[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 246 (Thursday, December 22, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 94028-94055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30566]



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Vol. 81

Thursday,

No. 246

December 22, 2016

Part II





 Department of Labor





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Exemptions From Certain Prohibited Transaction Restrictions; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2016 / 
Notices  

[[Page 94028]]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employee Benefits Security Administration


Exemptions From Certain Prohibited Transaction Restrictions

AGENCY: Employee Benefits Security Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Grant of individual exemptions.

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SUMMARY: This document contains exemptions issued by the Department of 
Labor (the Department) from certain of the prohibited transaction 
restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 
(ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code). 
This notice includes the following: 2016-13, Deutsche Investment 
Management Americas Inc. and Certain Current and Future Asset 
Management Affiliates of Deutsche Bank AG, D-11856; 2016-14, Citigroup, 
Inc., D-11859; 2016-15, JPMorgan Chase & Co., D-11861; 2016-16, 
Barclays Capital Inc., D-11862; and 2016-17, UBS Assets Management; UBS 
Realty Investors LLC; UBS Hedge Fund Solutions LLC; UBS O'Conner LLC; 
and Certain Future Affiliates in UBS's Asset Management and Wealth 
Management Americas Divisions, D-11863.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A notice was published in the Federal 
Register of the pendency before the Department of a proposal to grant 
such exemption. The notice set forth a summary of facts and 
representations contained in the application for exemption and referred 
interested persons to the application for a complete statement of the 
facts and representations. The application has been available for 
public inspection at the Department in Washington, DC. The notice also 
invited interested persons to submit comments on the requested 
exemption to the Department. In addition the notice stated that any 
interested person might submit a written request that a public hearing 
be held (where appropriate). The applicant has represented that it has 
complied with the requirements of the notification to interested 
persons. No requests for a hearing were received by the Department. 
Public comments were received by the Department as described in the 
granted exemption.
    The notice of proposed exemption was issued and the exemption is 
being granted solely by the Department because, effective December 31, 
1978, section 102 of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978, 5 U.S.C. App. 1 
(1996), transferred the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to 
issue exemptions of the type proposed to the Secretary of Labor.

Statutory Findings

    In accordance with section 408(a) of the Act and/or section 
4975(c)(2) of the Code and the procedures set forth in 29 CFR part 
2570, subpart B (76 FR 66637, 66644, October 27, 2011) \1\ and based 
upon the entire record, the Department makes the following findings:
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    \1\ The Department has considered exemption applications 
received prior to December 27, 2011 under the exemption procedures 
set forth in 29 CFR part 2570, subpart B (55 FR 32836, 32847, August 
10, 1990).
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    (a) The exemption is administratively feasible;
    (b) The exemption is in the interests of the plan and its 
participants and beneficiaries; and
    (c) The exemption is protective of the rights of the participants 
and beneficiaries of the plan.

Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. (DIMA) and Certain Current 
and Future Asset Management Affiliates of Deutsche Bank AG 
(Collectively, the Applicant or the DB QPAMs) Located in New York, New 
York

[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2016-13; Exemption Application No. D-
11856]

Temporary Exemption

    On November 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed temporary exemption in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83336, proposing that certain entities with specified 
relationships to DSK or DB Group Services could continue to rely upon 
the relief provided by PTE 84-14 (49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as 
corrected at 50 FR 41430 (October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 
(August 23, 2005), and as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010)), 
notwithstanding the Convictions.
    No relief from a violation of any other law is provided by this 
temporary exemption, including any criminal conviction described in the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption. Furthermore, the Department 
cautions that the relief in this temporary exemption will terminate 
immediately if, among other things, an entity within the Deutsche Bank 
corporate family is convicted of a crime described in Section I(g) of 
PTE 84-14 during the effective period of the temporary exemption. While 
such an entity could apply for a new exemption in that circumstance, 
the Department would not be obligated to grant that exemption. The 
terms of this temporary exemption have been specifically designed to 
permit plans to terminate their relationships in an orderly and cost 
effective fashion in the event of an additional conviction or a 
determination that it is otherwise prudent for a plan to terminate its 
relationship with an entity covered by the temporary exemption.

Written Comments

    The Department invited all interested persons to submit written 
comments and/or requests for a public hearing with respect to the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption, published in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83336 on November 21, 2016. All comments and requests 
for a hearing were due by November 26, 2016. The Applicant submitted a 
comment to the Department during the comment period in connection with 
the proposed temporary exemption. The comment letter contained the 
Applicant's request for a number of revisions to the proposed 
exemption, and was further supplemented through additional 
correspondence, as requested by the Department. After considering the 
comment letter, the Department determined that some, but not all, of 
the requested revisions have merit, and has revised the exemption in 
the manner described below. All requested revisions and comments, 
accepted or omitted, will be reconsidered for purposes of the longer 
term relief proposed in the Federal Register at 81 FR 83400 on November 
21, 2016, in connection with Exemption Application Number D-11908.
Revision 1. Definition of the Convictions
    Section II(a) of the proposed temporary exemption reads, in 
relevant part, that ``[f]or all purposes under this exemption, 
`conduct' of any person or entity that is the 'subject of [a] 
Conviction' encompasses any conduct of Deutsche Bank and/or their 
personnel, that is described in the Plea Agreement (including the 
Factual Statement thereto), Court judgments (including the judgment of 
the Seoul Central District Court), criminal complaint documents from 
the Financial Services Commission in Korea, and other official 
regulatory or judicial factual findings that are a part of this 
record.''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify Section II(a) of 
the proposed temporary exemption, to narrow the scope of activity that 
is considered to be the ``conduct'' of a person or entity that is the 
subject of a Conviction. According to the Applicant, the definition as 
proposed may create

[[Page 94029]]

undue uncertainty for the Applicant and for plan fiduciaries and 
counterparties transacting with plans. Deutsche Bank states that the 
language in Section II(a) expands the ``conduct'' that is considered 
the subject of the Conviction beyond that which is described as 
criminal in the Plea Agreement. Moreover, Deutsche Bank suggests that 
the reference to ``other official regulatory or judicial factual 
findings that are a part of this record'' is vague and could 
potentially refer to findings by regulators or in civil proceedings 
involving the Applicant and disclosed to the Department.
    The Department concurs with this comment, and has revised Section 
II(a) as follows: ``For all purposes under this exemption, `conduct' of 
any person or entity that is the 'subject of [a] Conviction' 
encompasses the factual allegations described in Paragraph 13 of the 
Plea Agreement filed in the District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-
00062-RNC, and in the `Criminal Acts' section pertaining to `Defendant 
DSK' in the Decision of the Seoul Central District Court.'' The 
Department also deleted the parenthetical in paragraph I(a) regarding 
the term ``participate in'' and reworded the ``participate in'' 
parenthetical in paragraph I(c) to read: ``(for purposes of this 
paragraph (c), ``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the 
misconduct underlying the Conviction).''
Revision 2. Indemnification and Notice Provisions in Section I(j).
    Section I(j) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that, 
``[e]ffective as of the effective date of this temporary exemption, 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a DB 
QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a DB QPAM provides 
asset management or other discretionary fiduciary services, each DB 
QPAM agrees'' to comply with certain obligations described in Sections 
I(j)(1) through (7). Specifically, Section I(j)(7) requires such DB 
QPAMs ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of applicable laws, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such DB QPAM to 
qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a 
violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the Convictions.''
    The Applicant requested that the Department modify the language of 
Section I(j), including Section I(j)(7), in order to narrow the scope 
of the contractual obligations in two respects. First, the Applicant 
requested that the contractual obligations described in Section I(j)(1) 
through (7) apply only with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or 
contract between a DB QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA under which 
the DB QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary fiduciary 
services in reliance on PTE 84-14. The Department declines to make this 
revision. Often, parties enter into arrangements with financial 
institutions in reliance on their QPAM status, irrespective of whether 
PTE 84-14 is strictly needed or in circumstances where more than one 
exemption may be available. The broad applicability of the conditions 
of Section I(j) ensures that the parties' reliance is not misplaced; 
avoids needless disputes over the particular exemption relied upon by 
the QPAMs; and encourages a broad culture of compliance and 
accountability at the QPAMs, consistent with the rightful expectations 
of plans and IRAs that engage in transactions with QPAMs. A broad 
application of Section I(j) is in the interest of ERISA-covered plans 
and IRAs and protective of their rights. The DB QPAMs should be held to 
a high standard of integrity with respect to all ERISA-covered plans 
and IRAs, and not just those with respect to which it relies on PTE 84-
14.
    Secondly, the Applicant claims that the indemnification and hold 
harmless requirement in subparagraph (7) is overly broad and does not 
impose any limit on damages to be paid. Therefore, the Applicant 
requests that scope of the indemnification obligation in Section 
I(j)(7) be narrowed by removing the phrase ``any damages resulting from 
a violation of applicable laws, a breach of contract, or any claim 
arising out of'' and replacing it with `` the reasonable costs of 
terminating the investment management agreement with the DB QPAM and 
the retention of a replacement manager arising from.'' The Department 
declines to make the requested revision, as it would not be in the 
interest of or protective of the rights of ERISA-covered plans and IRAs 
to limit such plans' contractual indemnification rights in the event 
that they have a reasonable basis to seek redress. However, the 
Department agrees to modify Section I(j)(7) to clarify that 
``applicable laws'' refer to the fiduciary duties of ERISA and the 
prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code, which are 
likewise required to be included in the Policies described in Section 
I(h) of this exemption.
    Therefore, Section I(j)(7) of the temporary exemption, as granted, 
requires a DB QPAM ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered 
plan or IRA for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's 
fiduciary duties and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction 
provisions, a breach of contract, or any claim arising out of the 
failure of such DB QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by 
PTE 84-14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other 
than the Convictions.''
    The Department is also revising the notice requirement in paragraph 
(j) to require that each DB QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement 
under Section I(j) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for which a DB 
QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary fiduciary 
services, and to provide that it must be completed within six (6) 
months of the effective date of this temporary exemption.
Revision 3. Restrictions on Withdrawals in Section I(j)
    Section I(j)(4) of the proposed temporary exemption requires that 
the DB QPAMs must agree ``(n)ot to restrict the ability of such ERISA-
covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with 
the DB QPAM (including any investment in a separately managed account 
or pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM), with the 
exception of reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in 
advance, that are specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment 
of all investors in a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or 
termination may have adverse consequences for all other investors as a 
result of an actual lack of liquidity of the underlying assets, 
provided that such restrictions are applied consistently and in like 
manner to all such investors.''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify Section I(j)(4) 
to include additional exceptions under which reasonable withdrawal 
restrictions on ERISA-covered plans and IRAs may be imposed. 
Furthermore, the Applicant requests that the withdrawal restrictions 
apply on a prospective basis only, due to the difficulty of modifying 
the terms of withdrawal in connection with prior investments in pooled 
funds that may become subject to ERISA.
    The Department does not believe that an open-ended exception under 
which additional withdrawal restrictions may be imposed on ERISA-
covered plans and IRAs invested in pooled funds is protective of the 
rights of participants and beneficiaries of those plans. However, the 
Department has modified Section I(j)(4) to make it clear that a ``lack 
of liquidity'' may include a range

[[Page 94030]]

of circumstances where reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect 
remaining investors in a pooled fund. Furthermore, the Department has 
modified Section I(j)(4) in order to clarify that the limitation of 
adverse consequences to those resulting from a lack of liquidity, 
valuation issues, or regulatory reasons, is only required with respect 
to investments in a pooled fund subject to ERISA entered into after the 
Conviction Date. In any such event, the restrictions must be reasonable 
and last no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse 
consequences to investors in the fund.
    Therefore, Section I(j)(4) of this temporary exemption, as 
modified, requires DB QPAMs: ``Not to restrict the ability of such 
ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement 
with the DB QPAM with respect to any investment in a separately managed 
account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with 
the exception of reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in 
advance, that are specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment 
of all investors in a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or 
termination may have adverse consequences for all other investors. In 
connection with any such arrangements involving investments in pooled 
funds subject to ERISA entered into after the U.S. Conviction Date, the 
adverse consequences must relate to a lack of liquidity of the 
underlying assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent 
the fund from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's 
investment, and such restrictions must be applicable to all such 
investors and effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid 
the adverse consequences.''
Revision 4. Modification of Section I(g)
    Section I(g) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that, 
``DSK and DB Group Services will not provide discretionary asset 
management services to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, nor will otherwise 
act as a fiduciary with respect to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets.'' 
The Applicant requests that this condition be modified in order to 
allow DSK to act as a fiduciary by virtue of providing investment 
advice. The Applicant states that personnel of DSK may inadvertently 
become investment advice fiduciaries under Department Regulation 
section 2510.3-21 in the event such personnel give advice in connection 
with the execution of a trade that involves an ERISA-covered plan or 
IRA. According to the Applicant, this situation may arise in connection 
with the execution of block trades or settlement of trades submitted by 
third parties that, unbeknownst to DSK, involve ERISA-covered plans and 
IRAs. Furthermore, the Applicant requests that Section I(g) be modified 
so that, in the event DSK or DB Group Services establish their own 
retirement plan, they will not be deemed to have violated this 
condition.
    Based on these and similar concerns, the Department has revised 
Section I(g) to provide that ``Other than with respect to employee 
benefit plans maintained or sponsored for their own employees or the 
employees of an affiliate, DSK and DB Group Services will not act as 
fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), 
or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or (C), with respect to ERISA-covered 
plan and IRA assets; in accordance with this provision, DSK and DB 
Group Services will not be treated as violating the conditions of this 
exemption solely because they acted as investment advice fiduciaries 
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii), or Section 
4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code, or because DB Group Services employees may 
be doublehatted, seconded, supervised or otherwise subject to the 
control of a DB QPAM, including in a discretionary fiduciary capacity 
with respect to the DB QPAM clients.''
Revision 6. Technical Corrections and Clarifications
    The Department made several technical corrections and a 
clarification to the proposed temporary exemption requested by the 
Applicant, that are described below:
    The date of the Korean Conviction correctly provides that January 
25, 2016 is the date of the Korean Conviction in the prefatory language 
of this final temporary exemption.
    Section I(i)(8) of the final temporary exemption is revised to 
require that ``[t]he Audit Committee of Deutsche Bank's Supervisory 
Board is provided a copy of each Audit Report; and a senior executive 
officer with a direct reporting line to the highest ranking compliance 
officer of Deutsche Bank must review the Audit Report for each DB QPAM 
and must certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that such 
officer has reviewed each Audit Report.''
    The Department is revising Section I(j)(1) of the proposed 
temporary exemption in order to clarify the obligations of DB QPAMs 
applicable with respect to ERISA-covered plans and IRAs. In this 
regard, Section I(j)(1) of the final temporary exemption provides that 
each DB QPAM agrees ``[t]o comply with ERISA and the Code, as 
applicable with respect to such ERISA-covered plan or IRA; to refrain 
from engaging in prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt 
(and to promptly correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and 
to comply with the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in 
section 404 of ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-
covered plan and IRA.''
    Section II(b) of the final temporary exemption corrects the typo in 
``DB Group Services'' in the proposed temporary exemption. Section 
II(b) of the final temporary exemption correctly refers to section 
VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14 in the definition of ``affiliate.'' The prefatory 
language and Section II(e) of the final temporary exemption correctly 
provides that ``DB Group Services (UK) Limited'' is the full name of DB 
Group Services. Section II(g) of the final temporary exemption 
correctly refers to the ``Agreed Statement of Fact'' and ``the charge 
brought'' in connection with the definition of ``Plea Agreement,'' and 
the phrase ``related to the manipulation of the London Interbank 
Offered Rate (LIBOR)'' has been struck from technical description of 
the charge.
    Finally, the Department clarifies that, to the extent that the 
Training requirements in Section I(h)(2) of the temporary exemption and 
PTE 2016-12 are consistent, such provisions should be harmonized so 
that the sequential exemptions do not inadvertently require multiple 
trainings per year covering the same material.
    After giving full consideration to the entire record, the 
Department has decided to grant the temporary exemption. The complete 
application file for the temporary exemption (Exemption Application No. 
D-11856), including all supplemental submissions received by the 
Department, is available for public inspection in the Public Disclosure 
Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N-1515, 
U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20210.
    For a more complete statement of the facts and representations 
supporting the Department's decision to grant this Extension, refer to 
the notice of proposed extension, published on November 21, 2016, at 81 
FR 8336.

Temporary Exemption Operative Language

Section I: Covered Transactions
    Certain entities with specified relationships to Deutsche Bank AG 
(hereinafter, the DB QPAMs, as further defined in Section II(b)) will 
not be precluded from relying on the

