25 percent of capital; and
(b) The maximum aggregate amount of participation loans with all member credit unions will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the OCCU Director.
12 U.S.C. 1772c-1; 42 U.S.C. 9822 and 9822 note.
Monies from the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund for Credit Unions are governed by this part.
(a) This part implements the Community Developments Revolving Loan Program for Credit Unions (Program)
(b) This part establishes the following:
(1) Definitions;
(2) The application process and requirements for qualifying for a loan under the program;
(3) How loan funds are to be made available and their repayment; and
(4) Technical assistance to be provided to participating credit unions.
(a) The Community Development Revolving Loan Program for Credit Unions is intended to support the efforts of participating credit unions through loans and technical assistance to those credit unions in:
(1) Providing basic financial and related services to residents in their communities; and
(2) Stimulating economic activities in the communities they service which will result in increased income, ownership and employment opportunities for low-income residents, and other community growth efforts.
(b) The policy of NCUA is to revolve loan funds to qualifying credit unions as often as practical in order to gain maximum economic impact on as many participating credit unions as possible.
(a) The term “low-income members” means those members defined in § 701.34 of this chapter.
(b) For purposes of this part, a
In order to meet the objectives of the Program, a credit union applicant should provide a variety of financial and related services designed to meet the particular needs of the low-income community served. These activities shall include basic member share account and member loan services.
(a) Applications to participate and qualify for a loan or technical assistance under the Program may be obtained from the National Credit Union Administration, Community Development Revolving Loan Program For Credit Unions.
(b) The application for a loan shall contain the following information:
(1) Information demonstrating a sound financial position and the credit union's ability to manage its day-to-day business affairs, including the credit union's latest financial statement. A nonfederally insured credit union must include the following:
(i) A copy of its most recent outside audit report;
(ii) Proof of deposit and surety bond insurance which states the maximum insurance levels permitted by the policies;
(iii) A balance sheet, an income and expense statement, and a schedule of delinquent loans, for the most recent month-end and each of the twelve months preceding that month-end.
(2) Evidence that the credit union has a need for increased funds in order to improve financial services to its members.
(3) The following information concerning a state-chartered credit union's field of membership:
(i) Current field of membership as set forth in the credit union's charter;
(ii) Changes, if any, to be made to the field of membership for participation in the Program, including;
(A) Evidence of approval of change by credit union board of directors;
(B) Evidence of submission and approval of change by the state supervisor;
(iii) Current designation as a low-income credit union if the credit union is not federally insured.
(4) Along with a community needs plan, specifics of how the credit union proposes to serve the needs of its members and the community with Program funds. The applicant credit union will also construct and submit a plan for its growth and development. The plan will set forth objectives for financial growth, credit union development and capitalization, and the means for achieving these objectives.
(5) Indication of any other involvement in existing community development programs of state and federal agencies.
(c) NCUA will notify applicant credit unions as to whether or not they have qualified for a loan or technical assistance under this part. Reasons for nonqualification will be stated. Any applicant whose qualification is denied may appeal that decision to the NCUA Board.
(a) The credit union's board of directors will prepare a Community Needs Plan and submit it with its loan application. The Plan will contain a list of needed community services that the credit union will provide.
(b) The credit union's board of directors will report on the progress of providing needed community services to the credit union members once a year, either at the annual meeting or in a written report sent to all members. The credit union will also submit the written report or a summary of the report given at the annual meeting to NCUA.
(a)
(b)
(1) Generally loan monies made available must be matched by the participating credit union by increasing its share deposits in an amount equal to the loan amount. However, any loan monies matched by member share deposits will be credited as a two-for-one match. Nonmember share deposits accepted to meet the matching requirement are not subject to the 20% limitation on nonmember deposits under § 701.32. Participating credit unions must meet this matching requirement within one year of the approval of the loan application and must maintain the increase in the total amount of share deposits for the duration of the loan. Once the loan is repaid, nonmember share deposits accepted to meet the matching requirement are subject to § 701.32.
(2) Upon approval of its loan application, and before it meets its matching requirement, a participating credit union may receive the entire loan commitment in a single payment. If any funds are withheld, the remainder of the funds committed will be available to the participating credit union only after it has documented that it has met the match requirement for the total amount of the loan committed.
(3) Failure of a participating credit union to generate the required match within one year of the approval of the loan will result in the reduction of the loan proportionate to the amount of match actually generated. Payment of any additional funds initially approved will be limited as appropriate to reflect the revised amount of the loan approved. Any funds already advanced to the participating credit union in excess of the revised amount of loan approval
(c)
(2) Semiannual interest payments (beginning six months after the initial distribution of a loan) and semiannual principal payments (beginning one year after the initial distribution of a loan) will be required.
(d)
(e)
State-chartered credit union loan applicants approved for participation by NCUA must obtain written concurrence from their respective state regulatory authority. Such applicants shall make copies of their state examination reports available to NCUA and shall agree to examination by NCUA for the limited purpose of compliance with this part.
NCUA will announce annually and publish in the
NCUA may provide technical assistance to participating credit unions directly or through outside providers selected by the credit unions or NCUA. NCUA will base technical assistance on funds availability, the needs of the participating credit union, and a demonstrated capability of the participating credit union to provide financial and related services to its members. NCUA will consider applications for technical assistance and determine whether to grant them in accordance with established procedures and standards that are publicly available. Participating credit unions can be provided with technical assistance without obtaining a Program loan. NCUA technical assistance will aid participating credit unions in providing services to their members and in the efficient operation of such credit unions.
15 U.S.C. 57a(f).
At 74 FR 5575, Jan. 29, 2009, part 706 was revised, effective July 1, 2010. The revised text follows this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Works of art;
(2) Electronic entertainment equipment (except one television and one radio);
(3) Items acquired as antiques; and
(4) Jewelry (except wedding rings).
(g)
(h)
(a) In connection with the extension of credit to consumers, it is an unfair act or practice for a Federal credit union, directly or indirectly, to take or receive from a consumer an obligation that:
(1) Constitutes or contains a cognovit or confession of judgment (for purposes other than executory process in the State of Louisiana), warrant of attorney, or other waiver of the right to notice and the opportunity to be heard in the event of suit or process thereon.
(2) Constitutes or contains an executory waiver or a limitation of exemption from attachment, execution, or other process on real or personal property held, owned by, or due to the consumer, unless the waiver applies solely to property subject to a security interest executed in connection with the obligation.
(3) Constitutes or contains an assignment of wages or other earnings unless:
(i) The assignment by its terms is revocable at the will of the debtor, or
(ii) The assignment is a payroll deduction plan or preauthorized payment plan, commencing at the time of the transaction, in which the consumer authorizes a series of wage deductions as a method of making each payment, or
(iii) The assignment applies only to wages or other earnings already earned at the time of the assignment.
(4) Constitutes or contains a nonpossessory security interest in household goods other than a purchase money security interest.
(a)
(1) A deceptive act or practice for a Federal credit union, directly or indirectly, to mispresent the nature or extent of cosigner liability to any person.
(2) An unfair act or practice for a Federal credit union, directly or indirectly, to obligate a cosigner unless the cosigner is informed prior to becoming obligated, which in the case of open-end credit means prior to the time that the agreement creating the cosigner's liability for future charges is executed,
(b)
You are being asked to guarantee this debt. Think carefully before you do. If the borrower doesn't pay the debt, you will have to. Be sure you can afford to pay if you have to, and that you want to accept this responsibility.
You may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. You may also have to pay late fees or collection costs, which increase this amount.
The creditor can collect this debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower. The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, such as suing you, garnishing your wages, etc. If this debt is ever in default, that fact may become a part of your credit record.
This notice is not the contract that makes you liable for the debt.
(2) If the notice to cosigner is a separate document, nothing other than the following items may appear with the notice. Items (i) through (v) may not be part of the narrative portion of the notice to cosigner.
(i) The name and address of the Federal credit union;
(ii) An identification of the debt to be consigned (e.g., a loan identification number);
(iii) The amount of the loan;
(iv) The date of the loan;
(v) A signature line for a cosigner to acknowledge receipt of the notice; and
(vi) To the extent permitted by state law, a cosigner notice required by state law may be included in the paragraph (b)(1) notice.
(3) To the extent the notice to cosigner specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section refers to an action against a cosigner that is not permitted by state law, the notice to cosigner may be modified.
(a) In connection with collecting a debt arising out of an extension of credit to a consumer, it is an unfair act or practice for a Federal credit union, directly or indirectly, to levy or collect any delinquency charge on a payment, which payment is otherwise a full payment for the applicable period and is paid on its due date or within an applicable grace period, when the only delinquency is attributable to late fee(s) or delinquency charge(s) assessed on earlier installment(s).
(b) For purposes of this section, “collecting a debt” means any activity other than the use of judicial process that is intended to bring about or does bring about repayment of all or part of a consumer debt.
(a) If, upon application to the NCUA by an appropriate state agency, the NCUA determines that:
(1) There is a state requirement or prohibition in effect that applies to any transaction to which a provision of this rule applies; and
(2) The state requirement or prohibition affords a level of protection to consumers that is substantially equivalent to, or greater than, the protection afforded by this rule; then that provision of this rule will not be in effect in the state to the extent specified by the NCUA in its determination, for as long as the state administers and enforces the state requirement or prohibition effectively.
(b) States that received an exemption from the Federal Trade Commission's Credit Practices Rule prior to September 17, 1987, are not required to reapply to NCUA for an exemption under paragraph (a) of this section provided that the state forwards a copy of its exemption determination to the appropriate Regional Office. NCUA will honor the exemption for as long as the state administers and enforces the state requirement or prohibition effectively. Any state seeking a greater exemption than that granted to it by the Federal Trade Commission must apply to NCUA for the exemption.
At 74 FR 5575, Jan. 29, 2009, part 706 was revised, effective July 1, 2010. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:
15 U.S.C. 57a.
(a)
(b)
(c)
For purposes of this subpart, the following definitions apply:
It is an unfair act or practice for a federal credit union, directly or indirectly, to enter into a consumer credit obligation that constitutes or contains, or to enforce in a consumer credit obligation the federal credit union purchased, any of the following provisions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The assignment by its terms is revocable at the will of the debtor;
(2) The assignment is a payroll deduction plan or preauthorized payment plan, commencing at the time of the transaction, in which the consumer authorizes a series of wage deductions as a method of making each payment; or
(3) The assignment applies only to wages or other earnings already earned at the time of the assignment.
(d)
(1) Means clothing, furniture, appliances, linens, china, crockery, kitchenware, and personal effects of the consumer and the consumer's dependents.
(2) Does not include:
(i) Works of art;
(ii) Electronic entertainment equipment (except one television and one radio);
(iii) Antiques (any item over one hundred years of age, including such items that have been repaired or renovated without changing their original form or character); or
(iv) Jewelry (other than wedding rings).
(a)
(b)
(c)
You are being asked to guarantee this debt. Think carefully before you do. If the borrower doesn't pay the debt, you will have to. Be sure you can afford to pay if you have to, and that you want to accept this responsibility.
You may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. You may also have to pay late fees or collection costs, which increase this amount.
The creditor can collect this debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower. The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, such as suing you, garnishing your wages, etc. If this debt is ever in default, that fact may become a part of your credit record.
(2)
(3)
(i) The federal credit union's name and address;
(ii) An identification of the debt to be cosigned (
(iii) The date (of the transaction); and
(iv) The statement, “This notice is not the contract that makes you liable for the debt.”
(d)
(2)
(3) A person who meets the definition in this paragraph is a cosigner, whether or not the person is designated as such on a credit obligation.
(a)
(b)
For purposes of this subpart, the following definitions apply:
(1) Home equity plans subject to the requirements of 12 CFR 226.5b that are accessible by a credit or charge card;
(2) Overdraft lines of credit tied to asset accounts accessed by check-guarantee cards or by debit cards;
(3) Lines of credit accessed by check-guarantee cards or by debit cards that can be used only at automated teller machines; and
(4) Lines of credit accessed solely by account numbers.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(c)
When different annual percentage rates apply to different balances on a consumer credit card account, a federal credit union must allocate any amount paid by the consumer in excess of the required minimum periodic payment among the balances using one of the following methods:
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(c)
(1)
(i) An amortization period of no less than five years, starting from the date on which the increased rate becomes effective for the category of transactions; or
(ii) A required minimum periodic payment that includes a percentage of the protected balance that is no more than twice the percentage required before the date on which the increased rate became effective for the category of transactions.
(2)
(a)
(b)
(1) Adjustments to finance charges as a result of the resolution of a dispute under 12 CFR 226.12 or 12 CFR 226.13; or
(2) Adjustments to finance charges as a result of the return of a payment for insufficient funds.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(i) Any annual or other periodic fee that may be imposed for the issuance or availability of a consumer credit card account, including any fee based on account activity or inactivity; and
(ii) Any non-periodic fee that relates to opening an account.
(2)
(3)
(4)
1.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
i. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $500 at an annual percentage rate of 15% and a purchase balance of $1,500 at an annual percentage rate of 10% and that the consumer pays $800 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment. A federal credit union using this method would allocate $500 to pay off the cash advance balance and then allocate the remaining $300 to the purchase balance.
ii. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $500 at an annual percentage rate of 15% and a purchase balance of $1,500 at an annual percentage rate of 10% and that the consumer pays $400 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment. A federal credit union using this method would allocate the entire $400 to the cash advance balance.
iii. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $100 at an annual percentage rate of 15%, a purchase balance of $300 at an annual percentage rate of 13%, and a $600 protected balance on which the 10% annual percentage rate cannot be increased pursuant to § 706.24. If the consumer pays $500 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment, a federal credit union using this method would allocate $100 to pay off the cash advance balance, $300 to pay off the purchase balance, and $100 to the protected balance.
iv. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $500 at an annual percentage rate of 15%, a purchase balance of $1,000 at an annual percentage rate of 12%, and a transferred balance of $2,000 that was previously at a discounted annual percentage rate of 5% but is now at an annual percentage rate of 12%. Assume also that the consumer pays $800 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment. A federal credit union using this method would allocate $500 to pay off the cash advance balance and allocate the remaining $300 among the purchase balance and the transferred balance in the manner the federal credit union deems appropriate.
1.
2.
i. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $500 at an annual percentage rate of 15% and a purchase balance of $1,500 at an annual percentage rate of 12% and that the consumer pays $555 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment. A federal credit union using this method would allocate 25% of the amount ($139) to the cash advance balance and 75% of the amount ($416) to the purchase balance.
ii. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $100 at an annual percentage rate of 15%, a purchase balance of $300 at an annual percentage rate of 13%, and a $600 protected balance on which the 10% annual percentage rate cannot be increased pursuant to § 706.24. If the consumer pays $130 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment, a federal credit union using this method would allocate 10% of the amount
iii. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $300 at an annual percentage rate of 15% and a purchase balance of $600 at an annual percentage rate of 13%. Assume also that the required minimum periodic payment is $50 and that the federal credit union allocates this payment first to the balance with the lowest annual percentage rate, the $600 purchase balance. If the consumer pays $300 in excess of the $50 minimum payment, a federal credit union using this method could allocate based on a total balance of $850, consisting of the $300 cash advance balance plus the $550 purchase balance after application of the $50 minimum payment. In this case, the federal credit union would apply 35% of the $300 ($105) to the cash advance balance and 65% of that amount ($195) to the purchase balance. In the alternative, the federal credit union could allocate based on a total balance of $900, which does not reflect the $50 minimum payment. In that case, the federal credit union would apply one-third of the $300 excess payment ($100) to the cash advance balance and two-thirds ($200) to the purchase balance.
iv. Assume that a consumer's account has a cash advance balance of $500 at an annual percentage rate of 15%, a purchase balance of $1,000 at an annual percentage rate of 12%, and a transferred balance of $2,000 that was previously at a discounted annual percentage rate of 5%, but is now at an annual percentage rate of 12%. Assume also that the consumer pays $800 in excess of the required minimum periodic payment. A federal credit union using this method would allocate 14% of the excess payment ($112) to the cash advance balance and allocate the remaining 86% ($688) among the purchase balance and the transferred balance in the manner the federal credit union deems appropriate.
1.
1.
2.
i. Assume that, at account opening on January 1 of year one, a federal credit union discloses that the annual percentage rate for purchases is a non-variable rate of 1% and will apply for six months. The federal credit union also discloses that, after six months, the annual percentage rate for purchases will be a variable rate that is currently 9% and will be adjusted quarterly by adding a margin of 8 percentage points to a publicly-available index not under the federal credit union's control. Finally, the federal credit union discloses that the annual percentage rate for cash advances is the same variable rate that will apply to purchases after six months. The payment due date for the account is the twenty-fifth day of the month and the required minimum periodic payments are applied to accrued interest and fees but do not reduce the purchase and cash advance balances.
A. On January 15, the consumer uses the account to make a $2,000 purchase and a $500 cash advance. No other transactions are made on the account. At the start of each quarter, the federal credit union adjusts the variable rate that applies to the $500 cash advance consistent with changes in the index, pursuant to § 706.24(b)(2). All required minimum periodic payments are received on or before the payment due date until May of year one, when the payment due on May 25 is received by the federal credit union on May 28. The federal credit union is prohibited by § 706.24 from increasing the rates that apply to the $2,000 purchase, the $500 cash advance, or future purchases and cash advances. Six months after account opening, July 1, the federal credit union applies the previously-
B. Same facts as above, except that the required minimum periodic payment due on May 25 of year one is not received by the federal credit union until June 30 of year one. Because the federal credit union received the required minimum periodic payment more than 30 days after the payment due date, § 706.24(b)(4) permits the federal credit union to increase the annual percentage rate applicable to the $2,000 purchase, the $500 cash advance, and future purchases and cash advances. However, the federal credit union must first comply with the notice requirements in 12 CFR 226.9(g). Thus, if the federal credit union provided a 12 CFR 226.9(g) notice on June 25 stating that all rates on the account would be increased to a non-variable penalty rate of 15%, the federal credit union could apply that 15% rate beginning on August 9, to all balances and future transactions.
ii. Assume that, at account opening on January 1 of year one, a federal credit union discloses that the annual percentage rate for purchases will increase as follows: A non-variable rate of 3% for six months; a non-variable rate of 8% for an additional six months; and thereafter a variable rate that is currently 13% and will be adjusted monthly by adding a margin of 5 percentage points to a publicly available index not under the federal credit union's control. The payment due date for the account is the fifteenth day of the month and the required minimum periodic payments are applied to accrued interest and fees but do not reduce the purchase balance. On January 15, the consumer uses the account to make a $1,500 purchase. Six months after account opening, July 1, the federal credit union begins accruing interest on the $1,500 purchase at the previously disclosed 8% non-variable rate pursuant to § 706.24(b)(1). On September 15, the consumer uses the account for a $700 purchase. On November 16, the federal credit union provides a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(c) informing the consumer of a new variable rate that will apply on January 1 of year two, calculated using the same index and an increased margin of 8 percentage points. One year after account opening, January 1 of year two, the federal credit union begins accruing interest on the $2,200 purchase balance at the previously disclosed variable rate determined using a 5-point margin pursuant to § 706.24(b)(1). Because the variable rate determined using the 8-point margin was not disclosed at account opening, the federal credit union may not apply that rate to the $2,200 purchase balance. Furthermore, because no other increases in rate were disclosed at account opening, the federal credit union may not subsequently increase the variable rate that applies to the $2,200 purchase balance (except due to increases in the index pursuant to § 706.24(b)(2)). The federal credit union may, however, apply the variable rate determined using the 8-point margin to purchases made on or after January 1 of year two pursuant to § 706.24(b)(3).
iii. Assume that, at account opening on January 1 of year one, a federal credit union discloses that the annual percentage rate for purchases is a variable rate determined by adding a margin of 6 percentage points to a publicly available index outside of the federal credit union's control. The federal credit union also discloses that, to the extent consistent with § 706.24 and other applicable law, a non-variable penalty rate of 15% may apply if the consumer makes a late payment. The due date for the account is the fifteenth of the month. On May 30 of year two, the account has a purchase balance of $1,000. On May 31, the creditor provides a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(c) informing the consumer of a new variable rate that will apply on July 16 for all purchases made on or after June 8, calculated by using the same index and an increased margin of 8 percentage points. On June 7, the consumer makes a $500 purchase. On June 8, the consumer makes a $200 purchase. On June 25, the federal credit union has not received the payment due on June 15, and provides the consumer with a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(g) stating that the penalty rate of 15% will apply as of August 9, to all transactions made on or after July 2. On July 4, the consumer makes a $300 purchase.
A. The payment due on June 15 of year two is received on June 25. On July 17, § 706.24(b)(3) permits the federal credit union to apply the variable rate determined using the 8-point margin to the $200 purchase made on June 8 but does not permit the federal credit union to apply this rate to the $1,500 purchase balance. On August 9, § 706.24(b)(3) permits the federal credit union to apply the
B. Same facts as above, except the payment due on September 15 of year two is received on October 20. Section 706.24(b)(4) permits the federal credit union to apply the 15% penalty rate to all balances on the account and to future transactions because it has not received payment within 30 days after the due date. However, in order to apply the 15% penalty rate to the entire $2,000 purchase balance, the federal credit union must provide an additional notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(g). This notice must be sent no earlier than October 16, which is the first day the account became more than 30 days delinquent.
C. Same facts as paragraph A above, except the payment due on June 15 of year two is received on July 20. Section 706.24(b)(4) permits the federal credit union to apply the 15% penalty rate to all balances on the account and to future transactions because it has not received payment within 30 days after the due date. Because the federal credit union provided a 12 CFR 226.9(g) notice on June 24 stating the 15% penalty rate, the federal credit union may apply the 15% penalty rate to all balances on the account as well as any future transactions on August 9, without providing an additional notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(g).
1.
i. Assume that a federal credit union discloses at account opening on January 1 of year one that a non-variable rate of 8% applies to purchases, but that all rates on an account may be increased to a non-variable penalty rate of 15% if a consumer's required minimum periodic payment is received after the payment due date, which is the fifteenth of the month. On March 1, the account has a $2,000 purchase balance. The payment due on March 15 is not received until March 20. Section 706.24 does not permit the federal credit union to apply the 15% penalty rate to the $2,000 purchase balance. However, pursuant to § 706.24(b)(3), the federal credit union could provide a 12 CFR 226.9(c) or (g) notice on November 16, informing the consumer that, on January 1 of year two, the 15% rate (or a different rate) will apply to new transactions.
ii. Assume that a federal credit union discloses at account opening on January 1 of year one that a non-variable rate of 5% applies to transferred balances but that this rate will increase to a non-variable rate of 15% if the consumer does not use the account for at least $200 in purchases each billing cycle. On July 1, the consumer transfers a balance of $4,000 to the account. During the October billing cycle, the consumer uses the account for $150 in purchases. Section 706.24 does not permit the federal credit union to apply the 15% rate to the $4,000 transferred balance. However, pursuant to § 706.24(b)(3), the federal credit union could provide a 12 CFR 226.9(c) or (g) notice on November 16 informing the consumer that, on January 1 of year two, the 15% rate, or a different rate, will apply to new transactions.
iii. Assume that a federal credit union discloses at account opening on January 1 of year one that interest on purchases will be deferred for one year, although interest will accrue on purchases during that year at a non-variable rate of 15%. The federal credit union further discloses that, if all purchases made during year one are not paid in full by the end of that year, the federal credit union will begin charging interest on the purchase balance and new purchases at 15% and will retroactively charge interest on the purchase balance at a rate of 15% starting on the date of each purchase made during year one. On January 1 of year one, the consumer makes a purchase of $1,500. No other transactions are made on the account. On January 1 of year two, $500 of the $1,500 purchase remains unpaid. Section 706.24 does not permit the federal credit union to reach back to charge interest on the $1,500 purchase from January 1 through December 31 of year one. However, the federal credit union may apply the previously disclosed 15% rate to the $500 purchase balance beginning on January 1 of year two pursuant to § 706.24(b)(1).
2.
3.
i. Assume that, at account opening on January 1 of year one, a federal credit union discloses that a non-variable annual percentage rate of 5% will apply to purchases for one year and discloses that, after the first year, the federal credit union will apply a variable rate that is currently 15% and is determined by adding a margin of 10 percentage points to a publicly available index not under the federal credit union's control. On December 31 of year one, the account has a purchase balance of $3,000.
A. On November 16 of year one, the federal credit union provides a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(c) informing the consumer of a new variable rate that will apply on January 1 of year two, calculated using the same index and a reduced margin of 8 percentage points. The notice further states that, on July 1 of year two, the margin will increase to the margin disclosed at account opening, 5 percentage points. On July 1 of year two, the federal credit union increases the margin used to determine the variable rate that applies to new purchases to 10 percentage points and applies that rate to any remaining portion of the $3,000 purchase balance pursuant to § 706.24(b)(1).
B. Same facts as above, except that the federal credit union does not send a notice on November 16 of year one. Instead, on January 1 of year two, the federal credit union lowers the margin used to determine the variable rate to 8 percentage points and applies that rate to the $3,000 purchase balance and to new purchases. 12 CFR 226.9 does not require advance notice in these circumstances. However, unless the account becomes more than 30 days delinquent, the federal credit union may not subsequently increase the rate that applies to the $3,000 purchase balance except due to increases in the index pursuant to § 706.24(b)(2).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
i. Assume that a consumer credit card account is opened on January 1 of year one. On March 14 of year two, the account has a purchase balance of $2,000 at a non-variable annual percentage rate of 5%. On March 15, the federal credit union provides a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(c) informing the consumer that the rate for new purchases will increase to a non-variable rate of 15% on May 1. The notice further states that the 5% rate will apply for six months until November 1, and states that thereafter the federal credit union will apply a variable rate that is currently 15% and is determined by adding a margin of 10 percentage points to a publicly-available index that is not under the federal credit union's control. The seventh day after provision of the notice is March 22 and, on that date, the consumer makes a $200 purchase. On March 24, the consumer makes a $1,000 purchase. On May 1, § 706.24(b)(3) permits the federal credit union to begin accruing interest at 15% on the $1,000 purchase made on March 24. The federal credit union is not permitted to apply the 15% rate to the $2,200 purchase balance as of March 22. After six months, November 2, the federal credit union may begin accruing interest on any remaining portion of the $1,000 purchase at the previously-disclosed variable rate determined using the 10-point margin.
ii. Same facts as above except that the $200 purchase is authorized by the federal credit union on March 22 but is not settled until March 23. On May 1, § 706.24(b)(3) permits the federal credit union to start charging interest at 15% on both the $200 purchase and the $1,000 purchase. The federal credit union is not permitted to apply the 15% rate to the $2,000 purchase balance as of March 22.
iii. Same facts as in paragraph i above, except that on September 17 of year two, which is 45 days before expiration of the 18% non-variable rate, the federal credit union provides a notice pursuant to 12 CFR 226.9(c) informing the consumer that, on November 2, a new variable rate will apply to new purchases and any remaining portion of the $1,000 balance, calculated by using the same index and a reduced margin of 10 percentage points. The notice further states that, on May 1 of year three, the margin will increase to the margin disclosed at account opening, 12 percentage points. On May 1 of year three, § 706.24(b)(3) permits the federal credit union to increase the margin used to determine the variable rate that applies to new purchases to 12 percentage points and to apply that rate to any remaining portion of the $1,000 purchase as well as to new purchases.
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2.
3.
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2.
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2.
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i. Assume that the billing cycle on a consumer credit card account starts on the first day of the month and ends on the last day of the month. The payment due date for the account is the twenty-fifth day of the month. Under the terms of the account, the consumer will not be charged interest on purchases if the balance at the end of a billing cycle is paid in full by the following payment due date. The consumer uses the credit card to make a $500 purchase on March 15. The consumer pays the balance for the February billing cycle in full on March 25. At the end of the March billing cycle, March 31, the consumer's balance consists only of the $500 purchase and the consumer will not be charged interest on that balance if it is paid in full by the following due date, April 25. The consumer pays $400 on April 25, leaving a $100 balance. The federal credit union may charge interest on the $500 purchase from the start of the April billing cycle, April 1, through April 24 and interest on the remaining $100 from April 25 through the end of the April billing cycle, April 30. The federal credit union is prohibited, however, from reaching back and charging interest on the $500 purchase from the date of purchase, March 15 to the end of the March billing cycle, March 31.
ii. Assume the same circumstances as in the previous example except that the consumer does not pay the balance for the February billing cycle in full on March 25 and therefore, under the terms of the account, is not eligible for a time period within which to repay the $500 purchase without incurring a finance charge. With respect to the $500 purchase, the federal credit union may charge interest from the date of purchase, March 15, through April 24 and interest on the remaining $100 from April 25 through the end of the April billing cycle, April 30.
1.
1.
2.
i. Assume that a consumer credit card account opened on January 1 has an initial credit limit of $500. Assume also that the billing cycles for this account begin on the first day of the month and end on the last day of the month. Under § 706.26(a), the federal credit union may charge to the account no more than $250 in security deposits and fees for the issuance or availability of credit during the first year after the account is opened. If it charges $250, the federal credit union may charge up to $125 during the first billing cycle. If it charges $125 during the first billing cycle, it may then charge no more than $25 in each of the next five billing cycles. If it chooses, the federal credit union may spread the additional security deposits and fees over a longer period, such as by charging $12.50 in each of the ten billing cycles following the first billing cycle.
ii. Same facts as above except that on July 1 the federal credit union increases the credit limit on the account from $500 to $750. Because the prohibition in § 706.26(a) is based on the initial credit limit of $500, the increase in credit limit does not permit the federal credit union to charge to the account additional security deposits and fees for the issuance or availability of credit, such as a fee for increasing the credit limit.
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2.
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12 U.S.C. 4311.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a)
(b)
(1) The availability or terms of, or a deposit in, a new account; and
(2) For purposes of § 707.8(a) and § 707.11 of this part, the terms of, or a deposit in, a new or existing account.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(1) A natural person member of the credit union who holds an account primarily for personal, family, or household purposes;
(2) A natural person nonmember who holds an account primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, either jointly with a natural person member or in a credit union designated as a low-income credit union, or to whom such an account is offered; and
(3) A natural person nonmember who holds a deposit account in a state-chartered credit union pursuant to state law, or to whom such deposit account is offered.
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) For dividend-bearing accounts other than term share accounts, specify a dividend rate and annual percentage yield as of the last dividend declaration date. In the event that disclosures of a dividend rate and annual percentage yield as of the last dividend declaration date might be inaccurate because of known or contemplated dividend rate changes, the credit union may disclose the prospective dividend rate and prospective annual percentage yield. Such prospective dividend rate and prospective annual percentage yield may be disclosed either in lieu of, or in addition to, the dividend rate and
(2) For interest-bearing accounts and for dividend-bearing term share accounts, specify an interest (dividend) rate and annual percentage yield that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days; state that the rate and yield are accurate as of an identified date; and provide a telephone number members may call to obtain current rate information.
(f)
(2)
(a)
(ii)
(2)
(ii) In providing disclosures upon request, the credit union may:
(A) Specify rates as follows:
(
(
(B) State the maturity of a term share account as either a term or a date.
(b)
(1)
(B) For dividend-bearing accounts other than term share accounts, a credit union shall specify a dividend rate and annual percentage yield (using those terms) as of the last dividend declaration date. In the event that disclosures of a dividend rate and annual percentage yield as of the last dividend declaration date might be inaccurate because of known or contemplated dividend rate changes, the credit union may disclose the prospective dividend rate and prospective annual percentage yield. Such prospective dividend rate and prospective annual percentage yield may be disclosed either in lieu of, or in addition to, the dividend rate and annual percentage yield as of the last dividend declaration date.
(ii)
(A) The fact that the dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change;
(B) How the dividend rate is determined;
(C) The frequency with which the dividend rate may change; and
(D) Any limitation on the amount the dividend rate may change.
(2)
(ii)
(3)
(A) Open the account;
(B) Avoid the imposition of a fee; or
(C) Obtain the annual percentage yield disclosed.
(ii)
(iii)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(7)
(8)
(c)
(2)
(a)
(2)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(i) Provide disclosures as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or
(ii) Disclose to the member:
(A) The date the existing account matures and the new maturity date if the account is renewed;
(B) The dividend rate and the annual percentage yield for the new account if they are known (or that those rates have not yet been determined, the date when they will be determined, and a telephone number the member may call to obtain the dividend rate and the
(C) Any difference in the terms of the new account as compared to the terms required to be disclosed under § 707.4(b) for the existing account.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) Be misleading or inaccurate or misrepresent a credit union's account agreement; or
(2) Refer to or describe an account as “free” or “no cost” or contain a similar term if any maintenance or activity fee may be imposed on the account. The word “profit” must not be used in referring to dividends or interest paid on an account.
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(d)
(1) The “annual percentage yield,” using that term;
(2) The time requirements to obtain the bonus;
(3) The minimum balance required to obtain the bonus;
(4) The minimum balance required to open the account, if it is greater than the minimum balance necessary to obtain the bonus; and
(5) When the bonus will be provided.
(e)
(i) Broadcast or electronic media, such as television or radio;
(ii) Outdoor media, such as billboards; or
(iii) Telephone response machines.
(2)
(ii) If a sign exempted by paragraph (e)(2) of this section states a rate of return, it shall:
(A) State the rate as an “annual percentage yield,” using that term or the term “APY.” The sign shall not state any other rate, except that the dividend rate may be stated in conjunction with the annual percentage yield to which it relates.
(B) Contain a statement advising members to contact an employee for further information about applicable fees and terms.
(3)
(ii) If a newsletter exempted by paragraph (e)(3) of this section states a rate of return, it shall:
(A) State the rate as an “annual percentage yield,” using that term or the term “APY.” The newsletter shall not state any other rate, except that the dividend rate may be stated in conjunction with the annual percentage yield to which it relates.
(B) Contain a statement advising members to contact an employee for further information about applicable fees and terms.
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(i) The total dollar amount for all fees or charges imposed on the account for paying checks or other items when there are insufficient or unavailable funds and the account becomes overdrawn; and
(ii) The total dollar amount for all fees or charges imposed on the account for returning items unpaid.
(2)
(3)
(b)
(i) The fee or fees for the payment of each overdraft;
(ii) The categories of transactions for which a fee for paying an overdraft may be imposed;
(iii) The time period by which the member must repay or cover any overdraft; and
(iv) The circumstances under which the credit union will not pay an overdraft.
(2)
(i) An advertisement promoting a service where the credit union's payment of overdrafts will be agreed upon in writing and subject to part 226 of this title (Regulation Z);
(ii) A communication by a credit union about the payment of overdrafts in response to a member-initiated inquiry about share accounts or overdrafts. Providing information about the payment of overdrafts in response to a balance inquiry made through an automated system, such as a telephone response machine, ATM, or a credit union's Internet site, is not a response to a member-initiated inquiry for purposes of this paragraph;
(iii) An advertisement made through broadcast or electronic media, such as television or radio;
(iv) An advertisement made on outdoor media, such as billboards;
(v) An ATM receipt;
(vi) An in-person discussion with a member;
(vii) Disclosures required by Federal or other applicable law;
(viii) Information included on a periodic statement or a notice informing a member about a specific overdrawn item or the amount the account is overdrawn;
(ix) A term in a share account agreement discussing the credit union's right to pay overdrafts;
(x) A notice provided to a member, such as at an ATM, that completing a requested transaction may trigger a fee for overdrawing an account, or a general notice that items overdrawing an account may trigger a fee;
(xi) Informational or educational materials concerning the payment of overdrafts if the materials do not specifically describe the credit union's overdraft service; or
(xii) An opt-out or opt-in notice regarding the credit union's payment of overdrafts or provision of discretionary overdraft services.
(3)
(4)
(c)
The annual percentage yield (APY) measures the total amount of dividends a credit
In general, the annual percentage yield for account disclosures under §§ 707.4 and 707.5 and for advertising under § 707.8 is an annualized rate that reflects the relationship between the amount of dividends that would be earned by the member for the term of the account and the amount of principal used to calculate those dividends. The amount of dividends that would be earned may be projected based on the most recent past declared rate or an anticipated future rate, whichever the credit union judges to most reasonably approximate the dividends to be earned. Special rules apply to accounts with tiered and stepped dividend rates, and to certain term share accounts with a stated maturity greater than 1 year.
Except as provided in Part I. E. of this appendix, the annual percentage yield shall be calculated by the formula shown below. Credit unions may calculate the annual percentage yield using projected dividends based on either the rate at the last dividend declaration date or the rate anticipated at a future date. The credit union must disclose whichever option it uses to members. Credit unions shall calculate the annual percentage yield based on the actual number of days for the term of the account. For accounts without a stated maturity date (such as a typical share or share draft account), the calculation shall be based on an assumed term of 365 days. In determining the total dividends figure to be used in the formula, credit unions shall assume that all principal and dividends remain on deposit for the entire term, and that no other transactions (deposits or withdrawals) occur during the term. (This assumption shall not be used if a credit union requires, as a condition of the account, that members withdraw dividends during the term. In such a case, the dividends (and annual percentage yield calculation) shall reflect that requirement.) For term share accounts that are offered in multiples of months, credit unions may base the number of days on either the actual number of days during the applicable period, or the number of days that would occur for any actual sequence of that many calendar months. If credit unions choose to use this permissive rule, they must use the same number of days to calculate the dollar amount of dividends that will be earned on the account in the annual percentage yield formula (where “Dividends” are divided by “Principal”.)
The annual percentage yield is to be calculated by use of the following general formula ((“APY”) is used for convenience in the formulas):
“Principal” is the amount of funds assumed to have been deposited at the beginning of the account.
“Dividends” is the total dollar amount of dividends earned on the Principal for the term of the account.
“Days in term” is the actual number of days in the term of the account.
When the “days in term” is 365 (that is, where the stated maturity is 365 days or where the account does not have a stated maturity), the APY can be calculated by use of the following simple formula:
(1) If a credit union would pay $61.68 in dividends for a 365-day year on $1,000 deposited into a share draft account, the APY is 6.17%:
Or, using the simple formula above (since the term is deemed to be 365 days):
(2) If a credit union pays $30.37 in dividends on a $1,000 six-month term share certificate account (where the six-month period used by the credit union contains 182 days), using the general formula above, the APY is 6.18%:
The APY is affected by the frequency of compounding, i.e., the amount of dividends will be greater the more frequently dividends are compounded for a given nominal rate. When two credit unions are offering the same dividend rate on, for example, a share account, the APY disclosed may be different
(1) If a credit union pays $1,268.25 in dividends for a 365-day year on $10,000 deposited into a regular share account earning 12%, and the dividends are compounded monthly, the APY will be 12.68%.
(2) However, if a credit union is compounding dividends on a quarterly basis on an account which otherwise has the same terms, the dividends will be $1,255.09 and the APY will be 12.55%.
For accounts with two or more dividend rates applied in succeeding periods (where the rates are known at the time the account is opened), a credit union shall assume each dividend rate is in effect for the length of time provided for in any share agreement.
(1) If a credit union offers a $1,000 6-month term share (certificate) account on which it pays a 5% dividend rate, compounded daily, for the first three months (which contain 91 days), and a 5.5% dividend rate, compounded daily, for the next three months (which contain 92 days), the total dividends for six months is $26.68, and, using the general formula above, the APY is 5.39%:
(2) If a credit union offers a $1,000 2-year share certificate on which it pays a 6% dividend rate, compounded daily, for the first year, and a 6.5% dividend rate, compounded daily, for the next year, the total dividends for two years is $133.13, and, using the general formula above, the APY is 6.45%:
For variable-rate accounts without an introductory premium or discounted rate, a credit union must base the calculation only on the initial dividend rate in effect when the account is opened (or advertised), and assume that this rate will not change during the year.
Variable-rate accounts with an introductory premium or discount rate must be treated like stepped-rate accounts. Thus, a credit union shall assume that: (1) The introductory simple dividend rate is in effect for the length of time provided for in the account contract; and (2) the variable dividend rate that would have been in effect when the account is opened or advertised (but for the introductory rate) is in effect for the remainder of the year. If the variable rate is tied to an index, the index-based rate in effect at the time of disclosure must be used for the remainder of the year. If the rate is not tied to an index, the rate in effect for existing members holding the same account (who are not receiving the introductory dividend rate) must be used for the remainder of the year.
For example, if a credit union offers an account on which it pays a 7% dividend rate, compounded daily, for the first three months (which, for example, contains 91 days), while the variable dividend rate that would have been in effect when the account was opened was 5%, the total dividends for a 365-day year for a $1,000 account balance is $56.52, (based on 91 days at 7% followed by 274 days at 5%). Using the simple formula, the APY is 5.65%:
For accounts in which two or more dividend rates paid on the account are applicable to specified balance levels, the credit union must calculate the annual percentage yield in accordance with the method described below that it uses to calculate dividends. In all cases, an annual percentage yield (or a range of annual percentage yields, if appropriate) must be disclosed for each balance tier.
For purposes of the examples discussed below, assume the following:
Under this method, a credit union pays on the full balance in the account the stated dividend rate that corresponds to the applicable share balance tier. For example, if a member deposits $8,000, the credit union pays the 5.50% dividend rate on the entire $8,000. This is also known as a “hybrid” or “plateau” tiered rate account.
When this method is used to determine dividends, only one annual percentage yield will apply to each tier. Within each tier, the annual percentage yield will not vary with the amount of principal assumed to have been deposited.
For the dividend rates and account balances assumed above, the credit union will state three annual percentage yields—one corresponding to each balance tier. Calculation of each annual percentage yield is similar for this type of account as for accounts with a single fixed dividend rate. Thus, the
Using the simple formula:
Under this method, a credit union pays the stated dividend rate only on that portion of the balance within the specified tier. For example, if a member deposits $8,000, the credit union pays 5.25% on only $2,500 and 5.50% on $5,500 (the difference between $8,000 and the first tier cutoff of $2,500). This is also known as a “pure” tiered rate account.
The credit union that computes dividends in this manner must provide a range that shows the lowest and the highest annual percentage yields for each tier (other than for the first tier, which, like the tiers in Method A, has the same annual percentage yield throughout). The low figure for an annual percentage yield is calculated based on the total amount of dividends earned for a year assuming the
For the tiering structure assumed above, the credit union would state a total of five annual percentage yields—one figure for the first tier and two figures stated as a range for the other two tiers.
For $15,000, dividends are figured on $2,500 at 5.25% dividend rate plus dividends on $12,500 at 5.50% dividend rate. For the high end of the second tier, the annual percentage yield, using the simple formula, is 5.61%:
Thus, the annual percentage yield range that would be stated for the second tier is 5.39% to 5.61%.
Assuming the credit union does not limit the account balance, it may assume any maximum amount for the purposes of computing the annual percentage yield for the high end of the third tier. For an assumed maximum balance amount of $100,000, dividends would be figured on $2,500 at 5.25% dividend rate, plus dividends on $12,500 at 5.50% dividend rate, plus dividends on $85,000 at 5.75% dividend rate. For the high end of the third tier, therefore, the annual percentage yield, using the simple formula, is 5.87%:
Thus, the annual percentage yield that would be stated for the third tier is 5.61% to 5.87%. If the assumed maximum balance amount is $1,000,000, credit unions would use $985,000 rather than $85,000 in the last calculation. In that case for the high end of the third tier, the annual percentage yield, using the simple formula, is 5.91%:
Thus, the annual percentage yield range that would be stated for the third tier is 5.61% to 5.91%.
1. For term share accounts with a stated maturity greater than one year, that do not compound dividends on an annual or more frequent basis, and that require the member to withdraw dividends at least annually, the annual percentage yield may be disclosed as equal to the dividend rate.
If a credit union offers a $1,000 two-year term share account that does not compound and that pays out dividends semi-annually by check or transfer at a 6.00% dividend rate, the annual percentage yield may be disclosed as 6.00%.
2. For term share accounts covered by this paragraph that are also stepped-rate accounts, the annual percentage yield may be disclosed as equal to the composite dividend rate.
(1) If a credit union offers a $1,000 three-year term share account that does not compound and that pays out dividends annually by check or transfer at a 5.00% dividend rate for the first year, 6.00% dividend rate for the second year, and 7.00% dividend rate for the third year, the credit union may compute the composite dividend rate and APY as follows:
(a) Multiply each dividend rate by the number of days it will be in effect;
(b) Add these figures together; and
(c) Divide by the total number of days in the term.
(2) Applied to the example, the products of the dividend rates and days the rates are in effect are (5.00%×365 days) 1825, (6.00%×365 days) 2190, and (7.00%×365) 2555, respectively. The sum of these products, 6570, is divided by 1095, the total number of days in the term. The composite dividend rate and APY are both 6.00%.
The annual percentage yield earned for statements under § 707.6 is an annualized rate that reflects the relationship between the amount of dividends actually earned (accrued or paid and credited) to the member's account during the period and the average daily balance in the account for the period over which the dividends were earned.
Pursuant to § 707.6(a), when dividends are paid less frequently than statements are sent, the APY Earned may reflect the number of days over which dividends were earned rather than the number of days in the statement period, e.g., if a credit union uses the average daily balance method and calculates dividends for a period other than the statement period, the annual percentage yield earned shall reflect the relationship between the amount of dividends earned and the average daily balance in the account for the other period, such as a crediting or dividend period.
The annual percentage yield shall be calculated by using the following formulas (“APY Earned” is used for convenience in the formulas):
“Balance” is the average daily balance in the account for the period.
“Dividends earned” is the actual amount of dividends accrued or paid and credited to the account for the period.
“Days in period” is the actual number of days over which the dividends disclosed on the statement were earned.
(1) If a credit union calculates dividends for the statement period (and uses either the daily balance or the average daily balance method), and the account had a balance of $1,500 for 15 days and a balance of $500 for the remaining 15 days of a 30-day statement period, the average daily balance for the period is $1,000. Assume that $5.25 in dividends was earned during the period. The annual percentage yield earned (using the formula above) is 6.58%:
(2) Assume a credit union calculates dividends on the average daily balance for the calendar month and provides periodic statements that cover the period from the 16th of one month to the 15th of the next month. The account has a balance of $2,000 September 1 through September 15 and a balance of $1,000 for the remaining 15 days of September. The average daily balance for the month of September is $1,500, which results in $6.50 in dividends earned for the month. The annual percentage yield earned for the month of September would be shown on the periodic statement covering September 16 through October 15. The annual percentage yield earned (using the formula above) is 5.40%:
(3) Assume a credit union calculates dividends on the average daily balance for a quarter (for example, the calendar months of September through November), and provides monthly periodic statements covering calendar months. The account has a balance of $1,000 throughout the 30 days of September, a balance of $2,000 throughout the 31 days of October, and a balance of $3,000 throughout the 30 days of November. The average daily balance for the quarter is $2,000, which results in $21 in dividends earned for the quarter. The annual percentage yield earned
Credit unions that use the daily balance method to accrue dividends and that issue periodic statements more often than the period for which dividends are compounded shall use the following special formula:
The following definition applies for use in this formula (all other terms are defined under Part II):
“Compounding” is the number of days in each compounding period.
Assume a credit union calculates dividends for the statement period using the daily balance method, pays a 5.00% dividend rate, compounded annually, and provides periodic statements for each monthly cycle. The account has a daily balance of $1000.00 for a 30-day statement period. The dividend earned of $4.11 for the period, and the annual percentage yield earned (using the special formula above) is 5.00%:
Appendix B contains model clauses and sample forms intended for optional use by credit unions to aid in compliance with the disclosure requirements of §§ 707.4 (account disclosures), 707.5 (subsequent disclosures), 707.6 (statement disclosures), and 707.8 (advertisements). Section 269(b) of TISA provides that credit unions that use these clauses and forms will be in compliance with TISA's disclosure provisions.
As discussed in the supplementary information to § 707.3(a), this final rule provides for flexibility in designing the format of the
In the model clauses, words in parentheses indicate the type of disclosure a credit union should insert in the space provided (for example, a credit union might insert “July 23, 1995” in the blank for a “(date)” disclosure). Brackets and “/” indicate that a credit union must choose the alternative that best describes its practice (for example, “[daily balance/ average daily balance]”). It should be noted that only in sections B-6 through B-10 of this appendix have specific examples of disclosures been given, with dates and figures. Sections B-1 through B-5, and section B-11 provide only unspecific model clauses or blank forms. The Board felt, as did the FRB in the appendix A to Regulation DD, that a mix of blank clauses and forms and application of the model clauses to real specific situations would benefit those who must comply with TISA.
Any references to NCUA Rules and Regulations, the
The interest rate on your deposit account is ___% with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] You will be paid this rate [for (time period)/until (date)/for at least 30 calendar days].
This provision reflects an accurate statement for an interest-bearing account authorized by state law for state-chartered credit unions. While the definition of the term “interest” permits its substitution for the term “dividends,” separate disclosures should be made for interest-bearing accounts. Since account opening disclosures may be provided to potential members requesting account information before opening an account, and members opening new accounts, information is provided indicating that the rate may not be current, but that the potential member or member may call the credit union to obtain up-to-date information. When opening a new account, of course, a credit union could provide the contractual rate alone, and delete the sentences in brackets. Given the definition of fixed-rate account in § 707.2(n), credit unions offering fixed-rate accounts must contract to hold rates steady for at least a 30-day period. Thus, if the 30-day option of the last sentence is not chosen, the period chosen must be longer than 30 days.
The dividend rate on your term share account is ___% with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] You will be paid this rate [for (time period)/until (date)/for at least 30 calendar days].
This provision reflects an accurate statement for a fixed-rate, dividend-bearing term share account. Interest-bearing term share accounts would use the disclosure in § 1, above. Since account opening disclosures may be provided to potential members requesting account information before opening an account, and members opening new accounts, information is provided indicating that the rate may not be current, but that the potential member or member may call the credit union to obtain up-to-date information. When opening a new account, of course, a credit union could provide the contractual rate alone, and delete the sentences in brackets. Given the definition of fixed-rate account in § 707.2(n), credit unions offering fixed-rate accounts must contract to hold rates steady for at least a 30-day period. Thus, if the 30-day option of the last sentence is not chosen, the period chosen must be longer than 30 days.
Credit unions may disclose the dividend rate and annual percentage yield on accounts as of the last dividend declaration date. This necessitates inclusion of a disclosure of the actual calendar date of the last dividend declaration date. Additionally or alternatively (if the last dividend rate could be inaccurate), credit unions may disclose a prospective dividend rate and a prospective annual percentage yield. Such prospective rates and yields must be estimated in good faith, and must be declared at the proper time if it is at all possible to do so. As for the last sentence in these disclosures, this provision reflects a credit union policy to set prospective dividend rates for the next month (or at least 30 days), quarter or other period. Many credit unions, at their mid-monthly board meeting, set prospective dividend rates for the next month beginning on the 1st day of the month and continuing to the last day of the month. These rates must be formalized or ratified at the end of a dividend period. Given the timing of the board meetings, the time to prepare and mail notices and the 30 day period, it will often take credit unions 45 to 60 days to effectively change rates. For these reasons, the Board strongly suggests that credit unions do not offer fixed-rate, dividend-bearing accounts.
The interest rate on your deposit account is ___%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] The interest rate and annual percentage yield may change every (time period) based on [(name of index)/the determination of the credit union board of directors]. The interest rate for your account will [never change by more than ___% each (time period)/never be less/more than ___%/never exceed ___% above or fall more than ___% below the initial interest rate].
This disclosure combines the requirements of § 707.4(b)(1)(i) with § 707.4(b)(1)(ii) for interest-bearing accounts. The variable nature of a deposit account usually is based on an external index or is set at the discretion of the board. If another means of rate setting is used, that, instead of the proposed language, must be disclosed. Since account opening disclosures may be provided to potential members requesting account information before opening an account, and members opening new accounts, information is provided indicating that the rate may not be current, but that the potential member or member may call the credit union to obtain up-to-date information. When opening a new account, of course, a credit union could provide the contractual rate alone, and delete the sentences in brackets. Rarely would there be limitations on rate changes, but language is provided for this situation in the last sentence. Of course, it is only to be used if it applies to an account.
The dividend rate on your term share account is ___%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] The dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change every (time period) based on [(name of index)/the determination of the credit union board of directors]. The dividend rate for your account will [never change by more than ___% each (time period)/never be less/more than ___% /never exceed ___% above or fall more than ___% below the initial dividend rate].
This disclosure combines the requirements of § 707.4(b)(1)(i) with § 707.4(b)(1)(ii) for dividend-bearing, variable-rate term share accounts. The variable nature of a deposit account usually is based on an external index or is set at the discretion of the board. If another means of rate setting is used, that, instead of the model language, must be disclosed. Since account opening disclosures may be provided to potential members requesting account information before opening an account, and members opening new accounts, information is provided indicating that the rate may not be current, but that the potential member or member may call the credit union to obtain up-to-date information. When opening a new account, of course, a credit union could provide the contractual rate alone, and delete the sentences in brackets. Rarely would there be limitations on rate changes, but language is provided for this situation in the last sentence. Of course, it is only to be used if it applies to an account.
This language combines the requirements of § 707.4(b)(1)(i) with § 707.4(b)(1)(ii). Credit unions may disclose the dividend rate and annual percentage yield on accounts as of the last dividend declaration date. This necessitates inclusion of a disclosure of the actual calendar date of the last dividend declaration date or use of the phrase “last dividend declaration date”. Additionally or alternatively, credit unions may disclose a prospective dividend rate and a prospective annual percentage yield. Such prospective rates and yields must be estimated in good faith, and must be declared at the proper time if it is at all possible to do so. As for the last sentence in these disclosures, this provision reflects the variable nature of the account. Generally, there is only one variable-rate feature for share accounts: the frequency of dividend period rate changes (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually). Normally, there are no contractual limitations on share account earnings (unless imposed by a regulator), nor are earnings based on any internal or external index. If contractual limitations or an index are involved, however, those factors would need to be disclosed (unless a regulator orders otherwise).
The initial interest rate on your deposit account is ___%. You will be paid that rate [for (time period)/ until (date)]. After that time, the interest rate for your deposit account will be ___% and you will be paid that rate [for (time period)/ until (date)]. The annual percentage yield (APY) for your account is ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] You will be paid this rate [for (time period)/until (date)/for at least 30 calendar days].
The initial dividend rate on your term share account is ___%. You will be paid that rate [for (time period)/ until (date)]. After that time, the dividend rate for your term share account will be ___% and you will be paid that rate [for (time period)/ until (date)]. The annual percentage yield (APY) for your account is ___%. [For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.] You will be paid this rate [for (time period)/until (date)/for at least 30 calendar days].
Stepped-rate accounts are accounts with two or more rates that take effect in succeeding periods. The applicable rates and time periods
1* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $___ or more, the interest rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ___%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%.
2* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is more than $___, but less than $___, the interest rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ___%, with an APY of ___%.
3* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $___ or less, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be ___% with an APY of ___%.
[For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.]
[
Tiering Method A pays the stated interest rate that corresponds to the applicable deposit tier on the full balance in the account. This example contemplates a two-tier system. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. For tiered-rate accounts, a disclosure may be added about the currency of the rate, as is provided in the first set of brackets. A disclosure regarding the fixed-rate or variable-
1* An interest rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier will range from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account.
2* An interest rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____, but less than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier will range from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account.
3* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or less, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%.
[For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.]
[
Tiering Method B pays different stated interest rates corresponding to applicable deposit tiers, on the applicable balance in each tier of the account. For example, a credit union might pay 3% interest on account funds of $500 or below, and pay 4% interest on the portion of the same account that exceeds $500. The example contemplates an account with two tiers, but additional tiers are possible. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. For tiered-rate accounts, a disclosure may be added about the currency of the rate, as is provided in the first set of brackets.
Tiered-rate accounts can be either fixed-rate or variable-rate accounts. The last sentence offers an option of either fixed-rate or variable-rate disclosure. Thus, the disclosures outlined above will be made in addition to either: (i) Disclosure of the period the fixed-rates are in effect or (ii) the variable-rate disclosures. Tiered-rate accounts are also subject to the requirement for disclosure of the balance computation method,
1* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or more, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%.
2* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is more than $____, but less than $____, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ____%, with an APY of ____%.
3* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance will be ____% with an APY of ____%.
[For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the most recent seven calendar days and were accurate as of (date). Please call (credit union telephone number) to obtain current rate information.]
[
Tiering Method A pays the stated dividend rate that corresponds to the applicable account balance tier on the full balance in the account. This example contemplates a two-tier system. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. For tiered-rate accounts, a disclosure may be added about the currency of the rate, as is provided in the first set of brackets. A disclosure regarding the fixed-rate or variable-rate nature of the account must be added, as is provided in the last set of brackets.
1* A dividend rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier will range from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account.
2* A dividend rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____, but less than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier will range from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account.
3* If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance will be ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%.
[For purposes of this disclosure, this is a rate and APY that were offered within the
[
Tiering Method B pays different stated dividend rates corresponding to applicable account balance tiers, on the applicable balance in each tier of the account. For example, a credit union might pay 3% dividend on account funds of $500 or below, and pay 4% dividend on the portion of the same account that exceeds $500. The example contemplates an account with two tiers, but additional tiers are possible. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. For tiered-rate accounts, a disclosure may be added about the currentness of the rate, as is provided in the first set of brackets.
Tiered-rate accounts can be either fixed-rate or variable-rate accounts. The last sentence offers an option of either fixed-rate or variable-rate disclosure. Thus, the disclosures outlined above will be made in addition to either: (i) Disclosure of the period the fixed-rates are in effect or (ii) the variable-rate disclosures. Tiered-rate accounts are also subject to the requirement for disclosure of the balance computation method,
1* [As of [the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], if your [daily balance/average daily balance] was $____ or more, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account was ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%. /or If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or more, a prospective dividend rate of ____% will be paid on the entire balance in your account with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY) of ____% for this dividend period.]
2* [As of [the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], if your [daily balance/average daily balance] was more than $____, but was less than $____, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account was ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%. /or If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is more than $____, but is less than $____, a prospective dividend rate of ____% will be paid on the entire balance in your account with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY) of ____% for this dividend period.]
3* [As of the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], if your [daily balance/average daily balance] was $____ or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ____% with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%. /or If your [daily balance/average daily balance] is $____ or less, the prospective dividend rate of ____% will be paid on the entire balance in your account with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY) of ____% for this dividend period.
[
Tiering Method A pays the stated dividend rate that corresponds to the applicable deposit tier on the full balance in the account. This example contemplates a two-tier system. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. For tiered-rate accounts, a disclosure may be added about the prospective rate. Note that the prospective rate disclosure options match the required tiered-rate disclosures based on the previous dividend declaration date. A disclosure regarding the fixed-rate or variable-rate nature of the account must be added, as is provided in the last set of brackets.
1* [As of [the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], a dividend rate of ____% was paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that was greater than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier ranged from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account. /or A prospective dividend rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____ with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY) ranging from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account, for this dividend period.]
2* [As of [the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], a dividend rate of ____% was paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that was greater than $____ but less than $____. The annual percentage yield (APY) for this tier ranged from ____% to ____%, depending on the balance in the account. /or A prospective dividend rate of ____% will be paid only on the portion of your [daily balance/average daily balance] that is greater than $____, but less than $____] with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY)
3* [As of [the last dividend declaration date/ (date)], if your [daily balance/average daily balance] was $____ or less, the dividend rate paid on the entire balance was ____%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ____%. /or If your [daily balance/average daily balance] was $___ or less, the prospective dividend rate paid on the entire balance in your account will be ___% with a prospective annual percentage yield (APY) of ___% for this dividend period.
Tiering Method B pays different stated dividend rates corresponding to applicable account tiers, on the applicable balance in each tier of the account. For example, a credit union might pay a 3% dividend on account funds of $500 or below, and pay a 4% dividend on the portion of the same account that exceeds $500. The example contemplates an account with two tiers, but additional tiers are possible. The option (1, 2 or 3) most closely matching the terms of the account should be chosen as the appropriate disclosure. Note that the prospective rate disclosure options match the required tiered-rate disclosures based on the previous dividend declaration date.
Tiered-rate accounts can be either fixed-rate or variable-rate accounts. The last sentence offers an option of either fixed-rate or variable-rate disclosures. Thus, the disclosures outlined above must be made in addition to either: (i) Disclosure of the period the fixed-rates are in effect or (ii) the variable-rate disclosures. Tiered-rate accounts are also subject to the requirement for disclosure of the balance computation method, see paragraph (e) to this appendix.
Dividends are paid from current income and available earnings, after required transfers to reserves at the end of a dividend period.
The Board of Directors declares dividends based on current income and available earnings of the credit union after providing for the required reserves at the end of the month. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield shown may reflect either the last dividend declaration date on the account or the earnings the credit union anticipates having available for distribution. This disclosure only applies to share and share draft (as opposed to deposit) accounts and should be grouped with the Rate Information to make the disclosures more meaningful. This disclosure also does not apply to term share accounts for reasons discussed in the supplementary information regarding §§ 707.3(e) and 707.4(b)(8).
[Dividends/Interest] will be compounded (frequency) and will be credited (frequency).
If you close your [share/deposit] account before [dividends/interest] [are/is] paid, you will not receive the accrued [dividends/interest].
For this account type, the dividend period is (frequency), for example, the beginning date of the first dividend period of the calendar year is (date) and the ending date of such dividend period is (date). All other dividend periods follow this same pattern of dates. The dividend declaration date follows the ending date of a dividend period, and for the example is (date).
Where the word “(frequency)” appears, time periods must be inserted to coincide with those specified in board resolutions of each credit union's board of directors. A disclosure of dividend period was added to § 707.4(b)(2)(i) in the final rule to assist members in knowing when dividend rate and APY disclosures would be given by a credit union using the optional statement rule of § 707.6(a). The dividend declaration date is important for purposes of § 707.4(a)(2)(ii), request disclosures, § 707.4(b)(2), account opening disclosures, and § 707.8(c)(2), advertising disclosures. The Board believes that this is critical information for dividend-bearing accounts, but that provision by an example (whether of the first dividend period of the year, or of any randomly chosen dividend period) is favorable to providing a list of such dates for the entire year or for a period of years (although these methods would also be permissible). As noted in the supplementary information to § 707.2(j), dividend declaration date, the dividend period and actual dividend distribution date may vary. Thus, it is possible for crediting periods and dividend periods not to coincide, though the Board believes that credit unions should make every effort to attempt to coordinate the two periods.
(i)
The minimum balance required to open this account is $____.
The minimum required to open this account is the purchase of a (par value of a share) share in the credit union.
(ii)
You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $____ in your account to avoid a service fee. If, during any (time period), your account balance falls below the required
You must maintain a minimum average daily balance of $____ in your account to avoid a service fee. If, during any (time period), your average daily balance is below the required minimum, your account will be subject to a service fee of $____ for that (time period).
(iii)
You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $____ in your account each day to obtain the disclosed annual percentage yield.
or
You must maintain a minimum average daily balance of $____ in your account to obtain the disclosed annual percentage yield.
(iv)
No minimum balance requirements apply to this account.
(v)
The par value of a share in this credit union is $____.
Where the words “(time period)” appear, time periods should be inserted to coincide with those specified in board resolutions of each credit union's board of directors. As the supplementary information to § 707.4(b)(3)(i) explains, the par value of a share to establish membership is a critical disclosure to be made to potential members of credit unions. The par value disclosure is required by § 707.4(b)(3)(i) as being analogous to a minimum balance account opening requirement.
(i)
[Dividends/Interest] [are/is] calculated by the daily balance method which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account each day.
(ii)
[Dividends/Interest] [are/is] calculated by the average daily balance method which applies a periodic rate to the average daily balance in the account for the period. The average daily balance is calculated by adding the balance in the account for each day of the period and dividing that figure by the number of days in the period.
Any explanation of balance computation method must contain enough information for members to grasp the means by which dividends or interest will be calculated on their accounts. Using a shorthand form, such as “day in/day out” for the daily balance method or “average balance” for the average daily balance method, without more information, is insufficient. In addition, any disclosure based on the equivalency of the two allowable methods, such as stating that the average daily balance method was the same as the daily balance method, is impermissible and misleading.
[Dividends/Interest] will begin to accrue on the business day you [place/deposit] noncash items (e.g. checks) to your account.
[Dividends/Interest] will begin to accrue no later than the business day we receive provisional credit for the [placement/deposit] of noncash items (e.g. checks) to your account.
Accrual information is not included in the explanation of balance computation method required by § 707.4(b)(4)(ii). In addition, the disclosures required by TISA do not affect the substantive requirements of the EFAA and Regulation CC.
The EFAA and Regulation CC control, and any modifications to them should occasion credit unions to revisit this disclosure with a view to revising it to reflect current law.
The following fees and charges may be assessed against your account:
Fees and charges may be disclosed in an account disclosure, or separately in a Rate and Fee Schedule (see section B-11 of this appendix). In either event, the disclosure should also specify when the fee will be assessed by using phrases such as “per item,” “per month,” or “per inquiry.”
The minimum amount you may [withdraw/write a draft for] is $____
During any statement period, you may not make more than six withdrawals or transfers to another credit union account of yours or to a third party by means of a preauthorized or automatic transfer or telephonic order or instruction. No more than three of the six transfers may be made by check, draft, debit card, if applicable, or similar order to a third party. If you exceed the transfer limitations set forth above in any statement period, your account will be subject to [closure by the credit union/a fee of $____.
This paragraph satisfies the requirements of § 707.4(b)(6) with respect to Regulation D limitations on share accounts and money market accounts. These are some of the more common limitations applicable.
The credit union reserves the right to require a member intending to make a withdrawal from any account (except a share draft account) to give written notice of such
This disclosure is limited to federal credit unions with Bylaws containing this limitation. See
(i)
Your account will mature on (date).
Your account will mature after (time period).
(ii)
We [will/may] impose a penalty if you withdraw [any/all] of the [funds/principal] in your account before the maturity date. The penalty will equal [____ [days'/weeks'/months'] [dividends/interest] on your account.
We [will/may] impose a penalty of $_____ if you withdraw [any/all] of the [funds/principal] before the maturity date.
If you withdraw some of your funds before maturity, the [dividend/interest] rate for the remaining funds in your account will be ___%, with an annual percentage yield of ___%.
In most cases, the dividend rate and annual percentage yield on the funds remaining in the account after early withdrawal are the same as before the withdrawal. Accordingly, the disclosure of dividend rate and annual percentage yield after withdrawal is required only if the dividend rate and APY will change.
(iii)
The annual percentage yield is based on an assumption that [dividends/interest] will remain in the account until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings.
This disclosure may be used if the credit union compounds dividends/interest and allows withdrawal of accrued dividends/interest before maturity. This disclosure alerts members that the annual percentage yield is based on an assumption that the dividends/interest remain on deposit until maturity.
(iv)
Your term share account will automatically renew at maturity. You will have a grace period of ____ [calendar/business] days after the maturity date to withdraw the funds in the account without being charged an early withdrawal penalty.
Your term share account will automatically renew at maturity. There is no grace period following the maturity of this account.
This account will not renew automatically at maturity. If you do not renew the account, your account will [continue to earn/no longer earn] [dividends/interest] after the maturity date.
These disclosures should agree with the necessary pre-maturity notices for term share accounts in B-3 of this appendix.
(v)
This account requires the distribution of dividends and does not allow dividends to remain in the account.
You will [be paid/receive] [$_____/(description of item)] as a bonus [when you open the account/on (date)].
You must maintain a minimum [daily balance/average daily balance] of $_____ to obtain the bonus.
To earn the bonus, [$_____/your entire principal] must remain on deposit [for (time period)/until (date)].
These disclosures follow the requirements of § 707.4(b)(7) and should be used as applicable. Further information may also be added, especially if it clarifies the conditions and timing of receiving the bonus, or better informs the member about the bonus.
On (date), the (type of fee) will increase to $_____.
On (date), the [dividend/interest] rate on your account will decrease to ___%, with an annual percentage yield (APY) of ___%.
On (date), the [minimum daily balance/average daily balance] required to avoid imposition of a fee will increase to $_____.
These examples apply to the more common changes necessitating a change in terms notice. However, any change, amendment or modification reducing the APY or adversely affecting the members holding such accounts must be disclosed. For such changes not contemplated by the model
Your term share account will mature on _____.
Unless your term share account is renewed, it will not accrue further [dividends/interest] after the maturity date.
The [dividend/interest] rate and annual percentage yield that will apply to your term share account if it is renewed have not yet been determined. That information will be available on ____. After that date, you may call the credit union during regular business hours at (telephone number) to find out the [dividend/interest] rate and annual percentage yield (APY) that will apply to your term share account if it is renewed.
Pre-maturity notices should follow the requirements of § 707.5(b-d) as closely as possible. Care should be taken to explain any grace periods used. See discussion of use of alternative timing in supplementary information to § 707.2(o) and § 707.5(b-d).
I hereby make application for membership in and agree to conform to the Bylaws, as amended, of _____ Credit Union (the “Credit Union”). I certify that: I am within the field of membership of this Credit Union; the information provided on this application is true and correct; and my signature on this card applies to all accounts under my name at this Credit Union. I also agree to be bound to the terms and conditions of any account that I have in the Credit Union now or in the future.
This application approved____(date) by the (Check one)
This form is modeled on NCUA Form FCU 150, Application for Membership, as discussed in the
This is to certify that (name(s)) _________ [is/ are] the owner(s) of a term share certificate account in the _____ Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) in the amount of _____ Dollars ($_____). This term share certificate account may be redeemed on (maturity date) _____ only upon presentation of the certificate to the Credit Union. The dividend rate of this certificate account is __% with an annual percentage yield of __%. The annual percentage yield and dividend rate assume that dividends are to be [check one] () added to principal/() paid to regular share account number _____/ () mailed to owner(s). This account is subject to all terms and conditions stated in the Term Share Certificate Account Disclosures, as they may be amended from time to time, and incorporates the same by reference into this agreement.
This form is modeled on NCUA Form FCU 107SCP, Credit Union Share Certificate, as discussed in the
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a. Statement copies—$5.00 per statement.
b. Account inquiries—$3.00 per inquiry.
c. Dormant account fee—$10.00 per month.
d. Wire transfers—$8.00 per transfer.
e. Minimum balance service fee—$5.00 per quarter.
f. Share transfer—$1.00 per transfer.
g. Excessive share withdrawals $1.00 per item.
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9.
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11.
12.
This form is modeled on the share account disclosures in the
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a. Statement copies—$5.00 per statement.
b. Account inquiries—$3.00 per inquiry.
c. Dormant account fee—$10.00 per month.
d. Wire transfers—$8.00 per transfer.
e. Overdrafts/Returned Items—$5.00 per draft.
f. Share transfer—$1.00 per transfer.
g. Excessive share withdrawals—$1.00 per item.
h. Certified checks—$5.00 per check.
i. Stop Payment Order—$5.00 per order.
j. Check Printing Fee—$12.00 per 200 checks (varies depending on style of check ordered).
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12.
This form is modeled on the share account disclosures in the
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a. Statement copies—$5.00 per statement.
b. Account inquiries—$3.00 per inquiry.
c. Dormant account fee—$10.00 per month.
d. Wire transfers—$8.00 per transfer.
e. Minimum balance service fee—$5.00 per (time period).
f. Share transfer—$1.00 per transfer.
g. Excessive share withdrawals—$1.00 per item.
h. Certified checks—$5.00 per check.
i. Stop Payment Order—$5.00 per order.
j. Check Printing Fee—$12.00 per 200 checks (varies depending on style of check ordered).
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9.
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This form is modeled on the share account disclosures in the Accounting Manual for FCUs, § 5150.7 and on the share draft account disclosures in section B-7 of this appendix. The disclosures are for a variable-rate, tiered-rate (method A, option 1), average daily balance method dividend calculation, money market share account in a FISCU with a $500 minimum balance to open the account and to avoid service fees. For purposes of this example, the account was opened on January 29, 1995. Other terms are self-explanatory. The dividend rate paid and annual percentage yield disclosures will reflect the prospective dividend rate for a given dividend period. Note that the contents of Item 9, Bylaw requirements, must be tailored to the specific bylaws of a FISCU or
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a. Statement copies—$5.00 per statement.
b. Account inquiries—$3.00 per inquiry.
c. Share transfer—$1.00 per transfer.
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12. [Reserved]
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Even though this disclosure if for an account at a FISCU, this form is modeled on the share account disclosures in the
Your account earned $6.72, with an annual percentage yield earned of 5.40%, for the statement period from May 1 through and including May 31. In addition, your account earned $15 in extraordinary dividends for this period. Any fees assessed against your account are shown in the body of the periodic statement and are identified by the code at the bottom margin of this statement.
