12 C.F.R. PART 5—RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES FOR CORPORATE ACTIVITIES


Title 12 - Banks and Banking


Title 12: Banks and Banking

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PART 5—RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES FOR CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

Section Contents
§ 5.1   Scope.

Subpart A—Rules of General Applicability

§ 5.2   Rules of general applicability.
§ 5.3   Definitions.
§ 5.4   Filing required.
§ 5.5   Fees.
§ 5.6   [Reserved]
§ 5.7   Investigations.
§ 5.8   Public notice.
§ 5.9   Public availability.
§ 5.10   Comments.
§ 5.11   Hearings and other meetings.
§ 5.12   Computation of time.
§ 5.13   Decisions.

Subpart B—Initial Activities

§ 5.20   Organizing a bank.
§ 5.24   Conversion.
§ 5.26   Fiduciary powers.

Subpart C—Expansion of Activities

§ 5.30   Establishment, acquisition, and relocation of a branch.
§ 5.32   Expedited procedures for certain reorganizations.
§ 5.33   Business combinations.
§ 5.34   Operating subsidiaries.
§ 5.35   Bank service companies.
§ 5.36   Other equity investments.
§ 5.37   Investment in bank premises.
§ 5.39   Financial subsidiaries.

Subpart D—Other Changes in Activities and Operations

§ 5.40   Change in location of main office.
§ 5.42   Corporate title.
§ 5.46   Changes in permanent capital.
§ 5.47   Subordinated debt as capital.
§ 5.48   Voluntary liquidation.
§ 5.50   Change in bank control; reporting of stock loans.
§ 5.51   Changes in directors and senior executive officers.
§ 5.52   Change of address.
§ 5.53   Change in asset composition.

Subpart E—Payment of Dividends

§ 5.60   Authority, scope, and exceptions to rules of general applicability.
§ 5.61   Definitions.
§ 5.62   Date of declaration of dividend.
§ 5.63   Capital limitation under 12 U.S.C. 56.
§ 5.64   Earnings limitation under 12 U.S.C. 60.
§ 5.65   Restrictions on undercapitalized institutions.
§ 5.66   Dividends payable in property other than cash.
§ 5.67   Fractional shares.

Subpart F—Federal Branches and Agencies

§ 5.70   Federal branches and agencies.


Authority:  12 U.S.C. 1 et seq., 93a, 215a–2, 215a–3, 481, and section 5136A of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a).

Source:  61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

§ 5.1   Scope.
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This part establishes rules, policies and procedures of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for corporate activities and transactions involving national banks. It contains information on rules of general and specific applicability, where and how to file, and requirements and policies applicable to filings. This part also establishes the corporate filing procedures for Federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.

Subpart A—Rules of General Applicability
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§ 5.2   Rules of general applicability.
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(a) General. The rules in this subpart apply to all sections in this part unless otherwise stated.

(b) Exceptions. The OCC may adopt materially different procedures for a particular filing, or class of filings, in exceptional circumstances or for unusual transactions, after providing notice of the change to the applicant and to any other party that the OCC determines should receive notice.

(c) Additional information. The “Comptroller's Licensing Manual” (Manual) provides additional guidance, including policies, procedures, and sample forms. The Manual is available on the OCC's Internet Web page at http://www.occ.treas.gov. Printed copies are available for a fee from Publications, Communications Division, Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20219–0001.

(d) Electronic filing. The OCC may permit electronic filing for any class of filings. The Manual identifies filings that may be made electronically and describes the procedures that the OCC requires in those cases.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 17892, Apr. 14, 2003]

§ 5.3   Definitions.
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(a) Applicant means a person or entity that submits a notice or application to the OCC under this part.

(b) Application means a submission requesting OCC approval to engage in various corporate activities and transactions.

(c) Appropriate district office means:

(1) The Licensing Department for all national bank subsidiaries of those holding companies assigned to the Washington, DC, licensing unit;

(2) The appropriate OCC district office for all national bank subsidiaries of certain holding companies assigned to a district office licensing unit;

(3) The OCC's district office where the national bank's supervisory office is located for all other banks; or

(4) The licensing unit in the Northeastern District Office for Federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.

(d) Capital and surplus means:

(1) A bank's Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital calculated under the OCC's risk-based capital standards set forth in Appendix A to 12 CFR part 3 as reported in the bank's Consolidated Report of Condition and Income filed under 12 U.S.C. 161; plus

(2) The balance of a bank's allowance for loan and lease losses not included in the bank's Tier 2 capital, for purposes of the calculation of risk-based capital described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, as reported in the bank's Consolidated Report of Condition and Income filed under 12 U.S.C. 161.

(e) Central city means the city or cities identified as central cities by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

(f) Depository institution means any bank or savings association.

(g) Eligible bank means a national bank that:

(1) Is well capitalized as defined in 12 CFR 6.4(b)(1);

(2) Has a composite rating of 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (CAMELS);

(3) Has a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), 12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq., rating of “Outstanding” or “Satisfactory”; and

(4) Is not subject to a cease and desist order, consent order, formal written agreement, or Prompt Corrective Action directive (see 12 CFR part 6, subpart B) or, if subject to any such order, agreement, or directive, is informed in writing by the OCC that the bank may be treated as an “eligible bank” for purposes of this part.

(h) Eligible depository institution means a state bank or a Federal or state savings association that meets the criteria for an “eligible bank” under §5.3(g) and is FDIC-insured.

(i) Filing means an application or notice submitted to the OCC under this part.

(j) National bank means any national banking association and any bank or trust company located in the District of Columbia operating under the OCC's supervision.

(k) Notice means a submission notifying the OCC that a national bank intends to engage in or has commenced certain corporate activities or transactions.

(l) Short-distance relocation means moving the premises of a branch or main office within a:

(1) One thousand foot-radius of the site if the branch is located within a central city of an MSA;

(2) One-mile radius of the site if the branch is not located within a central city, but is located within an MSA; or

(3) Two-mile radius of the site if the branch is not located within an MSA.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999; 68 FR 70698, Dec. 19, 2003]

§ 5.4   Filing required.
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(a) Filing. A depository institution shall file an application or notice with the OCC to engage in corporate activities and transactions as described in this part.

(b) Availability of forms. Individual sample forms and instructions for filings are available in the Manual and from each district office.

(c) Other applications accepted. At the request of the applicant, the OCC may accept an application form or other filing submitted to another Federal agency that covers the proposed action or transaction and contains substantially the same information as required by the OCC. The OCC may also require the applicant to submit supplemental information.

(d) Where to file. An applicant should address a filing or other submission under this part to the attention of the Licensing Manager at the appropriate district office. However, the OCC may advise an applicant through a pre-filing communication to send the filing or submission directly to the Bank Organization and Structure Department or elsewhere as otherwise directed by the OCC. Relevant addresses are listed in the Manual.

(e) Incorporation of other material. An applicant may incorporate any material contained in any other application or filing filed with the OCC or other Federal agency by reference, provided that the material is attached to the application and is current and responsive to the information requested by the OCC. The filing must clearly indicate that the information is so incorporated and include a cross-reference to the information incorporated.

§ 5.5   Fees.
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An applicant shall submit the appropriate filing fee, if any, in connection with its filing. An applicant shall pay the fee by check payable to the Comptroller of the Currency or by other means acceptable to the OCC. The OCC publishes a fee schedule annually in the “Notice of Comptroller of the Currency fees,” described in 12 CFR 8.8. The OCC generally does not refund the filing fees.