[[Page 94031]]

exemptive relief provided by Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 84-
14,\2\ notwithstanding (1) the ``Korean Conviction'' against Deutsche 
Securities Korea Co., a South Korean affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG 
(hereinafter, DSK, as further defined in Section II(f)), entered on 
January 25, 2016; and (2) the ``US Conviction'' against DB Group 
Services (UK) Limited, an affiliate of Deutsche Bank based in the 
United Kingdom (hereinafter, DB Group Services, as further defined in 
Section II(e)), scheduled to be entered on April 3, 2017 (collectively, 
the Convictions, as further defined in Section II(a)),\3\ for a period 
of up to 12 months beginning on the U.S. Conviction Date (as further 
defined in Section II(d)), provided that the following conditions are 
satisfied:
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    \2\ 49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and 
as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010).
    \3\ Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 generally provides that 
``[n]either the QPAM nor any affiliate thereof . . . nor any owner . 
. . of a 5 percent or more interest in the QPAM is a person who 
within the 10 years immediately preceding the transaction has been 
either convicted or released from imprisonment, whichever is later, 
as a result of'' certain criminal activity therein described.
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    (a) The DB QPAMs (including their officers, directors, agents other 
than Deutsche Bank, and employees of such DB QPAMs) did not know of, 
have reason to know of, or participate in the criminal conduct of DSK 
and DB Group Services that is the subject of the Convictions;
    (b) The DB QPAMs (including their officers, directors, agents other 
than Deutsche Bank, and employees of such DB QPAMs) did not receive 
direct compensation, or knowingly receive indirect compensation, in 
connection with the criminal conduct that is the subject of the 
Convictions;
    (c) The DB QPAMs will not employ or knowingly engage any of the 
individuals that participated in the criminal conduct that is the 
subject of the Convictions (for purposes of this paragraph (c), 
``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the misconduct 
underlying the Convictions);
    (d) A DB QPAM will not use its authority or influence to direct an 
``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) of PTE 84-14) that is 
subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such DB QPAM to enter into 
any transaction with DSK or DB Group Services, or engage DSK or DB 
Group Services to provide any service to such investment fund, for a 
direct or indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless of 
whether such transaction or service may otherwise be within the scope 
of relief provided by an administrative or statutory exemption;
    (e) Any failure of the DB QPAMs to satisfy Section I(g) of PTE 84-
14 arose solely from the Convictions;
    (f) A DB QPAM did not exercise authority over the assets of any 
plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or 
section 4975 of the Code (an IRA) in a manner that it knew or should 
have known would: Further the criminal conduct that is the subject of 
the Convictions; or cause the QPAM, affiliates, or related parties to 
directly or indirectly profit from the criminal conduct that is the 
subject of the Convictions;
    (g) Other than with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or 
sponsored for their own employees or the employees of an affiliate, DSK 
and DB Group Services will not act as fiduciaries within the meaning of 
ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or 
(C), with respect to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets; in accordance 
with this provision, DSK and DB Group Services will not be treated as 
violating the conditions of this exemption solely because they acted as 
investment advice fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA Section 
3(21)(A)(ii), or Section 4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code, or because DB Group 
Services employees may be doublehatted, seconded, supervised or 
otherwise subject to the control of a DB QPAM, including in a 
discretionary fiduciary capacity with respect to the DB QPAM clients;
    (h)(1) Each DB QPAM must immediately develop, implement, maintain, 
and follow written policies and procedures (the Policies) requiring and 
reasonably designed to ensure that:
    (i) The asset management decisions of the DB QPAM are conducted 
independently of Deutsche Bank's corporate management and business 
activities, including the corporate management and business activities 
of DB Group Services and DSK;
    (ii) The DB QPAM fully complies with ERISA's fiduciary duties and 
with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, and does 
not knowingly participate in any violations of these duties and 
provisions with respect to ERISA-covered plans and IRAs;
    (iii) The DB QPAM does not knowingly participate in any other 
person's violation of ERISA or the Code with respect to ERISA-covered 
plans and IRAs;
    (iv) Any filings or statements made by the DB QPAM to regulators, 
including but not limited to, the Department of Labor, the Department 
of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the Pension Benefit 
Guaranty Corporation, on behalf of ERISA-covered plans or IRAs are 
materially accurate and complete, to the best of such QPAM's knowledge 
at that time;
    (v) The DB QPAM does not make material misrepresentations or omit 
material information in its communications with such regulators with 
respect to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or make material 
misrepresentations or omit material information in its communications 
with ERISA-covered plan and IRA clients;
    (vi) The DB QPAM complies with the terms of this temporary 
exemption; and
    (vii) Any violation of, or failure to comply with, an item in 
subparagraph (ii) through (vi), is corrected promptly upon discovery, 
and any such violation or compliance failure not promptly corrected is 
reported, upon the discovery of such failure to promptly correct, in 
writing, to appropriate corporate officers, the head of compliance and 
the General Counsel (or their functional equivalent) of the relevant DB 
QPAM, the independent auditor responsible for reviewing compliance with 
the Policies, and an appropriate fiduciary of any affected ERISA-
covered plan or IRA where such fiduciary is independent of Deutsche 
Bank; however, with respect to any ERISA-covered plan or IRA sponsored 
by an ``affiliate'' (as defined in Section VI(d) of PTE 84-14) of 
Deutsche Bank or beneficially owned by an employee of Deutsche Bank or 
its affiliates, such fiduciary does not need to be independent of 
Deutsche Bank. A DB QPAM will not be treated as having failed to 
develop, implement, maintain, or follow the Policies, provided that it 
corrects any instance of noncompliance promptly when discovered or when 
it reasonably should have known of the noncompliance (whichever is 
earlier), and provided that it adheres to the reporting requirements 
set forth in this subparagraph (vii);
    (2) Each DB QPAM must immediately develop and implement a program 
of training (the Training), conducted at least annually, for all 
relevant DB QPAM asset/portfolio management, trading, legal, 
compliance, and internal audit personnel. The Training must be set 
forth in the Policies and at a minimum, cover the Policies, ERISA and 
Code compliance (including applicable fiduciary duties and the 
prohibited transaction provisions), ethical conduct, the consequences 
for not complying with the conditions of this temporary exemption 
(including any loss of exemptive relief provided

[[Page 94032]]

herein), and prompt reporting of wrongdoing;
    (i)(1) Each DB QPAM submits to an audit conducted by an independent 
auditor, who has been prudently selected and who has appropriate 
technical training and proficiency with ERISA and the Code, to evaluate 
the adequacy of, and the DB QPAM's compliance with, the Policies and 
Training described herein. The audit requirement must be incorporated 
in the Policies. The audit period under this temporary exemption begins 
on October 24, 2016, and continues through the entire effective period 
of this temporary exemption (the Audit Period). The Audit Period will 
cover the contiguous periods of time during which PTE 2016-12, the 
Extension of PTE 2015-15 (81 FR 75153, October 28, 2016) (the 
Extension) and this temporary exemption are effective. The audit terms 
contained in this paragraph (i) supersede the terms of paragraph (f) of 
the Extension. However, in determining compliance with the conditions 
for the Extension and this temporary exemption, including the Policies 
and Training requirements, for purposes of conducting the audit, the 
auditor will rely on the conditions for exemptive relief as then 
applicable to the respective portions of the Audit Period. The audit 
must be completed no later than six (6) months after the period to 
which the audit applies;
    (2) To the extent necessary for the auditor, in its sole opinion, 
to complete its audit and comply with the conditions for relief 
described herein, and as permitted by law, each DB QPAM and, if 
applicable, Deutsche Bank, will grant the auditor unconditional access 
to its business, including, but not limited to: Its computer systems; 
business records; transactional data; workplace locations; training 
materials; and personnel;
    (3) The auditor's engagement must specifically require the auditor 
to determine whether each DB QPAM has developed, implemented, 
maintained, and followed the Policies in accordance with the conditions 
of this temporary exemption, and has developed and implemented the 
Training, as required herein;
    (4) The auditor's engagement must specifically require the auditor 
to test each DB QPAM's operational compliance with the Policies and 
Training. In this regard, the auditor must test a sample of each QPAM's 
transactions involving ERISA-covered plans and IRAs sufficient in size 
and nature to afford the auditor a reasonable basis to determine the 
operational compliance with the Policies and Training;
    (5) For each audit, on or before the end of the relevant period 
described in Section I(i)(1) for completing the audit, the auditor must 
issue a written report (the Audit Report) to Deutsche Bank and the DB 
QPAM to which the audit applies that describes the procedures performed 
by the auditor during the course of its examination. The Audit Report 
must include the auditor's specific determinations regarding: The 
adequacy of the DB QPAM's Policies and Training; the DB QPAM's 
compliance with the Policies and Training; the need, if any, to 
strengthen such Policies and Training; and any instance of the 
respective DB QPAM's noncompliance with the written Policies and 
Training described in Section I(h) above. Any determination by the 
auditor regarding the adequacy of the Policies and Training and the 
auditor's recommendations (if any) with respect to strengthening the 
Policies and Training of the respective DB QPAM must be promptly 
addressed by such DB QPAM, and any action taken by such DB QPAM to 
address such recommendations must be included in an addendum to the 
Audit Report (which addendum is completed prior to the certification 
described in Section I(i)(7) below). Any determination by the auditor 
that the respective DB QPAM has implemented, maintained, and followed 
sufficient Policies and Training must not be based solely or in 
substantial part on an absence of evidence indicating noncompliance. In 
this last regard, any finding that the DB QPAM has complied with the 
requirements under this subsection must be based on evidence that 
demonstrates the DB QPAM has actually implemented, maintained, and 
followed the Policies and Training required by this temporary 
exemption;
    (6) The auditor must notify the respective DB QPAM of any instance 
of noncompliance identified by the auditor within five (5) business 
days after such noncompliance is identified by the auditor, regardless 
of whether the audit has been completed as of that date;
    (7) With respect to each Audit Report, the General Counsel, or one 
of the three most senior executive officers of the DB QPAM to which the 
Audit Report applies, must certify in writing, under penalty of 
perjury, that the officer has reviewed the Audit Report and this 
temporary exemption; addressed, corrected, or remedied any inadequacy 
identified in the Audit Report; and determined that the Policies and 
Training in effect at the time of signing are adequate to ensure 
compliance with the conditions of this temporary exemption, and with 
the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code;
    (8) The Audit Committee of Deutsche Bank's Supervisory Board is 
provided a copy of each Audit Report; and a senior executive officer 
with a direct reporting line to the highest ranking compliance officer 
of Deutsche Bank must review the Audit Report for each DB QPAM and must 
certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, that such officer has 
reviewed each Audit Report;
    (9) Each DB QPAM provides its certified Audit Report, by regular 
mail to: The Department's Office of Exemption Determinations (OED), 200 
Constitution Avenue NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20210, or by private 
carrier to: 122 C Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20001-2109, no 
later than 45 days following its completion. The Audit Report will be 
part of the public record regarding this temporary exemption. 
Furthermore, each DB QPAM must make its Audit Report unconditionally 
available for examination by any duly authorized employee or 
representative of the Department, other relevant regulators, and any 
fiduciary of an ERISA-covered plan or IRA, the assets of which are 
managed by such DB QPAM;
    (10) Each DB QPAM and the auditor must submit to OED: (A) Any 
engagement agreement(s) entered into pursuant to the engagement of the 
auditor under this exemption; and (B) any engagement agreement entered 
into with any other entity retained in connection with such QPAM's 
compliance with the Training or Policies conditions of this temporary 
exemption, no later than six (6) months after the effective date of 
this temporary exemption (and one month after the execution of any 
agreement thereafter);
    (11) The auditor must provide OED, upon request, all of the 
workpapers created and utilized in the course of the audit, including, 
but not limited to: The audit plan; audit testing; identification of 
any instance of noncompliance by the relevant DB QPAM; and an 
explanation of any corrective or remedial action taken by the 
applicable DB QPAM; and
    (12) Deutsche Bank must notify the Department at least 30 days 
prior to any substitution of an auditor, except that no such 
replacement will meet the requirements of this paragraph unless and 
until Deutsche Bank demonstrates to the Department's satisfaction that 
such new auditor is independent of Deutsche Bank, experienced in the 
matters that are the subject of the exemption, and capable of making 
the determinations required of this exemption;

[[Page 94033]]

    (j) As of the effective date of this temporary exemption, with 
respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a DB QPAM 
and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a DB QPAM provides asset 
management or other discretionary fiduciary services, each DB QPAM 
agrees:
    (1) To comply with ERISA and the Code, as applicable with respect 
to such ERISA-covered plan or IRA; to refrain from engaging in 
prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly 
correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and to comply with 
the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 of 
ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA;
    (2) Not to require (or otherwise cause) the ERISA-covered plan or 
IRA to waive, limit, or qualify the liability of the DB QPAM for 
violating ERISA or the Code or engaging in prohibited transactions;
    (3) Not to require the ERISA-covered plan or IRA (or sponsor of 
such ERISA-covered plan or beneficial owner of such IRA) to indemnify 
the DB QPAM for violating ERISA or engaging in prohibited transactions, 
except for violations or prohibited transactions caused by an error, 
misrepresentation, or misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party 
hired by the plan fiduciary who is independent of Deutsche Bank;
    (4) Not to restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with the DB QPAM with 
respect to any investment in a separately managed account or pooled 
fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with the exception of 
reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are 
specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in 
a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have 
adverse consequences for all other investors. In connection with any 
such arrangements involving investments in pooled funds subject to 
ERISA entered into after the U.S. Conviction Date, the adverse 
consequences must relate to a lack of liquidity of the underlying 
assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent the fund 
from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's investment, 
and such restrictions must be applicable to all such investors and 
effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse 
consequences;
    (5) Not to impose any fees, penalties, or charges for such 
termination or withdrawal with the exception of reasonable fees, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
prevent generally recognized abusive investment practices or 
specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in 
a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have 
adverse consequences for all other investors, provided that such fees 
are applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors;
    (6) Not to include exculpatory provisions disclaiming or otherwise 
limiting liability of the DB QPAM for a violation of such agreement's 
terms, except for liability caused by an error, misrepresentation, or 
misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party hired by the plan 
fiduciary who is independent of Deutsche Bank and its affiliates; and
    (7) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such DB QPAM to 
qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a 
violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the Convictions;
    Within six (6) months of the effective date of this temporary 
exemption, each DB QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement and 
obligations under this Section I(j) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA 
for which the DB QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services;
    (k) The DB QPAMs comply with each condition of PTE 84-14, as 
amended, with the sole exceptions of the violations of Section I(g) of 
PTE 84-14 that are attributable to the Convictions;
    (l) Deutsche Bank disgorged all of its profits generated by the 
spot/futures-linked market manipulation activities of DSK personnel 
that led to the Conviction against DSK entered on January 25, 2016, in 
Seoul Central District Court;
    (m) Each DB QPAM will maintain records necessary to demonstrate 
that the conditions of this temporary exemption have been met, for six 
(6) years following the date of any transaction for which such DB QPAM 
relies upon the relief in the temporary exemption;
    (n) During the effective period of this temporary exemption, 
Deutsche Bank: (1) Immediately discloses to the Department any Deferred 
Prosecution Agreement (a DPA) or Non-Prosecution Agreement (an NPA) 
that Deutsche Bank or any of its affiliates enter into with the U.S 
Department of Justice, to the extent such DPA or NPA involves conduct 
described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 or section 411 of ERISA; and (2) 
immediately provides the Department any information requested by the 
Department, as permitted by law, regarding the agreement and/or the 
conduct and allegations that led to the agreements; and
    (o) A DB QPAM will not fail to meet the terms of this temporary 
exemption, solely because a different DB QPAM fails to satisfy a 
condition for relief under this temporary exemption described in 
Sections I(c), (d), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (m).
Section II: Definitions
    (a) The term ``Convictions'' means (1) the judgment of conviction 
against DB Group Services, in Case 3:15-cr-00062-RNC to be entered in 
the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to a 
single count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec.  1343, and 
(2) the judgment of conviction against DSK entered on January 25, 2016, 
in Seoul Central District Court, relating to charges filed against DSK 
under Articles 176, 443, and 448 of South Korea's Financial Investment 
Services and Capital Markets Act for spot/futures-linked market price 
manipulation. For all purposes under this exemption, ``conduct'' of any 
person or entity that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses 
the factual allegations described in Paragraph 13 of the Plea Agreement 
filed in the District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-00062-RNC, and in 
the ``Criminal Acts'' section pertaining to ``Defendant DSK'' in the 
Decision of the Seoul Central District Court;
    (b) The term ``DB QPAM'' means a ``qualified professional asset 
manager'' (as defined in section VI(a) \4\ of PTE 84-14) that relies on 
the relief provided by PTE 84-14 and with respect to which DSK or DB 
Group Services is a current or future ``affiliate'' (as defined in 
section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14). For purposes of this temporary 
exemption, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. (DBSI), including all 
entities over which it exercises control; and Deutsche Bank AG, 
including all of its branches, are excluded from the definition of a DB 
QPAM;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ In general terms, a QPAM is an independent fiduciary that is 
a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or 
investment adviser that meets certain equity or net worth 
requirements and other licensure requirements and that has 
acknowledged in a written management agreement that it is a 
fiduciary with respect to each plan that has retained the QPAM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) The term ``Deutsche Bank'' means Deutsche Bank AG but, unless 
indicated otherwise, does not include its subsidiaries or affiliates;

[[Page 94034]]

    (d) The term ``U.S. Conviction Date'' means the date that a 
judgment of conviction against DB Group Services, in Case 3:15-cr-
00062-RNC, is entered in the United States District Court for the 
District of Connecticut, currently scheduled for April 3, 2017;
    (e) The term ``DB Group Services'' means DB Group Services (UK) 
Limited, an ``affiliate'' of Deutsche Bank (as defined in Section VI(c) 
of PTE 84-14) based in the United Kingdom;
    (f) The term ``DSK'' means Deutsche Securities Korea Co., a South 
Korean ``affiliate'' of Deutsche Bank (as defined in Section VI(c) of 
PTE 84-14);
    (g) The term ``Plea Agreement'' means the Plea Agreement (including 
the Agreed Statement of Fact), dated April 23, 2015, between the 
Antitrust Division and Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the 
U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) and DB Group Services resolving 
the charge brought by the DOJ in Case 3:15-cr-00062-RNC against DB 
Group Services for wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States 
Code, Section 1343; and
    (h) The terms ``ERISA-covered plan'' and ``IRA'' mean, 
respectively, a plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA and a plan 
subject to section 4975 of the Code.
    Effective Date: This temporary exemption will be effective for the 
period beginning on the U.S. Conviction Date, and ending on the earlier 
of the date that is twelve months following the U.S. Conviction Date; 
or the effective date of a final agency action made by the Department 
in connection with Exemption Application No. D-11908, an application 
for long-term exemptive relief for the covered transactions described 
herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Scott Ness of the Department, 
telephone (202) 693-8561, Office of Exemption Determinations, Employee 
Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (this is not 
a toll-free number).

Citigroup, Inc. (Citigroup or the Applicant) Located in New York, New 
York

[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2016-14; Exemption Application No. D-
11859]

Temporary Exemption

    On November 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed temporary exemption in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83350, proposing that certain entities with specified 
relationships to Citigroup could continue to rely upon the relief 
provided by PTE 84-14 (49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 
FR 41430 (October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 
2005), and as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010)), notwithstanding 
the Conviction for a period of up to twelve months beginning on the 
Conviction Date.
    No relief from a violation of any other law is provided by this 
temporary exemption, including any criminal conviction described in the 
proposed temporary exemption. Furthermore, the Department cautions that 
the relief in this temporary exemption will terminate immediately if, 
among other things, an entity within the Citigroup corporate structure 
is convicted of a crime described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 (other 
than the Conviction) during the effective period of the temporary 
exemption. While such an entity could apply for a new exemption in that 
circumstance, the Department would not be obligated to grant the 
exemption. The terms of this temporary exemption have been specifically 
designed to permit plans to terminate their relationships in an orderly 
and cost effective fashion in the event of an additional conviction or 
a determination that it is otherwise prudent for a plan to terminate 
its relationship with an entity covered by the temporary exemption.