This form is modeled on the share draft statement of account, Form FCU 107G-SD, in the
This Rate and Fee Schedule for all Accounts sets forth certain conditions, rates, fees and charges applicable to your regular share, share draft, and money market accounts at the _____ Federal Credit Union as of _____ [insert date of delivery to member]. This schedule is incorporated as part of your account agreement with the _____ Federal Credit Union.
Dividend Rate as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Annual Percentage Yield as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Prospective Dividend Rate ___%.
Prospective Annual Percentage Yield ___%.
Dividends Compounded [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Dividends Credited—At close of a dividend period.
Dividend Period [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Minimum Opening Deposit $5.00 par value share.
Minimum Monthly Balance [None, $ amount].
Dividend Rate as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Annual Percentage Yield as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Prospective Dividend Rate ___%.
Prospective Annual Percentage Yield ___%.
Dividends Compounded [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Dividends Credited—At close of a dividend period.
Dividend Period [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Minimum Opening Deposit [None, $ amount].
Minimum Monthly Balance [None, $ amount].
Dividend Rate as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Annual Percentage Yield as of Last Dividend Declaration Date ___%.
Prospective Dividend Rate ___%.
Prospective Annual Percentage Yield ___%.
Dividends Compounded [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Dividends Credited—At close of a dividend period.
Dividend Period [Annually, Semiannually, Quarterly, Monthly, Weekly, Daily].
Minimum Opening Deposit [None, $ amount].
Minimum Monthly Balance [None, $ amount].
The following fees may be assessed in connection with your accounts:
Returned item fee—$__.00 per item.
Account reconciliation fee—$__.00 per hour.
Statement copies fee—$__.00 per statement.
Certified draft fee—$__.00 per draft.
Wire transfer fee—$__.00 per transfer.
Account inquiry fee—$__.00 per inquiry.
Dormant account fee—$__.00 per month.
Minimum balance service fee—$__.00 per day.
Share transfer fee—$__.00 per transfer.
Excessive share withdrawals fee—$__.00 per item.
Monthly service fee—$__.00 per month.
Overdraft transfers fee—$__.00 per overdraft.
Drafts returned insufficient funds fee—$__.00 per draft.
Stop payment order fee—$__.00 per order.
Draft copy fee—$__.00 per copy.
Check printing fee—$__.00 per 200 drafts.
Monthly service fee—$__.00 per month.
Check printing fee—$__.00 per 200 drafts.
This illustration is for use of an FCU. The information provided on a Rate
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i. Dividend-bearing and interest-bearing accounts.
ii. Non-dividend-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts.
iii. Accounts opened as a condition of obtaining a credit card.
iv. Escrow accounts with a consumer purpose, such as an account established by a member to escrow rental payments, pending resolution of a dispute with the member's landlord.
v. Accounts held by a parent or custodian for a minor under a state's Uniform Gift to Minors Act (or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act).
vi. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and simplified employee pension (SEP) accounts.
vii. Payable-on-Death (POD) or “Totten trust” accounts.
2.
i. Mortgage escrow accounts for collecting taxes and property insurance premiums.
ii. Accounts established to make periodic disbursements on construction loans.
iii. Trust accounts opened by a trustee pursuant to a formal written trust agreement (not merely declarations of trust on a signature card such as a “Totten trust,” or an IRA or SEP account).
iv. Accounts opened by an executor in the name of decedent's estate.
v. Accounts of individuals operating businesses as sole proprietors.
vi. Certificates of indebtedness. Some credit unions borrow funds from their members through a certificate of indebtedness that sets forth the terms and conditions of the repayment of the borrowing, such as federal credit unions do through 12 CFR 701.38. Such an account does not represent an account in a credit union and is not covered by part 707.
vii. Unincorporated nonbusiness association accounts.
3.
i. Government securities.
ii. Mutual funds.
iii. Annuities.
iv. Securities or obligations of a credit union.
v. Contractual arrangements such as repurchase agreements, interest rate swaps, and bankers acceptances.
vi. Purchases of U.S. Savings Bonds through a credit union.
vii. Services offered through a group purchasing plan or a credit union service organization (CUSO).
4.
5.
i. The term “checking account” may be used to describe share draft accounts.
ii. The term “money market account” may be used to describe money market share accounts.
iii. The term “savings account” may be used to describe regular share and share accounts.
iv. The terms “share certificate,” “certificate account,” or “certificate” may be used to describe share certificates and other dividend-bearing term share accounts.
v. However, under no circumstances may a credit union describe a share account as a deposit account, or vice versa. For example, the term “certificate of deposit” or “CD” may not be used to describe share certificates and other dividend-bearing term share accounts. Similarly, the terms “time account” (used in Regulation DD, 12 CFR 230.2(u)) and “time deposit” (used in Regulation D, 12 CFR 204.2(c)) may not be used to describe term share accounts.
1.
i. Telephone solicitations.
ii. Messages on automated teller machine (ATM) screens (including any printout).
iii. Messages on a computer screen in a credit union's lobby (including any printout) other than a screen viewed solely by the credit union's employee.
iv. Messages in a newspaper, magazine, or promotional flyer or on radio or television.
v. Messages promoting an account that are provided along with information about the member's existing account at a credit union and that promote another account at the credit union (such as account promotional messages on the periodic statement).
2.
i. Rate sheets published in newspapers, periodicals, or trade journals (unless the credit union or share and deposit broker that offers accounts at the credit union pays a fee to have the information included or otherwise controls publication).
ii. Telephone conversations initiated by a member or potential member about an account.
iii. An in-person discussion with a member about the terms for a specific account.
iv. For purposes of § 707.8(b) of this part through § 707.8(e) of this part, information given to members about existing accounts, such as current rates recorded on a voice-response machine or notices for automatically renewable time account sent before renewal.
v. Information about a particular transaction in an existing account.
vi. Disclosures required by Federal or other applicable law.
vii. A share account agreement.
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i. A credit union offers $25 to potential members for becoming a member and opening an account. The $25 could be provided by check, cash, or direct deposit.
ii. A credit union offers $25 to a member with only a regular share account to open a share draft account. The $25 could be provided by check, cash, or direct deposit.
iii. A credit union offers a portable radio with a value of $20 to members and potential members for opening a share draft account.
iv. A credit union pays the final installment deposit for a holiday club account if over $10.
3.
i. Discount coupons distributed by credit unions for use at restaurants or stores.
ii. A credit union offers $20 to any member if the member is responsible for encouraging a potential member to open an account. The $20 is not a bonus because the $20 is not paid to the individual opening the account. Any item, including cash, given or offered to a third party (that is not a joint member or joint owner in an account being opened) in exchange for a member or potential member
iii. A credit union offers $25 to a member if the member can locate his name in the body of a newsletter.
iv. Life savings benefits. Many credit unions offer life savings benefits to beneficiaries of deceased members. Because the benefit accrues to a third party, such life savings plans offered are not bonuses.
v. A credit union offers to pay annual membership dues in a benevolent organization for a class of members.
4.
i. Disability insurance premiums on a share account valued at an amount of $10 or less per year.
ii. Coffee mugs, T-shirts or other merchandise with a market value of $10 or less per year.
5.
6.
i. Waiving a safe deposit box rental fee for one year for members who open a new account.
ii. Waiving fees for travelers checks for members, and waiving check and share draft printing fees.
iii. Nondiscriminatorily waiving all fees for a particular class of members, such as seniors or minors.
iv. Discounts on interest rates charged for loans at the credit union.
v. Rebates of loan interest already paid by a member.
vi. Discounts on application fees charged for loans at the credit union.
vii. Packaged, linked, or tied-account services.
7.
1.
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3.
4.
A. I, ________, certify that I am Secretary of ________ Credit Union Board of Directors, and that the following is a correct copy of the resolution for declaring dividend adopted by the ________ Credit Union at a meeting of the Board of Directors duly and properly held on _________, 19__. This resolution appears in the minutes of this meeting and has not been rescinded or modified.
B. Resolved, that
(1) The Board of Directors has developed a nondiscriminatory dividend policy, by establishing dividend periods, dividend credit determination dates, dividend distribution dates, any associated penalties (if applicable), and the method of dividend computation for each type of share account;
(2) The required transfers to reserves have been made; and
(3) Sufficient and available prior and/or current earnings are available at the end of this dividend period.
C. Resolved, further, that the Board of Directors now formally makes a dividend declaration in accordance with the Credit Union's dividend policy and authorizes that on ________, 19__, dividends must be paid to members by a credit to the appropriate share account, payment by share draft or by a combination of the two methods.
D. I further certify that the Board of Directors of this Credit Union has, and the time of adoption of this resolution had, full power and lawful authority to adopt the foregoing resolutions and that this resolution revokes any prior resolution.
In witness whereof, this is my signature and the date on which I signed this Resolution.
(ii) The following resolution may be used where the dividend rates are set before the close of a dividend period.
A. I, ________, certify that I am the Secretary of ________ Credit Union, and that the following is a correct copy of the resolution for declaring dividends adopted by the ________ Credit Union at a meeting of the Board of Directors duly and properly held on __________, 19__. This resolution appears in the minutes of that meeting and has not been rescinded or modified.
B. Resolved, that the Board of Directors has adopted a nondiscriminatory dividend policy, by establishing dividend periods, dividend credit determination dates, dividend distribution dates, any associated penalties (if applicable) and the method of dividend computation for each type of share account.
C. Resolved, that it is the policy and practice of the Board of Directors to meet periodically to establish prospective dividend
D. Resolved, that if the required transfers to reserves have been made and there are sufficient and available prior and/or current earnings available at the end of a dividend period, the officers of the Credit Union are authorized to pay dividends at the rate prospectively established by the Board of Directors for each account for the dividend period. The officers may pay the dividends without any further action of the Board of Directors. The act of paying the dividends shall constitute the declaration of the dividends and shall be a ratification of the prospective dividend rate.
In witness whereof, this is my signature and the date on which I signed this Resolution.
5.
1.
i. “As of 3/15/95” (the date the board of directors last met and declared the last paid dividend).
ii. “As of 3/31/95” (the last day of the last dividend period upon which a dividend has been paid).
iii. “For the period 1/1/95 to 3/31/95” (the last dividend period upon which a dividend has been paid).
iv. “For the first quarter of 1995” (the last dividend period upon which a dividend has been paid).
v. “For April 1995” (the last dividend period upon which a dividend has been paid).
vi. “As of the last dividend declaration date” (the last dividend period upon which a dividend has been paid).
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i. Attorney-client trust accounts.
ii. Trust, estate and court-ordered accounts.
iii. Landlord-tenant security accounts.
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i Food, refreshments, and drawings and raffles at annual meetings, member functions, and branch openings.
ii. Travel club benefits.
iii. Prizes offered at annual meetings, such as U.S. Savings Bonds, a deposit of funds into the winner's account, trips, and other gifts. Such prizes are not bonuses because they are offered as an incentive to increase attendance at the annual meeting, and not to entice members to open, maintain, or renew accounts or increase an account balance.
iv. Life savings benefits.
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i. Additional statements provided solely upon request.
ii. General service information such as a quarterly newsletter or other correspondence that describes available services and products.
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i. Additional account disclosures are required (§ 707.4(b)(1)(ii));
ii. Rate decreases are exempted from change-in-terms requirements (§ 707.5(a)(2)(i)); and
iii. Advertising notice required (§ 707.8(c)(1)).
Fixed-rate accounts require a contract term obligating the credit union to a 30-day advance, written notice to members before decreasing the dividend rate on the account. Term changes adversely affecting the member and rate decreases cannot take effect until 30 days after such fixed-rate change-in-
1.
2.
i. In any order.
ii. In combination with other disclosures or account terms.
iii. In combination with disclosures for other types of accounts, as long as it is clear to members and potential members which disclosures apply to their account.
iv. On more than one page and on the front and reverse sides.
v. By using inserts to a document or filling in blanks.
vi. On more than one document, as long as the documents are provided at the same time.
3.
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i. A credit union changes a term that triggers a notice under Regulation E, and the timing and disclosure rules of Regulation E for sending change-in-terms notices.
ii. A member adds an ATM access feature to an account, and the credit union provides disclosures pursuant to Regulation E, including disclosure of fees before the member receives ATM access. (See 12 CFR 205.7.)
iii. A credit union complying with the timing rules of Regulation E discloses at the same time fees for electronic services (such as balance inquiry fees imposed if the inquiry is made at an ATM) that are required to be disclosed by this regulation, but not by Regulation E.
iv. A credit union relies on Regulation E's rules regarding disclosures of limitations on the frequency and amount of electronic fund transfers, including security-related exceptions. But any limitation on the number of “intra-institutional transfers” to or from the member's other accounts at the credit union during a given time period must be disclosed, even though intra-institutional transfers are exempt from Regulation E.
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i. A term share account that does not automatically rollover is renewed by a member.
ii. A member changes the term for a renewable term share account (from a one-year term share account to a six-month term share account, for instance) (see comment 5(b)-5 regarding disclosure alternatives).
iii. A credit union transfers funds from an account to open a new account not at the member's request, unless the credit union previously gave account disclosures and any change-in-terms notices for the new account (e.g., funds in a money market share account are transferred by a credit union to open a new account for the member, such as a share draft account, because the member exceeded transaction limitations on the money market share account).
iv. A credit union accepts a deposit from a member to an account that the credit union had previously deemed to be “closed,” under applicable federal or state law, for the purpose of treating accrued, but uncredited, dividends as forfeited dividends. New account numbers are not required by this requirement.
2.
3.
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i. Identify the index and specific margin, if the dividend rate is tied to an index.
ii. State that rate changes are within the credit union's discretion, if the credit union does not tie changes to an index.
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i. Maintenance fees, such as monthly service fees.
ii. Fees related to share deposits or withdrawals.
iii. Fees for special services, such as stop payment fees, fees for balance inquiries or verification of share and deposits, fees associated with checks returned unpaid, fees for regularly sending to members share drafts that otherwise would be held by the credit union, and overdraft line of credit access fees (if charged against the share account).
iv. Fees to open or to close an account.
v. Fees imposed upon dormant or inactive accounts.
2.
i. Fees for services offered to members and nonmembers alike, such as fees for certain travelers checks, for wire transfers and automated clearinghouse (ACH) transfers, to process credit card cash advances, or to handle U.S. Savings Bond Redemption (even if different amounts are charged to members and nonmembers).
ii. Incidental fees, such as fees associated with state escheat laws, garnishment or attorneys fees, to change names on an account, to generate a midcycle periodic statement, to wrap loose coins, for photocopying, for statements returned to the credit union because of a wrong address, and locator fees.
3.
i. “$4.00 monthly service fee”.
ii. $7.00 and up” or “fee depends on style of checks ordered” for check printing fees.
4.
5.
6.
1.
i. Limits on the number of share drafts or checks that may be written on an account for a given time period.
ii. Limits on withdrawals or share deposits during the term of a term share account.
iii. Limitations required by Regulation D, such as the number of withdrawals permitted from money market share accounts by check to third parties each month (credit unions need not disclose reservation of right to require a notice for withdrawals from accounts required by federal or state law).
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2.
i. Monetary penalties, such a specific dollar amount (e.g., “$10.00”) or a specific days' worth of dividends (e.g., “seven days' dividends plus accrued but uncredited dividends, but only if the account is closed”).
ii. Adverse changes to terms such as the lowering of the dividend rate, annual percentage yield, or reducing the compounding or crediting frequency for funds remaining in shares or on deposit.
iii. Reclamation of bonuses.
3.
4.
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i. The termination of employment for employee-members for whom account maintenance or activity fees were waived during their employment by the credit union.
ii. The expiration of one year in a promotion described in the account opening disclosures to “waive $4.00 monthly service charges for one year”.
1.
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2.
i. A specific date, such as “October 28”.
ii. A date that is easily discernible, such as “the Tuesday prior to the maturity date stated on the notice” or “as of the maturity date stated on this notice”.
3.
4.
5.
i. If the change is initiated by the credit union, the disclosure requirements of this paragraph apply. (Section 707.5(a) applies if the change becomes effective prior to the maturity of the existing term share account.)
ii. If the change is initiated by the member, the account opening disclosure requirements of § 707.4(b) apply. (If the notice required by this paragraph has been provided, credit unions may give new account disclosures or disclosures that reflect the new term.)
6.
1.
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3.
i. The information is limited to information such as the account number, the type of account, balance information, accountholders' names, and social security or tax identification number; and
ii. The credit union also provides members a periodic statement complying with this section for the account (the money market share account or regular share account, in the example).
4.
i. Dividend rates and corresponding periodic rates to the dividend rate applied to balances during the statement period.
ii. The dollar amount of dividends earned year-to-date.
iii. Bonuses paid (or any
iv. Fees for other products, such as safe deposit boxes.
v. Accounts not covered by the periodic statement disclosure requirements (passbook and term share accounts) may disclose any information on the statement related to such accounts, so long as such information is accurate and not misleading.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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5.
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i. Monthly maintenance and excess-activity fees.
ii. “Transfer” fees, if different dollar amounts are imposed, such as $.50 for deposits and $1.00 for withdrawals.
iii. Fees for electronic fund transfers and fees for other services, such as balance-inquiry or maintenance fees.
iv. Fees for paying overdrafts and fees for returning checks or other items unpaid.
3.
i. Credit unions may use a code to identify a particular fee if the code is explained on the periodic statement or in documents accompanying the statement.
ii. Credit unions using debit slips may disclose the date the fee was debited on the periodic statement and show the amount and type of fee on the dated debit slip.
4.
1.
2.
1.
i. The “rollback” method, also known as the “grace period” or “in by the 10th” method, where credit unions pay dividends on the lowest balance in the account for the period.
ii. The “increments of par value” method, where credit unions only pay dividends on full shares in an account, e.g., a credit union with $5 par value shares pays dividends on $20 of a $24 account balance.
iii. The “ending balance” method, where credit unions pay dividends on the balance in the account at the end of the period.
iv. The “investable balance” method, where credit unions pay dividends on a percentage of the balance, excluding an amount credit unions set aside for reserve requirements.
v. The “low balance” method, where credit unions pay dividends on the lowest balance in the account for any day in that period.
2.
3.
4.
5.
i. During any grace period offered by a credit union for an automatically renewable term share account, if the member decides during that period not to renew the account.
ii. Following the maturity of nonrollover term share accounts.
iii. When the maturity date falls on a holiday, and the member must wait until the next business day to obtain the funds.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
i. A credit union using the daily balance method to calculate dividends and requiring a $500 minimum daily balance could choose to pay dividends on the account (for those days the minimum balance is not met) as long as the member maintained an average daily balance throughout the month of $400.
ii. A credit union using the average daily balance method to calculate dividends and requiring a $400 minimum average daily balance could choose to pay dividends on the account as long as the member maintained a daily balance of $500 for at least half of the days in the period.
iii. A credit union using either the daily balance method or average daily balance method to calculate dividends that requires: (A) a $500 daily balance; or (B) a $400 average daily balance to pay dividends on the account.
5.
6.
i. The daily or average daily balance on which dividends will be paid.
ii. Whether any minimum balance to earn dividends is met. (See commentary to appendix A, Part II, which prohibits credit unions from using negative balances in calculating the dividends figure for the annual percentage yield earned.)
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
i. For a tiered-rate account, it also provides the upper and lower dollar amounts of the tier corresponding to the advertised annual percentage yield.
ii. For a term share account, it also provides the term required to obtain the advertised annual percentage yield.
3.
i. Any fee imposed if a minimum balance requirement is not met, or if the member exceeds a specified number of transactions.
ii. Transaction and service fees that members reasonably expect to be imposed on an account on a regular basis (see comments 4(b)(4)-1 and 2).
iii. A flat fee, such as a monthly service fee.
iv. Fees imposed to deposit, withdraw or transfer funds, including per-check or per-transaction charges (for example, $.25 for each withdrawal, whether by check, in person).
4.
i. Fees that are not required to be disclosed under § 707.4(b)(4).
ii. Check printing fees of any type.
iii. Fees for obtaining copies of checks, whether or not the original checks have been truncated or returned to the member periodically.
iv. Balance inquiry fees.
v. Fees assessed against a dormant account.
vi. Fees for using an ATM.
vii. Fees for electronic transfer services that are not required to obtain an account, such as preauthorized transfers or home electronic credit union services.
viii. Stop payment fees and fees for share drafts or checks returned unpaid.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
i. Representing an overdraft service as a “line of credit,” unless the service is subject to 12 CFR part 226 (Regulation Z).
ii. Representing that the credit union will honor all checks or authorize payment of all transactions that overdraw an account, with or without a specified dollar limit, when the credit union retains discretion at any time not to honor checks or authorize transactions.
iii. Representing that members with an overdrawn account can maintain a negative balance when the terms of the account's overdraft service require members promptly to return the share account to a positive balance.
iv. Describing a credit union's overdraft service solely as protection against bounced checks when the credit union also permits overdrafts for a fee for overdrawing their accounts by other means, such as ATM withdrawals, debit card transactions, or other electronic fund transfers.
v. Advertising an account-related service for which the credit union charges a fee in an advertisement that also uses the word “free” or “no cost” or a similar term to describe the account, unless the advertisement clearly and conspicuously indicates that there is a cost associated with the service. If the fee is a maintenance or activity fee under § 707.8(a)(2) of this part, however, an advertisement may not describe the account as “free” or “no cost” or contain a similar term even if the fee is disclosed in the advertisement.
11.
1.
2.
3.
i. Provide a representative example of the annual percentage yields offered, clearly described as such. For example, if a credit union offers a $25 bonus on all term share accounts and the annual percentage yield will vary depending on the term selected, the credit union may provide a disclosure of the annual percentage yield as follows: “For example, our 6-month share certificate currently pays a 3.15% annual percentage yield.”
ii. Indicate that various rates are available, such as by stating short-term and longer-term maturities along with the applicable annual percentage yields: “We offer share certificates with annual percentage yields that depend on the maturity you choose. For example, our one-month share certificate earns a 2.75% APY. Or, earn a 5.25% APY for a three-year share certificate.”
1.
i. “One, three, and five year share certificates available”.
ii. “Bonus rates available”.
iii. “1% over our current rate,” so long as the rates are not determinable from the advertisement.
1.
2.
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
2.
1.
1.
1.
2.
i. Mailing newsletters to existing members.
ii. Distributing newsletters at a function reasonably limited to members, such as an annual meeting or member picnic.
iii. Displaying or offering newsletters at a credit union lobby, branch, or office.
3.
1.
i. Established and maintained procedures for paying dividends and providing timely disclosures as required by the regulation, and
ii. Retained sample disclosures for each type account offered to members, such as account-opening disclosures, copies of advertisements, and change-in-term notices; and information regarding the dividend rates and annual percentage yields offered.
2.
3.
1.
i. Promotes the credit union's policy or practice of paying some overdrafts, unless the service would be subject to 12 CFR part 226 (Regulation Z), in advertisements using broadcast media, brochures, telephone solicitations,or electronic mail, or on Internet sites, ATM screens or receipts, billboards, orindoor signs. But see, § 707.11(a)(2) of this part regarding communications about the payment of overdrafts that would not trigger periodic statement disclosures;
ii. Includes a message on a periodic statement informing the member of an overdraft limit or the amount of funds available for overdrafts. For example, a credit union that includes a message on a periodic statement informing the member of a $500 overdraft limit or that the member has $300 remaining on the overdraft limit, is promoting an overdraft service;
iii. Discloses an overdraft limit or includes the dollar amount of an overdraft limit in a balance disclosed by any means, including on an ATM receipt or on an automated system, such as a telephone response machine, ATM screen, or the credit union's Internet site.
At 74 FR 36105, July 22, 2009, appendix C to part 707 was amended in section 707.11(a)(1) by removing paragraph 2. and redesignating paragraphs 3. through 8. as 1. through 6.; however, paragraph 1. already exists in the 2009 volume.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
1.
i. Promotes the credit union's policy or practice of paying overdrafts, unless the service would be subject to 12 CFR part 226 (Regulation Z). This includes advertisements using print media such as newspapers or brochures, telephone solicitations, electronic mail, or messages posted on an Internet site. But see, § 707.11(b)(2) of this part for communications that are not subject to the additional advertising disclosures;
ii. Includes a message on a periodic statement informing the member of an overdraft limit or the amount of funds available for overdrafts. For example, a credit union that includes a message on a periodic statement informing the member of a $500 overdraft limit or that the member has $300 remaining on the overdraft limit, is promoting an overdraft service.
iii. Discloses an overdraft limit or includes the dollar amount of an overdraft limit in a balance disclosed on an automated system, such as a telephone response machine, ATM screen, or the credit union's Internet site. See, however, § 707.11(b)(3) of this part.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
1.
i. The daily rate applied to a balance carried to five or more decimals. For example; .008219178%, 3.00% for a 365 day year, would be rounded to no less than .00822%.
ii. The daily dividends or interest earned carried to five or more decimals. For example; $.08219178082, daily dividends on $1,000 at 3% for a 365 day year, would be rounded to no less than $.08219.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
1.
i. May not be included in the balance for statements that are issued at the same time or less frequently than the account's compounding and crediting frequency. For example, if monthly statements are sent for an account that compounds dividends daily and credits dividends monthly, the balance may not be increased each day to reflect the effect of daily compounding. Assume a credit union will pay $13.70 in dividends on $100,000 for the first day, $6.85 in dividends on $50,013.70 for the second day, and $3.43 in dividends on $25,020.55 for the third day. The sum of each days balance is $175,000 (does not include accrued, but uncredited, dividends amounts $13.70, $6.85, and $3.43), thereby resulting in an average daily balance for the three days of $58,333.33.
ii. Must be included in the balance for succeeding statements if a statement is issued more frequently than compounded dividends is credited on an account. For example, if monthly statements are sent for an account that compounds dividends daily and credits dividends quarterly, the balance for the second monthly statement would include dividends that had accrued for the prior month. Assume a credit union will pay $411.78 in dividends on 30 days of $100,000, $427.28 in dividends on 31 days of $100,411.78, and $415.23 in dividends on 30 days of $100,839.06. The balance (average daily balance in the account for the period) for the second 31 days is $100,411.78.
2.
3.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
12 U.S.C. 1766, 12 U.S.C. 1785(b).
As used in this part:
A credit union, with the approval of its members, may convert to a mutual savings bank or a savings association that is in mutual form without the prior approval of the NCUA, subject to applicable law governing mutual savings banks and savings associations and the other requirements of this part.
(a) A credit union's board of directors must comply with the following notice requirements before voting on a proposal to convert.
(1) No later than 30 days before a board of directors votes on a proposal to convert, it must publish a notice in a general circulation newspaper, or in multiple newspapers if necessary, serving all areas where the credit union has an office, branch, or service center. It must also post the notice in a clear and conspicuous fashion in the lobby of the credit union's home office and branch offices and on the credit union's Web site, if it has one. If the notice is not on the home page of the Web site, the home page must have a clear and conspicuous link, visible on a standard monitor without scrolling, to the notice.
(2) The public notice must include the following:
(i) The name and address of the credit union;
(ii) The type of institution to which the credit union's board is considering a proposal to convert;
(iii) A brief statement of why the board is considering the conversion and the major positive and negative effects of the proposed conversion;
(iv) A statement that directs members to submit any comments on the proposal to the credit union's board of directors by regular mail, electronic mail, or facsimile;
(v) The date on which the board plans to vote on the proposal and the date by which members must submit their comments for consideration, which may not be more than 5 days before the board vote;
(vi) The street address, electronic mail address, and facsimile number of the credit union where members may submit comments; and
(vii) A statement that, in the event the board approves the proposal to convert, the proposal will be submitted to the membership of the credit union for a vote following a notice period that is no shorter than 90 days.
(3) The board of directors must approve publication of the notice.
(b) The credit union must collect member comments and retain copies at the credit union's main office until the conversion process is completed.
(c) The board of directors may vote on the conversion proposal only after reviewing and considering all member comments. The conversion proposal may only be approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of board members who have determined the conversion is in the best interests of the members. If approved, the board of directors must set a date for a vote on the proposal by the members of the credit union.
(a) After the board of directors has complied with § 708a.3 and approves a conversion proposal, the credit union must provide written notice of its intent to convert to each member who is eligible to vote on the conversion. The notice to members must be submitted 90 calendar days, 60 calendar days, and 30 calendar days before the date of the membership vote on the conversion. A ballot must be included in the same envelope as the 30-day notice and only in the 30-day notice. A converting credit union may not distribute ballots with either the 90-day or 60-day notice, in any other written communications, or in person before the 30-day notice is sent.
(b)(1) The notice to members must adequately describe the purpose and subject matter of the vote to be taken at the special meeting or by submission of the written ballot. The notice must clearly inform members that they may vote at the special meeting or by submitting the written ballot. The notice must state the date, time, and place of the meeting.
(2) The notices that are submitted 90 and 60 days before the membership vote on the conversion must state in a clear and conspicuous fashion that a written ballot will be mailed together with another notice 30 days before the date of the membership vote on conversion. The notice submitted 30 days before the membership vote on the conversion must state in a clear and conspicuous fashion that a written ballot is included in the same envelope as the 30-day notice materials.
(3) For purposes of facilitating the member-to-member contact described in paragraph (f) of this section, the 90-day notice must indicate the number of credit union members eligible to vote on the conversion proposal and state how many members have agreed to accept communications from the credit union in electronic form. The 90-day notice must also include the information listed in paragraph (f)(9) of this section.
(4) The member ballot must include:
(i) A brief description of the proposal (e.g., “Proposal: Approval of the Plan Charter Conversion by which (insert name of credit union) will convert its charter to that of a federal mutual savings bank.”);
(ii) Two blocks marked respectively as “FOR” and “AGAINST;” and
(ii) The following language: “A vote FOR the proposal means that you want your credit union to become a mutual savings bank. A vote AGAINST the proposal means that you want your credit union to remain a credit union.” This language must be displayed in a clear and conspicuous fashion immediately beneath the FOR and AGAINST blocks.
(5) The ballot may also include voting instructions and the recommendation of the board of directors (i.e., “Your Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the Plan of Conversion”) but may not include any further information without the prior written approval of the Regional Director.
(c) An adequate description of the purpose and subject matter of the member vote on conversion, as required by paragraph (b) of this section, must include:
(1) A clear and conspicuous disclosure that the conversion from a credit union to a mutual savings bank could lead to members losing their ownership interests in the credit union if the mutual savings bank subsequently converts to a stock institution and the members do not become stockholders;
(2) A clear and conspicuous disclosure of how a conversion from a credit union to a mutual savings bank will affect members' voting rights and if the mutual savings bank intends to base voting rights on account balances;
(3) A clear and conspicuous disclosure of any conversion-related economic benefit a director or senior management official will or may receive including receipt of or an increase in compensation and an explanation of any foreseeable stock-related benefits associated with a subsequent conversion to a stock institution or mutual holding company structure. The explanation of stock-related benefits must include a comparison of the opportunities to acquire stock available to officials and employees with those opportunities available to the general membership;
(4) A clear and conspicuous disclosure of how the conversion from a credit union to a mutual savings bank will affect the institution's ability to make non-housing-related consumer loans because of a mutual savings bank's obligations to satisfy certain lending requirements as a mutual savings bank. This disclosure should specify possible reductions in some kinds of loans to members; and
(5) An affirmative statement that, at the time of conversion to a mutual savings bank, the credit union does or does not intend to convert to a stock institution or a mutual holding company structure.
(d)(1) A converting credit union must provide the following disclosures in a clear and conspicuous fashion with the
(2) This text must be placed in a box, must be the only text on the front side of a single piece of paper, and must be placed so that the member will see the text after reading the credit union's cover letter but before reading any other part of the member notice. The back side of the paper must be blank. A converting credit union may modify this text only with the prior written consent of the Regional Director and, in the case of a state-chartered credit union, the appropriate state regulatory agency.
(e) All written communications from a converting credit union to its members regarding the conversion must be written in a manner that is simple and easy to understand. Simple and easy to understand means the communications are written in plain language designed to be understood by ordinary consumers and use clear and concise sentences, paragraphs, and sections. For purposes of this part, examples of factors to be considered in determining whether a communication is in plain language and uses clear and concise sentences, paragraphs and sections include the use of short explanatory sentences; use of definite, concrete, everyday words; use of active voice; avoidance of multiple negatives; avoidance of legal and technical business terminology; avoidance of explanations that are imprecise and reasonably subject to different interpretations; and use of language that is not misleading.
(f)(1) A converting credit union must mail or e-mail a requesting member's proper conversion-related materials to other members eligible to vote if:
(i) A credit union's board of directors has adopted a proposal to convert;
(ii) A member makes a written request that the credit union mail or e-mail materials for the member;
(iii) The request is received by the credit union no later than 35 days after it sends out the 90-day member notice; and
(iv) The requesting member agrees to reimburse the credit union for the reasonable expenses, excluding overhead, of mailing or e-mailing the materials and also provides the credit union with an appropriate advance payment.
(2) A member's request must indicate if the member wants the materials mailed or e-mailed. If a member requests that the materials be mailed, the credit union will mail the materials to all eligible voters. If a member requests the materials be e-mailed, the credit union will e-mail the materials to all members who have agreed to accept communications electronically from the credit union. The subject line of the credit union's e-mail will be “Proposed Credit Union Conversion—Views of Member (insert member name).”
(3) (i) A converting credit union may, at its option, include the following statement with a member's material:
On (date), the board of directors of (name of converting credit union) adopted a proposal to convert from a credit union to a mutual savings bank. Credit union members who wish to express their opinions about the proposed conversion to other members may provide those opinions to (name of credit union). By law, the credit union, at the requesting members' expense, must then send those opinions to the other members. The attached document represents the opinion of a member of this credit union. This opinion is a personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of the management or directors of the credit union.
(ii) A converting credit union may not add anything other than this statement to a member's material without the prior approval of the Regional Director.
(4) The term “proper conversion-related materials” does not include materials that:
(i) Due to size or similar reasons are impracticable to mail or e-mail;
(ii) Are false or misleading with respect to any material fact;
(iii) Omit a material fact necessary to make the statements in the material not false or misleading;
(iv) Relate to a personal claim or a personal grievance, or solicit personal gain or business advantage by or on behalf of any party;
(v) Relate to any matter, including a general economic, political, racial, religious, social, or similar cause, that is not significantly related to the proposed conversion;
(vi) Directly or indirectly and without expressed factual foundation impugn a person's character, integrity, or reputation;
(vii) Directly or indirectly and without expressed factual foundation make charges concerning improper, illegal, or immoral conduct; or
(viii) Directly or indirectly and without expressed factual foundation make statements impugning the stability and soundness of the credit union.
(5) If a converting credit union believes some or all of a member's request is not proper it must submit the member materials to the Regional Director within seven days of receipt. The credit union must include with its transmittal letter a specific statement of why the materials are not proper and a specific recommendation for how the materials should be modified, if possible, to make them proper. The Regional Director will review the communication, communicate with the requesting member, and respond to the credit union within seven days with a determination on the propriety of the materials. The credit union must then immediately mail or e-mail the material to the members if so directed by NCUA.
(6) A credit union must ensure that its members receive all materials that meet the requirements of § 708a.4(f) on or before the date the members receive the 30-day notice and associated ballot. If a credit union cannot meet this delivery requirement, it must postpone mailing the 30-day notice until it can deliver the member materials. If a credit union postpones the mailing of the 30-day notice, it must also postpone the special meeting by the same number of days. When the credit union has completed the delivery, it must inform the requesting member that the delivery was completed and provide the number of recipients.
(7) The term “appropriate advance payment” means:
(i) For requests to mail materials to all eligible voters, a payment in the amount of 150% of the first class postage rate times the number of mailings, and
(ii) For requests to e-mail materials only to members that have agreed to accept electronic communications, a payment in the amount of 200 dollars.
(8) If a credit union posts conversion-related information or material on its Web site, then it must simultaneously make a portion of its Web site available free of charge to its members to post and share their opinions on the conversion. A link to the portion of the Web site available to members to post their views on the conversion must be marked “Members: Share your views on the proposed conversion and see other members views” and the link must also be visible on all pages on which the credit union posts its own conversion-related information or material, as well as on the credit union's homepage. If a credit union believes a particular member submission is not proper for posting, it will provide that submission to the Regional Director for review as described in paragraph
(9) A converting credit union must inform members with the 90-day notice that if they wish to provide their opinions about the proposed conversion to other members they can submit their opinions in writing to the credit union no later than 35 days from the date of the notice and the credit union will forward those opinions to other members. The 90-day notice will provide a contact at the credit union for delivery of communications, will explain that members must agree to reimburse the credit union's costs of transmitting the communication including providing an advance payment, and will refer members to this section of NCUA's rules for further information about the communication process. The credit union, at its option, may include additional factual information about the communication process with its 90-day notice.
(10) A group of members may make a joint request that the credit union send its materials to other members. For purposes of paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this section, the credit union will use the group name provided by the group.
(a) If a converting credit union's board of directors approves a proposal to convert, it must provide the Regional Director with notice of its intent to convert during the 90 calendar day period preceding the date of the membership vote on the conversion.
(1) A credit union must give notice to the Regional Director of its intent to convert by providing a letter describing the material features of the conversion or a copy of the filing the credit union has made or intends to make with another federal or state regulatory agency in which the credit union seeks that agency's approval of the conversion. A credit union must include with the notice to the Regional Director copies of the notices the credit union has provided or intends to provide to members under §§ 708a.3 and 708a.4. The credit union must also include a copy of the ballot form and all written materials the credit union has distributed or intends to distribute to members. The term “written materials” includes written documentation or information of any sort, including electronic communications posted on a Web site or transmitted by electronic mail.
(2) As part of its notice to NCUA of intent to convert, the credit union's board of directors must provide the Regional Director with a certification of its support for the conversion proposal and plan. Each director who voted in favor of the conversion proposal must sign the certification. The certification must contain the following:
(i) A statement that each director signing the certification supports the proposed conversion and believes the proposed conversion is in the best interests of the members of the credit union;
(ii) A description of all materials submitted to the Regional Director with the notice and certification;
(iii) A statement that each board member signing the certification has examined all these materials carefully and these materials are true, correct, current, and complete as of the date of submission; and
(iv) An acknowledgement that federal law (18 U.S.C. 1001) prohibits any misrepresentations or omissions of material facts, or false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations made with respect to the certification or the materials provided to the Regional Director or any other documents or information provided to the members of the credit union or NCUA in connection with the conversion.
(3) A state-chartered credit union must state as part of the notice required by § 708a.5(a) if its state chartering law permits it to convert to a mutual savings bank and provide the specific legal citation. A state-chartered credit union will remain subject to any state law requirements for conversion that are more stringent than those this part imposes, including any internal governance requirements, such as the requisite membership vote for conversion and the determination of a member's eligibility to vote. If a state-chartered credit union relies for its authority to convert to a mutual
(i) Include in its notice a statement that its state regulatory authority agrees that it may rely on the state law parity provision as authority to convert; and
(ii) Indicate its state regulatory authority's position as to whether federal law and regulations or state law will control internal governance issues in the conversion such as the requisite membership vote for conversion and the determination of a member's eligibility to vote.
(b) If it chooses, a credit union may seek a preliminary determination from the Regional Director regarding any of the notices required under this part and its proposed methods and procedures applicable to the membership conversion vote. The Regional Director will make a preliminary determination regarding the notices and methods and procedures applicable to the membership vote within 30 calendar days of receipt of a credit union's request for review unless the Regional Director extends the period as necessary to request additional information or review a credit union's submission. A credit union's prior submission of any notice or proposed voting procedures does not relieve the credit union of its obligation to certify the results of the membership vote required by § 708a.6 or eliminate the right of the Regional Director to disapprove the actual methods and procedures applicable to the membership vote if the credit union fails to conduct the membership vote in a fair and legal manner consistent with the Federal Credit Union Act and these rules.
(c) After receiving the notice described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the Regional Director will contact and consult with the appropriate State Supervisory Authority.
(a) A proposal for conversion approved by a board of directors requires approval by a majority of the members who vote on the proposal.
(b) The board of directors must set a voting record date to determine member voting eligibility that is at least one day before the publication of notice required in § 708a.3.
(c) A member may vote on a proposal to convert in person at a special meeting held on the date set for the vote or by written ballot filed by the member. The vote on the conversion proposal must be by secret ballot and conducted by an independent entity. The independent entity must be a company with experience in conducting corporate elections. No official or senior management official of the credit union or the immediate family members of any official or senior management official may have any ownership interest in or be employed by the independent entity.
(a) The board of directors of the converting credit union must certify the results of the membership vote to the Regional Director within 10 calendar days after the vote is taken.
(b) The certification must also include a statement that the notice, ballot and other written materials provided to members were identical to those submitted to NCUA pursuant to § 708a.5. If the board cannot certify this, the board must provide copies of any new or revised materials and an explanation of the reasons for any changes.
(a) The Regional Director will review the methods by which the membership vote was taken and the procedures applicable to the membership vote. The Regional Director will determine: if the notices and other communications to members were accurate, not misleading, and timely; the membership vote was conducted in a fair and legal manner; and the credit union has otherwise complied with part 708a.
(b) After completion of this review, the Regional Director will issue a determination that the methods and procedures applicable to the membership vote are approved or disapproved. The Regional Director will issue this determination within 30 calendar days of receipt from the credit union of the certification of the result of the membership vote required under § 708a.7 unless the Regional Director extends the period as necessary to request additional information or review the credit union's submission. Approval of the methods and procedures under this paragraph remains subject to a credit union fulfilling the requirements in § 708a.10 for timely completion of the conversion.
(c) If the Regional Director disapproves the methods by which the membership vote was taken or the procedures applicable to the membership vote, the Regional Director may direct that a new vote be taken.
(d) A converting credit union may appeal the Regional Director's determination to the NCUA Board. The credit union must file the appeal within 30 days after receipt of the Regional Director's determination. The NCUA Board will act on the appeal within 90 days of receipt.
The federal or state regulatory agency that will have jurisdiction over the financial institution after conversion must verify the membership vote and may direct that a new vote be taken, if it disapproves of the methods by which the membership vote was taken or the procedures applicable to the membership vote.
(a) After receipt of the approvals under § 708a.8 and § 708a.9 the credit union may complete the conversion.
(b) The credit union must complete the conversion within one year of the date of receipt of NCUA approval under § 708a.8. If a credit union fails to complete the conversion within one year the Regional Director will disapprove of the methods and procedures. The credit union's board of directors must then adopt a new conversion proposal and solicit another member vote if it still desires to convert.
(c) The Regional Director may, upon timely request and for good cause, extend the one year completion period for an additional six months.
(d) After notification by the board of directors of the mutual savings bank or mutual savings association that the conversion has been completed, the NCUA will cancel the insurance certificate of the credit union and, if applicable, the charter of a federal credit union.
No director or senior management official of an insured credit union may receive any economic benefit in connection with the conversion of a credit union other than compensation and other benefits paid to directors or senior management officials of the converted institution in the ordinary course of business.
If a converting credit union offers an incentive to encourage members to participate in the vote, including a prize raffle, every reference to such incentive made by the credit union in a written communication to its members must also state that members are eligible for the incentive regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed conversion.
A converting credit union must conduct its member vote on conversion in a fair and legal manner. NCUA provides the following guidelines as suggestions to help a credit union obtain a fair and legal vote and otherwise fulfill its regulatory obligations. These guidelines are not an exhaustive checklist and do not by themselves guarantee a fair and legal vote.
(a)
(b)
(2) A converting credit union should be careful to make certain its member list is accurate and complete. For example, when a credit union converts from paper recordkeeping to computer recordkeeping, some member names may not transfer unless the credit union is careful in this regard. This same problem can arise when a credit union converts from one computer system to another where the software is not completely compatible.
(3) Problems with keeping track of who is eligible to vote can also arise when a credit union converts from a federal charter to a state charter or vice versa. NCUA is aware of an instance where a federal credit union used membership materials allowing two or more individuals to open a joint account and also allowed each to become a member. The federal credit union later converted to a state-chartered credit union that, like most other state-chartered credit unions in its state, used membership materials allowing two or more individuals to open a joint account but only allowed the first person listed on the account to become a member. The other individuals did not become members as a result of their joint account, but were required to open another account where they were the first or only person listed on the account. Over time, some individuals who became members of the federal credit union as the second person listed on a joint account were treated like those individuals who were listed as the second person on a joint account opened directly with the state-chartered credit union. Specifically, both of those groups were treated as non-members not entitled to vote. This example makes the point that a credit union must be diligent in maintaining a reliable membership list.
(c)
(d)
(1) The credit union should ensure that the incentive complies with all applicable state, federal, and local laws.
(2) The incentive should not be unreasonable in size. The cost of the incentive should have a negligible impact on the credit union's net worth ratio
(3) The credit union should ensure that the incentive is available to every member that votes regardless of how or when he or she votes. All of the credit union's written materials promoting the incentive to the membership must disclose to the members, as required by § 708a.12 of this part, that they have an equal opportunity to participate in the incentive program regardless of whether they vote for or against the conversion. The credit union should also design its incentives so that they are available equally to all members who vote, regardless of whether they vote by mail or in person at the special meeting.
12 U.S.C. 1752(7), 1766, 1785, 1786, 1789.
(a) Subpart A of this partprescribes the procedures for merging one or more credit unions with a continuing credit union where at least one of the credit unions is federally-insured.
(b) Subpart B of this partprescribes the procedures and notice requirements for termination of federal insurance or conversion of federal insurance to nonfederal insurance, including termination or conversion resulting from a merger.
(c) Subpart C prescribes required forms for use in conversion of federal insurance to nonfederal insurance.
(d) Nothing in this partrestricts or otherwise impairs the authority of the NCUA to approve a merger pursuant to section 205(h) of the Act.
(e) This part does not address procedures or requirements that may be applicable under state law for a state credit union.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Includes communications delivered or made available before, during, and after the credit union's board of directors decides to seek conversion or termination.
(2) Includes, but is not limited to, communications delivered or made available by mail, e-mail, and internet website posting.
(3) Does not include communications intended to be read only by the credit union's own employees or officials.
(i)
(j)
(k)
(a) In any case where a merger will result in the termination of federal insurance or conversion to nonfederal insurance, the merging credit union must comply with the provisions of subparts B and C of this part in addition to this subpart A.
(b) A federally-insured credit union must have the prior written approval of the NCUA before merging with any other credit union.
(c) Where the continuing credit union is a federal credit union, it must be in compliance with the chartering policies of the NCUA.
(d) Where the continuing or merging credit union is a state credit union, the merger must be permitted by state law or authorized by the state authority.
(e) Where both the merging and continuing credit unions are federally-insured and the two credit unions have overlapping fields of membership, the continuing credit union must, within three months after completion of the merger, either:
(1) Notify all members of the continuing credit union of the potential loss of insurance coverage if they had overlapping membership,
(2) Notify all individuals and entities that were actually members of both credit unions of the potential loss of insurance coverage, or
(3) Determine which members of both credit unions may actually have uninsured funds six months after the merger and notify those members of the potential loss of insurance coverage.
(a) Where the continuing credit union is federally-insured, the NCUSIF will assess a deposit and a prorated insurance premium (unless waived in whole or in part for all insured credit unions during that year) on the additional share accounts insured as a result of the merger of a nonfederally-insured or uninsured credit union with a federally-insured credit union.
(b) Where the continuing credit union is nonfederally-insured or uninsured but desires to be federally-insured as of the date of the merger, it must submit an application to the appropriate Regional Director when the merging credit union requests approval of the merger proposal. If the Regional Director approves the merger, the NCUSIF will assess a deposit and a prorated insurance premium (unless waived in whole or in part for all insured credit unions during that year) on any additional share accounts insured as a result of the merger.
(c) Where the continuing credit union is nonfederally-insured or uninsured and does not make application for insurance, but the merging credit union is federally-insured, the continuing credit union is entitled to a refund of the merging credit union's NCUSIF deposit and to a refund of the unused portion of the NCUSIF share insurance premium (if any). If the continuing credit union is uninsured, the NCUSIF will make the refund only after expiration of the one-year period of continued insurance coverage noted in paragraph (e) of this section.
(d) Where the continuing credit union is nonfederally-insured, NCUSIF insurance of the member accounts of a merging federally-insured credit union ceases as of the effective date of the merger.
(e) Where the continuing credit union is uninsured, NCUSIF insurance of the member accounts of the merging federally-insured credit union will continue for a period of one year, subject to the restrictions in section 206(d)(1) of the Act.
(a) Upon the approval of a proposition for merger by the boards of directors of the credit unions, the two credit unions must prepare a plan for the proposed merger that includes:
(1) Current financial statements for both credit unions;
(2) Current delinquent loan summaries and analyses of the adequacy of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses account;
(3) Consolidated financial statements, including an assessment of the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net worth of each credit union before the merger and the GAAP net worth of the continuing credit union after the merger;
(4) Analyses of share values;
(5) Explanation of any proposed share adjustments;
(6) Explanation of any provisions for reserves, undivided earnings or dividends;
(7) Provisions with respect to notification and payment of creditors;
(8) Explanation of any changes relative to insurance such as life savings and loan protection insurance and insurance of member accounts;
(9) Provisions for determining that all assets and liabilities of the continuing credit union will conform with the requirements of the Act (where the continuing credit union is a federal credit union); and
(10) Proposed charter amendments (where the continuing credit union is a federal credit union). These amendments, if any, will usually pertain to the name of the credit union and the definition of its field of membership.
(b) [Reserved]
(a) Upon approval of the merger plan by the boards of directors of the credit unions, the credit unions must submit the following information to the Regional Director:
(1) The merger plan, as described in this part;
(2) Resolutions of the boards of directors;
(3) Proposed Merger Agreement;
(4) Proposed Notice of Special Meeting of the Members (for merging federal credit unions);
(5) Copy of the form of Ballot to be sent to the members (for merging federal credit unions);
(6) Evidence that the state's supervisory authority approves the merger proposal (for states that require such agreement before NCUA approval);
(7) Application and Agreement for Insurance of Member Accounts (for continuing state credit unions desiring to become federally-insured);
(8) If the merging credit union has $50 million or more in assets on its latest call report, a statement about whether
(9) For mergers where the continuing credit union is not federally-insured and will not apply for federal insurance:
(i) A written statement from the continuing credit union that it “is aware of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831t(b), including all notification and acknowledgment requirements”; and
(ii) Proof that the accounts of the credit union will be accepted for coverage by the nonfederal insurer (if the credit union will have nonfederal insurance).
(b) [Reserved]
(a) In any case where the continuing credit union is federally-insured and the merging credit union is nonfederally-insured or uninsured, the NCUA will determine the potential risk to the NCUSIF.
(b) If the NCUA finds that the merger proposal complies with the provisions of this part and does not present an undue risk to the NCUSIF, it may approve the proposal subject to any other specific requirements as it may prescribe to fulfill the intended purposes of the proposed merger. For mergers of federal credit unions into federally-insured credit unions, if the NCUA determines that the merging credit union is in danger of insolvency and that the proposed merger would reduce the risk or avoid a threatened loss to the NCUSIF, the NCUA may permit the merger to become effective without an affirmative vote of the membership of the merging credit union otherwise required by § 708b.106 of this part.
(c) NCUA may approve any proposed charter amendments for a continuing federal credit union contingent upon the completion of the merger. All charter amendments must be consistent with NCUA chartering policy.
(a) When the merging credit union is a federal credit union, the members must:
(1) Have the right to vote on the merger proposal in person at the annual meeting, if within 60 days after NCUA approval, or at a special meeting to be called within 60 days of NCUA approval, or by mail ballot, received no later than the date and time announced for the annual meeting or the special meeting called for that purpose.
(2) Be given advance notice of the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Meetings of Members, Federal Credit Union Bylaws. The notice must:
(i) Specify the purpose of the meeting and the time and place;
(ii) Contain a summary of the merger plan, including, but not necessarily limited to, current financial statements for each credit union, a consolidated financial statement for the continuing credit union, analyses of share values, explanation of any proposed share adjustments, explanation of any changes relative to insurance such as life savings and loan protection insurance and insurance of member accounts;
(iii) State reasons for the proposed merger;
(iv) Provide name and location, including branches, of the continuing credit union;
(v) Inform the members that they have the right to vote on the merger proposal in person at the meeting or by written ballot to be received no later than the date and time announced for the annual meeting or the special meeting called for that purpose; and
(vi) Be accompanied by a Ballot for Merger Proposal.
(b) Approval of a proposal to merge a federal credit union into a federally-insured credit union requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the merging credit union who vote on the proposal. If the continuing credit union is uninsured or nonfederally-insured, the voting requirements of subpart B apply. If the continuing credit union is nonfederally-insured, the merging credit union must use the form notice and ballot in subpart C of
The board of directors of the merging federal credit union must certify the results of the membership vote to the Regional Director within 10 days after the vote is taken. The certification must include the total number of members of record of the credit union, the number who voted on the merger, the number who voted in favor, and the number who voted against. If the continuing credit union is nonfederally-insured, the merging credit union must use the certification form in subpart C of this part unless the Regional Director approves the use of a different form.
(a) Upon approval of the merger proposal by the NCUA and by the state supervisory authority (where the continuing or merging credit union is a state credit union) and by the members of each credit union where required, the credit unions may complete the merger.
(b) Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors of the continuing credit union must certify the completion of the merger to the Regional Director within 30 days after the effective date of the merger.
(c) Upon the NCUA's receipt of certification that the merger has been completed, the NCUA will cancel the charter of the merging federal credit union (if applicable) and the insurance certificate of any merging federally-insured credit union.
(a) A state credit union may terminate federal insurance, if permitted by state law, either on its own or by merging into an uninsured credit union.
(b) A federal credit union may terminate federal insurance only by merging into, or converting its charter to, an uninsured state credit union.
(c) A majority of the credit union's members must approve a termination of insurance by affirmative vote. The credit union must use an independent entity to collect and tally the votes and certify the results for all terminations, including terminations that involve a merger or charter conversion. The vote must be taken by secret ballot, meaning that no credit union employee or official can determine how a particular member voted.
(d) Termination of federal insurance requires the NCUA's prior written approval. A credit union must notify the NCUA and request approval of the termination through the Regional Director in writing at least 90 days before the proposed termination date and within one year after obtaining the membership vote. The notice to the NCUA must include:
(1) A written statement from the credit union that it “is aware of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831t(b), including all notification and acknowledgment requirements;” and
(2) A certification of the member vote that must include the total number of members of record of the credit union, the number who voted in favor of the termination, and the number who voted against.
(e) The NCUA will approve or disapprove the termination in writing within 90 days after being notified by the credit union.
(a) When the board of directors of a federally-insured credit union adopts a resolution proposing to terminate federal insurance, including termination due to a merger or conversion of charter, it must provide its members with written notice of the proposal to terminate and of the date set for the membership vote. The first written communication following the resolution that is made by or on behalf of the credit union and that informs the members that the credit union will seek termination is the notice of the proposal to terminate. This notice must:
(1) Inform the members of the requirement for a membership vote and the date for the vote;
(2) Explain that the insurance provided by the NCUA is federal insurance and is backed by the full faith and
(3) Include a conspicuous statement that if the termination or merger is approved, and the credit union, or the continuing credit union in the case of a merger, subsequently fails, the federal government does not guarantee the member will get his or her money back.
(b) The credit union must deliver the notice in person to each member, or mail it to each member at the address for the member as it appears on the records of the credit union, not more than 30 nor less than 7 days before the date of the vote. The membership must be given the opportunity to vote by mail ballot. The credit union may provide the notice of the proposal and the ballot to members at the same time.
(c) If the membership and the NCUA approve the proposition for termination of insurance, the credit union must give the members prompt and reasonable notice of termination.
(a) A federally-insured state credit union may convert to nonfederal insurance, if permitted by state law, either on its own or by merging into a nonfederally-insured credit union.
(b) A federal credit union may convert to nonfederal insurance only by merging into, or converting its charter to, a nonfederally-insured state credit union.
(c) Conversion to nonfederal insurance requires the prior written approval of the NCUA. After the credit union board of directors resolves to seek a conversion, the credit union must notify the Regional Director promptly, in writing, of the desired conversion and request NCUA approval of the conversion. The notification must be in the form specified in subpart C of this part, unless the Regional Director approves a different form. The credit union must provide this notification and request for approval to the Regional Director at least 14 days before the credit union notifies its members and seeks their vote and at least 90 days before the proposed conversion date. NCUA will approve or disapprove the conversion as described in paragraph (g) of this section.
(d) Approval of a conversion of federal to nonfederal insurance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the credit union's members who vote on the proposition, provided at least 20 percent of the total membership participates in the voting. The credit union must use an independent entity to collect and tally the votes and certify the results for all share insurance conversions, including share insurance conversions that involve a merger or charter conversion. The vote must be taken by secret ballot, meaning that no credit union employee or official can determine how a particular member voted.
(e) For all conversions, the notice to the NCUA must include:
(1) A written statement from the credit union that “it is aware of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831t(b), including all notification and acknowledgment requirements;” and
(2) Proof that the nonfederal insurer is authorized to issue share insurance in the state where the credit union is located and that the insurer will insure the credit union.
(f) The board of directors of the credit union and the independent entity that conducts the membership vote must certify the results of the membership vote to the NCUA within 10 days after the deadline for receipt of votes. The certification must include the total number of members of record of the credit union, the number who voted on the conversion, the number who voted in favor of the conversion, and the number who voted against. The certification must be in the form specified in subpart C of this part.
(g) Generally, the NCUA will approve or disapprove the conversion in writing within 14 days after receiving the certification of the vote.
(h) For conversions by merger, the merging credit unions must follow the procedures specified in subparts A and B of this part and use the forms specified in subpart C of this part. In the event the procedures of Subpart A and B conflict, the credit union must follow subpart B.
(a) When the board of directors of a federally-insured credit union adopts a resolution proposing to convert from federal to nonfederal insurance, including an insurance conversion associated with a merger or conversion of charter, it must provide its members with written notice of the proposal to convert insurance and of the date set for the membership vote. The first written communication following this resolution that is made by or on behalf of the credit union and that informs the members that the credit union will seek conversion of insurance is the notice of the proposal to convert. This notice must:
(1) Inform the members of the requirement for a membership vote and the date for the vote;
(2) Explain that the insurance provided by the NCUA is federal insurance and is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, while the insurance provided by the nonfederal insurer is not guaranteed by the federal or any state government;
(3) Include a conspicuous statement that if the conversion or merger is approved, and the credit union, or the continuing credit union in the case of a merger, subsequently fails, the federal government does not guarantee the member will get his or her money back; and
(4) Be in the form set forth in subpart C of this part, unless the Regional Director approves a different form.
(b) The credit union must deliver the notice in person to each member or mail it to each member at the address for the member as it appears on the records of the credit union, not more than 30 nor less than 7 days before the date for the vote. The credit union must give the membership the opportunity to vote by mail ballot. The form of the ballot must be as set forth in subpart C of this part, unless the Regional Director approves the use of a different form. The notice of the proposal and the ballot may be provided to the members at the same time.
(c) If the membership and the NCUA approve the proposition for conversion of insurance, the credit union will give prompt and reasonable notice to the membership. The credit union must deliver the notice at least 30 days before the effective date of the conversion. The notice must identify the effective date of the conversion, and the first page must also include a conspicuous statement (
(1) The conversion will result in the loss of federal share insurance, and
(2) The credit union will, at any time before the effective date of conversion, permit all members who have share certificates or other term accounts to close the federally-insured portion of those accounts without an early withdrawal penalty.
(a) Converting credit unions will use the form notice and ballot as provided in subpart C of this part unless the Regional Director approves the use of a different form.
(b) A converting credit union will provide the Regional Director with a copy of the notice and ballot, including any reasons for conversion and estimated costs of conversion, on or before the date the notice and ballot are mailed to the members.
(c) Federally-insured state credit unions may include additional language in the notice and ballot regarding state requirements for mergers, where appropriate.
(a) Every share insurance communication must comply with § 740.2 of this chapter, which, in part, prohibits federally-insured credit unions from making any representation that is inaccurate or deceptive in any particular.
(b) Every share insurance communication about share insurance conversion must contain the following conspicuous statement: “IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THIS CREDIT UNION, YOUR ACCOUNTS ARE CURRENTLY INSURED BY THE NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION, A FEDERAL AGENCY. THIS FEDERAL INSURANCE IS BACKED BY THE FULL
(1) Appear on the first page of the communication where conversion is discussed and, if the communication is on an internet website posting, the credit union must make reasonable efforts to make it visible without scrolling; and
(2) Must be in capital letters, bolded, offset from the other text by use of a border, and at least one font size larger than any other text (exclusive of headings) used in the communication.
(c) Every share insurance communication about share insurance termination must contain the following conspicuous statement: “IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF THIS CREDIT UNION, YOUR ACCOUNTS ARE CURRENTLY INSURED BY THE NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION, A FEDERAL AGENCY. THIS FEDERAL INSURANCE IS BACKED BY THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. IF THE CREDIT UNION TERMINATES ITS FEDERAL INSURANCE AND THE CREDIT UNION FAILS, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL GET YOUR MONEY BACK.” The statement must:
(1) Appear on the first page of the communication where termination is discussed and, if the communication is on an internet website posting, the credit union must make reasonable efforts to make it visible without scrolling; and
(2) Must be in capital letters, bolded, offset from the other text by use of a border, and at least one font size larger than any other text (exclusive of headings) used in the communication.
(d) A converting credit union must provide the Regional Director with a copy of any share insurance communication that the credit union will make during the voting period. The Regional Director must receive the copy at or before the time the credit union makes it available to members. The converting credit union must inform the Regional Director when the communication is to be made, to which members it will be directed, and how it will be disseminated. For purposes of this section, the voting period begins on the date of the board of director's resolution to seek conversion or termination and ends on the date the member voting closes.
(e) The Regional Director may take appropriate action, including disapproving a conversion, if he or she determines that a converting credit union, by inclusion or omission of information in a share insurance communication, materially mislead or misinformed its membership. For example, the Regional Director will treat any share insurance communication that compares the relative strength, safety, or claims paying ability of a private insurer with that of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund as materially misleading if the comparison fails to mention that the federal insurance provided by the NCUA is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
Unless the Regional Director approves the use of different forms, a state chartered credit union must use the forms in this section in connection with a conversion to nonfederal insurance.
(a) Form letter notifying NCUA of intent to convert:
In accordance with federal law at Title 12, United States Code Section 1785(b)(1)(D), I request the National Credit Union Administration approve the conversion of (insert name of credit union) from federal share insurance to private primary share insurance with (insert name of private insurance company).
On (insert date), the board of directors of (insert name of credit union) resolved to pursue the conversion from federal insurance to private insurance. A copy of the resolution is enclosed.
On (insert date), the credit union plans to solicit the vote of our members on the conversion. The credit union will employ (insert name, address, and telephone number of independent entity) to conduct the member vote. The credit union will use the form notice and ballot required by NCUA regulations, and will certify the results to NCUA as required by NCUA regulations.
Aside from the notice and ballot, the credit union (does)(does not) intend to provide its members with additional written information about the conversion. I understand that NCUA regulations forbid any communications to members, including communications about NCUA insurance or private insurance, that are inaccurate or deceptive.
(Insert name of State) allows credit unions to obtain primary share insurance from (insert name of private insurance company). I have enclosed a copy of a letter from (insert name and title of state regulator) establishing that (insert name of private insurer) has the authority to provide (insert name of credit union) with primary share insurance.
I have enclosed a copy of a letter from (insert name of private insurer) indicating it has accepted (insert name of credit union) for primary share insurance and will insure the credit union immediately upon the date that it loses its federal share insurance.
I am aware of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831t(b), including all notification and acknowledgment requirements.
The point of contact for conversion matters is (insert name and title of credit union employee), who can be reached at (insert telephone number).
Sincerely,
(b) Form notice to members of intent to convert and special meeting of members:
On (insert date), the board of directors of your credit union approved a proposition to convert from federal share (deposit) insurance to private insurance. You are encouraged to attend a special meeting of our credit union at (insert address) on (insert time and date) to address this proposition.
The meeting has two purposes:
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to convert your account insurance from federal insurance to private insurance.
2. To approve the action of the Board of Directors in authorizing the officers of the credit union to carry out the proposed conversion.
Currently, your accounts have share insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government. The basic federal coverage is up to $100,000, but accounts may be structured in different ways, such as joint accounts, payable-on-death accounts, or IRA accounts, to achieve federal coverage of much more than $100,000. If the conversion is approved, your federal insurance will terminate on the effective date of the conversion. Instead, your accounts in the credit union will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of State). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The private insurance you will receive from (insert name of insurer), however, is not guaranteed by the federal or any state or local government.
Also, because this conversion, if approved, would result in the loss of federal share insurance, the credit union will, at any time between the approval of the conversion and the effective date of conversion and upon request by the member, permit all members who have share certificates or other term accounts to close the federally-insured portion of those accounts without an early withdrawal penalty. (This is an optional sentence. It may be deleted without the approval of the Regional Director. The members must be informed about this right, however, as described in 12 CFR 708b.204(c).)
The board of directors has concluded that the proposed conversion is desirable for the
The proposed conversion will result in the following one-time cost associated with the conversion: (List the total estimated dollar amount, including (1) the cost of conducting the vote, (2) the cost of changing the credit union's name and insurance logo, and (3) attorney and consultant fees.)
The conversion must have the approval of a majority of members who vote on the proposal, provided at least 20 percent of the total membership participates in the voting.
Enclosed with this Notice of Special Meeting is a ballot. If you cannot attend the meeting, please complete the ballot and return it to (insert name and address of independent entity conducting the vote) by no later than (insert time and date). To be counted, your ballot must reach us by that date and time.
By order of the board of directors.
(c) Form ballot:
The credit union must receive this ballot by (insert date and time for vote). Please mail or bring it to: (Insert name of independent entity and address).
I understand if the conversion of the (insert name of credit union) is approved, the National Credit Union Administration share (deposit) insurance I now have, up to $100,000, or possibly more if I use different account structures, will terminate upon the effective date of the conversion. Instead, my shares in the (insert name of credit union) will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of state). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The private insurance provided by (insert name of insurer) is not.
I vote on the proposal as follows (check one box):
[] Approve the conversion to private insurance and authorize the Board of Directors to take all necessary action to accomplish the conversion.
[] Do not approve the conversion to private insurance.
(Insert printed member's name)
(d) Form certification of member vote to NCUA:
We, the undersigned officers of the (insert name of converting credit union), certify the completion of the following actions:
1. At a meeting on (insert date), the Board of Directors adopted a resolution to seek the conversion of our primary share insurance coverage from NCUA to (insert name of private insurer).
2. Not more than 30 nor less than 7 days before the date of the vote, copies of the notice of special meeting and the ballot, as approved by the National Credit Union Administration, were mailed to our members.
3. The credit union arranged for the conduct of a special meeting of our members at the time and place announced in the Notice to consider and act upon the proposed conversion.
4. At the special meeting, the credit union arranged for an explanation of the conversion to the members present at the special meeting.
5. The (insert name), an entity independent of the credit union, conducted the membership vote at the special meeting. The members voted as follows:
(insert) Number of total members
(insert) Number of members present at the special meeting
(insert) Number of members present who voted in favor of the conversion
(insert) Number of members present who voted against the conversion
(insert) Number of additional written ballots in favor of the conversion
(insert) Number of additional written ballots opposed to the conversion
(insert “20% or more”) OR (insert “Less than 20%”) of the total membership voted. Of those who voted, a majority voted (insert “in favor of”) OR (“against”) conversion.
The action of the members at the special meeting was recorded in the minutes.
This certification signed the (insert date).
I (insert name), an officer of the (insert name of independent entity that conducted the vote), hereby certify that the information recorded in paragraph 5 above is accurate.
This certification signed the (insert date):
Unless the Regional Director approves the use of different forms, a federal credit union must use the following forms in this section in connection with a conversion to a nonfederally-insured state charter.
(a) Form letter notifying NCUA of intent to convert:
In accordance with federal law at Title 12, United States Code Section 1785(b)(1)(D), I request the National Credit Union Administration approve the conversion of (insert name of federal credit union) to a state charter in (insert name of state) and from federal share insurance to private primary share insurance with (insert name of private insurance company).
On (insert date), the board of directors of (insert name of credit union) resolved to pursue the charter conversion and the conversion from federal insurance to private insurance. A copy of the resolution is enclosed.
On (insert date), the credit union plans to solicit the vote of our members on the conversion. The credit union will employ (insert name, address, and telephone number of independent entity) to conduct the vote. The credit union will use the form notice and ballot required by NCUA regulations, and will certify the results to NCUA as required by NCUA regulations.
Aside from the notice and ballot, the credit union (does)(does not) intend to provide our members with additional written information about the conversion. I understand that NCUA regulations forbid any communications to members, including communications about NCUA insurance or private insurance, that are inaccurate or deceptive.
I have enclosed a copy of a letter from (insert name and title of state regulator) indicating approval of our conversion to a state charter.
(Insert name of State) allows credit unions to obtain primary share insurance from (insert name of private insurance company). I have enclosed a copy of a letter from (insert name and title of state regulator) establishing that (insert name of private insurer) has the authority to provide (insert name of credit union), after conversion to a state charter, with primary share insurance.
I have enclosed a copy of a letter from (insert name of private insurer) indicating it has accepted (insert name of credit union) for primary share insurance and will insure the credit union immediately upon the date that it loses its federal share insurance.
I am aware of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831t(b), including all notification and acknowledgment requirements.
Enclosed you will also find other information required by NCUA's Chartering and Field of Membership Manual, Chapter 4, § III.C.
The point of contact for conversion matters is (insert name and title of credit union employee), who can be reached at (insert telephone number).
Sincerely,
(b) Form notice to members of intent to convert and special meeting of members:
On (insert date), the board of directors of your credit union approved a proposition to convert from federal share (deposit) insurance to private insurance and to convert from a federal credit union to a state-chartered credit union. You are encouraged to attend a special meeting of our credit union at (insert address) on (insert time and date) to address this proposition.
The meeting has two purposes:
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to convert your credit union from a federal charter to a state charter and your account insurance from federal insurance to private insurance.
2. To approve the action of the Board of Directors in authorizing the officers of the credit union to carry out the proposed conversion.
Currently, your accounts have share insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government. The basic federal coverage is up to $100,000, but accounts may be structured in different ways, such as joint accounts, payable-on-death accounts, or IRA accounts, to achieve federal coverage of much more than $100,000. If the conversion is approved, your federal insurance will terminate on the effective date of the conversion. Instead, your accounts in the credit union will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of State). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The private insurance you will receive from (insert name of insurer), however, is not guaranteed by the federal or any state or local government.
Also, because this conversion, if approved, would result in the loss of federal share insurance, the credit union will, at any time between the approval of the conversion and the effective date of conversion and upon request of the member, permit all members who have share certificates or other term accounts to close the federally-insured portion of those accounts without an early withdrawal penalty. (This is an optional sentence. It may be deleted without the approval of the Regional Director. The members must be informed about this right, however, as described in 12 CFR 708b.204(c).)
The board of directors has concluded that the proposed conversion is desirable for the following reasons: (Insert reasons) (This is an optional paragraph. It may be deleted without the approval of the Regional Director.).
The proposed conversion will result in the following one-time cost associated with the conversion: (List the total estimated dollar amount, including (1) the cost of conducting the vote, (2) the cost of changing the credit union's name and insurance logo, and (3) attorney and consultant fees.)
The conversion must have the approval of a majority of members who vote on the proposal, provided at least 20 percent of the total membership participates in the voting.
Enclosed with this Notice of Special Meeting is a ballot. If you cannot attend the meeting, please complete the ballot and return it to (insert name and address of independent entity conducting the vote) by no later than (insert time and date). To be counted, your ballot must reach us by that date and time.
By order of the board of directors.
(c) Form ballot:
The credit union must receive this ballot by (insert date and time for vote). Please mail or bring it to: (Insert name of independent entity and address)
I understand if the conversion of the (insert name of credit union) is approved, the National Credit Union Administration share (deposit) insurance I now have, up to $100,000, or possibly more if I use different accounts structures, will terminate upon the effective date of the conversion. Instead, my shares in the (insert name of credit union) will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of state). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The private insurance provided by (insert name of insurer) is not.
I vote on the proposal as follows (check one box):
[] Approve the conversion of charter and conversion to private insurance and authorize the Board of Directors to take all necessary action to accomplish the conversion.
[] Do not approve the conversion of charter and the conversion to private insurance.
(Insert printed member's name)
(d) Form certification to NCUA of member vote:
We, the undersigned officers of the (insert name of converting credit union), certify the completion of the following actions:
1. At a meeting on (insert date), the Board of Directors adopted a resolution to seek the conversion of our credit union to a state charter and the conversion of our primary share insurance coverage from NCUA to (insert name of private insurer).