§ 5.6   [Reserved]
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§ 5.7   Investigations.
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(a) Authority. The OCC may examine or investigate and evaluate facts related to a filing to the extent necessary to reach an informed decision.

(b) Fees. The OCC may assess fees for investigations or examinations conducted under paragraph (a) of this section. The OCC publishes the rates, described in 12 CFR 8.6, annually in the “Notice of Comptroller of the Currency fees.”

§ 5.8   Public notice.
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(a) General. An applicant shall publish a public notice of its filing in a newspaper of general circulation in the community in which the applicant proposes to engage in business, on the date of filing, or as soon as practicable before or after the date of filing.

(b) Contents of the public notice. The public notice shall state that a filing is being made, the date of the filing, the name of the applicant, the subject matter of the filing, that the public may submit comments to the OCC, the address of the appropriate office(s) where comments should be sent, the closing date of the public comment period, and any other information that the OCC requires.

(c) Confirmation of public notice. The applicant shall mail or otherwise deliver a statement containing the date of publication, the name and address of the newspaper that published the public notice, a copy of the public notice, and any other information that the OCC requires, to the appropriate district office promptly following publication.

(d) Multiple transactions. The OCC may consider more than one transaction, or a series of transactions, to be a single filing for purposes of the publication requirements of this section. When filing a single public notice for multiple transactions, the applicant shall explain in the notice how the transactions are related.

(e) Joint public notices accepted. Upon the request of an applicant for a transaction subject to the OCC's public notice requirements and public notice required by another Federal agency, the OCC may accept publication of a single joint notice containing the information required by both the OCC and the other Federal agency, provided that the notice states that comments must be submitted to both the OCC and, if applicable, the other Federal agency.

(f) Public notice by the OCC. In addition to the foregoing, the OCC may require or give public notice and request comment on any filing and in any manner the OCC determines appropriate for the particular filing.

§ 5.9   Public availability.
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(a) General. The OCC provides a copy of the public file to any person who requests it. A requestor should submit a request for the public file concerning a pending application to the appropriate district office. A requestor should submit a request for the public file concerning a decided or closed application to the Disclosure Officer, Communications Division, at the address listed in the Manual. Requests should be in writing. The OCC may impose a fee in accordance with 12 CFR 4.17 and with the rates the OCC publishes annually in the “Notice of Comptroller of the Currency Fees” described in 12 CFR 8.8.

(b) Public file. A public file consists of the portions of the filing, supporting data, supplementary information, and information submitted by interested persons, to the extent that those documents have not been afforded confidential treatment. Applicants and other interested persons may request that confidential treatment be afforded information submitted to the OCC pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Confidential treatment. The applicant or an interested person submitting information may request that specific information be treated as confidential under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 (see 12 CFR 4.12(b)). A submitter should draft its request for confidential treatment narrowly to extend only to those portions of a document it considers to be confidential. If a submitter requests confidential treatment for information that the OCC does not consider to be confidential, the OCC may include that information in the public file after providing notice to the submitter. Moreover, at its own initiative, the OCC may determine that certain information should be treated as confidential and withhold that information from the public file. A person requesting information withheld from the public file should submit the request to the Disclosure Officer, Communications Division, under the procedures described in 12 CFR part 4, subpart B. That request may be subject to the predisclosure notice procedures of 12 CFR 4.16.

§ 5.10   Comments.
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(a) Submission of comments. During the comment period, any person may submit written comments on a filing to the appropriate district office.

(b) Comment period—(1) General. Unless otherwise stated, the comment period is 30 days after publication of the public notice required by §5.8(a).

(2) Extension. The OCC may extend the comment period if:

(i) The applicant fails to file all required publicly available information on a timely basis to permit review by interested persons or makes a request for confidential treatment not granted by the OCC that delays the public availability of that information;

(ii) Any person requesting an extension of time satisfactorily demonstrates to the OCC that additional time is necessary to develop factual information that the OCC determines is necessary to consider the application; or

(iii) The OCC determines that other extenuating circumstances exist.

(3) Applicant response. The OCC may give the applicant an opportunity to respond to comments received.

§ 5.11   Hearings and other meetings.
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(a) Hearing requests. Prior to the end of the comment period, any person may submit to the appropriate district office a written request for a hearing on a filing. The request must describe the nature of the issues or facts to be presented and the reasons why written submissions would be insufficient to make an adequate presentation of those issues or facts to the OCC. A person requesting a hearing shall simultaneously submit a copy of the request to the applicant.

(b) Action on a hearing request. The OCC may grant or deny a request for a hearing and may limit the issues to those it deems relevant or material. The OCC generally grants a hearing request only if the OCC determines that written submissions would be insufficient or that a hearing would otherwise benefit the decisionmaking process. The OCC also may order a hearing if it concludes that a hearing would be in the public interest.

(c) Denial of a hearing request. If the OCC denies a hearing request, it shall notify the person requesting the hearing of the reason for the denial.

(d) OCC procedures prior to the hearing—(1) Notice of Hearing. The OCC issues a Notice of Hearing if it grants a request for a hearing or orders a hearing because it is in the public interest. The OCC sends a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the applicant, to the person requesting the hearing, and anyone else requesting a copy. The Notice of Hearing states the subject and date of the filing, the time and place of the hearing, and the issues to be addressed.

(2) Presiding officer. The OCC appoints a presiding officer to conduct the hearing. The presiding officer is responsible for all procedural questions not governed by this section.

(e) Participation in the hearing. Any person who wishes to appear (participant) shall notify the appropriate district office of his or her intent to participate in the hearing within ten days from the date the OCC issues the Notice of Hearing. At least five days before the hearing, each participant shall submit to the appropriate district office, the applicant, and any other person the OCC requires, the names of witnesses, and one copy of each exhibit the participant intends to present.

(f) Transcripts. The OCC arranges for a hearing transcript. The person requesting the hearing generally bears the cost of one copy of the transcript for his or her use.

(g) Conduct of the hearing—(1) Presentations. Subject to the rulings of the presiding officer, the applicant and participants may make opening statements and present witnesses, material, and data.

(2) Information submitted. A person presenting documentary material shall furnish one copy to the OCC, and one copy to the applicant and each participant.

(3) Laws not applicable to hearings. The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.), the Federal Rules of Evidence (28 U.S.C. Appendix), the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. Rule 1 et seq.), and the OCC's Rules of Practice and Procedure (12 CFR part 19) do not apply to hearings under this section.

(h) Closing the hearing record. At the applicant's or participant's request, the OCC may keep the hearing record open for up to 14 days following the OCC's receipt of the transcript. The OCC resumes processing the filing after the record closes.

(i) Other meetings—(1) Public meetings. The OCC may arrange for a public meeting in connection with an application, either upon receipt of a written request for such a meeting which is made during the comment period, or upon the OCC's own initiative. Public meetings will be arranged and presided over by a presiding officer.

(2) Private meetings. The OCC may arrange a meeting with an applicant or other interested parties to an application, or with an applicant and other interested parties to an application, to clarify and narrow the issues and to facilitate the resolution of the issues.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999]

§ 5.12   Computation of time.
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In computing the period of days, the OCC includes the day of the act (e.g., the date an application is received by the OCC) from which the period begins to run and the last day of the period, regardless of whether it is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

§ 5.13   Decisions.
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(a) General. The OCC may approve, conditionally approve, or deny a filing after appropriate review and consideration of the record. In deciding an application under this part, the OCC may consider the activities, resources, or condition of an affiliate of the applicant that may reasonably reflect on or affect the applicant.

