[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 17, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59056-59066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27594]


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FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

12 CFR Part 327

RIN 3064-AD51


Prepaid Assessments

AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FDIC is amending its regulations requiring insured 
institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments 
for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. 
The prepaid assessment for these periods will be collected on December 
30, 2009, along with each institution's regular quarterly risk-based 
deposit insurance assessment for the third quarter of 2009. For 
purposes of estimating an institution's assessments for the fourth 
quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012, and calculating 
the amount that an institution will prepay on December 30, 2009, the 
institution's assessment rate will be its total base assessment rate in 
effect on September 30, 2009.\1\ On September 29, 2009, the FDIC 
increased annual assessment rates uniformly by 3 basis points beginning 
in 2011.\2\ As a result, an institution's total base assessment rate 
for purposes of estimating an institution's assessment for 2011 and 
2012 will be increased by an annualized 3 basis points beginning in 
2011. Again for purposes of calculating the amount that an institution 
will prepay on December 30, 2009, an institution's third quarter 2009 
assessment base will be increased quarterly at a 5 percent annual 
growth rate through the end of 2012. The FDIC will begin to draw down 
an institution's prepaid assessments on March 30, 2010, representing 
payment for the regular quarterly risk-based assessment for the fourth 
quarter of 2009.
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    \1\ An institution's risk-based assessment rate may change 
during a quarter when a new CAMELS rating is transmitted, or a new 
long-term debt-issuer rating is assigned. 12 CFR 327.4(f). For 
purposes of calculating an institution's prepaid assessment, the 
FDIC will use the institution's CAMELS ratings and, where 
applicable, long-term debt-issuer ratings, and the resulting 
assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009.
    \2\ 74 FR 51063 (Oct. 2, 2009).

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DATES: Effective Date: November 17, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert C. Oshinsky, Senior Financial 
Economist, Division of Insurance and Research, (202) 898-3813; Donna 
Saulnier, Manager, Assessment Policy Section, Division of Finance (703) 
562-

[[Page 59057]]

6167; Scott Patterson, Senior Review Examiner, Division of Supervision 
and Consumer Protection, (202) 898-6953; Christopher Bellotto, Counsel, 
Legal Division, (202) 898-3801; Sheikha Kapoor, Senior Attorney, Legal 
Division, (202) 898-3960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    On September 29, 2009, the FDIC adopted an Amended Restoration Plan 
to allow the Deposit Insurance Fund (Fund or DIF) to return to a 
reserve ratio of 1.15 percent within eight years, as mandated by 
statute. At the same time, the FDIC adopted higher annual risk-based 
assessment rates effective January 1, 2011.\3\
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    \3\ 74 FR 51063 (Oct. 2, 2009).
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Liquidity Needs Projections

    While the Amended Restoration Plan and higher assessment rates 
address the need to return the DIF reserve ratio to 1.15 percent, the 
FDIC must also consider its need for cash to pay for projected 
failures. In June 2008, before the number of bank and thrift failures 
began to rise significantly and the crisis worsened, total assets held 
by the DIF were approximately $55 billion and consisted almost entirely 
of cash and marketable securities (i.e., liquid assets). As the crisis 
has unfolded, liquid assets of the DIF have been used to protect 
depositors of failed institutions and have been exchanged for less 
liquid claims against the assets of failed institutions. As of 
September 30, 2009, although total assets had increased to almost $63 
billion, cash and marketable securities had fallen to approximately $23 
billion. The pace of resolutions continues to put downward pressure on 
cash balances. While most of the less liquid assets in the DIF have 
value that will eventually be converted to cash when sold, the FDIC's 
immediate need is for more liquid assets to fund near-term failures.
    The FDIC's projections of the Fund's liquidity include assumptions 
concerning failed-institution resolution strategies, such as the 
increasing use of loss sharing--especially for larger institutions--
which reduce the FDIC's immediate cash outlays, as well as the 
anticipated pace at which assets obtained from failed institutions can 
be sold. If the FDIC took no action under its existing authority to 
increase its liquidity, the FDIC's projected liquidity needs would 
exceed its liquid assets on hand beginning in the first quarter of 
2010. Through 2010 and 2011, liquidity needs could significantly exceed 
liquid assets on hand.

II. The Proposed Rule

    On September 29, 2009, the FDIC, using its statutory authority 
under sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(b)-(c)), 
adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking with request for comment to 
amend its assessment regulations to require all institutions to prepay, 
on December 30, 2009, their estimated risk-based assessments for the 
fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012, at the 
same time that institutions pay their regular quarterly deposit 
insurance assessments for the third quarter of 2009 (the proposed rule 
or NPR).4 5 Under the NPR, an institution would initially 
account for the prepaid assessment as a prepaid expense (an asset). The 
Fund would initially account for the amount collected as both an asset 
(cash) and an offsetting liability (deferred revenue). An institution's 
quarterly risk-based deposit insurance assessments thereafter would be 
paid from the amount the institution had prepaid until that amount was 
exhausted or until December 30, 2014, when any amount remaining would 
be returned to the institution.
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    \4\ Section 7(b)(3)(E) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 
U.S.C. 1817(b)(3)(E)); Section 7(b)(2) of the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(b)(2)).
    \5\ 74 FR 51063 (Oct. 2, 2009).
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    Under the proposed rule, the FDIC would exercise its supervisory 
discretion to exempt an institution from the prepayment requirement if 
the FDIC determined that the prepayment would adversely affect an 
institution's safety and soundness. In addition, an institution could 
apply to the FDIC for an exemption from the prepayment requirement if 
the institution could demonstrate that the prepayment would 
significantly impair the institution's liquidity, or otherwise create 
significant hardship.

III. Comments Received

    The FDIC sought comments on every aspect of the proposed rule, with 
six particular issues posed. The FDIC received more than 800 comments 
on the proposed rule, of which approximately 680 were form letters. The 
comments are discussed in section V below.

IV. Final Rule

    In this rulemaking, the FDIC seeks to address its upcoming 
liquidity needs by amending its assessment regulations to require 
insured institutions to prepay, on December 30, 2009, their estimated 
quarterly regular risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 
2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Legal Authority

    The FDIC's assessment authorities are set forth in section 7 of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act), 12 U.S.C. 1817(b) and (c).\6\ 
Generally, the FDIC Board of Directors must establish, by regulation, a 
risk-based assessment system for insured depository institutions. 12 
U.S.C. 1817(b)(1)(A).\7\ Each insured depository institution is 
required to pay its risk-based assessment to the Corporation in such 
manner and at such time or times as the Board of Directors prescribes 
by regulation. 12 U.S.C. 1817(c)(2)(B).
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    \6\ The requirement for imposing systemic risk assessments is 
set forth at Section 13(c)(4)(G) of the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)).
    \7\ The regulations governing the FDIC's risk-based assessment 
system are set out at 12 CFR Part 327. Those regulations give the 
FDIC the authority to raise assessment rates by 3 basis points 
without additional rulemaking. 12 CFR 327.10(c). On September 29, 
2009, the FDIC Board voted to use this authority and adopted higher 
assessment rates effective January 1, 2011.
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    In addition, section 7(b)(5) of the FDI Act, governing special 
assessments, empowers the Corporation to impose one or more special 
assessments on insured depository institutions in an amount determined 
by the Corporation for any purpose that the Corporation may deem 
necessary. 12 U.S.C. 1817(b)(5). The FDIC exercised this authority 
earlier this year when it promulgated a regulation imposing a special 
assessment on June 30, 2009, of 5 basis points of an institution's 
total assets minus its Tier 1 capital as of that date, not to exceed 10 
basis points of the institution's risk-based assessment base as of that 
date.\8\ Pursuant to that rulemaking, the FDIC's Board of Directors may 
impose up to two additional special assessments, each at up to the same 
rate, at the end of the third and fourth quarters of 2009, without the 
need for additional notice-and-comment rulemaking.
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    \8\ 74 FR 25639 (May 29, 2009).
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    Instead of imposing any additional special assessments while the 
industry is in a weakened condition, the FDIC is relying on its section 
7 authorities to require insured institutions to prepay their estimated 
regular quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 
2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012 (the ``prepayment period'').