2. Not more than 30 nor less than 7 days before the date of the vote, copies of the notice of special meeting and ballot, as approved by the National Credit Union Administration, were mailed to our members.
3. The credit union arranged for the conduct of a special meeting of our members at the time and place announced in the Notice to consider and act upon the proposed conversion.
4. At the special meeting, the credit union arranged for an explanation of the conversion to the members present at the special meeting.
5. The (insert name), an entity independent of the credit union, conducted the membership vote at the special meeting. The members voted as follows:
(insert) Number of total members
(insert) Number of members present at the special meeting
(insert) Number of members present who voted in favor of the conversion
(insert) Number of members present who voted against the conversion
(insert) Number of additional written ballots in favor of the conversion
(insert) Number of additional written ballots opposed to the conversion
(insert “20% or more”) OR (insert “Less than 20%”) of the total membership voted. Of those who voted, a majority voted (inset “in favor of”) OR (“against”) conversion.
The action of the members at the special meeting was recorded in the minutes.
This certification signed the (insert date).
I (insert name), an officer of the (insert name of independent entity that conducted the vote), hereby certify that the information recorded in paragraph 5 above is accurate.
This certification signed the (insert date):
Unless the Regional Director approves the use of different forms, a federally-insured credit union that is merging into a nonfederally-insured credit union must use the forms in this section.
(a) Form notice to members of intent to merge and convert and special meeting of members:
On (insert date), the Board of Directors of your credit union approved a proposition to merge with (insert name of continuing credit union) and to convert from federal share (deposit) insurance to private insurance. You are encouraged to attend a special meeting of our credit union at (insert address) on (insert time and date).
The meeting has two purposes:
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to merge our credit union with (insert name of continuing credit union), the continuing credit union.
2. To approve the action of the Board of Directors of our credit union in authorizing the officers of the credit union, subject to member approval, to carry out the proposed merger.
If this merger is approved, our credit union will transfer all its assets and liabilities to the continuing credit union. As a member of our credit union, you will become a member of the continuing credit union. On the effective date of the merger, you will receive shares in the continuing credit union for the shares you own now in our credit union.
Currently, your accounts have share insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government. The basic federal coverage is up to $100,000, but accounts may be structured in different ways, such as joint accounts, payable-on-death accounts, or IRA accounts, to achieve federal coverage of much more than $100,000. If the merger is approved, your federal insurance will terminate on the effective date of the merger. Instead, your accounts in the credit union will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of State). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The private insurance you will receive from (insert name of insurer), however, is not guaranteed by the federal or any state or local government.
Also, because this merger, if approved, would result in the loss of federal share insurance, the (insert name of merging credit union) will, at any time between the approval of the merger and the effective date of merger and upon request of the member, permit all members who have share certificates or other term accounts to close the federally-insured portion of those accounts without an early withdrawal penalty. (This is an optional sentence. It may be deleted without the approval of the Regional Director. The members must be informed about this right, however, as described in 12 CFR 708b.204(c).)
The directors of the participating credit unions carefully analyzed the assets and liabilities of the participating credit unions and appraised each credit union's share values. The appraisal of the share values appears on the attached individual and consolidated financial statements of the participating credit unions.
The directors of the participating credit unions have concluded that the proposed merger is desirable for the following reasons: (insert reasons)
The Board of Directors of our credit union believes the merger should include/not include an adjustment in shares for the following reasons: (insert reasons)
The main office of the continuing credit union will be as follows: (insert location)
The branch office(s) of the continuing credit union will be as follows: (insert locations)
The merger must have the approval of a majority of members who vote on the proposal, provided at least 20 percent of the total membership participates in the voting.
Enclosed with this Notice of Special Meeting is a Ballot for Merger Proposal and Conversion to Nonfederally-insured Status. If you cannot attend the meeting, please complete the ballot and return it to (insert name of independent entity conducting vote) at (insert mailing address) by no later than (insert date and time). To be counted, your ballot must reach (insert name of independent entity conducting vote) by the date and time announced for the meeting.
By order of the board of directors.
(b) Form ballot:
The credit union must receive this ballot by (insert date and time for vote). Please mail or bring it to: (Insert name of independent entity and address)
I understand if the merger or conversion of the (insert name of merging credit union) into the (insert name of continuing credit union) is approved, the National Credit Union Administration share (deposit) insurance I now have, up to $100,000, or possibly more if I use different account structures, will terminate upon the effective date of the conversion. Instead, my shares in the (insert name of credit union) will be insured up to $(insert dollar amount) by (insert name of insurer), a corporation chartered by the State of (insert name of state). The federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The private insurance provided by (insert name of insurer) is not.
I vote on the proposal as follows (check one box):
[] Approve the merger and the conversion to private insurance and authorize the Board of Directors to take all necessary action to accomplish the merger and conversion.
[] Do not approve the merger and the conversion to private insurance.
(Insert printed member's name)
(c) Form certification of vote:
We, the undersigned officers of the (insert name of merging credit union), certify the completion of the following actions:
1. At a meeting on (insert date), the Board of Directors adopted a resolution approving the merger of our credit union with (insert name of continuing credit union).
2. Not more than 30 nor less than 7 days before the date of the vote, copies of the notice of special meeting and the ballot, as approved by the National Credit Union Administration, and a copy of the merger plan announced in the notice, were mailed to our members.
3. The credit union arranged for the conduct of a special meeting of our members at the time and place announced in the Notice to consider and act upon the proposed merger.
4. At the special meeting, the credit union arranged for an explanation of the merger proposal and any changes in federally-insured status to the members present at the special meeting.
5. The (insert name), and entity independent of the credit union, conducted the membership vote at the special meeting. At least 20 percent of our total membership voted and a majority of voting members favor the merger as follows:
(insert) Number of total members
(insert) Number of members present at the special meeting
(insert) Number of members present who voted in favor of the merger
(insert) Number of members present who voted against the merger
(insert) Number of additional written ballots in favor of the merger
(insert) Number of additional written ballots opposed to the merger
6. The action of the members at the special meeting was recorded in the minutes.
This certification signed the (insert date):
I (insert name), an officer of the (insert name of independent entity that conducted the vote), hereby certify that the information recorded in paragraph 5 above is accurate.
This certification signed the (insert date):
12 U.S.C. 1757, 1766, 1767, 1786(h), 1787, 1788, 1789, 1789a.
The rules and procedures in this part apply to charter revocations of federal credit unions under 12 U.S.C. 1787(a)(1)(A), (B), the involuntary liquidation and adjudication of creditor claims in all cases involving federally-insured credit unions, the treatment by the Board as conservator or liquidating agent of financial assets transferred in connection with a securitization or participation or of public funds held by a federally-insured credit union, and the allowance of prepayment fees to Federal Home Loan Banks under specified conditions. Remaining sections of this part are applicable to all federally insured credit unions. This part does not apply to share insurance claims arising out of the liquidation of a federally insured credit union. Insurance claims are decided pursuant to part 745 of this chapter.
For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a) The Board, as liquidating agent, by operation of law and without any conveyance or other instrument, act or deed, shall succeed to all the rights, titles, powers, and privileges of the credit union, and of its shareholders, officers, and directors, with respect to the credit union and its assets, and such shareholders, officers, or directors, shall not thereafter have or exercise any such rights, powers, or privileges or act in connection with any assets or property of any nature of the credit union.
(b) The Board, as liquidating agent, shall take possession of and title to books, records, and assets of every description of such credit union to which
If a Federal credit union is determined to be insolvent and placed into liquidation pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1787, the Federal credit union may, not later than 10 days after the date on which the Board closes the credit union for liquidation, apply to the United States District Court for the Judicial district in which the principal office of the credit union is located or the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for an order requiring the Board to show cause why it should not be prohibited from continuing such liquidation. Notwithstanding other provisions of this part, the board of directors of the credit union may meet following the placing of the institution into liquidation for the sole purpose of considering and authorizing the filing of this action in the name of the credit union. No such action in the name of the credit union may be instituted without the authorization of the board of directors of the institution pursuant to a valid board of directors resolution. No credit union funds shall be available to pay expenses incurred in bringing a legal action to challenge the Board's liquidation action.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Exercise all rights and powers of the credit union including, but not limited to, any rights and powers under any mortgage, deed of trust, chose in action, option, collateral note, contract, judgment or decree, or instrument of any nature;
(2) Institute, prosecute, maintain, defend, intervene, and otherwise participate in any and all actions, suits, or other legal proceedings by and against the liquidating agent or the credit union or in which the liquidating agent, the credit union, or its creditors or shareholders, or any of them, shall have an interest, and in every way to represent the credit union, its shareholders and creditors, subject to the direction of General Counsel;
(3) Employ on a salary or fee basis such persons as in the judgment of the liquidating agent are necessary or desirable to carry out its responsibilities and functions, including, but not limited to, appraisers and Certified Public Accountants, and pay the costs out of the assets of the liquidated credit union;
(4) Employ or retain any attorney or attorneys designated by, or acceptable to, the General Counsel in connection with litigation or for legal advice and assistance, for the liquidation generally or in particular instances, and pay compensation and retainers of such attorney or attorneys, together with
(5) Execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all deeds, contracts, leases, assignments, bills of sale, releases, extensions, satisfactions, and other instruments necessary or proper for any purposes, including, but not limited to, the effectuation, termination, or transfer of real, personal or mixed property, or that shall be necessary or proper to liquidate the credit union, and any deed or other instrument executed pursuant to the authority hereby given shall be as valid and effective for all purposes as if the same had been executed as the act and deed of the credit union;
(6) With concurrence of General Counsel, disaffirm or repudiate any contract or lease to which the credit union is a party, the performance of which the liquidating agent, in his sole discretion, determines to be burdensome, and which disaffirmance or repudiation in the liquidating agent's sole discretion will promote the orderly administration of the credit union's affairs;
(7) Deposit, withdraw, or transfer funds, and otherwise exercise complete control over all investment or depository accounts maintained by or for the credit union at financial dispository or similar institutions;
(8) Do such things, and have such rights, powers, privileges, immunities, and duties, whether or not otherwise granted in this part 709, as shall be authorized, directed, conferred, or imposed from time to time by the Board, or as shall be conferred by the Federal Credit Union Act;
(9) Exercise such other authority as is conferred by the Federal Credit Union Act; and
(10) Where acting as liquidating agent for a state-chartered federally insured credit union, exercise all the rights, powers, and privileges granted by state law to such a liquidating agent.
(d)
(1) Pay all costs and expenses of the liquidation as determined by the liquidating agent;
(2) Pay off and discharge taxes and liens;
(3) Pay out and expend such sums as are deemed necessary or advisable for or in connection with the preservation, maintenance, conservation, protection, remodeling, repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of any asset or property of any nature of the credit union or the liquidating agent;
(4) Pay off and discharge any assessments, liens, claims, or charges of any kind against any asset or property of any nature on which the credit union or the liquidating agent has a lien by way of mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, or otherwise, or in which the credit union or liquidating agent has any interest;
(5) Settle, compromise, or obtain the release of, for cash or other consideration, claims and demands against the credit union or the liquidating agent; and
(6) Indemnify its employees and agents from the assets of the credit union against liabilities incurred in the good faith performance of their duties.
(e)
(1) Sell for cash or on terms, exchange, assign, or otherwise dispose of, in whole or in part, any or all of the assets and property of the credit union, real, personal and mixed, tangible and intangible, of any nature, including any mortgage, deed of trust, chose in action, bond, note, contract, judgment, or decree, share or certificate of share of stock or debt, owing to the credit union or the liquidating agent; and
(2) Surrender, abandon, and release any chose in action, or other assets or property of any nature, whether the subject of pending litigation or not, and settle, compromise, modify, or release, for cash or other consideration, claims and demands in favor of the credit union or the liquidating agent.
(a) Claimants whose claims are secured shall receive their security. To the extent their respective claims exceed the value of the security for those
(b) Unsecured claims against the liquidation estate that are proved to the satisfaction of the liquidating agent shall have priority in the following order:
(1) Administrative costs and expenses of liquidation;
(2) Claims for wages and salaries, including vacation, severance, and sick leave pay;
(3) Taxes legally due and owing to the United States or any state or subdivision thereof;
(4) Debts due and owing the United States, including the National Credit Union Administration;
(5) General creditors, and secured creditors (to the extent that their respective claims exceed the value of the security for those claims);
(6) Shareholders to the extent of their respective uninsured shares and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund to the extent of its payment of share insurance;
(7) In a case involving liquidation of a corporate credit union, membership capital;
(8) In a case involving liquidation of a low-income designated credit union, any outstanding secondary capital accounts issued pursuant to the authority of §§ 701.34 or 741.204(c) of this chapter; and
(9) In a case involving liquidation of a corporate credit union, paid-in capital.
(c) Priorities are to be based on the circumstances that exist on the date of liquidation.
(d) If the repudiation or disaffirmance of any contract or lease gives rise to a claim for damages, such claim shall be considered a general creditor claim under paragraph (b)(5) of this section and not a cost or expense of liquidation under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(e) All unsecured claims of any category or class or priority described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this section shall be paid in full, or provisions made for such payment, before any claims of lesser priority are paid. If there are insufficient funds to pay all claims of a category or class, payment shall be made pro rata. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the liquidating agent may, at any time, and from time to time, prior to the payment in full of all claims of a category or class with higher priority, make such distributions to claimants in priority categories described in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5) of this section as the liquidating agent believes are reasonably necessary to conduct the liquidation, provided that the liquidating agent determines that adequate funds exist or will be recovered during the liquidation to pay in full all claims of any higher priority. If a surplus remains after making distribution in full on all allowed claims described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(9) of this section, such surplus shall be distributed pro rata to the credit union's shareholders.
(a)(1) Any party wishing to submit a claim against the liquidated credit union must submit a written proof of claim in accordance with the requirements set forth in the notice to creditors. A failure to submit a written claim within the time provided in the notice to creditors shall be deemed a waiver of said claim and claimant shall have no further rights or remedies with respect to such claim.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the liquidating agent may, at his discretion, consider an untimely claim provide the following two criteria are present:
(i) The claimant did not receive notice of the appointment of the liquidating agent in time to file a claim before the date provided for in the notice; and
(ii) The claim is filed in time to permit payment of the claim.
(b) The liquidating agent may require submission of supplemental evidence
(c) The liquidating agent shall determine whether to allow or disallow a claim and shall notify the claimant within 180 days from the date a claim against a credit union is filed pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of the section. This 180-day period may be extended by written agreement between the claimant and the liquidating agent. Failure by the liquidating agent to determine a claim and notify the claimant within the 180-day period or, if the period is extended, within the extended period, shall be deemed a denial of the claim.
(d) If a claim or any portion thereof is disallowed, the notice to the claimant shall contain a statement of the reasons for the disallowance and an explanation of appeal rights pursuant to § 709.7 of this part.
(e) Notice of any determination with respect to a claim shall be sufficient if mailed to the most recent address of the claimant which appears:
(1) On the credit union's books;
(2) In the claim filed by the claimant; or
(3) In the documents submitted in the proof of claim.
(f) In the event the liquidating agent disallows all or part of a claim, the liquidating agent shall file with the Board, or its designated agent, a report of its determination. This report shall become part of the record and shall include the notice to the claimant and findings on all issues raised and decided by the liquidating agent.
In order to appeal all or part of an initial decision which disallows a claim, in whole or in part, a claimant must, within 60 days of the mailing of the initial determination, file an administrative appeal pursuant to § 709.8 of this part, or file suit against the liquidated credit union in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the United States district court having jurisdiction over the place where the credit union's principal place of business is located, or continue an action commenced before the appointment of the liquidating agent. If the claimant does not appeal or file or continue a suit, any disallowance shall be final and the claimant shall have no further rights or remedies with respect to such claim.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(1)
(i)
(A) A statement of the facts on which the appeal is based;
(B) A statement of the basis for the initial determination to which the claimant objects and the alleged error in such determination, including citations to applicable statutes and regulations;
(C) Any other evidence relied upon by the claimant which was not previously provided to the liquidating agent.
(ii)
(B) Within 60 days from the date of the Board's receipt of an appeal, pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the claimant may amend or supplement the appeal in writing. In the event the claimant does amend or supplement the appeal, the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, with respect to requests for additional information and responses to such requests, shall apply with equal force to any such amendment or supplement to an appeal.
(iii)
(B) The decision by the Board on appeal shall be provided to the claimant in writing, stating the reasons for the decision, and shall constitute a final agency decision regarding the claimant's claim.
(C) Failure by the Board to issue a decision on appeal of the claimant's claim within the 180-day period provided for under paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A) of this section shall be deemed to be a denial of such appeal for the purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section.
(iv)
(B) A final determination by the Board is reviewable in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7, title 5, United States Code, by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia or the court of appeals for the Federal judicial circuit where the credit union's principal place of business is located. Any request for judicial
(2) The following additional procedures for dispute resolution may be made available at the sole discretion of the Board: mediation; nonbinding arbitration; and neutral fact finding.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) A clear and concise statement of the facts and issues on which the request is based;
(2) A clear and concise statement describing the nature of any security interests in any assets of the credit union;
(3) A clear and concise statement of the probable, imminent and irreparable harm likely to occur if expedited relief is not granted;
(4) An assessment of the likelihood of success on the merits of the underlying claim, including statutory citations and relevant documentation supporting the merits of the claim;
(5) Any other relevant documentation that supports the request;
(6) Citations to applicable statutes, regulations, or other legal authority; and
(7) A signed statement certifying that a copy of the request has been mailed or hand delivered to the liquidating agent on or before the day that the request was filed with the Board.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1)
(2)
(g)
(1) The end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the filing of a request for expedited relief; or
(2) The date the Board denies all or part of the claim.
(h)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) The most senior class of which at time of issuance is rated in one of the four highest categories assigned to long-term debt or in an equivalent short-term category (within either of which there may be sub-categories or gradations indicating relative standing) by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; or
(ii) Which are sold in transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering for purposes of section 4 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in transactions exempt from registration under such Act under 17 CFR 230.91 through 230.905 (Regulation S) thereunder (or any successor regulation).
(6)
(b) The Board, by exercise of its authority to disaffirm or repudiate contracts under 12 U.S.C. 1787(c), will not reclaim, recover, or recharacterize as property of the credit union or the liquidation estate any financial assets transferred to another party by a federally-insured credit union in connection with a securitization or participation, provided that a transfer meets all conditions for sale accounting treatment under generally accepted accounting principles, other than the “legal isolation” condition addressed by this section.
(c) Paragraph (b) of this section will not apply unless the federally-insured
(d) Paragraph (b) of this section will not be construed as waiving, limiting, or otherwise affecting the power of the Board, as conservator or liquidating agent, to disaffirm or repudiate any agreement imposing continuing obligations or duties upon the federally-insured credit union in conservatorship or the liquidation estate.
(e) Paragraph (b) of this section will not be construed as waiving, limiting or otherwise affecting the rights or powers of the Board to take any action or to exercise any power not specifically limited by this section, including, but not limited to, any rights, powers or remedies of the Board regarding transfers taken in contemplation of the credit union's insolvency or with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the credit union or the creditors of such credit union, or that is a fraudulent transfer under applicable law.
(f) The Board will not seek to avoid an otherwise legally enforceable securitization agreement or participation agreement executed by a federally-insured credit union solely because such agreement does not meet the “contemporaneous” requirement of sections 207(b)(9) and 208(a)(3) of the Federal Credit Union Act.
(g) This section may be repealed by the NCUA upon 30 days notice and opportunity for comment provided in the
An agreement to provide for the lawful collateralization of funds of a federal, state, or local governmental entity or of any depositor or member referred to in section 207(k)(2)(A) of the Act will not be deemed to be invalid under sections 207(b)(9) and 208(a)(3) of the Act solely because such agreement was not executed contemporaneously with the acquisition of collateral or with any changes, increases, or substitutions in the collateral made in accordance with such agreement, provided the following conditions are met:
(a) The agreement was undertaken in the ordinary course of business, not in contemplation of insolvency, and with no intent to hinder, delay or defraud the credit union or its creditors;
(b) The secured obligation represents a bona fide and arm's length transaction;
(c) The secured party or parties are not insiders or affiliates of the credit union;
(d) The grant or creation of the security interest was for adequate consideration; and,
(e) The security agreement evidencing the security interest is in writing, was approved by the credit union's board of directors, and has been continuously an official record of the credit union from the time of its execution.
The Board as conservator or liquidating agent of a federally-insured credit union in receipt of any extension of credit from a Federal Home Loan Bank will allow a claim for a prepayment fee by the Bank if:
(a) The claim is made pursuant to a written contract that provides for a prepayment fee but the prepayment fee allowed by the Board will not exceed the present value of the loss attributable to the difference between the contract rate of the secured borrowing and the reinvestment rate then available to the Bank; and
(b) The indebtedness owed to the Bank is secured by sufficient collateral in which a perfected security interest
The Board has determined that a swap agreement, as defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act at 12 U.S.C. 1821(e)(8)(D)(vi), is a qualified financial contract for purposes of the special treatment for qualified financial contracts provided in 12 U.S.C. 1787(c). Any master agreement for any swap agreement, together with all supplements to such master agreement, will be treated as one swap agreement.
12 U.S.C. 1766(a), 1786, and 1787.
This part describes the requirements that must be followed to accomplish the voluntary liquidation of a Federal credit union. Federally insured state credit unions are only subject to the notification requirement provided in § 710.9; voluntary liquidation is to be accomplished in accordance with state law or procedures established by the state regulatory authority.
For the purpose of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) The board of directors shall be responsible for conserving the assets, for expediting the liquidation, and for equitable distribution of the assets to the members.
(b) After voting to present the question of liquidation to the members, the board of directors may appoint a liquidating agent and delegate all or part of the board's responsibility to such agent and authorize reasonable compensation for the services provided.
(c) The board of directors shall determine that the liquidating agent and all persons who handle or have access to funds of the Federal credit union are adequately covered by surety bond and that either such coverage remains in effect, or the discovery period is extended, for at least four months after final distribution of assets.
(d) Within three days after the decision of the board of directors to submit the question of liquidation to the members, the Regional Director will be notified in writing, setting forth in detail
(e) Promptly after the decision to present the question of liquidation to the members, the board of directors or liquidating agency shall develop a written plan for the liquidation of the assets and payment of shares (liquidation plan). The plan should provide for the liquidation of assets and payment of creditors and shareholders within one year of the liquidation date. If the liquidation period is projected to exceed one year, an explanation must be provided in the liquidation plan. A copy of the liquidation plan will be mailed to the Regional Director within 30 days of the date the board of directors votes to present the question of liquidation to the members.
(a) When the board of directors decides to present the question of liquidation to the members, it shall act promptly to obtain the members' approval. The members shall be given advance notice of the membership meeting at which the liquidation proposal is to be submitted. The notice shall:
(1) Inform members that they have the right to vote on the liquidation proposal in person at the membership meeting called for that purpose or by written ballot to be received no later than the time and date indicated on the notice.
(2) Include or be accompanied by a ballot for the liquidation proposal.
(b) The liquidation proposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Federal credit union members who vote on the proposal.
(c) If the members do not approve the liquidation, the board of directors, or if delegated the authority, the liquidating agent, must decide within seven days whether the Federal credit union should resume operations or, if good cause exists, to resubmit the question of liquidation to the members.
(d) If the members approve the liquidation, neither the members nor the board of directors may rescind the decision to liquidate unless the Regional Director concurs in the recision.
(e) The Regional Director will be notified in writing of the results of the membership vote on the voluntary liquidation proposal within three days of the date of the vote.
(a) Immediately upon decision by the board of directors to present the question of liquidation to the members, payments on shares, withdrawal of shares (except for transfer of shares to loans and interest), transfer of shares to another share account, granting of loans, and making of investments other than short-term investments shall be suspended pending action by the members on the proposal to liquidate. Collection of loans and interest, payment of necessary expenses, clearing of share drafts and credit card charges will continue.
(b) Upon approval of the members, payments on shares, withdrawal of shares (except for transfer of shares to loans and interest), transfer of shares to another share account, granting of loans, and making of investments other than short-term investments shall be discontinued permanently. Collection of loans and interest and payment of necessary expenses will continue during the period of liquidation. Members will be notified to discontinue the use of share drafts and credit cards, and items will not be cleared 15 days from the liquidation date.
(c) Approval of the Regional Director must be obtained prior to consummating any sale of assets which would not provide sufficient funds to pay shareholders at par.
(a) When approval for liquidation is obtained from the members, the board of directors or the liquidating agent shall cause notice to be given to creditors to present their claims.
(1) Federal credit unions with assets in excess of $5 million as of the month
(2) Federal credit unions with assets in excess of $500,000 but less than $5 million as of the month end prior to the liquidation date shall publish the notice once, in a newspaper of general circulation, in each county in which the Federal credit union maintains an office or branch for the transaction of business on the liquidation date. The notice shall be published within seven days of the liquidation date.
(3) Federal credit unions with assets less than $500,000 as of the month end prior to the liquidation date shall not be required to publish the notice.
(b) Within 10 days of the liquidation date, a copy of the notice of liquidation shall be mailed to all creditors reflected on the records of the Federal credit union.
(c) Creditors shall be provided 30 days from the liquidation date to submit their claims.
(a) With the approval of the regional director, a partial pro rata distribution of the Federal credit union's assets may be made to its members from cash funds available on authorization by the board of directors or liquidating agent. Payment of a partial distribution may exclude member accounts of less than $25.00.
(b) After all assets of the Federal credit union have been converted to cash or found to be worthless and all loans and debts owing to it have been collected or found to be uncollectible and all obligations of the Federal credit union have been paid, with the exception of shares due its members, the books shall be closed and the pro rata distribution to the members shall be computed. The computation shall be based on the total amount in each share account.
(c) Promptly after the pro rata distribution to members has been computed, checks shall be drawn for the amounts to be distributed to each member. The checks shall be mailed to the members at their last known address or handed to them in person.
(d) Unclaimed share accounts, unpaid claims, and unpaid claims of members or creditors who failed to cash their final distribution checks shall be trusteed or escheated in accordance with the laws of the state in which the member or creditor resides.
(e) The Regional Director will be notified in writing within three days when the final distribution of assets to the members is started.
(a) The board of directors or liquidating agent shall appoint a custodian for the Federal credit union's records which are to be retained after the final distribution of assets.
(b) All records of the liquidated Federal credit union necessary to establish that creditors were paid and that assets were equitably distributed to the members shall be retained by the custodian for a period of five years following the date of charter cancellation.
Within 120 days after the final distribution of assets to members is started, a duly executed Certificate of Dissolution and Liquidation shall be filed with the Regional Director.
A federal insured state credit union will notify the Regional Director in writing within three days after the board of directors' decision to liquidate is made. A balance sheet and income statement as of the previous month-end and a copy of any liquidation plan will be included with the notification to the Regional Director.
12 U.S.C. 1757 and 3201-3208.
(a)
(b)
(c)
For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a)
(2) For purposes of section 202(3)(B) of the Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201(3)(B)), an affiliate relationship involving a depository institution based on common ownership does not exist if the appropriate federal supervisory agency determines, after giving the affected persons the opportunity to respond, that the asserted affiliation was established in order to avoid the prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the appropriate Federal supervisory agency considers, among other things, whether a person, including members of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage is substantially disproportionate to that person's ownership of shares in the other organization.
(b)
(1) The median family income for the metropolitan statistical area (MSA), if a depository organization is located in an MSA; or
(2) The statewide nonmetropolitan median family income, if a depository organization is located outside an MSA.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(i) A director;
(ii) An advisory or honorary director of a depository institution with total assets of $100 million or more;
(iii) A senior executive officer as that term is defined in 12 CFR 701.14(b)(2), or a person holding an equivalent position regardless of title;
(iv) A branch manager;
(v) A trustee of a depository organization under the control of trustees; and
(vi) Any person who has a representative or nominee serving in any of the capacities in this paragraph (m)(1).
(2) The term
(i) A person whose management functions relate exclusively to the business of retail merchandising or manufacturing;
(ii) A person whose management functions relate principally to the business outside the United States of a foreign commercial bank; or
(iii) A person described in the provisions of section 202(4) of the Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201(4)) (referring to an officer of a State-chartered savings bank, cooperative bank, or trust company that neither makes real estate mortgage loans nor accepts savings).
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(2) The term
(i) Assets of a diversified savings and loan holding company as defined by section 10(a)(1)(F) of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)(1)(F)) other than the assets of its depository institution affiliate;
(ii) Assets of a bank holding company that is exempt from the prohibitions of section 4 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 pursuant to an order issued under section 4(d) of that Act (12 U.S.C. 1843(d)) other than the assets of its depository institution affiliate; or
(iii) Assets of offices of a foreign commercial bank other than the assets of its United States branch or agency.
(q)
(a)
(b)
(c)
The prohibitions of § 711.3 do not apply in the case of any one or more of the following organizations or to a subsidiary thereof:
(a) A depository organization that has been placed formally in liquidation, or which is in the hands of a receiver, conservator, or other official exercising a similar function;
(b) A corporation operating under section 25 or section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 601
(c) A credit union being served by a management official of another credit union;
(d) A depository organization that does not do business within the United States except as an incident to its activities outside the United States;
(e) A State-chartered savings and loan guaranty corporation;
(f) A Federal Home Loan Bank or any other bank organized solely to serve depository institutions (a bankers' bank) or solely for the purpose of providing securities clearing services and services related thereto for depository institutions and securities companies;
(g) A depository organization that is closed or is in danger of closing as determined by the appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency and is acquired by another depository organization. This exemption lasts for five years, beginning on the date the depository organization is acquired; and
(h)(1) A diversified savings and loan holding company (as defined in section 10(a)(1)(F) of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)(1)(F)) with respect to the service of a director of such company who also is a director of an unaffiliated depository organization if:
(i) Both the diversified savings and loan holding company and the unaffiliated depository organization notify their appropriate Federal depository institutions regulatory agency at least 60 days before the dual service is proposed to begin; and
(ii) The appropriate regulatory agency does not disapprove the dual service before the end of the 60-day period.
(2) The NCUA Board or its designee may disapprove a notice of proposed service if it finds that:
(i) The service cannot be structured or limited so as to preclude an anticompetitive effect in financial services in any part of the United States;
(ii) The service would lead to substantial conflicts of interest or unsafe or unsound practices; or
(iii) The notificant failed to furnish all the information required by NCUA.
(3) The NCUA Board or its designee may require that any interlock permitted under this paragraph (h) be terminated if a change in circumstances occurs with respect to one of the interlocked depository organizations that would have provided a basis for
(a)
(1) The interlock is not prohibited by § 711.3(c); and
(2) The depository organizations (and their depository institution affiliates) hold, in the aggregate, no more than 20% of the deposits, in each RMSA or community in which the depository organizations (or their depository institution affiliates) are located. The amount of deposits will be determined by reference to the most recent annual Summary of Deposits published by the FDIC. This information is available on the Internet at
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Primarily serves, low- and moderate-income areas;
(2) Is controlled or managed by persons who are members of a minority group or women;
(3) Is a depository institution that has been chartered for less than two years; or
(4) Is deemed to be in “troubled condition” as defined in § 701.14(b)(3) of this chapter.
(c)
(a)
(b)
Except as provided in this section, NCUA administers and enforces the Interlocks Act with respect to federally insured credit unions, and may refer any case of a prohibited interlocking relationship involving these entities to the Attorney General of the United States to enforce compliance with the Interlocks Act and this part.
12 U.S.C. 1756, 1757(5)(D) and (7)(I), 1766, 1782, 1784, 1785, and 1786.
This part establishes when a Federal credit union (FCU) can invest in and make loans to CUSOs. CUSOs are subject to review by NCUA. This part does not apply to corporate credit unions that have CUSOs subject to § 704.11 of this title. Sections 712.3(d)(3) and 712.4 of this part apply to state-chartered credit unions and their subsidiaries, as provided in § 741.222 of this chapter.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2) Total investments in and total loans to CUSOs will be measured consistent with GAAP.
(3)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Account for all its transactions in accordance with GAAP;
(2) Prepare quarterly financial statements and obtain an annual financial statement audit of its financial statements by a licensed certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. A wholly owned CUSO is not required to obtain a separate annual financial statement audit if it is included in the annual consolidated financial statement audit of the credit union that is its parent; and
(3)(i) Provide NCUA, its representatives, and the state credit union regulatory authority having jurisdiction over any federally insured, state-chartered credit union with an outstanding loan to, investment in or contractual agreement for products or services with the CUSO with complete access to any books and records of the CUSO and the ability to review CUSO internal controls, as deemed necessary by NCUA or the state credit union regulatory authority in carrying out their respective responsibilities under the Act and the relevant state credit union statute.
(ii) The effective date for compliance with this section is June 29, 2009.
(e)
(a)
(1) Its respective business transactions, accounts, and records are not intermingled;
(2) Each observes the formalities of its separate corporate procedures;
(3) Each is adequately financed as a separate unit in the light of normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character;
(4) Each is held out to the public as a separate enterprise;
(5) The FCU does not dominate the CUSO to the extent that the CUSO is
(6) Unless the FCU has guaranteed a loan obtained by the CUSO, all borrowings by the CUSO indicate that the FCU is not liable.
(b)
NCUA may at any time, based upon supervisory, legal, or safety and soundness reasons, limit any CUSO activities or services, or refuse to permit any CUSO activities or services. Otherwise, an FCU may invest in, loan to, and/or contract with only those CUSOs that are sufficiently bonded or insured for their specific operations and engaged in the preapproved activities and services related to the routine daily operations of credit unions. The specific activities listed within each preapproved category are provided in this section as illustrations of activities permissible under the particular category, not as an exclusive or exhaustive list.
(a)
(1) Check cashing;
(2) Coin and currency services;
(3) Money order, savings bonds, travelers checks, and purchase and sale of U.S. Mint commemorative coins services; and
(4) Stored value products
(b)
(1) Accounting services;
(2) Courier services;
(3) Credit analysis;
(4) Facsimile transmissions and copying services;
(5) Internal audits for credit unions;
(6) Locator services;
(7) Management and personnel training and support;
(8) Marketing services;
(9) Research services;
(10) Supervisory committee audits; and
(11) Employee leasing services.
(c) Business loan origination, including the authority to buy and sell participation interests in such loans;
(d)
(e)
(1) Automated teller machine (ATM) services;
(2) Credit card and debit card services;
(3) Data processing;
(4) Electronic fund transfer (EFT) services;
(5) Electronic income tax filing;
(6) Payment item processing;
(7) Wire transfer services; and
(8) Cyber financial services;
(f)
(1) Developing and administering Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), Keogh, deferred compensation, and other personnel benefit plans;
(2) Estate planning;
(3) Financial planning and counseling;
(4) Income tax preparation;
(5) Investment counseling;
(6) Retirement counseling; and
(7) Business counseling and consultant services;
(g)
(1) Management, development, sale, or lease of fixed assets; and
(2) Sale, lease, or servicing of computer hardware or software;
(h)
(1) Agency for sale of insurance;
(2) Provision of vehicle warranty programs;
(3) Provision of group purchasing programs; and
(4) Real estate settlement services;
(i)
(1) Personal property; and
(2) Real estate leasing of excess CUSO property;
(j)
(1) Debt collection services;
(2) Loan processing, servicing, and sales;
(3) Sale of repossessed collateral; and
(4) Real estate settlement services;
(5) Purchase and servicing of non-performing loans; and
(6) Referral and processing of loan applications for members whose loan applications have been denied by the credit union;
(k)
(1) Alarm-monitoring and other security services;
(2) Disaster recovery services;
(3) Microfilm, microfiche, optical and electronic imaging, CD-ROM data storage and retrieval services;
(4) Provision of forms and supplies; and
(5) Record retention and storage;
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(1) Acting as administrator for prepaid legal service plans;
(2) Acting as trustee, guardian, conservator, estate administrator, or in any other fiduciary capacity; and
(3) Trust services.
(q)
(r)
(s) Credit card loan origination;
(t) Payroll processing services.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) The Board grants prior approval to continue the FCU's loan for a stated period; or
(2) Under the terms of its loan agreement, the FCU cannot require accelerated repayment without breaching the agreement.
(a) The NCUA Board may exempt federally insured credit unions in a given state from compliance with § 712.3(d)(3) if the NCUA Board determines the laws and procedures available to the supervisory authority in that state are sufficient to provide NCUA with the degree of access to CUSO books and records it believes is necessary to evaluate the safety and soundness of credit unions having business relationships with CUSOs owned by credit union(s) chartered in that state.
(b) To obtain the exemption, the state supervisory authority must submit a copy of the legal authority pursuant to which it secures access to CUSO books and records to NCUA's regional office having responsibility for that state, along with all procedural and operational documentation supporting and describing the actual practices by which it implements and exercises the authority.
(c) The state supervisory authority must also provide the regional director with an assurance that NCUA examiners will be provided with co-extensive authority and will be allowed direct access to CUSO books and records at such times as NCUA, in its sole discretion, may determine necessary or appropriate. For purposes of this section, access includes the right to make and retain copies of any CUSO record, as to which NCUA will accord the same level of control and confidentiality that it uses with respect to all other examination-related materials it obtains in the course of its duties.
(d) The regional director will review the applicable authority, procedures and assurances and forward the exemption request, along with the regional director's recommendation, to the NCUA Board for a final determination.
(e) For purposes of this section, whether an entity is a CUSO shall be determined in accordance with the definition set out in § 741.222 of this chapter.
12 U.S.C. 1761a, 1761b, 1766(a), 1766(h), 1789(a)(11).
This section provides the requirements for fidelity bonds for Federal credit union employees and officials and for other insurance coverage for losses such as theft, holdup, vandalism, etc., caused by persons outside the credit union.
The board of directors of each Federal credit union must at least annually review its fidelity and other insurance coverage to ensure that it is adequate in relation to the potential risks facing the credit union and the minimum requirements set by the Board.
At a minimum, your bond coverage must:
(a) Be purchased in an individual policy from a company holding a certificate of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury; and
(b) Include fidelity bonds that cover fraud and dishonesty by all employees, directors, officers, supervisory committee members, and credit committee members.
(a) A current listing of basic bond forms that may be used without prior NCUA Board approval is on NCUA's Web site,
(b) To use any of the following, you need prior written approval from the Board:
(1) Any other basic bond form; or
(2) Any rider or endorsement that limits coverage of approved basic bond forms.
(a) The minimum required amount of fidelity bond coverage for any single loss is computed based on a federal credit union's total assets.
(b) This is the minimum coverage required, but a federal credit union's board of directors should purchase additional or enhanced coverage when its circumstances warrant. In making this determination, a board of directors should consider its own internal risk assessment, its fraud trends and loss experience, and factors such as its cash on hand, cash in transit, and the nature and risks inherent in any expanded services it offers such as wire transfer and remittance services.
(c) While the above is the required minimum amount of bond coverage, credit unions should maintain increased coverage equal to the greater of either of the following amounts within thirty days of discovery of the need for such increase:
(1) The amount of the daily cash fund, i.e. daily cash plus anticipated daily money receipts on the credit union's premises, or
(2) The total amount of the credit union's money in transit in any one shipment.
(3) Increased coverage is not required pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, however, when the credit union
(d) Any aggregate limit of liability provided for in a fidelity bond policy must be at least twice the single loss limit of liability. This requirement does not apply to optional insurance coverage.
(e) Any proposal to reduce your required bond coverage must be approved in writing by the NCUA Board at least twenty days in advance of the proposed effective date of the reduction.
(a)(1) The maximum amount of allowable deductible is computed based on a federal credit union's asset size and capital level, as follows:
(2) The deductibles may apply to one or more insurance clauses in a policy. Any deductibles in excess of the above amounts must receive the prior written permission of the NCUA Board.
(b) A deductible may not exceed 10 percent of a credit union's Regular Reserve unless a separate Contingency Reserve is set up for the excess. In computing the maximum deductible, valuation accounts such as the allowance for loan losses cannot be considered.
(c) A credit union's eligibility to qualify for a deductible in excess of $200,000 is determined based on it having assets in excess of $1 million as reflected in its most recent year-end 5300 call report and, as of that same year-end, qualifying for NCUA's Regulatory Flexibility Program under part 742 of this title as determined by its most recent examination report. A credit union that previously qualified for a deductible in excess of $200,000, but that subsequently fails to qualify based on its most recent year-end 5300 call report because either its assets have decreased or it no longer meets the net worth requirements of part 742 of this title or fails to meet the CAMEL rating requirements of part 742 of this title as determined by its most recent examination report, must obtain the coverage otherwise required by paragraph (b) of this section within 30 days of filing its year-end call report and must notify the appropriate NCUA regional office in writing of its changed status and confirm that it has obtained the required coverage.
The NCUA Board may require additional coverage when the Board determines that a credit union's current coverage is inadequate. The credit union must purchase this additional coverage within 30 days.
12 U.S.C. 1756, 1757, 1766, 1785, 1789.
This part covers the standards and requirements that you, a federal credit union, must follow when engaged in the leasing of personal property.
(a) You may engage in direct leasing. In direct leasing, you purchase personal property from a vendor, becoming the owner of the property at the request of your member, and then lease the property to that member.
(b) You may engage in indirect leasing. In indirect leasing, a third party leases property to your member and you then purchase that lease from the third party for the purpose of leasing the property to your member. You do not have to purchase the leased property if you comply with the requirements of § 714.3.
(c) You may engage in open-end leasing. In an open-end lease, your member assumes the risk and responsibility for any difference in the estimated residual value and the actual value of the property at lease end.
(d) You may engage in closed-end leasing. In a closed-end lease, you assume the risk and responsibility for any difference in the estimated residual value and the actual value of the property at lease end. However, your member is always responsible for any excess wear and tear and excess mileage charges as established under the lease.
You do not have to own the leased property in an indirect leasing arrangement if:
(a) You obtain a full assignment of the lease. A full assignment is the assignment of all the rights, interests, obligations, and title in a lease to you, that is, you become the owner of the lease;
(b) You are named as the sole lienholder of the leased property;
(c) You receive a security agreement, signed by the leasing company, granting you a sole lien in the leased property and the right to take possession and dispose of the leased property in the event of a default by the lessee, a default in the leasing company's obligations to you, or a material adverse change in the leasing company's financial condition; and
(d) You take all necessary steps to record and perfect your security interest in the leased property. Your state's Commercial Code may treat the automobiles as inventory, and require a filing with the Secretary of State.
(a) Your lease must be a net lease. In a net lease, your member assumes all the burdens of ownership including maintenance and repair, licensing and registration, taxes, and insurance;
(b) Your lease must be a full payout lease. In a full payout lease, you must reasonably expect to recoup your entire investment in the leased property, plus the estimated cost of financing, from the lessee's payments and the estimated residual value of the leased property at the expiration of the lease term; and
(c) The amount of the estimated residual value you rely upon to satisfy the full payout lease requirement may not exceed 25% of the original cost of the leased property unless the amount above 25% is guaranteed. Estimated residual value is the projected value of the leased property at lease end. Estimated residual value must be reasonable in light of the nature of the leased property and all circumstances relevant to the leasing arrangement.
If the amount of the estimated residual value you rely upon to satisfy the full payout lease requirement of § 714.4(b) exceeds 25% of the original cost of the leased property, a financially capable party must guarantee the excess. The guarantor may be the
You must retain salvage powers over the leased property. Salvage powers protect you from a loss and provide you with the power to take action if there is an unanticipated change in conditions that threatens your financial position by significantly increasing your exposure to risk. Salvage powers allow you:
(a) As the owner and lessor, to take reasonable and appropriate action to salvage or protect the value of the property or your interests arising under the lease; or
(b) As the assignee of a lease, to become the owner and lessor of the leased property pursuant to your contractual rights, or take any reasonable and appropriate action to salvage or protect the value of the property or your interests arising under the lease.
(a) You must maintain a contingent liability insurance policy with an endorsement for leasing or be named as the co-insured if you do not own the leased property. Contingent liability insurance protects you should you be sued as the owner of the leased property. You must use an insurance company with a nationally recognized industry rating of at least a B+.
(b) Your member must carry the normal liability and property insurance on the leased property. You must be named as an additional insured on the liability insurance policy and as the loss payee on the property insurance policy.
You are not subject to the early payment provisions set forth in § 701.21(c)(6) of this chapter. You are also not subject to the interest rate provisions in § 701.21(c)(7).
Your indirect leasing arrangements are not subject to the eligible obligation limit if they satisfy the provisions of § 701.23(b)(3)(iv) that require that you make the final underwriting decision and that the lease contract is assigned to you very soon after it is signed by the member and the dealer or leasing company.
You must comply with the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667-67f, and its implementing regulation, Regulation M, 12 CFR part 213. You must comply with state laws on consumer leasing, but only to the extent that the state leasing laws are consistent with the Consumer Leasing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1667e, or provide the member with greater protections or benefits than the Consumer Leasing Act. You are also subject to the lending rules set forth in § 701.21 of this chapter, except as provided in § 714.8 and § 714.9 of this part. The lending rules in § 701.21 address the preemption of other state and federal laws that impact on credit transactions.
12 U.S.C. 1761(b), 1761d, 1782(a)(6).
This part implements section 202(a)(6)(D) of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. 1782(a)(6)(D), as added by section 201(a) of the Credit Union Membership Access Act, Pub. L. No. 105-219, 112 Stat. 918 (1998). This part prescribes the responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee to obtain an annual audit of the credit union according to its charter type and asset size, and to conduct a verification of members' accounts.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a)
(1) Meet required financial reporting objectives and
(2) Establish practices and procedures sufficient to safeguard members' assets.
(b)
(1) Internal controls are established and effectively maintained to achieve the credit union's financial reporting objectives which must be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the supervisory committee audit, verification of members' accounts and its additional responsibilities;
(2) The credit union's accounting records and financial reports are promptly prepared and accurately reflect operations and results;
(3) The relevant plans, policies, and control procedures established by the board of directors are properly administered; and
(4) Policies and control procedures are sufficient to safeguard against error, conflict of interest, self-dealing and fraud.
(c)
(1) Ensure that the credit union adheres to the measurement and filing requirements for reports filed with the NCUA Board under § 741.6 of this chapter;
(2) Perform or obtain a supervisory committee audit, as prescribed in § 715.4 of this part;
(3) Verify or cause the verification of members' passbooks and accounts against the records of the credit union, as prescribed in § 715.8 of this part;
(4) Act to avoid imposition of sanctions for failure to comply with the requirements of this part, as prescribed in §§ 715.11 and 715.12 of this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
A credit union which is not required to obtain a financial statement audit may fulfill its supervisory committee responsibility by any one of the following engagements:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(i) Random selection:
(ii) A sample which is representative of the population from which it was selected;
(iii) An equal chance of selecting each dollar in the population;
(iv) Sufficient accounts in both number and scope on which to base conclusions concerning management's financial reporting objectives; and
(v) Additional procedures to be performed if evidence provided by confirmations alone is not sufficient.
(3)
(i) Sufficient accounts in both number and scope on which to base conclusions concerning management's financial reporting objectives to provide assurance that the General Ledger accounts are fairly stated in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole;
(ii) Additional procedures to be performed by the auditor if evidence provided by confirmations alone is not sufficient; and
(iii) Documentation of the sampling procedures used and of their consistency with GAAS (to be provided to the NCUA Board upon request).
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Specify the terms, conditions, and objectives of the engagement;
(2) Identify the basis of accounting to be used;
(3) If a Supervisory Committee Guide audit, include an appendix setting forth the procedures to be performed;
(4) Specify the rate of, or total, compensation to be paid for the audit;
(5) Provide that the auditor shall, upon completion of the engagement, deliver to the Supervisory Committee a written report of the audit and notice in writing, either within the report or communicated separately, of any internal control reportable conditions and/or irregularities or illegal acts, if any, which come to the auditor's attention during the normal course of the audit (i.e., no notice required if none noted);
(6) Specify a target date of delivery of the written reports, such target date not to exceed 120 days from date of calendar or fiscal year-end under audit (period covered), unless the supervisory committee obtains a waiver from the supervising NCUA Regional Director;
(7) Certify that NCUA staff and/or the State credit union supervisor, or designated representatives of each, will be provided unconditional access to the complete set of original working papers, either at the offices of the credit union or at a mutually agreed upon location, for purposes of inspection; and
(8) Acknowledge that working papers shall be retained for a minimum of three years from the date of the written audit report.
(d)
(e)
(1) Identify the excluded items;
(2) State that, because of the exclusion(s), the resulting audit will not, by itself, fulfill the scope of a supervisory committee audit; and
(3) Caution that the supervisory committee will remain responsible for fulfilling the scope of a supervisory committee audit with respect to the excluded items.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) The regional director to reject the supervisory committee audit and provide a reasonable opportunity to correct deficiencies;
(2) The regional director to impose the remedies available in § 715.12, provided any of the conditions specified therein is present; and
(3) The NCUA Board to seek formal administrative sanctions against the supervisory committee and/or its independent, compensated auditor pursuant to section 206(r) of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. 1786(r).
(b)
(a)
(1) The Supervisory Committee has not obtained an annual financial statement audit or performed a supervisory committee audit; or
(2) The Supervisory Committee has obtained a financial statement audit or performed a supervisory committee audit which does not meet the requirements of part 715 including those in § 715.8.
(3) The credit union has experienced serious and persistent recordkeeping deficiencies as defined in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b)
(c) “
15 U.S.C. 6801
(a)
(1) Requires a credit union to provide notice to members about its privacy policies and practices;
(2) Describes the conditions under which a credit union may disclose nonpublic personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties; and
(3) Provides a method for consumers to prevent a credit union from disclosing that information to most nonaffiliated third parties by “opting out” of that disclosure, subject to the exceptions in §§ 716.13, 716.14, and 716.15.
(b)
(2) Nothing in this part modifies, limits, or supersedes the standards governing individually identifiable financial information promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the authority of §§ 262 and 264 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-1320d-8).
(a)
(b)
As used in this part, unless the context requires otherwise:
(a)(1)
(2)
(ii) An affiliate of a federally-insured, state-chartered credit union is a company that is controlled by the credit union.
(b)(1)
(2)
(A) Present the information contained in the notice in clear, concise sentences, paragraphs and sections;
(B) Use short, explanatory sentences or bullet lists whenever possible;
(C) Use definite, concrete, everyday words and active voice whenever possible;
(D) Avoid multiple negatives;
(E) Avoid legal and highly technical business terminology wherever possible; and
(F) Avoid explanations that are imprecise and readily subject to different interpretations.
(ii)
(A) Use a plain-language heading to call attention to the notice;
(B) Use a typeface and type size that are easy to read;
(C) Provide wide margins and ample line spacing;
(D) Use boldface or italics for key words; and
(E) In a form that combines your notice with other information, use distinctive type size, style, and graphic devices, such as shading or sidebars.
(iii)
(A) Place the notice on a screen frequently accessed by consumers, such as a home page or a page on which transactions are conducted; or
(B) Place a link on a screen frequently accessed by consumers, such as a home page or a page on which transactions are conducted, that connects directly to the notice and is labeled appropriately to convey the importance, nature and relevance of the notice.
(c)
(d)
(e)(1)
(2)
(ii) An individual who provides nonpublic personal information to you in connection with using your ATM is your consumer.
(iii) If you hold ownership or servicing rights to an individual's loan, the individual is your consumer, even if you hold those rights in conjunction with one or more financial institutions. The individual is also a consumer with respect to the other financial institutions involved. This applies, even if you, or another financial institution with those rights, hire an agent to collect on the loan or to provide processing or other services.
(iv) An individual who is a consumer of another financial institution is not your consumer solely because you act as agent for, or provide processing or other services to, that financial institution.
(v) An individual is not your consumer solely because he or she is a participant or a beneficiary of an employee benefit plan that you sponsor or for which you act as a trustee or fiduciary.
(f)
(g)
(1) Ownership, control, or power to vote 25 percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of the company, directly or indirectly, or acting through one or more other persons;
(2) Control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, trustees or general partners (or individuals exercising similar functions) of the company; or
(3) The power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of the company, as the NCUA determines. With respect to state-chartered credit unions, NCUA will consult with the appropriate state regulator prior to making its determination.
(4)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) The National Credit Union Administration Board;
(2) The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
(3) The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency;
(4) The Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(5) The Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision; and
(6) The Securities and Exchange Commission.
(l)(1)
(2) Examples of financial institutions may include, but are not limited to: credit unions; banks; insurance companies; securities brokers, dealers, and underwriters; loan brokers and servicers; tax planners and preparation services; personal property appraisers; real estate appraisers; career counselors for employees in financial occupations; digital signature services; courier services; real estate settlement services; manufacturers of computer software and hardware; and travel agencies operated in connection with financial services.
(3)
(i) Any person or entity with respect to any financial activity that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1
(ii) The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation or any entity chartered and operating under the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001
(iii) Institutions chartered by Congress specifically to engage in securitizations, secondary market sales (including sales of servicing rights) or similar transactions related to a transaction of a consumer, as long as such institutions do not sell or transfer nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party.
(m) (1)
(2)
(n)
(o)(1)
(2)
(A) Is your member as defined in your bylaws;
(B) Is a nonmember who has a share, share draft, or credit card account with you jointly with a member;
(C) Is a nonmember who has a loan that you service;
(D) Is a nonmember who has an account with you and you are a credit union that has been designated as a low-income credit union; or
(E) Is a nonmember who has an account in a federally-insured, state-chartered credit union pursuant to state law.
(ii) A consumer does not, however, have a member relationship with you if the consumer is a nonmember and:
(A) The consumer only obtains a financial product or service in isolated transactions, such as using your ATM to withdraw cash from an account maintained at another financial institution or purchasing travelers checks; or
(B) You sell the consumer's loan and do not retain the rights to service that loan.
(p)(1)
(i) Your affiliate; or
(ii) A person employed jointly by you and any company that is not your affiliate (but nonaffiliated third party includes the other company that jointly employs the person).
(q)(1)
(i) Personally identifiable financial information; and
(ii) Any list, description or other grouping of consumers (and publicly available information pertaining to them) that is derived using any personally identifiable financial information.
(2)
(i) Publicly available information, except as included on a list described in paragraph (q)(1)(ii) of this section; or
(ii) Any list, description, or other grouping of consumers (and publicly available information pertaining to them) that is derived without using any personally identifiable financial information, other than publicly available information.
(3)
(ii) Nonpublic personal information does not include any list of individuals' names and addresses that contains only publicly available information, is not derived using personally identifiable financial information, other than publicly available information, either in whole or in part, and is not disclosed in a manner that indicates that any of the individuals on the list is a consumer of a credit union, other than publicly available information.
(r)(1)
(i) A consumer provides to you to obtain a financial product or service from you;
(ii) About a consumer resulting from any transaction involving a financial product or service between you and a consumer; or
(iii) You otherwise obtain about a consumer in connection with providing a financial product or service to that consumer.
(2) Personally identifiable financial information does not include publicly available information.
(3)
(A) Information a consumer provides to you on an application to obtain membership, a loan, credit card or other financial product or service;
(B) Account balance information, payment history, overdraft history, and credit or debit card purchase information;
(C) The fact that an individual is or has been one of your members or has
(D) Any information about your consumer if it is disclosed in a manner that indicates that the individual is or has been your consumer;
(E) Any information that a consumer provides to you or that you or your agent otherwise obtain in connection with collecting on a loan or servicing a loan;
(F) Any information you collect through an Internet “cookie” (an information collecting device from a web server); and
(G) Information from a consumer report.
(ii)
(A) A list of names and addresses of customers of an entity that is not a financial institution; and
(B) Information that does not identify a consumer, such as aggregate information or blind data that does not contain personal identifiers such as account numbers, names, or addresses.
(s)(1)
(i) Federal, state or local government records;
(ii) Widely distributed media; or
(iii) Disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by federal, state or local law.
(2)
(i) That the information is of the type that is available to the general public; and
(ii) Whether an individual can direct that the information not be made available to the general public and, if so, that your member or consumer has not done so.
(3)
(ii)
(iii)
(2) You have a reasonable basis to believe that an individual's telephone number is lawfully made available to the general public if you have located the telephone number in the telephone book or have been informed by the consumer that the telephone number is not unlisted.
(t)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
(1) You do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about the consumer to any nonaffiliated third party, other than as authorized by §§ 716.14 and 716.15; and
(2) You do not have a member relationship with the consumer.
(c)
(2)
(3)(i)
(A) Becomes your member under your bylaws;
(B) Is a nonmember and opens a credit card account with you jointly with a member under your procedures;
(C) Is a nonmember and executes the contract to open a share or share draft account with you or obtains credit from you jointly with a member, including an individual acting as a guarantor;
(D) Is a nonmember and opens an account with you and you are a credit union designated as a low-income credit union;
(E) Is a nonmember and opens an account with you pursuant to state law and you are a state-chartered credit union.
(ii)
(A) Originate the loan to the consumer and retain the servicing rights; or
(B) Purchase the servicing rights to the consumer's loan.
(d)
(1) You may provide a revised policy notice, under § 716.8, that covers the member's new financial product or service; or
(2) If the initial, revised, or annual notice that you most recently provided to that member was accurate with respect to the new financial product or service, you do not need to provide a new privacy notice under paragraph (a) of this section.
(e)
(i) Establishing the member relationship is not at the member's election;
(ii) Providing notice not later than when you establish a member relationship would substantially delay the member's transaction and the member agrees to receive the notice at a later time.
(2)
(ii)
(A) You and the individual agree over the telephone to enter into a member relationship involving prompt delivery of the financial product or service; or
(B) You establish a member relationship with an individual under a program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070
(iii)
(f)(1)
(2)
(g)
(a)(1)
(2)
(b) (1)
(2)
(i) An individual is no longer your member as defined in your bylaws;
(ii) In the case of a nonmember's share or share draft account, the account is inactive under the credit union's policies;
(iii) In the case of a nonmember's closed-end loan, the loan is paid in full, you charge off the loan, or you sell the loan without retaining servicing rights;
(iv) In the case of a credit card relationship or other open-end credit relationship with a nonmember, you no longer provide any statements or notices to the nonmember concerning that relationship or you sell the credit card receivables without retaining servicing rights; or
(v) You have not communicated with the nonmember about the relationship for a period of twelve consecutive months, other than to provide annual privacy notices or promotional material.
(c)
(a)
(1) The categories of nonpublic personal information that you collect;
(2) The categories of nonpublic personal information that you disclose;
(3) The categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom you disclose nonpublic personal information, other than those parties to whom you disclose information under §§ 716.14 and 716.15;
(4) The categories of nonpublic personal information about your former members that you disclose and the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom you disclose it, other than those parties to whom you disclose information under §§ 716.14 and 716.15;
(5) If you disclose nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third
(6) An explanation of the consumer's right under § 716.10(a) to opt out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties, including the methods by which the consumer may exercise that right at that time;
(7) Any disclosures that you make under section 603(d)(2)(A)(iii) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(d)(2)(A)(iii)) (that is, notices regarding the ability to opt out of disclosure of information among affiliates);
(8) Your policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal information; and
(9) Any disclosures you make under paragraph (b) of this section.
(b)
(1) For your everyday business purposes, such as [
(2) As permitted by law.
(c)
(2) A short-form initial notice must:
(i) Be clear and conspicuous;
(ii) State that your privacy notice is available upon request; and
(iii) Explain a reasonable means by which the consumer may obtain that notice.
(3) You must deliver your short-form initial notice according to § 716.9. You are not required to deliver your privacy notice with your short form initial notice. You instead may simply provide the consumer a reasonable means to obtain your privacy notice. If a consumer who receives your short-form notice requests your privacy notice, you must deliver your privacy notice according to § 716.9.
(4)
(i) Provide a toll-free telephone number that the consumer may call to request the notice; or
(ii) For a consumer who conducts business in person at your office, maintain copies of the notice on hand that you provide to a consumer immediately upon request.
(d)
(1) Categories of nonpublic personal information that you reserve the right to disclose in the future, but do not currently disclose; and
(2) Categories of affiliates or nonaffiliated third parties to whom you reserve the right in the future to disclose, but to whom you do not currently disclose, nonpublic personal information.
(e)
(i) Information from the consumer;
(ii) Information about the consumer's transactions with you or your affiliates;
(iii) Information about the consumer's transactions with nonaffiliated third parties; and
(iv) Information from a consumer reporting agency.
(2)
(ii) If you reserve the right to disclose all of the nonpublic personal information about consumers that you collect, you may simply state that fact without describing the categories or examples of the nonpublic personal information you disclose.
(3)
(i) Financial service providers;
(ii) Non-financial companies; and
(iii) Others.
(4)
(i) List the categories of nonpublic personal information you disclose, using the same categories and examples you used to meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2) of this section, as applicable; and
(ii) State whether the third party is:
(A) A service provider that performs marketing services on your behalf or on behalf of you and another financial institution; or
(B) A financial institution with whom you have a joint marketing agreement.
(5)
(6)
(i) Describe in general terms who is authorized to have access to the information.
(ii) State whether you have security practices and procedures in place to ensure the confidentiality of the information in accordance with your policy. You are not required to describe technical information about the safeguards you use.
(7)
(f)
(g)
At 74 FR 62955, Dec. 1, 2009, § 716.6 was amended by removing (g), effective Jan. 1, 2012.
(a)(1)
(i) That you disclose or reserve the right to disclose nonpublic personal information about your consumer to a nonaffiliated third party;
(ii) That the consumer has the right to opt out of that disclosure; and
(iii) A reasonable means by which the consumer may exercise the opt out right.
(2)
(A) Identify all of the categories of nonpublic personal information that you disclose or reserve the right to disclose and all of the categories of nonaffiliated third parties to whom you disclose the information, as described in § 716.6(a)(2) and (3) and state that the consumer can opt out of the disclosure of that information; and
(B) Identify the financial products or services that the consumer obtains from you, either singly or jointly, to which the opt out direction would apply.
(ii)
(A) Designate check-off boxes in a prominent position on the relevant forms with the opt out notice;
(B) Include a reply form together with the opt out notice;
(C) Provide an electronic means to opt out, such as a form that can be sent via electronic mail or a process at your web site, if the consumer agrees to the electronic delivery of information; or
(D) Provide a toll-free telephone number that consumers may call to opt out.
(iii)
(A) The only means of opting out is for the consumer to write his or her own letter to exercise that opt out right; or
(B) The only means of opting out as described in any notice subsequent to the initial notice is to use a check-off box that was provided with the initial notice but not included with the subsequent notice.
(iv)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Any of the joint consumers may exercise the right to opt out. You may either:
(i) Treat an opt out direction by a joint consumer to apply to all of the associated joint consumers; or
(ii) Permit each joint consumer to opt out separately.
(3) If you permit each joint consumer to opt out separately, you must permit one of the joint consumers to opt out on behalf of all of the joint consumers.
(4) You may not require all joint consumers to opt out before you implement any opt out direction.
(5)
(i) Send a single opt out notice to John's address, but you must accept an opt out direction from either John or Mary.
(ii) Treat an opt out direction by either John or Mary as applying to the entire account. If you do so, and John opts out, you may not require Mary to opt out as well before implementing John's opt out direction.
(iii) Permit John and Mary to make different opt out directions. If you do so, and if John and Mary both opt out, you must permit one or both of them to notify you in a single response (such as on a form or through a telephone call).
(6)
(ii) You may satisfy your annual opt out notice requirement by providing one notice to those borrowers and guarantors jointly.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) When a member relationship terminates, the member's opt out direction continues to apply to the nonpublic personal information that you collected during or related to the relationship. If the individual subsequently establishes a new member relationship with you, the opt out direction that applied to the former relationship does not apply to the new relationship.
(h)
(i)
(a)
(1) You have provided to the consumer a revised notice that accurately describes your policies and practices;
(2) You have provided to the consumer a new opt out notice;
(3) You have given the consumer a reasonable opportunity, before you disclose the information to the nonaffiliated third party, to opt out of the disclosure; and
(4) The consumer does not opt out.
(b)
(i) Disclose a new category of nonpublic personal information to any nonaffiliated third party;
(ii) Disclose nonpublic personal information to a new category of nonaffiliated third party; or
(iii) Disclose nonpublic personal information about a former member to a nonaffiliated third party, and that former member has not had the opportunity to exercise an opt out right regarding that disclosure.
(2) A revised notice is not required if you disclose nonpublic personal information to a new nonaffiliated third party that you adequately described in your prior notice.
(c)
(a)
(b) (1)
(i) Hand-deliver a printed copy of the notice to the consumer;
(ii) Mail a printed copy of the notice to the last known address of the consumer;
(iii) For the consumer who conducts transactions electronically, post the
(iv) For an isolated transaction with the consumer, such as an ATM transaction, post the notice on the ATM screen and require the consumer to acknowledge receipt of the notice as a necessary step to obtaining the particular financial product or service.
(2)
(i) Only post a sign in your branch or office or generally publish advertisements of your privacy policies and practices;
(ii) Send the notice via electronic mail to a consumer who does not obtain a financial product or service from you electronically.
(c)
(1) The member uses your web site to access financial products and services electronically and agrees to receive notices at your web site and you post your current privacy notice continuously in a clear and conspicuous manner on your web site; or
(2) The member has requested that you refrain from sending any information regarding the member relationship, and your current privacy notice remains available to the member upon request.
(d)
(e)
(2)
(i) Hand-deliver a printed copy of the notice to the member;
(ii) Mail a printed copy of the notice to the last known address of the member upon request of the member; or
(iii) Make your current privacy notice available on a web site (or a link to another web site) for the member who obtains a financial product or service electronically and agrees to receive the notice at the web site.
(a) (1)
(i) You have provided to the consumer an initial notice as required under § 716.4;
(ii) You have provided to the consumer an opt out notice as required in § 716.7;
(iii) You have given the consumer a reasonable opportunity, before you disclose the information to the nonaffiliated third party, to opt out of the disclosure; and
(iv) The consumer does not opt out.
(2)
(3)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(b)
(2) Unless you comply with this section, you may not, directly or through an affiliate, disclose any nonpublic personal information about a consumer that you have collected, regardless of whether you collected it before or after receiving the direction to opt out from the consumer.
(c)
(a)(1)
(i) You may disclose the information to the affiliates of the financial institution from which you received the information; and
(ii) You may disclose the information to your affiliates, but your affiliates may, in turn, disclose and use the information only to the extent that you may disclose and use the information; and
(iii) You may disclose and use the information pursuant to an exception in § 716.14 or 716.15 in the ordinary course of business to carry out the activity covered by the exception under which you received the information.
(2)
(b)(1)
(i) To the affiliates of the financial institution from which you received the information;
(ii) To your affiliates, but your affiliates may, in turn, disclose the information only to the extent that you can disclose the information;
(iii) To any other person, if the disclosure would be lawful if made directly to that person by the financial institution from which you received the information; and
(iv) Pursuant to an exception in § 716.14 or 716.15.
(2)
(i) You may use the list for your own purposes;
(ii) You may disclose that list to another non-affiliated third party only if the financial institution from which you purchased the list could have disclosed the list to that third party, that is you may disclose the list in accordance with the privacy policy of the financial institution from which you received the list, as limited by the opt out direction of each consumer whose nonpublic personal information you intend to disclose; and
(iii) You may disclose that list as permitted by § 716.14 or 716.15, such as to your attorneys or accountants.
(c)
(1) The third party may disclose the information to your affiliates;
(2) The third party may disclose the information to its affiliates, but its affiliates may, in turn, disclose and use the information only to the extent that the third party may disclose and use the information; and
(3) The third party may disclose and use the information pursuant to an exception in § 716.14 or 716.15 in the ordinary course of business to carry out the activity covered by the exception under which it received the information.
(d)
(1) To your affiliates;
(2) To its affiliates, but its affiliates, in turn, may disclose the information only to the extent the third party can disclose the information;
(3) To any other person, if the disclosure would be lawful if made directly to that person by you; and
(4) Pursuant to an exception in § 716.14 or 716.15.
(a)
(b)
(1) To your agent or service provider solely in order to perform marketing for your own products or services, as long as the agent or service provider cannot directly initiate charges to the account; or
(2) To a participant in a private label credit card program or an affinity or similar program where the participants in the program are identified to the member when the member enters into the program.
(c)
(2)
(a)
(i) Provide the initial notice in accordance with § 716.4; and
(ii) Enter into a contractual agreement with the third party that prohibits the third party from disclosing or using the information other than to carry out the purposes for which you disclosed the information, including use under an exception in § 716.14 or 716.15 in the ordinary course of business to carry out those purposes.
(2)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) Servicing or processing a financial product or service that a consumer requests or authorizes;
(2) Maintaining or servicing the consumer's account with you, or with another entity as part of a private label credit card program or other extension of credit on behalf of such entity; or
(3) A proposed or actual securitization, secondary market sale (including sales of servicing rights) or similar transaction related to a transaction of the consumer.
(b)
(1) Required, or is one of the lawful or appropriate methods, to enforce your rights or the rights of other persons engaged in carrying out the financial transaction or providing the product or service; or
(2) Required, or is a usual, appropriate or acceptable method:
(i) To carry out the transaction or the product or service business of which the transaction is a part, and record, service or maintain the consumer's account in the ordinary course of providing the financial service or financial product;
(ii) To administer or service benefits or claims relating to the transaction or the product or service business of which it is a part;
(iii) To provide a confirmation, statement or other record of the transaction, or information on the status or value of the financial service or financial product to the consumer or the consumer's agent or broker;
(iv) To accrue or recognize incentives or bonuses associated with the transaction that are provided by you or any other party;
(v) In connection with:
(A) The authorization, settlement, billing, processing, clearing, transferring, reconciling or collection of amounts charged, debited, or otherwise paid using a debit, credit or other payment card, check or account number, or by other payment means;
(B) The transfer of receivables, accounts or interests therein; or
(C) The audit of debit, credit or other payment information.
(a)
(1) With the consent or at the direction of the consumer, provided that the consumer has not revoked the consent or direction;
(2)(i) To protect the confidentiality or security of your records pertaining to the consumer, service, product or transaction;
(ii) To protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud, unauthorized transactions, claims or other liability;
(iii) For required institutional risk control or for resolving consumer disputes or inquiries;
(iv) To persons holding a legal or beneficial interest relating to the consumer; or
(v) To persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of the consumer;
(3) To provide information to insurance rate advisory organizations, guaranty funds or agencies, agencies that are rating you, persons that are assessing your compliance with industry standards, and your attorneys, accountants, and auditors;
(4) To the extent specifically permitted or required under other provisions of law and in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3401
(5)(i) To a consumer reporting agency in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681
(ii) From a consumer report reported by a consumer reporting agency;
(6) In connection with a proposed or actual sale, merger, transfer, or exchange of all or a portion of a business or operating unit if the disclosure of nonpublic personal information concerns solely consumers of such business or unit; or
(7)(i) To comply with federal, state or local laws, rules and other applicable legal requirements;
(ii) To comply with a properly authorized civil, criminal or regulatory investigation, or subpoena or summons by federal, state or local authorities; or
(iii) To respond to judicial process or government regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over you for examination, compliance or other purposes as authorized by law.
(b)
(2) A consumer may revoke consent by subsequently exercising the right to opt out of future disclosures of nonpublic personal information as permitted under § 716.7(f).
Nothing in this part shall be construed to modify, limit, or supersede the operation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)(1)
(2)
(c)
(a) The model form may be used, at the option of a financial institution, including a group of financial institutions that use a common privacy notice, to meet the content requirements of the privacy notice and opt-out notice set forth in §§ 716.6 and 716.7 of this part.
(b) The model form is a standardized form, including page layout, content, format, style, pagination, and shading. Institutions seeking to obtain the safe harbor through use of the model form may modify it only as described in these Instructions.
(c) Note that disclosure of certain information, such as assets, income, and information from a consumer reporting agency, may give rise to obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act [15 U.S.C. 1681—1681x] (FCRA), such as a requirement to permit a consumer to opt out of disclosures to affiliates or designation as a consumer reporting agency if disclosures are made to nonaffiliated third parties.
(d) The word “customer” may be replaced by the word “member” whenever it appears in the model form, as appropriate.
The model form consists of two pages, which may be printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper, or may appear on two separate pages. Where an institution provides a long list of institutions at the end of the model form in accordance with Instruction C.3(a)(1), or provides additional information in accordance with Instruction C.3(c), and such list or additional information exceeds the space available on page two of the model form, such list or additional information may extend to a third page.
(a)
(1) Date last revised (upper right-hand corner).
(2) Title.
(3) Key frame (Why?, What?, How?).
(4) Disclosure table (“Reasons we can share your personal information”).
(5) “To limit our sharing” box, as needed, for the financial institution's opt-out information.
(6) “Questions” box, for customer service contact information.
(7) Mail-in opt-out form, as needed.
(b)
(1) Heading (Page 2).