Written Comments

    The Department invited all interested persons to submit written 
comments and/or requests for a public hearing with respect to the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption, published in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83350 on November 21, 2016. All comments and requests 
for a hearing were due by November 28, 2016. The Department received 
written comments from the Applicant, the substance of which is 
discussed below.
    During the comment period, the Applicant submitted a request for 
the Department to make a number of revisions to the proposed exemption. 
Thereafter, the Applicant submitted additional information in support 
of its request. After considering these submissions, the Department has 
determined to make certain of the revisions sought by the Applicant. 
The revisions declined by the Department, as well as the revisions 
described below, will be reconsidered as part of the review process for 
the proposed five year exemption published in the Federal Register at 
81 FR 83416 on November 21, 2016, in connection with Exemption 
Application Number D-11909.
Revision 1. Deletion of Reference to the Markets and Securities 
Services Business of Citigroup in Section I(d) of the Proposed 
Exemption
    Section I(d) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``[a] Citigroup Affiliated QPAM will not use its authority or influence 
to direct an ``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) of PTE 
84-14), that is subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM, to enter into any transaction with Citicorp 
or the Markets and Securities Services Business of Citigroup, or to 
engage Citicorp or the Markets and Securities Services Business of 
Citigroup, to provide any service to such investment fund, for a direct 
or indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless of whether 
such transaction or service may otherwise be within the scope of relief 
provided by an administrative or statutory exemption[.]''
    The Applicant represents that a sudden cessation of services on 
December 15, 2016, by the Markets and Securities Services Business of 
Citigroup to affected plans, such as agency securities lending 
services, would be disruptive to those plans. The Applicant seeks 
deletion of the condition's reference to ``the Markets and Securities 
Services Business of Citigroup.'' The Department concurs with this 
comment, as has revised the condition accordingly. However, the 
Department may reconsider making such modification in connection with 
its determination whether or not to grant relief in Exemption 
Application Number D-11909, the proposed five year exemption published 
in the Federal Register at 81 FR 83416 on November 21, 2016.
Revision 2. Deletion of Reference to the Markets and Securities 
Services Business of Citigroup in Section I(g) of the Proposed 
Exemption
    Section I(g) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``Citicorp and the Markets and Securities Services Business of 
Citigroup have not provided nor will provide discretionary asset 
management services to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or otherwise act as 
a fiduciary with respect to ERISA-covered plan or IRA assets[.]''
    The Applicant represents that the Markets and Securities Services 
Business of Citigroup may be deemed to involve fiduciary conduct. The 
Applicant states that requiring those services to be terminated 
suddenly would be disruptive to affected plans. The Applicant therefore 
seeks deletion

[[Page 94035]]

of the condition's reference to ``the Markets and Securities Services 
Business of Citigroup.''
    The Department concurs with this comment, and has revised the 
condition in this final temporary exemption, in order to avoid a 
significant disruption and damages to affected ERISA-covered plans and 
IRAs. Section I(g) of the final exemption now provides that ``Other 
than with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored for 
their own employees or the employees of an affiliate, Citicorp will not 
act as a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or 
(iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or (C), with respect to ERISA-
covered plan and IRA assets; in accordance with this provision, 
Citicorp will not be treated as violating the conditions of this 
exemption solely because they acted as investment advice fiduciaries 
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii) or Section 
4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code.''
Revision 3. Deletion of Reference to the Markets and Securities 
Services Business of Citigroup in Section I(h) of the Proposed 
Exemption.
    Section I(h)(1)(i) provides that ``each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM 
must develop, implement, maintain, and follow written policies (the 
Policies) requiring and reasonably designed to ensure that:'' . . . 
``(i) The asset management decisions of the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM 
are conducted independently of the corporate management and business 
activities of Citigroup, including the Markets and Securities Services 
Business of Citigroup[.]''
    The Applicant seeks deletion of the condition's reference to the 
Markets and Securities Services Business of Citigroup, in order to 
avoid disruption to affected plans and IRAs. The Department concurs 
with this comment, and has revised the condition accordingly.
Revision 4. References to the Conviction
    The prefatory language of Section I of the proposed temporary 
exemption provides that ``the Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs and the 
Citigroup Related QPAMs, as defined in Sections II(a) and II(b), 
respectively, will not be precluded from relying on the exemptive 
relief provided by Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 
84-14 or the QPAM Exemption), notwithstanding the judgment of 
conviction against Citicorp (the Conviction, as defined in Section 
II(c)), for engaging in a conspiracy to: (1) Fix the price of, or (2) 
eliminate competition in the purchase or sale of the euro/U.S. dollar 
currency pair exchanged in the Foreign Exchange (FX) Spot Market.''
    Furthermore, Section II(e) of the proposed temporary exemption 
provides that, in relevant part, ``[t]he term `Conviction' means the 
judgment of conviction against Citigroup for violation of the Sherman 
Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, which is scheduled to be entered in the 
District Court for the District of Connecticut (the District Court) 
(Case Number 3:15-cr-78-SRU), in connection with Citigroup, through one 
of its euro/U.S. dollar (EUR/USD) traders, entering into and engaging 
in a combination and conspiracy to fix, stabilize, maintain, increase 
or decrease the price of, and rig bids and offers for, the EUR/USD 
currency pair exchanged in the FX spot market by agreeing to eliminate 
competition in the purchase and sale of the EUR/USD currency pair in 
the United States and elsewhere. For all purposes under this temporary 
exemption, if granted, ``conduct'' of any person or entity that is the 
``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses any conduct of Citigroup and/
or their personnel, that is described in the Plea Agreement, (including 
the Factual Statement), and other official regulatory or judicial 
factual findings that are a part of this record[.]''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify the prefatory 
language in Section I and the language of Section II(e) of the proposed 
temporary exemption, to more precisely define the term ``Conviction'' 
and narrow the scope of activity that is considered to be the 
``conduct'' of a person or entity that is the subject of a Conviction. 
According to the Applicant, the reference to Conviction in the 
prefatory language of Section I may be confusing for plans and their 
counterparties. Furthermore, the Applicant states that the proposed 
definition of Conviction in Section II(e) expands the ``conduct'' that 
is considered the subject of the Conviction beyond that which is 
described as criminal in the Plea Agreement, and the reference to 
``other official regulatory or judicial factual findings that are a 
part of this record'' is vague and could potentially refer to findings 
by regulators or in civil proceedings involving the Applicant and 
disclosed to the Department.
    The Department concurs with the Applicant's comment and has 
modified the language in the final temporary exemption to provide that 
``[t]he term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of conviction against 
Citicorp for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, which 
is scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the District of 
Connecticut (the District Court) (Case Number 3:15-cr-78-SRU). For all 
purposes under this exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or entity that 
is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses the conduct described 
in Paragraph 4(g)-(i) of the Plea Agreement filed in the District Court 
in Case Number 3:15-cr-78-SRU.'' Furthermore, the Department deleted 
the parenthetical in paragraph (a) regarding the term ``participate 
in'' and reworded the ``participate in'' parenthetical in paragraph (c) 
to read: ``(for purposes of this paragraph (c), ``participated in'' 
includes approving or condoning the misconduct underlying the 
Conviction).''
Revision 5. The Policies and Training in Section I(h)
    Section I(h)(1) of the proposed temporary exemption requires each 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM to ``develop, implement, maintain and 
follow'' the written policies and procedures (the Policies) described 
in Section I(h)(1)(i) through (vii). Furthermore, Section I(h)(2) 
requires each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM to ``develop and implement a 
program of training (the Training)'' described therein. In its comment 
and in subsequent conversations with the Department, the Applicant 
requested that Sections I(h)(1) and (2) be modified to allow the 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs a period of up to six (6) months following 
the date of the Conviction to meet these requirements. The Department 
concurs with the Applicant's request. Therefore, in the final temporary 
exemption, the Department has modified Section I(h)(1) and (2) to 
provide that, respectively, ``Within six (6) months of the Conviction 
Date, each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, maintain, 
and follow written policies and procedures (the Policies) . . .'' and 
``Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM must develop and implement a program of training (the 
Training) . . . .''
Revision 6. Indemnification Provision in Section I(i)
    Section I(i) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that, 
``(1) Effective as of the effective date of this temporary exemption, 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which 
such Citigroup Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services, each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM 
agrees: ``. . . ``(vii) To indemnify and hold harmless

[[Page 94036]]

the ERISA-covered plan or IRA for any damages resulting from a 
violation of applicable laws, a breach of contract, or any claim 
arising out of the failure of such Citigroup Affiliated QPAM to qualify 
for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a 
violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the Conviction.''
    The Applicant requested that the Department modify the language of 
Sections I(i)(1) and I(i)(1)(vii) in order to narrow the scope of the 
contractual obligations in two respects. First, the Applicant requested 
that the contractual obligations described in Section I(i) apply only 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA under which 
the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services in reliance on PTE 84-14. The 
Department declines to make this revision. Often, parties enter into 
arrangements with financial institutions in reliance on their QPAM 
status, irrespective of whether PTE 84-14 is strictly needed or in 
circumstances where more than one exemption may be available. The broad 
applicability of the conditions of Section I(i) ensures that the 
parties' reliance is not misplaced; avoids needless disputes over the 
particular exemption relied upon by the QPAMs; and encourages a broad 
culture of compliance and accountability at the QPAMs, consistent with 
the rightful expectations of plans and IRAs that engage in transactions 
with QPAMs. A broad application of Section I(i) is in the interest of 
ERISA-covered plans and IRAs and protective of their rights. The 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs should be held to a high standard of 
integrity with respect to all ERISA-covered plans and IRAs, and not 
just those with respect to which it relies on PTE 84-14.
    Secondly, the Applicant requested that Section I(i)(1)(vii) be 
deleted, or alternatively, that the provision should be modified by 
adding the phrase ``To the extent required by applicable law,'' at the 
beginning of the paragraph. The Applicant claims that the 
indemnification and hold harmless requirement in subparagraph (vii) 
would unnecessarily create confusion and likely extensive litigation in 
the event of a claim by a plan or IRA for indemnity. The Department 
declines to make the requested revision, but agrees to modify the 
section to make it clear that the ``applicable laws'' referred to in 
Section I(i)(1)(vii) refer to the fiduciary duties of ERISA and the 
prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code. The 
requirement to comply with ERISA's fiduciary duties and with ERISA and 
the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, is included in the 
Policies required under the exemption. Therefore, Section I(i)(1)(vii) 
of the temporary exemption, as granted, requires a Citigroup Affiliated 
QPAM ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction.''
Revision 7. Restrictions on Withdrawals in Section I(i)
    Section I(i)(1)(iv) of the proposed temporary exemption requires 
that the Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs must agree ``[n]ot to restrict the 
ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from 
its arrangement with the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM (including any 
investment in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to 
ERISA and managed by such QPAM), with the exception of reasonable 
restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors as a result of an actual lack of 
liquidity of the underlying assets, provided that such restrictions are 
applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors.''
    The Department has modified Section I(i)(1)(iv) to make it clear 
that a lack of liquidity may include similar circumstances where 
reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect remaining investors in 
a pooled fund. Furthermore, the Department has modified Section I(i)(4) 
in order to clarify that the limitation of adverse consequences to 
those resulting from a lack of liquidity, valuation issues, or 
regulatory reasons, is only required with respect to investments in a 
pooled fund subject to ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date. In 
any such event, the restrictions must be reasonable and last no longer 
than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences to 
investors in the fund.
    Therefore, Section I(i)(1)(iv) of the final temporary exemption 
requires Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs ``Not to restrict the ability of 
such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from its 
arrangement with the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM with respect to any 
investment in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to 
ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with the exception of reasonable 
restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors. In connection with any such 
arrangements involving investments in pooled funds subject to ERISA 
entered into after the Conviction Date, the adverse consequences must 
relate to a lack of liquidity of the pooled fund's underlying assets, 
valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent the fund from 
immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's investment, and 
such restrictions are applicable to all such investors and effective no 
longer than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences.''
Revision 8. Definition of Citigroup Affiliated QPAM in Section II(a)
    Section II(a) of the proposed temporary exemption precludes 
Citicorp and ``Citigroup's Markets and Securities Services Business'' 
from acting as QPAMs. The Department is removing this reference to 
``Citigroup's Markets and Securities Services Business'' for purposes 
of this one year exemption.
Revision 9. New Definition of Citicorp
    The Applicant requested in its comment that the Department adds a 
definition for the term ``Citicorp.'' The Department concurs and has 
modified the temporary exemption by adding Section II(g), a definition 
for the term ``Citicorp,'' which is defined as ``a financial services 
holding company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware and 
does not include any subsidiaries or other affiliates.''
Revision 10. Technical Corrections
    The Department has made certain technical corrections to the 
proposed temporary exemption requested by the Applicant that are 
described below:
    The references to the definition of ``Conviction'' and ``Conviction 
Date'' in the prefatory language of Section I are changed to correctly 
read ``the Conviction, as defined in Section II(e)'' and ``the 
Conviction Date, as defined in Section II(f).''
    After giving full consideration to the record, the Department has 
decided to grant the temporary exemption, as described above. The 
complete application file (Application No. D-11859) is available for 
public inspection

[[Page 94037]]

in the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security 
Administration, Room N-1515, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    For a more complete statement of the facts and representations 
supporting the Department's decision to grant this temporary exemption, 
refer to the notice of proposed temporary exemption published on 
November 21, 2016 at 81 FR 83350.

Temporary Exemption Operative Language

Section I: Covered Transactions
    Certain entities with specified relationships to Citigroup 
(hereinafter, the Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs and the Citigroup Related 
QPAMs, as defined in Sections II(a) and II(b), respectively) will not 
be precluded from relying on the exemptive relief provided by 
Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14 or the QPAM 
Exemption),\5\ notwithstanding the judgment of conviction against 
Citicorp (the Conviction, as defined in Section II(e)),\6\ for a period 
of up to twelve months beginning on the date of the Conviction (the 
Conviction Date, as defined in Section II(f)), provided that the 
following conditions are satisfied:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and 
as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010).
    \6\ Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 generally provides that 
``[n]either the QPAM nor any affiliate thereof . . . nor any owner . 
. . of a 5 percent or more interest in the QPAM is a person who 
within the 10 years immediately preceding the transaction has been 
either convicted or released from imprisonment, whichever is later, 
as a result of'' certain felonies including violation of the Sherman 
Antitrust Act, Title 15 United States Code, Section 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Other than a single individual who worked for a non-fiduciary 
business within Citigroup's Markets and Securities Services Business, 
and who had no responsibility for, and exercised no authority in 
connection with, the management of plan assets, the Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAMs and the Citigroup Related QPAMs (including their 
officers, directors, agents other than Citicorp, and employees of such 
Citigroup QPAMs) did not know of, have reason to know of, or 
participate in the criminal conduct of Citicorp that is the subject of 
the Conviction;
    (b) Other than a single individual who worked for a non-fiduciary 
business within Citigroup's Markets and Securities Services Business, 
and who had no responsibility for, and exercised no authority in 
connection with, the management of plan assets, the Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAMs and the Citigroup Related QPAMs (including their 
officers, directors, agents other than Citicorp, and employees of such 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs), did not receive direct compensation, or 
knowingly receive indirect compensation in connection with the criminal 
conduct that is the subject of the Conviction;
    (c) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs will not employ or knowingly 
engage any of the individuals that participated in the criminal conduct 
that is the subject of the Conviction (for purposes of this paragraph 
(c), ``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the misconduct 
underlying the Conviction);
    (d) A Citigroup Affiliated QPAM will not use its authority or 
influence to direct an ``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) 
of PTE 84-14), that is subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM, to enter into any transaction with Citicorp, 
or to engage Citicorp to provide any service to such investment fund, 
for a direct or indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless 
of whether such transaction or service may otherwise be within the 
scope of relief provided by an administrative or statutory exemption;
    (e) Any failure of a Citigroup Affiliated QPAM or a Citigroup 
Related QPAM to satisfy Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 arose solely from the 
Conviction;
    (f) A Citigroup Affiliated QPAM or a Citigroup Related QPAM did not 
exercise authority over the assets of any plan subject to Part 4 of 
Title I of ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or section 4975 of the Code 
(an IRA) in a manner that it knew or should have known would: further 
the criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction; or cause 
the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM or the Citigroup Related QPAM or its 
affiliates or related parties to directly or indirectly profit from the 
criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction;
    (g) Other than with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or 
sponsored for their own employees or the employees of an affiliate, 
Citicorp will not act as a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA 
Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or (C), 
with respect to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets; in accordance with 
this provision, Citicorp will not be treated as violating the 
conditions of this exemption solely because they acted as investment 
advice fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii) or 
Section 4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code;
    (h)(1) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, maintain, and follow written 
policies and procedures (the Policies) requiring and reasonably 
designed to ensure that:
    (i) The asset management decisions of the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM 
are conducted independently of the corporate management and business 
activities of Citigroup;
    (ii) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAM fully complies with ERISA's 
fiduciary duties, and with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction 
provisions, and does not knowingly participate in any violations of 
these duties and provisions with respect to ERISA-covered plans and 
IRAs;
    (iii) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAM does not knowingly participate 
in any other person's violation of ERISA or the Code with respect to 
ERISA-covered plans and IRAs;
    (iv) Any filings or statements made by the Citigroup Affiliated 
QPAM to regulators, including but not limited to, the Department, the 
Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the Pension 
Benefit Guaranty Corporation, on behalf of ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, 
are materially accurate and complete, to the best of such QPAM's 
knowledge at that time;
    (v) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAM does not make material 
misrepresentations or omit material information in its communications 
with such regulators with respect to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or 
make material misrepresentations or omit material information in its 
communications with ERISA-covered plans and IRA clients;
    (vi) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAM complies with the terms of this 
temporary exemption; and
    (vii) Any violation of, or failure to comply with an item in 
subparagraphs (ii) through (vi), is corrected promptly upon discovery, 
and any such violation or compliance failure not promptly corrected is 
reported, upon discovering the failure to promptly correct, in writing, 
to appropriate corporate officers, the head of compliance, and the 
General Counsel (or their functional equivalent) of the relevant 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM, and an appropriate fiduciary of any affected 
ERISA-covered plan or IRA, where such fiduciary is independent of 
Citigroup; however, with respect to any ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
sponsored by an ``affiliate'' (as defined in Section VI(d) of PTE 84-
14) of Citigroup or beneficially owned by an employee of Citigroup or 
its affiliates, such fiduciary does not need to be independent of 
Citigroup. A Citigroup Affiliated QPAM will not be treated as having 
failed to develop, implement, maintain, or follow the Policies,

[[Page 94038]]

provided that it corrects any instance of noncompliance promptly when 
discovered, or when it reasonably should have known of the 
noncompliance (whichever is earlier), and provided that it adheres to 
the reporting requirements set forth in this subparagraph (vii);
    (2) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM must develop and implement a program of training (the 
Training), conducted at least annually, for all relevant Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM asset/portfolio management, trading, legal, compliance, 
and internal audit personnel. The Training must be set forth in the 
Policies and, at a minimum, cover the Policies, ERISA and Code 
compliance (including applicable fiduciary duties and the prohibited 
transaction provisions), ethical conduct, the consequences for not 
complying with the conditions of this temporary exemption (including 
any loss of exemptive relief provided herein), and prompt reporting of 
wrongdoing;
    (i)(1) As of the effective date of this temporary exemption, with 
respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services, each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM agrees:
    (i) To comply with ERISA and the Code with respect to each such 
ERISA-covered plan and IRA, as applicable; to refrain from engaging in 
prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly 
correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and to comply with 
the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 of 
ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA;
    (ii) Not to require (or otherwise cause) the ERISA covered plan or 
IRA to waive, limit, or qualify the liability of the Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code or engaging in 
prohibited transactions;
    (iii) Not to require the ERISA-covered plan or IRA (or sponsor of 
such ERISA-covered plan or beneficial owner of such IRA) to indemnify 
the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code, or 
engaging in prohibited transactions, except for violations or 
prohibited transactions caused by an error, misrepresentation, or 
misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party hired by the plan 
fiduciary, which is independent of Citigroup, and its affiliates;
    (iv) Not to restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with the Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM with respect to any investment in a separately managed 
account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with 
the exception of reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in 
advance, that are specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment 
of all investors in a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or 
termination may have adverse consequences for all other investors. In 
connection with any such arrangements involving investments in pooled 
funds subject to ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date, the 
adverse consequences must relate to a lack of liquidity of the pooled 
fund's underlying assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that 
prevent the fund from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or 
IRA's investment, and such restrictions are applicable to all such 
investors and effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid 
the adverse consequences;
    (v) Not to impose any fee, penalty, or charge for such termination 
or withdrawal, with the exception of reasonable fees, appropriately 
disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to prevent 
generally recognized abusive investment practices, or specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors, provided that each such fee is 
applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors;
    (vi) Not to include exculpatory provisions disclaiming or otherwise 
limiting liability of the Citigroup Affiliated QPAM for a violation of 
such agreement's terms, except for liability caused by an error, 
misrepresentation, or misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party 
hired by the plan fiduciary which is independent of Citigroup, and its 
affiliates; and
    (vii) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such Citigroup 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction;
    (2) Within six (6) months of the date of the Conviction, each 
Citigroup Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement and 
obligations under this Section I(i) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA 
for which a Citigroup Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or 
other discretionary fiduciary services;
    (j) The Citigroup Affiliated QPAMs must comply with each condition 
of PTE 84-14, as amended, with the sole exception of the violation of 
Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 that is attributable to the Conviction;
    (k) Each Citigroup Affiliated QPAM will maintain records necessary 
to demonstrate that the conditions of this temporary exemption have 
been met, for six (6) years following the date of any transaction for 
which such Citigroup Affiliated QPAM relies upon the relief in the 
temporary exemption;
    (l) During the effective period of this temporary exemption, 
Citigroup: (1) Immediately discloses to the Department any Deferred 
Prosecution Agreement (a DPA) or Non-Prosecution Agreement (an NPA) 
that Citigroup or an affiliate enters into with the U.S. Department of 
Justice to the extent such DPA or NPA involves conduct described in 
Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 or section 411 of ERISA; and
    (2) Immediately provides the Department any information requested 
by the Department, as permitted by law, regarding the agreement and/or 
the conduct and allegations that led to the agreement; and
    (m) A Citigroup Affiliated QPAM or a Citigroup Related QPAM will 
not fail to meet the terms of this temporary exemption solely because a 
different Citigroup Affiliated QPAM or Citigroup Related QPAM fails to 
satisfy a condition for relief under this temporary exemption, 
described in Sections I(c), (d), (h), (i), (j), and (k).
Section II: Definitions
    (a) The term ``Citigroup Affiliated QPAM'' means a ``qualified 
professional asset manager'' (as defined in section VI(a) \7\ of PTE 
84-14) that relies on the relief provided by PTE 84-14 and with respect 
to which Citigroup is a current or future ``affiliate'' (as defined in 
section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14). The term ``Citigroup Affiliated QPAM'' 
excludes Citicorp;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ In general terms, a QPAM is an independent fiduciary that is 
a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or 
investment adviser that meets certain equity or net worth 
requirements and other licensure requirements, and has acknowledged 
in a written management agreement that it is a fiduciary with 
respect to each plan that has retained the QPAM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) The term ``Citigroup Related QPAM'' means any current or future 
``qualified professional asset manager''