Calculation of Estimated Prepaid Assessment Amount

    For purposes of estimating an institution's assessments for the 
prepayment period and calculating the

[[Page 59058]]

amount that an institution will prepay on December 30, 2009 (``prepaid 
amount''), the institution's assessment rate will be its total base 
assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009.\9\ Since the FDIC has 
already increased annual assessment rates uniformly by 3 basis points 
beginning in 2011, an institution's total base assessment rate for 
purposes of estimating its assessments for 2011 and 2012 will be 
increased by an annualized 3 basis points beginning in 2011.\10\ Again 
for purposes of calculating the prepaid amount, an institution's third 
quarter 2009 assessment base will be increased quarterly at a 5 percent 
annual growth rate through the end of 2012. Changes to data underlying 
an institution's September 30, 2009, assessment rate or assessment base 
received by the FDIC after December 24, 2009, will not affect an 
institution's prepaid amount.11 12 The FDIC will collect the 
prepaid assessments for the prepayment period on December 30, 2009, 
along with the institution's regular quarterly deposit insurance 
assessments for the third quarter of 2009.\13\
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    \9\ An institution's risk-based assessment rate may change 
during a quarter when a new CAMELS rating is transmitted, or a new 
long-term debt-issuer rating is assigned. 12 CFR 327.4(f). For 
purposes of calculating an institution's prepaid assessment, the 
FDIC will use the institution's CAMELS ratings and, where 
applicable, long-term debt-issuer ratings, and the resulting 
assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009.
    \10\ 74 FR 51063 (Oct. 2, 2009).
    \11\ Thus, for purposes of calculating the prepaid assessment, 
the FDIC will take into account mergers and consolidations that are 
recorded in the FDIC's computer systems as of December 24, 2009. If 
a merger is recorded by this date, the assessment for the acquired 
institution will be paid by the acquirer at the acquirer's rate.
    \12\ An institution's failure to file its third quarter of 2009 
report of condition will not exempt it from the requirement to 
prepay under this rulemaking.
    \13\ The amount and calculation of each insured depository 
institution's prepaid assessment will be included on its quarterly 
certified statement invoice for the third quarter of 2009, which 
will be available on FDICconnect no later than 15 days prior to the 
December 30, 2009, payment date.
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    An institution's prepaid assessment will be set as described in the 
previous paragraph and will be applied to the institution's risk-based 
assessments beginning with the fourth quarter of 2009. Events during 
the prepayment period, such as slower deposit growth or changes in 
CAMELS ratings, may cause an institution's actual assessments to differ 
from the pre-paid amount. Assessment billing will account for events 
that occur during the prepayment period and may result in an 
institution either paying assessments in cash before the prepayment 
period has concluded or ultimately receiving a rebate of unused 
amounts. An institution's quarterly certified statement invoice will 
include (1) the regular quarterly risk-based assessment due for the 
corresponding quarter based on the assessment base and assessment rate 
applicable to that quarter, (2) the amount of the prepayment that will 
be applied toward the risk-based assessment for that quarter, and (3) 
the amount (if any) of any remaining prepaid amount. An insured 
depository institution may continue to request review or revision (as 
appropriate) of its regular risk-based assessment each quarter under 
sections 327.4(c) and 327.3(f) of the FDIC regulations.
    Requiring prepaid assessments does not preclude the FDIC from 
changing assessment rates or from further revising the risk-based 
assessment system during 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or thereafter, 
pursuant to notice-and-comment rulemaking under 12 U.S.C. 1817(b)(1). 
Prepaid assessments made by insured depository institutions will 
continue to be applied against quarterly assessments as they may be so 
revised until the prepaid assessment is exhausted or the prepayment is 
returned, whichever comes first.

Implementing Prepaid Assessments

    The FDIC will begin to offset prepaid assessments on March 30, 
2010, representing payment of the regular quarterly risk-based deposit 
insurance assessment for the fourth quarter of 2009. Any prepaid 
assessment not exhausted after collection of the amount due on June 30, 
2013, will be returned to the institution (rather than December 30, 
2014, as provided in the proposed rule). If the FDIC determines its 
liquidity needs allow, it may return any remaining prepaid assessment 
to the institution sooner.

Accounting and Risk-Weight for Prepaid Assessments

1. Accounting for Prepaid Assessments
    Each institution should record the entire amount of its prepaid 
assessment as a prepaid expense (asset) as of December 30, 2009. 
Notwithstanding the prepaid assessment, each institution should record 
the estimated expense for its regular risk-based assessment each 
calendar quarter. However, the offsetting entry to the expense for a 
particular quarter will depend on the method of payment for that 
quarter's expense. As of September 30, 2009, each institution should 
have accrued an expense (a charge to earnings) for its estimated 
regular quarterly risk-based assessment for the third quarter of 2009, 
which is a quarter for which assessments would not have been prepaid, 
and a corresponding accrued expense payable (a liability). On December 
30, 2009, each institution will pay both its assessment for the third 
quarter of 2009, thereby eliminating the related accrued expense 
payable, and the entire amount of its prepaid assessments, which it 
should record as a prepaid expense (asset).
    As of December 31, 2009, each institution should record (1) an 
expense (a charge to earnings) for its estimated regular quarterly 
risk-based assessment for the fourth quarter of 2009, and (2) an 
offsetting credit to the prepaid assessment asset because the fourth 
quarter assessment of 2009 will have been prepaid.\14\
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    \14\ Some institutions record the estimated expense and an 
accrued expense payable for their regular risk-based assessments 
monthly during each calendar quarter rather than quarterly as of 
quarter-end. On December 30, 2009, when such an institution pays 
both its assessment for the third quarter of 2009 and the entire 
amount of its prepaid assessments, it should eliminate the accrued 
expense payable recorded for the third quarter 2009 assessment as 
well as the accrued expense payable recorded for the first two 
months of its estimated fourth quarter 2009 assessment and it should 
record the remaining amount of its prepaid assessments (i.e., the 
entire amount of the prepaid assessments less the accrued expense 
payable for the first two months of the fourth quarter 2009 
assessment) as a prepaid expense (asset). As of December 31, 2009, 
this institution should record (1) an expense (a charge to earnings) 
for the third month of its estimated fourth quarter 2009 assessment 
and (2) an offsetting credit to the prepaid assessment asset.
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    Each quarter thereafter, an institution should record an expense (a 
charge to earnings) for its regular quarterly risk-based assessment for 
that quarter and an offsetting credit to the prepaid assessment asset 
until this asset is exhausted. Once the asset is exhausted, the 
institution should record an expense and an accrued expense payable 
each quarter for its regular assessment payment, which will be paid, in 
cash, in arrears at the end of the following quarter.
2. Risk Weighting of Prepaid Assessments
    The federal banking agencies' risk-based capital rules permit an 
institution to apply a zero percent risk weight to claims on U.S. 
Government agencies.\15\ The FDIC believes the prepaid assessment 
imposed under this rule qualifies for a zero percent risk weight.
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    \15\ 12 CFR Part 3, Appendix A (OCC); 12 CFR Parts 208 and 225, 
Appendix A (Federal Reserve Board); 12 CFR Part 325, Appendix A 
(FDIC); and 12 CFR Part 567, Appendix C (OTS).
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    For the same reasons, the FDIC believes that Temporary Liquidity 
Guarantee Program (TLGP) nondeposit debt obligations should receive a 
zero percent risk weight consistent with the risk weight proposed for 
prepaid assessments. When the FDIC

[[Page 59059]]

determined that a depository institution could apply a 20 percent risk 
weight to debt covered by the TLGP, the determination referenced the 20 
percent risk weight that has traditionally been applied to assets 
covered by the FDIC's deposit insurance. Because insured deposits are 
fully backed by the full faith and credit of the United States 
government and no insured depositor has ever or will ever take a loss, 
the FDIC will review reducing the risk weight on insured deposits to 
zero percent consistent with the treatment of other government-backed 
obligations.