(2) Frequently Asked Questions (“Who we are” and “What we do”).
(3) Definitions.
(4) “Other important information” box, as needed.
The format of the model form may be modified only as described below.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The information in the model form may be modified only as described below:
Insert the name of the financial institution providing the notice or a common identity of affiliated institutions jointly providing the notice on the form wherever [name of financial institution] appears.
(a)
(b)
(1) The bulleted list identifies the types of personal information that the institution collects and shares. All institutions must use the term “Social Security number” in the first bullet.
(2) Institutions must use five (5) of the following terms to complete the bulleted list: income; account balances; payment history; transaction history; transaction or loss history; credit history; credit scores; assets; investment experience; credit-based insurance scores; insurance claim history; medical information; overdraft history; purchase history; account transactions; risk tolerance; medical-related debts; credit card or other debt; mortgage rates and payments; retirement assets; checking account information; employment information; wire transfer instructions.
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(h)
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
The financial institution must customize the space below the responses to the three definitions in this section. This specific information must be in italicized lettering to set off the information from the standardized definitions.
(1)
(i) If it has no affiliates, state: “
(ii) If it has affiliates but does not share personal information, state: “
(iii) If it shares with its affiliates, state, as applicable:
(2)
(i) If it does not share with nonaffiliated third parties, state: “
(ii) If it shares with nonaffiliated third parties, state, as applicable:
(3)
(i) If it does not engage in joint marketing, state: “
(ii) If it shares personal information for joint marketing, state, as applicable: “
(c)
(1) State and/or international privacy law information; and/or
(2) Acknowledgment of receipt form.
This appendix only applies to privacy notices provided before January 1, 2011. Credit unions, including a group of affiliates that use a common privacy notice, may use the following sample clauses, if the clause is accurate for each institution that uses the notice.
You may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of § 716.6(a)(1) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information you collect.
We collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:
• Information we receive from you on applications or other forms;
• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; and
• Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency.
You may use one of these clauses, as applicable, to meet the requirement of § 716.6(a)(2) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information you disclose. These clauses may be used if you disclose nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in §§ 716.13, 716.14, and 716.15.
We may disclose the following kinds of nonpublic personal information about you:
• Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as [
• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, such as [
• Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as [
We may disclose all of the information that we collect, as described [
You may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirements of § 716.6(a)(2), (3) and (4) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information about members and former members that you disclose and the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom you disclose. This clause may be used if you do not disclose nonpublic personal information to any party, other than as permitted by the exceptions in §§ 716.14, and 716.15.
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our members and former members to anyone, except as permitted by law.
You may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of § 716.6(a)(3) to describe the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom you disclose nonpublic personal information. This clause may be used if you disclose nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in §§ 716.13, 716.14, and 716.15, as well as when permitted by the exceptions in §§ 716.14, and 716.15.
We may disclose nonpublic personal information about you to the following types of third parties:
• Financial service providers, such as [
• Non-financial companies, such as [
• Others, such as [
We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties as permitted by law.
You may use one of these clauses, as applicable, to meet the requirements of § 716.6(a)(5) related to the exception for service providers and joint marketers in § 716.13. If you disclose nonpublic personal information under this exception, you must describe the categories of nonpublic personal information you disclose and the categories of third parties with whom you have contracted.
We may disclose the following information to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements:
• Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as [
• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, such as [
• Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as [
We may disclose all of the information we collect, as described [
You may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of § 716.6(a)(6) to provide an explanation of the consumer's right to opt out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties, including the method(s) by which the consumer may exercise that right. This clause may be used if you disclose nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in §§ 716.13, 716.14, and 716.15.
If you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures, that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures permitted by law). If you wish to opt out of disclosures to nonaffiliated third parties, you may [
You may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of § 716.6(a)(8) to describe your policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal information.
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to [
At 74 FR 62965, Dec. 1, 2009, appendix B to part 707 was removed, effective January 1, 2012.
12 U.S.C. 1751
At 74 FR 31522, July 1, 2009, the authority citation for part 717 was revised, effective July 1, 2010. For the convenience of the user, the revised authority citation is set forth below:
12 U.S.C. 1751
(a)
(b)
(2)
The examples in this part are not exclusive. Compliance with an example, to the extent applicable, constitutes compliance with this part. Examples in a paragraph illustrate only the issue described in the paragraph and do not illustrate any other issue that may arise in this part.
For purposes of this part, unless explicitly stated otherwise:
(a)
(b)
(c) [Reserved]
(d)
(e)
(f)-(h) [Reserved]
(i)
(1) One company has, with respect to the other company:
(i) Ownership, control, or power to vote 25 percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of a company, directly or indirectly, or acting through one or more other persons;
(ii) Control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, trustees, or general partners (or individuals exercising similar functions) of a company; or
(iii) The power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, as the NCUA determines; or
(iv)
(2) Any other person has, with respect to both companies, a relationship described in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iii) of this section.
(j) [Reserved]
(k)
(1) Information or data, whether oral or recorded, in any form or medium, created by or derived from a health care provider or the consumer, that relates to:
(i) The past, present, or future physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition of an individual;
(ii) The provision of health care to an individual; or
(iii) The payment for the provision of health care to an individual.
(2) The term does not include:
(i) The age or gender of a consumer;
(ii) Demographic information about the consumer, including a consumer's residence address or e-mail address;
(iii) Any other information about a consumer that does not relate to the physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition of a consumer, including the existence or value of any insurance policy; or
(iv) Information that does not identify a specific consumer.
(l)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(ii)
(3)
(4)
(A) A financial contract between the person and the consumer which is in force on the date on which the consumer is sent a solicitation covered by this subpart;
(B) The purchase, rental, or lease by the consumer of the person's goods or services, or a financial transaction (including holding an active account or a policy in force or having another continuing relationship) between the consumer and the person, during the 18-month period immediately preceding the date on which the consumer is sent a solicitation covered by this subpart; or
(C) An inquiry or application by the consumer regarding a product or service offered by that person during the three-month period immediately preceding the date on which the consumer is sent a solicitation covered by this subpart.
(ii)
(B) If a consumer obtained a share certificate from a federal credit union, but did not renew the certificate at maturity, the federal credit union has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can use eligibility information it receives from its affiliates to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services for 18 months after the date of maturity of the share certificate.
(C) If a consumer obtains a mortgage, the mortgage lender has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer. If the mortgage lender sells the consumer's entire loan to an investor, the mortgage lender has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can use eligibility information it receives from its affiliates to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services for 18 months after the date it sells the loan, and the investor has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer upon purchasing the loan. If, however, the mortgage lender sells a fractional interest in the consumer's loan to an investor but also retains an ownership interest in the loan, the mortgage lender continues to have a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer, but the investor does not have a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer. If the mortgage lender retains ownership of the loan, but sells ownership of the servicing rights to the consumer's loan, the mortgage lender continues to have a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer. The purchaser of the servicing rights also has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer as of the date it purchases ownership of the servicing rights, but only if it collects payments from or otherwise deals directly with the consumer on a continuing basis.
(D) If a consumer applies to a federal credit union for a product or service that it offers, but does not obtain a product or service from or enter into a financial contract or transaction with the institution, the federal credit union has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can therefore use eligibility information it receives from an affiliate to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services for three months after the date of the application.
(E) If a consumer makes a telephone inquiry to a federal credit union about its products or services and provides contact information to the institution, but does not obtain a product or service from or enter into a financial contract or transaction with the institution, the federal credit union has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can therefore use eligibility information it receives from an affiliate to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services for three months after the date of the inquiry.
(F) If a consumer makes an inquiry to a federal credit union by e-mail about its products or services, but does not obtain a product or service from or enter into a financial contract or transaction with the institution, the federal credit union has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can therefore use eligibility information it receives from an affiliate to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services
(G) If a consumer has an existing relationship with a federal credit union that is part of a group of affiliated companies, makes a telephone call to the centralized call center for the group of affiliated companies to inquire about products or services offered by the insurance brokerage affiliate, and provides contact information to the call center, the call constitutes an inquiry to the insurance brokerage affiliate that offers those products or services. The insurance brokerage affiliate has a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer and can therefore use eligibility information it receives from its affiliated federal credit union to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services for three months after the date of the inquiry.
(iii)
(B) If a consumer who has a deposit account with a federal credit union makes a telephone call to an affiliate of the institution to ask about the affiliate's retail locations and hours, but does not make an inquiry about the affiliate's products or services, the call does not constitute an inquiry and does not establish a pre-existing business relationship between the consumer and the affiliate. Also, the affiliate's capture of the consumer's telephone number does not constitute an inquiry and does not establish a pre-existing business relationship between the consumer and the affiliate.
(C) If a consumer makes a telephone call to a federal credit union in response to an advertisement that offers a free promotional item to consumers who call a toll-free number, but the advertisement does not indicate that the federal credit union's products or services will be marketed to consumers who call in response, the call does not create a pre-existing business relationship between the consumer and the federal credit union because the consumer has not made an inquiry about a product or service offered by the institution, but has merely responded to an offer for a free promotional item.
(5)
(A) Based on eligibility information communicated to that person by its affiliate as described in this subpart; and
(B) Intended to encourage the consumer to purchase or obtain such product or service.
(ii)
(iii)
(6) You means a person described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(a)
(i) It is clearly and conspicuously disclosed to the consumer in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically, in a concise notice that you may use eligibility information about that consumer received from an affiliate to
(ii) The consumer is provided a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to “opt out,” or prohibit you from using eligibility information to make solicitations for marketing purposes to the consumer; and
(iii) The consumer has not opted out.
(2)
(3)
(i) By an affiliate that has or has previously had a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer; or
(ii) As part of a joint notice from two or more members of an affiliated group of companies, provided that at least one of the affiliates on the joint notice has or has previously had a pre-existing business relationship with the consumer.
(b)
(i) You receive eligibility information from an affiliate;
(ii) You use that eligibility information to do one or more of the following:
(A) Identify the consumer or type of consumer to receive a solicitation;
(B) Establish criteria used to select the consumer to receive a solicitation; or
(C) Decide which of your products or services to market to the consumer or tailor your solicitation to that consumer; and
(iii) As a result of your use of the eligibility information, the consumer is provided a solicitation.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Uses its own eligibility information that it obtained in connection with a pre-existing business relationship it has or had with the consumer to market your products or services to the consumer; or
(ii) Directs its service provider to use the affiliate's own eligibility information that it obtained in connection with a pre-existing business relationship it has or had with the consumer to market your products or services to the consumer, and you do not communicate directly with the service provider regarding that use.
(5)
(A) Your affiliate controls access to and use of its eligibility information by the service provider (including the right to establish the specific terms and conditions under which the service provider may use such information to market your products or services);
(B) Your affiliate establishes specific terms and conditions under which the service provider may access and use the affiliate's eligibility information to market your products and services (or those of affiliates generally) to the consumer, such as the identity of the affiliated companies whose products or services may be marketed to the consumer by the service provider, the types of products or services of affiliated companies that may be marketed, and the number of times the consumer may receive marketing materials, and periodically evaluates the service provider's compliance with those terms and conditions;
(C) Your affiliate requires the service provider to implement reasonable policies and procedures designed to ensure that the service provider uses the affiliate's eligibility information in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the affiliate relating to the marketing of your products or services;
(D) Your affiliate is identified on or with the marketing materials provided to the consumer; and
(E) You do not directly use your affiliate's eligibility information in the manner described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section.
(ii)
(B) The specific terms and conditions established by your affiliate as provided in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(B) of this section must be set forth in writing.
(6)
(ii) The same facts as in the example in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section, except that after using the eligibility information to identify the consumer to receive a solicitation about insurance brokerage services, the insurance brokerage asks the federal credit union to send the solicitation to the consumer and the federal credit union does so. Pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the insurance brokerage has made a solicitation to the consumer because it used eligibility information about the consumer that it received from an affiliate to identify the consumer to receive a solicitation about its products or services, and, as a result, a solicitation was provided to the consumer about the insurance brokerage's services.
(iii) The same facts as in the example in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section, except that eligibility information about consumers that have deposit accounts with the federal credit union is placed into a common database that all members of the affiliated group of companies may independently access and use. Without using the federal credit union's eligibility information, the insurance brokerage develops selection criteria and provides those criteria, marketing materials, and related instructions to the federal credit union. The federal credit union reviews eligibility information about its own consumers using the selection criteria provided by the insurance brokerage to determine which consumers should receive the insurance brokerage's marketing materials and sends marketing materials about the insurance
(iv) The same facts as in the example in paragraph (b)(6)(iii) of this section, except that the federal credit union provides the insurance brokerage's criteria to the federal credit union's service provider and directs the service provider to use the federal credit union's eligibility information to identify federal credit union consumers who meet the criteria and to send the insurance brokerage's marketing materials to those consumers. The insurance brokerage does not communicate directly with the service provider regarding the use of the federal credit union's information to market its services to the federal credit union's consumers. Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section, the insurance brokerage has not made a solicitation to the consumer.
(v) An affiliated group of companies includes a federal credit union, an insurance brokerage, and a service provider. Each affiliate in the group places information about its consumers into a common database. The service provider has access to all information in the common database. The federal credit union controls access to and use of its eligibility information by the service provider. This control is set forth in a written agreement between the federal credit union and the service provider. The written agreement also requires the service provider to establish reasonable policies and procedures designed to ensure that the service provider uses the federal credit union's eligibility information in accordance with specific terms and conditions established by the federal credit union relating to the marketing of the products and services of all affiliates, including the insurance brokerage. In a separate written communication, the federal credit union specifies the terms and conditions under which the service provider may use the federal credit union's eligibility information to market the insurance brokerage's products and services to the federal credit union's consumers. The specific terms and conditions are: a list of affiliated companies (including the insurance brokerage) whose products or services may be marketed to the federal credit union's consumers by the service provider; the specific products or types of products that may be marketed to the federal credit union's consumers by the service provider; the categories of eligibility information that may be used by the service provider in marketing products or services to the federal credit union's consumers; the types or categories of the federal credit union's consumers to whom the service provider may market products or services of federal credit union affiliates; the number and/or types of marketing communications that the service provider may send to the federal credit union's consumers; and the length of time during which the service provider may market the products or services of the federal credit union's affiliates to its consumers. The federal credit union periodically evaluates the service provider's compliance with these terms and conditions. The insurance brokerage asks the service provider to market insurance products to certain consumers who have deposit accounts with the federal credit union. Without using the federal credit union's eligibility information, the insurance brokerage develops selection criteria and provides those criteria, marketing materials, and related instructions to the service provider. The service provider uses the federal credit union's eligibility information from the common database to identify the federal credit union's consumers to whom insurance brokerage services will be marketed. When the insurance brokerage's marketing materials are provided to the identified consumers, the name of the federal credit union is displayed on the brokerage marketing materials, an introductory letter that accompanies the marketing materials, an account statement that accompanies the marketing materials,
(vi) The same facts as in the example in paragraph (b)(6)(v) of this section, except that the terms and conditions permit the service provider to use the federal credit union's eligibility information to market the products and services of other affiliates to the federal credit union's consumers whenever the service provider deems it appropriate to do so. The service provider uses the federal credit union's eligibility information in accordance with the discretion afforded to it by the terms and conditions. Because the terms and conditions are not specific, the requirements of paragraph (b)(5) of this section have not been satisfied.
(c)
(1) To make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer with whom you have a pre-existing business relationship;
(2) To facilitate communications to an individual for whose benefit you provide employee benefit or other services pursuant to a contract with an employer related to and arising out of the current employment relationship or status of the individual as a participant or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan;
(3) To perform services on behalf of an affiliate, except that this subparagraph shall not be construed as permitting you to send solicitations on behalf of an affiliate if the affiliate would not be permitted to send the solicitation as a result of the election of the consumer to opt out under this subpart;
(4) In response to a communication about your products or services initiated by the consumer;
(5) In response to an authorization or request by the consumer to receive solicitations; or
(6) If your compliance with this subpart would prevent you from complying with any provision of State insurance laws pertaining to unfair discrimination in any State in which you are lawfully doing business.
(d)
(2)
(ii) The same facts as in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, except the consumer has been given an opt-out notice, but has not elected to opt out. The federal credit union asks a service provider to send the solicitation to the consumer on its behalf. The service provider may send the solicitation on behalf of the federal credit union because, as a result of the consumer's not
(3)
(ii) A consumer who has a deposit account with a federal credit union contacts the institution to request information about how to save and invest for a child's college education without specifying the type of product in which the consumer may be interested. Information about a range of different products or services offered by the federal credit union and one or more affiliates of the institution may be responsive to that communication. Such products or services may include the following: Mutual funds offered by the institution; section 529 plans offered by the institution or its securities brokerage affiliate; or trust services offered by the institution or its trust services affiliate. Any affiliate offering investment counseling services that would be responsive to the consumer's request for information about saving and investing for a child's college education may use eligibility information to make solicitations to the consumer in response to this communication.
(iii) A credit card issuer makes a marketing call to the consumer without using eligibility information received from an affiliate. The issuer leaves a voice-mail message that invites the consumer to call a toll-free number to apply for the issuer's credit card. If the consumer calls the toll-free number to inquire about the credit card, the call is a consumer-initiated communication about a product or service and the credit card issuer may now use eligibility information it receives from its affiliates to make solicitations to the consumer.
(iv) A consumer calls a federal credit union to ask about retail locations and hours, but does not request information about products or services. The institution may not use eligibility information it receives from an affiliate to make solicitations to the consumer about its products or services because the consumer-initiated communication does not relate to the federal credit union's products or services. Thus, the use of eligibility information received from an affiliate would not be responsive to the communication and the exception does not apply.
(v) A consumer calls a federal credit union to ask about retail locations and hours. The customer service representative asks the consumer if there is a particular product or service about which the consumer is seeking information. The consumer responds that the consumer wants to stop in and find out about share certificates. The customer service representative offers to provide that information by telephone and mail additional information and application materials to the consumer. The consumer agrees and provides or confirms contact information for receipt of the materials to be mailed. The federal credit union may use eligibility information it receives from an affiliate to make solicitations to the consumer about share certificates because such solicitations would respond to the consumer-initiated communication about products or services.
(4)
(ii) A consumer completes an online application to apply for a credit card from a credit card issuer. The issuer's online application contains a blank check box that the consumer may
(iii) A consumer completes an online application to apply for a credit card from a credit card issuer. The issuer's online application contains a pre-selected check box indicating that the consumer authorizes or requests information from the issuer's affiliates. The consumer does not deselect the check box. The consumer has not authorized or requested solicitations from the card issuer's affiliates.
(iv) The terms and conditions of a credit card account agreement contain preprinted boilerplate language stating that by applying to open an account the consumer authorizes or requests to receive solicitations from the credit card issuer's affiliates. The consumer has not authorized or requested solicitations from the card issuer's affiliates.
(e)
(a)
(2)
(A) A single continuing relationship or multiple continuing relationships that the consumer establishes with you or your affiliates, including continuing relationships established subsequent to delivery of the opt-out notice, so long as the notice adequately describes the continuing relationships covered by the opt-out; or
(B) Any other transaction between the consumer and you or your affiliates as described in the notice.
(ii)
(A) Opens a deposit or investment account with you or your affiliate;
(B) Obtains a loan for which you or your affiliate owns the servicing rights;
(C) Purchases an insurance product from you or your affiliate;
(D) Holds an investment product through you or your affiliate, such as when you act or your affiliate acts as a custodian for securities or for assets in an individual retirement arrangement;
(E) Enters into an agreement or understanding with you or your affiliate whereby you or your affiliate undertakes to arrange or broker a home mortgage loan for the consumer;
(F) Enters into a lease of personal property with you or your affiliate; or
(G) Obtains financial, investment, or economic advisory services from you or your affiliate for a fee.
(3)
(ii)
(A) The consumer uses your or your affiliate's ATM to withdraw cash from an account at another financial institution; or
(B) You or your affiliate sells the consumer a cashier's check or money order, airline tickets, travel insurance, or traveler's checks in isolated transactions.
(4)
(5)
(ii)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(i) The name of the affiliate(s) providing the notice. If the notice is provided jointly by multiple affiliates and each affiliate shares a common name, such as “ABC,” then the notice may indicate that it is being provided by multiple companies with the ABC name or multiple companies in the ABC group or family of companies, for example, by stating that the notice is provided by “all of the ABC companies,” “the ABC federal credit union, credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage companies,” or by listing the name of each affiliate providing the notice. But if the affiliates providing the joint notice do not all share a common name, then the notice must either separately identify each affiliate by name or identify each of the common names used by those affiliates, for example, by stating that the notice is provided by “all of the ABC and XYZ companies” or by “the ABC federal credit union and credit card companies and the XYZ insurance brokerage company”
(ii) A list of the affiliates or types of affiliates whose use of eligibility information is covered by the notice, which may include companies that become affiliates after the notice is provided to the consumer. If each affiliate covered by the notice shares a common name, such as “ABC,” then the notice may indicate that it applies to multiple companies with the ABC name or multiple companies in the ABC group or
(iii) A general description of the types of eligibility information that may be used to make solicitations to the consumer;
(iv) That the consumer may elect to limit the use of eligibility information to make solicitations to the consumer;
(v) That the consumer's election will apply for the specified period of time stated in the notice and, if applicable, that the consumer will be allowed to renew the election once that period expires;
(vi) If the notice is provided to consumers who may have previously opted out, such as if a notice is provided to consumers annually, that the consumer who has chosen to limit solicitations does not need to act again until the consumer receives a renewal notice; and
(vii) A reasonable and simple method for the consumer to opt out.
(2)
(ii) The opt-out notice must explain how an opt-out direction by a joint consumer will be treated. An opt-out direction by a joint consumer may be treated as applying to all of the associated joint consumers, or each joint consumer may be permitted to opt-out separately. If each joint consumer is permitted to opt out separately, one of the joint consumers must be permitted to opt out on behalf of all of the joint consumers and the joint consumers must be permitted to exercise their separate rights to opt out in a single response.
(iii) It is impermissible to require all joint consumers to opt out before implementing any opt-out direction.
(3)
(4)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(ii) The opt-out notice is provided to the consumer by e-mail where the consumer has agreed to receive disclosures by e-mail from the person sending the notice. The consumer is given 30 days after the e-mail is sent to elect to opt out by any reasonable means.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(a)
(b)
(i) Designating a check-off box in a prominent position on the opt-out form;
(ii) Including a reply form and a self-addressed envelope together with the opt-out notice;
(iii) Providing an electronic means to opt out, such as a form that can be electronically mailed or processed at an Internet Web site, if the consumer agrees to the electronic delivery of information;
(iv) Providing a toll-free telephone number that consumers may call to opt out; or
(v) Allowing consumers to exercise all of their opt-out rights described in a consolidated opt-out notice that includes the privacy opt-out under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., the affiliate sharing opt-out under the Act, and the affiliate marketing opt-out under the Act, by a single method, such as by calling a single toll-free telephone number.
(2)
(i) Requiring the consumer to write his or her own letter;
(ii) Requiring the consumer to call or write to obtain a form for opting out, rather than including the form with the opt-out notice;
(iii) Requiring the consumer who receives the opt-out notice in electronic form only, such as through posting at an Internet Web site, to opt out solely by paper mail or by visiting a different Web site without providing a link to that site.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) Hand-delivers a printed copy of the notice to the consumer;
(2) Mails a printed copy of the notice to the last known mailing address of the consumer;
(3) Provides a notice by e-mail to a consumer who has agreed to receive electronic disclosures by e-mail from the affiliate providing the notice; or
(4) Posts the notice on the Internet Web site at which the consumer obtained a product or service electronically and requires the consumer to acknowledge receipt of the notice.
(c)
(1) Only posts the notice on a sign in a branch or office or generally publishes the notice in a newspaper;
(2) Sends the notice via e-mail to a consumer who has not agreed to receive electronic disclosures by e-mail from the affiliate providing the notice; or
(3) Posts the notice on an Internet Web site without requiring the consumer to acknowledge receipt of the notice.
(a)
(i) The consumer has been given a renewal notice that complies with the requirements of this section and §§ 717.24 through 717.26 of this part, and a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to renew the opt-out, and the consumer does not renew the opt-out; or
(ii) An exception in § 717.21(c) of this part applies.
(2)
(3)
(i) By the affiliate that provided the previous opt-out notice, or its successor; or
(ii) As part of a joint renewal notice from two or more members of an affiliated group of companies, or their successors, that jointly provided the previous opt-out notice.
(b)
(1) The name of the affiliate(s) providing the notice. If the notice is provided jointly by multiple affiliates and each affiliate shares a common name, such as “ABC,” then the notice may indicate that it is being provided by multiple companies with the ABC name or multiple companies in the ABC group or family of companies, for example, by stating that the notice is provided by “all of the ABC companies,” “the ABC federal credit union, credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage companies,” or by listing the name of each affiliate providing the notice. But if the affiliates providing the joint notice do not all share a common name, then the notice must either separately identify each affiliate by name or identify each of the common names used by those affiliates, for example, by stating that the notice is provided by “all of the ABC and XYZ companies” or by “the ABC federal credit union and credit card companies and the XYZ insurance brokerage company”;
(2) A list of the affiliates or types of affiliates whose use of eligibility information is covered by the notice, which may include companies that become affiliates after the notice is provided to the consumer. If each affiliate covered by the notice shares a common name, such as “ABC,” then the notice may indicate that it applies to multiple companies with the ABC name or multiple companies in the ABC group or family of companies, for example, by stating that the notice is provided by “all of the ABC companies,” “the ABC federal credit union, credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage companies,” or by listing the name of each affiliate providing the notice. But if the affiliates covered by the notice do not all share a common name, then the notice must either separately identify each covered affiliate by name or identify each of the common names used by those affiliates, for example, by stating that the notice applies to “all of the ABC and XYZ companies” or to “the ABC federal credit union and credit card companies and the XYZ insurance brokerage company”;
(3) A general description of the types of eligibility information that may be used to make solicitations to the consumer;
(4) That the consumer previously elected to limit the use of certain information to make solicitations to the consumer;
(5) That the consumer's election has expired or is about to expire;
(6) That the consumer may elect to renew the consumer's previous election;
(7) If applicable, that the consumer's election to renew will apply for the specified period of time stated in the notice and that the consumer will be allowed to renew the election once that period expires; and
(8) A reasonable and simple method for the consumer to opt out.
(c)
(i) A reasonable period of time before the expiration of the opt-out period; or
(ii) Any time after the expiration of the opt-out period but before solicitations that would have been prohibited by the expired opt-out are made to the consumer.
(2)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) A Federal credit union that participates as a creditor in a transaction; or
(2) Any other person that participates as a creditor in a transaction involving a person described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b)
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
(A) Any determination of the consumer's qualification or fitness for employment, insurance (other than a credit insurance product), or other non-credit products or services;
(B) Authorizing, processing, or documenting a payment or transaction on behalf of the consumer in a manner that does not involve a determination of the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit; or
(C) Maintaining or servicing the consumer's account in a manner that does not involve a determination of the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(i) In response to a general question regarding a consumer's debts or expenses, the creditor receives information that the consumer owes a debt to a hospital.
(ii) In a conversation with the creditor's loan officer, the consumer informs the creditor that the consumer has a particular medical condition.
(iii) In connection with a consumer's application for an extension of credit, the creditor requests a consumer report from a consumer reporting agency and receives medical information in the consumer report furnished by the agency even though the creditor did not specifically request medical information from the consumer reporting agency.
(d)
(i) The information is the type of information routinely used in making credit eligibility determinations, such as information relating to debts, expenses, income, benefits, assets, collateral, or the purpose of the loan, including the use of proceeds;
(ii) The creditor uses the medical information in a manner and to an extent that is no less favorable than it would use comparable information that is not medical information in a credit transaction; and
(iii) The creditor does not take the consumer's physical, mental, or behavioral health, condition or history, type of treatment, or prognosis into account as part of any such determination.
(2)
(A) The dollar amount, repayment terms, repayment history, and similar information regarding medical debts to calculate, measure, or verify the repayment ability of the consumer, the use of proceeds, or the terms for granting credit;
(B) The value, condition, and lien status of a medical device that may serve as collateral to secure a loan;
(C) The dollar amount and continued eligibility for disability income, workers' compensation income, or other benefits related to health or a medical condition that is relied on as a source of repayment; or
(D) The identity of creditors to whom outstanding medical debts are owed in connection with an application for credit, including but not limited to, a transaction involving the consolidation of medical debts.
(ii)
(B) A consumer indicates on an application for a $200,000 mortgage loan that she receives $15,000 in long-term disability income each year from her former employer and has no other income. Annual income of $15,000, regardless of source, would not be sufficient to support the requested amount of credit. The creditor denies the application on the basis that the projected debt-to-income ratio of the consumer does not meet the creditor's underwriting criteria. The creditor has used medical information in a manner and to an extent that is no less favorable than it would use comparable non-medical information.
(C) A consumer includes on an application for a $10,000 home equity loan that he has a $50,000 debt to a medical facility that specializes in treating a potentially terminal disease. The creditor contacts the medical facility to verify the debt and obtain the repayment history and current status of the loan. The creditor learns that the debt is current. The applicant meets the income and other requirements of the creditor's underwriting guidelines. The creditor grants the application. The creditor has used medical information in accordance with the exception.
(iii)
(B) A consumer meets with a loan officer of a creditor to apply for a mortgage loan. While filling out the loan application, the consumer informs the loan officer orally that she has a potentially terminal disease. The consumer meets the creditor's established requirements for the requested mortgage loan. The loan officer recommends to the credit committee that the consumer be denied credit because the consumer has that disease. The credit committee follows the loan officer's recommendation and denies the application because the consumer has a potentially terminal disease. The creditor has used medical information in a manner inconsistent with the exception by taking into account the consumer's physical, mental, or behavioral health, condition, or history, type of treatment, or prognosis as part of a determination of eligibility or continued eligibility for credit.
(C) A consumer who has an apparent medical condition, such as a consumer who uses a wheelchair or an oxygen tank, meets with a loan officer to apply for a home equity loan. The consumer meets the creditor's established requirements for the requested home equity loan and the creditor typically does not require consumers to obtain a debt cancellation contract, debt suspension agreement, or credit insurance product in connection with such loans. However, based on the consumer's apparent medical condition, the loan officer recommends to the credit committee that credit be extended to the consumer only if the consumer obtains a debt cancellation contract, debt suspension agreement, or credit insurance product from a nonaffiliated third party. The credit committee agrees with the loan officer's recommendation. The loan officer informs the consumer that the consumer must obtain a debt cancellation contract, debt suspension agreement, or credit insurance product from a nonaffiliated third party to qualify for the loan. The consumer obtains one of these products and the creditor approves the loan. The creditor has used medical information in a manner inconsistent with the exception by taking into account the consumer's physical, mental, or behavioral health, condition, or history, type of treatment, or prognosis in setting conditions on the consumer's eligibility for credit.
(e)
(i) To determine whether the use of a power of attorney or legal representative that is triggered by a medical condition or event is necessary and appropriate or whether the consumer has the legal capacity to contract when a person seeks to exercise a power of attorney or act as legal representative for a consumer based on an asserted medical condition or event;
(ii) To comply with applicable requirements of local, state, or Federal laws;
(iii) To determine, at the consumer's request, whether the consumer qualifies for a legally permissible special credit program or credit-related assistance program that is:
(A) Designed to meet the special needs of consumers with medical conditions; and
(B) Established and administered pursuant to a written plan that:
(
(
(iv) To the extent necessary for purposes of fraud prevention or detection;
(v) In the case of credit for the purpose of financing medical products or services, to determine and verify the medical purpose of a loan and the use of proceeds;
(vi) Consistent with safe and sound practices, if the consumer or the consumer's legal representative specifically requests that the creditor use medical information in determining the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit, to accommodate the consumer's particular circumstances, and such request is documented by the creditor;
(vii) Consistent with safe and sound practices, to determine whether the provisions of a forbearance practice or program that is triggered by a medical condition or event apply to a consumer;
(viii) To determine the consumer's eligibility for, the triggering of, or the reactivation of a debt cancellation contract or debt suspension agreement if a medical condition or event is a triggering event for the provision of benefits under the contract or agreement; or
(ix) To determine the consumer's eligibility for, the triggering of, or the reactivation of a credit insurance product if a medical condition or event is a triggering event for the provision of benefits under the product.
(2)
(3)
(ii) If a consumer applies for $10,000 of credit for the purpose of financing cosmetic surgery, the creditor may confirm the cost of the procedure with the surgeon. If the surgeon reports that the cost of the procedure is $5,000, the creditor may use that medical information to offer the consumer only $5,000 of credit.
(iii) A creditor has an established medical loan program for financing particular elective surgical procedures. The creditor receives a loan application from a consumer requesting $10,000 of credit under the established loan program for an elective surgical procedure. The consumer indicates on the application that the purpose of the loan is to finance an elective surgical procedure not eligible for funding under the guidelines of the established loan program. The creditor may deny the consumer's application because the purpose of the loan is not for a particular procedure funded by the established loan program.
(4)
(ii) If a consumer applies for a loan by telephone and explains that his income has been and will continue to be interrupted on account of a medical condition and that he expects to repay the loan by liquidating assets, the creditor may, but is not required to, evaluate the application using the sale of assets as the primary source of repayment, consistent with safe and sound practices, provided that the creditor documents the consumer's request by recording the oral conversation or making a notation of the request in the consumer's file.
(iii) If a consumer applies for a loan and the application form provides a space where the consumer may provide any other information or special circumstances, whether medical or non-medical, that the consumer would like the creditor to consider in evaluating
(iv) If a consumer specifically requests that the creditor use medical information in determining the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit and provides the creditor with medical information for that purpose, and the creditor determines that it needs additional information regarding the consumer's circumstances, the creditor may request, obtain, and use additional medical information about the consumer as necessary to verify the information provided by the consumer or to determine whether to make an accommodation for the consumer. The consumer may decline to provide additional information, withdraw the request for an accommodation, and have the application considered under the creditor's otherwise applicable underwriting criteria.
(v) If a consumer completes and signs a credit application that is not for medical purpose credit and the application contains boilerplate language that routinely requests medical information from the consumer or that indicates that by applying for credit the consumer authorizes or consents to the creditor obtaining and using medical information in connection with a determination of the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit, the consumer has not specifically requested that the creditor obtain and use medical information to accommodate the consumer's particular circumstances.
(5)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Medical information;
(2) An individualized list or description based on the payment transactions of the consumer for medical products or services; or
(3) An aggregate list of identified consumers based on payment transactions for medical products or services.
(c)
(1) In connection with the business of insurance or annuities (including the activities described in section 18B of the model Privacy of Consumer Financial and Health Information Regulation issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, as in effect on January 1, 2003);
(2) For any purpose permitted without authorization under the regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA);
(3) For any purpose referred to in section 1179 of HIPAA;
(4) For any purpose described in section 502(e) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act;
(5) In connection with a determination of the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit consistent with § 717.30; or
(6) As otherwise permitted by order of the NCUA.
At 74 FR 31522, July 1, 2009, subpart E was added, effective July 1, 2010.
For purposes of this subpart and appendix E of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a)
(1) Reflects the terms of and liability for the account or other relationship;
(2) Reflects the consumer's performance and other conduct with respect to the account or other relationship; and
(3) Identifies the appropriate consumer.
(b)
(c)
(1) Provides information to a consumer reporting agency solely to obtain a consumer report in accordance with sections 604(a) and (f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act;
(2) Is acting as a “consumer reporting agency” as defined in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act;
(3) Is a consumer to whom the furnished information pertains; or
(4) Is a neighbor, friend, or associate of the consumer, or another individual with whom the consumer is acquainted or who may have knowledge about the consumer, and who provides information about the consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living in response to a specific request from a consumer reporting agency.
(d)
(e)
(1) Is substantiated by the furnisher's records at the time it is furnished;
(2) Is furnished in a form and manner that is designed to minimize the likelihood that the information may be incorrectly reflected in a consumer report; and
(3) Includes the information in the furnisher's possession about the account or other relationship that the NCUA has:
(i) Determined that the absence of which would likely be materially misleading in evaluating a consumer's
(ii) Listed in section I.(b)(2)(iii) of appendix E of this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) The consumer's liability for a credit account or other debt with the furnisher, such as direct disputes relating to whether there is or has been identity theft or fraud against the consumer, whether there is individual or joint liability on an account, or whether the consumer is an authorized user of a credit account;
(2) The terms of a credit account or other debt with the furnisher, such as direct disputes relating to the type of account, principal balance, scheduled payment amount on an account, or the amount of the credit limit on an open-end account;
(3) The consumer's performance or other conduct concerning an account or other relationship with the furnisher, such as direct disputes relating to the current payment status, high balance, date a payment was made, the amount of a payment made, or the date an account was opened or closed; or
(4) Any other information contained in a consumer report regarding an account or other relationship with the furnisher that bears on the consumer's creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.
(b)
(1) The direct dispute relates to:
(i) The consumer's identifying information (other than a direct dispute relating to a consumer's liability for a credit account or other debt with the furnisher, as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section) such as name(s), date of birth, Social Security number, telephone number(s), or address(es);
(ii) The identity of past or present employers;
(iii) Inquiries or requests for a consumer report;
(iv) Information derived from public records, such as judgments, bankruptcies, liens, and other legal matters (unless provided by a furnisher with an account or other relationship with the consumer);
(v) Information related to fraud alerts or active duty alerts; or
(vi) Information provided to a consumer reporting agency by another furnisher; or
(2) The furnisher has a reasonable belief that the direct dispute is submitted by, is prepared on behalf of the consumer by, or is submitted on a form supplied to the consumer by, a credit repair organization, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1679a(3), or an entity that would be a credit repair organization, but for 15 U.S.C. 1679a(3)(B)(i).
(c)
(1) The address of a furnisher provided by a furnisher and set forth on a consumer report relating to the consumer;
(2) An address clearly and conspicuously specified by the furnisher for submitting direct disputes that is provided
(3) Any business address of the furnisher if the furnisher has not so specified and provided an address for submitting direct disputes under paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section.
(d)
(1) Sufficient information to identify the account or other relationship that is in dispute, such as an account number and the name, address, and telephone number of the consumer, if applicable;
(2) The specific information that the consumer is disputing and an explanation of the basis for the dispute; and
(3) All supporting documentation or other information reasonably required by the furnisher to substantiate the basis of the dispute. This documentation may include, for example: a copy of the relevant portion of the consumer report that contains the allegedly inaccurate information; a police report; a fraud or identity theft affidavit; a court order; or account statements.
(e)
(1) Conduct a reasonable investigation with respect to the disputed information;
(2) Review all relevant information provided by the consumer with the dispute notice;
(3) Complete its investigation of the dispute and report the results of the investigation to the consumer before the expiration of the period under section 611(a)(1) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681i(a)(1)) within which a consumer reporting agency would be required to complete its action if the consumer had elected to dispute the information under that section; and
(4) If the investigation finds that the information reported was inaccurate, promptly notify each consumer reporting agency to which the furnisher provided inaccurate information of that determination and provide to the consumer reporting agency any correction to that information that is necessary to make the information provided by the furnisher accurate.
(f)
(i) The consumer did not provide sufficient information to investigate the disputed information as required by paragraph (d) of this section;
(ii) The direct dispute is substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted by or on behalf of the consumer, either directly to the furnisher or through a consumer reporting agency, with respect to which the furnisher has already satisfied the applicable requirements of the Act or this section; provided, however, that a direct dispute is not substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted if the dispute includes information listed in paragraph (d) of this section that had not previously been provided to the furnisher; or
(iii) The furnisher is not required to investigate the direct dispute because one or more of the exceptions listed in paragraph (b) of this section applies.
(2)
(3)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(A) Obtains and uses to verify the consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules implementing 31 U.S.C. 5318(l) (31 CFR 103.121);
(B) Maintains in its own records, such as applications, change of address notifications, other member account records, or retained CIP documentation; or
(C) Obtains from third-party sources; or
(ii) Verifying the information in the consumer report provided by the consumer reporting agency with the consumer.
(d)
(i) Can form a reasonable belief that the consumer report relates to the consumer about whom the user requested the report;
(ii) Establishes a continuing relationship with the consumer; and
(iii) Regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to the consumer reporting agency from which the notice of address discrepancy relating to the consumer was obtained.
(2)
(i) Verifying the address with the consumer about whom it has requested the report;
(ii) Reviewing its own records to verify the address of the consumer;
(iii) Verifying the address through third-party sources; or
(iv) Using other reasonable means.
(3)
(a)
(b)
(1) Burning, pulverizing, or shredding papers containing consumer information so that the information cannot practicably be read or reconstructed.
(2) Destroying or erasing electronic media containing consumer information so that the information cannot practicably be read or reconstructed.
(c)
(1) Require you to maintain or destroy any record pertaining to a consumer that is not imposed under any other law; or
(2) Alter or affect any requirement imposed under any other provision of law to maintain or destroy such a record.
(d)
(1)
(i)
(A) A consumer report that you obtain;
(B) Information from a consumer report that you obtain from your affiliate after the consumer has been given a notice and has elected not to opt out of that sharing;
(C) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an individual who applies for but does not receive a loan, including any loan sought by an individual for a business purpose;
(D) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an individual who guarantees a loan (including a loan to a business entity); or
(E) Information from a consumer report that you obtain about an employee or prospective employee.
(ii)
(A) Aggregate information, such as the mean credit score, derived from a group of consumer reports; or
(B) Blind data, such as payment history on accounts that are not personally identifiable, you use for developing credit scoring models or for other purposes.
(2)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i) An extension of credit, such as the purchase of property or services involving a deferred payment; and
(ii) A share or deposit account.
(2) The term
(3)
(i) An account that a federal credit union offers or maintains, primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, that involves or is designed to
(ii) Any other account that the federal credit union offers or maintains for which there is a reasonably foreseeable risk to members or to the safety and soundness of the federal credit union from identity theft, including financial, operational, compliance, reputation, or litigation risks.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(c)
(1) The methods it provides to open its accounts;
(2) The methods it provides to access its accounts; and
(3) Its previous experiences with identity theft.
(d)
(2)
(i) Identify relevant Red Flags for the covered accounts that the federal credit union offers or maintains, and incorporate those Red Flags into its Program;
(ii) Detect Red Flags that have been incorporated into the Program of the federal credit union;
(iii) Respond appropriately to any Red Flags that are detected pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section to prevent and mitigate identity theft; and
(iv) Ensure the Program (including the Red Flags determined to be relevant) is updated periodically, to reflect changes in risks to members and to the safety and soundness of the federal credit union from identity theft.
(e)
(1) Obtain approval of the initial written Program from either its board of directors or an appropriate committee of the board of directors;
(2) Involve the board of directors, an appropriate committee thereof, or a designated employee at the level of senior management in the oversight, development, implementation and administration of the Program;
(3) Train staff, as necessary, to effectively implement the Program; and
(4) Exercise appropriate and effective oversight of service provider arrangements.
(f)
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(1)(i) Notifies the cardholder of the request:
(A) At the cardholder's former address; or
(B) By any other means of communication that the card issuer and the cardholder have previously agreed to use; and
(ii) Provides to the cardholder a reasonable means of promptly reporting incorrect address changes; or
(2) Otherwise assesses the validity of the change of address in accordance with the policies and procedures the card issuer has established pursuant to § 717.90 of this part.
(d)
(e)
a. Although use of the model forms is not required, use of the model forms in this appendix (as applicable) complies with the requirement in section 624 of the Act for clear, conspicuous, and concise notices.
b. Certain changes may be made to the language or format of the model forms without losing the protection from liability afforded by use of the model forms. These changes may not be so extensive as to affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of the language in the model forms. Persons making such extensive revisions will lose the safe harbor that this appendix provides. Acceptable changes include, for example:
1. Rearranging the order of the references to “your income,” “your account history,” and “your credit score.”
2. Substituting other types of information for “income,” “account history,” or “credit score” for accuracy, such as “payment history,” “credit history,” “payoff status,” or “claims history.”
3. Substituting a clearer and more accurate description of the affiliates providing or covered by the notice for phrases such as “the [ABC] group of companies,” including without limitation a statement that the entity providing the notice recently purchased the consumer's account.
4. Substituting other types of affiliates covered by the notice for “credit card,” “insurance brokerage,” or “securities brokerage” affiliates.
5. Omitting items that are not accurate or applicable. For example, if a person does not limit the duration of the opt-out period, the notice may omit information about the renewal notice.
6. Adding a statement informing consumers how much time they have to opt out before shared eligibility information may be used to make solicitations to them.
7. Adding a statement that the consumer may exercise the right to opt out at any time.
8. Adding the following statement, if accurate: “If you previously opted out, you do not need to do so again.”
9. Providing a place on the form for the consumer to fill in identifying information, such as his or her name and address:
10. Adding disclosures regarding the treatment of opt-outs by joint consumers to comply with § 717.23(a)(2) of this part.
• [Name of Affiliate] is providing this notice.
• [Optional: Federal law gives you the right to limit some but not all marketing from our affiliates. Federal law also requires us to give you this notice to tell you about your choice to limit marketing from our affiliates.]
• You may limit our affiliates in the [ABC] group of companies, such as our [credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage] affiliates, from marketing their products or services to you based on your personal information that we collect and share with them. This information includes your [income], your [account history with us], and your [credit score].
• Your choice to limit marketing offers from our affiliates will apply [until you tell us to change your choice]/[for x years from when you tell us your choice]/[for at least 5 years from when you tell us your choice]. [Include if the opt-out period expires.] Once that period expires, you will receive a renewal notice that will allow you to continue to limit marketing offers from our affiliates for [another x years]/[at least another 5 years].
• [Include, if applicable, in a subsequent notice, including an annual notice, for consumers who may have previously opted out.] If you have already made a choice to limit marketing offers from our affiliates, you do not need to act again until you receive the renewal notice.
To limit marketing offers, contact us [include all that apply]:
• By telephone: 1-877-###-####
• On the Web:
• By mail: Check the box and complete the form below, and send the form to:
_Do not allow your affiliates to use my personal information to market to me.
• The [ABC group of companies] is providing this notice.
• [Optional: Federal law gives you the right to limit some but not all marketing from the [ABC] companies. Federal law also requires us to give you this notice to tell you about your choice to limit marketing from the [ABC] companies.]
• You may limit the [ABC] companies, such as the [ABC credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage] affiliates, from marketing their products or services to you based on your personal information that they receive from other [ABC] companies. This information includes your [income], your [account history], and your [credit score].
• Your choice to limit marketing offers from the [ABC] companies will apply [until you tell us to change your choice]/[for x years from when you tell us your choice]/[for at least 5 years from when you tell us your choice]. [Include if the opt-out period expires.] Once that period expires, you will receive a renewal notice that will allow you to continue to limit marketing offers from the [ABC] companies for [another x years]/[at least another 5 years].
• [Include, if applicable, in a subsequent notice, including an annual notice, for consumers who may have previously opted out.] If you have already made a choice to limit marketing offers from the [ABC] companies, you do not need to act again until you receive the renewal notice.
To limit marketing offers, contact us [include all that apply]:
• By telephone: 1-877-###-####
• On the
• By mail: Check the box and complete the form below, and send the form to:
_Do not allow any company [in the ABC group of companies] to use my personal information to market to me.
• [Name of Affiliate] is providing this notice.
• [Optional: Federal law gives you the right to limit some but not all marketing from our affiliates. Federal law also requires us to give you this notice to tell you about your choice to limit marketing from our affiliates.]
• You previously chose to limit our affiliates in the [ABC] group of companies, such as our [credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage] affiliates, from marketing their products or services to you based on your personal information that we share with them. This information includes your [income], your [account history with us], and your [credit score].
• Your choice has expired or is about to expire.
To renew your choice to limit marketing for [x] more years, contact us [include all that apply]:
• By telephone: 1-877-###-####
• On the Web:
• By mail: Check the box and complete the form below, and send the form to:
_Renew my choice to limit marketing for [x] more years.
• The [ABC group of companies] is providing this notice.
• [Optional: Federal law gives you the right to limit some but not all marketing from the [ABC] companies. Federal law also requires us to give you this notice to tell you about your choice to limit marketing from the [ABC] companies.]
• You previously chose to limit the [ABC] companies, such as the [ABC credit card, insurance brokerage, and securities brokerage] affiliates, from marketing their products or services to you based on your personal information that they receive from other ABC companies. This information includes your [income], your [account history], and your [credit score].
• Your choice has expired or is about to expire.
To renew your choice to limit marketing for [x] more years, contact us [include all that apply]:
• By telephone: 1-877-###-####
• On the Web:
• By mail: Check the box and complete the form below, and send the form to:
_Renew my choice to limit marketing for [x] more years.
• [Name of Affiliate] is providing this notice.
• You may choose to stop all marketing from us and our affiliates.
• [Your choice to stop marketing from us and our affiliates will apply until you tell us to change your choice.]
To stop all marketing, contact us [include all that apply]:
• By telephone: 1-877-###-####
• On the Web: www.—.com
• By mail: Check the box and complete the form below, and send the form to:
The NCUA encourages voluntary furnishing of information to consumer reporting agencies. Section 717.42 of this part requires each furnisher to establish and implement reasonable written policies and procedures concerning the accuracy and integrity of the information it furnishes to consumer reporting agencies. Under § 717.42(b), a furnisher must consider the guidelines set forth below in developing its policies and procedures. In establishing these policies and procedures, a furnisher may include any of its existing policies and procedures that are relevant and appropriate. Section 717.42(c) requires each furnisher to review its policies and procedures periodically and update them as necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness.
(a)
(1) The types of business activities in which the furnisher engages;
(2) The nature and frequency of the information the furnisher provides to consumer reporting agencies; and
(3) The technology used by the furnisher to furnish information to consumer reporting agencies.
(b)
(1) To furnish information about accounts or other relationships with a consumer that is accurate, such that the furnished information:
(i) Identifies the appropriate consumer;
(ii) Reflects the terms of and liability for those accounts or other relationships; and
(iii) Reflects the consumer's performance and other conduct with respect to the account or other relationship;
(2) To furnish information about accounts or other relationships with a consumer that has integrity, such that the furnished information:
(i) Is substantiated by the furnisher's records at the time it is furnished;
(ii) Is furnished in a form and manner that is designed to minimize the likelihood that the information may be incorrectly reflected
(A) Include appropriate identifying information about the consumer to whom it pertains; and
(B) Be furnished in a standardized and clearly understandable form and manner and with a date specifying the time period to which the information pertains; and
(iii) Includes the credit limit, if applicable and in the furnisher's possession;
(3) To conduct reasonable investigations of consumer disputes and take appropriate actions based on the outcome of such investigations; and
(4) To update the information it furnishes as necessary to reflect the current status of the consumer's account or other relationship, including, for example:
(i) Any transfer of an account (
(ii) Any cure of the consumer's failure to abide by the terms of the account or other relationship.
In establishing and implementing its policies and procedures, a furnisher should:
(a)
(1) Reviewing its existing practices and activities, including the technological means and other methods it uses to furnish information to consumer reporting agencies and the frequency and timing of its furnishing of information;
(2) Reviewing its historical records relating to accuracy or integrity or to disputes; reviewing other information relating to the accuracy or integrity of information provided by the furnisher to consumer reporting agencies; and considering the types of errors, omissions, or other problems that may have affected the accuracy or integrity of information it has furnished about consumers to consumer reporting agencies;
(3) Considering any feedback received from consumer reporting agencies, consumers, or other appropriate parties;
(4) Obtaining feedback from the furnisher's staff; and
(5) Considering the potential impact of the furnisher's policies and procedures on consumers.
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures of the furnisher regarding the accuracy and integrity of information furnished to consumer reporting agencies; consider whether new, additional, or different policies and procedures are necessary; and consider whether implementation of existing policies and procedures should be modified to enhance the accuracy and integrity of information about consumers furnished to consumer reporting agencies.
(c) Evaluate the effectiveness of specific methods (including technological means) the furnisher uses to provide information to consumer reporting agencies; how those methods may affect the accuracy and integrity of the information it provides to consumer reporting agencies; and whether new, additional, or different methods (including technological means) should be used to provide information to consumer reporting agencies to enhance the accuracy and integrity of that information.
In developing its policies and procedures, a furnisher should address the following, as appropriate:
(a) Establishing and implementing a system for furnishing information about consumers to consumer reporting agencies that is appropriate to the nature, size, complexity, and scope of the furnisher's business operations.
(b) Using standard data reporting formats and standard procedures for compiling and furnishing data, where feasible, such as the electronic transmission of information about consumers to consumer reporting agencies.
(c) Maintaining records for a reasonable period of time, not less than any applicable recordkeeping requirement, in order to substantiate the accuracy of any information about consumers it furnishes that is subject to a direct dispute.
(d) Establishing and implementing appropriate internal controls regarding the accuracy and integrity of information about consumers furnished to consumer reporting agencies, such as by implementing standard procedures and verifying random samples of information provided to consumer reporting agencies.
(e) Training staff that participates in activities related to the furnishing of information about consumers to consumer reporting agencies to implement the policies and procedures.
(f) Providing for appropriate and effective oversight of relevant service providers whose activities may affect the accuracy or integrity of information about consumers furnished to consumer reporting agencies to ensure compliance with the policies and procedures.
(g) Furnishing information about consumers to consumer reporting agencies following mergers, portfolio acquisitions or sales, or other acquisitions or transfers of accounts or other obligations in a manner that prevents re-aging of information, duplicative reporting, or other problems that may similarly affect the accuracy or integrity of the information furnished.
(h) Deleting, updating, and correcting information in the furnisher's records, as appropriate, to avoid furnishing inaccurate information.
(i) Conducting reasonable investigations of disputes.
(j) Designing technological and other means of communication with consumer reporting agencies to prevent duplicative reporting of accounts, erroneous association of information with the wrong consumer(s), and other occurrences that may compromise the accuracy or integrity of information provided to consumer reporting agencies.
(k) Providing consumer reporting agencies with sufficient identifying information in the furnisher's possession about each consumer about whom information is furnished to enable the consumer reporting agency properly to identify the consumer.
(l) Conducting a periodic evaluation of its own practices, consumer reporting agency practices of which the furnisher is aware, investigations of disputed information, corrections of inaccurate information, means of communication, and other factors that may affect the accuracy or integrity of information furnished to consumer reporting agencies.
(m) Complying with applicable requirements under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and its implementing regulations.
At 74 FR 31524, July 1, 2009, appendix E to part 717 was added, effective July 1, 2010.
Section 717.90 of this part requires each federal credit union that offers or maintains one or more covered accounts, as defined in § 717.90(b)(3) of this part, to develop and provide for the continued administration of a written Program to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of a covered account or any existing covered account. These guidelines are intended to assist federal credit unions in the formulation and maintenance of a Program that satisfies the requirements of § 717.90 of this part.
In designing its Program, a federal credit union may incorporate, as appropriate, its existing policies, procedures, and other arrangements that control reasonably foreseeable risks to members or to the safety and soundness of the federal credit union from identity theft.
(a)
(1) The types of covered accounts it offers or maintains;
(2) The methods it provides to open its covered accounts;
(3) The methods it provides to access its covered accounts; and
(4) Its previous experiences with identity theft.
(b)
(1) Incidents of identity theft that the federal credit union has experienced;
(2) Methods of identity theft that the federal credit union has identified that reflect changes in identity theft risks; and
(3) Applicable supervisory guidance.
(c)
(1) Alerts, notifications, or other warnings received from consumer reporting agencies or service providers, such as fraud detection services;
(2) The presentation of suspicious documents;
(3) The presentation of suspicious personal identifying information, such as a suspicious address change;
(4) The unusual use of, or other suspicious activity related to, a covered account; and
(5) Notice from members, victims of identity theft, law enforcement authorities, or other persons regarding possible identity theft in connection with covered accounts held by the federal credit union.
The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red Flags in connection with the opening of covered accounts and existing covered accounts, such as by:
(a) Obtaining identifying information about, and verifying the identity of, a person opening a covered account, for example, using the policies and procedures regarding identification and verification set forth in the Customer Identification Program rules implementing 31 U.S.C. 5318(l) (31 CFR 103.121); and
(b) Authenticating members, monitoring transactions, and verifying the validity of change of address requests, in the case of existing covered accounts.
The Program's policies and procedures should provide for appropriate responses to the Red Flags the federal credit union has detected that are commensurate with the degree of risk posed. In determining an appropriate response, a federal credit union should consider aggravating factors that may heighten the risk of identity theft, such as a data security incident that results in unauthorized access to a member's account records held by the federal credit union or a third party, or notice that a member has provided information related to a covered account held by the federal credit union to someone fraudulently claiming to represent the federal credit union or to a fraudulent website. Appropriate responses may include the following:
(a) Monitoring a covered account for evidence of identity theft;
(b) Contacting the member;
(c) Changing any passwords, security codes, or other security devices that permit access to a covered account;
(d) Reopening a covered account with a new account number;
(e) Not opening a new covered account;
(f) Closing an existing covered account;
(g) Not attempting to collect on a covered account or not selling a covered account to a debt collector;
(h) Notifying law enforcement; or
(i) Determining that no response is warranted under the particular circumstances.
Federal credit unions should update the Program (including the Red Flags determined to be relevant) periodically, to reflect changes in risks to members or to the safety and soundness of the federal credit union from identity theft, based on factors such as:
(a) The experiences of the federal credit union with identity theft;
(b) Changes in methods of identity theft;
(c) Changes in methods to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft;
(d) Changes in the types of accounts that the federal credit union offers or maintains; and
(e) Changes in the business arrangements of the federal credit union, including mergers, acquisitions, alliances, joint ventures, and service provider arrangements.
(a)
(1) Assigning specific responsibility for the Program's implementation;
(2) Reviewing reports prepared by staff regarding compliance by the federal credit union with § 717.90 of this part; and
(3) Approving material changes to the Program as necessary to address changing identity theft risks.
(b)
(2)
(c)
Federal credit unions should be mindful of other related legal requirements that may be applicable, such as:
(a) Filing a Suspicious Activity Report under 31 U.S.C. 5318(g) and 12 CFR 748.1(c);
(b) Implementing any requirements under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1(h) regarding the circumstances under which credit may be extended when the federal credit union detects a fraud or active duty alert;
(c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2, for example, to correct or update inaccurate or incomplete information, and to not report information that the furnisher has reasonable cause to believe is inaccurate; and
(d) Complying with the prohibitions in 15 U.S.C. 1681m on the sale, transfer, and placement for collection of certain debts resulting from identity theft.
In addition to incorporating Red Flags from the sources recommended in section II.b. of the Guidelines in appendix J of this part, each federal credit union may consider incorporating into its Program, whether singly or in combination, Red Flags from the following illustrative examples in connection with covered accounts:
1. A fraud or active duty alert is included with a consumer report.
2. A consumer reporting agency provides a notice of credit freeze in response to a request for a consumer report.
3. A consumer reporting agency provides a notice of address discrepancy, as defined in § 717.82(b) of this part.
4. A consumer report indicates a pattern of activity that is inconsistent with the history and usual pattern of activity of an applicant or member, such as:
a. A recent and significant increase in the volume of inquiries;
b. An unusual number of recently established credit relationships;
c. A material change in the use of credit, especially with respect to recently established credit relationships; or
d. An account that was closed for cause or identified for abuse of account privileges by a financial institution or creditor.
5. Documents provided for identification appear to have been altered or forged.
6. The photograph or physical description on the identification is not consistent with the appearance of the applicant or member presenting the identification.
7. Other information on the identification is not consistent with information provided by the person opening a new covered account or member presenting the identification.
8. Other information on the identification is not consistent with readily accessible information that is on file with the federal credit union, such as a signature card or a recent check.
9. An application appears to have been altered or forged, or gives the appearance of having been destroyed and reassembled.
10. Personal identifying information provided is inconsistent when compared against external information sources used by the federal credit union. For example:
a. The address does not match any address in the consumer report; or
b. The Social Security Number (SSN) has not been issued, or is listed on the Social Security Administration's Death Master File.
11. Personal identifying information provided by the member is not consistent with other personal identifying information provided by the member. For example, there is a lack of correlation between the SSN range and date of birth.
12. Personal identifying information provided is associated with known fraudulent activity as indicated by internal or third-party sources used by the federal credit union. For example:
a. The address on an application is the same as the address provided on a fraudulent application; or
b. The phone number on an application is the same as the number provided on a fraudulent application.
13. Personal identifying information provided is of a type commonly associated with fraudulent activity as indicated by internal or third-party sources used by the federal credit union. For example:
a. The address on an application is fictitious, a mail drop, or prison; or
b. The phone number is invalid, or is associated with a pager or answering service.
14. The SSN provided is the same as that submitted by other persons opening an account or other members.
15. The address or telephone number provided is the same as or similar to the address or telephone number submitted by an unusually large number of other persons opening accounts or by other members.
16. The person opening the covered account or the member fails to provide all required personal identifying information on an application or in response to notification that the application is incomplete.
17. Personal identifying information provided is not consistent with personal identifying information that is on file with the federal credit union.
18. For federal credit unions that use challenge questions, the person opening the covered account or the member cannot provide authenticating information beyond that which generally would be available from a wallet or consumer report.
19. Shortly following the notice of a change of address for a covered account, the institution or creditor receives a request for a new, additional, or replacement card or a cell phone, or for the addition of authorized users on the account.
20. A new revolving credit account is used in a manner commonly associated with known patterns of fraud. For example:
a. The majority of available credit is used for cash advances or merchandise that is easily convertible to cash (e.g., electronics equipment or jewelry); or
b. The member fails to make the first payment or makes an initial payment but no subsequent payments.
21. A covered account is used in a manner that is not consistent with established patterns of activity on the account. There is, for example:
a. Nonpayment when there is no history of late or missed payments;
b. A material increase in the use of available credit;
c. A material change in purchasing or spending patterns;
d. A material change in electronic fund transfer patterns in connection with a deposit account; or
e. A material change in telephone call patterns in connection with a cellular phone account.
22. A covered account that has been inactive for a reasonably lengthy period of time is used (taking into consideration the type of account, the expected pattern of usage and other relevant factors).
23. Mail sent to the member is returned repeatedly as undeliverable although transactions continue to be conducted in connection with the member's covered account.
24. The federal credit union is notified that the member is not receiving paper account statements.
25. The federal credit union is notified of unauthorized charges or transactions in connection with a member's covered account.
26. The federal credit union is notified by a member, a victim of identity theft, a law enforcement authority, or any other person that it has opened a fraudulent account for a person engaged in identity theft.
12 U.S.C. 1757(17), 1766 and 1789.
This part authorizes a federal credit union (you) to engage in activities incidental to your business as set out in this part. This part also describes how interested parties may request a legal opinion on whether an activity is within a federal credit union's incidental powers or apply to add new activities or categories to the regulation. An activity approved in a legal opinion to an interested party or as a result of an application by an interested party to add new activities or categories is recognized as an incidental powers activity for all federal credit unions. This part does not apply to the activities of corporate credit unions.
An incidental powers activity is one that is necessary or requisite to enable you to carry on effectively the business for which you are incorporated. An activity meets the definition of an incidental power activity if the activity:
(a) Is convenient or useful in carrying out the mission or business of credit unions consistent with the Federal Credit Union Act;
(b) Is the functional equivalent or logical outgrowth of activities that are part of the mission or business of credit unions; and
(c) Involves risks similar in nature to those already assumed as part of the business of credit unions.
The categories of activities in this section are preapproved as incidental to carrying on your business under § 721.2. The examples of incidental powers activities within each category are provided in this section as illustrations
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Whether the activity is convenient or useful in carrying out the mission or business of credit unions consistent with the Act;
(2) Whether the activity is the functional equivalent or logical outgrowth of activities that are part of the mission or business of credit unions; and
(3) Whether the activity involves risks similar in nature to those already assumed as part of the business of credit unions.
You must comply with any applicable NCUA regulations, policies, and legal opinions, as well as applicable state and federal law, if an activity authorized under this part is otherwise regulated or conditioned.
You may earn income for those activities determined to be incidental to your business.
(a)
(b)
(1) Payment, by you, of salary to your employees;
(2) Payment, by you, of an incentive or bonus to an employee based on your overall financial performance;
(3) Payment, by you, of an incentive or bonus to an employee, other than a senior management employee or paid official, in connection with an activity authorized by this part, provided that your board of directors establishes written policies and internal controls for the incentive program and monitors compliance with such policies and controls at least annually; and
(4) Payment, by a person other than you, of any compensation or benefit to an employee, other than a senior management employee or paid official, in connection with an activity authorized by this part, provided that your board of directors establishes written policies and internal controls regarding third-party compensation and determines that the employee's involvement does not present a conflict of interest.
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1789 and 3339.
(a)
(b)
(2) This part: (i) Identifies which real estate-related financial transactions require the services of an appraiser;
(ii) Prescribes which categories of federally related transactions shall be appraised by a state-certified appraiser and which by a state-licensed appraiser; and
(iii) Prescribes minimum standards for the performance of real estate appraisals in connection with federally related transactions under the jurisdiction of the National Credit Union Administration.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) The National Credit Union Administration, or any federally insured credit union, engages in or contracts for; and
(2) Requires the services of an appraiser.
(f)
(1) Buyer and seller are typically motivated;
(2) Both parties are well informed or well advised; and acting in what they consider their own best interests;
(3) A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market;
(4) Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and
(5) The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
(g)
(h)
(1) The sale, lease, purchase, investment in or exchange of real property, including interests in property, or the financing thereof; or
(2) The refinancing of real property or interests in real property; or
(3) The use of real property or interests in property as security for a loan or investment, including mortgage-backed securities.
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(2) For sales, leases, purchases, and investments in or exchanges of real property, the market value of the real property interest involved; and
(3) For the pooling of loans or interests in real property for resale or purchase, the amount of the loan or market value of the real property calculated with respect to each such loan or interest in real property.
(a)
(1) The transaction value is $250,000 or less;
(2) A lien on real property has been taken as collateral through an abundance of caution and where the terms of the transaction as a consequence have not been made more favorable than they would have been in the absence of a lien;
(3) A lien on real estate has been taken for purposes other than the real estate's value;
(4) A lease of real estate is entered into, unless the lease is the economic equivalent of a purchase or sale of the leased real estate;
(5) The transaction involves an existing extension of credit at the credit union, provided that:
(i) There is no advancement of new monies, other than funds necessary to cover reasonable closing costs; and
(ii) There has been no obvious and material change in market conditions or physical aspects of the property that threatens the adequacy of the credit union's real estate collateral protection after the transaction;
(6) The transaction involves the purchase, sale, investment in, exchange of, or extension of credit secured by, a loan or interest in a loan, pooled loans, or interests in real property, including mortgage-backed securities, and each loan or interest in a loan, pooled loan, or real property interest met the requirements of this regulation, if applicable, at the time of origination;
(7) The transaction is wholly or partially insured or guaranteed by a United States government agency or United States government sponsored agency;
(8) The transaction either:
(i) Qualifies for sale to a United States government agency or United
(ii) Involves a residential real estate transaction in which the appraisal conforms to the Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation appraisal standards applicable to that category of real estate; or
(9) The regional director has granted a waiver from the appraisal requirement for a category of loans meeting the definition of a member business loan.
(b)
(2) (Nonresidential transactions) All federally related transactions having a transaction value of more than $250,000, other than those involving appraisals of 1- to 4-family residential properties, shall require an appraisal prepared by a state-certified appraiser.
(3) (Complex residential transactions of $250,000 or more) All complex 1- to 4-family residential property appraisals rendered in connection with federally related transactions shall require a state-certified appraiser if the transaction value is $250,000 or more. A regulated institution may presume that appraisals of 1- to 4-family residential properties are not complex unless the institution has readily available information that a given appraisal will be complex. The regulated institution shall be responsible for making the final determination of whether the appraisal is complex. If, during the course of the appraisal, a licensed appraiser identifies factors that would result in the property, form of ownership, or market conditions being considered atypical, then either:
(i) The regulated institution may ask the licensed appraiser to complete the appraisal and have a certified appraiser approve and cosign the appraisal; or
(ii) The institution may engage a certified appraiser to complete the appraisal.
(c)
(d)
(e)
For federally related transactions, all appraisals shall, at a minimum:
(a) Conform to generally accepted appraisal standards as evidenced by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, 1029 Vermont Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20005;
(b) Be written and contain sufficient information and analysis to support the institution's decision to engage in the transaction;
(c) Analyze and report appropriate deductions and discounts for proposed construction or renovation, partially leased buildings, non-market lease terms, and tract developments with unsold units;
(d) Be based upon the definition of market value as set forth in § 722.2(f); and
(e) Be performed by State licensed or certified appraisers in accordance with requirements set forth in this subpart.
(a)
(b)
(2) A credit union also may accept an appraisal that was prepared by an appraiser engaged directly by another financial services institution; if:
(i) The appraiser has no direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or transaction; and
(ii) The credit union determines that the appraisal conforms to the requirement of this regulation and is otherwise acceptable.
(a)
(b)
Credit unions and institution-affiliated parties, including staff appraisers and fee appraisers, may be subject to removal and/or prohibition orders, cease-and-desist orders, and the imposition of civil money penalties pursuant to section 1786 of the Federal Credit Union Act, or any other applicable law.
12 U.S.C. 1756, 1757, 1757A, 1766, 1785, 1789.
(a)
(1) Commercial;
(2) Corporate;
(3) Other business investment property or venture; or
(4) Agricultural.
(b)
(1) A loan fully secured by a lien on a 1 to 4 family dwelling that is the member's primary residence;
(2) A loan fully secured by shares in the credit union making the extension of credit or deposits in other financial institutions;
(3) Loan(s) to a member or an associated member which, when the net member business loan balances are added together, are equal to less than $50,000;
(4) A loan where a federal or state agency (or its political subdivision) fully insures repayment, or fully guarantees repayment, or provides an advance commitment to purchase in full; or
(5) A loan granted by a corporate credit union to another credit union.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(1) Your chief executive officer (typically this individual holds the title of President or Treasurer/Manager);
(2) Any assistant chief executive officers (e.g., Assistant President, Vice President, or Assistant Treasurer/Manager);
(3) Your chief financial officer (Comptroller); or
(4) Any associated member or immediate family member of anyone listed in paragraphs (a) (1) through (3) of this section.
(b)
(c)
Except as provided in § 723.4 or unless your Regional Director grants a waiver, loans granted for the construction
(a) The aggregate of the net member business loan balances for all construction and development loans must not exceed 15% of net worth. In determining the aggregate balances for purposes of this limitation, a credit union may exclude any loan made to finance the construction of a single-family residence if a prospective homeowner has contracted to purchase the property and may also exclude a loan to finance the construction of one single-family residence per member-borrower or group of associated member-borrowers, irrespective of the existence of a contractual commitment from a prospective homeowner to purchase the property.
(b) The borrower must have a minimum of 25% equity interest in the project being financed, the value of which is determined by the market value of the project at the time the loan is made, except that this requirement will not apply in the case of a loan made to finance the construction of a single-family residence if a prospective homeowner has contracted to purchase the property and in the case of one loan to a member-borrower or group of associated member-borrowers to finance the construction of a single-family residence, irrespective of the existence of a contractual commitment from a prospective homeowner to purchase the property. Instead, the collateral requirements of § 723.7 will apply; and
(c) The funds may be released only after on-site, written inspections by qualified personnel and according to a preapproved draw schedule and any other conditions as set forth in the loan documentation.
(a) The provisions of § 701.21(a) through (g) and part 702 of this chapter apply to member business loans granted by credit unions to the extent they are consistent with this part. Except as required by part 741 of this chapter, federally insured State-chartered credit unions are not required to comply with the provisions of § 701.21(a) through (g) of this chapter.
(b) If a federal credit union makes a member business loan as part of a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program with loan requirements that are less restrictive than those required by NCUA, then the federal credit union may follow the loan requirements of the relevant Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program to the extent they are consistent with this part. A federally insured State-chartered credit union that is subject to this part and makes a member business loan as part of a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program with loan requirements that are less restrictive than those required by NCUA may follow the loan requirements of the relevant Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program to the extent they are consistent with this part if its state supervisory authority has determined that the credit union has authority to do so under State law.
(c) The collateral and security requirements of § 723.3 and § 723.7 do not apply to member business loans made as part of a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program.