(1) Conditional approval. The OCC may impose conditions on any approval, including to address a significant supervisory, CRA (if applicable), or compliance concern, if the OCC determines that the conditions are necessary or appropriate to ensure that approval is consistent with relevant statutory and regulatory standards and OCC policies thereunder and safe and sound banking practices.

(2) Expedited review. The OCC grants eligible banks expedited review within a specified time after filing or commencement of the public comment period, including any extension of the comment period granted pursuant to §5.10, as described in applicable sections of this part.

(i) The OCC may extend the expedited review process for a filing subject to the CRA up to an additional 10 days if a comment contains specific assertions concerning a bank's CRA performance that, if true, would indicate a reasonable possibility that:

(A) A bank's CRA rating would be less than satisfactory, institution-wide, or, where applicable, in a state or multistate MSA; or

(B) A bank's CRA performance would be less than satisfactory in an MSA, or in the non-MSA portion of a state, in which it seeks to expand through approval of an application for a deposit facility as defined in 12 U.S.C. 2902(3).

(ii) The OCC will remove a filing from expedited review procedures, if the OCC concludes that the filing, or an adverse comment regarding the filing, presents a significant supervisory, CRA (if applicable), or compliance concern, or raises a significant legal or policy issue, requiring additional OCC review. The OCC will provide the applicant with a written explanation if it decides not to process an application from an eligible bank under expedited review pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2)(ii). For purposes of this section, a significant CRA concern exists if the OCC concludes that:

(A) A bank's CRA rating is less than satisfactory, institution-wide, or, where applicable, in a state or multistate MSA; or

(B) A bank's CRA performance is less than satisfactory in an MSA, or in the non-MSA portion of a state, in which it seeks to expand through approval of an application for a deposit facility as defined in 12 U.S.C. 2902(3).

(iii) Adverse comments that the OCC determines do not raise a significant supervisory, CRA (if applicable), or compliance concern, or a significant legal or policy issue, or are frivolous, filed primarily as a means of delaying action on the filing, or that raise a CRA concern that the OCC determines has been satisfactorily resolved, do not affect the OCC's decision under paragraphs (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this section. The OCC considers a CRA concern to have been satisfactorily resolved if the OCC previously reviewed (e.g., in an examination or an application) a concern presenting substantially the same issue in substantially the same assessment area during substantially the same time, and the OCC determines that the concern would not warrant denial or imposition of a condition on approval of the application.

(iv) If a bank files an application for any activity or transaction that is dependent upon the approval of another application under this part, or if requests for approval for more than one activity or transaction are combined in a single application under applicable sections of this part, none of the subject applications may be deemed approved upon expiration of the applicable time periods, unless all of the applications are subject to expedited review procedures and the longest of the time periods expires without the OCC issuing a decision or notifying the bank that the filings are not eligible for expedited review under the standards in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section.

(b) Denial. The OCC may deny a filing if:

(1) A significant supervisory, CRA (if applicable), or compliance concern exists with respect to the applicant;

(2) Approval of the filing is inconsistent with applicable law, regulation, or OCC policy thereunder; or

(3) The applicant fails to provide information requested by the OCC that is necessary for the OCC to make an informed decision.

(c) Required information and abandonment of filing. A filing must contain information required by the applicable section set forth in this part. To the extent necessary to evaluate an application, the OCC may require an applicant to provide additional information. The OCC may deem a filing abandoned if information required or requested by the OCC in connection with the filing is not furnished within the time period specified by the OCC.

(d) Notification of final disposition. The OCC notifies the applicant, and any person who makes a written request, of the final disposition of a filing, including confirmation of an expedited review under this part. If the OCC denies a filing, the OCC notifies the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial.

(e) Publication of decision. The OCC will issue a public decision when a decision represents a new or changed policy or presents issues of general interest to the public or the banking industry. In rendering its decisions, the OCC may elect not to disclose information that the OCC deems to be private or confidential.

(f) Appeal. An applicant may file an appeal of an OCC decision with the Deputy Comptroller for Bank Organization and Structure or with the Ombudsman. Relevant addresses and telephone numbers are located in the Manual.

(g) Extension of time. When the OCC approves or conditionally approves a filing, the OCC generally gives the applicant a specified period of time to commence that new or expanded activity. The OCC does not generally grant an extension of the time specified to commence a new or expanded corporate activity approved under this part, unless the OCC determines that the delay is beyond the applicant's control.

(h) Nullifying a decision—(1) Material misrepresentation or omission. An applicant shall certify that any filing or supporting material submitted to the OCC contains no material misrepresentations or omissions. The OCC may review and verify any information filed in connection with a notice or an application. If the OCC discovers a material misrepresentation or omission after the OCC has rendered a decision on the filing, the OCC may nullify its decision. Any person responsible for any material misrepresentation or omission in a filing or supporting materials may be subject to enforcement action and other penalties, including criminal penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(2) Other nullifications. The OCC may nullify any decision on a filing that is:

(i) Contrary to law, regulation, or OCC policy thereunder; or

(ii) Granted due to clerical or administrative error, or a material mistake of law or fact.

Subpart B—Initial Activities
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§ 5.20   Organizing a bank.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 21, 22, 24(Seventh), 26, 27, 92a, 93a, 1814(b), 1816, and 2903.

(b) Licensing requirements. Any person desiring to establish a national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval.

(c) Scope. This section describes the procedures and requirements governing OCC review and approval of an application to establish a national bank, including a national bank with a special purpose. Information regarding an application to establish an interim national bank solely to facilitate a business combination is set forth in §5.33.

(d) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) Bankers' bank means a bank owned exclusively (except to the extent directors' qualifying shares are required by law) by other depository institutions or depository institution holding companies (as that term is defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1813), the activities of which are limited by its articles of association exclusively to providing services to or for other depository institutions, their holding companies, and the officers, directors, and employees of such institutions and companies, and to providing correspondent banking services at the request of other depository institutions or their holding companies.

(2) Control means control as used in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1841(a)(2).

(3) Final approval means the OCC action issuing a charter certificate and authorizing a national bank to open for business.

(4) Holding company means any company that controls or proposes to control a national bank whether or not the company is a bank holding company under section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1841(a)(1).

(5) Lead depository institution means the largest depository institution controlled by a bank holding company based on a comparison of the average total assets controlled by each depository institution as reported in its Consolidated Report of Condition and Income required to be filed for the immediately preceding four calendar quarters.

(6) Organizing group means five or more persons acting on their own behalf, or serving as representatives of a sponsoring holding company, who apply to the OCC for a national bank charter.

(7) Preliminary approval means a decision by the OCC permitting an organizing group to go forward with the organization of the proposed national bank. A preliminary approval generally is subject to certain conditions that an applicant must satisfy before the OCC will grant final approval.

(e) Statutory requirements—(1) General. The OCC charters a national bank under the authority of the National Bank Act of 1864, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1 et seq. The bank may be a special purpose bank that limits its activities to fiduciary activities or to any other activities within the business of banking. A special purpose bank that conducts activities other than fiduciary activities must conduct at least one of the following three core banking functions: receiving deposits; paying checks; or lending money. The name of a proposed bank must include the word “national.” In determining whether to approve an application to establish a national bank, the OCC verifies that the proposed national bank has complied with the following requirements of the National Bank Act. A national bank shall:

(i) Draft and file articles of association with the OCC;

(ii) Draft and file an organization certificate containing specified information with the OCC;

(iii) Ensure that all capital stock is paid in; and

(iv) Have at least five elected directors.