[[Page 94039]]

(as defined in section VI(a) of PTE 84-14) that relies on the relief 
provided by PTE 84-14, and with respect to which Citigroup owns a 
direct or indirect five percent or more interest, but with respect to 
which Citigroup is not an ``affiliate'' (as defined in Section VI(d)(1) 
of PTE 84-14);
    (c) The terms ``ERISA-covered plan'' and ``IRA'' mean, 
respectively, a plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA and a plan 
subject to section 4975 of the Code;
    (d) The term ``Citigroup'' means Citigroup, Inc., the parent 
entity, and does not include any subsidiaries or other affiliates;
    (e) The term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of conviction 
against Citicorp for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 
1, which is scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the 
District of Connecticut (the District Court) (Case Number 3:15-cr-78-
SRU). For all purposes under this exemption, ``conduct'' of any person 
or entity that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses the 
conduct described in Paragraph 4(g)-(i) of the Plea Agreement filed in 
the District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-78-SRU;
    (f) The term ``Conviction Date'' means the date that a judgment of 
Conviction against Citicorp is entered by the District Court in 
connection with the Conviction; and
    (g) The term ``Citicorp'' means Citicorp, a financial services 
holding company organized and existing under the laws of Delaware and 
does not include any subsidiaries or other affiliates.
    Effective Date: This temporary exemption is effective for the 
period beginning on the Conviction Date until the earlier of: (1) The 
date that is twelve (12) months following the Conviction Date; or (2) 
the effective date of final agency action made by the Department in 
connection with an application for long-term exemptive relief for the 
covered transactions described herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Brennan of the Department, 
telephone (202) 693-8456. (This is not a toll-free number.)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC or the Applicant) Located in New York, New 
York

[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2016-15; Exemption Application No. D-
11861]

Temporary Exemption

    On November 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed temporary exemption in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83357, proposing that certain entities with specified 
relationships to JPMC could continue to rely upon the relief provided 
by PTE 84-14 (49 FR 9494, March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and as 
amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010), notwithstanding the Conviction 
for a period of up to twelve (12) months beginning on the Conviction 
Date.
    The Department is today granting this temporary exemption in order 
to protect ERISA-covered plans and IRAs from certain costs and/or 
investment losses that may arise to the extent entities with a 
corporate relationship to JPMC lose their ability to rely on PTE 84-14 
as of the Conviction Date, as described in the proposed temporary 
exemption. The Department has proposed longer-term relief for the JPMC 
Affiliated QPAMs and the JPMC Related QPAMs to rely on PTE 84-14 
notwithstanding the Conviction. The relief in this temporary exemption 
provides the Department more time to consider whether longer-term 
relief is warranted.
    No relief from a violation of any other law is provided by this 
temporary exemption, including any criminal conviction described in the 
proposed temporary exemption. Furthermore, the Department cautions that 
the relief in this temporary exemption will terminate immediately if, 
among other things, an entity within the JPMC corporate structure is 
convicted of a crime described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 (other than 
the Conviction) during the effective period of the temporary exemption. 
While such an entity could apply for a new exemption in that 
circumstance, the Department would not be obligated to grant the 
exemption. The terms of this temporary exemption have been specifically 
designed to permit plans to terminate their relationships in an orderly 
and cost effective fashion in the event of an additional conviction or 
a determination that it is otherwise prudent for a plan to terminate 
its relationship with an entity covered by the temporary exemption.

Written Comments

    The Department invited all interested persons to submit written 
comments and/or requests for a public hearing with respect to the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption, published in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83357 on November 21, 2016. All comments and requests 
for a hearing were due by November 28, 2016. The Department received 
written comments from the Applicant, the substance of which is 
discussed below.
    During the comment period, the Applicant submitted a request for 
the Department to make a number of revisions to the proposed exemption. 
Thereafter, the Applicant submitted additional information in support 
of its request. After considering these submissions, the Department has 
determined to make certain of the revisions sought by the Applicant. 
The revisions declined by the Department, as well as the revisions 
described below, will be reconsidered for purposes of the longer term 
relief published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2016 (81 FR 
83372), in connection with Exemption Application Number D-11906.
Revision 1. Deletion of Reference to Investment Banking Division of 
JPMorgan Chase Bank in Section I(d) of the Proposed Exemption
    Section I(d) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``[a] JPMC Affiliated QPAM will not use its authority or influence to 
direct an ``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) of PTE 84-
14), that is subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM, to enter into any transaction with JPMC or the 
Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase Bank, or engage JPMC or 
the Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase Bank to provide any 
service to such investment fund, for a direct or indirect fee borne by 
such investment fund, regardless of whether such transaction or service 
may otherwise be within the scope of relief provided by an 
administrative or statutory exemption[.]''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify this condition. 
The Applicant represents that, as of the date of the exemption 
application, JPMC Affiliated QPAMs managed approximately $100 billion 
in plan assets through collective investment trusts that use the 
custody and administration services of JPMC's Corporate and Investment 
Banking line of business (CIB), operating through JPMorgan Chase Bank. 
Similarly, the Applicant explains that certain plans managed by JPMC 
Affiliated QPAMs through separate accounts have independently selected 
CIB (operating through JPMorgan Chase Bank) as their trustee and/or 
custodian, and transactions directed by JPMC Affiliated QPAMs on behalf 
of such plans would necessarily require the trustee/custodian to 
provide services for a direct or indirect fee.
    According to the Applicant, the wording of this proposed condition 
is tantamount to a denial, because of all of

[[Page 94040]]

the services CIB provides to client accounts. The Applicant states that 
the custody and administration services provided are fundamental to the 
operation of the investment funds it manages. The proposed condition 
would make it impossible for JPMorgan Chase Bank's collective 
investment trusts to function, or for plans managed by a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM to select JPMorgan Chase Bank as their trustee or 
custodian. The Department concurs with this comment, and has revised 
this condition, accordingly.
Revision 2. Deletion of Reference to the Investment Banking Division of 
JPMorgan Chase Bank in Section I(g) of the Proposed Exemption
    Section I(g) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``JPMC and the Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase Bank will 
not provide discretionary asset management services to ERISA-covered 
plans or IRAs, and will not otherwise act as a fiduciary with respect 
to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets[.]''
    The Applicant represents that the CIB, operating through JPMorgan 
Chase Bank, manages over $7 billion of cash collateral for plans within 
its securities lending agent business in reliance on PTE 84-14. If 
JPMorgan Chase Bank cannot continue to provide these fiduciary 
services, the Applicant explains that the exemption would provide no 
relief for plans that use the Bank as a securities lending agent.
    The Department concurs with this comment, and has revised the 
condition in this final temporary exemption. Therefore, Section I(g) of 
the final exemption provides that ``JPMC will not act as a fiduciary 
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code 
Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or (C), with respect to ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA assets; in accordance with this provision, JPMC will not be treated 
as violating the conditions of this exemption solely because it acted 
an investment advice fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Section 
3(21)(A)(ii) or Section 4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code.'' The condition is 
also being revised to allow JPMC to act as a fiduciary with respect to 
employee benefit plans maintained or sponsored for their own employees 
or the employees of an affiliate.
Revision 3. Deletion of Reference to the Investment Banking Division of 
JPMorgan Chase Bank in Section I(h) of the Proposed Exemption
    Section I(h)(1)(i) provides that ``[w]ithin four (4) months of the 
Conviction, each JPMC Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, 
maintain, and follow written policies and procedures (the Policies) 
requiring and reasonably designed to ensure that: (i) [T]he asset 
management decisions of the JPMC Affiliated QPAM are conducted 
independently of the corporate management and business activities of 
JPMC, including the Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase 
Bank[.]''
    In its comment and in subsequent communications with the 
Department, the Applicant requests that Sections I(h)(1) and (2) be 
modified to allow the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs a period of up to six 
months following the Conviction to meet these requirements. The 
Department concurs with the Applicant's request. Therefore, in the 
final temporary exemption, the Department has modified Section I(h)(1) 
and (2) to provide that, respectively, ``Within six (6) months of the 
Conviction, each JPMC Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, 
maintain, and follow written policies and procedures (the Policies) . . 
.'' and ``Within six (6) months of the Conviction, each JPMC Affiliated 
QPAM must develop and implement a program of training (the Training). . 
. .''
    The Applicant also seeks deletion of the condition's reference to 
the Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase Bank for the reasons 
stated above. The Department concurs with this comment, and has revised 
the condition, accordingly.
Revision 4. References to the Conviction
    The prefatory language of Section I of the proposed temporary 
exemption provides that ``the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs and the JPMC 
Related QPAMs, as defined in Sections II(a) and II(b), respectively, 
will not be precluded from relying on the exemptive relief provided by 
Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14 or the QPAM 
Exemption), notwithstanding the judgment of conviction against JPMC 
(the Conviction), as defined in Section II(c)), for engaging in a 
conspiracy to: (1) Fix the price of, or (2) eliminate competition in 
the purchase or sale of the euro/U.S. dollar currency pair exchanged in 
the Foreign Exchange (FX) Spot Market.''
    Furthermore, Section II(e) of the proposed temporary exemption 
provides that, in relevant part, ``[t]he term 'Conviction' means the 
judgment of conviction against JPMC for violation of the Sherman 
Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, which is scheduled to be entered in the 
District Court for the District of Connecticut (the District 
Court)(Case Number 3:15-cr-79-SRU), in connection with JPMC, through 
one of its euro/U.S. dollar (EUR/USD) traders, entering into and 
engaging in a combination and conspiracy to fix, stabilize, maintain, 
increase or decrease the price of, and rig bids and offers for, the 
EUR/USD currency pair exchanged in the FX spot market by agreeing to 
eliminate competition in the purchase and sale of the EUR/USD currency 
pair in the United States and elsewhere. For all purposes under this 
temporary exemption, if granted, ``conduct'' of any person or entity 
that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses any conduct of 
JPMC and/or their personnel, that is described in the Plea Agreement, 
(including the Factual Statement), and other official regulatory or 
judicial factual findings that are a part of this record[.]''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify the prefatory 
language in Section I and Section II(e) of the proposed temporary 
exemption, to more precisely define the term ``Conviction'' and narrow 
the scope of activity that is considered to be the ``conduct'' of a 
person or entity that is the subject of a Conviction. According to the 
Applicant, the reference to Conviction in the prefatory language of 
Section I of the proposed temporary exemption contains inaccurate and 
editorial language and may be confusing for plans and their 
counterparties. Furthermore, the Applicant states that the proposed 
definition of Conviction in Section II(e) is also inaccurate and 
contains an overly broad definition of the ``conduct'' that is subject 
to the Conviction. In this regard, the Applicant states that the 
language in Section II(e) expands the ``conduct'' that is considered 
the subject of the Conviction beyond that which is described as 
criminal in the Plea Agreement, and the reference to ``other official 
regulatory or judicial factual findings that are a part of this 
record'' is vague and could potentially refer to findings by regulators 
or in civil proceedings involving the Applicant and disclosed to the 
Department.
    The Department concurs with the Applicant's comment and has 
modified the language in the final temporary exemption to provide that 
``[t]he term `Conviction' means the judgment of conviction against JPMC 
for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, which is 
scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the District of 
Connecticut (the District Court)(Case Number 3:15-cr-79-SRU). For all 
purposes under this exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or entity that 
is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses the conduct described 
in

[[Page 94041]]

Paragraph 4(g)-(i) of the Plea Agreement filed in the District Court in 
Case Number 3:15-cr-79-SRU.'' Furthermore, the Department deleted the 
parenthetical in paragraph (a) regarding the term ``participate in'' 
and reworded the ``participate in'' parenthetical in paragraph (c) to 
read: ``(For purposes of this paragraph (c), ``participated in'' 
includes approving or condoning the misconduct underlying the 
Conviction).''
Revision 5. The Policies and Training in Section I(h)
    Section I(h)(1) of the proposed temporary exemption requires each 
JPMC Affiliated QPAM to ``develop, implement, maintain and follow'' the 
written policies and procedures (the Policies) described in Section 
I(h)(1)(i) through (vii). Furthermore, Section I(h)(2) requires each 
JPMC Affiliated QPAM to develop and implement a program of training 
(the Training)'' described therein. In its comment and in subsequent 
conversations with the Department, the Applicant requested that 
Sections I(h)(1) and (2) be modified to allow the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs 
a period of up to six (6) months following the date of the Conviction 
to meet these requirements. The Department concurs with the Applicant's 
request. Therefore, in the final temporary exemption, the Department 
has modified Section I(h)(1) and (2) to provide that, respectively, 
''Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each JPMC Affiliated 
QPAM must develop, implement, maintain, and follow written policies and 
procedures (the Policies) . . .'' and ''Within six (6) months of the 
Conviction Date, each JPMC Affiliated QPAM must develop and implement a 
program of training (the Training). . . .''
Revision 6. Indemnification Provision in Section I(i)
    Section I(i)(1) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``[e]ffective as of the effective date of this temporary exemption, 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services, each JPMC Affiliated QPAM agrees: . . . ``(vii) 
[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA for any 
damages resulting from a violation of applicable laws, a breach of 
contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction[.]''
    The Applicant requested that the Department modify the language of 
Sections I(i)(1) and I(i)(1)(vii) in order to narrow the scope of the 
contractual obligations in two respects. First, the Applicant requested 
that the contractual obligations described in Section I(i) apply only 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA under which the JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services in reliance on PTE 84-14.
    The Department declines to make this revision. Often, parties enter 
into arrangements with financial institutions in reliance on their QPAM 
status, irrespective of whether PTE 84-14 is strictly needed or in 
circumstances where more than one exemption may be available. The broad 
applicability of the conditions of Section I(i) ensures that the 
parties' reliance is not misplaced; avoids needless disputes over the 
particular exemption relied upon by the QPAMs; and encourages a broad 
culture of compliance and accountability at the QPAMs, consistent with 
the rightful expectations of plans and IRAs that engage in transactions 
with QPAMs. A broad application of Section I(i) is in the interest of 
ERISA-covered plans and IRAs and protective of their rights. The JPMC 
Affiliated QPAMs should be held to a high standard of integrity with 
respect to all ERISA-covered plans and IRAs, and not just those with 
respect to which it relies on PTE 84-14.
    Secondly, the Applicant requested that Section I(i)(1)(vii) be 
deleted, or alternatively, that the Department tie the provision to 
damages with a proximate causal connection to relevant conduct of the 
asset manager. The Applicant represents that the indemnification and 
hold harmless requirement in subparagraph (vii) would operate in an 
unfair manner because it is not limited to clients who are harmed 
through a direct, causal link to the loss of exemptive relief provided 
by PTE 84-14. According to the Applicant, the provision appears to 
allow ERISA-covered plans and IRAs to seek to recover damages: (a) That 
arise from violations and breaches by third parties, (b) that arise 
only tenuously from the manager's conduct, (c) that may be grossly 
unreasonable in amount, (d) for claims without merit, and (e) for 
claims in connection with accounts that do not rely on PTE 84-14.
    The Department declines to make the requested revision, but agrees 
to modify the section to make it clear that the ``applicable laws'' 
referred to in Section I(i)(1)(vii) pertain to the fiduciary duties of 
ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code. 
The requirement to comply with ERISA's fiduciary duties and with ERISA 
and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions is included in the 
Policies required under the exemption. Therefore, Section I(i)(1)(vii) 
of the temporary exemption, as granted, requires a JPMC Affiliated QPAM 
``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA for 
any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties and 
of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach of 
contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction.''
Revision 7. Restrictions on Withdrawals in Section I(i)
    Section I(i)(1)(4) of the proposed temporary exemption requires 
that the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs must agree ``[n]ot to restrict the 
ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from 
its arrangement with the JPMC Affiliated QPAM (including any investment 
in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and 
managed by such QPAM), with the exception of reasonable restrictions, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled fund in the 
event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse consequences for 
all other investors as a result of the actual lack of liquidity of the 
underlying assets, provided that such restrictions are applied 
consistently and in like manner to all such investors.'' The Department 
has modified Section I(i)(4) to make it clear that a lack of liquidity 
may include a range of similar circumstances where reasonable 
restrictions are necessary to protect remaining investors in a pooled 
fund. Furthermore, the Department has modified Section I(i)(4) in order 
to clarify that the limitation of adverse consequences to those 
resulting from a lack of liquidity, valuation issues, or regulatory 
reasons, is only required with respect to investments in a pooled fund 
subject to ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date. In any such 
event, the restrictions must be reasonable and last no longer than 
reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences to investors in 
the fund.

[[Page 94042]]

Revision 8. Scope of Contractual Obligations in Section I(i)
    The Department is revising the notice requirement in Section 
I(i)(2) to require that each JPMC Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice 
of its agreement to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for which a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services, and to provide that such notice must be completed 
within six (6) months of the effective date of this temporary 
exemption.
Revision 9. Definition of ``JPMC Affiliated QPAM'' in Section II(a)
    Section II(a) of the proposed temporary exemption precludes JPMC, 
the parent entity, from acting as a QPAM. The last sentence of this 
condition also erroneously states that JPMC is the ``division'' [that 
was] directly implicated by the conduct that is the subject of the 
Conviction.'' The Applicant represents that JPMC is not a ``division,'' 
but the parent company of an affiliated group. In response to this 
comment, the Department is removing this reference.
Revision 10. Revision of Section I(b) of the Proposed Exemption
    The applicant represents that Section I(b) of the proposed 
exemption is not workable, as an individual can only receive 
compensation if the entity he works for receives compensation. The 
Department has revised this condition to read, ``The JPMC Affiliated 
QPAMs and the JPMC Related QPAMs (including their officers, directors, 
agents other than JPMC, and employees of such JPMC QPAMs) did not 
receive direct compensation, or knowingly receive indirect compensation 
in connection with the criminal conduct that is the subject of the 
Conviction, other than a non-fiduciary line of business within JPMorgan 
Chase Bank.''.
    After giving full consideration to the record, the Department has 
decided to grant the temporary exemption, as described above. The 
complete application file (Application No. D-11861) is available for 
public inspection in the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee 
Benefits Security Administration, Room N-1515, U.S. Department of 
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    For a more complete statement of the facts and representations 
supporting the Department's decision to grant this temporary exemption, 
refer to the notice of proposed temporary exemption published on 
November 21, 2016 at 81 FR 83357.