(a)
(b)
(1) The third party may provide a service to the credit union related to the transaction, such as loan servicing;
(2) The third party may provide the requisite experience to the credit union and purchase a loan or a participation interest in a loan originated by the credit union that the third party reviewed; or
(3) A credit union may use the services of a CUSO that otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section even though the CUSO is not independent from the transaction, provided the credit union has a controlling financial interest in the CUSO as determined under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
At a minimum, your policy must address the following:
(a) The types of business loans you will make;
(b) Your trade area;
(c) The maximum amount of your assets, in relation to net worth, that you will invest in secured and unsecured business loans;
(d) The maximum amount of your assets, in relation to net worth, that you will invest in a given category or type of business loan;
(e) The maximum amount of your assets, in relation to net worth, that you will loan to any one member or group of associated members, subject to § 723.7(c)(2) and § 723.8;
(f) The qualifications and experience of personnel (minimum of 2 years) involved in making and administering business loans;
(g) A requirement to analyze and document the ability of the borrower to repay the loan consistent with appropriate underwriting and due diligence standards, which also addresses the need for periodic financial statements, credit reports, and other data when necessary to analyze future loans and lines of credit, such as, borrower's history and experience, balance sheet, cash flow analysis, income statements, tax data, environmental impact assessment, and comparison with industry averages, depending upon the loan purpose;
(h) The collateral requirements must include:
(1) Loan-to-value ratios;
(2) Determination of value;
(3) Determination of ownership;
(4) Steps to secure various types of collateral; and
(5) How often the credit union will reevaluate the value and marketability of collateral;
(i) The interest rates and maturities of business loans;
(j) General loan procedures which include:
(1) Loan monitoring;
(2) Servicing and follow-up; and
(3) Collection;
(k) Identification of those individuals prohibited from receiving member business loans.
(a) Except as provided in § 723.3 or unless your Regional Director grants a waiver, all member business loans, except those made under paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, must be secured by collateral as follows:
(1) The maximum loan-to-value ratio for all liens must not exceed 80% unless the value in excess of 80% is covered through private mortgage insurance or equivalent type of insurance, or insured, guaranteed, or subject to advance commitment to purchase by an agency of the federal government, an agency of a state or any of its political subdivisions, but in no case may the ratio exceed 95%;
(2) A borrower may not substitute any insurance, guarantee, or advance commitment to purchase by any agency of the federal government, a state or any political subdivision of such state for the collateral requirements of this paragraph.
(b) Principals, other than a not for profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service Code (26 U.S.C. 501) or those where the Regional Director grants a waiver, must provide their personal liability and guarantee. Federal credit unions and federally insured state-chartered credit unions that meet RegFlex standards, as determined pursuant to Part 742 of this Chapter, are exempt from this requirement and may make their own determination whether to require the personal liability and guarantee of principals.
(c) You may make unsecured member business loans under the following conditions:
(1) You are a natural person credit union that is well capitalized as defined by § 702.102(a)(1) of this chapter or you are a corporate credit union that maintains a minimum capital ratio as required by § 704.3(d) of this chapter or a different ratio as permitted under § 704.3(e) of this chapter;
(2) The aggregate of the unsecured outstanding member business loans to any one member or group of associated members does not exceed the lesser of $100,000 or 2.5% of your net worth; and
(3) The aggregate of all unsecured outstanding member business loans does not exceed 10% of your net worth.
(d) You are exempt from the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section with respect to credit card line of credit programs offered to nonnatural person members that are limited to routine purposes normally made available under those programs.
(e) You may make vehicle loans under this part without complying with the loan-to-value ratios in this section, provided that the vehicle is a car, van, pick-up truck, or sports utility vehicle and not part of a fleet of vehicles.
Unless your Regional Director grants a waiver for a higher amount, the aggregate amount of net member business loan balances to any one member or group of associated members must not exceed the greater of:
(a) 15% of the credit union's net worth; or
(b) $100,000.
You may seek a waiver for a category of loans in any of the following areas:
(a) Appraisal requirements under § 722.3;
(b) Aggregate construction and development loans limits under § 723.3(a);
(c) Minimum borrower equity requirements for construction and development loans under § 723.3(b);
(d) Loan-to-value ratio requirements for business loans under § 723.7(a);
(e) Requirement for personal liability and guarantee under § 723.7(b);
(f) Maximum unsecured business loans to one member or group of associated members under § 723.7(c)(2);
(g) Maximum aggregate unsecured member business loan limit under § 723.7(c)(3); and
(h) Maximum aggregate net member business loan balance to any one member or group of associated members under § 723.8.
To obtain a waiver, a federal credit union must submit a request to the Regional Director (a corporate federal credit union submits the waiver request to the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions). A state chartered federally insured credit union must submit the request to its state supervisory authority. If the state supervisory authority approves the request, the state regulator will forward the request to the Regional Director (or if appropriate the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions). A
(a) A copy of your business lending policy;
(b) The higher limit sought (if applicable);
(c) An explanation of the need to raise the limit (if applicable);
(d) Documentation supporting your ability to manage this activity; and
(e) An analysis of the credit union's prior experience making member business loans, including as a minimum:
(1) The history of loan losses and loan delinquency;
(2) Volume and cyclical or seasonal patterns;
(3) Diversification;
(4) Concentrations of credit to one borrower or group of associated borrowers in excess of 15% of net worth;
(5) Underwriting standards and practices;
(6) Types of loans grouped by purpose and collateral; and
(7) The qualifications of personnel responsible for underwriting and administering member business loans.
Your Regional Director (or the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions) will:
(a) Review the information you provided in your request;
(b) Evaluate the level of risk to your credit union;
(c) Consider your credit union's historical CAMEL composite and component ratings when evaluating your request; and
(d) Notify you whenever your waiver request is deemed complete. Notify you of the action taken within 45 calendar days of receiving a complete request from the federal credit union or the state supervisory authority. If you do not receive notification within 45 calendar days of the date the complete request was received by the regional office, the credit union may assume approval of the waiver request.
You may appeal the Regional Director's (or the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions) decision in writing to the NCUA Board. Your appeal must include all information requested in § 723.11 and why you disagree with your Regional Director's (or the Office of Corporate Credit Union Director's) decision.
(a)
(b)
(1) The total of the credit union's net member business loan balances and the nonmember loan balances must not exceed the lesser of 1.75 times the credit union's net worth or 12.25% of the credit union's total assets, unless the credit union has first received approval from the NCUA regional director.
(2) To request approval from the NCUA regional director, a credit union must submit an application that:
(i) Includes a current copy of the credit union's member business loan policies;
(ii) Confirms that the credit union is in compliance with all other aspects of this rule;
(iii) States the credit union's proposed limit on the total amount of nonmember loans and participation interests that the credit union may acquire if the application is granted; and
(iv) Attests that the acquisition of nonmember loans and participations is not being used, in conjunction with one or more other credit unions, to have the effect of trading member business loans that would otherwise exceed the aggregate limit.
(3) A federal credit union must submit its request for approval to the regional director (a corporate federal credit union submits its request to the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions). A state chartered federally insured credit union must submit the request to its state supervisory authority. If the state supervisory authority approves the request, the state regulator will forward the application and its decision to the regional director (or if appropriate, the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions). An approved application is not effective until it is approved by the regional director (or in the case of a corporate federal credit union the Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions). The regional director will issue a decision within 30 days of receipt of a federal credit union's completed application or within 30 days of receipt of a completed application and the state supervisory authority's approval for a state chartered federally insured credit union.
There are three circumstances where a credit union qualifies for an exception from the aggregate limit. Loans that are excepted from the definition of member business loans are not counted for the purpose of the exceptions. The three exceptions are:
(a) Credit unions that have a low-income designation or participate in the Community Development Financial Institutions program;
(b) Credit unions that were chartered for the purpose of making member business loans and can provide documentary evidence (such evidence includes but is not limited to the original charter, original bylaws, original business plan, original field of membership, board minutes and loan portfolio);
(c) Credit unions that have a history of primarily making member business loans, meaning that either member business loans comprise at least 25% of the credit union's outstanding loans (as evidenced in any call report filed between January 1995 and September 1998 or any equivalent documentation including financial statements) or member business loans comprise the largest portion of the credit union's loan portfolio (as evidenced in any call report filed between January 1995 and September 1998 or any equivalent documentation including financial statements). For example, if a credit union makes 23% member business loans, 22% first mortgage loans, 22% new automobile loans, 20% credit card loans, and 13% total other real estate loans, then the credit union meets this exception.
To obtain the exception, a federal credit union must submit documentation to the Regional Director, demonstrating that it meets the criteria of one of the exceptions. A state chartered federally insured credit union must submit documentation to its state supervisory authority. The state supervisory authority will forward its decision to NCUA. The exception does not expire unless revoked by the state supervisory authority for a state chartered federally insured credit union or the Regional Director for a federal credit union. If an exception request is denied for a federal credit union, it may be appealed to the NCUA Board within 60 days of the denial by the Regional Director. Until the NCUA Board acts on the appeal, the credit union can continue to make new member business loans.
You must separately identify member business loans in your records and in the aggregate on your financial reports.
(a) The NCUA Board may exempt federally insured state chartered credit unions in a given state from NCUA's
(1) The definition of a member business loan;
(2) Loan to one borrower limits;
(3) Written loan policies;
(4) Collateral and security requirements;
(5) Construction and development lending; and
(6) Loans to senior management.
(b) To receive NCUA's approval of a state's member business loan rule, the state supervisory authority must submit its rule to the NCUA regional office. After reviewing the rule, the region will forward the request to the NCUA Board for a final determination.
(c) A state supervisory authority that administers a state member business loans rule, approved by NCUA under §§ 723.20(a) and (b), may rescind its rule without NCUA approval. A state supervisory authority should notify NCUA if it anticipates rescinding its rule to foster regulatory continuity and cooperation.
For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
If a member borrows money to repair a roof on a barn on an existing farming operation, this is a member business loan but is not a construction or development loan. A construction or development loan does not include a loan for routine maintenance of a borrower's existing business or a loan to enhance or expand a borrower's existing business unless those renovations convert the property to a different use or are so major as to be considered the equivalent of converting the use of the property.
A loan to convert a movie theater into a restaurant is a construction or development loan. A loan to convert a large Victorian home used for residential purposes into a six-room inn also would be a construction or development loan. In both instances, the loans are for the purpose of converting the use of the properties. By contrast, a loan to repair the roof or replace the carpet and wallpaper of an operating inn would not be a construction or development loan as it neither converts the use of the property, nor is so major a renovation to be considered the equivalent of converting the use of the property.
A loan to expand the parking lot of a small strip shopping center would not be a construction or development loan, but a loan to renovate the small strip shopping center into a mega-mall would be a construction or development loan as it would be viewed as a major renovation that converts the use of the property.
A hotel with a fair market value of $10 million borrows $1 million to build an exercise facility in the hotel to enhance the property. The loan amount is 10% of the fair market value of the property. This is not a construction or development loan. It is a member business loan to improve or renovate an existing income producing property, but it is not so major a renovation as to be considered the equivalent of converting the use of the property. In another scenario, a hotel with a fair market value of $10 million borrows $5 million to build a luxury health spa on the hotel grounds. The loan
12 U.S.C. 1757, 1765, 1766 and 1787.
A federal credit union is authorized to act as trustee or custodian, and may receive reasonable compensation for so acting, under any written trust instrument or custodial agreement created or organized in the United States and forming part of a tax-advantaged savings plan which qualifies or qualified for specific tax treatment under sections 223, 401(d), 408, 408A and 530 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 223, 401(d), 408, 408A and 530), for its members or groups of its members, provided the funds of such plans are invested in share accounts or share certificate accounts of the Federal credit union. Federal credit unions located in a territory, including the trust territories, or a possession of the United States, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are also authorized to act as trustee or custodian for such plans, if authorized under sections 223, 401(d), 408, 408A and 530 of the Internal Revenue Code as applied to the territory or possession under similar provisions of territorial law. All funds held in a trustee or custodial capacity must be maintained in accordance with applicable laws and rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Treasury, or any other authority exercising jurisdiction over such trust or custodial accounts. The federal credit union shall maintain individual records for each participant which show in detail all transactions
A federal credit union may facilitate transfers of plan funds to assets other than share and share certificates of the credit union, provided the conditions of § 724.1 are met and the following additional conditions are met:
(a) All contributions of funds are initially made to a share or share certificate account in the Federal credit union;
(b) Any subsequent transfer of funds to other assets is solely at the direction of the member and the Federal credit union exercises no investment discretion and provides no investment advice with respect to plan assets (i.e., the credit union performs only custodial duties); and
(c) The member is clearly notified of the fact that National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund coverage is limited to funds held in share or share certificate accounts of NCUSIF-insured credit unions.
Any plan operated pursuant to this part shall provide for the appointment of a successor trustee or custodian by a person, committee, corporation or organization other than the Federal credit union or any person acting in his capacity as a director, employee or agent of the Federal credit union upon notice from the Federal credit union or the Board that the Federal credit union is unwilling or unable to continue to act as trustee or custodian.
Secs. 301-307 Federal Credit Union Act, 92 Stat. 3719-3722 (12 U.S.C. 1795-1795f).
This part contains the regulations implementing the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility Act, subchapter III of the Federal Credit Union Act. The National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility is a mixed-ownership Government corporation within the National Credit Union Administration. It is managed by the National Credit Union Administration Board and is owned by its member credit unions. The purpose of the Facility is to improve the general financial stability of credit unions by meeting their liquidity needs and thereby encourage savings, support consumer and mortgage lending and provide basic financial resources to all segments of the economy.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Cash on hand;
(2) Share or deposit accounts with remaining maturities of one year or less maintained in central credit unions or institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation;
(3) Investments in obligations of the United States or any agency thereof, or securities fully guaranteed as to principal and interest thereby, which are authorized under 12 U.S.C. 1757(7) and which have a remaining maturity of one year or less;
(4) Common trust investments and similar investments in funds or securities authorized for Federal credit unions, the objectives of which are to provide daily liquidity for participating credit unions;
(5) Shares in the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility or in special share accounts authorized by § 725.7 of this part;
(6) In the case of a federally-insured state-chartered credit union, any asset held in satisfaction of liquidity requirements imposed by applicable state law or regulation; and
(7) Balances maintained by federally-insured credit unions in a Federal Reserve bank, or in a pass-through account to a Federal Reserve bank, pursuant to the requirements of section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 461(b)).
(i)
(1) Short-term adjustment credit available to assist in meeting temporary requirements for funds or to cushion more persistent outflows of funds pending an orderly adjustment of credit union assets and liabilities;
(2) Seasonal credit available for longer periods to assist in meeting seasonal needs for funds arising from a combination of expected patterns of movement in share and deposit accounts and loans; and
(3) Protracted adjustment credit available in the event of unusual or emergency circumstances of a longer term nature resulting from national, regional or local difficulties.
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(1) For initial qualification, any 7 months out of the 12 months immediately preceding the month in which application is made to become a member of the Facility; and
(2) For qualification during each subsequent calendar year, any 7 months out of the previous calendar year.
(q)
(a) A natural person credit union may become a Regular member of the Facility by:
(1) Making application on a form approved by the Facility;
(2) Subscribing to capital stock of the Facility in an amount equal to one-half of 1 percent of the credit union's paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with § 725.5(b) of this part, and forwarding with its completed application funds equal to one-half of this stock subscription;
(3) Furnishing the following reports and documents with the completed membership application:
(i) A copy of the credit union's financial and statistical report for the most recent calendar month; and
(ii) Copies of the credit union's charter and bylaws, unless the credit union is federally chartered.
(b) A credit union which becomes a Regular member of the Facility after February 23, 1980, may not receive Facility advances without approval of the NCUA Board for a period of six months after becoming a member. This subsection shall not apply to any credit union which becomes a Regular member of the Facility within six months after such credit union is chartered, or which has had access to Facility funds through an Agent member of the Facility at any time within six months prior to becoming a Regular member of the Facility.
(a) A central credit union or a group of central credit unions may become an Agent member of the Facility by (in the case of a group of central credit unions, each central credit union in the group must do each of the following except for paragraph (a)(2) of this section, which shall be done by the Agent group representative):
(1) Making application on a form approved by the Facility;
(2) Subscribing to the capital stock of the Facility in an amount equal to one-half of 1 percent of the paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus (as determined in accordance with § 725.5(b) of this part) of all the central credit union's or central credit union group's member natural person credit unions, except those which are Regular members of the Facility or which have access to the Facility through, and are included in the stock subscription of, another Agent.
(3) Furnishing the following reports and documents with the completed membership application:
(i) A copy of the central credit union's financial and statistical report for the most recent calendar month;
(ii) Copies of the central credit union's charter and bylaws, unless such credit union is federally chartered; and
(iii) A list of all the central credit union's member natural person credit unions.
(4) Agreeing to submit to the supervision of the NCUA Board and to comply with all regulations and reporting requirements which the NCUA Board shall prescribe for Agent members;
(5) Agreeing to submit to periodic unrestricted examinations by the NCUA Board or its designee; and
(6) Obtaining the written approval of the NCUA Board.
(b) The NCUA Board may approve a central credit union or group of central credit unions as an Agent member of the Facility, provided the NCUA Board is satisfied that such credit union or credit union group meets certain criteria, including but not limited to the following (in the case of a group of central credit unions, each central credit union in the group must meet these criteria):
(1) The management policies are in writing, approved by the central credit union's board of directors, and reviewed annually by such board;
(2) Adequate internal controls are in place to assure accurate and timely reporting of transactions and the safeguarding of assets;
(3) The financial condition of the central credit union is sound with adequate reserves for losses;
(4) Surety bond coverage provides protection for the central credit union while the central credit union is performing the duties of an Agent member of Facility;
(5) Management has demonstrated its ability to use such techniques as cash flow analysis, budgeting, and projections of sources and uses of funds to manage the affairs of the central credit union efficiently and in conformity with sound business practices; and
(6) There are no practices, procedures, policies, or other factors that would result in discrimination by the central credit union among natural person credit unions or inhibit its ability to act independently in its role as an Agent member of the Facility.
(c) Each Agent, or in the case of an Agent group, each central credit union in the group, must:
(1) Maintain records related to Facility activity in conformity with requirements prescribed by the NCUA Board from time to time; and
(2) Submit such reports as may be required by the Facility to determine financial soundness, quality and level of service, and conformity with established guidelines and procedures.
(d) Each Agent, or in the case of an Agent group, each central credit union in the group, must have on an annual basis a third party independent audit of its books and records and provide the Facility with copies of the report of such audit. The auditor selected must be recognized by a State or territorial licensing authority as possessing the requisite knowledge and experience to perform audits.
(e) Within 30 days after a natural person credit union becomes a member of a central credit union which is an Agent or a member of an Agent group, the agent, or in the case of an Agent group, the Agent group representative, shall subscribe to additional capital stock of the Facility in an amount equal to one-half of 1 percent of such credit union's paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus, and shall forward funds equal to one-half of this stock subscription to the Facility. This subsection shall not apply if the natural person credit union is a Regular member of the Facility or has access to the Facility through, and is included in the stock subscription of, another Agent.
(f) A central credit union or group of central credit unions which becomes an Agent member of the Facility after February 23, 1980, may not receive a Facility advance without approval of the NCUA Board for a period of six months after becoming a member. This subsection shall not apply to any credit union which becomes an Agent member or a member of an Agent group within six months after such credit union is chartered within six months after such credit union has been an Agent or a member of another Agent group.
(g) Agent members will be compensated for the services they perform for the Facility in a manner to be specified by the NCUA Board.
(a) The capital stock of the Facility is divided into nonvoting shares having a par value of $50 each. The Facility issues whole and fractional shares.
(b) The capital stock subscriptions provided for in §§ 725.3 and 725.4 shall be:
(1) Based on an arithmetic average of paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus over the six months preceding application for membership, and
(2) Adjusted at the close of each calendar year in accordance with an arithmetic average of paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus over the twelve months in such calendar year. Payments for adjustments to the capital stock subscription must be received by the Facility no later than March 31 of the following year.
(c) That part of a member's stock subscription which is not paid-in shall be held by the member on call of the NCUA Board and shall be invested in liquid assets.
(d) Any member may at any time purchase additional shares of capital stock in the Facility. Any shares in excess of the member's required paid-in portion of its stock subscription can be redeemed by the member as long as the member maintains investments in other assets sufficient to meet the requirement of paragraph (c) of this section. The member's required paid-in portion of its stock subscription includes one-half of its stock subscription plus any “calls” that may have been issued by the NCUA Board against the “on-call” portion of such stock subscription.
(e) Dividends will be paid on capital stock at such times and rates as are determined by the NCUA Board. The NCUA Board shall declare such dividends no less frequently than annually. All issued (paid for) capital stock shall share in dividend distributions without preference. Payment of dividends will be made by the issuance of capital stock to the member in the amount of the dividend.
(a) A member of the Facility whose stock subscription constitutes less than 5 percent of total subscribed Facility stock may withdraw from membership in the Facility six months after notifying the NCUA Board in writing of its intention to do so.
(b) A member of the Facility whose stock subscription constitutes 5 percent or more of total subscribed Facility stock may withdraw from membership in the Facility twenty-four months after notifying the NCUA Board in writing of its intention to do so.
(c) The NCUA Board may terminate membership in the Facility if, after the opportunity for a hearing, the NCUA Board determines the member has failed to comply with any provision of the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility Act or any regulation issued pursuant thereto. If membership is terminated under this subsection, the credit union will be required to obtain the approval of the NCUA Board before becoming a member of the Facility again. Such approval will be granted only if the NCUA Board is satisfied that the credit union will comply with such Act and regulations.
(d)(1) If membership is terminated under any provision of this section, the terminated member's stock shall be redeemed upon termination. In such event, the Facility may retain any amount owed to the Facility by the member.
(2) When a member natural person credit union withdraws from membership in a central credit union which is an Agent or a member of an Agent group, the stock subscription of the Agent, or in the case of an Agent group, the stock subscription of the Agent group representative, will be adjusted after the waiting period which would apply under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section if the withdrawing credit union were a member of the Facility.
(a) A federally chartered Agent member of the Facility may require its member natural person credit unions to establish and maintain special share accounts in the Agent member to reimburse it for the portion of the Agent's Facility stock subscription which is attributable to the paid-in and
(b) The amount which the Agent member requires each member natural person credit union to maintain in such special share accounts shall be based on a uniform percentage of the paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus of such credit unions, and shall not exceed the amount of the Agent's stock subscription which is attributable to the capital and surplus of each such credit union. An Agent shall not permit a member to maintain in a special share account any amounts in excess of the required amount.
(c) A natural person credit union that withdraws from membership in an Agent member or that becomes a Regular member of the Facility, shall be entitled to the return of all amounts in its special share account upon withdrawal from membership in the Agent or upon becoming a Regular member, as applicable.
(a) A Regular member may apply for a Facility advance to meet its liquidity needs by filing an application on a Facility-approved form, or by any other method approved by the Facility.
(b)(1) An Agent member may apply for a Facility advance by filing an application on a Facility-approved form, or by any other method approved by the Facility.
(2) The Agent's application shall be based on the following:
(i) Approved applications to the Agent by its member natural person credit unions for pending loans to meet liquidity needs; or
(ii) Outstanding loans previously made by the Agent to meet liquidity needs of its member natural person credit unions; or
(iii) Such other demonstrable liquidity needs as the NCUA Board may specify.
(3) An Agent shall not submit an application to the Facility based on the liquidity needs of any member natural person credit union which has not agreed to the repayment, security and credit reporting terms prescribed by the Facility for Agent loans;
(4) Any loan to meet liquidity needs which have been or will be the basis for an application by the Agent for a Facility advance must be applied for on an application form approved by the Facility.
(5) Unless approved by the Facility, an Agent shall not submit an application to the Facility based on the liquidity needs of any credit union which became a member natural person credit union of the Agent after February 2, 1980, unless such credit union has been a member natural person credit union of the Agent for six months, was chartered within six months before becoming a member natural person credit union of the Agent, or had access to the Facility either as a Regular member or through another Agent within six months before becoming a member natural person credit union of the Agent.
(c) In emergency circumstances, the applications for extensions of credit required under paragraph (a) and paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(4) of this section may be verbal, but must be confirmed within five working days by an application as required by such subsection or paragraphs.
(d) Applications of Regular and Agent members shall be filed with a Facility lending officer. Each application for credit which is completed and properly filed will be approved or denied within five working days after the day of receipt.
(a) Prior to Facility approval of each application of a Regular member for a Facility advance, the Facility shall consider the creditworthiness of such member.
(b) Prior to an Agent's approval of each application of a member natural person credit union for an extension of credit on which an application by the Agent to the Facility will be based, an
(c) Specific characteristics of an uncreditworthy credit union include, but are not limited to, insolvency as defined by § 700.2(e)(1) of this chapter, unsatisfactory practices in extending credit, lower than desirable reserve levels, high expense ratio, failure to repay previous Facility advances as agreed, excessive dependence on borrowed funds, inadequate cash management policies and planning, or any other relevant characteristics creating a less than satisfactory condition. The presence of one or more of these characteristics will not necessarily mean that a credit union will be considered uncreditworthy.
(d) A natural person credit union (whether a Regular member of the Facility or a member natural person credit union) which does not meet the Facility's creditworthiness standards may be limited in or denied the use of advances for its liquidity needs.
(a) Each Facility advance and each Agent loan shall be secured by a first priority security interest in collateral of the credit union with a net book value at least equal to 110% of all amounts due under the applicable Facility advance or Agent loan, or by guarantee of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
(b) The Facility may accept as collateral for each Facility advance to a Regular member, a security interest in all assets of the Regular member; provided however, that the value of any assets in which any third party has a perfected security interest that is superior to the security interest of the Facility shall be excluded for purposes of complying with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The Facility may accept as collateral for each Facility advance to an Agent member, a security interest in the Agent loans for which the Facility advance was made; provided however, that the collateral for such Agent loan meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Regular and Agent members, or in the case of an Agent group, the Agent group representative, shall sign the repayment, security and credit reporting agreements prescribed by the Facility, and all Facility advances to Regular and Agent members shall be governed by the terms and conditions of such agreements.
(b) All Agent loans shall be made subject to the repayment, security and credit reporting terms prescribed by the Facility for Agent loans.
(c) Other terms and conditions applicable to Facility advances and Agent loans will be specified in confirmations of credit provided in connection with such advances and loans, and/or in operating circulars of the Facility.
The repayment, security, and credit reporting terms under which Facility advances and Agent loans will be made, as provided in § 725.20 of this part, shall be subject to modification from time to time as the NCUA Board may determine. Any change in such terms shall be published in the
(a) In accordance with policies established by the NCUA Board, the Facility may advance funds to a State credit union share or deposit insurance corporation, guaranty credit union, guaranty association, or similar organization. Requests for such advances shall be supported by an application which sets forth and supports the need for the advance.
(b) Advances under paragraph (a) shall be subject to the approval of the NCUA Board and shall be made subject to the following terms:
(1) The advance shall be fully secured,
(2) The maturity of the advance shall not exceed 12 months,
(3) The advance shall not be renewable at maturity, and
(4) The funds advanced shall not be relent at an interest rate exceeding that imposed by the Facility.
(a) The NCUA Board may authorize extensions of credit to members of the Facility for purposes other than liquidity needs if the NCUA Board, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Secretary of the Treasury concur in a determination that such extensions of credit are in the national economic interest.
(b) Extensions of credit approved under the conditions of paragraph (a) of this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as shall be established by the NCUA Board.
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1781, 1785, and 1789.
This part applies to all federally insured credit unions. It prescribes the requirements for the official sign insured credit unions must display and the requirements with regard to the official advertising statement insured credit unions must include in their advertisements. It requires that all other kinds of advertisements be accurate. It also establishes requirements for advertisements of excess insurance.
(a)
(b)
(c)
No insured credit union may use any advertising (which includes print, electronic, or broadcast media, displays and signs, stationery, and other promotional material) or make any representation which is inaccurate or deceptive in any particular, or which in any way misrepresents its services, contracts, or financial condition, or which violates the requirements of § 707.8 of this subchapter, if applicable. This provision does not prohibit an insured credit union from using a trade name or a name other than its official charter name in advertising or signage, so long as it uses its official charter name in communications with NCUA and for share certificates or certificates of deposit, signature cards, loan agreements, account statements, checks, drafts and other legal documents.
Any advertising that mentions share or savings account insurance provided by a party other than the NCUA must clearly explain the type and amount of such insurance and the identity of the carrier and must avoid any statement
(a) Each insured credit union must continuously display the official sign described in paragraph (b) of this section at each station or window where insured account funds or deposits are normally received in its principal place of business and in all its branches, 30 days after its first day of operation as an insured credit union. Each insured credit union must also display the official sign on its Internet page, if any, where it accepts deposits or open accounts, but it may vary the font sizes from that depicted in paragraph (b) of this section to ensure its legibility.
(b) The official sign shall be as depicted below:
(1) NCUA will automatically supply all insured credit unions an initial supply of official signs with a blue background and white lettering at no cost for compliance with paragraph (a) of this section. If the initial supply is not adequate, the insured credit unions must immediately request additional signs from NCUA. Any credit union that does not have an adequate supply but requests additional signs from NCUA will not be considered to have violated paragraph (a) of this section unless the credit union fails to display the signs after receiving them. To address the temporary increase through December 31, 2013 in the standard maximum share insurance amount as defined in § 745.1(e) of this chapter, insured credit unions may continue to display the official sign depicted in paragraph (b) of this section but should inform members of the increased coverage through additional signage indicating the temporary increase in coverage, display other versions of the official sign distributed or approved by NCUA and appearing on NCUA's official website, or alter by hand or otherwise the official sign depicted in paragraph (b) of this section for that purpose provided the altered sign is legible and otherwise complies with this part.
(2) An insured credit union may purchase signs from commercial suppliers or develop its own in any color scheme so long as they are legible and otherwise comply with this part. A credit union may alter the font size of the official sign to make it legible on its Internet page and on documents it provides to its members including advertisements, but it may not do so on signs to be placed at each station or window where the credit union normally receives insured funds or deposits in its principal place of business and all of its branches.
(c) To avoid any member confusion from the use of the official NCUA sign, federally insured credit unions are prohibited from receiving account funds at any teller station or window where any nonfederally insured credit union also receives account funds. As exceptions to this prohibition:
(1) A teller in a branch of a federally insured credit union may accept account funds for nonfederally insured credit unions, but only if the teller displays a conspicuous sign next to the official sign that states “This credit union participates in a shared branch
(2) A teller in a facility operated by a non-credit union entity may accept account funds for both federally insured credit unions and nonfederally insured credit unions, but only if the teller displays a conspicuous sign next to the official sign stating “This facility accepts share deposits for multiple credit unions. Not all of these credit unions are federally insured. If you need information on the insurance status of your credit union, please contact your credit union directly.” This sign must be similar to the official sign in terms of design, color, and font.
(3) A teller in a branch of a nonfederally insured credit union may accept account funds for federally insured credit unions. No teller in a nonfederally insured credit union may display the official NCUA sign.
(d) The Board may require any insured credit union, upon at least 30 days' written notice, to change the wording of its official signs in a manner deemed necessary for the protection of shareholders or others.
(e) For purposes of this section, the terms “branch,” “station,” “teller station,” and “window” do not include automated teller machines or point of sale terminals.
(f) An insured credit union that fails to comply with Section 205(a) of the Federal Credit Union Act regarding the official sign, 12 U.S.C. 1785(a), or any requirement in this part is subject to a penalty of up to $100 per day.
(a) Each insured credit union must include the official advertising statement, prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section, in all of its advertisements, including on its main Internet page, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
(1) An insured credit union must include the official advertising statement in its advertisements thirty (30) days after its first day of operations as an insured credit union unless the Regional Director grants it an extension.
(2) If advertising copy without the official advertising statement is on hand on the date the requirements of this section become operative, the insured credit union may use an overstamp or other means to include the official advertising statement until the supplies are exhausted.
(b) The official advertising statement is in substance as follows: “This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.” Insured credit unions, at their option, may use the short title “Federally insured by NCUA” or a reproduction of the official sign, as described in § 740.4(b), as the official advertising statement. The official advertising statement must be in a size and print that is clearly legible. If the official sign is used as the official advertising statement, an insured credit union may alter the font size to ensure its legibility as provided in § 740.4(b)(2).
(c) The following advertisements need not include the official advertising statement:
(1) Statements of condition and reports of condition of an insured credit union which are required to be published by state or federal law or regulation;
(2) Credit union supplies such as stationery (except when used for circular letters), envelopes, deposit slips, checks, drafts, signature cards, account passbooks, and noninsurable certificates;
(3) Signs or plates in the credit union office or attached to the building or buildings in which the offices are located;
(4) Listings in directories;
(5) Advertisements not setting forth the name of the insured credit union;
(6) Display advertisements in credit union directories, provided the name of the credit union is listed on any page in the directory with a symbol or other
(7) Joint or group advertisements of credit union services where the names of insured credit unions and noninsured credit unions are listed and form a part of such advertisement;
(8) Advertisements by radio that do not exceed thirty (30) seconds in time;
(9) Advertisements by television, other than display advertisements, that do not exceed thirty (30) seconds in time;
(10) Advertisements that because of their type or character would be impractical to include the official advertising statement, including but not limited to, promotional items such as calendars, matchbooks, pens, pencils, and key chains;
(11) Advertisements that contain a statement to the effect that the credit union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration, or that its accounts and shares or members are insured by the Administration to the maximum insurance amount for each member or shareholder;
(12) Advertisements that do not relate to member accounts, including but not limited to advertisements relating to loans by the credit union, safekeeping box business or services, traveler's checks on which the credit union is not primarily liable, and credit life or disability insurance.
(d) The non-English equivalent of the official advertising statement may be used in any advertisement provided that the Regional Director gives prior approval to the translation.
12 U.S.C. 1757, 1766(a), 1781-1790, and 1790d; 31 U.S.C. 3717.
The provisions of this part apply to federal credit unions, federally insured state-chartered credit unions, and credit unions making application for insurance of accounts pursuant to Title II of the Act, unless the context of a provision indicates its application is otherwise limited. This part prescribes various requirements for obtaining and maintaining federal insurance and the payment of insurance premiums and capitalization deposit. Subpart A of this part contains substantive requirements that are not codified elsewhere in this chapter. Subpart B of this part lists additional regulations, set forth elsewhere in this chapter as applying to federal credit unions, that also apply to federally insured state-chartered credit unions. As used in this part, “insured credit union” means a credit union whose accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
As provided in Sections 201 and 204 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1781 and 1784), the NCUA Board is authorized to examine any insured credit union or any credit union making application for insurance of its accounts. Such examination may require access to all records, reports, contracts to which the credit union is a party, and information concerning the affairs of the credit union. Upon request, such documentation must be provided to the NCUA Board or its representative. Any credit union which makes application for insurance will be required to pay the cost of such examination and processing. To the maximum extent feasible, the NCUA Board will utilize examinations conducted by state regulatory agencies.
(a)Any credit union which makes application for insurance of its accounts pursuant to Title II of the Act, or any insured credit union, must not borrow, from any source, an aggregate amount in excess of 50 per centum of its paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus (shares and undivided earnings, plus net income or minus net loss).
(b) A federally insured state-chartered credit union may apply to the regional director for a waiver of paragraph (a) of this section up to the amount permitted under the applicable state law or by the state regulator. The waiver request must include:
(1) Written approval from the state regulator;
(2) A detailed analysis of the safety and soundness implications of the proposed waiver;
(3) A proposed aggregate dollar amount or percentage of paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus limitation; and
(4) An explanation demonstrating the need to raise the limit.
(c) The regional director will approve the waiver request if the proposed borrowing limit will not adversely affect the safety and soundness of the federally insured state-chartered credit union.
In determining the insurability of a credit union which makes application for insurance and in continuing the insurability of its accounts pursuant to Title II of the Act, the following criteria shall be applied:
(a)
(2)
(b)
(1) The existence of unfavorable trends which may include excessive losses on loans (i.e., losses which exceed the regular reserve or its equivalent [in the case of state-chartered credit unions] plus other irrevocable reserves established as a contingency against losses on loans), the presence of special reserve accounts used specifically for charging off loan balances of deceased borrowers, and an expense ratio so high that the required transfers to reserves create a net operating loss for the period or that the net gain after these transfers is not sufficient to permit the payment of a nominal dividend;
(2) The existence of written lending policies, including adequate documentation of secured loans and the protection of security interests by recording, bond, insurance, or other adequate means, adequate determination of the financial capacity of borrowers and co-makers for repayment of the loan, and adequate determination of value of security on loans to ascertain that said security is adequate to repay the loan in the event of default;
(3) Investment policies which are within the provisions of applicable law and regulations, i.e., the Act and part 703 of this chapter for federal credit unions and the laws of the state in which the credit union operates for state-chartered credit unions, except state-chartered corporate credit unions. State-chartered corporate credit unions are permitted to make only those investments that are in conformance with part 704 of this chapter and applicable state laws and regulations;
(4) The presence of any account or security, the form of which has not been approved by the Board, except for accounts authorized by state law for state-chartered credit unions.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g) Nothing in this section shall preclude the NCUA Board from imposing additional terms or conditions pursuant to the insurance agreement.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i) The amount determined by subtracting all liabilities of the NCUSIF, including contingent liabilities for which no provision for losses has been made, from the sum of cash and the market value of unencumbered investments authorized under 12 U.S.C. 1783(c), to:
(ii) The aggregate amount of the insured shares in all insured credit unions.
(iii) Shown as an abbreviated mathematical formula, the available assets ratio is:
(2)
(i) The amount of NCUSIF's capitalization, meaning insured credit unions' one percent capitalization deposits plus the retained earnings balance of the NCUSIF (less contingent liabilities for which no provision for losses has been made) to:
(ii) The aggregate amount of the insured shares in all insured credit unions.
(iii) Shown as an abbreviated mathematical formula, the equity ratio is:
(3)
(4)
(5)
(c)
(d)
(2)
(ii) If the equity ratio of NCUSIF falls below 1.2 percent, the NCUA Board is required to assess a premium in an amount it determines is necessary to restore the equity ratio to, and maintain that ratio at, 1.2 percent.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) The administrative fee for a delinquent payment shall be an amount as fixed from time to time by the NCUA Board based upon the administrative costs of such delinquent payments to the NCUA in the preceding year.
(2) The costs of collection shall be calculated as the actual hours expended by NCUA personnel multiplied by the average hourly cost of the salaries and benefits of such personnel.
(3) The interest rate charged on any delinquent payment shall be the U.S. Department of the Treasury Tax and Loan Rate in effect on the date when the payment is due as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3717.
At 74 FR 63279, Dec. 3, 2009, § 741.4 was revised, effective Jan. 4, 2010. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:
(a)
(b)
(i) The amount determined by subtracting all liabilities of the NCUSIF, including contingent liabilities for which no provision for losses has been made, from the sum of cash and the market value of unencumbered investments authorized under Section 203(c) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1783(c)), to:
(ii) The aggregate amount of the insured shares in all insured credit unions.
(iii) Shown as an abbreviated mathematical formula, the available assets ratio is:
(i) The amount of NCUSIF's capitalization, meaning insured credit unions' one percent capitalization deposits plus the retained earnings balance of the NCUSIF (less contingent liabilities for which no provision for losses has been made) to:
(ii) The aggregate amount of the insured shares in all insured credit unions.
(iii) Shown as an abbreviated mathematical formula, the equity ratio is:
(c)
(d)
(2)
(ii) If the equity ratio of the NCUSIF falls to between 1.0 and 1.2 percent, the NCUA Board is required to assess a premium in an amount it determines is necessary to restore the equity ratio to at least 1.2 percent, as provided for in the restoration plan adopted under Section 202(c)(2)(D) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1782(c)(20)(D)). If the equity ratio of the NCUSIF falls below 1.0 percent, the NCUA Board is required to assess a deposit replenishment charge in an amount it determines is necessary to restore the equity ratio to 1.0 percent and to assess a premium charge in an amount it determines is necessary to restore the equity ratio to, at least 1.2 percent, as provided for in the restoration plan adopted under Section 202(c)(2)(D) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1782(c)(20)(D)).
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(i) Immediately fund its one percent deposit based on the total of its insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period prior to the date of conversion;
(ii) If the NCUSIF assesses a premium in the calendar year of conversion, pay a premium based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date times the institution's premium/distribution ratio;
(iii) If the NCUSIF declares, in the calendar year of conversion on or before the date of conversion, an assessment to replenish the one-percent deposit, pay nothing related to that assessment;
(iv) If the NCUSIF declares, at any time after the date of conversion through the end of that calendar year, an assessment to replenish the one-percent deposit, pay a replenishment amount based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date; and
(v) If the NCUSIF declares a distribution in the year following conversion based the NCUSIF's equity at the end of the year of conversion, receive a distribution based on the institution's insured shares as of the end of the year of conversion times the institution's premium/distribution ratio. With regard to distributions declared in the calendar year of conversion but based on the NCUSIF's equity from the end of the preceding year, the converting institution will receive no distribution.
(2) A federally-insured credit union that merges with a nonfederally insured credit union or other nonfederally insured institution (the “merging institution”), where the federally insured credit union is the continuing institution, will:
(i) Immediately on the date of merger increase the amount of its NCUSIF deposit by an amount equal to one percent of the merging institution's insured shares as of the last day of the merging institution's most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of merger;
(ii) With regard to any NCUSIF premiums assessed in the calendar year of merger, pay a two-part premium, with one part calculated on the merging institution's insured shares as described in paragraph (i)(1)(ii) of this section, and the other part calculated on the continuing institution's insured shares as of the last day of its most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of merger; and
(iii) If the NCUSIF declares a distribution in the year following the merger based the NCUSIF's equity at the end of the year of merger, receive a distribution based on the continuing institution's insured shares as of the end of the year of merger. With regard to distributions declared in the calendar year of merger but based on the NCUSIF's equity from the end of the preceding year, the institution will receive a distribution based on its insured shares as of the end of the preceding year.
(j)
(i) Receive the full amount of its NCUSIF deposit paid, less any amounts applied to cover NCUSIF losses that exceed NCUSIF retained earnings, immediately after the final date on which any shares of the credit union are NCUSIF-insured;
(ii) If the NCUSIF declares a distribution at the end of the calendar year of conversion, receive a distribution based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of conversion times the institution's modified premium/distribution ratio; and
(iii) If the NCUSIF assesses a premium in the calendar year of conversion or merger on or before the day in which the conversion or merger is completed, pay a premium based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the conversion or merger date times the institution's modified premium/distribution ratio. If the institution has previously paid a premium based on this same assessment that exceeds this amount, the institution will receive a refund of the difference following completion of the conversion or merger.
(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (j)(1) of this section:
(i) Any insolvent credit union that is closed for involuntary liquidation will not be entitled to a return of its deposit;
(ii) Any solvent credit union that is closed due to voluntary or involuntary liquidation will be entitled to a return of its deposit paid, less any amounts applied to cover NCUSIF losses that exceed NCUSIF retained earnings, prior to final distribution of member shares; and
(iii) The Board reserves the right to delay return of the deposit to any credit union converting from or terminating its federal insurance, or voluntarily liquidating, for up to one year if the Board determines that immediate repayment would jeopardize the NCUSIF.
(k)
(1) The administrative fee for a delinquent payment shall be an amount as fixed from time to time by the NCUA Board based upon the administrative costs of such delinquent payments to the NCUA in the preceding year.
(2) The costs of collection shall be calculated as the actual hours expended by NCUA personnel multiplied by the average hourly cost of the salaries and benefits of such personnel.
(3) The interest rate charged on any delinquent payment shall be the U.S. Department of the Treasury Tax and loan Rate in effect on the date when the loan payment is due as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3717.
(4) The Act contains specific penalties and other consequences for delinquent payments, including, but not limited to:
(i) Section 202(d)(2)(B) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1782(d)(2)(B)) provides that the Board may assess and collect a penalty from an insured credit union of not more than $20,000 for each day the credit union fails or refuses to pay any deposit or premium due to the fund; and
(ii) Section 202(d)(3) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1782(d)(3)) provides, generally, that no insured credit union shall pay any dividends on its insured shares or distribute any of its assets while it remains in default in the payment of its deposit or any premium charge due to the fund. Section 202(d)(3) further provides that any director or officer of any insured credit union who knowingly participates in the declaration or payment of any such dividend or in any such distribution shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned more than one year, or both.
In the event of a credit union's termination of share insurance coverage other than that provided by the NCUSIF, the credit union must notify all members in writing of such termination at least thirty days prior to the effective date of termination.
(a) Upon written notice from the Board, Regional Director, or Director of the Office of Corporate Credit Unions, insured credit unions must file financial and other reports in accordance with the instructions in the notice. Credit unions with the capacity to do so must use NCUA's information management system to submit their data online. If a credit union is unable to use the information system, it must file written reports in accordance with the instructions.
(1)
(2)
(b)
(c)
Any federal credit union that petitions to convert to a state-chartered federally insured credit union is required to apply to the Regional Director for continued insurance of its accounts and meet the requirements as stated in the Act and this part. If the application for continued insurance is not approved, such insurance will terminate subject to the conditions set forth in section 206(d) of the Act.
(a) Any credit union insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) must receive approval from the NCUA before purchasing loans or assuming an assignment of deposits, shares, or liabilities from:
(1) Any credit union that is not insured by the NCUSIF;
(2) Any other financial-type institution (including depository institutions, mortgage banks, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, loan brokers, and other loan sellers or liability traders); or
(3) Any successor in interest to any institution identified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.
(b) Approval is not required for:
(1) Purchases of student loans or real estate secured loans to facilitate the packaging of a pool of loans to be sold or pledged on the secondary market under § 701.23(b)(1)(iii) or (iv) of this chapter or comparable state law for state-chartered credit unions, or purchases of member loans under § 701.23(b)(1)(i) of this chapter or comparable state law for state-chartered credit unions;
(2) Assumption of deposits, shares or liabilities as rollovers or transfers of member retirement accounts or in which a federally-insured credit union perfects a security interest in connection with an extension of credit to any member; or
(3) Purchases of assets, including loans, or assumptions of deposits, shares, or liabilities by any credit union insured by the NCUSIF from another credit union insured by the NCUSIF, except a purchase or assumption as a part of a merger under Part 708b.
(c) A credit union seeking approval under paragraph (a) of this section must submit a letter to the regional office with jurisdiction for the state where the credit union is headquartered. A corporate credit union seeking approval under paragraph (a) of this section must submit a letter to the Office of Corporate Credit Unions. The letter must request approval and state the nature of the transaction and include copies of relevant transaction documents. The regional director will make a decision to approve or disapprove the request as soon as possible depending on the complexity of the proposed transaction. Credit unions should submit a request for approval in sufficient time to close the transaction.
Any credit union that is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act may not offer membership shares that, due to the terms and conditions of the account, are not eligible for insurance coverage. This prohibition does not apply to shares that are uninsured solely because the amount is in excess of the maximum insurance coverage
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act and is permitted by state law to accept nonmember shares or deposits from sources other than other credit unions and public units (or, for low-income designated credit unions, any nonmembers), shall identify such nonmember accounts as nonmember shares or deposits on any statement or report required by the NCUA Board for insurance purposes. Immediately after a state-chartered credit union receives notice from NCUA that its member accounts are federally insured, the credit union shall advise any present nonmember share and deposit holders by letter that their accounts are not insured by the NCUSIF. Also, future nonmember share and deposit fund holders will be so advised by letter as they open accounts.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Analysis of market conditions in the area where the branch is to be established;
(2) The credit union's plan for addressing foreign currency risk;
(3) Operating facilities, including office space/equipment and supplies;
(4) Safeguarding of assets, bond coverage, insurance coverage, and records preservation;
(5) Written policies regarding the branch (shares, lending, capital, charge-offs, collections);
(6) The field of membership or portion of the field of membership to be served through the foreign branch and the financial needs of the members to be served and services and products to be provided;
(7) Detailed
(8) Internal controls including cash disbursal procedures for shares and loans at the branch;
(9) Accounting procedures used to identify branch activity and performance; and
(10) Foreign income taxation and employment law.
(d)
(e)
(a) Any credit union which makes application for insurance of its accounts pursuant to Title II of the Act must possess the minimum fidelity bond coverage stated in part 713 of this chapter in order for its application for such insurance to be approved and for such insurance coverage to continue. A federally insured credit union whose fidelity bond coverage is terminated shall mail notice of such termination to the Regional Director not less than 35 days prior to the effective date of such termination.
(b) Corporate credit unions must comply with § 704.18 of this chapter in lieu of part 713 of this chapter.
(a) The supervisory committee of each credit union insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall make or cause to be made an audit of the credit union at least once every calendar year covering the period elapsed since the last audit. The audit must fully meet the applicable requirements set forth in part 715 of this chapter or applicable state law, whichever requirement is more stringent.
(b) Each credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall verify or cause to be verified, under controlled conditions, all passbooks and accounts with the records of the financial officer not less frequently than once every 2 years. The verification must fully meet the requirements set forth in § 715.8 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act must:
(a) Adhere to the requirements stated in part 723 of this chapter concerning member business loans, § 701.21(c)(8) of this chapter concerning prohibited fees, and § 701.21(d)(5) of this chapter concerning nonpreferential loans. State-chartered, NCUSIF-insured credit unions in a given state are exempt from these requirements if the state supervisory authority for that state adopts substantially equivalent regulations as determined by the NCUA Board or, in the case of the member business loan requirements, if the state supervisory authority adopts member business loan regulations that are approved by the NCUA Board pursuant to § 723.20. In nonexempt states, all required NCUA reviews and approvals will be handled in coordination with the state credit union supervisory authority; and
(b) Adhere to the requirements stated in part 722 of this chapter concerning appraisals.
(c) Adhere to the requirements stated in § 701.21(h) of this chapter concerning third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans. Before a state-chartered credit union applies to a regional director for a waiver under § 701.21(h)(2), it must first notify its state supervisory authority. The regional director will not grant a waiver unless the appropriate state official concurs in the waiver. The 45-day period for the regional director to act on a waiver request, as described § 701.21(h)(3), will not begin until the regional director has received the state official's concurrence and any other necessary information.
Any credit union that is insured, or that makes application for insurance, pursuant to Title II of the Act must:
(a) Adhere to the requirements of § 701.32 of this chapter regarding public
(b) Obtain a low-income designation in order to accept nonmember accounts, other than from public units or other credit unions, provided it has the authority to accept such accounts under state law. The state regulator shall make the low-income designation with the concurrence of the appropriate regional director. The designation will be made and reviewed by the state regulator on the same basis as that provided in § 701.34(a) of this chapter for federal credit unions. Removal of the designation by the state regulator for such credit unions shall be with the concurrence of NCUA.
(c) Receive secondary capital accounts only if the credit has a low-income designation pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, and then only in accordance with the terms and conditions authorized for Federal credit unions pursuant to § 701.34(b)(1) of this chapter and to the extent not inconsistent with applicable state law and regulation. State chartered federally insured credit unions offering secondary capital accounts must submit the plan required by § 701.34(b)(1) to both the state supervisory authority and the NCUA Regional Director for approval. The state supervisory authority must approve or disapprove the plan with the concurrence of the appropriate NCUA Regional Director.
(d) Redeem secondary capital accounts only in accordance with the terms and conditions authorized for federal credit unions pursuant to § 701.34(d) of this chapter and to the extent not inconsistent with applicable state law and regulation. State chartered federally insured credit unions seeking to redeem secondary capital accounts must submit the request required by § 701.34(d)(1) to both the state supervisory authority and the NCUA Regional Director. The state supervisory authority must grant or deny the request with the concurrence of the appropriate NCUA Regional Director.
Any federally insured credit union chartered for less than 2 years or any credit union defined to be in troubled condition as set forth in § 701.14(b)(3) of this chapter must adhere to the requirements stated in § 701.14(c) of this chapter concerning the prior notice and NCUA review. Federally insured state-chartered credit unions must submit required information to both the appropriate NCUA Regional Director and their state supervisor. NCUA will consult with the state supervisor before making its determination pursuant to § 701.14 (d)(2) and (f) of this chapter. NCUA will notify the state supervisor of its approval/disapproval no later than the time that it notifies the affected individual pursuant to § 701.14(d)(1) of this chapter.
Any corporate credit union insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements of part 704 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act and is a “participating credit union,” as defined in § 705.3 of this chapter, shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 705 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act and which merges with another credit union or non-credit union institution, and any state-chartered credit union which voluntarily terminates its status as a federally-insured credit union, or converts from federal insurance to
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 711 of this chapter concerning management official interlocks, issued under the provisions of the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act (12 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.).
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act and is a member of the Central Liquidity Facility, shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 725 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements prescribed by part 740 of this chapter.
(a) Member share accounts received by any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act in its usual course of business, including regular shares, share certificates, and share draft accounts, are insured subject to the limitations and rules in subpart A of part 745 of this chapter.
(b) The payment of share insurance and the appeal process applicable to any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act are addressed in subpart B of part 745 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the applicable rules of practice and procedures for administrative actions and adjudicative hearings prescribed by part 747 of this chapter. Subpart E of part 747 of this chapter applies only to federal credit unions.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 748 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall maintain a records preservation program as prescribed by part 749 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 760 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the requirements stated in part 707 of this chapter.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act shall adhere to the applicable provisions in part 709 of this chapter. Section 709.3 of this chapter applies only to federal credit unions.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act must adhere to the requirements stated in part 703 of this chapter concerning transacting business with corporate credit unions.
Any credit union which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act must adhere to the requirements stated in part 716 of this chapter.
Any credit union, which is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act, must adhere to the requirements in § 701.20 of this chapter. State-chartered, NCUSIF-insured credit unions may only enter into suretyship and guaranty agreements to the extent authorized under state law.
(a) Any credit union that is insured pursuant to Title II of the Act must adhere to the requirements in §§ 712.3(d)(3) and 712.4 of this chapter concerning agreements between credit unions and their credit union service organizations (CUSOs) and the requirement to maintain separate corporate identities. For purposes of this section, a CUSO is any entity in which a credit union has an ownership interest or to which a credit union has extended a loan and that is engaged primarily in providing products or services to credit unions or credit union members, or, in the case of checking and currency services, including check cashing services, sale of negotiable checks, money orders, and electronic transaction services, including international and domestic electronic fund transfers, to persons eligible for membership in any credit union having a loan, investment or contract with the entity.
(b) This section shall have no preemptive effect with respect to the laws or rules of any state providing for access to CUSO books and records or CUSO examination by credit union regulatory authorities.
(c) The effective date for compliance with this section is June 29, 2009.
The following examples illustrate the calculation of deposit and premium assessments under each circumstance addressed in paragraphs (i) and (j) of § 741.4.
A.
1. Paragraph (i)(1)(i) provides that a credit union or other institution that converts to insurance coverage with the NCUSIF will immediately fund its one percent deposit based on the total of its insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period prior to the date of conversion.
i. The following hypothetical illustrates the application of this provision. Assume Main Street Credit Union completes its conversion from nonfederal to federal insurance on May 15 of Year One. Assume further that Main Street credit union had 1,000 insured shares for the end of month in December of the previous year (Year zero), 1,100 insured shares for at the end of May, the month of conversion, and 1,200 insured shares at the end of June. This information is presented in this Table A:
ii. Paragraph (i)(1)(i) requires that on the date of its conversion, Main Street fund its one percent deposit based on “the total of its insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period prior to the date of conversion.” Since Main Street has less than $50,000,000 in assets, its reporting period is annual, and ends on December 31. 12 CFR 741.4(b)(6) (definition of “reporting period”). Main Street had $1,000 in insured shares on that date, and one percent of that is $10, and so that is the amount Main Street
2. Paragraph (i)(1)(ii) provides that a credit union or other institution that converts to insurance coverage with the NCUSIF will, if the NCUSIF assesses a premium in the calendar year of conversion, pay a premium based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date times the institution's premium/distribution ratio * * *.
i. To illustrate the application of paragraph (i)(1)(ii), take the same facts in hypothetical A related to the conversion of Main Street from nonfederal to federal insurance. Now, further assume that on the previous March 15, NCUA had declared a premium assessment, and on September 15 following the conversion NCUA sent out the invoices for the March 15 assessment. Also assume that Main Street had grown to 1,300 insured shares at the end of September, the month the invoices were sent to Main Street and other credit unions. This information is presented in this Table B:
ii. Paragraph (i)(1)(ii) requires Main Street pay a premium based on the institution's “insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date times the institution's premium/distribution ratio.” Again, because Main Street is under $50 million in assets, the most recently ended reporting period preceding the September 15 invoice date is all the way back to December of Year Zero, when Main Street had $1,000 in shares. Main Street's “premium/distribution ratio,” as defined in § 741.4(b)(5), is “the number of full remaining months in the calendar year following the date of the institution's conversion or merger divided by 12.” Since Main Street completed its conversion in May, there are seven full months remaining in the calendar year (June through December), and Main Street's premium/distribution ratio is seven divided by 12. Accordingly, Main Street's premium will be assessed on $1,000 times seven divided by 12, or about $583.
3. Paragraphs (i)(1)(iii) and (iv) describe the responsibility of a credit union or other entity converting to federal insurance to replenish a depleted NCUSIF deposit, as follows: A credit union or other institution that converts to insurance coverage with the NCUSIF will, if the NCUSIF declares, in the calendar year of conversion but on or before the date of conversion, an assessment to replenish the one-percent deposit, pay nothing related to that assessment; if the NCUSIF declares, at any time after the date of conversion through the end of that calendar year, an assessment to replenish the one-percent deposit, pay a replenishment amount based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date.
i. Paragraph (i)(1)(iii) clarifies that a converting credit union has no responsibility to pay anything toward the replenishment of a depleted deposit that is declared on or before the date of conversion, even if NCUA sends out invoices related to the depletion after the date of conversion. Paragraph (i)(1)(iv) requires that a converting credit union replenish its deposit with regard to a depletion declared after the date of conversion through the end of the calendar year. Again, assume the same facts for Main Street as in Table B, but that the deposit depletion was announced in June, after Main Street converted, and that NCUA sent the invoices in September.
ii. Main Street would receive an invoice amount “based on the [Main Street's] insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date.” Since Main Street has less than $50 million in shares, the most recently ended reporting period preceding the September invoice date was December 31, Year Zero, and it would pay for the replenishment based on $1,000 in insured shares. If Main Street, however, had had $50 million or more in assets on June 30, its most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date would have been the semiannual period ending on June 30, and Main Street would have used its insured shares as of June 30 to calculate the replenishment amount due to the NCUSIF.
4. Under the Federal Credit Union Act, distributions, if any, are declared once a year, early in the year, based on excess funds in the NCUSIF as of the prior December 31. Paragraph (i)(1)(v) describes the right of a credit union or other entity converting to federal insurance to receive a distribution from the NCUSIF, specifically: A credit union or other institution that converts to insurance coverage with the NCUSIF will, if the NCUSIF declares a distribution in the year following conversion based the NCUSIF's equity at the end of the year of conversion, receive a distribution based on the institution's insured shares as of the end of the year of conversion times the institution's premium/distribution ratio. With regard to distributions declared in the calendar year of conversion but based on the NCUSIF's equity at the end of the preceding year, the converting institution will receive no distribution.
i. To illustrate how paragraph (i)(1)(v) works, assume that Main Street Credit Union converts to federal insurance in May of Year One, and that the NCUA declares a distribution in January of Year Two based on the NCUSIF equity as of December 31 of Year One. Then Main Street will be entitled to a pro rata portion of the distribution, calculated on its insured shares as of December 31 of Year One times its premium/distribution ratio. Since it converted in May of Year One, and there were seven full months remaining in Year One at on the date of conversion, Main Street's premium/distribution ratio under § 741.4(b)(6) equals seven divided by 12.
ii. On the other hand, if the NCUA declared a distribution a year earlier, that is, in January of Year One based on the NCUSIF's equity ratio as of December 31 in Year Zero, then under paragraph (i)(1)(v) Main Street would receive no part of this distribution. Main Street is not entitled to any part of this distribution because Main Street, which completed its conversion in Year One, did not contribute in any way to the excess funds in the NCUSIF as of the end of Year Zero.
B.
Paragraph (i)(2) addresses the NCUSIF premiums, deposit replenishments, and distribution calculations when a nonfederally insured credit union or entity converts to NCUSIF coverage by merging with a federally insured credit union.
1. Paragraph (i)(2)(i) provides that a federally-insured credit union that merges with a nonfederally-insured credit union or other non-federally insured institution (the “merging institution”), where the federally-insured credit union is the continuing institution, will immediately on the date of merger increase the amount of its NCUSIF deposit by an amount equal to one percent of the merging institution's insured shares as of the last day of the merging institution's most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of merger.
i. To illustrate this provision, and the other provisions of paragraph (i)(2) related to mergers of nonfederally insured entities into federally-insured credit unions, consider the following hypothetical. Nonfederally-insured Credit Union A merges into federally-insured Credit Union B on August 15 of Year One. The relevant insured shares of Credit Union A and Credit Union B at various dates before and after the merger are reflected in Table D:
ii. Paragraph (i)(2)(i) requires that Credit Union B, the continuing credit union, immediately increase the amount of its deposit with the NCUSIF in an amount “equal to one percent of the merging institution's insured shares as of the last day of the merging institution's most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of merger.” Since Credit Union A, the merging institution, has less than $50 million in assets, its reporting period is the calendar year, and its most recently ended reporting period preceding the August merger date is December 31 in Year Zero. Credit Union A had $1,000 in insured shares on that date. Accordingly, Credit Union B, the continuing credit union, must immediately increase the amount of its deposit with the NCUSIF by one percent of $1,000, or $10. Note that if Credit Union A had been a larger credit union, with $50 million or more in assets on June 30 in Year One, then Credit Union B would have used Credit Union A's insured shares as of June 30 in this calculation.
2. Paragraph (i)(2)(ii), relating to NCUSIF premium assessments, provides that the continuing institution will, with regard to any NCUSIF premiums assessed in the calendar year of merger, pay a two-part premium, with one part calculated on the merging institution's insured shares as described in subparagraph (1)(ii) above, and the other part calculated on the continuing institution's insured shares as of the last day of its most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of merger.
i. Paragraph (i)(2)(ii) provides for a two-part calculation, with the first part relating to the merging credit union and the second part relating to the continuing credit union. Assuming the facts as in Table D, and assuming the premium is assessed sometime in Year One, calculate the insured shares of Credit Union A, the merging credit union, as in the example for paragraph (i)(1)(ii). Once again, because Credit Union A is under $50 million in assets, the most recently ended reporting period preceding the invoice date is December of Year Zero, when Credit Union A had $1,000 in shares. The merger was completed in August, leaving four full months in the calendar year, so the premium/distribution ratio is four divided by 12. Accordingly, this part of the premium will be assessed on $1,000 times four divided by 12, or about $333. Then calculate the insured shares of Credit Union B, the continuing credit union, “as of the last day of its most recently ended reporting period preceding the merger date.” Since Credit Union B is also under $50 million in assets, “the last day of the most recently ended reporting period” is also December 31 of Year Zero. Credit Union B's insured shares on that date were $9,000, and so the combined insured shares for purposes of the premium assessment is $9,333. Note that if Credit Union B had $50 million or more in assets on June 30 of Year One, then Credit Union B's “most recently ended reporting period preceding the merger date” would have been June 30 of Year One, and not December 31 of Year Zero. The Board is aware that the NCUA might declare a NCUSIF premium, invoice it, and receive the premiums in Year One from the continuing institution before the continuing institution consummates its merger. In that case, the Board would invoice the continuing credit union again after the merger, but only for the difference between the amount previously invoiced and the amount calculated under paragraph (i)(2)(ii).
3. Paragraph (i)(2)(iii) prescribes the procedures for calculating the NCUSIF distribution when a nonfederally insured credit union or entity merges into a federally insured credit union. Paragraph (i)(2)(iii) provides that the federally insured credit union will, if the NCUSIF declares a distribution in the year following the merger based on the NCUSIF's equity at the end of the year of merger, receive a distribution based on the continuing institution's insured shares as of the end of the year of merger. With regard to distributions declared in the calendar year of merger but based on the NCUSIF's equity from the end of the preceding year, the institution will receive a distribution based on its insured shares as of the end of the preceding year.
i. This formula recognizes that the merging institution did not contribute to the NCUSIF equity as of the end of the year preceding the merger and so no distribution is allotted against the merging institution's shares. As for distributions based on the NCUSIF equity at the end of the year of merger, this formula does not include any pro rata reduction for the merging institution's contribution. The Board determined
C.
Paragraph (j)(1) addresses direct insurance conversions and conversions by merger. Paragraph (j)(2) addresses liquidations and insurance termination.
1. Paragraph (j)(1)(i) provides that a federally insured credit union whose insurance coverage with the NCUSIF terminates, including through a conversion to, or merger into, a nonfederally insured credit union or a noncredit union entity, will receive the full amount of its NCUSIF deposit paid, less any amounts applied to cover NCUSIF losses that exceed NCUSIF retained earnings, immediately after the final date on which any shares of the credit union are NCUSIF-insured.
i. To illustrate the application of this paragraph (j)(1)(i), consider the following hypothetical. Assume Anytown Credit Union, a credit union with $30 million in assets, converts from federal to nonfederal insurance on November 15. Also assume Anytown Credit Union had $20 million in insured shares as of the previous December 31, the end of its most recent reporting period. 12 CFR 741.4(b)(5), (c). The NCUSIF would return one-percent of $20 million, or $200,000 to Anytown Credit Union immediately following the effective date of its conversion. Note that, if Anytown Credit Union had reported $50 million or more in assets on June 30, then June 30 would have been the end of its most recent reporting period. Now further assume that, on July 15 of that same year, the NCUSIF had announced an expense that reduced the equity ratio from 1.3 to .75, which would have included a write-off (depletion) of 25%, or 25 basis points, of the one-percent deposit. The amount of the deposit returned to Anytown would be reduced by 25%, from $200,000 to $150,000. If the NCUSIF had announced expenses reducing the equity ratio to .75 after the November 15 conversion date, this announcement would have no effect on Anytown and it would still receive the full $200,000 from the NCUSIF.
2. Paragraph (j)(1)(ii) provides that a federally insured credit union whose insurance coverage with the NCUSIF terminates, including through a conversion to, or merger into, a nonfederally insured credit union or a noncredit union entity, will, if the NCUSIF declares a distribution at the end of the calendar year of conversion, receive a distribution based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the date of conversion times the institution's modified premium/distribution ratio.
i. To illustrate the application of this paragraph (j)(1)(ii), again assume Anytown Credit Union converts to nonfederal insurance on November 15, and in January of the following year, the NCUSIF declares a distribution based on the NCUSIF's equity ratio as of December 31. Anytown would receive a pro rata distribution calculated as its $20 million in insured shares multiplied by the modified premium/distribution ratio. Anytown's modified premium/distribution ratio, from the definition in § 741.4(b)(5), is one minus Anytown's premium/distribution ratio, which is one minus the ratio of the full number of months remaining in the year divided by twelve, which is one minus (one divided by twelve), which is eleven divided by twelve. So Anytown would receive a pro rata distribution based on $20 million of insured shares times eleven-twelfths, or based on about $18.33 million in shares.
3. Paragraph (j)(1)(iii) provides that a federally insured credit union whose insurance coverage with the NCUSIF terminates, including through a conversion to, or merger into, a nonfederally insured credit union or a noncredit union entity, will, if the NCUSIF assesses a premium in the calendar year of conversion or merger on or before the day in which the conversion or merger is completed, pay a premium based on the institution's insured shares as of the last day of the most recently ended reporting period preceding the conversion or merger date times the institution's modified premium/distribution ratio. If the institution has previously paid a premium based on this same assessment that exceeds this amount, the institution will receive a refund of the difference following completion of the conversion or merger.
i. To illustrate these premium provisions, again assume Anytown Credit Union is a credit union with $30 million in assets that converts from federal to nonfederal insurance on November 15 of Year One, and that Anytown Credit Union had $20 million in insured shares as of the previous December 31 (of Year Zero), the end of its most recent reporting period. Further assume that NCUA declares a premium on February 12 of Year One and invoices the premium on November 15. Since the premium was declared “on or before the day in which [Anytown's] conversion [was] completed,” § 741.4(j)(1)(iii) applies. Anytown would then pay a premium based on $20 million (its “insured shares as
At 74 FR 63281, Dec. 3, 2009, appendix A to part 741 was added, effective Jan. 4, 2010.
12 U.S.C. 1756, 1766.
NCUA's Regulatory Flexibility Program (RegFlex) exempts from all or part of the NCUA regulatory restrictions identified elsewhere in this part credit unions that demonstrate sustained superior performance as measured by CAMEL rating and net worth classification. RegFlex credit unions also are authorized to purchase and hold an expanded range of obligations.
(a)
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(d)
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(9)
(i) The security is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least one nationally-recognized statistical rating organization;
(ii) The security meets the definition of mortgage related security as defined in 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(41) and the definition of commercial mortgage related security as defined in § 703.2 of this chapter;
(iii) The security's underlying pool of loans contains more than 50 loans with no one loan representing more than 10 percent of the pool; and
(iv) The aggregate total of commercial mortgage related securities purchased by the Federal credit union does not exceed 50 percent of its net worth.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1757, 1765, 1766, 1781, 1782, 1787, 1789; Title V, Pub. L. 109-351;120 Stat. 1966.
The regulation and appendix contained in this part describe the insurance coverage of various types of member accounts. In general, all types of member share accounts received by the credit union in its usual course of business, including regular shares, share certificates, and share draft accounts, represent equity and are insured. For the purposes of applying the rules in this part, it is presumed that the owner of funds in an account is an insured credit union member or otherwise eligible to maintain an insured account in a credit union. These rules do not extend insurance coverage to persons not entitled to maintain an insured account or to account relationships that have not been approved by the Board as an insured account. Where there are multiple owners of a single account, generally only that part which is allocable to the member(s) is insured.
(a) The terms
(b) The terms
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term “standard maximum share insurance amount,” referred to as the “SMSIA” hereafter, means $250,000 from October 3, 2008, until December 31, 2013. Effective January 1, 2014, the SMSIA means $100,000 adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (F) of section 11(a)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1821(a)(1)(F)). All examples in this part use $250,000 as the SMSIA.
(a)
(b) The regulations in this part in no way are to be interpreted to authorize any type of account that is not authorized by Federal law or regulation or State law or regulation or by the bylaws of a particular credit union. The purpose is to be as inclusive as possible of all situations.
(c)
(2) If the account records of an insured credit union disclose the existence of a relationship which may provide a basis for additional insurance, the details of the relationship and the interest of other parties in the account must be ascertainable either from the records of the credit union or the records of the member maintained in good faith and in the regular course of business.
(3) The account records of an insured credit union in connection with a trust account shall disclose the name of both the settlor (grantor) and the trustee of the trust and shall contain an account signature card executed by the trustee.
(4) The interests of the co-owners of a joint account shall be deemed equal, unless otherwise stated on the insured credit union's records in the case of a tenancy in common.
(d)
(2) In connection with any trust in which certain trust interests are not capable of evaluation in accordance with the foregoing rule, payment by the Board to the trustee with respect to all such trust interests shall not exceed the SMSIA.
(3) Each trust interest in any trust established by two or more settlors shall be deemed to be derived from each settlor pro rata to his contribution to the trust.
(4) The term “trust interest” means the interest of a beneficiary in an irrevocable express trust, whether created by trust instrument or statute, but does not include any interest retained by the settlor.
(e)
(f)
(a) Funds owned by an individual and deposited in the manner set forth below shall be added together and insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate.
(1)
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(b) Funds held by a guardian, custodian, or conservator for the benefit of his ward or for the benefit of a minor under a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act and deposited in one or more accounts in the name of the guardian, custodian, or conservator are insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate, separately from any other accounts of the guardian, custodian, conservator, ward, or minor.
(a)
(b)
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(f)
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (f)(1) of this section, where the owners of a co-owned revocable trust account are themselves the sole beneficiaries of the corresponding trust, the account shall be insured as a joint account under section 745.8 and shall not be insured under the provisions of this section. (
(g) For deposit accounts held in connection with a living trust that provides for a life estate interest for designated beneficiaries, NCUA shall value each such life estate interest as the SMSIA for purposes of determining the insurance coverage available to the account owner under paragraph (e) of this section. (
(h)
(i) This section shall apply to all existing and future revocable trust accounts and all existing and future irrevocable trust accounts resulting from formal revocable trust accounts.
Funds of a decedent held in the name of the decedent or in the name of the executor or administrator of the decedent's estate and deposited in one or more accounts shall be insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all such accounts, separately from the individual accounts of the beneficiaries of the estate or of the executor or administrator.
Accounts of a corporation, partnership, or unincorporated association engaged in any independent activity shall be insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate. The account of a corporation, partnership, or unincorporated association not engaged in an independent activity shall be deemed to be owned by the person or persons owning such corporation or comprising such partnership or unincorporated association and, for account insurance purposes, the interest of each person in such an account shall be added to any other account individually owned by such person and insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate. For purposes of this section, “independent activity” means an activity other than one directed solely at increasing insurance coverage.