Restrictions on Use of Prepaid Assessments

    Under the final rule, prepaid assessments may only be used to 
offset regular quarterly risk-based deposit insurance assessments. 
Prepaid assessments may not be used, for example, for the following:
     To offset FICO assessments (which are governed by section 
21(f) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, 12 U.S.C. 1441(f));
     To offset any future special assessments under FDI Act 
section 7(b)(5);
     To offset any future systemic risk assessments under FDI 
Act section 13(c)(4)(G)(ii);
     To offset Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program 
assessments under 12 CFR 370;
     To pay assessments for quarters prior to the fourth 
quarter of 2009;
     To pay civil money penalties; or
     To offset interest owed to the FDIC for underpayment of 
assessments for assessment periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2009.
    The FDIC will apply an institution's remaining one-time assessment 
credits under Part 327 subpart B before applying its prepaid assessment 
to its regular quarterly risk-based deposit insurance assessments.\16\
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    \16\ One-time assessment credits will not reduce an 
institution's prepaid assessment.
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Exemptions for Certain Insured Depository Institutions

    The final rule makes a few modifications to the exemption process 
proposed in the NPR that are intended to benefit institutions. These 
modifications impose stricter deadlines on the FDIC (in order to 
provide institutions with earlier notice and greater opportunity to 
plan), allow the FDIC to postpone determination of exemption 
applications if necessary (on condition of postponing the due date for 
the prepaid assessment), and give exempted institutions an opportunity 
to request that the FDIC withdraw an exemption.
    Under the final rule, the FDIC may exercise its discretion as 
supervisor and insurer to exempt an institution from the prepayment 
requirement if the FDIC determines that the prepayment would adversely 
affect the safety and soundness of the institution. The FDIC will 
consult with the institution's primary federal regulator in making this 
determination, but will retain the ultimate authority to exercise such 
discretion. The FDIC will notify any exempted institution of its 
determination to exempt the institution as soon as possible, but in no 
event later than November 23, 2009. A separate set of deadlines applies 
to institutions that file applications for exemption and is described 
in the following paragraphs. The FDIC does not believe that the 
exemptions that will be granted will prevent it from meeting its 
current liquidity needs.
    In addition, an insured depository institution may apply to the 
FDIC for an exemption from the prepayment requirement if the prepayment 
would significantly impair the institution's liquidity, or would 
otherwise create extraordinary hardship.\17\ The FDIC will consider 
exemption requests on a case-by-case basis and expects that only a few 
institutions will find an exemption necessary.
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    \17\ The NPR stated that ``an insured depository institution 
could apply to the FDIC for an exemption from all or part of the 
prepayment requirement if the prepayment would significantly impair 
the institution's liquidity, or would otherwise create significant 
hardship. The FDIC would consider exemption requests on a case-by-
case basis and expects that only a few would be necessary.'' 74 FR 
51,063, 51,065 (Oct. 2, 2009). The final rule uses the phrase 
``extraordinary hardship'' rather than ``significant hardship'' to 
clarify that the FDIC expects that few exemptions will be necessary 
other than for those institutions exempted through the FDIC's own 
initiative. The final rule also eliminates the option of a partial 
prepayment exemption since the FDIC determined that it would be 
infeasible to determine partial payments.
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    Written applications for exemption from the prepayment obligation 
should be submitted to the Director of the Division of Supervision and 
Consumer Protection on or before December 1, 2009, by electronic mail 
or fax.\18\ In order for an application to be accepted and considered 
by the FDIC, the application must contain a full explanation of the 
need for the exemption with supporting documentation, to include 
current financial statements, cash flow projections, and any other 
relevant information that the FDIC deems appropriate.
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    \18\ Applications for exemption should be submitted by either 
electronic mail ([email protected]) or fax (202-898-6676).
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    Any application for exemption will be deemed to be denied unless 
the FDIC notifies the applying institution by December 15, 2009, that 
either: (1) the institution is exempt from the prepaid assessment or 
(2) the FDIC has postponed determination of the application for 
exemption until no later than January 14, 2010. The FDIC expects that 
it will postpone few, if any, determinations of applications for 
exemption. In the event, however, that the FDIC postpones such 
determinations, the institution will not have to pay its prepaid 
assessment on December 30, 2009. If the FDIC ultimately denies the 
institution's request for exemption, the FDIC will notify the 
institution of the denial and of the date by which the institution must 
pay the prepaid assessment. That date will be no less than 15 days 
after the date of the notice of denial.
    Under the final rule, an institution that the FDIC has exempted 
from prepayment on the grounds that prepayment would adversely affect 
the safety and soundness of the institution may request that the FDIC 
allow the institution to nevertheless pay the prepaid amount. If the 
FDIC, after consulting with the institution's primary federal 
regulator, determines that exemption is not necessary, it will notify 
the institution that the exemption has been withdrawn. Again, the FDIC 
retains the ultimate authority to make this determination.
    Written applications requesting that the FDIC withdraw an exemption 
should be submitted to the Director of the Division of Supervision and 
Consumer Protection on or before December 1, 2009, by electronic mail 
or fax.\19\ To be accepted and considered by the FDIC, an application 
requesting that the FDIC withdraw an exemption must contain a full 
explanation of the reasons the exemption is not needed with supporting 
documentation, to include current financial statements, cash flow 
projections, and other relevant information that the FDIC deems 
appropriate. Any application requesting that the FDIC withdraw an 
exemption will be deemed denied unless the FDIC notifies the applying 
institution by December 15, 2009 that the exemption has been withdrawn.
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    \19\ Applications requesting that the FDIC withdraw an exemption 
should be submitted by either electronic mail 
([email protected]) or fax (202-898-6676).
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    Other than through an application requesting that the FDIC withdraw 
an exemption, determinations of eligibility

[[Page 59060]]

for exemption made by the FDIC are final and are not subject to further 
agency review. Decisions by the FDIC on applications requesting that 
the FDIC withdraw an exemption are also final and are not subject to 
further agency review.
    Any exempted institution and any institution where the FDIC has 
postponed determination of its request for exemption must still pay its 
third quarter 2009 risk-based assessment on December 30, 2009.