(2) Community Reinvestment Act. Twelve CFR part 25 requires the OCC to take into account a proposed insured national bank's description of how it will meet its CRA objectives.

(f) Policy—(1) General. The marketplace is normally the best regulator of economic activity, and competition within the marketplace promotes efficiency and better customer service. Accordingly, it is the OCC's policy to approve proposals to establish national banks, including minority-owned institutions, that have a reasonable chance of success and that will be operated in a safe and sound manner. It is not the OCC's policy to ensure that a proposal to establish a national bank is without risk to the organizers or to protect existing institutions from healthy competition from a new national bank.

(2) Policy considerations. (i) In evaluating an application to establish a national bank, the OCC considers whether the proposed bank:

(A) Has organizers who are familiar with national banking laws and regulations;

(B) Has competent management, including a board of directors, with ability and experience relevant to the types of services to be provided;

(C) Has capital that is sufficient to support the projected volume and type of business;

(D) Can reasonably be expected to achieve and maintain profitability; and

(E) Will be operated in a safe and sound manner.

(ii) The OCC may also consider additional factors listed in section 6 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1816, including the risk to the Federal deposit insurance fund, and whether the proposed bank's corporate powers are consistent with the purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the National Bank Act.

(3) OCC evaluation. The OCC evaluates a proposed national bank's organizing group and its business plan or operating plan together. The OCC's judgment concerning one may affect the evaluation of the other. An organizing group and its business plan or operating plan must be stronger in markets where economic conditions are marginal or competition is intense.

(g) Organizing group—(1) General. Strong organizing groups generally include diverse business and financial interests and community involvement. An organizing group must have the experience, competence, willingness, and ability to be active in directing the proposed national bank's affairs in a safe and sound manner. The bank's initial board of directors generally is comprised of many, if not all, of the organizers. The business plan or operating plan and other information supplied in the application must demonstrate an organizing group's collective ability to establish and operate a successful bank in the economic and competitive conditions of the market to be served. Each organizer should be knowledgeable about the business plan or business plan or operating plan. A poor business plan or operating plan reflects adversely on the organizing group's ability, and the OCC generally denies applications with poor business plans or operating plans.

(2) Management selection. The initial board of directors must select competent senior executive officers before the OCC grants final approval. Early selection of executive officers, especially the chief executive officer, contributes favorably to the preparation and review of a business plan or operating plan that is accurate, complete, and appropriate for the type of bank proposed and its market, and reflects favorably upon an application. As a condition of the charter approval, the OCC retains the right to object to and preclude the hiring of any officer, or the appointment or election of any director, for a two-year period from the date the bank commences business.

(3) Financial resources. (i) Each organizer must have a history of responsibility, personal honesty, and integrity. Personal wealth is not a prerequisite to become an organizer or director of a national bank. However, directors' stock purchases, individually and in the aggregate, should reflect a financial commitment to the success of the national bank that is reasonable in relation to their individual and collective financial strength. A director should not have to depend on bank dividends, fees, or other compensation to satisfy financial obligations.

(ii) Because directors are often the primary source of additional capital for a bank not affiliated with a holding company, it is desirable that an organizer who is also proposed as a director of the national bank be able to supply or have a realistic plan to enable the bank to obtain capital when needed.

(iii) Any financial or other business arrangement, direct or indirect, between the organizing group or other insider and the proposed national bank must be on nonpreferential terms.

(4) Organizational expenses. (i) Organizers are expected to contribute time and expertise to the organization of the bank. Organizers should not bill excessive charges to the bank for professional and consulting services or unduly rely upon these fees as a source of income.

(ii) A proposed national bank shall not pay any fee that is contingent upon an OCC decision. Such action generally is grounds for denial of the application or withdrawal of preliminary approval. Organizational expenses for denied applications are the sole responsibility of the organizing group.

(5) Sponsor's experience and support. A sponsor must be financially able to support the new bank's operations and to provide or locate capital when needed. The OCC primarily considers the financial and managerial resources of the sponsor and the sponsor's record of performance, rather than the financial and managerial resources of the organizing group, if an organizing group is sponsored by:

(i) An existing holding company;

(ii) Individuals currently affiliated with other depository institutions; or

(iii) Individuals who, in the OCC's view, are otherwise collectively experienced in banking and have demonstrated the ability to work together effectively.

(h) Business plan or Operating plan—(1) General. (i) Organizers of a proposed national bank shall submit a business plan or operating plan that adequately addresses the statutory and policy considerations set forth in paragraphs (e) and (f)(2) of this section. The plan must reflect sound banking principles and demonstrate realistic assessments of risk in light of economic and competitive conditions in the market to be served.

(ii) The OCC may offset deficiencies in one factor by strengths in one or more other factors. However, deficiencies in some factors, such as unrealistic earnings prospects, may have a negative influence on the evaluation of other factors, such as capital adequacy, or may be serious enough by themselves to result in denial. The OCC considers inadequacies in a business plan or operating plan to reflect negatively on the organizing group's ability to operate a successful bank.

(2) Earnings prospects. The organizing group shall submit pro forma balance sheets and income statements as part of the business plan or operating plan. The OCC reviews all projections for reasonableness of assumptions and consistency with the business plan or operating plan.

(3) Management. (i) The organizing group shall include in the business plan or operating plan information sufficient to permit the OCC to evaluate the overall management ability of the organizing group. If the organizing group has limited banking experience or community involvement, the senior executive officers must be able to compensate for such deficiencies.

(ii) The organizing group may not hire an officer or elect or appoint a director if the OCC objects to that person at any time prior to the date the bank commences business.

(4) Capital. A proposed bank must have sufficient initial capital, net of any organizational expenses that will be charged to the bank's capital after it begins operations, to support the bank's projected volume and type of business.

(5) Community service. (i) The business plan or operating plan must indicate the organizing group's knowledge of and plans for serving the community. The organizing group shall evaluate the banking needs of the community, including its consumer, business, nonprofit, and government sectors. The business plan or operating plan must demonstrate how the proposed bank responds to those needs consistent with the safe and sound operation of the bank. The provisions of this paragraph may not apply to an application to organize a bank for a special purpose.

(ii) As part of its business plan or operating plan, the organizing group shall submit a statement that demonstrates its plans to achieve CRA objectives.

(iii) Because community support is important to the long-term success of a bank, the organizing group shall include plans for attracting and maintaining community support.

(6) Safety and soundness. The business plan or operating plan must demonstrate that the organizing group (and the sponsoring company, if any), is aware of, and understands, national banking laws and regulations, and safe and sound banking operations and practices. The OCC will deny an application that does not meet these safety and soundness requirements.

(7) Fiduciary services. The business plan or operating plan must indicate if the proposed bank intends to offer fiduciary services. The information required by §5.26 shall be filed with the charter application. A separate application is not required.

(i) Procedures—(1) Prefiling meeting. The OCC normally requires a prefiling meeting with the organizers of a proposed national bank before the organizers file an application. Organizers should be familiar with the OCC's chartering policy and procedural requirements in the Manual before the prefiling meeting. The prefiling meeting normally is held in the district office where the application will be filed but may be held at another location at the request of the applicant.