An insured credit union may accept shares denominated in a foreign currency. Shares denominated in a foreign currency will be insured in accordance with this part to the same extent as shares denominated in U.S. dollars. Insurance for shares denominated in foreign currency will be determined and paid in the amount of United States dollars that is equivalent in value to the amount of the shares denominated in the foreign currency as of close of business on the date of default of the insured credit union. The exchange rates to be used for such conversions are the 12 p.m. rates (the “noon buying rates for cable transfers”) quoted for major currencies by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the date of default of the insured credit union, unless the share agreement provides that some other widely recognized exchange rates are to be used for all purposes under that agreement.
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(e)
(a) For purposes of this section, “trust” refers to an irrevocable trust.
(b) All trust interests (as defined in § 745.2(d)(4)), for the same beneficiary, deposited in an account and established pursuant to valid trust agreements created by the same settlor (grantor) shall be added together and insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate, separately from other accounts of the trustee of such trust funds or the settlor or beneficiary of such trust arrangements.
(c) This section applies to trust interests created in Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, formerly Education IRAs, established in connection with section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 530).
(a)
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(c)(1)
(i) Any individual retirement account described in section 408(a) (IRA) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 408(a)) or similar provisions of law applicable to a U.S. territory or possession;
(ii) Any individual retirement account described in section 408A (Roth IRA) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 408A) or similar provisions of law applicable to a U.S. territory or possession; and
(iii) Any plan described in section 401(d) (Keogh account) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 401(d)) or similar provisions of law applicable to a U.S. territory or possession.
(2) Insurance coverage for the accounts enumerated in paragraph (c)(1) of this section is based on the present vested ascertainable interest of a participant or designated beneficiary. For insurance purposes, IRA and Roth IRA accounts will be combined together and insured in the aggregate up to $250,000 (which amount shall be subject to inflation adjustments as provided under section 11(a)(1)(F) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, except that $250,000 shall be substituted for $100,000 wherever such term appears in such section). A Keogh account will be separately insured from an IRA account, Roth IRA account or, where applicable, aggregated IRA and Roth IRA accounts.
(a) Public funds invested in Federal credit unions and federally-insured state credit unions authorized to accept such investments shall be insured as follows:
(1) Each official custodian of funds of the United States lawfully investing the same in a federally-insured credit union will be separately insured in the amount of:
(i) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share draft accounts; and
(ii) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share certificate and regular share accounts;
(2) Each official custodian of funds of any state of the United States or any county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof lawfully investing the same in a federally-insured credit union in the same state will be separately insured in the amount of:
(i) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share draft accounts; and
(ii) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share certificate and regular share accounts;
(3) Each official custodian of funds of the District of Columbia lawfully investing the same in a federally-insured credit union in the District of Columbia will be separately insured in the amount of:
(i) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share draft accounts; and
(ii) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share certificate and regular share accounts;
(4) Each official custodian of funds of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Panama Canal Zone, or any territory or possession of the United States, or any county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof lawfully investing the same in a federally-insured credit union in Puerto Rico, the Panama Canal Zone, or any such territory or possession, respectively, will be separately insured in the amount of:
(i) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share draft accounts; and
(ii) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share certificate and regular share accounts;
(5) Each official custodian of tribal funds of any Indian tribe (as defined in section 3(c) of the Indian Financing Act of 1974) or agency thereof lawfully investing the same in a federally-insured credit union will be separately insured in the amount of:
(i) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share draft accounts; and
(ii) Up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all share certificate and regular share accounts;
(b) Each official custodian referred to in paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) of this section lawfully investing such funds in share accounts in a federally-insured credit union outside of their respective jurisdictions shall be separately insured up to the SMSIA in the aggregate for all such accounts regardless of whether they are share draft, share certificate or regular share accounts.
(c) For purposes of this section, if the same person is an official custodian of more than one public unit, he shall be separately insured with respect to the public funds held by him for each such unit, but he shall not be separately insured with respect to all public funds of the same public unit by virtue of holding different offices in such unit or by holding such funds for different purposes. Where an officer, agent or employee of a public unit has custody of certain funds which by law or under a bond indenture are required to be set aside to discharge a debt owed to the holders of notes or bonds issued by the public unit, any investment of such funds in an account in a federally-insured credit union will be deemed to be a share account established by a trustee of trust funds of which the noteholders or bondholders are pro rata beneficiaries, and the beneficial interest of each noteholder or bondholder in the share account will be separately insured up to the SMSIA.
(d) For purposes of this section, “lawfully investing” means pursuant to the statutory or regulatory authority of the custodian or public unit.
If any insured account obligation of a credit union is evidenced by a negotiable certificate account, negotiable draft, negotiable cashier's or officer's check, negotiable certified check, or negotiable traveler's check or letter of credit, the owner of such account obligation will be recognized for all purposes of a claim for insured accounts to the same extent as if his name and interest were disclosed on the records of the credit union provided the instrument was in fact negotiated to such owner prior to the date of the closing of the credit union. Affirmative proof of such negotiation must be offered in all cases to substantiate the claim.
Where a closed credit union has become obligated for the payment of items forwarded for collection by a depository institution acting solely as agent, the owner of such items will be recognized for all purposes of a claim for insured accounts to the same extent as if his name and interest were disclosed on the records of the credit union when such claim for insured accounts, if otherwise payable, has been established by the execution and delivery of prescribed forms. Such depository institution forwarding such items for the owners thereof will be recognized as agent for such owners for the purpose of making an assignment of the rights of such owners against the closed insured credit union to the Board and for the purpose of receiving payment on behalf of such owners.
Each insured credit union shall provide notice to its members concerning NCUA insurance coverage of member accounts. This may be accomplished by placing either a copy of part 745 of these rules, the appendix, or one or more copies of the NCUA brochure “Your Insured Funds” in each branch office and main office of the credit union. Copies of these materials shall also be made available to members upon request. For purposes of this section, an automated teller machine or point of sale terminal is not a branch office.
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(b)
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(d)
(a)
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(b)
(1) A statement of the facts on which the claim for insurance is based;
(2) A statement of the basis for the initial determination or determination on the request for reconsideration to which the accountholder objects and the alleged error in such determination, including citations to applicable statutes and regulations;
(3) Any other evidence relied upon by the accountholder which was not previously provided to the Liquidating Agent.
(c)
(2) Within 60 days from the date of the Board's receipt of an appeal, the accountholder may amend or supplement the request in writing. In the event that the accountholder does amend or supplement the request, the provisons of paragraph (c)(1) of this section with respect to requests for additional information and responses to such requests shall apply with equal force to any such amendment or supplement to a request.
(d)
(2) The determination by the Board on appeal shall be provided to the accountholder in writing, stating the reason(s) for the determination, and shall constitute a final Agency order regarding the accountholder's claim for insurance.
(3) If the Board determines that the accountholder is entitled to the amount of insurance claimed or a portion thereof, upon payment of such insurance the accountholder shall promptly surrender to the Board the certificate of claim in liquidation provided in connection with the initial determination. In the event that the Board determines that the accountholder is only entitled to a portion of the amount of insurance claimed, upon the accountholder's surrender of such certificate a new certificate of claim in liquidation will be provided which reflects the revised amount of the uninsured account.
(4) Failure by the Board to issue a determination on appeal of the accountholder's claim for insurance within the 180-day period provided for under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, shall be deemed to be a denial of such claim for purposes of § 745.203 of this subpart.
(a) For purposes of seeking judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this subpart, only a determination on appeal issued by the Board pursuant to § 745.202 of this subpart shall constitute
(b) Failure to file an appeal with regard to an initial determination, or a decision rendered on a request for reconsideration with the applicable time periods shall constitute a failure by the accountholder to exhaust available administrative remedies and, due to such failure, any objections to the initial determination or request for reconsideration shall be deemed to be waived and such determination shall be deemed to have been accepted by, and binding upon, the accountholder.
(c) Final determination by the Board is reviewable in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7, title 5, United States Code, by the United States district court for the Federal judicial district where the credit union's principal place of business is located. Such action must be filed not later than 60 days after such final determination is ordered.
The following examples illustrate insurance coverage on accounts maintained in the same federally-insured credit union. They are intended to cover various types of ownership interests and combinations of accounts which may occur in connection with funds invested in insured credit unions. These examples interpret the rules for insurance of accounts contained in 12 CFR part 745 and focus on those accounts for which examples are not provided in the regulatory text.
The examples, as well as the rules which they interpret, are predicated upon the assumption that: (1) Invested funds are actually owned in the manner indicated on the credit union's records and (2) the owner of funds in an account is a credit union member or otherwise eligible to maintain an insured account in a credit union. If available evidence shows that ownership is different from that on the institution's records, the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund may pay claims for insured accounts on the basis of actual rather than ostensible ownership. Further, the examples and the rules which they interpret do not extend insurance coverage to persons otherwise not entitled to maintain an insured account or to account relationships that have not been approved by the NCUA Board as an insured account.
All funds owned by an individual member (or, in a community property state, by the husband-wife community of which the individual is a member) and invested in one or more individual accounts are added together and insured to the $250,000 maximum. This is true whether the accounts are maintained in the name of the individual member owning the funds or in the name of the member's agent or nominee. (§ 745.3(a)(1) and (2).) All such accounts are added together and insured as one individual account. Funds held in one or more accounts in the name of a guardian, custodian, or conservator for the benefit of a ward or minor are added together and insured up to $250,000. However, such an account or accounts will not be added to any other individual accounts of the guardian, custodian, conservator, ward, or minor for purposes of determining insurance coverage. (§ 745.3(b).) A mortgage servicing account maintained by a mortgage servicer, in a custodial or other fiduciary capacity, comprised of payments by a mortgagor of principal and interest is insured for the cumulative balance paid into the account by the mortgagor, up to $250,000 for the mortgagor separately from other individual accounts of the mortgagor. A mortgage servicing account maintained by a mortgage servicer, in a custodial or other fiduciary capacity, comprised of payments by a mortgagor of taxes and insurance premiums shall be added together with the mortgagor's other individual accounts and insured up to $250,000. (§ 745.3(a)(3).)
Question: Members A and B, husband and wife, each maintain an individual account containing $250,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each account is separately insured up to $250,000, for a total coverage of $500,000. The coverage would be the same whether the individual accounts contain funds owned as community property or as individual property of the spouses (§ 745.3(a)(1)).
Question: Members H and W, husband and wife, reside in a community property state. H maintains a $250,000 account consisting of his separately-owned funds and invests $250,000 of community property funds in another account, both of which are in his name alone. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The two accounts are added together and insured to a total of $250,000. $250,000 is uninsured (§ 745.3(a)(1)).
Question: Member A has $192,500 invested in an individual account, and his
Answer: A's individual account and the agency account are added together and insured to the $250,000 maximum, leaving $67,500 uninsured. The investment of funds through an agent does not result in additional insurance coverage for the principal (§ 745.3(a)(2)). B's individual account is insured separately from the agency account (§ 745.3(a)(1)). However, if the account records of the credit union do not show the agency relationship under which the funds in the $125,000 account are held, the $250,000 in B's name could, at the option of the NCUSIF, be added to his individual account and insured to $250,000 in the aggregate, leaving $125,000 uninsured (§ 745.2(c)).
Question: Member A holds a $250,000 individual account. Member B holds two accounts in his own name, the first containing $125,000 and the second containing $192,500. In processing the claims for payment of insurance on these accounts, the NCUSIF discovers that the funds in the $125,000 account actually belong to A and that B had invested these funds as agent for A, his undisclosed principal. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since the available evidence shows that A is the actual owner of the funds in the $125,000 account, those funds would be added to the $250,000 individual account held by A (rather than to B's $192,500 account) and insured to the $250,000 maximum, leaving $125,000 uninsured. (§ 745.3(a)(2).) B's $192,500 individual account would be separately insured.
Question: Member C, a minor, maintains an individual account of $750. C's grandfather makes a gift to him of $250,000, which is invested in another account by C's father, designated on the credit union's records as custodian under a Uniform Gift to Minors Act. C's father, also a member, maintains an individual account of $250,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: C's individual account and the custodian account held for him by his father are each separately insured: The $250,000 maximum on the custodian account, and $750 on his individual account. The individual account held by C's father is also separately insured to the $250,000 maximum. (§ 745.3 (a)(1) and (b).)
Question: Member G, a court-appointed guardian, invests in a properly designated account $250,000 of funds in his custody which belong to member W, his ward. W and G each maintain $25,000 individual accounts. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: W's individual account and the guardianship account in G's name are each insured to $250,000 providing W with $275,000 in insured funds. G's individual account is also separately insured. (§ 745.3 (a)(1) and (b).)
Question: Member A has three individual accounts at the same NCUA-insured credit union. Account #1 is a $250,000 individual account. Account #2 is a mortgage servicing account maintained by a mortgage servicer, in a custodial or other fiduciary capacity, comprised of payments by Member A of principal and interest in the amount of $3,000. Account #3 is a mortgage servicing account maintained by a mortgage servicer, in a custodial or other fiduciary capacity, comprised of payments by Member A of taxes and insurance premiums in the amount of $1,500. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Accounts # 1 and #3 are added together and insured up to $250,000, leaving $1,500 uninsured. Account #2 is separately insured up to $250,000.
All funds belonging to a decedent and invested in one or more accounts, whether held in the name of the decedent or in the name of his executor or administrator, are added together and insured to the $250,000 maximum. Such funds are insured separately from the individual accounts of any of the beneficiaries of the estate or of the executor or administrator.
Question: Member A, administrator of Member D's estate, sells D's automobile and invests the proceeds of $12,500 in an account entitled “A Administrator of the estate of D.” A has an individual account in that same credit union containing $250,000. Prior to his death, D had opened an individual account of $250,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The $12,500 is added to D's individual account and insured to $250,000, leaving $12,500 uninsured. A's individual account is separately insured for $250,000 (§ 745.5).
All funds invested in an account or accounts by a corporation, a partnership or an unincorporated association engaged in any independent activity are added together and insured to the $250,000 maximum. The term “independent activity” means any activity other than the one directed solely at increasing coverage. If the corporation, partnership or unincorporated association is not engaged in an independent activity, any account held by the entity is insured as if owned by the persons owning or comprising the entity, and the imputed interest of each such person is added for insurance purposes to any individual account which he maintains.
Question: Member X Corporation maintains a $250,000 account. The stock of the corporation is owned by members A, B, C, and D in equal shares. Each of these stockholders also maintains an individual account of $250,000 with the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each of the five accounts would be separately insured to $250,000 if the corporation is engaged in an independent activity and has not been established merely for the purpose of increasing insurance coverage. The same would be true if the business were operated as a bona fide partnership instead of as a corporation (§ 745.6). However, if X corporation was not engaged in an independent activity, then $62,500 (
Question: Member C College maintains three separate accounts with the same credit union under the titles: “General Operating Fund,” “Teachers Salaries,” and “Building Fund.” What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since all of the funds are the property of the college, the three accounts are added together and insured only to the $250,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
Question: The men's club of X Church carries on various social activities in addition to holding several fund-raising campaigns for the church each year. The club is supported by membership dues. Both the club and X Church maintain member accounts in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The men's club is an unincorporated association engaged in an independent activity. If the club funds are, in fact, legally owned by the club itself and not the church, each account is separately insured to the $250,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
Question: The PQR Union, a member of the ABC Federal Credit Union, has three locals in a certain city. Each of the locals maintains an account containing funds belonging to the parent organization. All three accounts are in the same insured credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The three accounts are added together and insured up to the $250,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
For insurance purposes, the official custodian of funds belonging to a public unit, rather than the public unit itself, is insured as the account holder. All funds belonging to a public unit and invested by the same custodian in a federally-insured credit union are categorized as either share draft accounts or share certificate and regular share accounts. If these accounts are invested in a federally-insured credit union located in the jurisdiction from which the official custodian derives his authority, then the share draft accounts will be insured separately from the share certificate and regular share accounts. Under this circumstance, all share draft accounts are added together and insured to the $250,000 maximum and all share certificate and regular share accounts are also added together and separately insured up to the $250,000 maximum. If, however, these accounts are invested in a federally-insured credit union located outside of the jurisdiction from which the official custodian derives his authority, then insurance coverage is limited to $250,000 for all accounts regardless of whether they are share draft, share certificate or regular share accounts. If there is more than one official custodian for the same public unit, the funds invested by each custodian are separately insured. If the same person is custodian of funds for more than one public unit, he is separately insured with respect to the funds of each unit held by him in properly designated accounts.
For insurance purposes, a “political subdivision” is entitled to the same insurance coverage as any other public unit. “Political subdivision” includes any subdivision of a public unit or any principal department of such unit: (1) The creation of which has been expressly authorized by state statute, (2) to which some functions of government have been allocated by state statute, and (3) to which funds have been allocated by statute or ordinance for its exclusive use and control.
Question: As Comptroller of Y Consolidated School District, A maintains a $275,000 account in the credit union containing school district funds. He also maintains his own $250,000 member account in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The two accounts will be separately insured, assuming the credit union's records indicate that the account containing the school district funds is held by A in a fiduciary capacity. Thus, $250,000 of the school's funds and the entire $250,000 in A's personal account will be insured (§ 745.10(a)(2) and § 745.3).
Question: A, as city treasurer, and B, as chief of the city police department, each have $250,000 in city funds invested in custodial accounts. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Assuming that both A and B have official custody of the city funds, each account is separately insured to the $250,000 maximum (§ 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A is Treasurer of X County and collects certain tax assessments, a portion of which must be paid to the state under statutory requirement. A maintains an account for general funds of the county and establishes a separate account for the funds which belong to the State Treasurer. The credit union's records indicate that the separate account contains funds held for the State. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since two public units own the funds held by A, the accounts would each be separately insured to the $250,000 maximum (§ 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A city treasurer invests city funds in each of the following accounts: “General Operating Account,” “School Transportation Fund,” “Local Maintenance Fund,” and “Payroll Fund.” Each account is available to the custodian upon demand. By administrative direction, the city treasurer has allocated the funds for the use of and control by separate departments of the city. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: All of the accounts are added together and insured in the aggregate to $250,000. Because the allocation of the city's funds is not by statute or ordinance for the specific use of and control by separate departments of the city, separate insurance coverage to the maximum of $250,000 is not afforded to each account (§§ 745.1(d) and 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A, the custodian of retirement funds of a military exchange, invests $2,500,000 in an account in an insured credit union. The military exchange, a non-appropriated fund instrumentally of the United States, is deemed to be a public unit. The employees of the exchange are the beneficiaries of the retirement funds but are not members of the credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because A invested the funds on behalf of a public unit, in his capacity as custodian, those funds qualify for $250,000 share insurance even though A and the public unit are not within the credit union's field of membership. Since the beneficiaries are neither public units nor members of the credit union they are not entitled to separate share insurance. Therefore, $2,250,000 is uninsured (§ 745.10(a)(1)).
Question: A is the custodian of the County's employee retirement funds. He deposits $2,500,000 in retirement funds in an account in an insured credit union. The “beneficiaries” of the retirement fund are not themselves public units nor are they within the credit union's field of membership. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because A invested the funds on behalf of a public unit, in his capacity as custodian, those funds qualify for $250,000 share insurance even though A and the public unit are not within the credit union's field of membership. Since the beneficiaries are neither public units nor members of the credit union they are not entitled to separate share insurance. Therefore, $2,250,000 is uninsured (§ 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A county treasurer establishes the following share draft accounts in an insured credit union each with $250,000:
Answer: The “County Roads Department,” “County Water District” and “County Public Improvement District” accounts would each be separately insured to $250,000 if the funds in each such account have been allocated by law for the exclusive use of a separate county department or subdivision expressly authorized by State statute. Funds in the “General Operating” and “Emergency Fund” accounts would be added together and insured in the aggregate to $250,000, if such funds are for countywide use and not for the exclusive use of any subdivision or principal department of the county, expressly authorized by State statute (§§ 745.1(d) and 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A, the custodian of Indian tribal funds, lawfully invests $2,500,000 in an account in an insured credit union on behalf of 15 different tribes; the records of the credit union show that no tribe's interest exceeds $250,000. A, as official custodian, also invests $2,500,000 in the same credit union on behalf of 100 individual Indians, who are not members; each Indian's interest is $10,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because each tribe is considered a separate public unit, the custodian of each tribe, even though the same person, is entitled to separate insurance for each tribe (§ 745.10(a)(5)). Since the credit union's records indicate no tribe has more than $250,000 in the account, the $2,500,000 would be fully insured as 15 separate tribal accounts. If anyone tribe had more than a $250,000 interest in the funds, it would be insured only to $250,000 and any excess would be uninsured.
However, the $2,500,000 invested on behalf of the individual Indians would not be insured since the individual Indians are neither public units nor, in the example, members of the credit union. If A is the custodian of the funds in his capacity as an official of a governmental body that qualified as a public unit, then the account would be insured for $250,000, leaving $2,250,000 uninsured.
Question: A, an official custodian of funds of a state of the United States, lawfully invests $500,000 of state funds in a federally-insured credit union located in the state from which he derives his authority as an official custodian. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: If A invested the entire $500,000 in a share draft account, then $250,000 would be insured and $250,000 would be uninsured. If A invested $250,000 in share draft accounts and another $250,000 in share certificate and regular share accounts, then A would be insured for $250,000 for the share draft accounts and $250,000 for the share certificate and regular share accounts leaving nothing uninsured (§ 745.10(a)(2)). If A had invested the $500,000 in a federally-insured credit union located outside the state from which he derives his authority as an official custodian, then $250,000 would be insured for all accounts regardless of whether they were share draft, share certificate or regular share accounts, leaving $250,000 uninsured (§ 745.10(b)).
A trust estate is the interest of a beneficiary in an irrevocable express trust, whether created by trust instrument or statute, which is valid under state law. Thus, funds invested in an account by a trustee under an irrevocable express trust are insured on the basis of the beneficial interests under such trust. The interest of each beneficiary in an account (or accounts) established under such a trust arrangement is insured to $250,000 separately from other accounts held by the trustee, the settlor (grantor), or the beneficiary. However, in cases where a beneficiary has an interest in more than one trust arrangement created by the same settlor, the interests of the beneficiary in all accounts established under such trusts are added together for insurance purposes, and the beneficiary's aggregate interest derived from the same settlor is separately insured to the $250,000 maximum.
A beneficiary's interest in an account established pursuant to an irrevocable express trust arrangement is insured separately from other beneficial interests (trust estates) invested in the same account if the value of the beneficiary's interest (trust estate) can be determined (as of the date of a credit union's insolvency) without evaluation of contingencies except for those covered by the present worth tables and rules of calculation for their use set forth in § 20.2031-10 of the Federal Estate Tax Regulations (26 CFR 20.2031-10). If any trust estates in such an account cannot be so determined, the insurance with respect to all such trust estates together shall not exceed $250,000.
In order for insurance coverage of trust accounts to be effective in accordance with the foregoing rules, certain recordkeeping requirements must be met. In connection with each trust account, the credit union's records must indicate the name of both the settlor and the trustee of the trust and must contain an account signature card executed by the trustee indicating the fiduciary capacity of the trustee. In addition, the interests of the beneficiaries under the trust must be ascertainable from the records of either the credit union or the trustee, and the settlor or beneficiary must be a member of the credit union. If there are two or more settlors or beneficiaries, then either all the settlors or all the beneficiaries must be members of the credit union.
Although each ascertainable trust estate is separately insured, it should be noted that in short-term trusts the insurable interest or interests may be very small, since the interests are computed only for the duration of the trust. Thus, if a trust is made irrevocable for a specified period of time, the beneficial interest will be calculated in terms of the length of time stated. A reversionary interest retained by the settlor is treated in the same manner as an individual account of the settlor.
As stated, the trust must be valid under local law. A trust which does not meet local requirements, such as one imposing no duties on the trustee or conveying no interest to the beneficiary, is of no effect for insurance purposes. An account in which such funds are invested is considered to be an individual account.
IRA and Keogh accounts are separately insured, each up to $250,000. Although credit unions may serve as trustees or custodians for self-directed IRA, Roth IRA and Keogh accounts, once the funds in those accounts are taken out of the credit union, they are no longer insured.
In the case of an employee retirement fund where only a portion of the fund is placed in a credit union account, the amount of insurance available to an individual participant on his interest in the account will be in proportion to his interest in the entire employee retirement fund. If, for example, the member's interest represents 10% of the entire plan funds, then he is presumed to have only a 10% interest in the plan account. Said another way, if a member has a vested interest of $10,000 in a municipal employees retirement plan and the trustee invests 25% of the total plan funds in a credit union, the member would be insured for only $2,500 on that credit union account. There is an exception, however. The member would be insured for $10,000 if the trustee can document, through records maintained in the ordinary course of business, that individual beneficiary's interests are segregated and the total vested interest of the member was, in fact, invested in that account.
Question: Member S invests $250,000 in trust for B, the beneficiary. S also has an individual account containing $250,000 in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Both accounts are fully insured. The trust account is separately insured from the individual account of S (§§ 745.3(a)(1) and 745.9-1).
Question: S invests funds in trust for A, B, C, D, and E. A, B, and C are members of the credit union, D, E and S are not. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: This is an uninsurable account. Where there is more than one settlor or more than one beneficiary, all the settlors or all the beneficiaries must be members to establish this type of account. Since D, E and S are not members, this account cannot legally be established or insured.
Question: Member T invests $5,000,000 in trust for ABC Employees Retirement Fund. Some of the participants are members and some are not. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The account is insured as to the determinable interests of each participant to a maximum of $250,000 per participant regardless of credit union member status. T's member status is also irrelevant. Participant interests not capable of evaluation shall be added together and insured to a maximum of $250,000 in the aggregate (§ 745.9-2).
Question: T is trustee for the ABC Employees Retirement Fund containing $1,000,000. Fund participant A has a determinable interest of $90,000 in the Fund (9% of the total). T invests $500,000 of the Fund in an insured credit union and the remaining $500,000 elsewhere. Some of the participants of the Fund are members of the credit union and some are not. T does not segregate each participant's interest in the Fund. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The account is insured as to the determinable interest of each participant, adjusted in proportion to the Fund's investment in the credit union, regardless of the membership status of the participants or trustee. A's insured interest in the account is $45,000, or 9% of $500,000. This reflects the fact that only 50% of the Fund is in the account and A's interest in the account is in the same proportion as his interest in the overall plan. All other participants would be similarly insured. Participants' interests not capable of evaluation are added together and insured to a maximum of $250,000 in the aggregate (§ 745.9-2).
Question: Member A has an individual account of $250,000 and establishes an IRA account and accumulates $250,000 in that account. Subsequently, A becomes self-employed and establishes a Keogh account in the same credit union and accumulates $250,000 in that account. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each of A's accounts would be separately insured as follows: the individual account for $250,000, the maximum for that type of account; the IRA account for $250,000, the maximum for that type of account; and the Keogh account for $250,000, the maximum for that type of account. (§§ 745.3(a)(1) and 745.9-2).
Question: Member A has a self-directed IRA account with $70,000 in it. The FCU is the trustee of the account. Member transfers $40,000 into a blue chip stock; $30,000 remains in the FCU. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Originally, the full $70,000 in A's IRA account is insured. The $40,000 is no longer insured once it is moved out of the FCU. The $30,000 remaining in the FCU is insured (§ 745.9-2).
The following examples illustrate insurance coverage on accounts maintained in the same federally-insured credit union. They are intended to cover various types of ownership interests and combinations of accounts which may occur in connection with funds invested in insured credit unions. These examples interpret the rules for insurance of accounts contained in 12 CFR part 745.
The examples, as well as the rules which they interpret, are predicated upon the assumption that: (1) Invested funds are actually owned in the manner indicated on the credit union's records and (2) the owner of funds in an account is a credit union member or otherwise eligible to maintain an insured account in a credit union. If available evidence shows that ownership is different from that on the institution's records, the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund may pay claims for insured accounts on the basis of actual rather than ostensible ownership. Further, the examples and the rules which they interpret do not extend insurance coverage to persons otherwise not entitled to maintain an insured account or to account relationships that have not been approved by the Board as an insured account.
All funds owned by an individual member (or, in a community property state, by the husband-wife community of which the individual is a member) and invested in one or more individual accounts are added together and insured to the $100,000 maximum. This is true whether the accounts are maintained in the name of the individual member owning the funds, in the name of the member's agent
Question: Members A and B, husband and wife, each maintain an individual account containing $100,000. In addition, they hold a joint account containing $100,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each account is separately insured up to $100,000, for a total coverage of $300,000. The coverage would be the same whether the individual accounts contain funds owned as community property or as individual property of the spouses (§ 745.3(a)(1) and § 745.8(a)).
Question: Members H and W, husband and wife, reside in a community property state. H maintains a $100,000 account consisting of his separately-owned funds and invests $100,000 of community property funds in another account, both of which are in his name alone. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The two accounts are added together and insured to a total of $100,000. $100,000 is uninsured (§ 745.3(a)(1)).
Question: Member A has $92,500 invested in an individual account, and his agent, Member B, invests $25,000 of A's funds in a properly designated agency account. B also holds a $100,000 individual account. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: A's individual account and the agency account are added together and insured to the $100,000 maximum, leaving $17,500 uninsured. The investment of funds through an agent does not result in additional insurance coverage for the principal (§ 745.3(a)(2)). B's individual account is insured separately from the agency account (§ 745.3(a)(1)). However, if the account records of the credit union do not show the agency relationship under which the funds in the $25,000 account are held, the $25,000 in B's name could, at the option of the NCUSIF, be added to his individual account and insured to $100,000 in the aggregate, leaving $25,000 uninsured (§ 745.2(c)).
Question: Member A holds a $100,000 individual account. Member B holds two accounts in his own name, the first containing $25,000 and the second containing $92,500. In processing the claims for payment of insurance on these accounts, the NCUSIF discovers that the funds in the $25,000 account actually belong to A and that B had invested these funds as agent for A, his undisclosed principal. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since the available evidence shows that A is the actual owner of the funds in the $25,000 account, those funds would be added to the $100,000 individual account held by A (rather than to B's $92,500 account) and insured to the $100,000 maximum, leaving $25,000 uninsured. (§ 745.3(a)(2).) B's $92,500 individual account would be separately insured.
Question: Member C, a minor, maintains an individual account of $750. C's grandfather makes a gift to him of $100,000, which is invested in another account by C's father, designated on the credit union's records as custodian under a Uniform Gift to Minors Act. C's father, also a member, maintains an individual account of $100,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: C's individual account and the custodian account held for him by his father are each separately insured: The $100,000 maximum on the custodian account, and $750 on his individual account. The individual account held by C's father is also separately insured to the $100,000 maximum. (§ 745.3 (a)(1) and (b).)
Question: Member G, a court-appointed guardian, invests in a properly designated account $100,000 of funds in his custody which belong to member W, his ward. W and G each maintain $25,000 individual accounts. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: W's individual account and the guardianship account in G's name are each insured to $100,000 providing W with $125,000 in insured funds. G's individual account is also separately insured. (§ 745.3 (a)(1) and (b).)
Question: X Credit Union acts as a servicer of FHA, VA, and conventional mortgage loans made to its members but sold to other parties. Each month X receives loan payments, for remittance to the other parties, from approximately 2,000 member mortgagors. The monies received each month total $1,000,000 and are maintained in a custodial loan account. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: X Credit Union acts as custodian for the 2,000 individual mortgagors. The interest of each mortgagor is separately insured as his individual account (but added to any other individual accounts which the mortgagor holds in the Credit Union) (§ 745.3(a)(3)).
All funds belonging to a decedent and invested in one or more accounts, whether held in the name of the decedent or in the name of his executor or administrator, are added together and insured to the $100,000 maximum. Such funds are insured separately from the individual accounts of any of the beneficiaries of the estate or of the executor or administrator.
Question: Member A, administrator of Member D's estate, sells D's automobile and invests the proceeds of $12,500 in an account entitled “A Administrator of the estate of D.” A has an individual account in that same credit union containing $100,000. Prior to his death, D had opened an individual account of $100,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The $12,500 is added to D's individual account and insured to $100,000, leaving $12,500 uninsured. A's individual account is separately insured for $100,000 (§ 745.5).
All funds invested in an account or accounts by a corporation, a partnership or an unincorporated association engaged in any independent activity are added together and insured to the $100,000 maximum. The term “independent activity” means any activity other than the one directed solely at increasing coverage. If the corporation, partnership or unincorporated association is not engaged in an independent activity, any account held by the entity is insured as if owned by the persons owning or comprising the entity, and the imputed interest of each such person is added for insurance purposes to any individual account which he maintains.
Question: Member X Corporation maintains a $100,000 account. The stock of the corporation is owned by members A, B, C, and D in equal shares. Each of these stockholders also maintains an individual account of $100,000 with the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each of the five accounts would be separately insured to $100,000 if the corporation is engaged in an independent activity and has not been established merely for the purpose of increasing insurance coverage. The same would be true if the business were operated as a bona fide partnership instead of as a corporation (§ 745.6). However, if X corporation was not engaged in an independent activity, then $25,000 (
Question: Member C College maintains three separate accounts with the same credit union under the titles: “General Operating Fund,” “Teachers Salaries,” and “Building Fund.” What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since all of the funds are the property of the college, the three accounts are added together and insured only to the $100,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
Question: The men's club of X Church carries on various social activities in addition to holding several fund-raising campaigns for the church each year. The club is supported by membership dues. Both the club and X Church maintain member accounts in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The men's club is an unincorporated association engaged in an independent activity. If the club funds are, in fact, legally owned by the club itself and not the church, each account is separately insured to the $100,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
Question: The PQR Union, a member of the ABC Federal Credit Union, has three locals in a certain city. Each of the locals maintains an account containing funds belonging to the parent organization. All three accounts are in the same insured credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The three accounts are added together and insured up to the $100,000 maximum (§ 745.6).
For insurance purposes, the official custodian of funds belonging to a public unit, rather than the public unit itself, is insured as the account holder. All funds belonging to a public unit and invested by the same custodian in a federally-insured credit union are categorized as either share draft accounts or share certificate and regular share accounts. If these accounts are invested in a federally-insured credit union located in the jurisdiction from which the official custodian derives his authority, then the share draft accounts will be insured separately from the share certificate and regular share accounts.
For insurance purposes, a “political subdivision” is entitled to the same insurance coverage as any other public unit. “Political subdivision” includes any subdivision of a public unit or any principal department of such unit: (1) The creation of which has been expressly authorized by state statute, (2) to which some functions of government have been allocated by state statute, and (3) to which funds have been allocated by statute or ordinance for its exclusive use and control.
Question: As Comptroller of Y Consolidated School District, A maintains a $125,000 account in the credit union containing school district funds. He also maintains his own $100,000 member account in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The two accounts will be separately insured, assuming the credit union's records indicate that the account containing the school district funds is held by A in a fiduciary capacity. Thus, $100,000 of the school's funds and the entire $100,000 in A's personal account will be insured (§ 745.10(a)(2) and § 745.3).
Question: A, as city treasurer, and B, as chief of the city police department, each have $100,000 in city funds invested in custodial accounts. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Assuming that both A and B have offical custody of the city funds, each account is separately insured to the $100,000 maximum (§ 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A is Treasurer of X County and collects certain tax assessments, a portion of which must be paid to the state under statutory requirement. A maintains an account for general funds of the county and establishes a separate account for the funds which belong to the State Treasurer. The credit union's records indicate that the separate account contains funds held for the State. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Since two public units own the funds held by A, the accounts would each be separately insured to the $100,000 maximum (§ 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A city treasurer invests city funds in each of the following accounts: “General Operating Account,” “School Transportation Fund,” “Local Maintenance Fund,” and “Payroll Fund.” Each account is available to the custodian upon demand. By administrative direction, the city treasurer has allocated the funds for the use of and control by separate departments of the city. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: All of the accounts are added together and insured in the aggregate to $100,000. Because the allocation of the city's funds is not by statute or ordinance for the specific use of and control by separate departments of the city, separate insurance coverage to the maximum of $100,000 is not afforded to each account (§§ 745.1(d) and 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A, the custodian of retirement funds of a military exchange, invests $1,000,000 in an account in an insured credit union. The military exchange, a non-appropriated fund instrumentally of the United States, is deemed to be a public unit. The employees of the exchange are the beneficiaries of the retirement funds but are not members of the credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because A invested the funds on behalf of a public unit, in his capacity as custodian, those funds qualify for $100,000 share insurance even though A and the public unit are not within the credit union's field of membership. Since the beneficiaries are neither public units nor members of the credit union they are not entitled to separate share insurance. Therefore, $900,000 is uninsured (§ 745.10(a)(1)).
Question: A is the custodian of the County's employee retirement funds. He deposits $1,000,000 in retirement funds in an account in an insured credit union. The “beneficiaries” of the retirement fund are not themselves public units nor are they within the credit union's field of membership. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because A invested the funds on behalf of a public unit, in his capacity as custodian, those funds qualify for $100,000
Question: A county treasurer establishes the following share draft accounts in an insured credit union each with $100,000:
Answer: The “County Roads Department,” “County Water District” and “County Public Improvement District” accounts would each be separately insured to $100,000 if the funds in each such account have been allocated by law for the exclusive use of a separate county department or subdivision expressly authorized by State statute. Funds in the “General Operating” and “Emergency Fund” accounts would be added together and insured in the aggregate to $100,000, if such funds are for countywide use and not for the exclusive use of any subdivision or principal department of the county, expressly authorized by State statute (§§ 745.1(d) and 745.10(a)(2)).
Question: A, the custodian of Indian tribal funds, lawfully invests $1,000,000 in an account in an insured credit union on behalf of 15 different tribes; the records of the credit union show that no tribe's interest exceeds $100,000. A, as official custodian, also invests $1,000,000 in the same credit union on behalf of 100 individual Indians, who are not members; each Indian's interest is $10,000. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Because each tribe is considered a separate public unit, the custodian of each tribe, even though the same person, is entitled to separate insurance for each tribe (§ 745.10(a)(5)). Since the credit union's records indicate no tribe has more than $100,000 in the account, the $1,000,000 would be fully insured as 15 separate tribal accounts. If any one tribe had more than a $100,000 interest in the funds, it would be insured only to $100,000 and any excess would be uninsured.
However, the $1,000,000 invested on behalf of the individual indians would not be insured since the individual indians are neither public units nor, in the example, members of the credit union. If A is the custodian of the funds in his capacity as an official of a governmental body that qualified as a public unit, then the account would be insured for $100,000, leaving $900,000 uninsured.
Question: A, an official custodian of funds of a state of the United States, lawfully invests $250,000 of state funds in a federally-insured credit union located in the state from which he derives his authority as an official custodian. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: If A invested the entire $250,000 in a share draft account, then $100,000 would be insured and $150,000 would be uninsured. If A invested $125,000 in share draft accounts and another $125,000 in share certificate and regular share accounts, then A would be insured for $100,000 for the share draft accounts and $100,000 for the share certificate and regular share accounts leaving $50,000 uninsured (§ 745.10(a)(2)). If A had invested the $250,000 in a federally-insured credit union located outside the state from which he derives his authority as an official custodian, then $100,000 would be insured for all accounts regardless of whether they were share draft, share certificate or regular share accounts, leaving $150,000 uninsured (§ 745.10(b)).
The interest of a co-owner in all accounts held under any form of joint ownership valid under state law (whether as joint tenants with right of survivorship, tenants by the entireties, tenants in common, or by husband and wife as community property) is insured up to $100,000. This insurance is separate from that afforded individual accounts held by any of the co-owners.
An account is insured as a joint account only if each of the co-owners has personally signed a membership card or an account signature card and possesses the same withdrawal rights as the other co-owners. (The signature requirement does not apply to share certificates, or to any accounts maintained by an agent, nominee, guardian, custodian or conservator on behalf of two or more persons. However, the records of the credit union must show that the account is being maintained for joint owners. There is also another exception in the case of a minor discussed below.) An account owned jointly which does not qualify as a joint account for insurance purposes is insured as if owned by the named persons as individuals. In that case, the actual ownership interest in the account of each person is added to any other accounts individually owned by such person and insured up to $100,000 in the aggregate.
Any individual, including a minor, may be a co-owner of a joint account. Although, generally, each co-owner must have signed an account signature card and must have the same rights of withdrawal as other co-owners in order for the account to qualify for separate joint account insurance, there is an
The interests of a co-owner in all joint accounts that qualify for separate insurance coverage are insured up to the $100,000 maximum. For insurance purposes, the co-owners of any joint account are deemed to have equal interests in the account, except in the case of a tenancy in common. With a tenancy in common, equal interests are presumed unless otherwise stated on the records of the credit union.
Question: Members A and B maintain an account as joint tenants with right of survivorship and, in addition, each holds an individual account. Is each account separately insured?
Answer: If both A and B have signed the membership or signature card and possess equal withdrawal rights with respect to the joint funds, their interests in the joint account are separately insured from their interests in the individual accounts. (§ 745.8 (a) and (b).) If the joint account is represented by a share certificate, their individual signatures are not required for that account.
Question: Members H and W, husband and wife, reside in a community property state. Each holds an individual account and, in addition, they hold a qualifying joint account. The funds in all three accounts consist of community property. Is each account separately insured?
Answer: Yes. An account in the individual name of a spouse will be insured up to $100,000 whether the funds consist of community property or separate property of the spouse. A joint account containing community property is separately insured. Thus, community property can be used for individual accounts in the name of each spouse and for a joint account in the name of both spouses. In this example, each individual account is insured up to $100,000 (§ 745.3(a)(1)), and the interests of both the husband and wife in the joint account are each insured up to $100,000 (§ 745.8(a)).
Question: Two accounts of $100,000 each are held by a member husband and his wife under the following names: John Doe and Mary Doe, husband and wife, as joint tenants with right of survivorship. Mrs. John Doe and John Q. Doe (community property). How much insurance do the husband and wife have?
Answer: They have $200,000 of insurance. Both the husband and wife are deemed to have a one half interest ($50,000) in each account. (§ 745.2(c)(4).) The husband's interest in both accounts would be added together and insured for $100,000. The wife's insurance coverage would be determined the same way. (§ 745.8(a).)
Question: The following accounts are held by members A, B and C, each of whom has personally executed signature cards for the accounts in which he has an interest. Each co-owner of a joint account possesses the necessary withdrawals rights.
What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Accounts numbered 1, 2 and 3 are each separately insured for $100,000 as individual accounts held by A, B and C, respectively (§ 745.3(a)(1)). The interest of the co-owners of each joint account are deemed equal for insurance purposes (§ 745.2(c)(4)). A's interest in accounts numbered 4, 5, and 7 are added together for insurance purposes (§ 745.8(e)). Thus, A has an interest of $45,000 in account No. 4, $45,000 in account No. 5 and $30,000 in account No. 7, for a total joint account interest of $120,000, of which $100,000 is insured. The interest of B and C are similarly insured.
Question: A, B and C hold accounts as set forth in Example 4. Members A and B are husband and wife; C, their minor child, has failed to sign the signature card for Account No. 7. In Account No. 5, according to the terms of the account, C cannot make a withdrawal without A's written consent. (This is not a limitation imposed under state law.) In Account No. 6, the signatures of both B and C are required for withdrawal. A has provided all of the funds for Accounts numbered 5 and 7 and under state law has the entire actual ownership interest in these two accounts. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: If any of the co-owners of a joint account have failed to meet any of the joint account requirements, the account is not a qualifying joint account. Instead, the account is treated as if it consisted of commingled individual accounts of each of the co-owners in accordance with his or her actual ownership interest in the funds, as determined under applicable state law. (§ 745.8(c).)
Account No. 5 is not a qualifying joint account because C does not have equal withdrawal rights with A. Based on the terms of the account, C can only make a withdrawal if he has A's written consent. Account No. 7 is not a qualifying joint account because C did not personally sign the signature card. Therefore, all of the funds in Accounts 5 and 7 are treated as individually owned by A and added to A's individual account, Account No. 1. For insurance purposes then, A has $280,000 in one individual account that is insured for $100,000, leaving $180,000 uninsured.
Account 6 is a qualifying joint account for insurance purposes since each co-owner has the right to withdraw funds on the same basis. Account 4 is also a qualifying joint account. A's interest in Account 4 is insured for $45,000. B's interest of $45,000 in Account 4 is added to her interest of $45,000 in Account 6 and insured for $90,000. C's interest in Account 6 is insured for $45,000.
Question: Assume the same accounts as Example 5(a) except that, on Account No. 5, C's right to make a withdrawal is limited by state law which precludes a minor from making a withdrawal without the co-owner's written consent. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: In this situation, Accounts 4, 5, and 6 all qualify as joint accounts. A, B, and C will each have $90,000 of insured funds based on: A's interest in Account 4 ($45,000) and 5 ($45,000), B's interest in Accounts 4 ($45,000) and 6 ($45,000), and C's interest in Accounts 5 ($45,000) and 6 ($45,000). As in Example 5(a), Account No. 7 does not qualify as a joint account and would be added to A's individual account for insurance purposes.
A trust estate is the interest of a beneficiary in an irrevocable express trust, whether created by trust instrument or statute, that is valid under state law. Thus, funds invested in an account by a trustee under an irrevocable express trust are insured on the basis of the beneficial interests under such trust. The interest of each beneficiary in an account (or accounts) established under such a trust arrangement is insured to $100,000 separately from other accounts held by the trustee, the settlor (grantor), or the beneficiary. However, in cases where a beneficiary has an interest in more than one trust arrangement created by the same settlor, the interests of the beneficiary in all accounts established under such trusts are added together for insurance purposes, and the beneficiary's aggregate interest derived from the same settlor is separately insured to the $100,000 maximum.
A beneficiary's interest in an account established pursuant to an irrevocable express trust arrangement is insured separately from other beneficial interests (trust estates) invested in the same account if the value of the beneficiary's interest (trust estate) can be determined (as of the date of a credit union's insolvency) without evaluation of contingencies except for those covered by the present worth tables and rules of calculation for their use set forth in § 20.2031-10 of the Federal Estate Tax Regulations (26 CFR 20.2031-10). If any trust estates in such an account cannot be so determined, the insurance with respect to all such trust estates together shall not exceed $100,000.
In order for insurance coverage of trust accounts to be effective in accordance with the foregoing rules, certain recordkeeping requirements must be met. In connection with each trust account, the credit union's records must indicate the name of both the settlor and the trustee of the trust and must contain an account signature card executed by the trustee indicating the fiduciary capacity of the trustee. In addition, the interests of the beneficiaries under the trust must be ascertainable from the records of either the credit union or the trustee, and the settlor or beneficiary must be a member of the credit union. If there are two or more settlors or beneficiaries, then either all the settlors or all the beneficiaries must be members of the credit union.
Although each ascertainable trust estate is separately insured, it should be noted that in short-term trusts the insurable interest or interests may be very small, since the interests are computed only for the duration of the trust. Thus, if a trust is made irrevocable for a specified period of time, the beneficial interest will be calculated in terms of the length of time stated. A reversionary interest retained by the settlor is treated in the same manner as an individual account of the settlor.
As stated, the trust must be valid under local law. A trust which does not meet local requirements, such as one imposing no duties on the trustee or conveying no interest to the beneficiary, is of no effect for insurance purposes. An account in which such funds are invested is considered to be an individual account.
An account established pursuant to a revocable trust arrangement is insured as a form of individual account and is treated under section B, supra, dealing with Testamentary Accounts.
IRA and Keogh accounts are separately insured, each up to $250,000. Although credit unions may serve as trustees or custodians for self-directed IRA, Roth IRA and Keogh accounts, once the funds in those accounts are taken out of the credit union, they are no longer insured.
In the case of an employee retirement fund where only a portion of the fund is placed in a credit union account, the amount of insurance available to an individual member/beneficiary on his interest in the account will be in proportion to his interest in the entire employee retirement fund. If, for example, the member's interest represents 10% of the entire plan funds, then he is presumed to have only a 10% interest in the plan account. Said another way, if a member has a vested interest of $10,000 in a municipal employees retirement plan and the trustee invests 25% of the total plan funds in a credit union, the member would be insured for only $2,500 on that credit union account. There is an exception, however. The member would be insured for $10,000 if the trustee can document, through records maintained in the ordinary course of business, that individual beneficiary's interests are segregated and the total vested interest of the member was, in fact, invested in that account.
Question: Member S invests $45,000 in trust for B, the beneficiary. S also has an individual account containing $90,000 in the same credit union. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Both accounts are fully insured. The trust account is separately insured from the individual account of S (§§ 745.3(a)(1) and 745.9-1).
Question: S invests funds in trust for A, B, C, D, and E. A, B, and C are members of the credit union, D, E and S are not. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: This is an uninsurable account. Where there is more than one settlor or more than one beneficiary, all the settlors or all the beneficiaries must be members to establish this type of account. Since D, E and S are not members, this account cannot legally be established or insured.
Question: Member T invests $500,000 in trust for ABC Employees Retirement Fund. Some of the participants are members and some are not. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The account is insured as to the determinable interests of each participant to a maximum of $100,000 per participant regardless of credit union member status. T's member status is also irrelevant. Participant interests not capable of evaluation shall be added together and insured to a maximum of $100,000 in the aggregate (§ 745.9-2).
Question: T is trustee for the ABC Employees Retirement Fund containing $1,000,000. Fund participant A has a determinable interest of $90,000 in the Fund (9% of the total). T invests $500,000 of the Fund in an insured credit union and the remaining $500,000 elsewhere. Some of the participants of the Fund are members of the credit union and some are not. T does not segregate each participant's interest in the Fund. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: The account is insured as to the determinable interest of each participant, adjusted in proportion to the Fund's investment in the credit union, regardless of the membership status of the participants or trustee. A's insured interest in the account is $45,000, or 9% of $500,000. This reflects the fact that only 50% of the Fund is in the account and A's interest in the account is in the same proportion as his interest in the overall plan. All other participants would be similarly insured. Participants' interests not capable of evaluation are added together and insured to a maximum of $100,000 in the aggregate (§ 745.9-2).
Question: Member A has an individual account of $100,000 and establishes an IRA account and accumulates $250,000 in that account. Subsequently, A becomes self-employed and establishes a Keogh account in the same credit union and accumulates $250,000 in that account. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Each of A's accounts would be separately insured as follows: The individual account for $100,000, the maximum for that type of account; the IRA account for $250,000, the maximum for that type of account; and the Keogh account for $250,000, the maximum for that type of account. (§§ 745.3(a)(1) and 745.9-2).
Question: Member A has a self-directed IRA account with $70,000 in it. The FCU is the trustee of the account. Member transfers $40,000 into a blue chip stock; $30,000 remains in the FCU. What is the insurance coverage?
Answer: Originally, the full $70,000 in A's IRA account is insured. The $40,000 is no longer insured once it is moved out of the FCU. The $30,000 remaining in the FCU is insured (§ 745.9-2).
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1782, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1790a, 1790d; 42 U.S.C. 4012a; Pub. L. 101-410; Pub. L. 104-134; Pub. L. 109-351; 120 Stat. 1966.
(a) This part describes the various formal and informal adjudicative actions and non-adjudicative proceedings available to the National Credit Union Administration Board (“NCUA Board”), the grounds for those actions and proceedings, and the procedures used in formal and informal hearings related to each available action. As mandated by section 916 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) (12 U.S.C. 1818 note), this part incorporates uniform rules of practice and procedure governing formal adjudications generally, as well as proceedings involving cease-and-desist actions, assessment of civil money penalties, and removal, prohibition and suspension actions. In addition, the Uniform Rules are incorporated in other subparts of this part which provide for formal adjudications. The administrative actions and proceedings described herein, as well as the grounds and hearing procedures for each, are controlled by sections 120(b) (except where the Federal credit union is closed due to insolvency), 202(a)(3) and 206 of the Federal Credit Union Act (“the Act”), 12 U.S.C. 1766(b), 1782(a)(3), 1786. Should any provision of this part be inconsistent with these or any other provisions of the Act, as amended, the
(b) As used in this part, the term insured credit union means any Federal credit union or any state chartered credit union insured under subchapter II of the Act unless the context indicates otherwise.
This subpart prescribes uniform rules of practice and procedure applicable to adjudicatory proceedings required to be conducted on the record after opportunity for a hearing under the following statutory provisions:
(a) Cease-and-desist proceedings under section 206(e) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(e));
(b) Removal and prohibition proceedings under section 206(g) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(g));
(c) Assessment of civil money penalties by the NCUA Board against institutions and institution-affiliated parties for any violation of:
(1) Section 202 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1782);
(2) Section 1120 of FIRREA (12 U.S.C. 3349), or any order or regulation issued thereunder;
(3) The terms of any final or temporary order issued under section 206 of the Act or any written agreement executed by the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), any condition imposed in writing by the NCUA in connection with any action on any application, notice, or other request by the credit union or institution-affiliated party, certain unsafe or unsound practices or breaches of fiduciary duty, or any law or regulation not otherwise provided herein, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1786(k); and
(4) Any provision of law referenced in section 102(f) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(f)) or any order or regulation issued thereunder;
(d) Remedial action under section 102(g) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(g)); and
(e) This subpart also applies to all other adjudications required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, unless otherwise specifically provided for in subparts B through J of this part.
For purposes of this subpart:
(a) Any term in the singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular, if such use would be appropriate;
(b) Any use of a masculine, feminine, or neuter gender encompasses all three, if such use would be appropriate;
(c) The term
(d) Unless the context requires otherwise, a party's counsel of record, if any, may, on behalf of that party, take any action required to be taken by the party.
For purposes of this subpart, unless explicitly stated to the contrary:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Any insured state credit union as that term is defined in section 101(7) of the FCUA (12 U.S.C. 1752(7)).
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
The NCUA Board may, at any time during the pendency of a proceeding perform, direct the performance of, or waive performance of, any act which could be done or ordered by the administrative law judge.
(a)
(b)
(1) To administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) To issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, and protective orders, as authorized by this part, and to quash or modify any such subpoenas and orders;
(3) To receive relevant evidence and to rule upon the admission of evidence and offers of proof;
(4) To take or cause depositions to be taken as authorized by this subpart;
(5) To regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the parties and their counsel;
(6) To hold scheduling and/or pre-hearing conferences as set forth in § 747.31;
(7) To consider and rule upon all procedural and other motions appropriate in an adjudicatory proceeding, provided that only the NCUA Board shall have the power to grant any motion to dismiss the proceeding or to decide any other motion that results in a final determination of the merits of the proceeding;
(8) To prepare and present to the NCUA Board a recommended decision as provided herein;
(9) To recuse himself or herself by motion made by a party or on his or her own motion;
(10) To establish time, place and manner limitations on the attendance
(11) To do all other things necessary and appropriate to discharge the duties of a presiding officer.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(2) If a filing or submission of record is not signed, the administrative law judge shall strike the filing or submission of record, unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) That the counsel has personally and fully discussed the possibility of conflicts of interest with each such party and non-party; and
(2) That each such party and non-party waives any right it might otherwise have had to assert any known conflicts of interest or to assert any non-material conflicts of interest during the course of the proceeding.
(a)
(i) An interested person outside the NCUA (including such person's counsel); and
(ii) The administrative law judge handling that proceeding, the NCUA Board, or a decisional employee.
(2)
(b)
(1) No interested person outside the NCUA shall make or knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication to any member of the NCUA Board, the administrative law judge, or a decisional employee; and
(2) No member of the NCUA Board, administrative law judge, or decisional employee shall make or knowingly cause to be made to any interested person outside the NCUA any ex parte communication.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(1) Personal service;
(2) Delivering the papers to a reliable commercial courier service, overnight delivery service, or to the U.S. Post Office for Express Mail delivery;
(3) Mailing the papers by first class, registered, or certified mail; or
(4) Transmission by electronic media, only if expressly authorized, and upon any conditions specified, by the NCUA Board or the administative law judge. All papers filed by electronic media shall also concurrently be filed in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(b)
(1) Personal service;
(2) Delivering the papers to a reliable commercial courier service, overnight delivery service, or to the U.S. Post Office for Express Mail delivery;
(3) Mailing the papers by first class, registered, or certified mail; or
(4) Transmission by electronic media, only if the parties mutually agree. Any papers served by electronic media shall also concurrently be served in accordance with the requirements of § 747.10(c).
(c)
(2) If a party has not appeared in the proceeding in accordance with § 747.6, the NCUA Board or the administrative law judge shall make service by any of the following methods:
(i) By personal service;
(ii) If the person to be served is an individual, by delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the physical location where the individual resides or works;
(iii) If the person to be served is a corporation or other association, by delivery to an officer, managing or general agent, or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service and, if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the party;
(iv) By registered or certified mail addressed to the person's last known address; or
(v) By any other method reasonably calculated to give actual notice.
(d)
(1) By personal service;
(2) If the person to be served is an individual, by delivery to a person of suitable age and discretion at the physical location where the individual resides or works;
(3) By delivery to an agent, which, in the case of a corporation or other association, is delivery to an officer, managing or general agent, or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service and, if the agent is one authorized by statute to receive service and the statute so requires, by also mailing a copy to the party;
(4) By registered or certified mail addressed to the person's last known address; or
(5) By any other method reasonably calculated to give actual notice.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(i) In the case of personal service or same day commercial courier delivery, upon actual service;
(ii) In the case of overnight commercial delivery service, U.S. Express Mail delivery, or first class, registered, or certified mail, upon deposit in or delivery to an appropriate point of collection;
(iii) In the case of transmission by electronic media, as specified by the authority receiving the filing, in the case of filing, and as agreed among the parties, in the case of service.
(2) The effective filing and service dates specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be modified by the NCUA Board or administrative law judge in the case of filing or by agreement of the parties in the case of service.
(c)
(1) If service is made by first class, registered, or certified mail, add three calendar days to the prescribed period;
(2) If service is made by express mail or overnight delivery service, add one calendar day to the prescribed period; or
(3) If service is made by electronic media transmission, add one calendar day to the prescribed period, unless otherwise determined by the NCUA Board or the administrative law judge in the case of filing, or by agreement among the parties in the case of service.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the administrative law judge may, for good cause shown, extend the time limits prescribed by the Uniform Rules or by any notice or order issued in the proceedings. After the referral of the case to the NCUA Board pursuant to § 747.38, the NCUA Board may grant extensions of the time limits for good cause shown. Extensions may be granted upon the motion of a party after notice and opportunity to respond is afforded all non-moving parties, or upon the NCUA Board's or the administrative law judge's own motion.
Witnesses subpoenaed for testimony or depositions shall be paid the same fees for attendance and mileage as are paid in the United States district courts in proceedings in which the United States is a party, provided that, in the case of a discovery subpoena addressed to a party, no witness fees or mileage need be paid. Fees for witnesses shall be tendered in advance by the party requesting the subpoena, except that fees and mileage need not be tendered in advance where the NCUA is the party requesting the subpoena. The NCUA shall not be required to pay any fees to, or expenses of, any witness not subpoenaed by the NCUA.
Any respondent may, at any time in the proceeding, unilaterally submit to Enforcement Counsel written offers or proposals for settlement of a proceeding, without prejudice to the rights of any of the parties. No such offer or proposal shall be made to any NCUA representative other than Enforcement Counsel. Submission of a written settlement offer does not provide a basis for adjourning or otherwise delaying all or any portion of a proceeding under this part. No settlement offer or proposal, or any subsequent negotiation or resolution, is admissible as evidence in any proceeding.
Nothing contained in this subpart limits in any manner the right of the NCUA to conduct any examination, inspection, or visitation of any institution or institution-affiliated party, or the right of the NCUA to conduct or continue any form of investigation authorized by law.
If an interlocutory appeal or collateral attack is brought in any court concerning all or any part of an adjudicatory proceeding, the challenged adjudicatory proceeding shall continue without regard to the pendency of that court proceeding. No default or other failure to act as directed in the adjudicatory proceeding within the times prescribed in this subpart shall be excused based on the pendency before any court of any interlocutory appeal or collateral attack.
(a)
(2) The notice must be served by the NCUA Board upon the respondent and given to any other appropriate financial institution supervisory authority where required by law.
(3) The notice must be filed with the OFIA.
(b)
(1) The legal authority for the proceeding and for the NCUA's jurisdiction over the proceeding;
(2) A statement of the matters of fact or law showing that the NCUA is entitled to relief;
(3) A proposed order or prayer for an order granting the requested relief;
(4) The time, place, and nature of the hearing as required by law or regulation;
(5) The time within which to file an answer as required by law or regulation;
(6) The time within which to request a hearing as required by law or regulation; and
(7) That the answer and/or request for a hearing shall be filed with OFIA.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(a)
(b)
Failure of a respondent to appear in person at the hearing or by a duly authorized counsel constitutes a waiver of respondent's right to a hearing and is deemed an admission of the facts as alleged and consent to the relief sought in the notice. Without further proceedings or notice to the respondent, the administrative law judge shall file with the NCUA Board a recommended decision containing the findings and the relief sought in the notice.
(a)
(2) In the event of consolidation under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, appropriate adjustment to the prehearing schedule must be made to avoid unnecessary expense, inconvenience, or delay.
(b)
(1) Undue prejudice or injustice to the moving party would result from not severing the proceeding; and
(2) Such undue prejudice or injustice would outweigh the interests of judicial economy and expedition in the complete and final resolution of the proceeding.
(a)
(2) All written motions must state with particularity the relief sought and must be accompanied by a proposed order.
(3) No oral argument may be held on written motions except as otherwise directed by the administrative law judge. Written memorandum, briefs, affidavits or other relevant material or documents may be filed in support of or in opposition to a motion.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) The failure of a party to oppose a written motion or an oral motion made on the record is deemed a consent by that party to the entry of an order substantially in the form of the order accompanying the motion.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(2) Discovery by use of deposition is governed by subpart I of this part.
(3) Discovery by use of interrogatories is not permitted.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The response was materially incorrect when made; or
(2) The response, though correct when made, is no longer true and a failure to amend the response is, in substance, a knowing concealment.
(d)
(2) The party who served the request that is the subject of a motion to strike or limit may file a written response within five days of service of the motion. No other party may file a response.
(e)
(f)
(2) The party who asserted the privilege or failed to comply with the request may file a written response to a motion to compel within five days of service of the motion. No other party may file a response.
(g)
(h)
(a)
(2) A party shall only apply for a document subpoena under this section within the time period during which such party could serve a discovery request under § 747.24(d). The party obtaining the document subpoena is responsible for serving it on the subpoenaed person and for serving copies on all parties. Document subpoenas may be served in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or as otherwise provided by law.
(3) The administrative law judge shall promptly issue any document subpoena requested pursuant to this section. If the administrative law judge determines that the application does not set forth a valid basis for the issuance of the subpoena, or that any of its terms are unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may refuse to issue the subpoena or may issue it in a modified form upon such conditions as may be consistent with the Uniform Rules.
(b)
(2) Any motion to quash or modify a document subpoena must be filed on the same basis, including the assertion of privilege, upon which a party could object to a discovery request under § 747.25(d), and during the same time limits during which such an objection could be filed.
(c)
(a)
(i) The witness will be unable to attend or may be prevented from attending the hearing because of age, sickness or infirmity, or will otherwise be unavailable;
(ii) The witness' unavailability was not procured or caused by the subpoenaing party;
(iii) The testimony is reasonably expected to be material; and
(iv) Taking the deposition will not result in any undue burden to any other party and will not cause undue delay of the proceeding.
(2) The application must contain a proposed deposition subpoena and a brief statement of the reasons for the issuance of the subpoena. The subpoena must name the witness whose deposition is to be taken and specify the time and place for taking the deposition. A deposition subpoena may require the witness to be deposed at any place within the country in which that witness resides or has a regular place of employment or such other convenient place as the administrative law judge shall fix.
(3) Any requested subpoena that sets forth a valid basis for its issuance must be promptly issued, unless the administrative law judge on his or her own motion, requires a written response or requires attendance at a conference concerning whether the requested subpoena should be issued.
(4) The party obtaining a deposition subpoena is responsible for serving it on the witness and for serving copies on all parties. Unless the administrative law judge orders otherwise, no deposition under this section shall be taken on fewer than ten days' notice to the witness and all parties. Deposition subpoenas may be served in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, on any person or company doing business in any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or as otherwise permitted by law.
(b)
(2) A statement of the basis for the motion to quash or modify a subpoena issued under this section must accompany the motion. The motion must be served on all parties.
(c)
(2) Any party may move before the administrative law judge for an order compelling the witness to answer any questions the witness has refused to answer or submit any evidence the witness has refused to submit during the deposition.
(3) The deposition must be subscribed by the witness, unless the parties and the witness, by stipulation, have waived the signing, or the witness is ill, cannot be found, or has refused to sign. If the deposition is not subscribed by the witness, the court reporter taking the deposition shall certify that the transcript is a true and complete transcript of the deposition.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(1) The ruling involves a controlling question of law or policy as to which substantial grounds exist for a difference of opinion;
(2) Immediate review of the ruling may materially advance the ultimate termination of the proceeding;
(3) Subsequent modification of the ruling at the conclusion of the proceeding would be an inadequate remedy; or
(4) Subsequent modification of the ruling would cause unusual delay or expense.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(1) There is no genuine issue as to any material fact; and
(2) The moving part is entitled to a decision in its favor as a matter of law.
(b)
(2) A motion for summary disposition must be accompanied by a statement of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue. Such motion must be supported by documentary evidence, which may take the form of admissions in pleadings, stipulations, depositions, investigatory depositions, transcripts, affidavits and any other evidentiary materials that the moving party contends support his or her position. The motion must also be accompanied by a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention of the moving party. Any party opposing a motion for summary disposition must file a statement setting forth those material facts as to which he or she contends a genuine dispute exists. Such opposition must be supported by evidence of the same type as that submitted with the motion for summary disposition and a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention that summary disposition would be inappropriate.
(c)
(d)
If the administrative law judge determines that a party is entitled to summary disposition as to certain claims only, he or she shall defer submitting a recommended decision as to those claims. A hearing on the remaining issues must be ordered. Those claims for which the administrative law judge has determined that summary disposition is warranted will be addressed in the recommended decision filed at the conclusion of the hearing.
(a)
(b)
(1) Simplification and clarification of the issues;
(2) Stipulations, admissions of fact, and the contents, authenticity and admissibility into evidence of documents;
(3) Matters of which official notice may be taken;
(4) Limitation of the number of witnesses;
(5) Summary disposition of any or all issues;
(6) Resolution of discovery issues or disputes;
(7) Amendments to pleadings; and
(8) Such other matters as may aid in the orderly disposition of the proceeding.
(c)
(d)
(a) Within the time set by the administrative law judge, but in no case later than 14 days before the start of the hearing, each party shall serve on every other party, his or her:
(1) Prehearing statement;
(2) Final list of witnesses to be called to testify at the hearing, including name and address of each witness and a short summary of the expected testimony of each witness;
(3) List of the exhibits to be introduced at the hearing along with a copy of each exhibit; and
(4) Stipulations of fact, if any.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(2) A party may apply for a hearing subpoena at any time before the commencement of a hearing. During a hearing, a party may make an application for a subpoena orally on the record before the administrative law judge.
(3) The administrative law judge shall promptly issue any hearing subpoena requested pursuant to this section. If the administrative law judge determines that the application does not set forth a valid basis for the issuance of the subpoena, or that any of its terms are unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may refuse to issue the subpoena or may issue it in a modified form upon any conditions consistent with this subpart. Upon issuance by the administrative law judge, the party making the application shall serve the subpoena on the person named in the subpoena and on each party.
(b)
(2) Any motion to quash or modify a hearing subpoena must be filed prior to the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, but not more than ten days after the date of service of the subpoena upon the movant.
(c)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(a)
(2) Evidence that would be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence is admissible in a proceeding conducted pursuant to this subpart.
(3) Evidence that would be inadmissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence may not be deemed or ruled to be inadmissible in a proceeding conducted pursuant to this subpart if such evidence is relevant, material, reliable and not unduly repetitive.
(b)
(2) All matters officially noticed by the administrative law judge or NCUA Board shall appear on the record.
(3) If official notice is requested or taken of any material fact, the parties, upon timely request, shall be afforded an opportunity to object.
(c)
(2) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, any document, including a report of examination, supervisory activity, inspection or visitation, prepared by an appropriate Federal financial institution regulatory agency or by a state regulatory agency, is admissible either with or without a sponsoring witness.
(3) Witnesses may use existing or newly created charts, exhibits, calendars, calculations, outlines or other graphic material to summarize, illustrate, or simplify the presentation of testimony. Such materials may, subject to the administrative law judge's discretion, be used with or without being admitted into evidence.
(d)
(2) When an objection to a question or line of questioning propounded to a witness is sustained, the examining counsel may make a specific proffer on the record of what he or she expected to prove by the expected testimony of the witness, either by representation of counsel or by direct interrogation of the witness.
(3) The administrative law judge shall retain rejected exhibits, adequately marked for identification, for the record, and transmit such exhibits to the NCUA Board.
(4) Failure to object to admission of evidence or to any ruling constitutes a waiver of the objection.
(e)
(f)
(2) Such deposition transcript is admissible to the same extent that testimony would have been admissible had that person testified at the hearing, provided that if a witness refused to answer proper questions during the depositions, the administrative law judge may, on that basis, limit the admissibility of the deposition in any manner that justice requires.
(3) Only those portions of a deposition received in evidence at the hearing constitute a part of the record.
(a)
(2) Proposed findings and conclusions must be supported by citation to any relevant portions of the record. A post-hearing brief may be filed in support of proposed findings and conclusions, either as part of the same document or in a separate document. Any party who fails to file timely with the administrative law judge any proposed finding or conclusion is deemed to have waived the right to raise in any subsequent filing or submission any issue not addressed in such party's proposed finding or conclusion.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(2) No exception need be considered by the NCUA Board if the party taking exception had an opportunity to raise the same objection, issue, or argument before the administrative law judge and failure to do so.
(c)
(2) All exceptions and briefs in support of exceptions must set forth page or paragraph references to the specific parts of the administrative law judge's recommendations to which exception is taken, the page or paragraph references to those portions of the record relied upon to support each exception, and the legal authority relied upon to support each exception.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The NCUA Board shall render a final decision within 90 days after notification of the parties that the case has been submitted for final decision, or 90 days after oral argument, whichever is later, unless the NCUA Board orders that the action or any aspect thereof be remanded to the administrative law judge for further proceedings. Copies of the final decision and order of the NCUA Board shall be served upon each party to the proceeding, upon other persons required by statute, and, if directed by the NCUA Board or required by statute, upon any appropriate state or Federal supervisory authority.
The commencement of proceedings for judicial review of a final decision and order of the NCUA Board may not, unless specifically ordered by the NCUA Board or a reviewing court, operate as a stay of any order issued by the NCUA Board. The NCUA Board may, in its discretion, and on such terms as it finds just, stay the effectiveness of all or any part of its order pending a final decision on a petition for review of that order.
(a) Parties to a proceeding set forth either at § 747.1 of subpart A or in subpart C, E or G of this part may obtain discovery only through the production of documents. No other form of discovery shall be allowed.
(b) In the event that a person producing documents pursuant to a document subpoena is permitted to be deposed, all questioning shall be strictly limited to the identification of documents produced by that person and a reasonable examination to determine whether the subpoenaed person made an adequate search for, and has produced, all subpoenaed documents.
Under the authority of section 206(b) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(b)), the NCUA Board may terminate the insured status of an insured credit union upon the grounds set forth therein and enumerated in § 747.202. The procedure for terminating the insured status of an insured credit union as therein prescribed will be followed and hearings required thereunder will be conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures set forth in this subpart and subpart A of this part. To the extent any rule or procedure of subpart A is inconsistent with a rule or procedure prescribed in this subpart C, subpart C shall control.
The NCUA Board may institute proceedings to terminate the insured status of an insured credit union whenever it determines that an insured credit union is:
(a) Engaging or has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices in conducting its business;
(b) In unsafe or unsound condition to continue as an insured credit union; or
(c) Violating or has violated any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, written condition imposed by the NCUA Board in response to any action on any application, notice, or other request by the credit union or institution-affiliated party, or any written agreement entered into with the NCUA Board.
(a) Whenever the NCUA Board determines that grounds for termination of insured status exists, it will, for the purpose of securing correction of errant or illegal conditions, serve a notice of charges upon the concerned credit union. This notice will contain a statement describing the unsafe or unsound practices, condition or the relevant violations.
(b) In the case of an insured State-chartered credit union, the NCUA Board shall send a copy of the Notice of Charges to the appropriate State authority, if any, having supervision over the credit union.