Transfer of Prepaid Assessments

    An insured depository institution will be permitted to transfer any 
portion of its prepaid assessment to another insured depository 
institution, provided that the institutions involved notify the FDIC's 
Division of Finance and submit a written agreement signed by the legal 
representatives of the institutions. In their submission to the FDIC, 
the institutions must include documentation that each representative 
has the legal authority to bind the institution. Adjustments to the 
institutions' prepaid assessments will be made by the FDIC on the next 
assessment invoice that will be available via FDICconnect at least 10 
days after the FDIC receives the written agreement. This aspect of the 
final rule is similar to the procedural requirements associated with 
the transfer of the one-time assessment credit provided by the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, Public Law No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 
9, and implemented by regulation. See 12 CFR 327.34(c).
    Prepaid assessments cannot be transferred to any entity that is not 
an insured depository institution. Prepaid assessments cannot be 
pledged to any insured depository institution or any entity that is not 
an insured depository institution.
    In the event that an insured depository institution merges with, or 
is consolidated into, another insured depository institution, the 
surviving or resulting institution will be entitled to use any unused 
portion of the disappearing institution's prepaid assessment not 
otherwise transferred.\20\
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    \20\ As noted above, the parties to a transfer agreement must 
provide notice to the FDIC.
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Disposition in the Event of Failure or Termination of Insured Status

    In the event that an insured depository institution's insured 
status terminates, any amount of its prepaid assessment remaining 
(other than any amounts needed to satisfy its assessment obligations 
not yet offset against the prepaid amount) will be refunded to the 
institution.\21\ In the event of failure of an insured depository 
institution, any amount of its prepaid assessment remaining (other than 
any amounts needed to satisfy its assessment obligations not yet offset 
against the prepaid amount) will be refunded to the institution's 
receiver.
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    \21\ See 12 CFR 327.6 (2009).
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V. Summary of Comments

    The FDIC received more than 800 comments, of which approximately 
680 were form letters. The vast majority of the commenters supported 
the FDIC meeting its upcoming liquidity needs by requiring prepaid 
risk-based assessments.

Alternatives

    The majority of commenters, including the major trade groups, 
supported the prepaid assessment funding option over one or more 
special assessments, borrowing from Treasury Department (``Treasury''), 
and borrowing from the industry as a means of providing immediate 
liquidity to the DIF. Those that supported the prepaid assessment 
option stated that it was the most palatable and least costly of the 
alternatives, particularly another special assessment. The commenters 
supported the prepaid assessment option specifically because the 
prepayment would initially be accounted for as a prepaid expense, which 
is an asset, and would not affect earnings. Furthermore, since it is 
not a borrowing, the DIF would not incur any interest costs. An 
overwhelming majority of commenters opposed more special assessments. 
The commenters stated that special assessments are too unpredictable 
and they preferred options that did not result in decreased earnings.
    Some commenters opposed the prepaid assessment because they said 
that the prepayment would cause financial strain on the industry. They 
disputed the FDIC's assertion that banks have excess liquidity and 
claimed that the prepayment would cause banks to decrease lending or 
make up for the loss of liquidity by borrowing. A few commenters also 
stated that banks are holding excess liquidity to prepare for better 
economic times when deposits may decrease and loan demand may increase. 
Other commenters noted that since the prepayment is actually an 
interest-free loan from the industry, the FDIC is underestimating the 
full opportunity cost of the prepaid asset.
    Most commenters indicated support for the FDIC's belief that the 
industry could pay the prepaid assessment without a strain on 
liquidity. The FDIC understands that the prepayment may affect the 
safety and soundness of some institutions and cause liquidity concerns 
for others. As a result, the final rule allows the FDIC to exempt from 
prepayment any institution if the FDIC, in consultation with the 
institution's primary federal regulator, determines that the prepayment 
would adversely affect the safety and soundness of the institution. 
Additionally, an insured institution may apply to the FDIC for an 
exemption from the prepayment requirement if the prepayment would 
significantly impair the institution's liquidity, or otherwise create 
extraordinary hardship. In addition, institutions may sell remaining 
prepayment amounts to other institutions if needed to bolster 
liquidity.
    A number of commenters supported the idea of the FDIC borrowing 
from the Treasury. Some of these commenters preferred borrowing from 
Treasury over the prepayment option, while others stated that the FDIC 
should reserve the borrowing option in case of worsening economic 
conditions next year. However, if the prepayment turns out to be 
insufficient to meet the liquidity needs of the DIF, these commenters 
favored borrowing from Treasury over imposing another prepayment or 
special assessment.
    Those that supported borrowing from Treasury over the current 
prepayment stated that banks have already been tainted as being bailed 
out so there is minimal danger that Treasury borrowing would further 
stigmatize the industry. They stressed that Treasury borrowing is not 
the same as taxpayer funds. These commenters further stated that 
borrowing from Treasury provides necessary funding without putting an 
additional burden on banks in the near term when economic conditions 
remain challenging. They stated that the current environment is an 
emergency situation, the type for which the FDIC has reserved Treasury 
borrowing.
    A few commenters suggested a hybrid approach that would entail 
either a mandatory one year prepayment or a voluntary three-year 
prepayment with the remaining funding needs being met with borrowing 
from Treasury. In the latter case, only those institutions that did not 
prepay would be responsible for the interest payments on Treasury 
borrowing.
    A few commenters opposed borrowing from Treasury or said that it 
should only be used as a last resort. Some commenters feared that 
Treasury might impose a repayment structure that would require the FDIC 
to issue special assessments or that Treasury could

[[Page 59061]]

impose restrictions on the entire industry similar to those imposed 
under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) if the FDIC were to draw 
on its line of credit. Others feared additional congressional 
oversight. A few commenters noted the negative public perception of 
FDIC borrowing from Treasury could result in decreased depositor 
confidence.
    The FDIC agrees that prepayment is preferable to borrowing from 
Treasury. Borrowing from Treasury would increase the explicit cost to 
the industry, as the interest would be paid to Treasury, and could 
decrease the FDIC's flexibility in managing assessment rates during the 
repayment period. Prepayment of assessments is consistent with 
maintaining an industry-funded deposit insurance system. In addition, 
borrowing from Treasury could risk diminishing public confidence in the 
FDIC and in insured depository institutions.
    A few commenters supported the option of borrowing from the 
industry. One commenter stated that borrowing from the industry would 
be preferable because banks are having a hard time finding acceptable 
investments. However, those that supported this option also stated that 
their support was dependent on the borrowing being backed by the full 
faith and credit of the federal government, providing a minimum return, 
and having zero percent risk weight.
    If the FDIC borrowed from the industry, the FDIC would still need 
to raise the same total amount of funds. However, by statute, any 
borrowing from the industry, or the Federal Home Loan Banks, authorized 
under Section 14(e) of the FDI Act, would be voluntary. Consequently, 
the FDIC could not ensure that the borrowing would raise the necessary 
funds. In addition, while the FDIC appreciates the opportunity cost 
associated with prepaying assessments, any borrowing would have an 
explicit interest cost, which would also be borne by the industry. 
Interest on borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Banks would result in 
a transfer of funds (in the form of interest) from the banking industry 
to the Federal Home Loan Banks.
    An overwhelming majority of the commenters stated that prepaid 
assessments should be mandatory. The FDIC agrees. Non-mandatory 
prepayments would be functionally equivalent to borrowing from the 
banking industry and would entail the same drawbacks.
    Many commenters requested a ``FICO-like'' bond issuance. Issuing 
bonds to the public, however, would require congressional action and, 
thus, in the FDIC's view, is not a practical solution to its immediate 
liquidity needs.
    A few commenters suggested that the fees that the FDIC has 
collected from the TLGP be transferred to the DIF. While the amount of 
TLGP fees currently collected exceeds losses thus far, it is prudent to 
maintain separate TLGP reserves because of continued exposure from 
outstanding debt issued under the program and from guarantee coverage 
of transaction accounts upon failure of an insured institution. In 
addition, the current liquidity needs of the FDIC significantly exceed 
TLGP reserves.
    Balancing the options, the FDIC agrees with the majority of 
commenters that prepaying assessments represents the best alternative 
for meeting the immediate liquidity needs of the FDIC.