(2) Business plan or operating plan. An organizing group shall file a business plan or operating plan that addresses the subjects discussed in paragraph (h) of this section.

(3) Spokesperson. The organizing group shall designate a spokesperson to represent the organizing group in all contacts with the OCC. The spokesperson shall be an organizer and proposed director of the new bank, except a representative of the sponsor or sponsors may serve as spokesperson if an application is sponsored by an existing holding company, individuals currently affiliated with other depository institutions, or individuals who, in the OCC's view, are otherwise collectively experienced in banking and have demonstrated the ability to work together effectively.

(4) Decision notification. The OCC notifies the spokesperson and other interested persons in writing of its decision on an application.

(5) Post-decision activities. (i) Before the OCC grants final approval, a proposed national bank must be established as a legal entity. A national bank becomes a legal entity after it has filed its organization certificate and articles of association with the OCC as required by law. In addition, the organizing group shall elect a board of directors. The proposed bank may not conduct the business of banking until the OCC grants final approval.

(ii) For all capital obtained through a public offering a proposed national bank shall use an offering circular that complies with the OCC's securities offering regulations, 12 CFR part 16.

(iii) A national bank in organization shall raise its capital before it commences business. Preliminary approval expires if a national bank in organization does not raise the required capital within 12 months from the date the OCC grants preliminary approval. Approval expires if the national bank does not commence business within 18 months from the date the OCC grants preliminary approval.

(j) Expedited review. An application to establish a full-service national bank that is sponsored by a bank holding company whose lead depository institution is an eligible bank or eligible depository institution is deemed preliminarily approved by the OCC as of the 15th day after the close of the public comment period or the 45th day after the filing is received by the OCC, whichever is later, unless the OCC:

(1) Notifies the applicant prior to that date that the filing is not eligible for expedited review, or the expedited review process is extended, under §5.13(a)(2); or

(2) Notifies the applicant prior to that date that the OCC has determined that the proposed bank will offer banking services that are materially different than those offered by the lead depository institution.

(k) National bankers' banks—(1) Activities and customers. In addition to the other requirements of this section, when an organizing group seeks to organize a national bankers' bank, the organizing group shall list in the application the anticipated activities and customers or clients of the proposed national bankers' bank.

(2) Waiver of requirements. At the organizing group's request, the OCC may waive requirements that are applicable to national banks in general if those requirements are inappropriate for a national bankers' bank and would impede its ability to provide desired services to its market. An applicant must submit a request for a waiver with the application and must support the request with adequate justification and legal analysis. A national bankers' bank that is already in operation may also request a waiver. The OCC cannot waive statutory provisions that specifically apply to national bankers' banks pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 27(b)(1).

(3) Investments. A national bank may invest up to ten percent of its capital and surplus in a bankers' bank and may own five percent or less of any class of a bankers' bank's voting securities.

(l) Special purpose banks. An applicant for a national bank charter that will limit its activities to fiduciary activities, credit card operations, or another special purpose shall adhere to established charter procedures with modifications appropriate for the circumstances as determined by the OCC. An applicant for a national bank charter that will have a community development focus shall also adhere to established charter procedures with modifications appropriate for the circumstances as determined by the OCC. In addition to the other requirements in this section, a bank limited to fiduciary activities, credit card operations, or another special purpose may not conduct that business until the OCC grants final approval for the bank to commence operations. A national bank that seeks to invest in a bank with a community development focus must comply with applicable requirements of 12 CFR part 24.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 70129, Dec. 17, 2003; 69 FR 50297, Aug. 16, 2004]

§ 5.24   Conversion.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 35, 93a, 214a, 214b, 214c, and 2903.

(b) Licensing requirements. A state bank (including a “state bank” as defined in 12 U.S.C. 214(a)) or a Federal savings association shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval to convert to a national bank charter. A national bank shall give notice to the OCC before converting to a state bank (including a “state bank” as defined in 12 U.S.C. 214(a)) or Federal savings association.

(c) Scope. This section describes procedures and standards governing OCC review and approval of an application by a state bank or Federal savings association to convert to a national bank charter. This section also describes notice procedures for a national bank seeking to convert to a state bank or Federal savings association.

(d) Conversion of a state bank or Federal savings association to a national bank—(1) Policy. Consistent with the OCC's chartering policy, it is OCC policy to allow conversion to a national bank charter by another financial institution that can operate safely and soundly as a national bank in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The OCC may deny an application by any state bank (including a “state bank” as defined in 12 U.S.C. 214(a)) and any Federal savings association to convert to a national bank charter on the basis of the standards for denial set forth in §5.13(b), or when conversion would permit the applicant to escape supervisory action by its current regulator.

(2) Procedures. (i) Prefiling communications. The applicant should consult with the appropriate district office prior to filing if it anticipates that its application will raise unusual or complex issues. If a prefiling meeting is appropriate, it will normally be held in the district office where the application will be filed, but may be held at another location at the request of the applicant.

(ii) A state bank (including a state bank as defined in 12 U.S.C. 214(a)) or Federal savings association shall submit its application to convert to a national bank to the appropriate district office. The application must:

(A) Be signed by the president or other duly authorized officer;

(B) Identify each branch that the resulting bank expects to operate after conversion;

(C) Include the institution's most recent audited financial statements (if any);

(D) Include the latest report of condition and report of income (the most recent daily statement of condition will suffice if the institution does not file these reports);

(E) Unless otherwise advised by the OCC in a prefiling communication, include an opinion of counsel that, in the case of a state bank, the conversion is not in contravention of applicable state law, or in the case of a Federal savings association, the conversion is not in contravention of applicable Federal law;

(F) State whether the institution wishes to exercise fiduciary powers after the conversion;

(G) Identify all subsidiaries that will be retained following the conversion, and provide the information and analysis of the subsidiaries' activities that would be required if the converting bank or savings association were a national bank establishing each subsidiary pursuant to §§5.34 or 5.39; and

(H) Identify any nonconforming assets (including nonconforming subsidiaries) and nonconforming activities that the institution engages in, and describe the plans to retain or divest those assets.

(iii) The OCC may permit a national bank to retain such nonconforming assets of a state bank, subject to conditions and an OCC determination of the carrying value of the retained assets, pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 35.

(iv) Approval for an institution to convert to a national bank expires if the conversion has not occurred within six months of the OCC's preliminary approval of the application.

(v) When the OCC determines that the applicant has satisfied all statutory and regulatory requirements, including those set forth in 12 U.S.C. 35, and any other conditions, the OCC issues a charter certificate. The certificate provides that the institution is authorized to begin conducting business as a national bank as of a specified date.

(3) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to this section. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(4) Expedited review. An application by an eligible depository institution to convert to a national bank charter is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 30th day after the filing is received by the OCC, unless the OCC notifies the applicant prior to that date that the filing is not eligible for expedited review under §5.13(a)(2).

(e) Conversion of a national bank to a state bank—(1) Procedure. A national bank may convert to a state bank, in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 214c, without prior OCC approval. Termination of the national bank's status as a national bank occurs upon the bank's completion of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 214a, and upon the appropriate district office's receipt of the bank's national bank charter (or copy) in connection with the consummation of the transaction.