Temporary Exemption Operative Language

Section I: Covered Transactions
    Certain entities with specified relationships to JPMC (hereinafter, 
the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs and the JPMC Related QPAMs, as defined in 
Sections II(a) and II(b), respectively) will not be precluded from 
relying on the exemptive relief provided by Prohibited Transaction 
Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14 or the QPAM Exemption),\8\ 
notwithstanding the judgment of conviction against JPMC (the 
Conviction, as defined in Section II(e)),\9\ for a period of up to 
twelve (12) months beginning on the date of the Conviction (the 
Conviction Date, as defined in Section II(f)), provided that the 
following conditions are satisfied:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and 
as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010).
    \9\ Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 generally provides that 
``[n]either the QPAM nor any affiliate thereof . . . nor any owner . 
. . of a 5 percent or more interest in the QPAM is a person who 
within the 10 years immediately preceding the transaction has been 
either convicted or released from imprisonment, whichever is later, 
as a result of'' certain felonies including violation of the Sherman 
Antitrust Act, Title 15 United States Code, Section 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Other than a single individual who worked for a non-fiduciary 
business within JPMorgan Chase Bank and who had no responsibility for, 
and exercised no authority in connection with, the management of plan 
assets, the JPMC Affiliated QPAMs and the JPMC Related QPAMs (including 
their officers, directors, agents other than JPMC, and employees of 
such JPMC QPAMs) did not know of, have reason to know of, or 
participate in the criminal conduct of JPMC that is the subject of the 
Conviction;
    (b) The JPMC Affiliated QPAMs and the JPMC Related QPAMs (including 
their officers, directors, agents other than JPMC, and employees of 
such JPMC QPAMs) did not receive direct compensation, or knowingly 
receive indirect compensation in connection with the criminal conduct 
that is the subject of the Conviction, other than a non-fiduciary line 
of business within JPMorgan Chase Bank;
    (c) The JPMC Affiliated QPAMs will not employ or knowingly engage 
any of the individuals that participated in the criminal conduct that 
is the subject of the Conviction (for purposes of this paragraph (c), 
``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the misconduct 
underlying the Conviction);
    (d) A JPMC Affiliated QPAM will not use its authority or influence 
to direct an ``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) of PTE 
84-14), that is subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM, to enter into any transaction with JPMC, or to engage 
JPMC to provide any service to such investment fund, for a direct or 
indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless of whether such 
transaction or service may otherwise be within the scope of relief 
provided by an administrative or statutory exemption;
    (e) Any failure of a JPMC Affiliated QPAM or a JPMC Related QPAM to 
satisfy Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 arose solely from the Conviction;
    (f) A JPMC Affiliated QPAM or a JPMC Related QPAM did not exercise 
authority over the assets of any plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of 
ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or section 4975 of the Code (an IRA) in a 
manner that it knew or should have known would: Further the criminal 
conduct that is the subject of the Conviction; or cause the JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM the JPMC Related QPAM or its affiliates or related 
parties to directly or indirectly profit from the criminal conduct that 
is the subject of the Conviction;
    (g) Other than with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or 
sponsored for their own employees or the employees of an affiliate, 
JPMC will not act as a fiduciary within the meaning of section 
3(21)(A)(i) or (iii) of ERISA, or section 4975(e)(3)(A) and (C) of the 
Code, with respect to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets; in accordance 
with this provision, JPMC will not be treated as violating the 
conditions of this exemption solely because it acted as an investment 
advice fiduciary within the meaning of section 3(21)(A)(ii) or section 
4975(e)(3)(B) of the Code;
    (h)(1) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, maintain, and follow written 
policies and procedures (the Policies) requiring and reasonably 
designed to ensure that:
    (i) The asset management decisions of the JPMC Affiliated QPAM are 
conducted independently of the corporate management and business 
activities of JPMC;
    (ii) The JPMC Affiliated QPAM fully complies with ERISA's fiduciary 
duties, and with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction 
provisions, and does not knowingly participate in any violations of 
these duties and provisions with respect to ERISA-covered plans and 
IRAs;
    (iii) The JPMC Affiliated QPAM does not knowingly participate in 
any other person's violation of ERISA or the Code

[[Page 94043]]

with respect to ERISA-covered plans and IRAs;
    (iv) Any filings or statements made by the JPMC Affiliated QPAM to 
regulators, including but not limited to, the Department, the 
Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the Pension 
Benefit Guaranty Corporation, on behalf of ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, 
are materially accurate and complete, to the best of such QPAM's 
knowledge at that time;
    (v) The JPMC Affiliated QPAM does not make material 
misrepresentations or omit material information in its communications 
with such regulators with respect to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or 
make material misrepresentations or omit material information in its 
communications with ERISA-covered plans and IRA clients;
    (vi) The JPMC Affiliated QPAM complies with the terms of this 
temporary exemption; and
    (vii) Any violation of, or failure to comply with an item in 
subparagraphs (ii) through (vi), is corrected promptly upon discovery, 
and any such violation or compliance failure not promptly corrected is 
reported, upon discovering the failure to promptly correct, in writing, 
to appropriate corporate officers, the head of compliance, and the 
General Counsel (or their functional equivalent) of the relevant JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM, and an appropriate fiduciary of any affected ERISA-
covered plan or IRA, where such fiduciary is independent of JPMC; 
however, with respect to any ERISA-covered plan or IRA sponsored by an 
``affiliate'' (as defined in Section VI(d) of PTE 84-14) of JPMC or 
beneficially owned by an employee of JPMC or its affiliates, such 
fiduciary does not need to be independent of JPMC. A JPMC Affiliated 
QPAM will not be treated as having failed to develop, implement, 
maintain, or follow the Policies, provided that it corrects any 
instance of noncompliance promptly when discovered, or when it 
reasonably should have known of the noncompliance (whichever is 
earlier), and provided that it adheres to the reporting requirements 
set forth in this subparagraph (vii);
    (2) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM must develop and implement a program of training (the 
Training), conducted at least annually, for all relevant JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM asset/portfolio management, trading, legal, compliance, 
and internal audit personnel. The Training must be set forth in the 
Policies and, at a minimum, cover the Policies, ERISA and Code 
compliance (including applicable fiduciary duties and the prohibited 
transaction provisions), ethical conduct, the consequences for not 
complying with the conditions of this temporary exemption (including 
any loss of exemptive relief provided herein), and prompt reporting of 
wrongdoing;
    (i)(1) As of the effective date of this temporary exemption, with 
respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services, each JPMC Affiliated QPAM agrees:
    (i) To comply with ERISA and the Code with respect to each such 
ERISA-covered plan and IRA, as applicable; to refrain from engaging in 
prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly 
correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and to comply with 
the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 of 
ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA;
    (ii) Not to require (or otherwise cause) the ERISA covered plan or 
IRA to waive, limit, or qualify the liability of the JPMC Affiliated 
QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code or engaging in prohibited 
transactions;
    (iii) Not to require the ERISA-covered plan or IRA (or sponsor of 
such ERISA-covered plan or beneficial owner of such IRA) to indemnify 
the JPMC Affiliated QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code, or engaging 
in prohibited transactions, except for violations or prohibited 
transactions caused by an error, misrepresentation, or misconduct of a 
plan fiduciary or other party hired by the plan fiduciary, which is 
independent of JPMC and its affiliates;
    (iv) Not to restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with the JPMC Affiliated 
QPAM with respect to any investment in a separately managed account or 
pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with the 
exception of reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in 
advance, that are specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment 
of all investors in a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or 
termination may have adverse consequences for all other investors. In 
connection with any such arrangements involving investments in pooled 
funds subject to ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date, the 
adverse consequences must relate to a lack of liquidity of the pooled 
fund's underlying assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that 
prevent the fund from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or 
IRA's investment, and such restrictions are applicable to all such 
investors and effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid 
the adverse consequences;
    (v) Not to impose any fee, penalty, or charge for such termination 
or withdrawal, with the exception of reasonable fees, appropriately 
disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to prevent 
generally recognized abusive investment practices, or specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors, provided that each such fee is 
applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors;
    (vi) Not to include exculpatory provisions disclaiming or otherwise 
limiting liability of the JPMC Affiliated QPAM for a violation of such 
agreement's terms, except for liability caused by an error, 
misrepresentation, or misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party 
hired by the plan fiduciary which is independent of JPMC, and its 
affiliates; and
    (vii) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction;
    (2) Within six (6) months of the date of the Conviction, each JPMC 
Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement and obligations 
under this Section I(i) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for which a 
JPMC Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services;
    (j) The JPMC Affiliated QPAMs must comply with each condition of 
PTE 84-14, as amended, with the sole exception of the violation of 
Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 that is attributable to the Conviction;
    (k) Each JPMC Affiliated QPAM will maintain records necessary to 
demonstrate that the conditions of this temporary exemption have been 
met, for six (6) years following the date of any transaction for which 
such JPMC Affiliated QPAM relies upon the relief in the temporary 
exemption;
    (l) During the effective period of this temporary exemption, JPMC: 
(1) Immediately discloses to the Department any Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement (a DPA) or Non-Prosecution Agreement (an NPA) that JPMC or an 
affiliate enters into with the U.S.

[[Page 94044]]

Department of Justice to the extent such DPA or NPA involves conduct 
described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 or section 411 of ERISA; and
    (2) Immediately provides the Department any information requested 
by the Department, as permitted by law, regarding the agreement and/or 
the conduct and allegations that led to the agreement; and
    (m) A JPMC Affiliated QPAM or a JPMC Related QPAM will not fail to 
meet the terms of this temporary exemption solely because a different 
JPMC Affiliated QPAM or JPMC Related QPAM fails to satisfy a condition 
for relief under this temporary exemption, described in Sections I(c), 
(d), (h), (i), (j), and (k).
Section II: Definitions
    (a) The term ``JPMC Affiliated QPAM'' means a ``qualified 
professional asset manager'' (as defined in Section VI(a) \10\ of PTE 
84-14) that relies on the relief provided by PTE 84-14 and with respect 
to which JPMC is a current or future ``affiliate'' (as defined in 
Section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14). The term ``JPMC Affiliated QPAM'' 
excludes JPMC;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ In general terms, a QPAM is an independent fiduciary that 
is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or 
investment adviser that meets certain equity or net worth 
requirements and other licensure requirements, and has acknowledged 
in a written management agreement that it is a fiduciary with 
respect to each plan that has retained the QPAM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) The term ``JPMC Related QPAM'' means any current or future 
``qualified professional asset manager'' (as defined in section VI(a) 
of PTE 84-14) that relies on the relief provided by PTE 84-14, and with 
respect to which JPMC owns a direct or indirect five percent or more 
interest, but with respect to which JPMC is not an ``affiliate'' (as 
defined in Section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14).
    (c) The terms ``ERISA-covered plan'' and ``IRA'' mean, 
respectively, a plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA and a plan 
subject to section 4975 of the Code;
    (d) The term ``JPMC'' means JPMorgan Chase and Co., the parent 
entity, and does not include any subsidiaries or other affiliates;
    (e) The term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of conviction 
against JPMC for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, 
which is scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the District 
of Connecticut (the District Court) (Case Number 3:15-cr-79-SRU). For 
all purposes under this exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or entity 
that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses the conduct 
described in Paragraph 4(g)-(i) of the Plea Agreement filed in the 
District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-79-SRU; and
    (f) The term ``Conviction Date'' means the date that a judgment of 
Conviction against JPMC is entered by the District Court in connection 
with the Conviction.
    Effective Date: This temporary exemption is effective for the 
period beginning on the Conviction Date until the earlier of: (1) The 
date that is twelve (12) months following the Conviction Date; or (2) 
the effective date of final agency action made by the Department in 
connection with an application for long-term exemptive relief for the 
covered transactions described herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Brennan of the Department, 
telephone (202) 693-8456. (This is not a toll-free number.)

Barclays Capital Inc. (BCI or the Applicant) Located in New York, New 
York

[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2016-16; Exemption Application No. D-
11862]

Temporary Exemption

    On November 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed temporary exemption in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 83365, proposing that certain entities with specified 
relationships to BCI could continue to rely upon the relief provided by 
PTE 84-14 (49 FR 9494, March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and as 
amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010), notwithstanding the Conviction 
for a period of up to twelve months beginning on the date of the 
Conviction.
    No relief from a violation of any other law is provided by this 
temporary exemption, including any criminal conviction described in the 
proposed temporary exemption. Furthermore, the Department cautions that 
the relief in this temporary exemption will terminate immediately if, 
among other things, an entity within the BPLC corporate structure is 
convicted of a crime described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 (other than 
the Conviction) during the effective period of the temporary exemption. 
While such an entity could apply for a new exemption in that 
circumstance, the Department would not be obligated to grant the 
exemption. The terms of this temporary exemption have been specifically 
designed to permit plans to terminate their relationships in an orderly 
and cost effective fashion in the event of an additional conviction or 
a determination that it is otherwise prudent for a plan to terminate 
its relationship with an entity covered by the temporary exemption.

Written Comments

    The Department invited all interested persons to submit written 
comments and/or requests for a public hearing with respect to the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption, published in the Federal 
Register on November 21, 2016. All comments and requests for a hearing 
were due by November 28, 2016. The Department received written comments 
from the Applicant, the substance of which is discussed below.
    During the comment period, the Applicant submitted a request for 
the Department to make a number of revisions to the proposed exemption. 
Thereafter, the Applicant submitted additional information in support 
of its request. After considering these submissions, the Department has 
determined to make certain of the revisions sought by the Applicant. 
The revisions declined by the Department, as well as the revisions 
described below, will be reconsidered for purposes of the longer term 
relief published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2016 (81 FR 
83427) in connection with Exemption Application Number D-11910.
Revision 1. Replacement of Reference to BCI With BPLC in Section I of 
the Proposed Exemption
    The Applicant states that BCI is identified in certain conditions 
in Section I, notwithstanding that BPLC is the entity that pled guilty 
to the felony. Accordingly, the Applicant requests removal of the 
reference to ``BCI'' in those conditions. The Department concurs with 
this comment, and has substituted BPLC, the entity convicted of the 
conduct underlying the Conviction, for BCI, where applicable in Section 
I of the exemption. The Department has also revised Section I(a) to 
include ``Barclays Related QPAMs,'' thus requiring that these QPAMs did 
not know of, have reason to know of, or participate in the criminal 
conduct of BPLC that is the subject of the Conviction.
Revision 2. Correction to Section I(f) of the Proposed Exemption
    Section I(f) contains an unintended error and is revised to read as 
follows: ``A Barclays Affiliated QPAM or a Barclays Related QPAM did 
not exercise authority over the assets of any plan subject to Part 4 of 
Title I of ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or section 4975 of the Code 
(an IRA) in a manner that it knew or should have known would:

[[Page 94045]]

Further the criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction. . . 
.''
Revision 3. Clarification to Section I(g) of the Proposed Exemption
    The Department is clarifying Section I(g) to provide that BPLC may 
not act as a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) 
or (iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) and (C), with respect to ERISA-
covered plan and IRA assets; however, in accordance with that 
provision, BPLC will not be treated as violating the conditions of this 
exemption solely because they acted as investment advice fiduciaries 
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii) or Section 
4975(e)(3)(b) of the Code. The condition is also being revised to allow 
BPLC to act as a fiduciary with respect to employee benefit plans 
maintained or sponsored for their own employees or the employees of an 
affiliate.
Revision 4. Modification to the Timeframe for BCI To Provide Notice of 
Its Obligations Under Section I(i)
    The last paragraph of Section (I) of the proposed exemption 
provides that ``[w]ithin four (4) months of the date of the Conviction, 
each Barclays Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice of its obligations 
under this Section I(i) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for which a 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services.''
    The Applicant states that BCI and its affiliates do not currently 
provide asset management or other discretionary fiduciary services to 
ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, and the four-month notice period has no 
purpose. Therefore the Applicant requests that this provision be 
modified to reflect that Barclays Affiliated QPAMs would in the future 
be required to provide notice prior to an engagement with an ERISA-
covered plan or IRA subject to this temporary exemption, consistent 
with Sections I(h)(1) and I(h)(2). The Department concurs with this 
comment and has revised the condition accordingly.
Revision 5. References to the Conviction
    The prefatory language of Section I of proposed temporary exemption 
provides that ``[i]f the proposed temporary exemption is granted, the 
Barclays Affiliated QPAMs and the Barclays Related QPAMs, as defined in 
Sections II(a) and II(b), respectively, will not be precluded from 
relying on the exemptive relief provided by Prohibited Transaction 
Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14 or the QPAM Exemption), 
notwithstanding a judgment of conviction against Barclays PLC (BPLC) 
(the Conviction, as defined in Section II(c)), for engaging in a 
conspiracy to: (1) Fix the price of, or (2) eliminate competition in 
the purchase or sale of the euro/U.S. dollar currency pair exchanged in 
the Foreign Exchange (FX) Spot Market. This temporary exemption will be 
effective for a period of up to twelve (12) months beginning on the 
Conviction Date (as defined in Section II(e) . . .''
    Furthermore, Section II(e) of the proposed exemption provides, in 
relevant part, that ``[t]he term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of 
conviction against BPLC for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 
U.S.C. Sec.  1, which is scheduled to be entered in the District Court 
for the District of Connecticut (the District Court)(Case Number 3:15-
cr-00077-SRU-1), in connection with BPLC, through certain of its euro/
U.S. dollar (EUR/USD) traders, entering into and engaging in a 
combination and conspiracy to fix, stabilize, maintain, increase or 
decrease the price of, and rig bids and offers for, the EUR/USD 
currency pair exchanged in the FX spot market by agreeing to eliminate 
competition in the purchase and sale of the EUR/USD currency pair in 
the United States and elsewhere. For all purposes under this temporary 
exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or entity that is the ``subject of 
[a] Conviction'' encompasses any conduct of BPLC and/or their 
personnel, that is described in the Plea Agreement, (including the 
Factual Statement), and other official regulatory or judicial factual 
findings that are a part of this record[.]''
    The Applicant requests that the Department modify the prefatory 
language in Section I and Section II(e) of the proposed temporary 
exemption, to more precisely define the term ``Conviction.'' According 
to the Applicant, the reference to Conviction in the prefatory language 
of Section I of the proposed temporary exemption is incomplete and 
inexact and may create confusion on whether the exemption condition is 
met, leading to possible disputes with counterparties to the detriment 
of plans.
    The Department concurs with the Applicant's comment and has 
modified the relevant language in the final temporary exemption to 
provide that the term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of conviction 
against BPLC for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, 
which is scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the District 
of Connecticut (the District Court)(Case Number 3:15-cr-00077-SRU-1). 
For purposes of this exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or entity 
that is the subject of a ``Conviction'' encompasses the conduct 
described in Paragraph 4(g)-(j) of the Plea Agreement filed in the 
District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-00077-SRU-1. The Department also 
deleted the parenthetical in paragraph I(a) regarding the term 
``participate in'' and reworded the ``participate in'' parenthetical in 
paragraph I(c) to read: ``(for purposes of this paragraph (c), 
``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the misconduct 
underlying the Conviction).''
    Further, the Applicant notes that the term ``Conviction'' and 
``Conviction Date'' are defined in Sections II(e) and II(f), 
respectively, rather than II(c) and II(e). The Department has corrected 
this inadvertent error.
Revision 6. Indemnification Provision in Section I(i)
    Section I(i) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``[e]ffective as of the effective date of this temporary exemption, 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which 
such Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services, each Barclays Affiliated QPAM 
agrees:'' . . . ``(7) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered 
plan or IRA for any damages resulting from a violation of applicable 
laws, a breach of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of 
such Barclays Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief 
provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 
84-14 other than the Conviction.''
    The Applicant believes that this provision may operate in a manner 
that is fundamentally unfair as it is not limited to clients who are 
harmed through a direct, causal link to the loss of the exemptive 
relief provided by PTE 84-14. The Applicant states that the condition 
appears to allow plans and IRAs to seek to recover damages (i) that 
arise from violations and breaches by third parties, (ii) that arise 
only tenuously from the manager's conduct, (iii) that may be grossly 
unreasonable in amount, (iv) for claims without merit and (v) for 
claims in connection with accounts that do not rely on the relief 
provided by PTE 84-14.
    Accordingly, the Applicant requests that that the Department delete 
this condition or, in the alternative, expressly tie the requirement to 
damages with a proximate causal connection to relevant conduct of the 
manager by rewording the condition as follows:

[[Page 94046]]

    ``(I)(i) [e]ffective as of the effective date of this temporary 
exemption, with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract 
between a Barclays Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
under which such Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or 
other discretionary fiduciary services in reliance on PTE 84-14, each 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM agrees: . . . (7) To indemnify and hold 
harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA for any reasonable damages 
involving such arrangement, agreement or contract and resulting 
directly from a violation of ERISA by such Barclays Affiliated QPAM, 
or, to the extent the Barclays Affiliated QPAM relies on the exemptive 
relief provided by PTE 84-14 under the arrangement, agreement or 
contract, the failure of such Barclays Affiliated QPAM to qualify for 
the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a violation 
of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than as a result of the Conviction. 
This condition does not require indemnification of indirect, special, 
consequential or punitive damages.''
    The Department declines to make the requested revisions, but is 
modifying Section I(i)(7) to clarify that ``applicable laws'' refer to 
the fiduciary duties of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions 
of ERISA and the Code, which are likewise required to be included in 
the Policies described in Section I(h) of this exemption. Therefore, 
Section I(i)(7) of the temporary exemption, as granted, requires a 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-
covered plan or IRA for any damages resulting from a violation of 
ERISA's fiduciary duties and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited 
transaction provisions, a breach of contract, or any claim arising out 
of the failure of such Barclays Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the 
exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a violation of 
Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the Conviction.''
Revision 7. Restrictions on Withdrawals in Section I(i)
    Section I(i)(4) of the proposed temporary exemption requires that 
Barclays Affiliated QPAMs must agree ``[n]ot to restrict the ability of 
such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from its 
arrangement with the Barclays Affiliated QPAM (including any investment 
in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and 
managed by such QPAM), with the exception of reasonable restrictions, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled fund in the 
event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse consequences for 
all other investors as a result of an actual lack of liquidity of the 
underlying assets, provided that such restrictions are applied 
consistently and in like manner to all such investors.''
    The Department has modified Section I(i)(4) to make it clear that a 
lack of liquidity may include a range of similar circumstances where 
reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect remaining investors in 
a pooled fund. Furthermore, the Department has modified Section I(i)(4) 
in order to clarify that the limitation of adverse consequences to 
those resulting from a lack of liquidity, valuation issues, or 
regulatory reasons, is only required with respect to investments in a 
pooled fund subject to ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date. In 
any such event, the restrictions must be reasonable and last no longer 
than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences to 
investors in the fund.
    Therefore, the language of Section I(i)(4) in the final temporary 
exemption requires a Barclays Affiliated QPAM ``[n]ot to restrict the 
ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from 
its arrangement with the Barclays Affiliated QPAM with respect to any 
investment in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to 
ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with the exception of reasonable 
restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors. In connection with any such 
arrangements involving investments in pooled funds subject to ERISA 
entered into after the U.S. Conviction Date, the adverse consequences 
must relate to a lack of liquidity of the underlying assets, valuation 
issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent the fund from immediately 
redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's investment, and such 
restrictions must be applicable to all such investors and effective no 
longer than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences.''
Revision 8. Scope of Contractual Obligations in Section I(i)
    The Department, own its on motion, is making a correction to 
Section I(i)(1) to revise the phrase at the end of Section I(i)(1)(i) 
that reads ``with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and IRA'' to 
read in the final temporary exemption as follows: ``as applicable, with 
respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and IRA.'' The Department is 
also revising the notice requirement in Section I(i) to require that 
each Barclays Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement 
under Section I(i) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for which a 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services.
Revision 9. Correction of the Term ``Barclays Affiliated QPAM''
    Section II(a) of the proposed temporary exemption precludes both 
BPLC and BCI from acting as a QPAM. The Applicant represents that, as 
noted above, BCI was not the subject of the Conviction and should not 
be excluded from the temporary exemption. The Department concurs and 
has revised Section II(a) of the final temporary exemption accordingly.
    After giving full consideration to the record, the Department has 
decided to grant the temporary exemption, as described above. The 
complete application file (Application No. D-11862) is available for 
public inspection in the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee 
Benefits Security Administration, Room N-1515, U.S. Department of 
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    For a more complete statement of the facts and representations 
supporting the Department's decision to grant this temporary exemption, 
refer to the notice of proposed temporary exemption published on 
November 21, 2016 at 81 FR 83365.

Temporary Exemption Operative Language

Section I: Covered Transactions
    Certain entities with specified relationships to BCI (hereinafter, 
the Barclays Affiliated QPAMs and the Barclays Related QPAMs, as 
defined in Sections II(a) and II(b), respectively) will not be 
precluded from relying on the exemptive relief provided by Prohibited 
Transaction Class Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14 or the QPAM 
Exemption),\11\ notwithstanding the judgment of conviction against 
Barclays PLC (BPLC) (the Conviction, as defined in Section II(e)),\12\ 
for a period of up to

[[Page 94047]]

twelve (12) months beginning on the date of the Conviction (the 
Conviction Date, as defined in Section II(f)), provided that the 
following conditions are satisfied:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and 
as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010).
    \12\ Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 generally provides that 
``[n]either the QPAM nor any affiliate thereo . . . nor any owner . 
. . of a 5 percent or more interest in the QPAM is a person who 
within the 10 years immediately preceding the transaction has been 
either convicted or released from imprisonment, whichever is later, 
as a result of'' certain felonies including violation of the Sherman 
Antitrust Act, Title 15 United States Code, Section 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) Other than certain individuals who worked for a non-fiduciary 
business under BPLC, who had no responsibility for, and exercised no 
authority in connection with, the management of plan assets and who are 
no longer employed by BPLC the Barclays Affiliated QPAMs and the 
Barclays Related QPAMs (including their officers, directors, agents 
other than BPLC, and employees of such QPAMs who had responsibility 
for, or exercised authority in connection with the management of plan 
assets) did not know of, have reason to know of, or participate in the 
criminal conduct of BPLC that is the subject of the Conviction;
    (b) The Barclays Affiliated QPAMs and the Barclays Related QPAMs 
(including their officers, directors, agents other than BPLC, and 
employees of such QPAMs) did not receive direct compensation, or 
knowingly receive indirect compensation, in connection with the 
criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction;
    (c) The Barclays Affiliated QPAMs will not employ or knowingly 
engage any of the individuals that participated in the criminal conduct 
that is the subject of the Conviction (for purposes of this paragraph 
(c), ``participated in'' includes approving or condoning the misconduct 
underlying the Conviction);
    (d) A Barclays Affiliated QPAM will not use its authority or 
influence to direct an ``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) 
of PTE 84-14), that is subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM, to enter into any transaction with BPLC, or 
to engage BPLC, to provide any service to such investment fund, for a 
direct or indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless of 
whether such transaction or service may otherwise be within the scope 
of relief provided by an administrative or statutory exemption;
    (e) Any failure of a Barclays Affiliated QPAM or a Barclays Related 
QPAM to satisfy Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 arose solely from the 
Conviction;
    (f) A Barclays Affiliated QPAM or a Barclays Related QPAM did not 
exercise authority over the assets of any plan subject to Part 4 of 
Title I of ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or section 4975 of the Code 
(an IRA) in a manner that it knew or should have known would: Further 
the criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction; or cause 
the Barclays Affiliate QPAM or the Barclays Related QPAM or its 
affiliates or related parties to directly or indirectly profit from the 
criminal conduct that is the subject of the Conviction;
    (g) Other than with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or 
sponsored for their own employees or the employees of an affiliate, 
BPLC will not act as a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA Section 
3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or (C), with 
respect to ERISA-covered plan and IRA assets; in accordance with this 
provision, BPLC will not be treated as violating the conditions of this 
exemption solely because they acted as investment advice fiduciaries 
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii) or Section 
4975(e)(3)(b) of the Code;
    (h)(1) Prior to a Barclays Affiliated QPAM's engagement by any 
ERISA-covered plan or IRA for discretionary asset management services, 
the Barclays Affiliated QPAM must develop, implement, maintain, and 
follow written policies and procedures (the Policies) requiring and 
reasonably designed to ensure that:
    (i) The asset management decisions of the Barclays Affiliated QPAM 
are conducted independently of the corporate management and business 
activities of BPLC;
    (ii) The Barclays Affiliated QPAM fully complies with ERISA's 
fiduciary duties and with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction 
provisions, and does not knowingly participate in any violations of 
these duties and provisions with respect to ERISA-covered plans and 
IRAs;
    (iii) The Barclays Affiliated QPAM does not knowingly participate 
in any other person's violation of ERISA or the Code with respect to 
ERISA-covered plans and IRAs;
    (iv) Any filings or statements made by the Barclays Affiliated QPAM 
to regulators, including but not limited to, the Department, the 
Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the Pension 
Benefit Guaranty Corporation, on behalf of ERISA-covered plans or IRAs 
are materially accurate and complete, to the best of such QPAM's 
knowledge at that time;
    (v) The Barclays Affiliated QPAM does not make material 
misrepresentations or omit material information in its communications 
with such regulators with respect to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or 
make material misrepresentations or omit material information in its 
communications with ERISA-covered plans and IRA clients;
    (vi) The Barclays Affiliated QPAM complies with the terms of this 
temporary exemption; and
    (vii) Any violation of, or failure to comply with, an item in 
subparagraphs (ii) through (vi), is corrected promptly upon discovery, 
and any such violation or compliance failure not promptly corrected is 
reported, upon discovering the failure to promptly correct, in writing, 
to appropriate corporate officers, the head of compliance, and the 
General Counsel (or their functional equivalent) of the relevant 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM, and an appropriate fiduciary of any affected 
ERISA-covered plan or IRA, where such fiduciary is independent of BPLC; 
however, with respect to any ERISA-covered plan or IRA sponsored by an 
``affiliate'' (as defined in Section VI(d) of PTE 84-14) of BPLC or 
beneficially owned by an employee of BPLC or its affiliates, such 
fiduciary does not need to be independent of BPLC. A Barclays 
Affiliated QPAM will not be treated as having failed to develop, 
implement, maintain, or follow the Policies, provided that it corrects 
any instance of noncompliance promptly when discovered or when it 
reasonably should have known of the noncompliance (whichever is 
earlier), and provided that it adheres to the reporting requirements 
set forth in this subparagraph (vii);
    (2) Prior to a Barclays Affiliated QPAM's engagement by any ERISA 
covered plan or IRA for discretionary asset management services, the 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM must develop and implement a program of 
training (the Training), conducted at least annually, for all relevant 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM asset/portfolio management, trading, legal, 
compliance, and internal audit personnel. The Training must be set 
forth in the Policies and, at a minimum, cover the Policies, ERISA and 
Code compliance (including applicable fiduciary duties and the 
prohibited transaction provisions), ethical conduct, the consequences 
for not complying with the conditions of this temporary exemption 
(including any loss of exemptive relief provided herein), and prompt 
reporting of wrongdoing;
    (i) Effective as of date of this temporary exemption with respect 
to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a Barclays 
Affiliated QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which such 
Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services, each Barclays Affiliated QPAM agrees:

[[Page 94048]]

    (1) To comply with ERISA and the Code with respect to each such 
ERISA-covered plan and IRA, as applicable; to refrain from engaging in 
prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly 
correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and to comply with 
the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 of 
ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA;
    (2) Not to require (or otherwise cause) the ERISA-covered plan or 
IRA to waive, limit, or qualify the liability of the Barclays 
Affiliated QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code or engaging in 
prohibited transactions;
    (3) Not to require the ERISA-covered plan or IRA (or sponsor of 
such ERISA-covered plan or beneficial owner of such IRA) to indemnify 
the Barclays Affiliated QPAM for violating ERISA or the Code or 
engaging in prohibited transactions, except for violations or 
prohibited transactions caused by an error, misrepresentation, or 
misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party hired by the plan 
fiduciary, who is independent of BPLC, and its affiliates;
    (4) Not to restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with the Barclays 
Affiliated QPAM with respect to any investment in a separately managed 
account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with 
the exception of reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in 
advance, that are specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment 
of all investors in a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or 
termination may have adverse consequences for all other investors. In 
connection with any such arrangements involving investments in pooled 
funds subject to ERISA entered into after the U.S. Conviction Date, the 
adverse consequences must relate to a lack of liquidity of the 
underlying assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent 
the fund from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's 
investment, and such restrictions must be applicable to all such 
investors and effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid 
the adverse consequences;
    (5) Not to impose any fees, penalties, or charges for such 
termination or withdrawal with the exception of reasonable fees, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
prevent generally recognized abusive investment practices or 
specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in 
a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have 
adverse consequences for all other investors, provided that such fees 
are applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors;
    (6) Not to include exculpatory provisions disclaiming or otherwise 
limiting liability of the Barclays Affiliated QPAM for a violation of 
such agreement's terms, except for liability caused by an error, 
misrepresentation, or misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party 
hired by the plan fiduciary who is independent of BPLC, and its 
affiliates; and
    (7) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such Barclays 
Affiliated QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-
14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than 
the Conviction.
    Prior to a Barclays Affiliated QPAM's engagement with an ERISA-
covered plan or IRA, the Barclays Affiliated QPAM will provide a notice 
of its agreement and obligations under this Section I(i) to each ERISA-
covered plan and IRA for which a Barclays Affiliated QPAM provides 
asset management or other discretionary fiduciary services;
    (j) The Barclays Affiliated QPAMs comply with each condition of PTE 
84-14, as amended, with the sole exceptions of the violations of 
Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 that are attributable to the Conviction;
    (k) Each Barclays Affiliated QPAM will maintain records necessary 
to demonstrate that the conditions of this temporary exemption have 
been met, for six (6) years following the date of any transaction for 
which such Barclays Affiliated QPAM relies upon the relief in the 
temporary exemption;
    (l) During the effective period of this temporary exemption, BPLC: 
(1) Immediately discloses to the Department any Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement (a DPA) or Non-Prosecution Agreement (an NPA) that BPLC or an 
affiliate enters into with the U.S. Department of Justice, to the 
extent such DPA or NPA involves conduct described in Section I(g) of 
PTE 84-14 or section 411 of ERISA; and
    (2) Immediately provides the Department any information requested 
by the Department, as permitted by law, regarding the agreement and/or 
the conduct and allegations that led to the agreements; and
    (m) A Barclays Affiliated QPAM or a Barclays Related QPAM will not 
fail to meet the terms of this temporary exemption solely because a 
different Barclays Affiliated QPAM or Barclays Related QPAM fails to 
satisfy a condition for relief under this temporary exemption, 
described in Sections I(c), (d), (h), (i), (j) and (k).
Section II: Definitions
    (a) The term ``Barclays Affiliated QPAM'' means a ``qualified 
professional asset manager'' (as defined in Section VI(a) \13\ of PTE 
84-14) that relies on the relief provided by PTE 84-14 and with respect 
to which BPLC is a current or future ``affiliate'' (as defined in 
Section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14). The term ``Barclays Affiliated QPAM'' 
excludes BPLC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ In general terms, a QPAM is an independent fiduciary that 
is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or 
investment adviser that meets certain equity or net worth 
requirements and other licensure requirements and that has 
acknowledged in a written management agreement that it is a 
fiduciary with respect to each plan that has retained the QPAM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) The term ``Barclays Related QPAM'' means any current or future 
``qualified professional asset manager'' (as defined in Section VI(a) 
of PTE 84-14) that relies on the relief provided by PTE 84-14, and with 
respect to which BPLC owns a direct or indirect five percent or more 
interest, but with respect to which BPLC is not an ``affiliate'' (as 
defined in Section VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14).
    (c) The terms ``ERISA-covered plan'' and ``IRA'' mean, 
respectively, a plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA and a plan 
subject to section 4975 of the Code;
    (d) The term ``BPLC'' means Barclays PLC, the parent entity, and 
does not include any subsidiaries or other affiliates;
    (e) The term ``Conviction'' means the judgment of conviction 
against BPLC for violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. 1, 
which is scheduled to be entered in the District Court for the District 
of Connecticut (the District Court), Case Number 3:15-cr-00077-SRU-1. 
For all purposes under this temporary exemption, ``conduct'' of any 
person or entity that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses 
the conduct described in Paragraph 4(g)-(j) of the Plea Agreement filed 
in the District Court in Case Number 3:15-cr-00077-SRU-1; and
    (f) The term ``Conviction Date'' means the date that a judgment of 
Conviction against BPLC is entered by the District Court in connection 
with the Conviction.
    Effective Date: This temporary exemption is effective for the 
period

[[Page 94049]]

beginning on the Conviction Date until the earlier of: (1) The date 
that is twelve months following the Conviction Date; or (2) the 
effective date of a final agency action made by the Department in 
connection with an application for long-term exemptive relief for the 
covered transactions described herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Anna Mpras Vaughan of the 
Department, telephone (202) 693-8565. (This is not a toll-free number.)

UBS Assets Management (Americas) Inc.; UBS Realty Investors LLC; UBS 
Hedge Fund Solutions LLC; UBS O'Connor LLC; and Certain Future 
Affiliates in UBS's Asset Management and Wealth Management Americas 
Divisions (Collectively, the Applicants or the UBS QPAMs); Located in 
Chicago, Illinois; Hartford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and 
Chicago, Illinois, Respectively

[Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2016-17; Exemption Application No. D-
11863]

Temporary Exemption

    On November 17, 2016, the Department of Labor (the Department) 
published a notice of proposed temporary exemption in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 81158, proposing that certain entities with specified 
relationships to UBS, AG (hereinafter, the UBS QPAMs) could continue to 
rely on the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 (49 FR 9494 (March 
13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 (October 10, 1985), as amended 
at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 
6, 2010)), notwithstanding the ``2013 Conviction'' against UBS 
Securities Japan Co., Ltd. entered on September 18, 2013 and the ``2016 
Conviction'' against UBS AG (the 2013 Conviction and the 2016 
Conviction are described in more detail in the proposed temporary 
exemption and further defined in Section II(a) of this final temporary 
exemption), for a period of up to twelve months beginning on the date 
that a judgment of conviction is entered against UBS in the 2016 
Conviction.
    No relief from a violation of any other law is provided by this 
temporary exemption, including any criminal conviction described in the 
proposed temporary exemption. Furthermore, the Department cautions that 
the relief in this temporary exemption will terminate immediately if, 
among other things, an entity within the UBS corporate structure is 
convicted of a crime described in Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 (other than 
the 2013 or the 2016 Conviction) during the effective period of the 
temporary exemption. While such an entity could apply for a new 
exemption in that circumstance, the Department would not be obligated 
to grant the exemption. The terms of this temporary exemption have been 
specifically designed to permit plans to terminate their relationships 
in an orderly and cost effective fashion in the event of an additional 
conviction or a determination that it is otherwise prudent for a plan 
to terminate its relationship with an entity covered by the temporary 
exemption.