Assessment Base

    The FDIC received many comment letters arguing that the prepayment 
assumption of 5 percent annual growth rate in deposits for 2009, 2010, 
2011, and 2012 is too high and that the FDIC should use a lower annual 
growth rate for those institutions that historically have experienced 
slower growth. One commenter argued that growth assumptions should be 
lowered or eliminated because changes in economic conditions make it 
unlikely that historic growth rates over the last several years will 
continue in the near term.
    The FDIC developed the 5 percent deposit growth assumption from 
historical data that showed industry domestic deposits increased by 
more than 5 percent during each of the most recent 1 year, 3 year, and 
5 year time horizons. The FDIC believes that deposit growth is an 
important factor that needs to be included in any estimate of future 
assessments. For purposes of simplicity and fairness, the FDIC also 
believes that a single growth rate assumption should be used for all 
insured institutions since actual future growth for individual 
institutions is unknown. In addition, growth rate assumptions are only 
used to estimate the prepayment amount and will not affect the actual 
amount of insurance assessments that each institution will be charged 
for the fourth quarter of 2009 or for 2010, 2011, or 2012.
    The FDIC received several hundred comment letters arguing that, to 
be fair to small institutions, the assessment base used for the 
prepayment calculation should be changed to Total Assets less Tier 1 
capital, so that larger institutions would pay a portion of the 
prepayment proportional to their size rather than to their share of 
deposits. Most of these comments were form letters. Several commenters 
argued that the amount of assets that an institution holds is a more 
accurate gauge of its risk to the DIF than the amount of deposits it 
holds, since troubled assets, not deposits, cause institution failures, 
and all forms of liabilities, not just deposits, fund institution 
assets. The FDIC also received several comments, including comments 
from several trade groups, maintaining that the prepaid assessment 
should be calculated based on an institution's total domestic deposit 
base. One of these commenters wrote that deposits represent the actual 
dollar amount being insured and that there is no proven correlation 
between total assets and insured deposits for all institutions.
    The prepaid assessment amount is based upon an institution's 
estimated assessments during the prepayment period. At present, the 
assessment base for quarterly risk-based assessments is approximately 
equal to total domestic deposits; it is not based upon assets. Any 
change to the assessment base for quarterly risk-based assessments 
would require either legislation or additional rulemaking; changing the 
existing assessment base from domestic deposits to some other measure 
is outside the scope of the prepaid assessment proposal. In the FDIC's 
view, the estimate of assessments for prepayment purposes should be 
based upon the existing assessment base.

Rate Assumptions

    The FDIC received several comments requesting that the assumption 
of a 3 basis point rise in assessment rates beginning in 2011 be 
eliminated from the prepayment calculation. One commenter argued that 
the need to increase the assessment rate in the future is not certain 
and that the decision to make an assessment rate increase should be 
deferred until it can be determined one is necessary. Another commenter 
wrote that it may be premature to levy a 3 basis point increase in the 
assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 given the fact that once the industry 
begins to stabilize this increase may prove unnecessary.
    The FDIC has already increased annual assessment rates uniformly by 
3 basis points beginning in 2011, based on the FDIC's long term 
projections for the DIF and liquidity needs and to ensure that the fund 
reserve ratio returns to 1.15 percent within the statutorily mandated 
eight years. In the FDIC's view, since the 3 basis point increase has 
already been adopted, the estimated future assessments on which the

[[Page 59062]]

prepayment amount is based should take the increase into account.

Prepayment Period

    Slightly less than half of the respondents expressed general 
agreement with the proposed period (the fourth quarter of 2009, and all 
of 2010, 2011, and 2012) that the prepayment would cover. Many wished 
to decrease the three-year prepayment period to a shorter period: two-
years or on an annual basis were typical suggestions. The FDIC 
considered a shortened timeframe. However, the FDIC has concluded that 
the liquidity needs of the DIF require the substantial cash inflow that 
the three-year period would bring.
    Many commenters requested that they receive interest or a discount 
on their prepayments (or that those who are exempted from prepayment be 
required to pay a premium). The final rule, like the proposed rule, 
contains no provision for interest or discount. A discount or payment 
of interest would mean that the FDIC is in substance borrowing from the 
industry. In addition, the costs associated with paying interest or 
funding a discount would be borne by the industry in the same 
proportion as their assessments. As previously mentioned, any borrowing 
from the industry would have to be voluntary and would not provide 
assurance that the FDIC would be able to raise the necessary funds.
    All respondents who wrote on the issue considered the timing of the 
refunds too far in the future. The FDIC agrees. Under the final rule, 
any prepayment amounts not exhausted after collection of the amount due 
on June 30, 2013, will be refunded to the institution (rather than on 
December 30, 2014, as provided in the final rule). If the FDIC 
determines its liquidity needs allow, it may return any remaining 
prepaid assessment to the institution sooner; however, the FDIC 
considers an earlier refund unlikely given its current projections.

Exemptions

    A few commenters expressed general support for the FDIC's decision 
to grant exemptions when prepayment would significantly affect the 
safety and soundness of the institution. One commenter advocated that 
the FDIC grant no exemptions.
    Many commenters suggested various groups that should receive a 
blanket exemption. One commenter requested that banks that make loans 
in their communities, rather than those benefiting from TARP funding, 
should be exempted. Other commenters advocated that banks with fewer 
than one billion dollars in assets be exempted from prepaying 
assessments. Another commenter suggested that new banks were natural 
candidates for exemption, in part, because the FDIC required them to 
produce strict business plans that did not anticipate prepaid 
assessments. Yet another commenter expressed concern that the FDIC 
would be so preoccupied with exemption requests from larger regional 
banks that it might not have time to address those from smaller 
community banks.
    Some commenters requested that the FDIC provide more clarity 
regarding its criteria, process, and timing for exemption 
determinations. One banking association suggested that the FDIC provide 
notice to banks of its exemption decisions no fewer than 30 days from 
the effective date of the final rule.
    The final rule closely follows the NPR with some revisions to the 
exemption process that are intended to benefit insured institutions. 
Upon approval of the final rule by the Board, the FDIC will, on its own 
initiative and as soon as possible, notify institutions that meet the 
criteria for exemption based on safety and soundness concerns. The FDIC 
will notify any institution that the FDIC exempts on its own initiative 
no later than November 23, 2009. In addition, an insured institution 
may apply before December 1, 2009, to the FDIC for an exemption from 
the prepayment requirement if the prepayment would significantly impair 
the institution's liquidity, or otherwise create extraordinary 
hardship. Similarly, the FDIC will endeavor to maintain communication 
with banks as to the status of their application.

Tax/Accounting Issues

    Many commenters have suggested that the FDIC structure the 
invoicing and collection of prepaid assessments to maximize the tax 
benefits to insured depository institutions. This would include working 
with the IRS to adjust certain tax rules.\22\ Suggested structures 
included: allowing institutions to deduct all prepaid assessments in 
2009 for income tax purposes and invoicing, and collecting prepaid 
assessments two or three times (in 2009, 2010, and/or 2011) to allow 
institutions to deduct prepaid amounts earlier. Subchapter S 
institutions are particularly concerned with this issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Under Section 1.263(a)-4(d)(3)(i) of the Treasury's 
regulations, in general, a taxpayer must capitalize prepaid 
expenses, regardless of whether the taxpayer is a cash or accrual 
basis taxpayer and regardless of whether the taxpayer is a C 
Corporation or an S Corporation. The regulations also specify 
certain exceptions to this general rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the final rule, institutions will continue to be able to 
deduct quarterly assessments at least as quickly as they have in the 
past. The FDIC structured the prepaid assessment requirement for DIF 
liquidity needs and believes that using prepaid assessments will not 
result in any worse tax treatment than banks would have absent 
prepayment.