(2) Notice of intent. A national bank that desires to convert to a state bank shall submit to the appropriate district office a notice of its intent to convert. The national bank shall file this notice when it first submits a request to convert to the appropriate state authorities. The appropriate district office then provides instructions to the national bank for terminating its status as a national bank.

(3) Exceptions to the rules of general applicability. Sections 5.5 through 5.8, and 5.10 through 5.13, do not apply to the conversion of a national bank to a state bank.

(f) Conversion of a national bank to a Federal savings association. A national bank may convert to a Federal savings association without prior OCC approval. The requirements and procedures set forth in paragraph (e) of this section and 12 U.S.C. 214a and 12 U.S.C. 214c apply to a conversion to a Federal savings association, except as follows:

(1) In paragraph (e) of this section references to “appropriate state authorities” mean “appropriate Federal authorities”; and

(2) References in 12 U.S.C. 214c to the “law of the State in which the national banking association is located” and “any State authority” mean “laws and regulations governing Federal savings associations” and “Office of Thrift Supervision,” respectively.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 12910, Mar. 10, 2000]

§ 5.26   Fiduciary powers.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 92a.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank must submit an application and obtain prior approval from, or in certain circumstances file a notice with, the OCC in order to exercise fiduciary powers. No approval or notice is required in the following circumstances:

(1) Where two or more national banks consolidate or merge, and any of the banks has, prior to the consolidation or merger, received OCC approval to exercise fiduciary powers and that approval is in force at the time of the consolidation or merger, the resulting bank may exercise fiduciary powers in the same manner and to the same extent as the national bank to which approval was originally granted; and

(2) Where a national bank with prior OCC approval to exercise fiduciary powers is the resulting bank in a merger or consolidation with a state bank.

(c) Scope. This section sets forth the procedures governing OCC review and approval of an application, and in certain cases the filing of a notice, by a national bank to exercise fiduciary powers. A national bank's fiduciary activities are subject to the provisions of 12 CFR part 9.

(d) Policy. The exercise of fiduciary powers is primarily a management decision of the national bank. The OCC generally permits a national bank to exercise fiduciary powers if the bank is operating in a satisfactory manner, the proposed activities comply with applicable statutes and regulations, and the bank retains qualified fiduciary management.

(e) Procedure—(1) General. The following institutions must obtain approval from the OCC in order to offer fiduciary services to the public:

(i) A national bank without fiduciary powers;

(ii) A national bank without fiduciary powers that desires to exercise fiduciary powers after merging with a state bank or savings association with fiduciary powers; and

(iii) A national bank that results from the conversion of a state bank or a state or Federal savings association that was exercising fiduciary powers prior to the conversion.

(2) Application. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, a national bank that desires to exercise fiduciary powers shall submit to the OCC an application requesting approval. The application must contain:

(A) A statement requesting full or limited powers (specifying which powers);

(B) An opinion of counsel that the proposed activities do not violate applicable Federal or state law, including citations to applicable law;

(C) A statement that the capital and surplus of the national bank is not less than the capital and surplus required by state law of state banks, trust companies, and other corporations exercising comparable fiduciary powers;

(D) Sufficient biographical information on proposed trust management personnel to enable the OCC to assess their qualifications; and

(E) A description of the locations where the bank will conduct fiduciary activities.

(ii) If approval to exercise fiduciary powers is desired in connection with any other transaction subject to an application under this part, the applicant covered under paragraph (e)(1)(ii) or (e)(1)(iii) of this section may include a request for approval of fiduciary powers, including the information required by paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, as part of its other application. The OCC does not require a separate application requesting approval to exercise fiduciary powers under these circumstances.

(3) Expedited review. (i) An application by an eligible bank to exercise fiduciary powers is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 30th day after the application is received by the OCC, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the filing is not eligible for expedited review under §5.13(a)(2).

(ii) An eligible bank applying for fiduciary powers may omit the opinion of counsel required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(B) of this section unless such opinion is specifically requested by the OCC.

(4) Permit. Approval of an application under this section constitutes a permit under 12 U.S.C. 92a to conduct the fiduciary powers requested in the application.

(5) Notice of fiduciary activities in additional states. No further application under this section is required when a national bank with existing OCC approval to exercise fiduciary powers plans to engage in any of the activities specified in §9.7(d) of this chapter or to conduct activities ancillary to its fiduciary business, in a state in addition to the state described in the application for fiduciary powers that the OCC has approved. Instead, unless the bank provides notice through other means (such as a merger application), the bank shall provide written notice to the OCC no later than ten days after it begins to engage in any of the activities specified in §9.7(d) of this chapter in the new state. The written notice must identify the new state or states involved, identify the fiduciary activities to be conducted, and describe the extent to which the activities differ materially from the fiduciary activities that the bank was previously authorized to conduct. No notice is required if the bank is conducting only activities ancillary to its fiduciary business through a trust representative office or otherwise.

(6) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to this section. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(7) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if a national bank does not commence fiduciary activities within 18 months from the date of approval.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 66 FR 34797, July 2, 2001]

Subpart C—Expansion of Activities
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§ 5.30   Establishment, acquisition, and relocation of a branch.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 1–42, and 2901–2907.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval in order to establish or relocate a branch.

(c) Scope. This section describes the procedures and standards governing OCC review and approval of a national bank's application to establish a new branch or to relocate a branch. The standards of this section and, as applicable, 12 U.S.C. 36(b), but not the procedures set forth in this section, apply to a branch established as a result of a business combination approved under §5.33. A branch established through a business combination is subject only to the procedures set forth in §5.33.

(d) Definitions—(1) Branch includes any branch bank, branch office, branch agency, additional office, or any branch place of business established by a national bank in the United States or its territories at which deposits are received, checks paid, or money lent. A branch does not include an automated teller machine (ATM) or a remote service unit.

(i) A branch established by a national bank includes a mobile facility, temporary facility, drop box or a seasonal agency, as described in 12 U.S.C. 36(c).

(ii) A facility otherwise described in this paragraph (d)(1) is not a branch if:

(A) The bank establishing the facility does not permit members of the public to have physical access to the facility for purposes of making deposits, paying checks, or borrowing money (e.g., an office established by the bank that receives deposits only through the mail); or

(B) It is located at the site of, or is an extension of, an approved main or branch office of the national bank. The OCC determines whether a facility is an extension of an existing main or branch office on a case-by-case basis.

(2) Home state means the state in which the national bank's main office is located.

(3) Messenger service has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR 7.1012.

(4) Mobile branch is a branch, other than a messenger service branch, that does not have a single, permanent site, and includes a vehicle that travels to various public locations to enable customers to conduct their banking business. A mobile branch may provide services at various regularly scheduled locations or it may be open at irregular times and locations such as at county fairs, sporting events, or school registration periods. A branch license is needed for each mobile unit.

(5) Temporary branch means a branch that is located at a fixed site and which, from the time of its opening, is scheduled to, and will, permanently close no later than a certain date (not longer than one year after the branch is first opened) specified in the branch application and the public notice.

(e) Policy. In determining whether to approve an application to establish or relocate a branch, the OCC is guided by the following principles:

(1) Maintaining a sound banking system;

(2) Encouraging a national bank to help meet the credit needs of its entire community;

(3) Relying on the marketplace as generally the best regulator of economic activity; and

(4) Encouraging healthy competition to promote efficiency and better service to customers.

(f) Procedures—(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, each national bank proposing to establish a branch shall submit to the appropriate district office a separate application for each proposed branch.