Unless correction of the practices, condition, or violations set forth in the Notice of Charges is made within 120 days after service of such statement, or within a shorter period of not less than 20 days after such service as the NCUA Board may require in any case where it determines that the insurance risk with respect to such credit union could be unduly jeopardized by further delay or as the appropriate State supervisory authority shall require in the case of an insured State-chartered credit union, the Board, if it determines to proceed further, shall give to the credit union not less than 30 days written notice of its intent to terminate the status of the credit union as an insured credit union. The notice shall contain a statement of the facts constituting the alleged unsafe or unsound practices or conditions or violations on which a hearing will be held. Such hearing shall commence not earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days after the date of service of such notice upon the credit union, unless an earlier or later date is set by the NCUA Board at the request of the credit union.
If, upon the record of the hearing held pursuant to § 747.204, the NCUA Board finds that any unsafe or unsound practice or condition or violation specified in the notice has been established and has not been corrected within the time prescribed under § 747.204, the NCUA Board may issue and serve upon the credit union an order terminating its status as an insured credit union on a date subsequent to the date of such finding and subsequent to the expiration of the time specified in the Notice.
Unless the credit union appears at the hearing designated in the notice of hearing by a duly authorized representative, it will be deemed to have consented to the termination of its status as an insured credit union. In the event the credit union fails to so appear at such hearing, the administrative law judge shall forthwith report the matter to the NCUA Board and the NCUA Board may thereupon issue an order terminating the credit union's insured status.
Prior to the effective date of the termination of the insured status of an insured credit union under section 206(b) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(b)) and at such time as the Board shall specify, the credit union shall mail to each member at his or her last address of record on the books of the credit union, and publish in not less than two issues of a local newspaper of general circulation, notices of the termination of its insured status, and the credit union shall furnish the NCUA Board with proof of publication of such notice. The notice shall be as follows:
1. The status of the ___ as an insured credit union under the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act, will terminate as of the close of business on the __ day of __;
2. Any deposits made by you after that date, either new deposits or additions to existing accounts, will not be insured by the National Credit Union Administration;
3. Accounts in the credit union on the __ day of __, __ up to a maximum of $100,000 for each member, will continue to be insured, as provided by the Federal Credit Union Act, for one (1) years after the close of business on the __ day of __, __:
(a) After the termination of the insured status of any credit union under section 206(b) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(b)), insurance of its member accounts to the extent they were insured on the effective date of such termination, less any amounts thereafter withdrawn which reduce the accounts below the amount covered by insurance on the effective date of such termination, shall continue for a period of one year, but no shares issued by the credit union or deposits made after the date of such termination shall be insured by the NCUA Board.
(b) The credit union shall continue to pay premiums to the NCUA Board during such period and the Board shall have the right to examine the credit union from time to time during the period. The credit union shall, in all other respects, be subject to the duties and obligations of an insured credit union during the one year period. If the credit union is closed for liquidation within this period, the Board shall have the same powers and rights with respect to such credit union as in the case of an insured credit union.
The rules and procedures set forth in this subpart are applicable to informal proceedings conducted by the NCUA Board, or a Presiding Officer designated by the Board, pursuant to section 206(i) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(i)), to suspend, remove and/or prohibit from office or from further participation any institution-affiliated party of an insured credit union who:
(a) Is charged in a state, Federal or territorial information or indictment or complaint with committing or participating in a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust, which crime is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or Federal law; or
(b) Enters a pretrial diversion or other similar program as result of being charged in such information or indictment or complaint with participating or committing such crime; or
(c) Is convicted of such crime.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subpart, the following provisions shall apply to proceedings conducted under this subpart:
(a)(1)
(2)
(b)(1)
(2)
(c)(1)
(2)
(d)
(e)
(2) In the event all of the directors of an insured credit union are suspended pursuant to this subpart, the NCUA Board shall appoint persons to serve temporarily as directors in their place pending the termination of such suspensions, or until such time as those who have been suspended cease to be directors of the credit union and their respective successors have been elected by the members at an annual or special meeting and have taken office.
(3) Directors appointed temporarily by the NCUA Board pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this section, shall, within 30 days following their appointment, call a special meeting for the election of new directors, unless during such 30-day period—
(i) The regular annual meeting is convened; or
(ii) The suspensions giving rise to the appointment of temporary directors are terminated.
Whenever an institution-affiliated party of an insured credit union is charged in any state, Federal or territorial information or indictment or complaint with the commission of or participation in a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust, which crime is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or Federal law, the NCUA Board may, if continued service or participation by the concerned party may pose a threat to the interests of any credit union's members or may threaten to impair public confidence in any credit union, by written notice served upon such party, suspend him or her from office, or prohibit him or her from further participation in any manner in the affairs of any credit union, or both. A copy of the notice of suspension or prohibition shall also be served upon the credit union of which the subject of the order is, or most recently was, an institution-affiliated party.
(a) In the event that a judgment of conviction or an agreement to enter a pretrial diversion or other similar program is entered against the institution-affiliated party, and at such time as the judgment, if any, is not subject to further appellate review, the NCUA Board may, if continued service or participation by such party may pose a threat to the interests of any credit union's members or may threaten to impair public confidence in any credit union, issue and serve upon the individual an order removing him or her from office or prohibiting him or her from further participation in any manner in the conduct of the affairs of any credit union except with the consent of the NCUA Board. A copy of such order will also be served upon the credit union of which the subject of the order is, or most recently was, an institution-affiliated party.
(b) The NCUA Board may issue such order with respect to an individual who is an institution-affiliated party at a credit union at the time of the offense without regard to whether such individual is an institution-affiliated party at any credit union at the time the order is considered or issued by the Board or whether the credit union at which the individual was an institution-affiliated party at the time of the offense remains in existence at the time the order is considered or issued by the board.
(c) A finding of not guilty or other disposition of the charge will not preclude the Board from thereafter instituting proceedings, pursuant to the provisions of section 206(g) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(g)) and subpart A of this part, to remove such director, committee member, officer, or other person from office or to prohibit his or her further participation in the affairs of the credit union.
Any notice of suspension or prohibition issued under § 747.303 and any order of removal or prohibition issued under § 747.304 will be effective upon service on the concerned party and will remain effective and outstanding until the completion of any hearing or appeal authorized under section 206(i) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1786(i)) and this subpart, unless such notice of suspension or order of removal is terminated by the NCUA Board.
(a) Any notice of suspension or prohibition issued pursuant to § 747.303, and any order of removal or prohibition issued pursuant to § 747.304, shall be accompanied by a further notice to the concerned individual that he or she may, within 30 says of service of such notice, request in writing an informal hearing at which he or she may present evidence and argument that his or her
(b) A request for a hearing filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall state with particularly the relief desired, the grounds thereof, and shall include, when available, supporting evidence. The request and supporting evidence shall be filed in writing with the Secretary of the Board, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428.
(a) Upon receipt of a request for a hearing which complies with § 747.306, the NCUA Board will order an informal hearing to commence within the following 30 days in the Washington, DC metropolitan area or at such other place as the NCUA Board designates before a Presiding Officer designated by the NCUA Board to conduct the hearing. At the request of the concerned party, the NCUA Board may order the hearing to commence at a time more than 30 days after the receipt of the request for such hearing.
(b) The notice of hearing shall be served by the NCUA Board upon the party or parties afforded the hearing and shall set forth the time and place of the hearing and the name and address of the Presiding Officer.
(c) The subject individual may appear at the hearing personally, through counsel, or personally with counsel. The individual shall have the right to introduce relevant and material written materials (or, at the discretion of the NCUA Board, oral testimony), and to present an oral argument before the Presiding Officer. A member of the enforcement staff of the Office of General Counsel of the NCUA may attend the hearing and may participate as a party. Neither the formal rules of evidence nor the adjudicative procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554-557), nor subpart A of this part shall apply to the hearing. The proceedings shall be recorded and a transcript furnished to the individual upon request and after the payment of the cost thereof. The NCUA Board shall have the discretion to permit the presentation of witnesses, within specified time limits, so long as a list of such witnesses is furnished to the Presiding Officer at least ten days prior to the hearing. Witnesses shall not be sworn, unless specifically requested by either party or directed by the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer may examine any witnesses and each party shall have the opportunity to cross-examine any witness presented by an opposing party. Upon the request of either the subject individual or the representative of the Office of General Counsel, the record shall remain open for a period of five business days following the hearing, during which time the parties may make any additional submissions to the record. Thereafter, the record shall be closed.
(d) In the course of or in connection with any proceeding under this subpart, the NCUA Board and the Presiding Officer will have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, to take or cause depositions to be taken, and to issue, revoke, quash, or modify subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum. If the NCUA Board permits the presentation of witnesses, the NCUA Board or the Presiding Officer may require the attendance of witnesses from any place in any state or in any territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States at any designated place where such proceeding is being conducted. Witnesses subpoenaed shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the District Courts of the United States. The NCUA Board or the Presiding Officer may require the production of documents from any place in any such state, territory, or other place.
(e) The Presiding Officer will make his or her recommendations to the Board, where possible, within ten business days following the close of the record.
(a) The subject individual may, in writing, waive an oral hearing and instead elect to have the matter determined by the NCUA Board on the basis of written submissions alone.
(b) Should any concerned party fail to request in writing an oral hearing or consideration based on written submissions alone within 30 days of service of the notice described in § 747.306, he or she will be deemed to have consented to the NCUA Board's action.
(c) Unless the concerned party appears at the hearing personally or by duly appointed representative, he or she will be deemed to have consented to the NCUA Board's action.
Within 60 days following the hearing, or receipt of the subject individual's written submissions where hearing has been waived pursuant to § 747.308, the NCUA Board shall notify the institution-affiliated party whether the suspension or prohibition will be continued, terminated, or otherwise modified, or whether the order of removal or prohibition will be rescinded or otherwise modified. Such notification shall contain a statement of the basis for the decision of the NCUA Board, if that decision is adverse to the respondent party. In the case of a decision favorable to the respondent on the subject of a prior order of removal or prohibition, the NCUA Board shall take prompt action to rescind or otherwise modify the order of removal or prohibition.
(a) The subject individual shall have ten business days following receipt of the decision of the NCUA Board in which to petition the NCUA Board for initial reconsideration.
(b) The subject individual also shall be entitled to petition the NCUA Board for reconsideration of its decision any time after the expiration of a 12-month period from the date of the NCUA Board's decision, but no petition for reconsideration may be made within 12 months of a previous petition.
(c) Any petition shall state with particularity the basis for reconsideration, the relief sought, and any exceptions the individual has to the NCUA Board's findings. An individual's petition may be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities in support of his or her petition and any supporting documentation the individual may wish to have considered.
(d) No hearing need be granted on such petition for reconsideration. Promptly following receipt of the petition, the Board shall render its decision.
In deciding the question of suspension, prohibition, or removal under this subpart, the NCUA Board will consider the following:
(a) Whether the alleged offense is a crime which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or Federal law, and which involves dishonesty or breach of trust;
(b) Whether the continued presence of the subject individual in his or her position may pose a threat to the interests of the credit union's members because of the nature and extent of the individual's participation in the affairs of the insured credit union and/or the nature of the offense with the commission of or participation in which the individual has been charged;
(c) Whether there is cause to believe that there may be an erosion of public confidence in the integrity, safety, or soundness of a particular credit union (either generally or in the particular locality in which the credit union is situated) if the subject individual is permitted to remain in his or her position in an insured credit union;
(d) Whether the individual is covered by the credit union's fidelity bond and, if so, whether the bond is likely to be revoked, or whether coverage under the bond will be affected adversely as a result of the information, indictment, complaint, judgment of conviction or entry into a pretrial diversion or other similar program; and
(e) The NCUA Board may consider any other factors which, in the specific case, appear relevant to the decision to continue in effect, rescind, terminate, or modify a suspension, prohibition, or
The rules and procedures set forth in this subpart and subpart A of this part are applicable to proceedings by the NCUA Board pursuant to section 120(b)(1) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1766(b)(1)) to suspend or revoke the charter of a solvent Federal credit union, and to place a solvent Federal credit union into involuntary liquidation. To the extent a rule or procedure set forth in subpart A of this part is inconsistent with a rule or procedure set forth in this subpart E, subpart E shall control.
(a)
(b)
(a) Upon its determination that one or more of the grounds listed in § 747.402(a) exists, or that because of conditions described in § 747.402(b) immediate suspension of charter is necessary, the NCUA Board shall cause to be served upon that credit union a notice of intent to suspend or revoke charter and of intent to place into involuntary liquidation, or a notice of suspension. Such notice shall contain a statement of the facts which constitute the grounds for this action, a recitation of the options available to the credit union under paragraph (b) of this section, and an explanation of the results that will occur if the credit union fails to exercise said options.
(b) Not later than 40 days after the receipt of the notice provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, the Federal credit union may file with the NCUA Board a statement in writing setting forth the grounds and reasons why its charter should not be suspended or revoked and why it should not be placed into involuntary liquidation; or in lieu of a written statement, request an oral hearing which shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subpart. This statement or request shall be accompanied by a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Federal credit union concerned authorizing such statement or request, such certification to be made by the president and secretary of the board of directors.
(c) If the Federal credit union concerned does not exercise either alternative available in paragraph (b) of this section within the time required, it shall be deemed to have admitted the facts alleged in the notice and may be deemed to have consented to the relief sought.
(a) Upon receipt of a request for hearing which complies with § 747.403(b), the NCUA Board shall transmit the request
(b) Except as provided in § 747.405(b), the procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554-557) and subpart A of this part will apply to the hearing.
(c) Unless the Federal credit union shall appear at such hearing by a duly authorized representative it shall be deemed to have consented to the suspension or revocation of its charter and to the placing of said credit union into involuntary liquidation.
(a) In the event of such consent as referred to in § 747.403(c) or § 747.404(c), or if upon the record made at any such hearing as referred to in § 747.403(b), the NCUA Board finds that the charter of the Federal credit union concerned should be suspended or revoked and the credit union closed and placed into involuntary liquidation, it shall cause to be served on such credit union an order directing the suspension or revocation of its charter and directing that it be closed and placed into involuntary liquidation. Such order shall contain a statement of the findings upon which the order is based. Additionally, the NCUA Board shall appoint a liquidating agent or agents.
(b) The NCUA Board shall render its decision and cause such order to be served not later than 45 days after receipt of consent, or written submissions as the case may be, or in the case of a formal hearing after service or the notice of submission referred to in § 747.40(a).
(c) Upon the receipt of a copy of the order which provides that the Federal credit union concerned be placed into involuntary liquidation, the officers and directors of that Federal credit union shall immediately deliver to the agent for the liquidating agent possession and control of all books, records, assets, and property of every description of the Federal credit union, and the agent for the liquidating agent shall proceed to convert said assets to cash, collect all debts due to said Federal credit union and to wind up its affairs in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Upon the completion of the liquidation and certification by the agent for the liquidating agent that the distribution of the assets of the Federal credit union has been completed, the NCUA Board shall cancel the charter of the Federal credit union concerned.
This subpart contains the regulations of the NCUA implementing the Equal Access to Justice Act (5 U.S.C. 504), as amended (“EAJA”). The EAJA provides for the award of attorneys fees and other expenses to eligible individuals and entities who are parties to proceedings conducted under this part. An eligible party may receive an award when it prevails over NCUA in a proceeding, or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, unless the position of the NCUA was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust. The rules in this subpart describe the parties eligible for fee awards, explain how to apply for awards and the procedures and standards that NCUA will use to make them. To the extent a rule or procedure set forth in subpart A of this part is inconsistent with a rule or procedure set forth in this subpart G, subpart G will control.
(a) To be eligible for an award of attorneys fees and expenses, an applicant must be a prevailing party in the proceeding for which it seeks an award and must be:
(1) An individual with a net worth of not more than $2 million;
(2) The sole owner of an unincorporated business who has a net worth of not more than $7 million, including both personal and business interests and not more than 500 employees at the time the proceeding was commenced (an applicant who owns an unincorporated business will be considered as an “individual” rather than a “sole owner of an unincorporated business” if the issues on which the applicant prevails are related primarily to personal interests rather than to business interests);
(3) A charitable or other tax-exempt organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) with not more than 500 employees;
(4) A cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)) with not more than 500 employees; or
(5) Any other partnership, corporation, association, or public or private organization with a net worth of not more than $7 million and not more than 500 employees.
(b) For the purpose of determining eligibility, the net worth of an applicant and the number of employees of an applicant shall be determined as of the date the proceeding was initiated.
(c) The applicant's net worth includes the value of any assets disposed of for the purpose of meeting an eligibility standard and excludes any obligations incurred for this purpose. Transfers of assets or obligations incurred for less than reasonably equivalent value will be presumed to have been made for this purpose.
(d) The employees of an applicant include all persons who regularly perform services for remuneration for the applicant, under the applicant's direction and control; part-time employees shall be included on a proportional basis.
(e) The net worth and number of employees of the applicant and all of its affiliates shall be aggregated to determine eligibility. Any individual, corporation or other entity that directly or indirectly controls or owns a majority of the voting shares or other interest of the applicant, or any corporation or other entity of which the applicant directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the voting shares or other interest, will be considered an affiliate for purposes of this subpart, unless the NCUA Board determines that such treatment would be unjust and contrary to the purposes of the EAJA in light of the actual relationship between the affiliated entities. In addition, the NCUA board may determine that financial relationships of the applicant other than those described in this paragraph constitute special circumstances that would make an award unjust.
(f) An applicant that participates in a proceeding primarily on behalf of one or more other persons or entities that would be ineligible is not itself eligible for an award.
An eligible applicant may be a “prevailing party” if the applicant wins an action after a full hearing or trial on the merits, if a settlement of the proceeding was effected on terms favorable to it, or if the proceeding against it has been dismissed. In appropriate situations an applicant may also have prevailed if the outcome of the proceeding has substantially vindicated the applicant's position on the significant substantive matters at issue, even though the applicant has not totally avoided adverse final action.
(a) A prevailing party may receive an award for fees and expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding, or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, by or against NCUA unless the position of NCUA during the proceeding was substantially justified. The burden of proving that an award should not be made is on counsel for NCUA. To avoid an award, counsel for NCUA must show that its position was reasonable in law and in fact.
(b) An award will be reduced or denied if the applicant has unduly or unreasonably protracted the proceeding or if special circumstances make the award sought unjust.
(c) Where an applicant has prevailed on one or more discrete substantive issues in a proceeding, even though all the issues were not resolved in its favor, any award shall be based on the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the discrete significant substantive issue or issues on which the applicant's position has been upheld. If such segregation of costs is not practicable, the award may be based on a fair proration of those fees and expenses incurred in the entire proceeding which would be recoverable under this section if proration were not performed.
(d) Whether separate or prorated treatment under the preceding paragraph, including the applicable proration percentage, is appropriate shall be determined on the facts of the particular case. Attention shall be given to the significance and nature of the respective issues and their separability and interrelationship.
(a) Except as provided by § 747.604(b), awards will be based on rates customarily charged by persons engaged in the business of acting as attorneys, agents and expert witnesses, even if the services were made available without charge or at a reduced rate.
(b) No award under this subpart for the fee of an attorney or agent may exceed $75.00 per hour. No award to compensate an expert witness may exceed the highest rate at which NCUA is permitted to pay expert witnesses. However, an award may also include the reasonable expenses of the attorney, agent or witness as a separate item, if the attorney, agent or witness ordinarily charges clients separately for such expenses.
(c) In determining the reasonableness of the fee sought for an attorney, agent, or expert witness, the NCUA Board shall consider the following:
(1) If the attorney, agent, or expert witness is in private practice, his or her customary fee for like services, or, if he or she is an employee of the applicant, the fully allocated cost of the services;
(2) The prevailing rate for similar services in the community in which the attorney, agent, or expert witness ordinarily performs services;
(3) The time actually spent in the representation of the applicant;
(4) Such other factors as may bear on the value of the services provided.
(d) The reasonable cost of any study, analysis, report, test, project, or similar matter prepared on behalf of the party may be awarded to the extent that the charge for the service does not exceed the prevailing rate for similar services, and the study or other matter was necessary for preparation of the applicant's case.
(a) A prevailing eligible party, as defined in §§ 747.602, 747.603, and 747.604, seeking an award under this section, must file an application for an award of fees and expenses with the Secretary of the NCUA Board. The application shall include the following information:
(1) The identity of the applicant and the proceeding for which an award is sought;
(2) A showing that the applicant has prevailed and an identification of the issues in the proceeding on which the applicant believes that the position of NCUA was not substantially justified;
(3) A statement, with supporting documentation, that the applicant is an eligible party, as defined by § 747.602. If the applicant is an individual, he or she must state that his or her net worth does not exceed $2 million. If the applicant is not an individual, it shall state the number of its employees and that its net worth does not exceed $7 million as of the date the proceeding was initiated. However, an applicant may omit a statement of net worth if:
(i) It attaches a copy of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that it qualifies as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) or, in the case of a tax-exempt organization not required to obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on its exempt status, a statement that describes the basis for the applicant's belief that it qualifies under such section; or
(ii) It states that it is a cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a));
(4) A Statement of the amount of fees and expenses for which an award is sought; and
(5) Any other matters that the applicant believes may assist or wishes the NCUA Board to consider in determining whether and in what amount an award should be made.
(b) The application shall be signed by the applicant or an authorized officer or attorney of the applicant. It shall also contain or be accompanied by a written verification under oath or under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(c) The application and documentation requirements of this subpart are required by law as a prerequisite to obtaining a benefit under the EAJA and this subpart.
(a) Each applicant (other than a qualified tax exempt organization or cooperative association) must provide a detailed statement showing the net worth of the applicant and any affiliates, as defined in § 747.602(a), when the proceeding was initiated. The exhibit may be in any form convenient to the applicant that provides full disclosure of the applicant's and its affiliates' assets and liabilities and is sufficient to determine whether the applicant is an eligible party. The administrative law judge or the NCUA Board may require additional information from the applicant to determine eligibility. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board or required by law, the statement shall be kept confidential and used by the NCUA Board only in making its determination of an award.
(b) If the applicant or any of its affiliates is a Federal credit union, the portion of the statement of net worth which relates to the Federal credit union shall consist of a copy of the Federal credit union's last Statement of Financial Condition filed before the initiation of the underlying proceeding.
(c) All statements of net worth shall describe any transfers of assets from or obligations incurred by the applicant or any affiliate, occurring in the six-month period prior to the date on which the proceeding was initiated, which reduced the net worth of the applicant and its affiliates below the applicable net-worth ceiling. If there were none, the applicant shall so state.
The application shall be accompanied by full documentation of the fees and expenses, including the cost of any study, analysis, audit, test, project or similar matter, for which an award is sought. A separate itemized statement shall be submitted for each professional firm or individual whose services are covered by the application, showing hours spent in connection with the proceeding by each individual, a description of the specific services performed, the rate at which each fee has been computed, any expenses for which reimbursement is sought, the total amount claimed, and the total amount paid or payable by the applicant or by any other person or entity for the services provided. The administrative law judge or the NCUA Board may require the applicant to provide vouchers, receipts, or other substantiation for any expenses claimed.
(a) An application may be filed whenever the applicant has prevailed in the proceeding or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, but in no case later than 30 days after the Board's final disposition of the proceeding.
(b) If review or reconsideration is sought or taken of a decision on which an applicant believes it has prevailed, proceedings for the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy.
(c) As used in this subpart, final disposition means the issuance of a final order or any other final resolution of a proceeding, such as a settlement or voluntary dismissal.
(d) Any application for an award of fees and expenses shall be filed with
(a) Within 30 days after service of an application, counsel for NCUA may file an answer to the application. Unless counsel for NCUA requests and is granted an extension of time for filing or files a statement of intent to negotiate under paragraph (b) of this section, failure to file an answer within the 30-day period will be treated as a consent to the award requested.
(b) If counsel for NCUA and the applicant believe that the issues in the fee application can be settled, they may jointly file a statement of their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement shall extend the time for filing an answer for an additional 30 days, and further extensions may be granted by the NCUA Board upon the joint request of counsel for NCUA and the applicant.
(c) The answer shall explain in detail any objections to the award requested and identify the facts relied on in support of counsel's position. If the answer is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, counsel shall include with the answer a request for further proceedings under § 747.613.
(d)(1) The applicant may file a reply if counsel for NCUA has addressed in his or her answer any of the following issues:
(i) That the position of NCUA in the proceeding was substantially justified;
(ii) That the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings; or
(iii) That special circumstances make an award unjust.
(2) The reply shall be filed within 15 days after service of the answer. If the reply is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, the applicant shall include with the reply a request for further proceedings under § 747.613.
Any party to a proceeding other than the applicant and counsel for NCUA may file comments on an application within 30 days after service of the application or on an answer within 15 days after service of the answer. A commenting party may not participate further in proceedings on the application unless the administrative law judge or the NCUA Board determines that the public interest requires such participation in order to permit full exploration of matters raised in the comment.
The applicant and counsel for NCUA may agree on a proposed settlement of the award before final action on the application, either in connection with a settlement of the underlying proceeding, or after the underlying proceeding has been concluded, in accordance with NCUA's standard settlement procedure. If a prevailing party and counsel for NCUA agree on a proposed settlement of an award before an application has been filed, the application shall be filed with the proposed settlement.
(a) After the expiration of the time allowed for the filing of all documents necessary for the determination of a recommended fee award, the NCUA Board shall transmit the entire record to the administrative law judge who presided at the underlying proceeding. Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant or counsel for NCUA, or on its own initiative, the administrative law judge or the NCUA Board may order further proceedings, such as an informal conference, oral argument, additional written submissions or an evidentiary hearing. Such further proceedings shall be held only when necessary for full and fair resolution of the issues arising from the application, and shall be conducted as promptly as possible.
(b) A request that the administrative law judge or the NCUA Board order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.
The administrative law judge shall file a recommended decision on the application with the NCUA Board within 60 days after completion of the proceedings on the application. The recommended decision shall include written findings and conclusions on the applicant's eligibility and status as a prevailing party, and an explanation of the reasons for any difference between the amount requested and the amount awarded. The recommended decision shall also include, if at issue, findings on whether NCUA's position was substantially justified, whether the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings, or whether special circumstances make an award unjust. If the applicant has sought an award against more than one agency, the recommended decision shall allocate responsibility for payment of any award made among the agencies, and shall explain the reasons for the allocation made. The administrative law judge shall file with and certify to the NCUA Board the record of the proceeding on the fee application, the recommended decision and proposed order. Promptly upon such filing, the NCUA Board shall serve upon each party to the proceeding a copy of the administrative law judge's recommended decision, findings, conclusions and proposed order. The provisions of this section and § 747.613 shall not apply, however, in any case where the hearing was held before the NCUA Board.
Within 15 days after service of the recommended decision, findings, conclusions, and proposed order, the applicant or counsel for NCUA may file with the NCUA Board written exceptions thereto. A supporting brief may also be filed. The NCUA Board shall render its decision within 60 days after the matter is submitted to it. The NCUA Board shall furnish copies of its decision and order to the parties. Judicial review of the NCUA Board's final decision and order may be obtained as provided in 5 U.S.C. 504(c)(2).
An applicant seeking payment of an award granted by the NCUA Board shall submit to the NCUA's Office of the Controller a copy of the NCUA Board's Final Decision and Order granting the award, accompanied by a statement that it will not seek review of the decision and order in the United States court. All submissions shall be addressed to the Office of the Controller, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428. The NCUA will pay the amount awarded within 60 days after receiving the applicant's statement, unless judicial review of the award or of the underlying decision of the adversary adjudication has been sought by the applicant or any other party to the proceeding.
The rules in this subpart apply only to informal and formal investigations conducted by the NCUA Board itself or its delegates. They do not apply to adjudicative or rulemaking proceedings or to routine, periodic or special examinations conducted by the NCUA Board's staff.
Information and documents obtained by the Board in the course of any investigation, unless made a matter of public record by the NCUA Board, shall be deemed non-public, but the NCUA Board approves the practice whereby the General Counsel may engage in, and may authorize any person acting on his or her behalf or at his or her direction to engage in, discussions with representatives of domestic or foreign
(a) The General Counsel and persons acting on his or her behalf and at his or her direction may conduct such investigations into the affairs of any insured credit union or institution-affiliated parties as deemed appropriate to determine whether such credit union or party has violated, is violating or is about to violate any provision of the Act, the NCUA Board's regulations or other relevant statutes or regulations that may bear on a party's fitness to participate in the affairs of a credit union. The General Counsel and persons acting on his or her behalf may investigate whether any party is unfit to participate in the affairs of a credit union, whether formal enforcement proceedings are warranted, or such other matters as the General Counsel or his or her designee, in his or her discretion, shall deem appropriate. Such investigations may be conducted either informally or formally.
(b) Formal investigations involve the exercise of the NCUA Board's subpoena power and are referred to here as formal investigative proceedings. In formal investigative proceedings, the General Counsel and those to whom he or she delegates authority to act on his or her behalf and at his or her direction have augmented investigatory powers and need not rely on the powers available to them in informal investigations, and they may gather evidence through the issuance of subpoenas compelling the production of documents or testimony as well. In informal investigations evidence may be gathered ordinarily through the use of investigatory procedures or credit union examinations and through voluntary statements and submissions.
(c) The NCUA Board has delegated authority to the General Counsel, or designee thereof, to institute formal investigative proceedings by the entry of an order indicating the purpose of the investigation and the designation of persons to conduct that investigation on his or her behalf and at his or her direction. This delegation also extends to the NCUA Board's role as liquidator and conservator of insured credit unions. The power to issue a subpoena may not be delegated outside the agency. The General Counsel may amend such order as he deems appropriate.
The rules in this subpart are applicable to a witness who is sworn in a formal investigative proceeding. Formal investigative proceedings may be held before the NCUA Board, before one or more of its members, or before any officer designated by the NCUA Board or its General Counsel, as described in subpart H of this part, and with or without the assistance of such other counsel as the NCUA Board deems appropriate, for the purpose of taking testimony of witnesses, conducting an investigation and receiving other evidence. The term “officer conducting the investigation” shall mean any of the foregoing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the NCUA Board, all formal investigative proceedings shall be non-public.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i) Handling it to the person;
(ii) Leaving it at his or her office with the person in charge thereof or, if there is no one in charge, by leaving it at a conspicuous place there;
(iii) Leaving it at his or her dwelling place or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion who is found there; or
(iv) Mailing it be registered or certified mail to him or her at his or her last known address. In the event that personal service as described in this paragraph is impracticable, any other method whereby actual notice is given to the respondent may be employed.
(2)
(i) Handing it to a registered agent for service, or to any officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of such person;
(ii) Mailing it by registered or certified mail to any such representative at his or her last known address; or
(iii) Any other method whereby actual notice is given to any such representative.
(c)
(d)
At the discretion of the officer conducting the investigation, testimony of a witness may be taken under oath and administered by the officer. Any person making false statements under oath during the course of a formal investigative proceeding is subject to the criminal penalties for perjury in 18 U.S.C. 1621. Any person who knowingly and willfully makes false and fraudulent statements, whether under oath or otherwise, or who falsifies, conceals or covers up any material fact, or submits any false, fictitious or fraudulent information in connection with such a proceeding, is subject to the criminal penalties set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(a)
(b)
(2) If the NCUA Board believes that the testimony or other information sought to be obtained from any party may be necessary to the public interest and that party has refused or is likely to refuse to testify or provide other information on the basis of his or her privilege against self-incrimination, the NCUA Board, with the approval of the Attorney General, may issue an order requiring the party to give testimony or provide other information that he or she has previously refused to provide on the basis of self-incrimination.
(3) Whenever a witness refuses, on the basis of his privilege against self-
Transcripts, if any, of formal investigative proceedings shall be recorded solely by the official reporter, or by any other person or means designated by the officer conducting the investigation. A party who has submitted documentary evidence or testimony in a formal investigative proceeding shall be entitled, upon written request, to procure a copy of his or her documentary evidence or a transcript of his or her testimony on payment of the appropriate fees; provided, however, that in a non-public formal investigative proceeding the NCUA Board may for good cause deny such request or the NCUA Board may place reasonable limitations upon the use of the documentary evidence and transcript. In any event, any witness, upon proper identification, shall have the right to inspect the official transcript of the witness's own testimony.
(a) In the event that a formal investigative proceeding is conducted pursuant to a specific order entered by the NCUA Board or by its General Counsel, then any party who is compelled or requested to provide documentary evidence or testimony as part of such proceeding shall, upon request, be shown a copy of the NCUA Board's or its delegate's order. Copies of such orders shall not be provided for their retention to such persons requesting same except in the sole discretion of the General Counsel or his designee.
(b) Any party compelled to appear, or who appears by request or permission of the officer conducting the investigation, in person at a formal investigative proceeding may be accompanied, represented and advised by counsel who is a member of the bar of the highest court of any state; provided however, that all witnesses in such proceeding shall be sequestered, and unless permitted in the discretion of the officer conducting the investigation, no witness or the counsel accompanying any such witness shall be permitted to be present during the examination of any other witness called in such proceeding.
(c)(1) The right of a witness to be accompanied, represented and advised by counsel shall mean the right to have an attorney present during any formal investigative proceeding and to have the attorney—
(i) Advise such person before, during and after such testimony;
(ii) Question such person briefly at the conclusion of his testimony to clarify any answers such person has given; and
(iii) Make summary notes during such testimony solely for the use of such person.
(2) From time to time, in the discretion of the officer, it shall be necessary for persons other than the witness and his or her counsel to attend non-public investigative proceedings. For example, the officer may deem it appropriate that outside counsel to the NCUA Board attend and advise him or her concerning the proceeding including the examination of a particular witness. In these circumstances, outside counsel would not be an officer as that term is used. In other circumstances, it may be appropriate that a technical expert (such as an accountant) accompany the witness and his or her counsel in order to assist counsel in understanding technical issues. These latter circumstances should be rare, are left to the discretion of the officer conducting the investigation, and shall not in any event be allowed to serve as a ruse to coordinate testimony between witnesses, to oversee or supervise the testimony of any witnesses, or
(d) The officer conducting the investigation may report to the NCUA Board any instances where any witness or counsel has been guilty of dilatory, obstructionist or contumacious conduct during the course of a formal investigative proceeding or any other instance of violations of these rules. The NCUA Board will thereupon take such further action as the circumstance may warrant including barring the offending person from further participation in the particular formal investigative proceeding or even from further practice before the Board.
The rules and procedures set forth in this subpart shall apply to the notice filed by a credit union pursuant to section 212 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1790a) and § 701.14 of this chapter, for the consent of the NCUA to add to or replace an individual on the board of directors or supervisory or credit committee, or to employ any individual as a senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any individual to a position of senior executive officer where the credit union either has been chartered less than 2 years; or is in “troubled condition,” as defined in § 701.14 of this chapter. Subpart A of this part shall not apply to any proceeding under this subpart.
The NCUA Board or its designee may issue a notice of disapproval with respect to a notice submitted by a credit union pursuant to section 212 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1790a) and § 701.14 of this chapter, where the competence, experience character or integrity of the individual with respect to whom such notice is submitted indicates that it would not be in the best interest of the members of the credit union or the public to permit the individual to be employed by or associated with, such credit union.
(a) The notice of disapproval shall be served upon the federally insured credit union and the candidate for director, committee member or senior executive officer. The notice of disapproval shall:
(1) Summarize or cite the relevant consideration specified in § 747.902;
(2) Inform the individual and the credit union that, within 15 days of receipt of the notice of disapproval, they can request reconsideration by the Regional Director of the initial determination, or can appeal the determination directly to the NCUA Board;
(3) Specify what additional information, if any, must be considered in the reconsideration.
(b) The request for reconsideration by the Regional Director must be filed at the appropriate Regional Office.
(c) The Regional Director shall act on a request for reconsideration within 30 days of its receipt.
(a)
(b)
(1) The reasons why the NCUA Board should review the disapproval; and
(2) Relevant, substantive and material facts that for good cause were not previously set forth in the notice required to be filed pursuant to section 212 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1790a) and § 701.14 of this chapter.
(c)
(d)
(2) The determination by the NCUA Board on the appeal shall be provided to the petitioner in writing, stating the basis for any decision of the NCUA Board or its designee that is adverse to the petitioner, and shall constitute a final order of the NCUA Board.
(3) Failure by the NCUA Board to issue a determination on the petitioner's appeal within the 90-day period prescribed under paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall be deemed a denial of the appeal for purpose of § 747.905.
(a) Failure to file an appeal within the applicable time periods, either to the initial determination or to the decision on a request for reconsideration, shall constitute a failure by the petitioner to exhaust available administrative remedies and, due to such failure, any objections to the initial determination or request for reconsideration shall be deemed to be waived and such determination shall be deemed to have been accepted by, and shall be binding upon, the petitioner.
(b) For purposes of seeking judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this section, suit may be filed in the United States District Court for the district where the requester resides, for the district where the credit union's principal place of business is located, or for the District of Columbia.
(a) NCUA is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended (28 U.S.C. 2461 note)) to adjust the maximum amount of each civil money penalty within its jurisdiction by the rate of inflation. The following chart displays those adjustments, as calculated pursuant to the statute:
(b) The adjustments displayed in paragraph (a) of this section apply to acts occurring after the date of publication in the
(a)
(b)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(1) The credit union's net worth ratio and net worth category classification;
(2) The specific restrictions or requirements that the NCUA Board intends to impose, and the reasons therefor;
(3) The proposed date when the discretionary supervisory action would
(4) That a credit union must file a written response to a notice within 14 calendar days from the date of the notice, or within such shorter period as the NCUA Board determines is appropriate in light of the financial condition of the credit union or other relevant circumstances.
(c)
(1) Explain why it contends that the proposed discretionary supervisory action is not an appropriate exercise of discretion under this part;
(2) Request the NCUA Board to modify or to not issue the proposed directive;
(3) Include other relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the credit union's position regarding the proposed directive; and
(4) If desired, request the recommendation of NCUA's ombudsman pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.
(d)
(1) Issue the directive as originally proposed or as modified;
(2) Determine not to issue the directive and to so notify the credit union; or
(3) Seek additional information or clarification from the credit union or any other relevant source.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(1) The credit union's net worth ratio, current net worth category classification, and the net worth category to which the credit union would be reclassified;
(2) The unsafe or unsound practice(s) and/or condition(s) justifying reasons for reclassification of the credit union;
(3) The date by which the credit union must file a written response to the notice (including a request for a hearing), which date shall be no less
(4) That a credit union which fails to—
(i) File a written response to the notice of reclassification, within the specified time period, shall be deemed to have waived the opportunity to respond, and to have consented to reclassification;
(ii) Request a hearing shall be deemed to have waived any right to a hearing; and
(iii) Request the opportunity to present witness testimony shall be deemed have waived any right to present such testimony.
(c)
(1) Explain why it contends that the credit union should not be reclassified;
(2) Include any relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the credit union's position;
(3) If desired, request an informal hearing before the NCUA Board under this section; and
(4) If a hearing is requested, identify any witness whose testimony the credit union wishes to present and the general nature of each witness's expected testimony.
(d)
(e)
(2) The informal hearing shall be recorded, and a transcript shall be furnished to the credit union upon request and payment of the cost thereof. Witnesses need not be sworn, unless specifically requested by a party or by the presiding officer. The presiding officer may ask questions of any witness.
(3) The presiding officer may order that the hearing be continued for a reasonable period following completion of witness testimony or oral argument to allow additional written submissions to the hearing record.
(4) Within 20 calendar days following the closing of the hearing and the record, the presiding officer shall make a recommendation to the NCUA Board on the proposed reclassification.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(1) That a request for reinstatement (including a request for a hearing) shall be filed with the NCUA Board within 14 calendar days after the Respondent receives the directive and notice under paragraph (a) of this section, unless the NCUA Board grants the Respondent's request for further time;
(2) The reasons for dismissal of the Respondent; and
(3) That the Respondent's failure to—
(i) Request reinstatement shall be deemed a waiver of any right to seek reinstatement;
(ii) Request a hearing shall be deemed a waiver of any right to a hearing; and
(iii) Request the opportunity to present witness testimony shall be deemed a waiver of the right to present such testimony.
(c)
(1) Explain why the Respondent should be reinstated;
(2) Include any relevant information, mitigating circumstances, documentation, or other evidence in support of the Respondent's position;
(3) If desired, request an informal hearing before the NCUA Board under this section; and
(4) If a hearing is requested, identify any witness whose testimony the Respondent wishes to present and the general nature of each witness's expected testimony.
(d)
(e)
(2) The informal hearing shall be recorded, and a transcript shall be furnished to the Respondent upon request and payment of the cost thereof. Witnesses need not be sworn, unless specifically requested by a party or the presiding officer. The presiding officer may ask questions of any witness.
(3) The presiding officer may order that the hearing be continued for a reasonable period following completion of witness testimony or oral argument to allow additional written submissions to the hearing record.
(4) A Respondent shall bear the burden of demonstrating that his or her continued employment by or service with the credit union would materially strengthen the credit union's ability to—
(i) Become “adequately capitalized,” to the extent that the directive was issued as a result of the credit union's net worth category classification or its failure to submit or implement a net worth restoration plan or revised business plan; and
(ii) Correct the unsafe or unsound condition or unsafe or unsound practice, to the extent that the directive was issued as a result of reclassification of the credit union pursuant to §§ 702.102(b) and 702.302(d) of this chapter.
(5) Within 20 calendar days following the date of closing of the hearing and the record, the presiding officer shall make a recommendation to the NCUA Board concerning the Respondent's request for reinstatement with the credit union.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(2)
(c)
12 U.S.C. 1766(a), 1786(Q); 15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b); 31 U.S.C. 5311 and 5318.
(a) Each federally insured credit union will develop a written security program within 90 days of the effective date of insurance.
(b) The security program will be designed to:
(1) Protect each credit union office from robberies, burglaries, larcenies, and embezzlement;
(2) Ensure the security and confidentiality of member records, protect against the anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records, and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such
(3) Respond to incidents of unauthorized access to or use of member information that could result in substantial harm or serious inconvenience to a member;
(4) Assist in the identification of persons who commit or attempt such actions and crimes, and
(5) Prevent destruction of vital records, as defined in 12 CFR part 749.
(c) Each Federal credit union, as part of its information security program, must properly dispose of any consumer information the Federal credit union maintains or otherwise possesses, as required under § 717.83 of this chapter.
(a) The president or managing official of each federally-insured credit union must certify compliance with the requirements of this part in its Credit Union Profile annually. Credit unions that cannot update their profile online must certify compliance in writing in accordance with the instructions on NCUA Form 4501 or its equivalent. The credit union president or managing official must sign and date the written certification.
(b)
(c)
(1)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The transaction involves funds derived from illegal activities or is intended or conducted in order to hide or disguise funds or assets derived from illegal activities (including, without limitation, the ownership, nature, source, location, or control of such funds or assets) as part of a plan to violate or evade any Federal law or regulation or to avoid any transaction reporting requirement under Federal law;
(B) The transaction is designed to evade any regulations promulgated under the Bank Secrecy Act; or
(C) The transaction has no business or apparent lawful purpose or is not the sort of transaction in which the particular member would normally be expected to engage, and the credit union knows of no reasonable explanation for the transaction after examining the available facts, including the background and possible purpose of the transaction.
(v)
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
(3)
(4)
(ii)
(5)
(6)
(a)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(1) Provide for a system of internal controls to assure ongoing compliance;
(2) Provide for independent testing for compliance to be conducted by credit union personnel or outside parties;
(3) Designate an individual responsible for coordinating and monitoring day-to-day compliance; and
(4) Provide training for appropriate personnel.
F. Report to the Board
The Guidelines for Safeguarding Member Information (Guidelines) set forth standards pursuant to sections 501 and 505(b), codified at 15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b), of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. These Guidelines provide guidance standards for developing and implementing administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of member information. These Guidelines also address standards with respect to the proper disposal of consumer information pursuant to sections 621(b) and 628 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s(b) and 1681w).
A.
B.
2. For purposes of the Guidelines, the following definitions apply:
c.
d.
e.
f.
A.
B.
A.
1. Approve the credit union's written information security policy and program; and
2. Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the credit union's information security program, including assigning specific responsibility for its implementation and reviewing reports from management.
B.
1. Identify reasonably foreseeable internal and external threats that could result in unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of member information or member information systems;
2. Assess the likelihood and potential damage of these threats, taking into consideration the sensitivity of member information; and
3. Assess the sufficiency of policies, procedures, member information systems, and other arrangements in place to control risks.
C.
1. Design its information security program to control the identified risks, commensurate with the sensitivity of the information as well as the complexity and scope of the credit union's activities. Each credit union must consider whether the following security measures are appropriate for the credit union and, if so, adopt those measures the credit union concludes are appropriate:
a. Access controls on member information systems, including controls to authenticate and permit access only to authorized individuals and controls to prevent employees from providing member information to unauthorized individuals who may seek to obtain this information through fraudulent means;
b. Access restrictions at physical locations containing member information, such as buildings, computer facilities, and records storage facilities to permit access only to authorized individuals;
c. Encryption of electronic member information, including while in transit or in storage on networks or systems to which unauthorized individuals may have access;
d. Procedures designed to ensure that member information system modifications are consistent with the credit union's information security program;
e. Dual controls procedures, segregation of duties, and employee background checks for employees with responsibilities for or access to member information;
f. Monitoring systems and procedures to detect actual and attempted attacks on or intrusions into member information systems;
g. Response programs that specify actions to be taken when the credit union suspects or detects that unauthorized individuals have gained access to member information systems, including appropriate reports to regulatory and law enforcement agencies; and
h. Measures to protect against destruction, loss, or damage of member information due to potential environmental hazards, such as fire and water damage or technical failures.
2. Train staff to implement the credit union's information security program.
3. Regularly test the key controls, systems and procedures of the information security program. The frequency and nature of such tests should be determined by the credit union's risk assessment. Tests should be conducted or reviewed by independent third parties or staff independent of those that develop or maintain the security programs.
4. Develop, implement, and maintain, as part of its information security program, appropriate measures to properly dispose of member information and consumer information in accordance with the provisions in paragraph III.
D.
1. Exercise appropriate due diligence in selecting its service providers;
2. Require its service providers by contract to implement appropriate measures designed to meet the objectives of these guidelines; and
3. Where indicated by the credit union's risk assessment, monitor its service providers to confirm that they have satisfied their obligations as required by paragraph
E.
F.
G.
1.
2.
3.
4.
This Guidance in the form of appendix B to NCUA's Security Program, Report of Crime and Catastrophic Act and Bank Secrecy Act Compliance regulation,
Section 501(b) of the GLBA required the NCUA to establish appropriate standards for credit unions subject to its jurisdiction that include administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of member information. Accordingly, the NCUA amended Part 748 of its rules to require credit unions to develop appropriate security programs, and issued appendix A, reflecting its expectation that every federally insured credit union would develop an information security program designed to:
1. Ensure the security and confidentiality of member information;
2. Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and
3. Protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any member.
1. Appendix A directs every credit union to assess the following risks, among others, when developing its information security program:
a. Reasonably foreseeable internal and external threats that could result in unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of member information or member information systems;
b. The likelihood and potential damage of threats, taking into consideration the sensitivity of member information; and
c. The sufficiency of policies, procedures, member information systems, and other arrangements in place to control risks.
2. Following the assessment of these risks, appendix A directs a credit union to design a program to address the identified risks. The particular security measures a credit union should adopt will depend upon the risks presented by the complexity and scope of its business. At a minimum, the credit union should consider the specific security measures enumerated in appendix A,
a. Access controls on member information systems, including controls to authenticate and permit access only to authorized individuals and controls to prevent employees from providing member information to unauthorized individuals who may seek to obtain this information through fraudulent means;
b. Background checks for employees with responsibilities for access to member information; and
c. Response programs that specify actions to be taken when the credit union suspects or detects that unauthorized individuals have gained access to member information systems, including appropriate reports to regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
Appendix A advises every credit union to require its service providers by contract to implement appropriate measures designed to protect against unauthorized access to or use of member information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any member.
i. Millions of Americans, throughout the country, have been victims of identity theft.
ii. In addition, each credit union should be able to address incidents of unauthorized access to member information in member information systems maintained by its domestic and foreign service providers. Therefore, consistent with the obligations in this Guidance that relate to these arrangements, and with existing guidance on this topic issued by the NCUA,
1. At a minimum, a credit union's response program should contain procedures for the following:
a. Assessing the nature and scope of an incident, and identifying what member information systems and types of member information have been accessed or misused;
b. Notifying the appropriate NCUA Regional Director, and, in the case of state-chartered credit unions, its applicable state supervisory authority, as soon as possible when the credit union becomes aware of an incident involving unauthorized access to or use of sensitive member information as defined below.
c. Consistent with the NCUA's Suspicious Activity Report (“SAR”) regulations,
d. Taking appropriate steps to contain and control the incident to prevent further unauthorized access to or use of member information, for example, by monitoring, freezing, or closing affected accounts, while preserving records and other evidence;
e. Notifying members when warranted.
2. Where an incident of unauthorized access to member information involves member information systems maintained by a credit union's service providers, it is the responsibility of the credit union to notify the credit union's members and regulator. However, a credit union may authorize or contract with its service provider to notify the credit union's members or regulators on its behalf.
i. Credit unions have an affirmative duty to protect their members' information against unauthorized access or use. Notifying members of a security incident involving the unauthorized access or use of the member's information in accordance with the standard set forth below is a key part of that duty.
ii. Timely notification of members is important to manage a credit union's reputation risk. Effective notice also may reduce a credit union's legal risk, assist in maintaining good member relations, and enable the credit union's members to take steps to protect themselves against the consequences of identity theft. When member notification is warranted, a credit union may not forgo notifying its customers of an incident because the credit union believes that it may be potentially embarrassed or inconvenienced by doing so.
When a credit union becomes aware of an incident of unauthorized access to sensitive member information, the credit union should conduct a reasonable investigation to promptly determine the likelihood that the information has been or will be misused. If the credit union determines that misuse of its information about a member has occurred or is reasonably possible, it should notify the affected member as soon as possible. Member notice may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides the credit union with a written request for the delay. However, the credit union should notify its members as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation.
Under Part 748.0, a credit union must protect against unauthorized access to or use of member information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any member. Substantial harm or inconvenience is most likely to result from improper access to
For purposes of this Guidance, sensitive member information means a member's name, address, or telephone number, in conjunction with the member's social security number, driver's license number, account number, credit or debit card number, or a personal identification number or password that would permit access to the member's account.
If a credit union, based upon its investigation, can determine from its logs or other data precisely which members' information
1. Member notice should be given in a clear and conspicuous manner. The notice should describe the incident in general terms and the type of member information that was the subject of unauthorized access or use. It also should generally describe what the credit union has done to protect the members' information from further unauthorized access. In addition, it should include a telephone number that members can call for further information and assistance.
a. A recommendation that the member review account statements and immediately report any suspicious activity to the credit union;
b. A description of fraud alerts and an explanation of how the member may place a fraud alert in the member's consumer reports to put the member's creditors on notice that the member may be a victim of fraud;
c. A recommendation that the member periodically obtain credit reports from each nationwide credit reporting agency and have information relating to fraudulent transactions deleted;
d. An explanation of how the member may obtain a credit report free of charge; and
e. Information about the availability of the FTC's online guidance regarding steps a consumer can take to protect against identity theft. The notice should encourage the member to report any incidents of identity theft to the FTC, and should provide the FTC's Web site address and toll-free telephone number that members may use to obtain the identity theft guidance and report suspected incidents of identity theft.
2. NCUA encourages credit unions to notify the nationwide consumer reporting agencies prior to sending notices to a large number of members that include contact information for the reporting agencies.
Member notice should be delivered in any manner designed to ensure that a member can reasonably be expected to receive it. For example, the credit union may choose to contact all members affected by telephone or by mail, or by electronic mail for those members for whom it has a valid e-mail address and who have agreed to receive communications electronically.
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1783 and 1789, 15 U.S.C. 7001(d).
(a) This part describes the obligations of all federally-insured credit unions to maintain a records preservation program to identify, store and reconstruct vital records in the event that the credit union's records are destroyed and provides recommendations
(b) Appendix A to this part provides guidance concerning the appropriate length of time credit unions should retain various types of operational records. Appendix B to this part also provides guidance for developing a program for responding to a catastrophic act to ensure duplicate vital records can be used for restoration of vital member services.
For purposes of this part:
(a) A list of share, deposit, and loan balances for each member's account as of the close of the most recent business day that:
(1) Shows each balance individually identified by a name or number;
(2) Lists multiple loans of one account separately; and
(3) Contains information sufficient to enable the credit union to locate each member, such as address and telephone number.
(b) A financial report, which lists all of the credit union's asset and liability accounts and bank reconcilements, current as of the most recent month-end.
(c) A list of the credit union's accounts at financial institutions, insurance policies, and investments along with related contact information, current as of the most recent month-end.
(d) Emergency contact information for employees, officials, regulatory offices, and vendors used to support vital records.
The board of directors of a credit union is responsible for establishing a vital records preservation program within 6 months after its insurance certificate is issued. The program must be in writing and contain procedures for maintaining duplicate vital records at a vital records center. The procedures must include: designated staff responsible for vital records preservation, a schedule for the storage and destruction of records, and a records preservation log detailing for each record stored, its name, storage location, storage date, and name of the person sending the record for storage. It is recommended credit unions include in these procedures a method for using duplicate records to restore vital member services in the event of catastrophic act. Credit unions which have some or all of their records maintained by an off-site data processor are considered to be in compliance for the storage of those records if the service agreement specifies the data processor safeguards against the simultaneous destruction of production and back-up information.
A vital records center is defined as a storage facility, which may include another federally-insured credit union, at any location far enough from the credit union's offices to avoid the simultaneous loss of both sets of records in the event of a catastrophic act. A credit union must maintain or contract with a third party to maintain any equipment or software for its vital records center necessary to access records.
Preserved records may be in any format that can be used to reconstruct the credit union's records. The format used must accurately reflect the information in the record, remain accessible
Where NCUA regulations require credit unions to retain certain writings, records or information, credit unions may use any format that accurately reflects the information in the record, is accessible to all persons entitled to access by statute, regulation or rule of law, and is capable of being reproduced by transmission, printing, or otherwise. The credit union must maintain the necessary equipment or software to permit an examiner to access the records during the examination process.
Credit unions often look to NCUA for guidance on the appropriate length of time to retain various types of operational records. NCUA does not regulate in this area, but as an aid to credit unions it is publishing this appendix of suggested guidelines for record retention. NCUA recognizes that credit unions must strike a balance between the competing demands of space, resource allocation and the desire to retain all the records that they may need to conduct their business successfully. Efficiency requires that all records that are no longer useful be discarded, just as both efficiency and safety require that useful records be preserved and kept readily available.
NCUA does not recommend a particular format for record retention. If the credit union stores records on microfilm, microfiche, or in an electronic format, the stored records must be accurate, reproducible and accessible to an NCUA examiner. If records are stored on the credit union premises, they should be immediately accessible upon the examiner's request; if records are stored by a third party or off-site, then they should be made available to the examiner within a reasonable time after the examiner's request. The credit union must maintain the necessary equipment or software to permit an examiner to review and reproduce stored records upon request. The credit union should also ensure that the reproduction is acceptable for submission as evidence in a legal proceeding.
The credit union's board of directors may approve a schedule authorizing the disposal of certain records on a continuing basis upon expiration of specified retention periods. A schedule provides a system for disposal of records and eliminates the need for board approval each time the credit union wants to dispose of the same types of records created at different times.
The credit union should prepare an index of any records destroyed and retain the index permanently. Destruction of records should ordinarily be carried out by at least two persons whose signatures, attesting to the fact that records were actually destroyed, should be affixed to the listing.
Record destruction may impact the credit union's legal standing to collect on loans or defend itself in court. Since each state can impose its own rules, it is prudent for a credit union to consider consulting with local counsel when setting minimum retention periods. A record pertaining to a member's account that is not considered a vital record may be destroyed once it is verified by the supervisory committee. Individual Share and Loan Ledgers should be retained permanently. Records, for a particular period, should not be destroyed until both a comprehensive annual audit by the supervisory committee and a supervisory examination by the NCUA have been made for that period.
1. Official records of the credit union that should be retained permanently are:
(a) Charter, bylaws, and amendments.
(b) Certificates or licenses to operate under programs of various government agencies, such as a certificate to act as issuing agent for the sale of U.S. savings bonds.
(c) Current manuals, circular letters and other official instructions of a permanent character received from the NCUA and other governmental agencies.
2. Key operational records that should be retained permanently are:
(a) Minutes of meetings of the membership, board of directors, credit committee, and supervisory committee.
(b) One copy of each financial report, NCUA Form 5300 or 5310, or their equivalent, and the Credit Union Profile report, NCUA
(c) One copy of each supervisory committee comprehensive annual audit report and attachments.
(d) Supervisory committee records of account verification.
(e) Applications for membership and joint share account agreements.
(f) Journal and cash record.
(g) General ledger.
(h) Copies of the periodic statements of members, or the individual share and loan ledger. (A complete record of the account should be kept permanently.)
(i) Bank reconcilements.
(j) Listing of records destroyed.
Any record not described above is appropriate for periodic destruction unless it must be retained to comply with the requirements of consumer protection regulations. Periodic destruction should be scheduled so that the most recent of the following records are available for the annual supervisory committee audit and the NCUA examination. Records that may be periodically destroyed include:
(a) Applications of paid off loans.
(b) Paid notes.
(c) Various consumer disclosure forms, unless retention is required by law.
(d) Cash received vouchers.
(e) Journal vouchers.
(f) Canceled checks.
(g) Bank statements.
(h) Outdated manuals, canceled instructions, and nonpayment correspondence from the NCUA and other governmental agencies.
Credit unions often look to NCUA for guidance on preparing for a catastrophic act. While NCUA has minimal regulation in this area,
(1) A business impact analysis to evaluate potential threats;
(2) A risk assessment to determine critical systems and necessary resources;
(3) A written plan addressing:
i. Persons with authority to enact the plan;
ii. Preservation and ability to restore vital records;
iii. A method for restoring vital member services through identification of alternate operating location(s) or mediums to provide services, such as telephone centers, shared service centers, agreements with other credit unions, or other appropriate methods;
iv. Communication methods for employees and members;
v. Notification of regulators as addressed in 12 CFR 748.1(b);
vi. Training and documentation of training to ensure all employees and volunteer officials are aware of procedures to follow in the event of destruction of vital records or loss of vital member services; and
vii. Testing procedures, including a means for documenting the testing results.
(4) Internal controls for reviewing the plan at least annually and for revising the plan as circumstances warrant, for example, to address changes in the credit union's operations; and
(5) Annual testing.
12 U.S.C. 1757, 1789; 42 U.S.C. 4012a, 4104a, 4104b, 4106, and 4128.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(1) Receiving any scheduled, periodic payments from a borrower under the terms of a loan, including amounts for taxes, insurance premiums, and other charges with respect to the property securing the loan; and
(2) Making payments of principal and interest and any other payments from the amounts received from the borrower as may be required under the terms of the loan.
(k)
(l)
(a)
(b)
The flood insurance requirement prescribed by § 760.3 does not apply with respect to:
(a) Any State-owned property covered under a policy of self-insurance satisfactory to the Director of FEMA, who publishes and periodically revises the list of States falling within this exemption; or
(b) Property securing any loan with an original principal balance of $5,000 or less and a repayment term of one year or less.
If a credit union requires the escrow of taxes, insurance premiums, fees, or any other charges for a loan secured by
(a)
(b)
If a credit union, or a servicer acting on behalf of the credit union, determines at any time during the term of a designated loan that the building or mobile home and any personal property securing the designated loan is not covered by flood insurance, or is covered by flood insurance in an amount less than the amount required under § 760.3, then the credit union or its servicer shall notify the borrower that the borrower should obtain flood insurance, at the borrower's expense, in an amount at least equal to the amount required under § 760.3, for the remaining term of the loan. If the borrower fails to obtain flood insurance within 45 days after notification, then the credit union or its servicer shall purchase insurance on the borrower's behalf. The credit union or its servicer may charge the borrower for the cost of premiums and fees incurred in purchasing the insurance.
(a)
(b)
(1) Is made in connection with a making, increasing, extending, or renewing of the loan that is initiated by the borrower;
(2) Reflects the Director of FEMA's revision or updating of floodplain areas or flood-risk zones;
(3) Reflects the Director of FEMA's publication of a notice or compendium that:
(i) Affects the area in which the building or mobile home securing the loan is located; or
(ii) By determination of the Director of FEMA, may reasonably require a determination whether the building or mobile home securing the loan is located in a special flood hazard area; or
(4) Results in the purchase of flood insurance coverage by the credit union or its servicer on behalf of the borrower under § 760.7.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) A warning, in a form approved by the Director of FEMA, that the building or the mobile home is or will be located in a special flood hazard area;
(2) A description of the flood insurance purchase requirements set forth in section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b));
(3) A statement, where applicable, that flood insurance coverage is available under the NFIP and may also be available from private insurers; and
(4) A statement whether Federal disaster relief assistance may be available in the event of damage to the building or mobile home caused by flooding in a Federally-declared disaster.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
We are giving you this notice to inform you that:
The building or mobile home securing the loan for which you have applied is or will be located in an area with special flood hazards.
The area has been identified by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a special flood hazard area using FEMA's
Federal law allows a lender and borrower jointly to request the Director of FEMA to review the determination of whether the property securing the loan is located in a special flood hazard area. If you would like to make such a request, please contact us for further information.
___ The community in which the property securing the loan is located participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Federal law will not allow us to make you the loan that you have applied for if you do not purchase flood insurance. The flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan. If you fail to purchase or renew flood insurance on the property, Federal law authorizes and requires us to purchase the flood insurance for you at your expense.
• Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP may be purchased through an insurance agent who will obtain the policy either directly through the NFIP or through an insurance company that participates in the NFIP. Flood insurance also may be available from private insurers that do not participate in the NFIP.
• At a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover
(1) the outstanding principal balance of the loan;
(2) the maximum amount of coverage allowed for the type of property under the NFIP.
Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP is limited to the overall value of the property securing the loan minus the value of the land on which the property is located.
• Federal disaster relief assistance (usually in the form of a low-interest loan) may be available for damages incurred in excess of your flood insurance if your community's participation in the NFIP is in accordance with NFIP requirements.
___ Flood insurance coverage under the NFIP is not available for the property securing the loan because the community in which the property is located does not participate in the NFIP. In addition, if the non-participating community has been identified for at least one year as containing a special flood hazard area, properties located in the community will not be eligible for Federal disaster relief assistance in the event of a Federally-declared flood disaster.
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1789, 1795f.
This part contains a description of NCUA's organization and the procedures for public requests for action by the Board. Part 790 pertains to the practices of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) only and does not apply to credit union operations.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(c)
(2) A Regional Director is in charge of each Regional Office. The Regional Director manages NCUA's programs in the Region assigned in accordance with established policies. This person's duties include: Directing chartering, insurance, examination, and supervision programs to promote and assure safety and soundness; managing regional resources to meet program objectives in the most economical and practical manner; and maintaining good public relations with public, private, and governmental organizations, Federal credit union officials, credit union organizations, and other groups which have an interest in credit union matters in the assigned Region. The Director maintains liaison and cooperation with other regional offices of Federal departments and agencies, state agencies, city and county officials, and other governmental units that affect credit unions. The Regional Director is aided by an Associate Regional Director for Operations and Associate Regional Director for Programs. Staff working in the Regional Office report to the Associate Regional Director for Operations. Each region is divided into examiner districts, each assigned to a Supervisory Credit Union Examiner; groups
Except as otherwise provided by NCUA regulation, all applications, requests, and submittals for action by the NCUA shall be in writing and addressed to the appropriate office described in § 790.2. This will usually be one of the Regional Offices. In instances where the appropriate office cannot be determined, requests should be sent to the Office of Public and Congressional Affairs.
12 U.S.C. 1766, 1789 and 5 U.S.C. 552b.
The rules contained in this subpart are the rules of procedure governing how the Board conducts its business. These rules concern the Board's exercise of its authority to act on behalf of NCUA; the conduct, scheduling and subject matter of Board meetings; and the recording of Board action.
The agreement of at least two of the three Board members is required for any action by the Board.
Proxy voting shall not be allowed for any action by the Board.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(2)
(ii)
(a)
(b)
The rules contained in this subpart B pertain to the promulgation of NCUA rules and regulations.
(a) NCUA's procedures for developing regulations are governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551
(b)
(1) A statement of the nature of the rulemaking proceedings;
(2) Reference to the authority under which the rule is proposed;
(3) Either the terms or substance of the proposed rule or a description of the subjects and issues involved; and
(4) A statement of the effect of the proposed rule on state-chartered federally-insured credit unions.
(c)
(d)
(1) Matters relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts;
(2) When persons subject to the proposed rule are named and either personally served or otherwise have actual notice thereof in accordance with law;
(3) Interpretive rules, general statements of policy, or rules of agency organization, procedure or practice, unless notice or hearing is required by statute; and
(4) If the Board, for good cause, finds (and incorporates the finding and a brief statement therefor in the rules issued) that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, unless notice or hearing is required by statute.
(e)
(1) Rules which grant or recognize an exemption or relieve a restriction;
(2) Interpretive rules and statements of policy; or
(3) Any substantive rule which the Board makes effective at an earlier date upon good cause found and published with such rule.
This subpart contains regulations implementing subsections (b) through (f) of the “Government in the Sunshine Act” (5 U.S.C. 552b). The primary purpose of these regulations is to provide the public with the fullest access authorized by law to the deliberations
For the purpose of this subpart:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Except as provided in § 791.12(a), any portion of any meeting of the Board shall be open to public observation. The Board, and any subdivision of the Board, shall jointly conduct official agency business only in accordance with this subpart.
(a) Under the procedures specified in § 791.14, the Board may close a meeting or any portion of a meeting from public observation or may withhold information pertaining to such meetings provided the Board has properly determined that the public interest does not require otherwise and that the meeting (or any portion thereof) or the disclosure of meeting information is likely to:
(1) Disclose matters that are:
(i) Specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy, and
(ii) In fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;
(2) Relate solely to internal personnel rules and practices;
(3) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552 of title 5 of the United States Code, the Freedom of Information Act), provided that such statute:
(i) Requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or
(ii) Establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld;
(4) Disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(5) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;
(6) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(7) Disclose investigatory records compiled for enforcement purposes, or information which if written would be contained in such records, but only to the extent that the production of such records or information would:
(i) Interfere with enforcement proceedings,
(ii) Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,
(iii) Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,
(iv) Disclose the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by a Federal agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential information furnished only by the confidential source,
(v) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures, or
(vi) Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel;
(8) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of Federal agencies responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions;
(9) Disclose information the premature disclosure of which would be likely to (i)(A) lead to significant speculation in currencies, securities, or commodities, or (B) significantly endanger the stability of any financial institution, or (ii) be likely to significantly frustrate implementation of a proposed action,
(10) Specifically concern the issuance of a subpoena, participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or international tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct or disposition of a particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in section 554 of title 5 of the United States Code or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity for a hearing.
(b) Prior to closing a meeting whose discussions are likely to fall within the exemptions stated in paragraph (a) of this section, the Board will balance the public interest in observing the deliberations of an exemptible matter and the agency need for confidentiality of the exemptible matter. In weighing these interests, the Board is assisted by the General Counsel as provided in § 791.16, by expressions of the public interest set forth in requests for open meetings as provided by § 791.15(b), and by the brief staff analysis of public interest which will accompany each staff recommendation that an agenda item be considered in a closed meeting.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board shall, for each meeting, make a public announcement, at least one week in advance of the meeting, of the time, place and subject matter of the meeting, whether it will be open or closed to public observation, and the name and telephone number of the Secretary of the Board or the person designated by the Board to respond to requests for information about the meeting.
(b) Advance notice is required unless a majority of the members of the Board determine by a recorded vote that agency business requires that a meeting be called at an earlier date, in which case, the information to be announced in paragraph (a) of this section shall be publicly announced at the earliest practicable time.
(c) A change, including a postponement or a cancellation, in the time or place of a meeting after a published announcement may be made only if announced at the earliest practicable time.
(d) A change in or deletion of the subject matter of a meeting or any portion of a meeting or a redetermination to open or close a meeting or any portion of a meeting after a published announcement may be made only if:
(1) A majority of the Board determines by recorded vote that agency business so requires and that no earlier
(2) Public announcement of the change and of the vote of each member on such change shall be made at the earliest practicable time.
(e) Each meeting announcement or amendment thereof shall be posted on the Public Notice Bulletin Board in the reception area of the agency headquarters and may be made available by other means deemed desirable by the Board. Immediately following each public announcement required by this section, the stated information shall be submitted to the
(f) No announcement shall contain information which is determined to be exempt from disclosure under § 791.12(a).
(g) The agency shall maintain a mailing list of names and addresses of all persons who wish to receive copies of agency announcements of meetings open to public observation and amendments to such announcements. Requests to be placed on the mailing list should be made by telephoning or by writing to the Secretary of the Board.
(a) A decision to close any portion of a meeting and to withhold information about any portion of a meeting closed pursuant to § 791.12(a) will be taken only when a majority of the entire Board votes to take such action. In deciding whether to close a meeting or any portion of a meeting or to withhold information, the Board shall independently consider whether the public interest requires an open meeting. A separate vote of the Board will be taken and recorded for each portion of a meeting to be closed to public observation pursuant to § 791.12(a) or to withhold information from the public pursuant to § 791.12(a). A single vote may be taken and recorded with respect to a series of meetings, or any portions of meetings which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning the series of meetings, so long as each meeting in the series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. No proxies shall be allowed.
(b) Any person whose interests may be directly affected by any portion of a meeting for any of the reasons stated in § 791.12(a) (5), (6) or (7) may request that the Board close such portion of the meeting. After receiving notice of a person's desire for any specified portion of a meeting to be closed, the Board, upon a request by one member, will decide by recorded vote whether to close the relevant portion or portions of the meeting. This procedure applies to requests received either prior or subsequent to the announcement of a decision to hold an open meeting.
(c) Within one day after any vote is taken pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the Board shall make publicly available a written copy of the vote taken indicating the vote of each Board member. Except to the extent that such information is withheld and exempt from disclosure, for each meeting or any portion of a meeting closed to the public, the Board shall make publicly available within one day after the required vote, a written explanation of its action, together with a list of all persons expected to attend the closed meeting and their affiliation. The list of persons to attend need not include the names of individual staff, but shall state the offices of the agency expected to participate in the meeting discussions.
(a) Following any announcement that the Board intends to close a meeting or any portion of any meeting, any person may make a written request to the Secretary of the Board that the meeting or a portion of the meeting be open. The request shall be circulated to the members of the Board, and the Board, upon the request of one member, shall reconsider its action under § 791.14 before the meeting or before discussion of the matter at the meeting. If the Board decides to open a portion of a meeting proposed to be closed, the Board shall publicly announce its decision in accordance with § 791.13(e). If no request is received from a Board member to reconsider the decision to close
(b) The request to open a portion of a meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Board in advance of the meeting in question. The request shall set forth the requestor's interest in the matter to be discussed and the reasons why the requestor believes that the public interest requires that the meeting or portions thereof be open to public observation.
(c) The submission of a request to open a portion of a meeting shall not act to stay the effectiveness of Board action or to postpone or delay the meeting unless the Board decides otherwise.
(d) The Secretary of the Board shall advise the requestor of the Board's consideration of the request to open a portion of the meeting as soon as practicable.
For each meeting or any portion of a meeting closed to public observation under § 791.14, the General Counsel shall publicly certify, whether in his or her opinion, the meeting or portion thereof may be closed to public observation and shall state each relevant exemption provision of law. A copy of the certification, together with a statement from the presiding officer of the meeting setting forth the time and place of the meeting and the persons present, shall be retained as a part of the permanent meeting records. As part of the certification, the General Counsel shall recommend to the Board whether the public interest requires that the meeting or portions thereof proposed to be closed to public observation be held in the open.
(a) Except in those circumstances which are beyond the control of the agency, the Board shall maintain a complete transcript or electronic recording adequate to record fully the proceedings of each meeting, or any portion thereof, closed to public observation. However, for meetings closed under § 791.12(a) (8), (9)(i) or (10), the Board shall maintain either a transcript, a recording or a set of minutes. The Board shall maintain a complete electronic recording for each open meeting or any portion thereof. All records shall clearly identify each speaker.
(b) A set of minutes shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons for taking such action. Minutes shall also include a description of each of the views expressed by each person in attendance on any item and the record of any roll call vote, reflecting the vote of each member. All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes.