Effect on Capital and Liquidity

    A number of commenters expressed the opinion that requiring prepaid 
assessments at this time would have a negative effect on monetary 
supply and would hamper community banks' liquidity. As noted above, the 
FDIC will exempt institutions whose prepayment of assessments would 
adversely affect their safety and soundness. The FDIC's determination 
on an application for exemption will include an evaluation of the 
institution's cash on hand, capital reserves, and lending activities. 
Based on data available to the FDIC, the FDIC believes that most of the 
prepaid assessment will be drawn from available liquidity, which should 
not significantly affect depository institutions' current lending 
activities.

Amended Restoration Plan

    A few commenters agreed with the FDIC's Amended Restoration Plan 
allowing the DIF up to eight years to restore the reserve ratio up to 
1.15 percent. A number of commenters did not want the FDIC to impose a 
special assessment or a higher assessment on a temporary basis to 
restore the reserve ratio in a shorter period of time. One bank 
recommended that the FDIC reevaluate whether the reserve ratio of 1.15 
percent would be sufficient to handle future downturns. The FDIC will 
take such comments into consideration in its implementation of the 
Amended Restoration Plan and in any possible future amendments to the 
plan.

Termination of Insured Status

    One commenter, who represented a bank that is voluntarily 
liquidating, suggested that the regulatory text include a subsection 
outlining what happens to the prepaid assessment if there is any 
remaining at the time of liquidation. Since the preamble of the NPR 
contained language outlining the disposition of any remaining prepaid 
assessment in the event of termination of insured status, as well as a 
failure, the FDIC generally agrees with the comment and has added words 
to this effect in the final rule.

[[Page 59063]]

One-Time Assessment Credits

    One industry trade group argued that banks with residual one-time 
assessment credits should be allowed to reduce the prepaid assessment 
by the remaining amount of their one-time credits. The FDIC does not 
believe that this is necessary. At the end of the second quarter of 
2009, only about 200 banks had any remaining unused one-time assessment 
credits. FDIC regulations allow institutions with remaining credits to 
transfer these credits to other insured institutions. Thus, whether an 
institution currently has credits remaining does not necessarily 
determine whether it will have credits to apply during the prepayment 
period. For the sake of simplicity and uniformity, the FDIC continues 
to believe that residual one-time credits should not reduce an 
institution's prepaid assessment amount.

VI. Regulatory Analysis and Procedure

A. Administrative Procedure Act

    This final rule will become effective immediately upon publication. 
In this regard, the FDIC invokes the good cause exception to the 
requirements in the Administrative Procedure Act that, once finalized, 
a rulemaking must have a delayed effective date of thirty days from the 
publication date.\23\ The FDIC finds that good cause exists to waive 
the customary 30-day delayed effective date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FDIC's finding is based upon its upcoming liquidity needs to 
fund future resolutions. The pace of resolutions of failed institutions 
continues to put downward pressure on cash balances of the DIF. The 
FDIC projects that its liquidity needs could exceed its liquid assets 
on hand beginning in the first quarter of 2010, and that its liquidity 
needs could significantly exceed its liquid assets on hand through 
2011. To address its upcoming liquidity needs, the FDIC is adopting a 
final rule which requires institutions to prepay, on December 30, 2009, 
their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter 
of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. In order for the FDIC to 
collect these prepaid assessments on December 30, 2009, certain 
provisions in the final rule must go into effect immediately. In 
particular, the final rule provides that the FDIC make determinations 
regarding exempting institutions from the prepayment requirement. These 
determinations must be made well in advance of the December 30, 2009 
collection. An immediate effective date will enable the FDIC to 
implement these provisions without delay, and without threatening the 
FDIC's ability to meet its liquidity needs and to resolve failed 
institutions. For these reasons, the FDIC finds that good cause exists 
to justify an immediate effective date.

B. Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act

    The Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act 
provides that any new regulations and amendments to regulations 
prescribed by a federal banking agency that imposes additional 
reporting, disclosures, or other new requirements on insured depository 
institutions take effect on the first calendar quarter which begins on 
or after the day the regulations are published in final form, unless 
the agency determines, for good cause published with the regulation, 
that the regulation should become effective before such time. 12 U.S.C. 
4802(b)(1)(A). For the same reasons discussed in paragraph A above, the 
FDIC finds that good cause exists for an immediate effective date for 
the final rule.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires that each federal 
agency either certify that a final rule would not, if adopted in final 
form, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities or prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis of 
the proposal and publish the analysis for comment.\24\ Certain types of 
rules, such as rules of particular applicability relating to rates or 
corporate or financial structures, or practices relating to such rates 
or structures, are expressly excluded from the definition of ``rule'' 
for purposes of the RFA.\25\ The final rule relates directly to the 
rates imposed on insured depository institutions for deposit insurance, 
and by providing for the determination of assessment bases to which the 
rates will apply. Nonetheless, the FDIC is voluntarily undertaking a 
regulatory flexibility analysis of the final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See 5 U.S.C. 603, 604 and 605.
    \25\ 5 U.S.C. 601.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As of June 30, 2009, of the 8,195 insured commercial banks and 
savings institutions, there were 4,597 small insured depository 
institutions as that term is defined for purposes of the RFA (i.e., 
those with $175 million or less in assets).\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Throughout this section (unlike the rest of the notice of 
proposed rulemaking), a ``small institution'' refers to an 
institution with assets of $175 million or less.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For purposes of this analysis, whether the FDIC were to collect 
needed assessments under the existing rule or under the final rule, the 
total amount of assessments would be the same. The FDIC's total 
assessment needs are driven by the statutory mandate that the FDIC 
adopt a restoration plan and by the FDIC's aggregate insurance losses, 
expenses, investment income, and insured deposit growth, among other 
factors. Given the FDIC's total assessment needs, the final rule would 
alter the payment schedule of assessments. Using the data as of 
December 31, 2008, the FDIC calculated the total assessments that would 
be collected under the final rule.
    The final rule has no significant effect on capital and earnings, 
although there could be a small loss of interest earned by some small 
institutions. Given current low interest rates, the FDIC estimates that 
all institutions, including those with $175 million or less in assets, 
will only lose between 0.03 percent and 0.04 percent of total interest 
over the prepayment period. In addition, the final rule could affect 
the liquidity of insured depository institutions, including small 
institutions. However, for 95.8 percent of small institutions, the 
prepayment would be less than 25 percent of their cash and cash 
equivalent assets. Moreover, the final rule includes a mechanism by 
which the FDIC will exempt those institutions (including small 
institutions) that cannot prepay their assessments without leading to 
safety and soundness concerns. In addition, institutions not so 
exempted may request an exemption. Finally, the effect on liquidity for 
all institutions (including small institutions) is further mitigated by 
the institutions' ability to transfer their prepaid assessments.
    Comments were sought on the initial regulatory flexibility analysis 
in the proposed rule. No comments were received.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.) the FDIC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. 
The collection of information contained in this final rule has been 
submitted to OMB under emergency processing procedures in OMB 
regulations, 5 CFR 1320.13. The FDIC is requesting approval by November 
10, 2009. These request requirements are needed immediately to enable 
the FDIC to meet its upcoming liquidity needs