Written Comments

    The Department invited all interested persons to submit written 
comments and/or requests for a public hearing with respect to the 
notice of proposed temporary exemption, published in the Federal 
Register at 81 FR 81158 on November 17, 2016. All comments and requests 
for hearing were due by November 22, 2016. The Applicant submitted a 
written comment letter requesting certain revisions to the proposed 
temporary exemption, which was further supplemented through additional 
correspondence, as requested by the Department. After considering the 
comment letter, the Department determined that some, but not all, of 
the requested revisions have merit, and has revised the exemption in 
the manner described below. All requested revisions and comments, 
accepted or omitted, will be reconsidered for purposes of the longer 
term relief proposed in the Federal Register at 81 FR 83385 on November 
21, 2016, in connection with Exemption Application Number D-11907. The 
requested revisions and clarifications, and the Department's responses 
thereto, are described below.
Revision 1. The Policies and Training
    Section I(h)(1) of the proposed temporary exemption requires each 
UBS QPAM to ``immediately develop, implement, maintain and follow'' the 
written policies and procedures (the Policies) described in Section 
I(h)(1)(i) through (vii). Furthermore, Section I(h)(2) requires each 
UBS QPAM to ``immediately develop and implement a program of training 
(the Training)'' described therein. In its comment and in subsequent 
conversations with the Department, the Applicants requested that 
Sections I(h)(1) and (2) be modified to allow the UBS QPAMs a period of 
up to six months following the date of the 2016 Conviction to meet 
these requirements. The Department concurs with the Applicants' 
request. Therefore, in the final temporary exemption, the Department 
has modified Section I(h)(1) and (2) to provide that, respectively, 
``Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each UBS QPAM must 
develop, implement, maintain, and follow written policies and 
procedures (the Policies) . . .'' and ``Within six (6) months of the 
Conviction Date, each UBS QPAM must develop and implement a program of 
training (the Training) . . . .''
Revision 2. Timing of Audit Under PTE 2013-09
    Section I(i)(1) of the proposed temporary exemption requires that 
each UBS QPAM submit to an independent audit to evaluate the adequacy 
of, and the UBS QPAM's compliance with, the Policies and Training 
requirements of the exemption. The audit must cover the twelve month 
period beginning on the Conviction Date, and be completed no later than 
six months thereafter. Section I(i)(1) of this temporary exemption 
provides further that, ``[f]or time periods prior to the Conviction 
Date and covered under PTE 2013-09, the audit requirements in Section 
(g) of PTE 2013-09 will remain in effect.'' \14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Prior to the Conviction Date, the effective date of this 
temporary exemption, the UBS QPAMs were required to rely on the 
relief provided by PTE 2013-09 in order to engage in prohibited 
transactions covered under PTE 84-14. In complying with PTE 2013-09, 
the QPAMs were subject to an annual independent audit covering the 
twelve month period beginning on the September 18th of each year. 
According to the Applicants, the last full annual audit period ended 
on September 18, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In its comment, the Applicants state that the UBS QPAMs are 
currently subject to a short audit period beginning on September 18, 
2016, the end of the most recent audit period under PTE 2013-09, and 
ending on the Conviction Date, currently scheduled for January 5, 2017. 
The Applicants state that it is unclear when the audit under this short 
period must be completed and when the written report would be due, 
because the twelve-month audit period under this temporary exemption 
begins on the Conviction Date. UBS requests that this short audit 
period under PTE 2013-09 be combined with the twelve month audit period 
required by this temporary exemption. In the alternative, the 
Applicants request that the Department clarify when the final audit and 
written report required under PTE 2013-09 is due to be completed and 
submitted to the Department.
    The Department concurs with the Applicants' request that the short 
audit period may be combined with the twelve-month audit period under 
this temporary exemption, at the election of the independent auditor, 
and has modified the language of Section I(i)(1) as such. Section 
I(i)(1) has also be modified to clarify when the final audit under PTE 
2013-09 must be completed,

[[Page 94050]]

in the event that the short audit period is not so combined with the 
twelve-month audit period under this temporary exemption.
Revision 3. Restrictions on Withdrawals in Section I(j)
    The UBS QPAMs request a revision to Section I(j) of the proposed 
temporary exemption, which imposes certain contractual obligations that 
UBS QPAMs must agree to enter into in connection with any arrangement, 
agreement, or contract between such UBS QPAMs and ERISA-covered plans 
and IRAs for which such QPAMs provide asset management or other 
discretionary fiduciary services. Section I(j)(4) of the proposed 
temporary exemption requires that the UBS QPAMs must agree ``[n]ot to 
restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or 
withdraw from its arrangement with the UBS QPAM (including any 
investment in a separately managed account or pooled fund subject to 
ERISA and managed by such QPAM), with the exception of reasonable 
restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically 
designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled 
fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse 
consequences for all other investors as a result of an actual lack of 
liquidity of the underlying assets, provided that such restrictions are 
applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors.''
    The Applicants request that the Department revise Section I(j)(4) 
in order to allow reasonable restrictions on a plan's ability to 
terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with a UBS QPAM involving an 
investment in a pooled fund, for reasons other than an ``actual lack of 
liquidity.'' According to the Applicants, these circumstances include 
(but are not limited to) situations where (i) it would be impracticable 
to establish an accurate fair market value for some of the underlying 
assets in a commingled fund; and (ii) there are ``holdbacks'' pending 
the receipt of audited financial statements for the fund, so that final 
asset values have not yet been determined. The Applicants have proposed 
that Section I(j)(4) be revised to provide that ``in the event such 
withdrawal or termination may have adverse consequences for all other 
investors as the result of a lack of liquidity of the underlying 
assets, valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent the fund 
from immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's investment, 
provided that such restrictions are applicable to all such investors.''
    The Department has modified Section I(j)(4) to make it clear that a 
``lack of liquidity'' may include a range of circumstances where 
reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect remaining investors in 
a pooled fund. Further, the Department has added language to clarify 
that, in any such event the restrictions must be reasonable and last no 
longer than reasonably necessary to remedy the adverse consequences.
    Therefore, the Department has modified Section I(j)(4) of this 
temporary exemption to require UBS QPAMs: ``Not to restrict the ability 
of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA to terminate or withdraw from its 
arrangement with the UBS QPAM with respect to any investment in a 
separately managed account or pooled fund subject to ERISA and managed 
by such QPAM, with the exception of reasonable restrictions, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
ensure equitable treatment of all investors in a pooled fund in the 
event such withdrawal or termination may have adverse consequences for 
all other investors. In connection with any such arrangements involving 
investments in pooled funds subject to ERISA entered into after the 
Conviction Date, the adverse consequences must relate to of a lack of 
liquidity of the underlying assets, valuation issues, or regulatory 
reasons that prevent the fund from immediately redeeming an ERISA-
covered plan's or IRA's investment, and such restrictions must be 
applicable to all such investors and effective no longer than 
reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse consequences.''
Revision 4. Indemnification Provisions in Section I(j)
    Section I(j) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that, 
``[e]ffective as of the effective date of this temporary exemption, 
with respect to any arrangement, agreement, or contract between a UBS 
QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for which a UBS QPAM provides 
asset management or other discretionary fiduciary services, each UBS 
QPAM agrees'' to comply with certain obligations described in Sections 
I(j)(1) through (7). Specifically, Section I(j)(7) requires such UBS 
QPAM ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of applicable laws, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such UBS QPAM 
to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result 
of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the 
Convictions.''
    The Department, is modifying Section I(i)(7) to clarify that the 
``applicable laws'' referred to in Section I(i)(7) refer to the 
fiduciary duties of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of 
ERISA and the Code. The requirement to comply with ERISA's fiduciary 
duties and with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions 
is also included in the Policies required under the exemption. 
Therefore, Section I(i)(7) of the temporary exemption, as granted, 
requires a UBS QPAM ``[t]o indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-
covered plan or IRA for any damages resulting from a violation of 
ERISA's fiduciary duties and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited 
transaction provisions, a breach of contract, or any claim arising out 
of the failure of such UBS QPAM to qualify for the exemptive relief 
provided by PTE 84-14 as a result of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 
84-14 other than the Convictions.''
    The Department is also revising the notice requirement in Section 
I(j)(8) to require that each UBS QPAM will provide a notice of its 
agreement under Section I(j) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA for 
which a UBS QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services within six (6) months of the effective date of this 
temporary exemption.
Revision 5. Modification of Section I(g)
    Section I(g) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that 
``UBS and UBS Securities Japan will not provide discretionary asset 
management services to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, nor will otherwise 
act as a fiduciary with respect to ERISA-covered plan or IRA assets.'' 
The Department has modified Section I(g) in order to clarify that UBS 
and UBS Securities Japan will not violate the condition in the event 
that they inadvertently become investment advice fiduciaries and that 
UBS can act as a fiduciary for plans that it sponsors for its own 
employees or employees of an affliate.
    Therefore, Section I(g) of the temporary exemption, as granted, 
provides that ``Other than with respect to plans sponsored or 
maintained by UBS for its own employees or employees of an affiliate, 
UBS and UBS Securities Japan will not act as fiduciaries within the 
meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code Section 
4975(e)(3)(A) or (C) with respect to ERISA-covered plan or IRA assets; 
in accordance with this provision, UBS and UBS Securities Japan will 
not be treated as violating the conditions of

[[Page 94051]]

this exemption solely because they acted as investment advice 
fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii), or Code 
Section 4975(e)(3)(B).''
Revision 6. Definition of Convictions and FX Misconduct
    The Applicants also request that the Department modify the language 
in Section II(a) regarding the definition of ``Convictions.'' Section 
II(a) of the proposed temporary exemption provides that ``for all 
purposes under this temporary exemption, ``conduct'' of any person or 
entity that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses any 
conduct of UBS and/or their personnel, that is described in the Plea 
Agreement, (including Exhibits 1 and 3 attached thereto), and other 
official regulatory or judicial factual findings that are a part of 
this record.'' Specifically, the UBS QPAMs request that the Department 
strike the reference to ``official regulatory or judicial factual 
findings that are a part of this record,'' because, according to the 
Applicants, it is unclear what documents are being referred to. 
Furthermore, the Applicants state that they are unaware of any other 
documents having been made a part of the record besides the Plea 
Agreement, (including Exhibits 1 and 3 attached thereto). The 
Applicants suggest that the Department modify the language of Section 
II(a) to provide that the ``conduct'' of any person or entity that is 
``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses any conduct of UBS and/or 
their personnel, that is described in Exhibit 3 to the Plea Agreement 
entered into between UBS AG and the Department of Justice Criminal 
Division, on May 20, 2015, in connection with Case Number 3:15-cr-
00076-RNC, and Exhibits 3 and 4 to the Plea Agreement entered into 
between UBS Securities Japan and the Department of Justice Criminal 
Division, on December 19, 2012, in connection with Case Number 3:12-cr-
00268-RNC.
    The Department concurs with the applicant and has removed the 
reference to ``official regulatory or judicial factual findings that 
are a part of this record,'' from the definition of ``Convictions'' in 
Section II(a). Furthermore, the Department has modified the language in 
Section II(a) to provide that the `` `conduct' of any person or entity 
that is the `subject of [a] Conviction' encompasses any conduct of UBS 
and/or their personnel, that is described (i) in Exhibit 3 to the Plea 
Agreement entered into between UBS AG and the Department of Justice 
Criminal Division, on May 20, 2015, in connection with Case Number 
3:15-cr-00076-RNC, and (ii) Exhibits 3 and 4 to the Plea Agreement 
entered into between UBS Securities Japan and the Department of Justice 
Criminal Division, on December 19, 2012, in connection with Case Number 
3:12-cr-00268-RNC.''
    In addition to modifying to the definition of ``Convictions'' in 
Section II(a), the Department also deleted the parenthetical in Section 
I(a) regarding the term ``participate in'' and reworded the 
``participate in'' parenthetical in Section I(c) to read: ``(for 
purposes of this paragraph (c), ``participated in'' includes approving 
or condoning the misconduct underlying the Conviction).''
    The applicant has also requested the Department revise the 
definition of ``FX Misconduct'' in Section II(e) of the temporary 
exemption to limit the term to the conduct described in ``Paragraph 15 
of Exhibit 1 of the Plea Agreement (Factual Basis for Breach).'' The 
Department declines to make the requested change to the definition of 
``FX Misconduct'' in Section II(e). The Department understands that, 
based on the record, the Department of Justice terminated UBS AG's 2012 
Non-Prosecution Agreement (the NPA) related to UBS's fraudulent 
submission of LIBOR rates as a result of a determination that UBS 
engaged in deceptive currency trading and sales practices, as well as 
collusive conduct in certain FX markets. Thus, narrowing the definition 
of the FX Misconduct to include only paragraph 15 of Exhibit 1 of the 
Plea Agreement would not appropriately reflect the misconduct of UBS 
employees in regard to the FX markets that was taken into consideration 
in the breach of the NPA.
Revision 7. Technical Corrections and Clarifications
    The Department is making a technical correction to the Section I(j) 
to clarify the language in that Section. In this regard, the Department 
is revising the phrase at the end of Section I(j)(1) that reads ``as 
applicable'' to read in the final temporary exemption as follows: ``as 
applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and IRA.'' The 
Department intended for each UBS QPAM to contractually obligate itself 
to apply the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 
of ERISA, as applicable, to all ERISA-covered plans and IRAs for which 
such QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary fiduciary 
services. Therefore, the revised Section I(j)(1) in the final temporary 
exemption will require that each UBS QPAM agrees ``[t]o comply with 
ERISA and the Code, as applicable with respect to such ERISA-covered 
plan or IRA; to refrain from engaging in prohibited transactions that 
are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly correct any inadvertent 
prohibited transactions); and to comply with the standards of prudence 
and loyalty set forth in section 404 of ERISA, as applicable, with 
respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and IRA.''
    The Applicants' comment makes certain clarifications to the Summary 
of Facts and Representations in the proposed temporary exemption. The 
proposed temporary exemption provides at 81 FR 81163 that UBS adopted 
and began to implement an automated system to monitor transactions 
covering the all asset classes in 2013. However, the Applicants note in 
their comment that such implementation began in early 2014. In 
addition, the proposed temporary exemption at 81 FR 81163 states that 
UBS has prohibited the use of mobile phones on trading floors. However, 
the Applicants note in their comment that UBS has prohibited the use of 
personal mobile phones on trading floors for all investment bank sales 
and trading staff. The Department takes note of the Applicants' 
clarifications.
    After giving full consideration to the entire record, the 
Department has decided to grant the temporary exemption. The complete 
application file for the temporary exemption (Exemption Application No. 
D-11863), including all supplemental submissions received by the 
Department, is available for public inspection in the Public Disclosure 
Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N-1515, 
U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20210.
    For a more complete statement of the facts and representations 
supporting the Department's decision to grant this exemption, refer to 
the proposed exemption published in the Federal Register on November 
17, 2016 at 81 FR 81158.

Temporary Exemption Operative Language

Section I: Covered Transactions
    Certain entities with specified relationships to UBS, AG 
(hereinafter, the UBS QPAMs as further defined in Section II(b)) shall 
not be precluded from relying on the exemptive relief provided by 
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 84-14 (PTE 84-14),\15\

[[Page 94052]]

notwithstanding the ``2013 Conviction'' against UBS Securities Japan 
Co., Ltd. entered on September 18, 2013 and the ``2016 Conviction'' 
against UBS (collectively the Convictions, as further defined in 
Section II(a)),\16\ for a period of up to twelve months beginning on 
the Conviction Date (as defined in Section II(d)), provided that the 
following conditions are satisfied:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 49 FR 9494 (March 13, 1984), as corrected at 50 FR 41430 
(October 10, 1985), as amended at 70 FR 49305 (August 23, 2005), and 
as amended at 75 FR 38837 (July 6, 2010).
    \16\ Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 generally provides that 
``[n]either the QPAM nor any affiliate thereof . . . nor any owner . 
. . of a 5 percent or more interest in the QPAM is a person who 
within the 10 years immediately preceding the transaction has been 
either convicted or released from imprisonment, whichever is later, 
as a result of'' certain criminal activity therein described.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (a) The UBS QPAMs (including their officers, directors, agents 
other than UBS, and employees of such UBS QPAMs) did not know of, have 
reason to know of, or participate in: (1) The FX Misconduct; or (2) the 
criminal conduct that is the subject of the Convictions;
    (b) The UBS QPAMs (including their officers, directors, agents 
other than UBS, and employees of such UBS QPAMs) did not receive direct 
compensation, or knowingly receive indirect compensation, in connection 
with: (1) The FX Misconduct; or (2) the criminal conduct that is the 
subject of the Convictions;
    (c) The UBS QPAMs will not employ or knowingly engage any of the 
individuals that participated in: (1) The FX Misconduct or (2) the 
criminal conduct that is the subject of the Convictions (for purposes 
of this Section I(c), ``participated in'' includes approving or 
condoning the FX Misconduct or the misconduct that is the subject of 
the Convictions);
    (d) A UBS QPAM will not use its authority or influence to direct an 
``investment fund'' (as defined in Section VI(b) of PTE 84-14) that is 
subject to ERISA or the Code and managed by such UBS QPAM, to enter 
into any transaction with UBS or UBS Securities Japan or engage UBS or 
UBS Securities Japan to provide any service to such investment fund, 
for a direct or indirect fee borne by such investment fund, regardless 
of whether such transaction or service may otherwise be within the 
scope of relief provided by an administrative or statutory exemption;
    (e) Any failure of the UBS QPAMs to satisfy Section I(g) of PTE 84-
14 arose solely from the Convictions;
    (f) A UBS QPAM did not exercise authority over the assets of any 
plan subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA (an ERISA-covered plan) or 
section 4975 of the Code (an IRA) in a manner that it knew or should 
have known would: Further the FX Misconduct or the criminal conduct 
that is the subject of the Convictions; or cause the UBS QPAM, its 
affiliates or related parties to directly or indirectly profit from the 
FX Misconduct or the criminal conduct that is the subject of the 
Convictions;
    (g) Other than with respect to plans sponsored or maintained by UBS 
for its own employees or employees of an affiliate, UBS and UBS 
Securities Japan will not act as fiduciaries within the meaning of 
ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(i) or (iii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(A) or 
(C) with respect to ERISA-covered plan or IRA assets; in accordance 
with this provision, UBS and UBS Securities Japan will not be treated 
as violating the conditions of this exemption solely because they acted 
as investment advice fiduciaries within the meaning of ERISA Section 
3(21)(A)(ii), or Code Section 4975(e)(3)(B);
    (h)(1) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each UBS QPAM 
must develop, implement, maintain, and follow written policies and 
procedures (the Policies) requiring and reasonably designed to ensure 
that:
    (i) The asset management decisions of the UBS QPAM are conducted 
independently of UBS's corporate management and business activities, 
including the corporate management and business activities of the 
Investment Bank division and UBS Securities Japan;
    (ii) The UBS QPAM fully complies with ERISA's fiduciary duties and 
with ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, and does 
not knowingly participate in any violation of these duties and 
provisions with respect to ERISA-covered plans and IRAs;
    (iii) The UBS QPAM does not knowingly participate in any other 
person's violation of ERISA or the Code with respect to ERISA-covered 
plans and IRAs;
    (iv) Any filings or statements made by the UBS QPAM to regulators, 
including but not limited to, the Department of Labor, the Department 
of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the Pension Benefit 
Guaranty Corporation, on behalf of ERISA-covered plans or IRAs are 
materially accurate and complete, to the best of such QPAM's knowledge 
at that time;
    (v) The UBS QPAM does not make material misrepresentations or omit 
material information in its communications with such regulators with 
respect to ERISA-covered plans or IRAs, or make material 
misrepresentations or omit material information in its communications 
with ERISA-covered plan and IRA clients;
    (vi) The UBS QPAM complies with the terms of this temporary 
exemption; and
    (vii) Any violation of, or failure to comply with, an item in 
subparagraph (ii) through (vi), is corrected promptly upon discovery, 
and any such violation or compliance failure not promptly corrected is 
reported, upon the discovery of such failure to promptly correct, in 
writing, to appropriate corporate officers, the head of compliance and 
the General Counsel (or their functional equivalent) of the relevant 
UBS QPAM, the independent auditor responsible for reviewing compliance 
with the Policies, and an appropriate fiduciary of any affected ERISA-
covered plan or IRA that is independent of UBS; however, with respect 
to any ERISA-covered plan or IRA sponsored by an ``affiliate'' (as 
defined in Section VI(d) of PTE 84-14) of UBS or beneficially owned by 
an employee of UBS or its affiliates, such fiduciary does not need to 
be independent of UBS. A UBS QPAM will not be treated as having failed 
to develop, implement, maintain, or follow the Policies, provided that 
it corrects any instance of noncompliance promptly when discovered or 
when it reasonably should have known of the noncompliance (whichever is 
earlier), and provided that it adheres to the reporting requirements 
set forth in this subparagraph (vii);
    (2) Within six (6) months of the Conviction Date, each UBS QPAM 
must develop and implement a program of training (the Training), 
conducted at least annually, for all relevant UBS QPAM asset/portfolio 
management, trading, legal, compliance, and internal audit personnel. 
The Training must:
    (i) Be set forth in the Policies and at a minimum, cover the 
Policies, ERISA and Code compliance (including applicable fiduciary 
duties and the prohibited transaction provisions), ethical conduct, the 
consequences for not complying with the conditions of this temporary 
exemption (including any loss of exemptive relief provided herein), and 
prompt reporting of wrongdoing; and
    (ii) Be conducted by an independent professional who has been 
prudently selected and who has appropriate technical training and 
proficiency with ERISA and the Code;
    (i)(1) Each UBS QPAM submits to an audit conducted by an 
independent auditor, who has been prudently selected and who has 
appropriate technical training and proficiency with ERISA and the Code, 
to evaluate the