(c) The agency shall maintain a complete verbatim copy of the transcript, a complete copy of the minutes or a complete electronic recording of each meeting, or any portion of a meeting, closed to public observation, for at least two years after such meeting or for one year after the conclusion of any agency proceeding with respect to which the meeting or any portion was held, whichever occurs later. The agency shall maintain a complete electronic recording of each open meeting for at least three months after the meeting date. A complete set of minutes shall be maintained on a permanent basis for all meetings.
(a) The agency shall make promptly available to the public, in the Public Reference Room, the transcript, electronic recording, or minutes of any meeting, deleting any agenda item or any item of the testimony of a witness received at a closed meeting which the Board determined, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, was exempt from disclosure under § 791.12(a). The exemption or exemptions relied upon for any deleted information shall be reflected on any record or recording.
(b) Copies of any transcript, minutes or transcription of a recording, disclosing the identity of each speaker,
(c) Following each meeting or any portion of a meeting closed pursuant to § 791.12(a), the General Counsel or his designee, after consultation with the Secretary of the Board, shall determine which, if any, portions of the meeting transcript, electronic recording or minutes not otherwise available under 5 U.S.C. 552a (the Privacy Act) contain information which should be withheld pursuant to § 791.12(a). If, at a later time, the Board determines that there is no further justification for withholding any meeting record or other item of information from the public which has previously been withheld, then such information shall be made available to the public.
(d) Except for information determined by the Board to be exempt from disclosure pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, meeting records shall be promptly available to the public in the Public Reference Room. Meeting records include but are not limited to: The transcript, electronic recording or minutes of each meeting, as required by § 791.17(a); the notice requirements of §§ 791.13 and 791.14(c); and the General Counsel Certification along with the presiding officer's statement, as required by § 791.16.
(e) These provisions do not affect the procedures set forth in part 792, subpart A, governing the inspection and copying of agency records, except that the exemptions set forth in § 791.12(a) of this subpart and in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) shall govern in the case of a request made pursuant to part 792, subpart A, to copy or inspect the meeting records described in this section. Any documents considered or mentioned at Board meetings may be obtained subject to the procedures set forth in part 792, subpart A.
5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a, 552b; 12 U.S.C. 1752a(d), 1766, 1789, 1795f; E.O. 12600, 52 FR 23781, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 235; E.O. 12958, 60 FR 19825, 3 CFR, 1995 Comp., p.333.
This subpart describes the procedures you must follow to obtain records from NCUA under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), (5 U.S.C. 552).
Except for records that are exempt from public disclosure under FOIA as amended (5 U.S.C. 552) or are promptly published and copies are available for purchase, NCUA routinely makes the following five types of records available for you to inspect and copy:
(a) Final opinions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, and orders made in the adjudication of cases;
(b) Statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the agency but not published in the
(c) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public;
(d) Copies of all records, regardless of form or format, which have been released after March 31, 1997, in response to a FOIA request and which, because of the nature of their subject matter, NCUA determines have been or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests; and
(e) Indices of the documents referred to in this paragraph.
NCUA maintains current indices providing identifying information for the public for any matter referred to in § 792.02, issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967. The listing of material in an index is for the convenience of possible users and does not constitute a determination that all of the items listed will be disclosed. NCUA has determined that publication of the indices is unnecessary and impractical. You may obtain copies of indices by making a request to the NCUA, Office of General Counsel, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2387,
(a) NCUA Publications List: Manuals relating to general and technical information, booklets published by NCUA, and the Credit Union Directory. The NCUA Publications list is available on the NCUA web site.
(b) Directives Control Index: A list of statements of policy, NCUA Instructions, Bulletins, Letters to Credit Unions, and certain internal manuals.
(c) Popular FOIA Index: Records released in response to a FOIA request, that NCUA determines are likely to be the subject of subsequent requests because of the nature of their subject matter. The Popular FOIA Index is available on the NCUA web site.
You may obtain these types of records or information in the following ways:
(a) You may obtain copies of the records referenced in § 792.02 by obtaining the index referred to in § 792.03 and following the ordering instructions it contains, or by making a written request to NCUA, Office of General Counsel, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428,
(b) If they were created by NCUA on or after November 1, 1996, records referenced in § 792.02 are available on the NCUA web site, found at
The records referred to in § 792.02 may be relied on, used, or cited as precedent by NCUA against a party, provided:
(a) The materials have been indexed and either made available or published; or
(b) The party has actual and timely notice of the materials' contents.
Except with respect to records routinely made available under § 792.02 or published in the
(a) You must send your written request to one of NCUA's Information Centers. The Central Office and Office of Inspector General are designated as
(b) If you are seeking any NCUA record, other than those maintained by the Office of Inspector General, you should send your request to NCUA, Office of the General Counsel, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428,
(c) If you are seeking a record you think may be maintained by the NCUA Office of Inspector General, then you should send your request to the Inspector General, NCUA, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428.
Until an Information Center receives your FOIA request, it is not obligated to search for responsive records, meet time deadlines, or release any records. A request will not be considered received if it does not include all of the items in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.
(a) Your request must be in writing and include the words “FOIA REQUEST” on both the envelope and request letter. The request letter must also include your name, address and a telephone number where you can be reached during normal business hours. If you would like us to respond to your FOIA request by electronic mail (e-mail), you should include your e-mail address.
(b) A reasonable description of the records you seek. A reasonable description is one that enables an NCUA employee, who is familiar with the subject area of the request, to locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort.
(c) A statement agreeing to pay all applicable fees or to pay fees up to a certain maximum amount, or requesting a fee reduction or waiver in accordance with § 792.27. If the actual fees are expected to exceed the maximum amount you indicate in your request, NCUA will contact you to see if you are willing to pay the estimated fees. If you do not want to pay the estimated fees, your request will be closed and no bill will be sent.
(d) If other than paper copy, you must identify the form and format of responsive information you are requesting.
NCUA need not accept or process your request if it does not comply with the requirements of this subpart. NCUA may return such a request to you with an explanation of the deficiency. You may then submit a corrected request, which will be treated as a new request.
(a) On receipt of any request, the Information Center assigns it to the appropriate processing schedule, pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The date of receipt for any request, including one that is addressed incorrectly or is forwarded to NCUA by another agency, is the earlier of the date the appropriate Information Center actually receives the request or 10 working days after either of NCUA's Information Centers receives the request.
(b) NCUA has a multi-track processing system. Requests for records that are readily identifiable by the Information Center and have already been cleared for public release may qualify for fast track processing. Requests that meet the requirements of § 792.18 will be processed on the expedited track. All other requests will be handled under normal processing procedures in the order they were received.
(c) The Information Center will make the determination whether a request qualifies for fast track processing or expedited track processing. You may contact the Information Center to learn to which track your request has
(d) The Information Center will normally process requests in the order they are received in the separate processing tracks. However, in NCUA's discretion, a particular request may be processed out of turn.
(e) Upon a determination by the appropriate Information Center to comply with your initial request for records, the records will be made promptly available to you. If we notify you of a denial of your request, we will include the reason for the denial.
(f) The Information Center will search for records responsive to your request and will generally include all records in existence at the time the search begins. If we use a different search cut-off date, we will inform you of that date.
(a) All records of NCUA or any officer, employee, or agent thereof, are confidential, privileged and exempt from disclosure, except as otherwise provided in this subpart, if they are:
(1) Records specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and are in fact properly classified pursuant to an Executive Order.
(2) Records related solely to NCUA internal personnel rules and practices. This exemption applies to internal rules or instructions which must be kept confidential in order to assure effective performance of the functions and activities for which NCUA is responsible and which do not materially affect members of the public. This exemption also applies to manuals and instructions to the extent that release of the information would permit circumvention of laws or regulations.
(3) Specifically exempted from disclosure by statute, where the statute either makes nondisclosure mandatory or establishes particular criteria for withholding information.
(4) Records which contain trade secrets and commercial or financial information which relate to the business, personal or financial affairs of any person or organization, are furnished to NCUA, and are confidential or privileged. This exemption includes, but is not limited to, various types of confidential sales and cost statistics, trade secrets, and names of key customers and personnel. Assurances of confidentiality given by staff are not binding on NCUA.
(5) Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters which would not be available by law to a private party in litigation with NCUA. This exemption preserves the existing freedom of NCUA officials and employees to engage in full and frank written or taped communications with each other and with officials and employees of other agencies. It includes, but is not limited to, inter-agency and intra-agency reports, memoranda, letters, correspondence, work papers, and minutes of meetings, as well as staff papers prepared for use within NCUA or in concert with other governmental agencies.
(6) Personnel, medical, and similar files (including financial files) pertaining to another person, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy without the subject person's written consent or proof of death. Written consent consists of a written statement by the subject person, authorizing the release of the information to you, and including either the subject person's notarized signature or a declaration made under penalty of perjury that the statement is true and correct. Proof of death consists of evidence that the subject of your request is deceased—such as a death certificate, a newspaper obituary, or some comparable proof of death. Files exempt from disclosure include, but are not limited to:
(i) The personnel records of the NCUA;
(ii) The personnel records voluntarily submitted by private parties in response to NCUA's requests for proposals; and
(iii) Files containing reports, records or other material pertaining to individual cases in which disciplinary or other administrative action has been or may be taken.
(7) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information:
(i) Could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings;
(ii) Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
(iii) Could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(iv) Could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a state, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation on or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, information furnished by the confidential source;
(v) Would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigation or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law; or
(vi) Could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual. This includes, but is not limited to, information relating to enforcement proceedings upon which NCUA has acted or will act in the future.
(8) Contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of, or for the use of NCUA or any agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions. This includes all information, whether in formal or informal report form, the disclosure of which would harm the financial security of credit unions or would interfere with the relationship between NCUA and credit unions.
(b) We will provide any reasonably segregable portion of a requested record after deleting those portions that are exempt from disclosure under this section.
As long as it is technically feasible and does not threaten an interest protected by the FOIA, we will:
(a) Mark the place where we redacted information from documents released to you and note the exemption that protects the information from public disclosure; or
(b) Make reasonable efforts to include with our response to you an estimate of the volume of information withheld.
NCUA will provide a copy of the record in any form or format requested, such as computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide more than one copy of any record.
The Freedom of Information Officer or designee is responsible for making the initial determination whether to grant or deny a request for information submitted to the Central Office Information Center. The Inspector General or designee is responsible for making the initial determination whether to grant or deny a request for information submitted to the Inspector General Information Center. This official may refer a request to an NCUA employee who is familiar with the subject area of the request. Other NCUA staff members may aid the official by providing information, advice, recommending a decision, or implementing a decision, but no NCUA employee other than an
NCUA will respond to requests within 20 working days, except:
(a)(1) Where the running of such time is suspended while:
(i) The Information Center awaits additional information from the requester. A suspension of time for this purpose may occur only once during the processing period; and
(ii) The Information Center clarifies with the requester issues regarding the payment of fees pursuant to § 792.26.
(2) The Information Center's receipt of the requester's response to the request for additional information or clarification ends the tolling period;
(b) In unusual circumstances, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B) and § 792.16, the time limit may be extended for:
(1) An additional 10 working days as provided by written notice to you, stating the reasons for the extension and the date on which a determination will be sent; or
(2) Such alternative time period as mutually agreed by you and the Information Office, when NCUA notifies you that the request cannot be processed in the specified time limit.
(a) In unusual circumstances, the time limits for responding to your request (or your appeal) may be extended by NCUA. If NCUA extends the time, it will provide you with written notice setting forth the reasons for such extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched. Our notice will not specify a date that would result in an extension for more than 10 working days, except as set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. The unusual circumstances that can delay NCUA's response to your request are:
(1) The need to search for, and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request;
(2) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are demanded in a single request; or
(3) The need for consultation, which will be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of NCUA having a substantial interest in the subject matter.
(b) If you, or you and a group of others acting in concert, submit multiple requests that NCUA believes actually constitute a single request, which would otherwise satisfy the unusual circumstances criteria specified in this section, and the requests involve related matters, then NCUA may aggregate those requests and the provisions of § 792.15(b) will apply.
(c) If NCUA sends you an extension notice, it will also advise you that you can either limit the scope of your request so that it can be processed within the statutory time limit or agree to an alternative time frame for processing your request.
If NCUA does not comply with the time limits under § 792.15, or as extended under § 792.16, you do not have to pay search fees; requesters qualifying for free search fees will not have to pay duplication fees. You also can file suit against NCUA because you will be deemed to have exhausted your administrative remedies if NCUA fails to comply with the time limit provisions of this subpart. If NCUA can show that exceptional circumstances exist and that it is exercising due diligence in responding to your request, the court may retain jurisdiction and allow NCUA to complete its review of the
You may request expedited processing of your request if you can show a compelling need for the records. In cases where your request for expedited processing is granted or if NCUA has determined to expedite the response, it will be processed as soon as practicable.
(a) To demonstrate a compelling need for expedited processing, you must provide a certified statement. The statement, certified by you to be true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief, must demonstrate that:
(1) The failure to obtain the records on an expedited basis could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or
(2) The requester is a representative of the news media, as defined in § 792.20, and there is urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged NCUA activity.
(b) In response to a request for expedited processing, the Information Center will notify you of the determination within ten working days of receipt of the request. If the Information Center denies your request for expedited processing, you may file an appeal pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 792.28, and NCUA will expeditiously respond to the appeal.
(c) The Information Center will normally process requests in the order they are received in the separate processing tracks. However, in NCUA's discretion, a particular request may be processed out of turn.
We will charge you our allowable direct costs, unless they are less than the cost of billing you. Direct costs means those expenditures that NCUA actually incurs in searching for, duplicating and reviewing documents to respond to a FOIA request. Search means all time spent looking for material that is responsive to a request, including page-by-page or line-by-line identification of material within documents. Searches may be done manually or by computer. Search does not include modification of an existing program or system that would significantly interfere with the operation of an automated information system. Review means examining documents to determine whether any portion should be withheld and preparing documents for disclosure. Fees are subject to change as costs increase. The current rate schedule is available on our web site at
(a) NCUA will charge fees at the following rates for manual searches for and review of records:
(1) If search/review is done by clerical staff, the hourly rate for CU-5, plus 16% of that rate to cover benefits;
(2) If search/review is done by professional staff, the hourly rate for CU-13, plus 16% of that rate to cover benefits.
(b) NCUA will charge fees at the hourly rate for CU-13, plus 16% of that rate to cover benefits, plus the hourly cost of operating the computer for computer searches for records.
(c) NCUA will charge the following duplication fees:
(1) The per-page fee for paper copy reproduction of a document is $.10;
(2) The fee for documents generated by computer is the hourly fee for the computer operator, plus the cost of materials (computer paper, tapes, labels, etc.);
(3) If any other method of duplication is used, NCUA will charge the actual direct cost of duplication.
The fee category definitions are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
NCUA will notify you of the estimated amount if fees are likely to exceed $25, unless you have indicated in advance a willingness to pay fees as high as those anticipated. You will then have the opportunity to confer with NCUA personnel to reformulate the request to meet your needs at a lower cost.
Complying with requests for special services is entirely at the discretion of NCUA. NCUA will recover the full costs of providing such services to the extent it elects to provide them.
You may not file multiple requests, each seeking portions of a document or similar documents, solely to avoid payment of fees. If this is done, NCUA may aggregate any such requests and charge you accordingly.
NCUA can assess interest charges on an unpaid bill starting on the 31st day following the date of the bill. If you fail to pay your bill within 30 days, interest will be at the rate prescribed in 31 U.S.C. 3717, and will accrue from the date of the billing.
NCUA may assess fees for time spent searching and reviewing, even if it fails to locate the records or if records located are determined to be exempt from disclosure.
NCUA will require you to give an assurance of payment or an advance payment only when:
(a) NCUA estimates or determines that allowable charges that you may be required to pay are likely to exceed $250. NCUA will notify you of the likely cost and obtain satisfactory assurance of full payment where you have a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees, or require an advance payment of an amount up to the full estimated charges in the case where you have no history of payment; or
(b) You have previously failed to pay a fee charged in a timely fashion. NCUA may require you to pay the full amount owed, plus any applicable interest, or demonstrate that you have, in fact, paid the fee, and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the estimated fee before we begin to process a new request or a pending request from you.
(c) If you are required to make an advance payment of fees, then the administrative time limits prescribed in § 792.16 will begin only after NCUA has received the fee payments described.
You may request that NCUA waive or reduce fees if disclosure of the information you request is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government, and is not primarily in your commercial interest.
(a) NCUA will make a determination of whether the public interest requirement above is met based on the following factors:
(1) Whether the subject of the requested records concerns identifiable operations or activities of the government, with a connection that is direct and clear;
(2) Whether the disclosable portions of the requested records are meaningfully informative about government operations and activities in order to be likely to contribute to an understanding of government operations or activities. Information already in the public domain, either in a duplicate or substantially identical form where nothing new would be added to the public's understanding, would not be meaningfully informative;
(3) Whether disclosure of the requested information will contribute to public understanding, meaning a reasonably broad audience of persons interested in the subject, as opposed to the individual understanding of the requester. A requester's expertise in the subject area and ability and intention to effectively convey information to the public will be considered. Representatives of the news media are presumed to satisfy this consideration; and
(4) Whether the disclosure is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of government operations or activities. The level of public understanding before disclosure must be enhanced by the disclosure to a significant extent.
(b) If the public interest requirement is met, NCUA will make a determination on the commercial interest requirement based upon the following factors:
(1) Whether you have a commercial interest that would be furthered by the requested disclosure; and if so
(2) Whether the magnitude of your commercial interest is sufficiently large in comparison with the public interest in disclosure, that disclosure is primarily in your commercial interest.
(c) If the required public interest exists and your commercial interest is not primary in comparison, NCUA will waive or reduce fees.
(d) If you are not satisfied with our determination on your fee waiver or reduction request, you may submit an appeal to the General Counsel in accordance with § 792.28.
If you are not satisfied with NCUA's response to your request, you can file an administrative appeal. Your appeal must be in writing and must be filed
(a) Make a determination with respect to any appeal within 20 working days after the receipt of such appeal. If, on appeal, the denial of the request for records is, in whole or in part, upheld, the Office of General Counsel will notify you of the provisions for judicial review of that determination under FOIA. Where you do not address your appeal to the General Counsel, the time limitations stated above will be computed from the date of receipt of the appeal by the General Counsel.
(b) The General Counsel is the official responsible for determining all appeals from initial determinations. In case of this person's absence, the appropriate officer acting in the General Counsel's stead will make the appellate determination, unless such officer was responsible for the initial determination, in which case the Vice-Chairman of the NCUA Board will make the appellate determination.
(c) All appeals should be addressed to the General Counsel in the Central Office and should be clearly identified as such on the envelope and in the letter of appeal by using the indicator “FOIA-APPEAL.” Failure to address an appeal properly may delay commencement of the time limitation stated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to take account of the time reasonably required to forward the appeal to the Office of General Counsel.
(a) If you submit confidential commercial information to NCUA, it may be disclosed in response to a FOIA request in accordance with this section.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1)
(2)
(c) Submitters of business information must use good faith efforts to designate, by appropriate markings, either at the time of submission or at a reasonable time thereafter, those portions of their submissions deemed to be protected from disclosure under § 792.11(a)(4). Such a designation shall expire ten years after the date of submission.
(d) We will provide a submitter with written notice of a FOIA request or administrative appeal encompassing designated business information when:
(1) The information has been designated in good faith by the submitter as confidential commercial information deemed protected from disclosure under § 792.11(a)(4); or
(2) NCUA has reason to believe that the information may be protected from disclosure under § 792.11(a)(4).
(e) A copy of the notice to the submitter will also be provided to the FOIA requester.
(f) Through the notice described in paragraph (d) of this section, NCUA will afford the submitter a reasonable period of time within which to provide a detailed written statement of any objection to disclosure. The statement must describe why the information is confidential commercial information and why it should not be disclosed.
(g) Whenever we decide that we must disclose confidential commercial information over the objection of the submitter, we will send both the submitter
(1) A statement of the reasons for which the submitter's disclosure objection was not sustained; and
(2) A description of the information to be disclosed; and
(3) A specified disclosure date.
(h) If a requester brings suit to compel disclosure of confidential commercial information, we will promptly notify the submitter.
(i) The notice requirements of paragraph (d) of this section do not apply if:
(1) We determine that the information should not be disclosed;
(2) The information has been lawfully published or has been officially made available to the public;
(3) Disclosure of the information is required by law; or
(4) The designation made by the submitter in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section appears obviously frivolous; except that in such case, NCUA will provide the submitter with written notice of any final administrative decision to disclose the information within a reasonable number of days prior to the specified disclosure date.
Except those authorized officials listed in § 792.14, or as provided in §§ 792.31-792.32, and subpart C of this part, no officer, employee, or agent of NCUA or of any federally-insured credit union shall disclose or permit the disclosure of any exempt records of NCUA to any person other than those NCUA or credit union officers, employees, or agents properly entitled to such information for the performance of their official duties.
The NCUA Board, in its sole discretion, or any person designated by it in writing, may make available to certain governmental agencies and insured financial institutions copies of reports of examination and other documents, papers or information for their use, when necessary, in the performance of their official duties or functions. All reports, documents and papers made available pursuant to this paragraph shall remain the property of NCUA. No person, agency or employee shall disclose the reports or exempt records without NCUA's express written authorization.
The NCUA Board, or any person designated by it in writing, in its discretion and in appropriate circumstances, may disclose to proper federal or state authorities copies of exempt records pertaining to irregularities discovered in credit unions which may constitute either unsafe or unsound practices or violations of federal or state, civil or criminal law.
This subpart prohibits the release of nonpublic records or the appearance of an NCUA employee to testify in legal proceedings except as provided in this subpart. Any person possessing nonpublic records may release them or permit their disclosure only as provided in this subpart.
(a)
(2) If a court or other appropriate authority orders or demands expert or opinion testimony or testimony beyond authorized subjects contrary to the General Counsel's instructions, an NCUA employee must immediately notify the General Counsel of the order and respectfully decline to comply. An NCUA employee must decline to answer questions on the grounds that this subpart forbids such disclosure and should produce a copy of this subpart, request an opportunity to consult with the Office of General Counsel, and explain that providing such testimony without approval may expose him or her to disciplinary or other adverse action.
(b)
(2) After notifying the Office of General Counsel, you should respond to a subpoena by appearing at the time and place stated in the subpoena. Unless authorized by the General Counsel, you should decline to produce any records or give any testimony, basing your refusal on this subpart. If the issuing court or authority orders the disclosure of records or orders you to testify, you should continue to decline to produce records or testify and should advise the Office of General Counsel.
(c)
This subpart applies if you want to obtain nonpublic records or testimony of an NCUA employee for legal proceedings. It doesn't apply to the release of records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, or the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, or the release of records to federal or state investigatory agencies under § 792.32.
(a) To request nonpublic records or the testimony of an NCUA employee, you must submit a written request to the General Counsel of the NCUA. If you serve a subpoena on the NCUA or an NCUA employee before submitting a written request and receiving a final determination, the NCUA will oppose the subpoena on the grounds that you failed to follow the requirements of this subpart. You may serve a subpoena as long as it is accompanied by a written request that complies with this subpart.
(b) To request nonpublic records that are part of the records of the Office of the Inspector General or the testimony of an NCUA employee on matters within the knowledge of the NCUA employee as a result of his or her employment with the Office of the Inspector General, you must submit a written request to the Office of the Inspector General. Your request will be handled in accordance with the provisions of this subpart except that the Inspector General will be responsible for those determinations that would otherwise be made by the General Counsel.
Your written request for records or testimony must include:
(a) The caption of the legal proceeding, docket number, and name of the court or other authority involved.
(b) A copy of the complaint or equivalent document setting forth the assertions in the case and any other pleading or document necessary to show relevance.
(c) A list of categories of records sought, a detailed description of how the information sought is relevant to the issues in the legal proceeding, and a specific description of the substance of the testimony or records sought.
(d) A statement as to how the need for the information outweighs the need to maintain the confidentiality of the information and outweighs the burden on the NCUA to produce the records or provide testimony.
(e) A statement indicating that the information sought is not available from another source, such as a credit union's own books and records, other persons or entities, or the testimony of someone other than an NCUA employee, for example, retained experts.
(f) A description of all prior decisions, orders, or pending motions in the case that bear upon the relevance of the records or testimony you want.
(g) The name, address, and telephone number of counsel to each party in the case.
(h) An estimate of the amount of time you anticipate that you and other parties will need with each NCUA employee for interviews, depositions, or testifying.
You should submit your request at least 45 days before the date that you need the records or testimony. If you want to have your request processed in less time, you must explain why you couldn't submit the request earlier and why you need expedited processing. If you are requesting the testimony of an NCUA employee, the NCUA expects you to anticipate your need for the testimony in sufficient time to obtain it by a deposition. The General Counsel may deny a request for testimony at a legal proceeding unless you explain why you could not use deposition testimony. The General Counsel will determine the location of a deposition taking into consideration the NCUA's interest in minimizing the disruption for an NCUA employee's work schedule and the costs and convenience of other persons attending the deposition.
You must send your request or subpoena for records or testimony to the attention of the General Counsel for the NCUA, Office of General Counsel, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428. You must send your request or subpoena for records or testimony from the Office of the Inspector General to the attention of the NCUA Inspector General, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428.
(a)
(1) Whether disclosure would assist or hinder the NCUA in performing its statutory duties or use NCUA resources unreasonably, including whether responding to the request will interfere with NCUA employees' ability to do their work.
(2) Whether disclosure is necessary to prevent the perpetration of a fraud or other injustice in the matter or if you can get the records or testimony you want from sources other than the NCUA.
(3) Whether the request is unduly burdensome.
(4) Whether disclosure would violate a statute, executive order, or regulation, for example, the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a.
(5) Whether disclosure would reveal confidential, sensitive or privileged information, trade secrets or similar, confidential commercial or financial information, or would otherwise be inappropriate for release and, if so, whether a confidentiality agreement or protective order as provided in § 792.48(a) can adequately limit the disclosure.
(6) Whether the disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings, compromise constitutional
(7) Whether the disclosure could result in NCUA appearing to favor one litigant over another.
(8) Any other factors the NCUA determines to be relevant to the interests of the NCUA.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(a) The NCUA's Chief Financial Officer is designated as the person responsible for implementation and oversight of NCUA's program for maintaining the security of confidential information regarding national defense and foreign relations. The Chief Financial Officer receives questions, suggestions and complaints regarding all elements of this program. The Chief Financial Officer is solely responsible for changes to the program and assures that the program is consistent with legal requirements.
(b) The Chief Financial Officer is the Agency's official contact for declassification requests regardless of the point of origin of such requests.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Has a security clearance and
(2) May handle classified materials.
(e)
This subpart governs requests made of NCUA under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). The regulation applies to all records maintained by NCUA which contain personal information about an individual and some means of identifying the individual, and which are contained in a system of records from which information may be retrieved by use of an identifying particular; sets forth procedures whereby individuals may seek and gain access to records concerning themselves and request amendments of those records; and sets forth requirements applicable to NCUA employees' maintaining, collecting, using, or disseminating such records.
For purposes of this subpart:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) Individuals desiring to know if a system of records contains records pertaining to them, and individuals requesting access to records in a system of records pertaining to them should submit a written request to the appropriate system manager as identified in the Notice of Systems of Records. An individual who does not have access to the
(b) Individuals requesting notification of, or access to, records should include the words “PRIVACY ACT REQUEST” on both the letter and, as appropriate, the envelope, cover document or subject line; describe the record sought; the approximate dates covered by the record; and, the systems of record in which records are thought to be included. Individuals must also meet the identification requirements in § 792.55.
(a) The following standards are applicable to an individual submitting requests either in person or by mail under § 792.54:
(1) Individuals appearing in person, if not personally known to the system manager responding to the request, must present a single document bearing a photograph (such as a passport or identification badge) or two items of identification which do not bear a photograph but do bear both a name and address (such as a driver's license or voter registration card);
(2) Individuals submitting requests by mail or written electronic form, such as facsimile or e-mail, may establish identity by a signature, address, date of birth, employee identification number if any, and one other identifier such as a photocopy of driver's license or other document. If inadequate identifying information is provided, the system manager responding to the request may require further identifying information before any notification or responsive disclosure.
(3) Individuals appearing in person or submitting requests by mail or written electronic form, who cannot provide the required documentation or identification, may provide an unsworn declaration subscribed to as true under penalty of perjury.
(b) The parent or guardian of a minor or a person judicially determined to be incompetent shall, in addition to establishing identity of the minor or other person as required in paragraph (a) of this section, furnish a copy of a birth certificate showing parentage or a court order establishing guardianship.
(c) A record may be disclosed to a representative of an individual to
(d) An individual seeking to review records about that individual may be accompanied by another person of their own choosing. In such cases, the individual seeking access shall be required to furnish a written statement authorizing discussion of that individual's records in the accompanying person's presence.
(e) In addition to the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section, the published “Notice of System of Records” for individual systems may include further requirements of identification where necessary to retrieve the individual records from the system.
(a) The system manager identified in the record access procedure section of the “Notice of Systems of Records” and identified in accordance with § 792.54(a), by an individual seeking notification of, or access to, a record, shall be responsible:
(1) For determining whether access is available under the Privacy Act; (2) for notifying the requesting individual of that determination; and (3) for providing access to information determined to be available. In the case of an individual access request made in person, information determined to be available shall be provided by allowing a personal review of the record or portion of a record containing the information requested and determined to be available, and the individual shall be allowed to have a copy of all or any portion of available information made in a form comprehensible to him. In the case of an individual access request made by mail, information determined to be available shall be provided by mail, unless the individual has requested otherwise.
(b) The following time limits shall be applicable to the required determinations, notification and provisions of access set forth in paragraph (a) of this section:
(1) A request concerning a single system of records which does not require consultation with or requisition of records from another agency will be responded to within 20 working days after receipt of the request.
(2) A request requiring requisition of records from or consultation with another agency will be responded to within 30 working days of receipt of the request.
(3) If a request under paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) of this section presents unusual difficulties in determining whether the records involved are exempt from disclosure, the Privacy Act Officer, in the Office of General Counsel, may extend the time period established by the regulations by 10 working days.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow an individual access to any information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding, or any information exempted from the access provisions of the Privacy Act.
(a) When a request for records or information from NCUA includes information furnished by other Federal agencies, the system manager responsible for action on the request shall consult with the appropriate agency prior to making a decision to disclose or refuse access to the record, but the decision whether to disclose the record shall be made in the first instance by the system manager.
(b) Medical records may be disclosed on request to the individuals to whom they pertain unless disclosing the medical information directly to the requesting individual could have an adverse effect on the individual. Where medical information is potentially adverse to the requesting individual, the system manager responsible may advise the requesting individual that the medical records will be transmitted
(a) An individual may request amendment of a record concerning that individual by submitting a written request, either in person or by mail, to the system manager identified in the Notice of Systems of Records. The words “PRIVACY ACT—REQUEST TO AMEND RECORD” should be written on the letter and the envelope. The request must describe the system of records containing the record sought to be amended, indicate the particular record involved, the nature of the correction sought, and the justification for the correction or amendment. An individual who does not have access to NCUA's Notice of Systems of Records, and to whom the appropriate address is otherwise unavailable, may submit a request to the Privacy Act Officer, Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3428, in which case the request will then be referred to the appropriate system manager. The date of receipt of the request will be determined as of the date of receipt by the system manager.
(b) Within 10 working days of receipt of the request, the appropriate system manager shall advise the individual that the request has been received. The appropriate system manager will promptly (under normal circumstances, not later than 30 working days after receipt of the request) advise the individual that the record will be amended or corrected, or inform the individual of rejection of the request to amend the record, the reason for the rejection, and the procedures established by § 792.59 for the individual to request a review of that rejection.
(a) A rejection, in whole or in part, of a request to amend or correct a record may be appealed to the General Counsel within 30 working days of receipt of notice of the rejection. Appeals shall be in writing, and shall set forth the specific item of information sought to be corrected and the documentation justifying the correction. Appeals must be addressed to the Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428 with the words “PRIVACY ACT—APPEAL” written on the letter and the envelope. Appeals shall be decided within 30 working days of receipt unless the General Counsel, for good cause, extends such period for an additional 30 working days.
(b) Within the time limits set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the General Counsel shall either advise the individual of a decision to amend or correct the record, or advise the individual of a determination that an amendment or correction is not warranted on the facts, in which case the individual shall be advised of the right to provide for the record a “Statement of Disagreement” and of the right to further appeal pursuant to the Privacy Act. For records under the jurisdiction of the Office of Personnel Management, appeals will be made pursuant to that agency's regulations.
(c) If an appeal under this section is denied in whole or in part, an individual may file a statement of disagreement concisely stating the reason(s) for disagreeing with the denial for amendment or correction, and clearly identifying each part of any record that is disputed. The statement must be sent within 30 working days of the date of receipt of the notice of General Counsel's refusal to authorize amendment or correction, to the General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428. Upon receipt of a statement of disagreement in accordance with this section, the General Counsel shall take steps to ensure that the statement is included in the system of records containing the disputed item and that the original item is so marked to indicate that there is a
(d) When a record has been amended or corrected or a statement of disagreement has been furnished, the system manger for the system of records containing the record shall, within 30 days thereof, advise all prior recipients of information to which the amendment or statement of disagreement relates whose identity can be determined by an accounting made as required by the Privacy Act of 1974 or any other accounting previously made, of the amendment or statement of disagreement. When a statement of disagreement has been furnished, the system manager shall also provide any subsequent recipient of a disclosure containing information to which the statement relates with a copy of the statement and note the disputed portion of the information disclosed. A concise statement of the reasons for not making the requested amendment may also be provided if deemed appropriate.
(e) If access is denied because of an exemption, the individual will be notified of the right to appeal that determination to the General Counsel within 30 days after receipt. Appeals will be determined within 20 working days.
No record or item of information concerning an individual which is contained in a system of records maintained by NCUA shall be disclosed by any means of communication to any person, or to another agency, without the prior written consent of the individual to whom the record or item of information pertains, unless the disclosure would be—
(a) To an employee of the NCUA who has need for the record in the performance of duty;
(b) Required by the Freedom of Information Act;
(c) For a routine use as described in the “Notice of Systems of Records,” published in the
(d) To the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity pursuant to the provisions of title 13 of the United States Code;
(e) To a recipient who has provided the NCUA with advance adequate written assurance that the record or item will be used soley as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;
(f) To the National Archives and Records Administration as a record or item which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, or for evaluation by the Archivist of the United States or the designee of the Archivist to determine whether the record has such value;
(g) To another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law, and if the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a written request to NCUA specifying the particular portion desired and the law enforcement activity for which the record or item is sought;
(h) To a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual if, upon such disclosure, notification is transmitted to the last known address of such individual;
(i) To either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or subcommittee of any such joint committee;
(j) To the Comptroller General, or any of his authorized representatives, in the course of the performance of the duties of the Government Accountability Office;
(k) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(l) To a consumer reporting agency in accordance with section 3711(f) of title
(a) Each system manager identified in the “Notice of Systems of Records” must establish a system of accounting for all disclosures of information or records under the Privacy Act made outside NCUA. Accounting procedures may be established in the least expensive and most convenient form that will permit the system manager to advise individuals, promptly upon request, of the persons or agencies to which records concerning them have been disclosed.
(b) Accounting records, at a minimum, shall include the information disclosed, the name and address of the person or agency to whom disclosure was made, and the date of disclosure. When records are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration for storage in records centers, the accounting pertaining to those records shall be transferred with the records themselves.
(c) Any accounting made under this section shall be retained for at least five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which the accounting is made.
At the time of the request for access or correction or at any other time, an individual may request an accounting of disclosures made of the individual's record outside the NCUA. Request for accounting shall be directed to the system manager. Any available accounting, whether kept in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act or under procedures established prior to September 27, 1975, shall be made available to the individual, except that an accounting need not be made available if it relates to:
(a) A disclosure made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);
(b) A disclosure made within the NCUA;
(c) A disclosure made to a law enforcement agency pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(7);
(d) A disclosure which has been exempted from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) or (k).
(a) The system manager for each system of records is responsible for reviewing all forms developed and used to collect information from or about individuals for incorporation into the system of records.
(b) The purpose of the review shall be to eliminate any requirement for information that is not relevant and necessary to carry out an NCUA function and to accomplish the following objectives:
(1) To ensure that no information concerning religion, political beliefs or activities, association memberships (other than those required for a professional license), or the exercise of other First Amendment rights is required to be disclosed unless such requirement of disclosure is expressly authorized by statute or by the individual about whom the record is maintained, or unless pertinent to and within the scope of any authorized law enforcement activity;
(2) To ensure that the form or accompanying statement makes clear to the individual which information by law must be disclosed and the authority for that requirement, and which information is voluntary;
(3) To ensure that the form or accompanying statement makes clear the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is being collected, and states concisely the routine uses that will be made of the information;
(4) To ensure that the form or accompanying statement clearly indicates to the individual the effects on him or her, if any, of refusing to provide some or all of the requested information; and
(5) To ensure that any form requesting disclosure of a social security number, or an accompanying statement, clearly advises the individual of the
(c) Any form which does not meet the objectives specified in the Privacy Act and this section shall be revised to conform thereto.
(a) No NCUA component shall contract for the operation of a system of records by or on behalf of the Agency without the express approval of the NCUA Board.
(b) Any contract which is approved shall continue to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Privacy Act. The contracting component shall have the responsibility for ensuring that the contractor complies with the contract requirements relating to the Privacy Act.
(a) Fees pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(f)(5) shall be assessed for actual copies of records provided to individuals on the following basis, unless the system manager determining access waives the fee because of the inability of the individual to pay or the cost of collecting the fee exceeds the fee:
(1) For copies of documents provided, copy fees as stated in NCUA's current FOIA fee schedule; and
(2) For copying information, if any, maintained in nondocument form, the direct cost to NCUA may be assessed.
(b) If it is determined that access fees chargeable under this section will amount to more than $25, and the individual has not indicated in advance willingness to pay fees as high as are anticipated, the individual shall be notified of the amount of the anticipated fees before copies are made, and the individual's access request shall not be considered to have been received until receipt by NCUA of written agreement to pay.
(a) NCUA maintains several systems of records that are exempted from some provisions of the Privacy Act. The system number and name, description of records contained in the system, exempted provisions and reasons for exemption are as follows:
(b)(1) System NCUA-1, entitled “Employee Suitability Security Investigations Containing Adverse Information,” consists of adverse information about NCUA employees that had been obtained as a result of routine U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) security Investigations. To the extent that NCUA maintains records in this system pursuant to OPM guidelines that may require retrieval of information by use of individual identifiers, those records are encompassed by and included in the OPM Central system of records number Central-9 entitled, “Personnel Investigations Records,” and thus are subject to the exemptions promulgated by OPM. Additionally, in order to ensure the protection of properly confidential sources, particularly as to those records which are not maintained pursuant to such Office of Personnel Management requirements, the records in these systems of records are exempted, pursuant to section k(5) of the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5)), from section (d) of the Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(d)). To the extent that disclosure of a record would reveal the identity of a confidential source, NCUA need not grant access to that record by its subject. Information which would reveal a confidential source shall, however, whenever possible, be extracted or summarized in a manner which protects the source and the summary or extract shall be provided to the requesting individual.
(2) System NCUA-8, entitled, “Investigative Reports Involving Any Crime or Suspicious Activity Against a Credit Union, NCUA,” consists of investigatory or enforcement records about individuals suspected of involvement in violations of laws or regulations,
(3) System NCUA-20, entitled, “Office of Inspector General (OIG) Investigative Records,” consists of OIG records of closed and pending investigations of individuals alleged to have been involved in criminal violations. The records in this system are exempted pursuant to Sections (k)(2) of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2), from sections (c)(3); (d); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G); (e)(4)(H); (e)(4)(I); and (f). The records in this system are also exempted pursuant to Section (j)(2) of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), from sections (c)(3); (c)(4); (d); (e)(1); (e)(2); (e)(3); and (g). NCUA need not make an accounting of previous disclosures of a record in this system of records available to its subject, and NCUA need not grant access to any records in this system of records by their subject. Further, whenever individuals request records about themselves and maintained in this system of records, the NCUA will advise the individuals only that no records available to them pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 have been identified. However, if review of the record reveals that the information contained therein has been used or is being used to deny the individuals any right, privilege or benefit for which they are eligible or to which they would otherwise be entitled under federal law, the individuals will be advised of the existence of the information and will be provided the information, except to the extent disclosure would identify a confidential source. Where possible, information which would identify a confidential source will be extracted or summarized in a manner which protects the source and the summary or extract will be provided to the requesting individual.
(4) System NCUA-13, entitled, “Litigation Case Files,” consists of investigatory materials compiled for law enforcement purposes. Records in the Litigation Case Files system are used in connection with the execution of NCUA's legal and enforcement responsibilities. Because the system covers investigatory materials compiled for law enforcement purposes, it is eligible for exemption under subsection (k)(2) of the Privacy Act. 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2). The Litigation Case Files system is exempt from subsections (c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (H), (I) and (f) of the Privacy Act. 5 U.S.C. 552a (c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (H), (I) and (f). However, if an individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit to which he would otherwise be entitled by federal law, or for which he otherwise would be eligible, as a result of the maintenance of such records, the records or information will be made available to him, provided the identity of a confidential source is not disclosed. NCUA need not make an accounting of previous disclosures of a record in this system of records available to its subject, and NCUA need not grant access to any records in this system of records by their subject. Further, whenever individuals request records about themselves and maintained in this system of records, the NCUA will advise the individuals only that no records available to them pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 have been identified. However, if review of the record reveals that the information contained therein has been used or is being used to deny the individuals any right, privilege or benefit for which they are eligible or to which they would otherwise be entitled under federal law, the individuals will be advised of the existence of the information and
(c) For purposes of this section, a “confidential source” means a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would remain confidential, or, prior to September 27, 1976, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence.
(a) Each system manager, with the approval of the head of that Office, shall establish administrative and physical controls to insure the protection of a system of records from unauthorized access or disclosure and from physical damage or destruction. The controls instituted shall be proportional to the degree of sensitivity of the records, but at a minimum must insure: that records are enclosed in a manner to protect them from public view; that the area in which the records are stored is supervised during all business hours to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the area or obtaining access to the records; and that the records are inaccessible during nonbusiness hours.
(b) Each system manager, with the approval of the head of that Office, shall adopt access restriction to insure that only those individuals within the agency who have a need to have access to the records for the performance of duty have access. Procedures shall also be adopted to prevent accidental access to or dissemination of records.
The head of each NCUA Office shall take such measures as are necessary to ensure that employees authorized to collect information from individuals are advised that individuals may not be required without statutory or regulatory authorization to furnish Social Security numbers, and that individuals who are requested to provide Social Security numbers voluntarily must be advised that furnishing the number is not required and that no penalty or denial of benefits will flow from the refusal to provide it.
(a) The Director of the Office of Human Resources, with advice from the Senior Privacy Act Officer, is responsible for training NCUA employees in the obligations imposed by the Privacy Act and this subpart.
(b) The head of each NCUA Office shall be responsible for assuring that employees subject to that person's supervision are advised of the provisions of the Privacy Act, including the criminal penalties and civil liabilities provided therein, and that such employees are made aware of their responsibilities to protect the security of personal information, to assure its accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness, to avoid unauthorized disclosure either orally or in writing, and to insure that no information system concerning individuals, no matter how small or specialized, is maintained without public notice.
(c) With respect to each system of records maintained by NCUA, Agency employees shall:
(1) Collect no information of a personal nature from individuals unless authorized to collect it to achieve a function or carry out an NCUA responsibility;
(2) Collect from individuals only that information which is necessary to NCUA functions or responsibilities;
(3) Collect information, wherever possible, directly from the individual to whom it relates;
(4) Inform individuals from whom information is collected of the authority for collection, the purposes thereof, the routine uses that will be made of the information, and the effects, both legal and practical of not furnishing the information;
(5) Not collect, maintain, use, or disseminate information concerning an individual's religious or political beliefs or activities or his membership in associations or organizations, unless:
(i) The individual has volunteered such information for his own benefit;
(ii) The information is expressly authorized by statute to be collected, maintained, used, or disseminated; or
(iii) Activities involved are pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized investigation or adjudication.
(6) Advise their supervisors of the existence or contemplated development of any record system which retrieves information about individuals by individual identifier.
(7) Maintain an accounting, in the prescribed form, of all dissemination of personal information outside NCUA, whether made orally or in writing;
(8) Disseminate no information concerning individuals outside NCUA except when authorized by 5 U.S.C. 552a or pursuant to a routine use as set forth in the “routine use” section of the “Notice of Systems of Records” published in the
(9) Maintain and process information concerning individuals with care in order to ensure that no inadvertent disclosure of the information is made either within or outside NCUA; and
(10) Call to the attention of the proper NCUA authorities any information in a system maintained by NCUA which is not authorized to be maintained under the provisions of the Privacy Act, including information on First Amendment activities, information that is inaccurate, irrelevant or so incomplete as to risk unfairness to the individuals concerned.
(c) Heads of offices within NCUA shall, at least annually, review the record systems subject to their supervision to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Privacy Act.
12 U.S.C. 1766.
The regulation in this part shall apply only to claims asserted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended, 28 U.S.C. 2671-2680, accruing on or after January 18, 1967, for money damages against the United States for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the National Credit Union Administration while acting within the scope of his office of employment.
(a) For purposes of the regulations in this part, a claim shall be deemed to have been presented when the National Credit Union Administration receives, at a place designated in paragraph (b) of this section, an executed Standard Form 95 or other written notification of an incident accompanied by a claim for money damages in a sum certain for damage to or loss of property, for personal injury, or for death, alleged to have occurred by reason of the incident. A claim which should have been
(b) A claim presented in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section may be amended by the claimant at any time prior to final action by the Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration or prior to the exercise of the claimant's option to bring suit under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a). Amendments shall be submitted in writing and signed by the claimant or his duly authorized agent or legal representative. Upon the timely filing of an amendment to a pending claim, the National Credit Union Administration shall have 6 months in which to make a final disposition of the claim as amended and the claimant's option under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a) shall not accrue until 6 months after the filing of an amendment.
(c) Forms may be obtained and claims may be filed with the regional office of the National Credit Union Administration having jurisdiction over the employee involved in the accident or incident, or with the Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3428.
(a) A claim for injury to or loss of property may be presented by the owner of the property interest which is the subject matter of the claim, his duly authorized agent, or his legal representative.
(b) A claim for personal injury may be presented by the injured person, his duly authorized agent, or his legal representative.
(c) A claim based on death may be presented by the executor or administrator of the decedent's estate or by any other person legally entitled to assert such a claim under applicable State law.
(d) A claim for loss wholly compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be presented by the insurer. A claim for loss partially compensated by an insurer with the rights of a subrogee may be presented by the insurer or the insured individually, as their respective interests appear, or jointly. Whenever an insurer presents a claim asserting the rights of a subrogee, he shall present with his claim appropriate evidence that he has the rights of a subrogee.
(e) A claim presented by an agent or legal representative shall be presented in the name of the claimant, be signed by the agent or legal representative, show the title or legal capacity of the person signing, and be accompanied by evidence of his authority to present a claim on behalf of the claimant as agent, executor, administrator, parent, guardian, or other representative.
(a)
(1) An authenticated death certificate or other competent evidence showing the cause of death, date of death, and age of the decedent.
(2) Decedent's employment or occupation at the time of death, including his monthly or yearly salary or earnings (if any), and the duration of his last employment or occupation.
(3) Full names, addresses, birthdates, kinship, and marital status of the decedent's survivors, including those survivors who were dependent for support upon the decedent at the time of his death.
(4) Degree of support afforded by the decedent to each survivor dependent upon him for support at the time of his death.
(5) Decedent's general physical and mental condition before death.
(6) Itemized bills for medical and burial expenses incurred by reason of the
(7) If damages for pain and suffering before death are claimed, a physician's detailed statement specifying the injuries suffered, duration of pain and suffering, any drugs administered for pain and the decedent's physical condition in the interval between injury and death.
(8) Any other evidence or information which may have a bearing on the responsibility of the United States for the death or the damages claimed.
(b)
(2) Itemized bills for medical, dental, and hospital expenses incurred, or itemized receipts of payment for such expenses.
(3) If the prognosis reveals the necessity for future treatment, a statement of expected duration of and expenses for such treatment.
(4) If a claim is made for loss of time from employment, a written statement from his employer showing actual time lost from his employment, whether he is a full or part time employee, and wages or salary actually lost.
(5) If a claim is made for loss of income and the claimant is self-employed, documentary evidence showing the amount of earnings actually lost.
(6) Any other evidence or information which may have a bearing on the responsibility of the United States for the personal injury or the damages claimed.
(c)
(1) Proof of ownership.
(2) A detailed statement of the amount claimed with respect to each item of property.
(3) An itemized receipt of payment for necessary repairs or itemized written estimates of the cost of such repairs.
(4) A statement listing date of purchase, purchase price, market value of the property as of date of damage, and salvage value, where repair is not economical.
(5) Any other evidence or information which may have a bearing on the responsibility of the United States for the injury to or loss of property or the damages claimed.
(d)
When a claim is received, the constituent agency out of whose activities the claim arose shall make such investigation as may be necessary or appropriate for a determination of the validity of the claim and thereafter shall forward the claim, together with all pertinent material, and a recommendation based on the merits of the case, with regard to the allowance or disallowance of the claim, to the Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration to whom authority has been delegated to adjust, determine, compromise and settle all claims hereunder.
(a) Final denial of an administrative claim shall be in writing and sent to the claimant, his attorney, or legal representative by certified or registered mail. The notification of final denial may include a statement of the reasons for the denial and shall include a statement that, if the claimant is dissatisfied with the action of the National Credit Union Administration, he may file suit in an appropriate U.S. District Court not later than 6 months after the date of mailing the notification.
(b) Prior to the commencement of suit and prior to the expiration of the 6-month period after the date of mailing, by certified or registered mail of notice of final denial of the claim as provided in 28 U.S.C. 2401(b), a claimant, his duly authorized agent, or legal representative, may file a written request with the National Credit Union Administration for reconsideration of a final denial of a claim under paragraph (a) of this section. Upon the timely filing of a request for reconsideration the National Credit Union Administration shall have 6 months from the date of filing in which to make a final disposition of the claim and the claimant's option under 28 U.S.C. 2675(a) to bring suit shall not accrue until 6 months after the filing of a request for reconsideration. Final National Credit Union Administration action on a request for reconsideration shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Upon allowance of his claim, claimant or his duly authorized agent shall sign the voucher for payment, Standard Form 1145, before payment is made.
(b) When the claimant is represented by an attorney, the voucher for payment (S.F. 1145) shall designate both the claimant and his attorney as “payees.” The check shall be delivered to the attorney whose address shall appear on the voucher.
Acceptance by the claimant, his agent or legal representative, of any award, compromise or settlement made hereunder, shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, his agent or legal representative and any other person on whose behalf or for whose benefit the claim has been presented, and shall constitute a complete release of any claim against the United States and any employee of the Government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter.
A person who files a false claim or makes a false or fraudulent statement in a claim against the United States may be liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both (18 U.S.C. 287-1001), and, in addition, to a forfeiture of $2,000 and a penalty of double the loss or damage sustained by the United States (31 U.S.C. 231).
(a) An award, compromise or settlement of a claim hereunder in excess of $25,000 shall be effected only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his designee. For purposes of this paragraph, a principal claim and any derivative or subrogated claim shall be treated as a single claim.
(b) An administrative claim may be adjusted, determined, compromised or settled hereunder only after consultation with the Department of Justice when, in the opinion of the National Credit Union Administration:
(1) A new precedent or a new point of law is involved; or
(2) A question of policy is or may be involved; or
(3) The United States is or may be entitled to indemnity or contribution from a third party and the National Credit Union Administration is unable to adjust the third party claim; or
(4) The compromise of a particular claim, as a practical matter, will or may control the disposition of a related claim in which the amount to be paid may exceed $25,000.
(c) An administrative claim may be adjusted, determined, compromised or settled only after consultation with the Department of Justice when it is learned that the United States or any
29 U.S.C. 794.
This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service.
This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency.
For purposes of this part, the term—
As used in this definition, the phrase:
(1)
(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation;
(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or
(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.
(1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, a handicapped person who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute, regulation, or agency policy to receive education services from the agency.
(2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can acheive the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature;
(3) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and
(4)
(a) The agency shall, by August 24, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).
(c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:
(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified, and
(2) A description of any modifications made.
The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.
(a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap—
(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;
(iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.
(3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangments, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Exclude handicapped persons from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap.
(6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this part.
(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this part.
(d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons.
No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities.
Except as otherwise provided in § 794.150, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(a)
(1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons;
(2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or
(3) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 794.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(b)
(2)
(i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible;
(ii) Assigning persons to guide handicapped persons into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or
(iii) Adopting other innovative methods.
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons;
(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;
(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and
(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.
Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.
(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.
(1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford a handicapped person an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency.
(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the handicapped person.
(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for
(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf person (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used.
(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.
(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.
(d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and adminstrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 794.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the agency.
(b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791).
(c) The Director, Office of Administration, shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to NCUA, 1776 G Street NW., Room 7261, Washington, DC 20456.
(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause.
(e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate government entity.
(f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—
(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;
(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and
(3) A notice of the right to appeal.
(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days
(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.
(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal.
(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.
(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.
12 U.S.C. 1766(a) and 5 U.S.C. 3507(f).
(a)
(b)
12 U.S.C. 1786(w).
This part identifies those National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) employees who are subject to the special, post-employment restrictions in section 1786(w) of the Act and implements those restrictions as they apply to NCUA employees.
For purposes of this part, an NCUA employee is considered to be the “senior examiner” for a federally insured credit union if the employee—
(a) Has been authorized by NCUA to conduct examinations or inspections of federally insured credit unions on behalf of NCUA;
(b) Has continuing, broad, and lead responsibility for examining or inspecting that federally insured credit union;
(c) Routinely interacts with officers or employees of that federally insured credit union; and
(d) Devotes a substantial portion of his or her time to supervising or examining that federally insured credit union.
(a)
(b)
The post-employment restrictions in section 1786(w) of the Act and § 796.3 do not apply to any current or former NCUA employee, if:
(a) The individual ceased to be an NCUA employee on or before December 17, 2005; or
(b) The Chairman of the NCUA Board certifies in writing and on a case-by-case basis that granting the senior examiner a waiver of the restrictions would not affect the integrity of the NCUA's supervisory program.
(a)
(1) Removed from participating in the affairs of the relevant credit union and prohibited from participating in the affairs of any federally insured credit union for a period of up to five years; and, alternatively, or in addition,
(2) Assessed a civil monetary penalty of not more than $250,000.
(b)
For purposes of this part, a person shall be deemed to act as a “
12 U.S.C. 1752a; 5 U.S.C. 5514; 31 U.S.C. 3711, 3716, 3720A, 3720D.
This part establishes NCUA procedures for the collection of certain debts owed to the United States.
(a) This part applies to collections by NCUA from:
(1) Federal employees who are indebted to NCUA;
(2) Employees of NCUA who are indebted to other agencies or NCUA; and
(3) Former federal employees who are indebted to NCUA.
(b) This part does not apply:
(1) To debts or claims arising under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Title 26, U.S. Code), the Social Security Act (
(2) To a situation to which the Contract Disputes Act (
(3) In any case where collection of a debt is explicitly provided for or prohibited by another statute;
(4) To debts owed to or payments made by NCUA in connection with NCUA's conservatorship, liquidation, supervision, enforcement, or insurance responsibilities pursuant to
(c) Nothing in this part precludes the compromise, suspension, or termination of collection actions, where appropriate, under standards implementing the Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA) (
(a) The purpose of this part is to implement federal statutes and regulatory standards authorizing NCUA to collect debts owed to the United States. This part is consistent with the following federal statutes and regulations:
(1) DCIA at
(2)
(3)
(4) 31 CFR parts 900 through 904 (FCCS);
(5) 5 CFR part 550, subpart K (salary offset);
(6)
(7) 5 CFR 831.1801 through 1808 (U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offset).
(b) Collectively, these statutes and regulations prescribe the manner in which federal agencies should proceed to establish the existence and validity
Except where the context clearly indicates otherwise or where the term is defined elsewhere in this subpart, the following definitions shall apply to this subpart.
(a) Administrative offset, as defined in
(b) Agency means a department, agency, or instrumentality in the Executive, Judicial, or Legislative branch of the government.
(c) Claim or debt means money or property owed by a person or entity to an agency of the federal government. A “claim” or “debt” includes amounts due the government, fees, services, overpayments, penalties, damages, interest, fines and forfeitures. For purposes of this part, a debt owed to NCUA constitutes a debt owed to the federal government.
(d) Claim certification means a creditor agency's written request to a paying agency to effect an administrative or salary offset.
(e) Creditor agency means an agency to which a claim or debt is owed.
(f) Debtor means the person or entity owing money to the federal government.
(g) Disposable pay means that part of current basic pay or other authorized pay remaining after the deduction of any amount required by law to be withheld. NCUA shall allow the deductions described in 5 CFR 581.105(b) through (f).
(h) Employee means a current employee of NCUA or another agency.
(i) FCCS means the Federal Claims Collection Standards published in 31 CFR part 900.
(j) Hearing official means an individual who is authorized to conduct a hearing with respect to the existence or amount of a debt claimed and issue a final decision on the basis of such hearing. A hearing official may not be under the supervision or control of NCUA when NCUA is the creditor agency.
(k) NCUA means the National Credit Union Administration.
(l) Paying agency means an agency of the federal government owing money to a debtor against which an administrative or salary offset can be effected.
(m) Salary offset means an administrative offset to collect a debt under
(n) Waiver means the cancellation, remission, forgiveness, or nonrecovery of a debt allegedly owed by an employee to NCUA or another agency as permitted or required by
Authority to conduct the following activities is delegated to the Executive Director to:
(a) Initiate and carry out the debt collection process on behalf of NCUA, in accordance with the FCCS;
(b) Accept or reject compromise offers, suspend, terminate or waive collection actions to the full extent of NCUA's legal authority under
(c) Report to consumer reporting agencies certain data pertaining to delinquent debts, where appropriate;
(d) Use offset procedures, including administrative and salary offset, to collect debts; and
(e) Take any other action necessary to promptly and effectively collect debts owed to the government in accordance with the policies contained herein and as otherwise provided by law.
NCUA may collect a debt owed to the federal government from a person, organization, or other entity by administrative offset, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3716, where:
(a) The debt is certain in amount;
(b) Administrative offset is feasible, desirable, and not otherwise prohibited;
(c) The applicable statute of limitations has not expired; and
(d) Administrative offset is in the best interest of the federal government.
Prior to the completion of the procedures described in § 797.7, NCUA may effect administrative offset if failure to offset would substantially prejudice its ability to collect the debt, and if the time before the payment is to be made does not reasonably permit completion of the procedures described in § 797.7. Such prior administrative offset shall be followed promptly by the completion of the procedures described in § 797.7.
Prior to collecting any debt by administrative offset or referring such claim to another agency for collection through administrative offset, NCUA shall provide the debtor with a written Notice of Intent to Collect by Administrative Offset (the Notice) at least 30 calendar days before administrative offset is to commence.
The Notice shall provide the following information:
(a) The nature and amount of the debt, the intention of NCUA to collect the debt through administrative offset, and a statement of the rights of the debtor under this section, including the right to request a waiver under
(b) An opportunity to inspect and copy the records of NCUA related to the debt or receive copies if personal inspection is impractical;
(c) The payment due date, which shall be 30 calendar days from the date after receipt of the initial demand for payment;
(d) An opportunity for the debtor to obtain a review of the determination of indebtedness. Any request for review by the debtor shall be in writing and shall be submitted to NCUA within 15 calendar days after receipt of the Notice. NCUA may waive the time limits for requesting review for good cause shown by the debtor. NCUA shall provide the debtor with a reasonable opportunity for an oral hearing when:
(1) An applicable statute authorizes or requires NCUA to consider waiver of the indebtedness involved, the debtor requests waiver of the indebtedness, and the waiver determination turns on an issue of credibility or veracity; or
(2) The debtor requests reconsideration of the debt and NCUA determines that the question of the indebtedness cannot be resolved by review of the documentary evidence, as for example, when the validity of the debt turns on an issue of credibility or veracity. Unless otherwise required by law, an oral hearing under this subpart is not required to be a formal evidentiary hearing, although NCUA shall document all significant matters discussed at the hearing. In those cases where an oral hearing is not required by this subpart, NCUA shall make its determination on the request for waiver or reconsideration based upon a review of the written record.
(e) An opportunity to enter into a written agreement for the repayment of the amount of the claim at the discretion of NCUA;
(f) That charges for interest, penalties, and administrative costs will be assessed against the debtor, in accordance with
(g) That if the debtor has not entered into an agreement with NCUA to pay the debt, has not requested NCUA to review the debt, or has not paid the debt by the payment due date, NCUA intends to collect the debt by all legally available means;
(h) The name and address of the Executive Director whom the debtor shall send all correspondence relating to the debt; and
(i) Other information, as may be appropriate.
(a) If the debtor disputes the claim, the debtor may request a review of NCUA's determination of the existence of the debt or of the amount of the debt. If only part of the claim is disputed, the undisputed portion should be paid by the payment due date.
(b) To obtain a review, the debtor shall submit a written request for review to the Executive Director within
(c) The NCUA shall promptly notify the debtor, in writing, that the NCUA has received the request for review. The NCUA shall conduct its review of the claim in accordance with § 797.9.
(a) Unless an oral hearing is required by § 797.7(d), NCUA's review shall be a review of the written record of the claim.
(b) If an oral hearing is required, NCUA shall provide the debtor with a reasonable opportunity for such a hearing. The oral hearing, however, shall not be an adversarial adjudication and need not take the form of a formal evidentiary hearing. All significant matters discussed at the hearing, however, will be carefully documented.
(c) Any review required by this part, whether a review of the written record or an oral hearing, shall be conducted by a hearing official. When NCUA is the creditor agency and the debtor is an NCUA employee, NCUA shall contact any agency designated in appendix A to 5 CFR part 581 to arrange for a hearing official. When NCUA is the creditor agency and the debtor is not an NCUA employee (i.e., the debtor is employed by another federal agency, also known as the paying agency), and NCUA cannot provide a prompt and appropriate hearing, NCUA may contact an agent of the paying agency designated in appendix A to 5 CFR part 581 to arrange for a hearing official. The paying agency must cooperate with NCUA to provide a hearing official, as required by the FCCS.
(d) The hearing official shall issue a final written decision based on documentary evidence and, if applicable, information developed at an oral hearing. The written decision shall be issued as soon as practicable after the review but not later than 60 days after the date on which the request for review was received by NCUA, unless the debtor requests a delay in the proceedings. A delay in the proceedings shall be granted if the hearing official determines that there is good cause to grant the delay. If a delay is granted, the 60-day decision period shall be extended by the number of days by which the review was postponed.
(e) Upon issuance of the written opinion, NCUA shall promptly notify the debtor of the hearing official's decision. The notification shall include a copy of the written decision issued by the hearing official.
(a) An employee subject to offset, or a voluntary repayment agreement, may, at any time, request a special review by the Executive Director of the amount of the offset or voluntary repayment, based on materially changed circumstances, including, but not limited to, catastrophic illness, divorce, death, or disability.
(b) To determine whether an offset would prevent the employee from meeting essential subsistence expenses, the employee shall submit a detailed statement and supporting documents for the employee, the employee's spouse, and dependents indicating the employee's assets and liabilities.
(c) If the employee requests a special review under this section, the employee shall file an alternative proposed offset or payment schedule and a statement.
(d) The Executive Director shall evaluate the statement and supporting documents, and determine whether the original offset or repayment schedule imposes an undue financial hardship on the employee. The Executive Director shall notify the employee in writing within 30 calendar days of such determination, including, if appropriate, a revised offset or payment schedule. If the special review results in a revised offset or repayment schedule, NCUA shall provide a new certification to the paying agency.
Where NCUA is the creditor agency, it shall assess interest, penalties and administrative costs pursuant to
NCUA shall refund promptly those amounts recovered by offset but later found not to be owed to the federal government.
(a) NCUA may request that a debt owed to NCUA be collected by administrative offset against funds due and payable to a debtor by another agency.
(b) In requesting administrative offset, NCUA, as creditor, shall certify in writing to the agency holding funds of the debtor:
(1) That the debtor owes the debt;
(2) The amount and basis of the debt; and
(3) That NCUA has complied with the requirements of its own administrative offset regulations and the applicable provisions of the FCCS with respect to providing the debtor with due process.
(a) Any agency may request that funds due and payable to a debtor by NCUA be administratively offset in order to collect a debt owed to such agency by the debtor.
(b) NCUA shall initiate the requested administrative offset only upon receipt of a written certification from the creditor agency that:
(1) The debtor owes the debt, including the amount and basis of the debt;
(2) The agency has prescribed regulations for the exercise of administrative offset; and
(3) The agency has complied with its own administrative offset regulations and with the applicable provisions of the FCCS, with respect to providing the debtor with due process.
NCUA may request that monies payable to a debtor from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund be administratively offset to collect debts owed to NCUA by the debtor. NCUA shall provide OPM with a written certification that states the debtor owes the debt, the amount of the debt, and that NCUA has complied with the agency's offset regulations, as well as, the requirements set forth in 31 CFR parts 900 through 904 and OPM's regulations.
(a) When a creditor agency receives a debtor's request for inspection of agency records, the offset is stayed for 15 calendar days beyond the date set for the record inspection.
(b) When a creditor agency receives a debtor's offer to enter into a repayment agreement, the offset is stayed until the debtor is notified as to whether the proposed agreement is acceptable.
(c) When a review is conducted, the offset is stayed until the creditor agency issues a final written decision. The written decision must be issued within 60 days after receipt of the debtor's request for review.
(a) NCUA may collect debts owed by employees to the federal government by means of salary offset under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 5514, 5 CFR part 550, subpart K, and this subpart. The procedures set forth in this subpart apply to situations where NCUA is attempting to collect a debt by salary offset that is owed to it by an individual employed by NCUA or by another agency; or where NCUA employs an individual who owes a debt to another agency. Since salary offset is a type of administrative offset, this subpart supplements subpart B.
(b) The procedures set forth in this subpart do not apply to:
(1) Any routine intra-agency adjustment of pay that is attributable to clerical or administrative error or delay in processing pay documents that have occurred within the four pay periods preceding the adjustment, or any adjustment to collect a debt amounting to $50 or less. However, at the time of any such adjustment, or as soon thereafter as possible, NCUA or its designated payroll agent shall provide the employee with a written notice of the
(2) Any negative adjustment to pay that arises from an employee's election of coverage or a change in coverage under a federal benefits program that requires periodic deductions from pay, if the amount to be recovered was accumulated over four pay periods or less. However, at the time that such adjustment is made, NCUA shall provide the employee a statement that informs the employee of the previous overpayment.
Where NCUA seeks salary offset under
(a) That the Executive Director has determined that a debt is owed to NCUA and intends to collect the debt by means of deduction from the employee's current disposable pay account until the debt and all accumulated interest is paid in full or otherwise resolved;
(b) The amount of the debt and the factual basis for the debt;
(c) A salary offset schedule stating the frequency and amount of each deduction, stated as a fixed dollar amount or percentage of disposable pay not to exceed 15 percent;
(d) That in lieu of salary offset, the employee may propose a voluntary repayment plan to satisfy the debt on terms acceptable to NCUA, which must be documented in writing, signed by the employee and the Executive Director, and documented in NCUA's files;
(e) NCUA's policy concerning interest, penalties, and administrative costs, and a statement that such assessments must be made, unless excused in accordance with the FCCS;
(f) That the employee has the right to inspect and copy NCUA records related to the debt, or to receive copies of such records if personal inspection is impractical;
(g) That the employee has a right to request a hearing regarding the existence and amount of the debt claimed or the salary offset schedule proposed by NCUA, provided that the employee files a request for such a hearing with NCUA in accordance with § 797.20, and that such a hearing will be conducted by a hearing official not under the supervision or control of NCUA;
(h) The procedure and deadline for requesting a hearing, including the name, address, and telephone number of the Executive Director or other designated individual to whom a request for a hearing must be sent;
(i) That a request for hearing must be received by NCUA on or before the 30th calendar day following receipt of the Notice, and that filing of a request for hearing will stay the collection proceedings;
(j) That NCUA will initiate salary offset procedures not less than 30 days from the date of the employee's receipt of the Notice, unless the employee files a timely request for a hearing;
(k) That if a hearing is held, the hearing official will issue a decision at the earliest practical date, but not later than 60 days after the filing of the request for the hearing, unless the employee requests a delay in the proceedings which is granted by the hearing official;
(l) That any knowingly false or frivolous statements, representations, or evidence may subject the employee to disciplinary procedures appropriate under
(m) That the employee also has the right to request waiver of overpayment pursuant to
(a) An employee who desires to inspect or copy NCUA records related to the employee's debt must send a written request to the Executive Director
(b) In response to a timely request submitted by the employee, the employee shall be notified of the location and time when the employee may inspect and copy records related to the debt. If the employee is unable personally to inspect such records, NCUA shall arrange to send copies of such records to the employee.
(a) To request a hearing, an employee must send a written request to the Executive Director within 15 calendar days after the employee's receipt of the Notice. If the employee files a request for a hearing after the expiration of the 15th calendar day, NCUA may accept the request if the employee can show that the delay was the result of circumstances beyond the employee's control or the employee failed to receive actual notice of the filing deadline.
(b) The request for a hearing must be signed by the employee and must fully identify and explain with reasonable specificity all the facts, evidence, and witnesses, if any, that support the employee's position. The request must also state whether the employee is requesting an oral or documentary hearing. If an oral hearing is requested, the request shall state why the matter cannot be resolved by a review of documentary evidence alone.
(c) The failure of an employee to request a hearing will be considered an admission by the employee that the debt exists in the amount specified in the Notice.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Oral hearings may take the form of, but are not limited to:
(i) Informal conferences with the hearing official in which the employee and agency representative are given full opportunity to present evidence, witnesses, and argument;
(ii) Informal meetings in which the hearing examiner interviews the employee; or
(iii) Formal written submissions followed by an opportunity for oral presentation.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) The decision of the hearing official shall be final and is considered to be an official certification regarding the existence and the amount of the debt for purposes of executing salary offset under
(g)
(1) A summary of the facts concerning the origin, nature, and amount of the debt;
(2) The hearing official's findings, analysis, and conclusions; and
(3) The terms of any repayment schedules, if applicable.
(h)
(a) In response to the Notice, an employee may propose to repay the debt voluntarily in lieu of salary offset by submitting a written proposed repayment schedule to NCUA. Any proposal under this section must be received by NCUA within 15 calendar days after receipt of the Notice.
(b) In response to a timely proposal by the employee, NCUA shall notify the employee whether the employee's proposed repayment schedule is acceptable. NCUA has the discretion to accept, reject, or propose to the employee a modification of the proposed repayment schedule.
(1) If NCUA decides that the proposed repayment schedule is unacceptable, the employee shall have 15 calendar days from the date of the decision in which to file a request for a hearing.
(2) If NCUA decides that the proposed repayment schedule is acceptable or the employee agrees to a modification proposed by NCUA, an agreement shall be put in writing and signed by both the employee and NCUA.
(a) NCUA shall issue a certification in all cases where the hearing official determines that a debt exists or the employee admits the existence and amount of the debt, as for example, by failing to request a hearing.
(b) The certification must be in writing and state:
(1) That the employee owes the debt;
(2) The amount and basis of the debt;
(3) The date the federal government's right to collect the debt first accrued;
(4) The date the employee was notified of the debt, the action(s) taken pursuant to NCUA's regulations, and the dates such actions were taken;
(5) If the collection is to be made by lump-sum payment, the amount and date such payment will be collected;
(6) If the collection is to be made in installments, the amount or percentage of disposable pay to be collected in each installment and, if NCUA wishes, the desired commencing date of the first installment, if a date other than the next officially established pay period; and
(7) A statement that NCUA's regulation on salary offset has been approved by OPM pursuant to 5 CFR part 550, subpart K.
(a) Upon issuance of a proper certification by NCUA or upon receipt of a proper certification from another creditor agency, NCUA shall send the employee a written notice of salary offset.
(b) Such written notice of salary offset shall advise the employee of the:
(1) Certification that has been issued by NCUA or received from another creditor agency;
(2) Amount of the debt and of the deductions to be made; and
(3) Date and pay period when the salary offset will begin.
(c) If NCUA is not the creditor agency, NCUA shall provide a copy of the notice to the creditor agency and advise the creditor agency of the dollar amount to be offset and the pay period when the offset will begin.
(a)
(b)