[[Page 59064]]

and to pay for projected insured institution failures. To address the 
FDIC's liquidity needs, the final rule requires institutions to pay, on 
December 30, 2009, their estimated risk-based assessments for the 
fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. In order 
to collect prepaid assessments by December 30, 2009, the FDIC must 
determine whether to exempt certain institutions from the prepayment 
requirement well in advance of the December 30, 2009 collection date. 
The FDIC will first, in its discretion as supervisor and insurer, 
review all institutions and determine which institutions to exempt. The 
FDIC will also make exemption determinations based upon application 
from institutions that the FDIC did not exempt in its initial review. 
In addition, the FDIC will consider applications from institutions 
exempted by the FDIC that nevertheless wish to pay the prepaid 
assessment. All of these applications must be submitted to the FDIC by 
December 1, 2009. The use of emergency processing will enable the FDIC 
to collect the information necessary to implement these provisions 
without delay, and without threatening the FDIC's ability to meet its 
liquidity needs and resolve failed institutions. The use of normal 
procedures is reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection of 
information necessary for the FDIC to implement the final rule, and 
could adversely affect current economic conditions.
    The initial burden estimates have been modified to reflect an 
additional information collection through which exempted institutions 
may request withdrawal of the exemption from the prepayment 
requirement. The FDIC, in its supplemental initial Paperwork Reduction 
Act notice (74 F.R. 52697 (Oct. 14, 2009), requested comment on the 
estimated paperwork burden. No comments were received.
1. Application for Exemption
    Need and Use of the Information: Exemption requests will supplement 
the FDIC's exercise of its discretion as supervisor and insurer to 
exempt an institution from the prepayment requirement if the FDIC 
determines that the prepayment will adversely affect the safety and 
soundness of that institution.
    Respondents: Insured depository institutions.
    Number of responses: 30-200 by the December 1, 2009 deadline.
    Frequency of response: Once.
    Average number of hours to prepare a response: 8 hours.
    Total annual burden: 240-1600 hours for one-time exemption request.
2. Application for Withdrawal of Exemption
    Need and Use of the Information: Under the final rule, an 
institution that the FDIC has exempted from prepayment may request that 
the FDIC allow the institution to nevertheless pay the prepaid amount.
    Respondents: Insured depository institutions.
    Number of responses: 0-20 by the December 1, 2009 deadline.
    Frequency of response: Once.
    Average number of hours to prepare a response: 8 hours.
    Total annual burden: 0-160 hours for one-time application for 
withdrawal of exemption.
3. Transfer of Prepaid Assessments
    Need and use of the information: Institutions will be required to 
notify the FDIC of the transfer of prepaid assessments so that the FDIC 
can accurately track these transfers, and apply available prepaid 
assessments appropriately against institutions' deposit insurance 
assessments. The need for credit transfer information will expire when 
the prepaid assessments have been exhausted or when remaining prepaid 
assessments are returned to the institution after June 30, 2013.
    Respondents: Insured depository institutions.
    Number of responses: 75 during the first year; 25 the second year 
and 10 in the final year.
    Frequency of response: Occasional.
    Average number of hours to prepare a response: 2 hours.
    Total annual burden: 150 hours the first year; 50 hours the second 
year; and 20 hours in the third year.
    The FDIC plans to follow this emergency request with a request for 
the standard three-year approval. Although most of the burden on 
participating entities will largely end by early 2010, a few elements 
will be ongoing until 2013. The request will be processed under OMB's 
normal clearance procedures in accordance with the provisions of OMB 
regulation 5 CFR 1320.10. To facilitate processing of the emergency and 
normal clearance submissions to OMB, the FDIC invites the general 
public to comment on: (1) Whether this collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the FDIC's functions, including 
whether the information has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the 
estimates of the burden of the information collection, including the 
validity of the methodologies and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology; and (5) estimates 
of capital or start up costs and the costs of operation, maintenance, 
and purchase of services to provide the information.
    Interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the 
FDIC concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act implications of this final 
rule. Such comments should refer to ``Exemption Request, Withdrawal of 
Exemption Request, and Transfer Notification, 3064-AD49''. Comments may 
be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Agency Web site: http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html. Follow instructions for submitting comments on 
the Agency Web Site.
     E-mail: [email protected]. Include ``Exemption Request, 
Withdrawal of Exemption Request, and Transfer Notification, 3064-AD49'' 
in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary, Attention: 
PRA Comments, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street, 
NW., Washington, DC 20429.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Guard station at the rear of the 
550 17th Street Building (located on F Street) on business days between 
7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
    All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html including any 
personal information provided. A copy of the comments may also be 
submitted to the OMB desk officer for the FDIC, Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive 
Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.

E. Solicitation of Comments on Use of Plain Language

    Section 722 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Public Law 106-102, 113 
Stat. 1338, 1471 (Nov. 12, 1999), requires the federal banking agencies 
to use plain language in all proposed and final rules published after 
January 1, 2000. The FDIC invited comments on how to make this proposal 
easier to understand. No comments addressing this issue were received.

F. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that the final 
rule is not a ``major rule'' within the meaning of the relevant 
sections of the Small

[[Page 59065]]

Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996 (SBREFA) Public Law 110-28 
(1996). As required by law, the FDIC will file the appropriate reports 
with Congress and the Government Accountability Office so that the 
final rule may be reviewed.

G. The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999--
Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families

    The FDIC has determined that the proposed rule will not affect 
family well-being within the meaning of section 654 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act, enacted as part of the Omnibus 
Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1999 
(Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681).

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 327

    Bank deposit insurance, Banks, banking, Savings associations.

PART 327--ASSESSMENTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 327 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 1441, 1813, 1815, 1817-1819, 1821; Sec. 
2101-2109, Public Law 109-171, 120 Stat. 9-21, and Sec. 3, Public 
Law 109-173, 119 Stat. 3605.

0
2. In part 327, add new Sec.  327.12 to subpart A to read as follows:


Sec.  327.12  Prepayment of quarterly risk-based assessments.