(2) Messenger services. A national bank may request approval, through a single application, for multiple messenger services to serve the same general geographic area. (See 12 CFR 7.1012). Unless otherwise required by law, the bank need not list the specific locations to be served.

(3) Jointly established branches. If a national bank proposes to establish a branch jointly with one or more national banks or depository institutions, only one of the national banks must submit a branch application. The national bank submitting the application may act as agent for all national banks in the group of depository institutions proposing to share the branch. The application must include the name and main office address of each national bank in the group.

(4) Authorization. The OCC authorizes operation of the branch when all requirements and conditions for opening are satisfied.

(5) Expedited review. An application submitted by an eligible bank to establish or relocate a branch is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 15th day after the close of the applicable public comment period, or the 45th day after the filing is received by the OCC, whichever is later, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the filing is not eligible for expedited review, or the expedited review process is extended, under §5.13(a)(2). An application to establish or relocate more than one branch is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 15th day after the close of the last public comment period.

(g) Interstate branches. A national bank that seeks to establish and operate a de novo branch in any state other than the bank's home state or a state in which the bank already has a branch shall satisfy the standards and requirements of 12 U.S.C. 36(g).

(h) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. (1) A national bank filing an application for a mobile branch or messenger service branch shall publish a public notice, as described in §5.8, in the communities in which the bank proposes to engage in business.

(2) The comment period on an application to engage in a short-distance branch relocation is 15 days.

(3) The OCC may waive or reduce the public notice and comment period, as appropriate, with respect to an application to establish a branch to restore banking services to a community affected by a disaster or to temporarily replace banking facilities where, because of an emergency, the bank cannot provide services or must curtail banking services.

(4) The OCC may waive or reduce the public notice and comment period, as appropriate, for an application by a national bank with a CRA rating of Satisfactory or better to establish a temporary branch which, if it were established by a state bank to operate in the manner proposed, would be permissible under state law without state approval.

(i) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if a branch has not commenced business within 18 months after the date of approval.

(j) Branch closings. A national bank shall comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1831r–1 with respect to procedures for branch closings.

§ 5.32   Expedited procedures for certain reorganizations.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a and 215a–2.

(b) Scope. This section prescribes the procedures for OCC review and approval of a national bank's reorganization to become a subsidiary of a bank holding company or a company that will, upon consummation of such reorganization, become a bank holding company. For purposes of this section, a “bank holding company” means any company that owns or controls a national bank, or will own or control one as a result of the reorganization.

(c) Licensing requirements. A national bank shall submit an application to, and obtain approval from, the OCC prior to participating in a reorganization described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Procedures—(1) General. An application filed in accordance with this section shall be deemed approved on the 30th day after the OCC receives the application, unless the OCC notifies the bank otherwise. Approval is subject to the condition that the bank provide the OCC with 60 days' prior notice of any significant deviation from the bank's business plan or any significant deviation from the proposed changes to the bank's business plan described in the bank's plan of reorganization.

(2) Reorganization plan. The application must include a reorganization plan that:

(i) Specifies the manner in which the reorganization shall be carried out;

(ii) Is approved by a majority of the entire board of directors of the national bank;

(iii) Specifies:

(A) The amount and type of consideration that the bank holding company will provide to the shareholders of the reorganizing bank for their shares of stock of the bank;

(B) The date as of which the rights of each shareholder to participate in that exchange will be determined; and

(C) The manner in which the exchange will be carried out;

(iv) Is submitted to the shareholders of the reorganizing bank at a meeting to be held at the call of the directors in accordance with the procedures prescribed in connection with a merger of a national bank under section 3 of the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 215a(a)(2); and

(v) Describes any changes to the bank's business plan resulting from the reorganization.

(3) Financial and managerial resources and future prospects. In reviewing an application under this section, the OCC will consider the impact of the proposed affiliation on the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the national bank.

(e) Rights of dissenting shareholders. Any shareholder of a bank who has voted against an approved reorganization at the meeting referred to in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section, or who has given notice of dissent in writing to the presiding officer at or prior to that meeting, is entitled to receive the value of his or her shares by providing a written request to the bank within 30 days after the consummation of the reorganization, as provided by section 3 of the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 215a(b) and (c), for the merger of a national bank.

(f) Approval under the Bank Holding Company Act. This section does not affect the applicability of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Applicants shall indicate in their application the status of any application required to be filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

(g) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if a national bank has not completed the reorganization within one year of the date of approval.

(h) Adequacy of disclosure. (1) An applicant shall inform shareholders of all material aspects of a reorganization and comply with applicable requirements of the Federal securities laws, including the OCC's securities regulations at 12 CFR part 11.

(2) Any applicant not subject to the registration provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall submit the proxy materials or information statements it uses in connection with the reorganization to the appropriate district office no later than when the materials are sent to the shareholders.

[68 FR 70129, Dec. 17, 2003]

§ 5.33   Business combinations.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 24(Seventh), 93a, 181, 214a, 214b, 215, 215a, 215a–1, 215a–3, 215c, 1815(d)(3), 1828(c), 1831u, and 2903.

(b) Scope. This section sets forth the provisions governing business combinations and the standards for:

(1) OCC review and approval of an application for a business combination between a national bank and another depository institution resulting in a national bank or between a national bank and one of its nonbank affiliates; and

(2) Requirements of notices and other procedures for national banks involved in other combinations with depository institutions.

(c) Licensing requirements. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval for a business combination between the national bank and another depository institution when the resulting institution is a national bank. A national bank shall give notice to the OCC prior to engaging in a combination where the resulting institution will not be a national bank. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval for any merger between the national bank and one or more of its nonbank affiliates.

(d) Definitions—(1) Bank means any national bank or any state bank.

(2) Business combination means any merger or consolidation between a national bank and one or more depository institutions in which the resulting institution is a national bank, the acquisition by a national bank of all, or substantially all, of the assets of another depository institution, the assumption by a national bank of deposit liabilities of another depository institution, or a merger between a national bank and one or more of its nonbank affiliates.

(3) Business reorganization means either:

(i) A business combination between eligible banks, or between an eligible bank and an eligible depository institution, that are controlled by the same holding company or that will be controlled by the same holding company prior to the combination; or

(ii) A business combination between an eligible bank and an interim bank chartered in a transaction in which a person or group of persons exchanges its shares of the eligible bank for shares of a newly formed holding company and receives after the transaction substantially the same proportional share interest in the holding company as it held in the eligible bank (except for changes in interests resulting from the exercise of dissenters' rights), and the reorganization involves no other transactions involving the bank.

(4) Company means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, business trust, association, or similar organization.

(5) For business combinations under §5.33(g)(4) and (5), a company or shareholder is deemed to control another company if:

(i) Such company or shareholder, directly or indirectly, or acting through one or more other persons owns, controls, or has power to vote 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities of the other company, or

(ii) Such company or shareholder controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors or trustees of the other company. No company shall be deemed to own or control another company by virtue of its ownership or control of shares in a fiduciary capacity.

(6) Home state means, with respect to a national bank, the state in which the main office of the bank is located and, with respect to a state bank, the state by which the bank is chartered.

(7) Interim bank means a national bank that does not operate independently but exists solely as a vehicle to accomplish a business combination.

(8) Nonbank affiliate of a national bank means any company (other than a bank or Federal savings association) that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the national bank.