[[Page 94053]]

adequacy of, and the UBS QPAM's compliance with, the Policies and 
Training described herein. The audit requirement must be incorporated 
in the Policies. The audit must cover the twelve month period that 
begins on the Conviction Date, and must be completed no later than six 
(6) months after the twelve month period. For time periods prior to the 
Conviction Date and covered by the audit required pursuant to PTE 2013-
09, the audit requirements in Section (g) of PTE 2013-09 will remain in 
effect. The auditor may, at its own discretion, elect to combine the 
twelve-month audit period required under this temporary exemption with 
the period of time from September 18, 2016 until the effective date of 
this temporary exemption, such that each period, though audited under 
the standards applicable to that period, will be covered in a single 
audit report issued no later than six (6) months after the twelve-month 
period that begins on the Conviction Date. If the final audit period 
under PTE 2013-09 is not combined with the twelve-month audit required 
under this temporary exemption, the final audit period under PTE 2013-
09 must be completed and submitted within six (6) months of the 
effective date of this temporary exemption;
    (2) To the extent necessary for the auditor, in its sole opinion, 
to complete its audit and comply with the conditions for relief 
described herein, and as permitted by law, each UBS QPAM and, if 
applicable, UBS, will grant the auditor unconditional access to its 
business, including, but not limited to: Its computer systems; business 
records; transactional data; workplace locations; training materials; 
and personnel;
    (3) The auditor's engagement must specifically require the auditor 
to determine whether each UBS QPAM has developed, implemented, 
maintained, and followed the Policies in accordance with the conditions 
of this temporary exemption and has developed and implemented the 
Training, as required herein;
    (4) The auditor's engagement must specifically require the auditor 
to test each UBS QPAM's operational compliance with the Policies and 
Training. In this regard, the auditor must test a sample of each QPAM's 
transactions involving ERISA-covered plans and IRAs sufficient in size 
and nature to afford the auditor a reasonable basis to determine the 
operational compliance with the Policies and Training;
    (5) On or before the end of the relevant period described in 
Section I(i)(1) for completing the audit, the auditor must issue a 
written report (the Audit Report) to UBS and the UBS QPAM to which the 
audit applies that describes the procedures performed by the auditor 
during the course of its examination. The Audit Report must include the 
auditor's specific determinations regarding: The adequacy of the UBS 
QPAM's Policies and Training; the UBS QPAM's compliance with the 
Policies and Training; the need, if any, to strengthen such Policies 
and Training; and any instance of the respective UBS QPAM's 
noncompliance with the written Policies and Training described in 
Section I(h) above. Any determination by the auditor regarding the 
adequacy of the Policies and Training and the auditor's recommendations 
(if any) with respect to strengthening the Policies and Training of the 
respective UBS QPAM must be promptly addressed by such UBS QPAM, and 
any action taken by such UBS QPAM to address such recommendations must 
be included in an addendum to the Audit Report (which addendum is 
completed prior to the certification described in Section I(i)(7) 
below). Any determination by the auditor that the respective UBS QPAM 
has implemented, maintained, and followed sufficient Policies and 
Training must not be based solely or in substantial part on an absence 
of evidence indicating noncompliance. In this last regard, any finding 
that the UBS QPAM has complied with the requirements under this 
subsection must be based on evidence that demonstrates the UBS QPAM has 
actually implemented, maintained, and followed the Policies and 
Training required by this temporary exemption;
    (6) The auditor must notify the respective UBS QPAM of any instance 
of noncompliance identified by the auditor within five (5) business 
days after such noncompliance is identified by the auditor, regardless 
of whether the audit has been completed as of that date;
    (7) With respect to each Audit Report, the General Counsel, or one 
of the three most senior executive officers of the UBS QPAM to which 
the Audit Report applies, must certify in writing, under penalty of 
perjury, that the officer has reviewed the Audit Report and this 
temporary exemption; addressed, corrected, or remedied any inadequacy 
identified in the Audit Report; and determined that the Policies and 
Training in effect at the time of signing are adequate to ensure 
compliance with the conditions of this temporary exemption and with the 
applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code;
    (8) The Risk Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Corporate 
Culture and Responsibility Committee of UBS's Board of Directors are 
provided a copy of each Audit Report; and a senior executive officer of 
UBS's Compliance and Operational Risk Control function must review the 
Audit Report for each UBS QPAM and must certify in writing, under 
penalty of perjury, that such officer has reviewed each Audit Report;
    (9) Each UBS QPAM must provide its certified Audit Report, by 
regular mail to: The Department's Office of Exemption Determinations 
(OED), 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20210, or 
by private carrier to: 122 C Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 
20001-2109, no later than 45 days following its completion. The Audit 
Report will be part of the public record regarding this temporary 
exemption. Furthermore, each UBS QPAM must make its Audit Report 
unconditionally available for examination by any duly authorized 
employee or representative of the Department, other relevant 
regulators, and any fiduciary of an ERISA-covered plan or IRA, the 
assets of which are managed by such UBS QPAM;
    (10) Each UBS QPAM and the auditor must submit to OED: (A) Any 
engagement agreement entered into pursuant to the engagement of the 
auditor under this temporary exemption; and (B) any engagement 
agreement entered into with any other entity retained in connection 
with such QPAM's compliance with the Training or Policies conditions of 
this temporary exemption no later than six (6) months after the 
Conviction Date (and one month after the execution of any agreement 
thereafter);
    (11) The auditor must provide OED, upon request, all of the 
workpapers created and utilized in the course of the audit, including, 
but not limited to: The audit plan; audit testing; identification of 
any instance of noncompliance by the relevant UBS QPAM; and an 
explanation of any corrective or remedial action taken by the 
applicable UBS QPAM; and
    (12) UBS must notify the Department at least 30 days prior to any 
substitution of an auditor, except that no such replacement will meet 
the requirements of this paragraph unless and until UBS demonstrates to 
the Department's satisfaction that such new auditor is independent of 
UBS, experienced in the matters that are the subject of the temporary 
exemption and capable of making the determinations required of this 
temporary exemption;
    (j) As of the Conviction Date, with respect to any arrangement, 
agreement,

[[Page 94054]]

or contract between a UBS QPAM and an ERISA-covered plan or IRA for 
which such UBS QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services, each UBS QPAM agrees:
    (1) To comply with ERISA and the Code, as applicable with respect 
to such ERISA-covered plan or IRA; to refrain from engaging in 
prohibited transactions that are not otherwise exempt (and to promptly 
correct any inadvertent prohibited transactions); and to comply with 
the standards of prudence and loyalty set forth in section 404 of 
ERISA, as applicable, with respect to each such ERISA-covered plan and 
IRA;
    (2) Not to require (or otherwise cause) the ERISA-covered plan or 
IRA to waive, limit, or qualify the liability of the UBS QPAM for 
violating ERISA or the Code or engaging in prohibited transactions;
    (3) Not to require the ERISA-covered plan or IRA (or sponsor of 
such ERISA-covered plan or beneficial owner of such IRA) to indemnify 
the UBS QPAM for violating ERISA or engaging in prohibited 
transactions, except for violations or prohibited transactions caused 
by an error, misrepresentation, or misconduct of a plan fiduciary or 
other party hired by the plan fiduciary who is independent of UBS;
    (4) Not to restrict the ability of such ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
to terminate or withdraw from its arrangement with the UBS QPAM with 
respect to any investment in a separately managed account or pooled 
fund subject to ERISA and managed by such QPAM, with the exception of 
reasonable restrictions, appropriately disclosed in advance, that are 
specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in 
a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have 
adverse consequences for all other investors. In connection with any 
such arrangements involving investments in pooled funds subject to 
ERISA entered into after the Conviction Date, the adverse consequences 
must relate to of a lack of liquidity of the underlying assets, 
valuation issues, or regulatory reasons that prevent the fund from 
immediately redeeming an ERISA-covered plan's or IRA's investment, and 
such restrictions must be applicable to all such investors and 
effective no longer than reasonably necessary to avoid the adverse 
consequences;
    (5) Not to impose any fees, penalties, or charges for such 
termination or withdrawal with the exception of reasonable fees, 
appropriately disclosed in advance, that are specifically designed to 
prevent generally recognized abusive investment practices or 
specifically designed to ensure equitable treatment of all investors in 
a pooled fund in the event such withdrawal or termination may have 
adverse consequences for all other investors, provided that such fees 
are applied consistently and in like manner to all such investors;
    (6) Not to include exculpatory provisions disclaiming or otherwise 
limiting liability of the UBS QPAM for a violation of such agreement's 
terms, except for liability caused by an error, misrepresentation, or 
misconduct of a plan fiduciary or other party hired by the plan 
fiduciary who is independent of UBS and its affiliates; and
    (7) To indemnify and hold harmless the ERISA-covered plan or IRA 
for any damages resulting from a violation of ERISA's fiduciary duties 
and of ERISA and the Code's prohibited transaction provisions, a breach 
of contract, or any claim arising out of the failure of such UBS QPAM 
to qualify for the exemptive relief provided by PTE 84-14 as a result 
of a violation of Section I(g) of PTE 84-14 other than the Convictions;
    (8) Within six (6) months of the effective date of this temporary 
exemption each UBS QPAM will provide a notice of its agreement and 
obligations under this Section I(j) to each ERISA-covered plan and IRA 
for which a UBS QPAM provides asset management or other discretionary 
fiduciary services;
    (k) The UBS QPAMs comply with each condition of PTE 84-14, as 
amended, with the sole exceptions of the violations of Section I(g) of 
PTE 84-14 that are attributable to the Convictions;
    (l) UBS imposes its internal procedures, controls, and protocols on 
UBS Securities Japan to: (1) Reduce the likelihood of any recurrence of 
conduct that that is the subject of the 2013 Conviction, and (2) comply 
in all material respects with the Business Improvement Order, dated 
December 16, 2011, issued by the Japanese Financial Services Authority;
    (m) UBS complies in all material respects with the audit and 
monitoring procedures imposed on UBS by the United States Commodity 
Futures Trading Commission Order, dated December 19, 2012;
    (n) Each UBS QPAM will maintain records necessary to demonstrate 
that the conditions of this temporary exemption have been met, for six 
(6) years following the date of any transaction for which such UBS QPAM 
relies upon the relief in the temporary exemption;
    (o) During the effective period of this temporary exemption UBS: 
(1) Immediately discloses to the Department any Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement (a DPA) or Non-Prosecution Agreement (an NPA) that UBS or any 
of its affiliates enters into with the U.S. Department of Justice, to 
the extent such DPA or NPA involves conduct described in Section I(g) 
of PTE 84-14 or section 411 of ERISA; and (2) immediately provides the 
Department any information requested by the Department, as permitted by 
law, regarding the agreement and/or the conduct and allegations that 
led to the agreement; and
    (p) A UBS QPAM will not fail to meet the terms of this temporary 
exemption solely because a different UBS QPAM fails to satisfy a 
condition for relief under this temporary exemption described in 
Sections I(c), (d), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (n).
Section II: Definitions
    (a) The term ``Convictions'' means the 2013 Conviction and the 2016 
Conviction. The term ``2013 Conviction'' means the judgment of 
conviction against UBS Securities Japan Co. Ltd. in Case Number 3:12-
cr-00268-RNC in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut 
for one count of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United Sates 
Code, sections 1343 and 2 in connection with submission of YEN London 
Interbank Offered Rates and other benchmark interest rates. The term 
``2016 Conviction'' means the anticipated judgment of conviction 
against UBS AG in Case Number 3:15-cr-00076-RNC in the U.S. District 
Court for the District of Connecticut for one count of wire fraud in 
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2 in 
connection with UBS's submission of Yen London Interbank Offered Rates 
and other benchmark interest rates between 2001 and 2010. For all 
purposes under this proposed temporary exemption, ``conduct'' of any 
person or entity that is the ``subject of [a] Conviction'' encompasses 
any conduct of UBS and/or their personnel, that is described (i) in 
Exhibit 3 to the Plea Agreement entered into between UBS AG and the 
Department of Justice Criminal Division, on May 20, 2015, in connection 
with Case Number 3:15-cr-00076-RNC, and (ii) Exhibits 3 and 4 to the 
Plea Agreement entered into between UBS Securities Japan and the 
Department of Justice Criminal Division, on December 19, 2012, in 
connection with Case Number 3:12-cr-00268-RNC;
    (b) The term ``UBS QPAM'' means UBS Asset Management (Americas) 
Inc., UBS Realty Investors LLC, UBS Hedge Fund Solutions LLC, UBS 
O'Connor LLC, and any future entity within the

[[Page 94055]]

Asset Management or the Wealth Management Americas divisions of UBS AG 
that qualifies as a ``qualified professional asset manager'' (as 
defined in Section VI(a) \17\ of PTE 84-14) and that relies on the 
relief provided by PTE 84-14 and with respect to which UBS AG is an 
``affiliate'' (as defined in Part VI(d)(1) of PTE 84-14). The term 
``UBS QPAM'' excludes the parent entity, UBS AG and UBS Securities 
Japan.
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    \17\ In general terms, a QPAM is an independent fiduciary that 
is a bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or 
investment adviser that meets certain equity or net worth 
requirements and other licensure requirements and that has 
acknowledged in a written management agreement that it is a 
fiduciary with respect to each plan that has retained the QPAM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) The term ``UBS'' means UBS AG.
    (d) The term ``Conviction Date'' means the date that a judgment of 
conviction against UBS is entered in the 2016 Conviction.
    (e) The term ``FX Misconduct'' means the conduct engaged in by UBS 
personnel described in Exhibit 1 of the Plea Agreement (Factual Basis 
for Breach) entered into between UBS AG and the Department of Justice 
Criminal Division, on May 20, 2015 in connection with Case Number 3:15-
cr-00076-RNC filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of 
Connecticut.
    (f) The term ``UBS Securities Japan'' means UBS Securities Japan 
Co. Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UBS incorporated under the laws 
of Japan.
    (g) The term ``Plea Agreement'' means the Plea Agreement (including 
Exhibits 1 and 3 attached thereto) entered into between UBS AG and the 
Department of Justice Criminal Division, on May 20, 2015 in connection 
with Case Number 3:15-cr-00076-RNC filed in the U.S. District Court for 
the District of Connecticut.
    Effective Date: This temporary exemption is effective for the 
period beginning on the date that a judgment of conviction against UBS 
is entered in Case Number 3:15-cr-00076-RNC in the U.S. District Court 
for the District of Connecticut for one count of wire fraud in 
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2 (the 
Conviction Date), and ending on the earlier of: The date that is twelve 
months following the Conviction Date; or the effective date of a final 
agency action made by the Department in connection with Exemption 
Application No. D-11907, an application for long-term exemptive relief 
for the covered transactions described herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Mica, telephone (202) 693-8402, 
Office of Exemption Determinations, Employee Benefits Security 
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (this is not a toll-free 
number).

General Information

    The attention of interested persons is directed to the following:
    (1) The fact that a transaction is the subject of an exemption 
under section 408(a) of the Act and/or section 4975(c)(2) of the Code 
does not relieve a fiduciary or other party in interest or disqualified 
person from certain other provisions to which the exemption does not 
apply and the general fiduciary responsibility provisions of section 
404 of the Act, which among other things require a fiduciary to 
discharge his duties respecting the plan solely in the interest of the 
participants and beneficiaries of the plan and in a prudent fashion in 
accordance with section 404(a)(1)(B) of the Act; nor does it affect the 
requirement of section 401(a) of the Code that the plan must operate 
for the exclusive benefit of the employees of the employer maintaining 
the plan and their beneficiaries;
    (2) These exemptions are supplemental to and not in derogation of, 
any other provisions of the Act and/or the Code, including statutory or 
administrative exemptions and transactional rules. Furthermore, the 
fact that a transaction is subject to an administrative or statutory 
exemption is not dispositive of whether the transaction is in fact a 
prohibited transaction; and
    (3) The availability of these exemptions is subject to the express 
condition that the material facts and representations contained in the 
application accurately describes all material terms of the transaction 
which is the subject of the exemption.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 14th day of December, 2016.
Lyssa E. Hall,
Director of Exemption Determinations, Employee Benefits Security 
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
[FR Doc. 2016-30566 Filed 12-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-29-P