    (a) Requirement to prepay assessment. On December 30, 2009, each 
insured depository institution shall pay to the FDIC a prepaid 
assessment, which shall equal its estimated quarterly risk-based 
assessments aggregated for the fourth quarter of 2009, and all of 2010, 
2011, and 2012 (the ``prepayment period'').
    (b) Calculation of prepaid assessment. (1) Prepaid assessment. (i) 
Fourth quarter 2009 and all of 2010. An institution's prepaid 
assessment for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010 shall be 
determined by multiplying its prepaid assessment rate as defined in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section times the corresponding prepaid 
assessment base for each quarter as determined pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) All of 2011 and 2012. An institution's prepaid assessment for 
each quarter of 2011 and 2012 shall be determined by multiplying the 
sum of its prepaid assessment rate as defined in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section, plus .75 basis points (which implements the 3 basis point 
increase in annual assessment rates adopted by the Board on September 
29, 2009), times the corresponding prepaid assessment base for each 
quarter determined pursuant to paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
    (2) Prepaid assessment rate. For each quarter of the prepayment 
period, an institution's prepaid assessment rate shall equal the total 
base assessment rate that the institution would have paid for the third 
quarter of 2009 had the institution's CAMELS ratings in effect on 
September 30, 2009, and, where applicable, long-term debt issuer 
ratings in effect on September 30, 2009, been in effect for the entire 
third quarter of 2009.
    (3) Prepaid assessment base. For each quarter of the prepayment 
period, an institution's prepaid assessment base shall be calculated by 
increasing its third quarter 2009 assessment base at an annual rate of 
5 percent.
    (4) Finality of prepaid assessment. The prepaid assessment rate and 
prepaid assessment base defined in paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this 
section shall be determined based upon data in the FDIC's computer 
systems as of December 24, 2009. Changes to data underlying an 
institution's adjusted total base assessment rate or assessment base, 
whether by amendment to a report of condition or otherwise, received by 
the FDIC after December 24, 2009, shall not affect an institution's 
prepaid assessment.
    (5) Prepaid assessment rates for mergers and consolidations. For 
mergers and consolidations recorded in the FDIC's computer systems no 
later than December 24, 2009, the acquired institution's prepaid 
assessment rate under paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the 
prepaid assessment rate of the acquiring institution.
    (c) Invoicing of prepaid assessment. The FDIC shall advise each 
insured depository institution of the amount and calculation of its 
prepaid assessment at the same time the FDIC provides the institution's 
quarterly certified statement invoice for the third quarter of 2009. 
The FDIC will re-invoice through FDICconnect based upon any data 
changes as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section.
    (d) Payment of prepaid assessment. Each insured depository 
institution shall pay to the Corporation the amount of its prepaid 
assessment as required under paragraph (a) of this section in 
compliance with and subject to the provisions of Sec. Sec.  327.3 and 
327.7 of subpart A.
    (1) Exception to ACH payment. If an institution's prepaid 
assessment is greater than $99 million, the institution shall make 
payment by wire transfer to the FDIC, rather than by funding its 
designated deposit account for payment via ACH as provided in Sec.  
327.3 of subpart A.
    (2) One-time assessment credits. The FDIC will not apply an 
institution's one-time assessment credit under subpart B of this part 
327 to reduce an institution's prepaid assessment. The FDIC will apply 
an institution's remaining one-time assessment credits under Part 327 
subpart B to its quarterly deposit insurance assessments before 
applying its prepaid assessments.
    (e) Use of prepaid assessments. Prepaid assessments shall only be 
used to offset regular quarterly risk-based deposit insurance 
assessments payable under this subpart A. The FDIC will begin 
offsetting regular quarterly risk-based deposit insurance assessments 
against prepaid assessments on March 30, 2010. The FDIC will continue 
to make such offsets until the earlier of the exhaustion of the 
institution's prepaid assessment or June 30, 2013. Any prepaid 
assessment remaining after collection of the amount due on June 30, 
2013, shall be returned to the institution. If the FDIC, in its 
discretion, determines that its liquidity needs allow, it may return 
any remaining prepaid assessment to the institution prior to June 30, 
2013.
    (f) Transfers. An insured depository institution may enter into an 
agreement to transfer, but not pledge, any portion of that 
institution's prepaid assessment to another insured depository 
institution, provided that the parties to the agreement notify the 
FDIC's Division of Finance and submit a written agreement, signed by 
legal representatives of both institutions. The parties must include 
documentation stating that each representative has the legal authority 
to bind the institution. The institution transferring its prepaid 
assessment shall submit the required notice and documentation through 
FDICconnect. That information will be presented by the FDIC through 
FDICconnect to the institution acquiring the prepaid assessments for 
its acceptance. The adjustment to the amount of the prepaid assessment 
for each institution involved in the transfer will be made in the next 
assessment invoice that is sent at least 10 days after the FDIC's 
receipt of acceptance by the institution acquiring the prepaid 
assessments.
    (g) Prepaid assessments following a merger. In the event that an 
insured depository institution merges with, or consolidates into, 
another insured depository institution, the surviving or resulting 
institution will be entitled to use any unused portion of the acquired 
institution's prepaid assessment not

[[Page 59066]]

otherwise transferred pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section.
    (h) Disposition in the event of failure or termination of insured 
status. In the event of failure of an insured depository institution, 
any amount of its prepaid assessment remaining (other than any amounts 
needed to satisfy its assessment obligations not yet offset against the 
prepaid amount) will be refunded to the institution's receiver. In the 
event that an insured depository institution's insured status 
terminates, any amount of its prepaid assessment remaining (other than 
any amounts needed to satisfy its assessment obligations not yet offset 
against the prepaid amount) will be refunded to the institution, 
subject to the provisions of Sec.  327.6 of subpart A.
    (i) Exemptions. (1) Exemption without application. The FDIC, after 
consultation with an institution's primary federal regulator, will 
exercise its discretion as supervisor and insurer to exempt an 
institution from the prepayment requirement under paragraph (a) of this 
section if the FDIC determines that the prepayment would adversely 
affect the safety and soundness of that institution. No application is 
required for this review and the FDIC will notify any affected 
institution of its exemption by November 23, 2009.
    (2) Application for exemption. An institution may also apply to the 
FDIC for an exemption from the prepayment requirement under paragraph 
(a) of this section if the prepayment would significantly impair the 
institution's liquidity, or would otherwise create extraordinary 
hardship. Written applications for exemption from the prepayment 
obligation must be submitted to the Director of the Division of 
Supervision and Consumer Protection on or before December 1, 2009, by 
electronic mail ([email protected]) or fax (202-898-6676). The 
application must contain a full explanation of the need for the 
exemption and provide supporting documentation, including current 
financial statements, cash flow projections, and any other relevant 
information, including any information the FDIC may request. The FDIC 
will exercise its discretion in deciding whether to exempt an 
institution that files an application for exemption. An application 
shall be deemed denied unless the FDIC notifies an applying institution 
by December 15, 2009, either that the institution is exempt from the 
prepaid assessment or the FDIC has postponed determination under 
paragraph (i)(4) of this section. The FDIC's denial of applications for 
exemption will be final and not subject to further agency review.
    (3) Application for Withdrawal of Exemption. An institution that 
has received an exemption under paragraph (i)(1) of this section may 
request that the FDIC withdraw the exemption. Written applications for 
withdrawal of exemption must be submitted to the Director of the 
Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection on or before December 
1, 2009, by electronic mail ([email protected]) or fax (202-
898-6676). The application must contain a full explanation of the 
reasons the exemption is not needed and provide supporting 
documentation, including current financial statements, cash flow 
projections, and any other relevant information, including any 
information the FDIC may request. The FDIC, after consultation with the 
institution's primary Federal regulator, will exercise its discretion 
in deciding whether to withdraw the exemption. The FDIC will notify an 
institution of its decision to withdraw the exemption by December 15, 
2009; that determination will be final and not subject to further 
agency review. An application shall be deemed denied unless the FDIC 
notifies an applying institution by December 15, 2009, that the 
exemption is withdrawn.
    (4) Postponement of determination. The FDIC may postpone making a 
determination on any application for exemption filed under paragraph 
(i)(2) of this section until no later than January 14, 2010. An 
institution notified by the FDIC of such postponement will not have to 
pay the prepaid assessment calculated under paragraph (b) of this 
section on December 30, 2009. If the FDIC denies the application for 
exemption, the FDIC will notify the institution of the denial and of 
the date by which the institution must pay the prepaid assessment. The 
due date for payment of the prepaid assessment after such a denial will 
be no less than 15 days after the date of the notice of denial.
    (5) Obligation to pay third quarter 2009 assessment. Any 
institution exempted from the prepayment requirement or any institution 
whose application for exemption has been postponed under this section 
shall pay to the Corporation on December 30, 2009, any amount due for 
the third quarter of 2009 as shown on the certified statement invoice 
for that quarter.

    By Order of the Board of Directors.

    Dated at Washington DC, this 12th day of November 2009.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Valerie J. Best,
Assistant Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-27594 Filed 11-16-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6714-01-P