(e) Policy—(1) Factors. The OCC considers the following factors in evaluating an application for a business combination:

(i) Competition. (A) The OCC considers the effect of a proposed business combination on competition. The applicant shall provide a competitive analysis of the transaction, including a definition of the relevant geographic market or markets. An applicant may refer to the Manual for procedures to expedite its competitive analysis.

(B) The OCC will deny an application for a business combination if the combination would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any part of the United States. The OCC also will deny any proposed business combination whose effect in any section of the United States may be substantially to lessen competition, or tend to create a monopoly, or which in any other manner would be in restraint of trade, unless the probable effects of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community clearly outweigh the anticompetitive effects of the transaction. For purposes of weighing against anticompetitive effects, a business combination may have favorable effects in meeting the convenience and needs of the community if the depository institution being acquired has limited long-term prospects, or if the resulting national bank will provide significantly improved, additional, or less costly services to the community.

(ii) Financial and managerial resources and future prospects. The OCC considers the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the existing or proposed institutions.

(iii) Convenience and needs of community. The OCC considers the probable effects of the business combination on the convenience and needs of the community served. The applicant shall describe these effects in its application, including any planned office closings or reductions in services following the business combination and the likely impact on the community. The OCC also considers additional relevant factors, including the resulting national bank's ability and plans to provide expanded or less costly services to the community.

(iv) Community reinvestment. The OCC considers the performance of the applicant and the other depository institutions involved in the business combination in helping to meet the credit needs of the relevant communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

(v) Money laundering. The OCC considers the effectiveness of any insured depository institution involved in the business combination in combating money laundering activities, including in overseas branches.

(2) Acquisition and retention of branches. An applicant shall disclose the location of any branch it will acquire and retain in a business combination. The OCC considers the acquisition and retention of a branch under the standards set out in §5.30, but it does not require a separate application under §5.30.

(3) Subsidiaries. (i) An applicant must identify any subsidiary to be acquired in a business combination and state the activities of each subsidiary. The OCC does not require a separate application under §5.34 or a separate notice under §5.39.

(ii) An applicant proposing to acquire, through a business combination, a subsidiary of any entity other than a national bank must provide the same information and analysis of the subsidiary's activities that would be required if the applicant were establishing the subsidiary pursuant to §§5.34 or 5.39.

(4) Interim bank—(i) Application. An applicant for a business combination that plans to use an interim bank to accomplish the transaction shall file an application to organize an interim bank as part of the application for the related business combination.

(ii) Conditional approval. The OCC grants conditional approval to form an interim bank when it acknowledges receipt of the application for the related business combination.

(iii) Corporate status. An interim bank becomes a legal entity and may enter into legally valid agreements when it has filed, and the OCC has accepted, the interim bank's duly executed articles of association and organization certificate. OCC acceptance occurs:

(A) On the date the OCC advises the interim bank that its articles of association and organization certificate are acceptable; or

(B) On the date the interim bank files articles of association and an organization certificate that conform to the form for those documents provided by the OCC in the Manual.

(iv) Other corporate procedures. An applicant should consult the Manual to determine what other information is necessary to complete the chartering of the interim bank as a national bank.

(5) Nonconforming assets. An applicant shall identify any nonconforming activities and assets, including nonconforming subsidiaries, of other institutions involved in the business combination, that will not be disposed of or discontinued prior to consummation of the transaction. The OCC generally requires a national bank to divest or conform nonconforming assets, or discontinue nonconforming activities, within a reasonable time following the business combination.

(6) Fiduciary powers. An applicant shall state whether the resulting bank intends to exercise fiduciary powers pursuant to §5.26(b) (1) or (2).

(7) Expiration of approval. Approval of a business combination, and conditional approval to form an interim bank charter, if applicable, expires if the business combination is not consummated within one year after the date of OCC approval.

(8) Adequacy of disclosure. (i) An applicant shall inform shareholders of all material aspects of a business combination and shall comply with any applicable requirements of the Federal securities laws and securities regulations of the OCC. Accordingly, an applicant shall ensure that all proxy and information statements prepared in connection with a business combination do not contain any untrue or misleading statement of a material fact, or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(ii) A national bank applicant with one or more classes of securities subject to the registration provisions of section 12 (b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78l(b) or 78l(g), shall file preliminary proxy material or information statements for review with the Director, Securities and Corporate Practices Division, OCC, Washington, DC 20219, and with the appropriate district office. Any other applicant shall submit the proxy materials or information statements it uses in connection with the combination to the appropriate district office no later than when the materials are sent to the shareholders.

(f) Exceptions to rules of general applicability—(1) National bank applicant. Section 5.8 (a) through (c) does not apply to a national bank applicant that is subject to specific statutory notice requirements for a business combination. A national bank applicant shall follow, as applicable, the public notice requirements contained in 12 U.S.C. 1828(c)(3) (business combinations), 12 U.S.C. 215(a) (consolidation under a national bank charter), 12 U.S.C. 215a(a)(2) (merger under a national bank charter), paragraph (g)(2) of this section (merger or consolidation with a Federal savings association resulting in a national bank), paragraph (g)(4) of this section (merger with a nonbank affiliate under a national bank charter), and paragraph (g)(5) of this section (merger with nonbank affiliate not under national bank charter). Sections 5.10 and 5.11 do not apply to mergers of a national bank with its nonbank affiliate. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that some or all provisions in §§5.10 and 5.11 apply.

(2) Interim bank. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to an application to organize an interim bank. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply. The OCC treats an application to organize an interim bank as part of the related application to engage in a business combination and does not require a separate public notice and public comment process.

(3) State bank or Federal savings association as resulting institution. Sections 5.2 and 5.5 through 5.13 do not apply to transactions covered by paragraph (g)(3) of this section.

(g) Approval procedures and treatment of dissenting shareholders in consolidations and mergers—(1) Consolidations and mergers with other national banks and state banks as defined in 12 U.S.C. 215b(1) resulting in a national bank. A national bank entering into a consolidation or merger authorized pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 215 or 215a, respectively, is subject to the approval procedures and requirements with respect to treatment of dissenting shareholders set forth in those provisions.

(2) Consolidations and mergers with Federal savings associations under 12 U.S.C. 215c resulting in a national bank. (i) With the approval of the OCC, any national bank and any Federal savings association may consolidate or merge with a national bank as the resulting institution by complying with the following procedures:

(A) A national bank entering into the consolidation or merger shall follow the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 215 or 215a, respectively, as if the Federal savings association were a state or national bank.

(B) A Federal savings association entering into the consolidation or merger also shall follow the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 215 or 215a, respectively, as if the Federal savings association were a state bank or national bank, except where the laws or regulations governing Federal savings associations specifically provide otherwise.

(ii) The OCC may conduct an appraisal or reappraisal of dissenters' shares of stock in a national bank involved in a consolidation or merger with a Federal savings association if all parties agree that the determination is final and binding on each party.

(3) Merger or consolidation of a national bank resulting in a state bank as defined in 12 U.S.C. 214(a) or a Federal savings association—(i) Policy. Prior OCC approval is not required for the merger or consolidation of a national bank with a state bank or Federal savings association when the resulting institution will be a state bank or Federal savings association. Termination of a national bank's status as a national banking association is automatic upon completion of the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 214a, in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 214c, in the case of a merger or consolidation when the resulting institution is a state bank, or paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section, in the case of a merger or consolidation when the resulting institution is a Federal savings association, and consummation of the transaction.

(ii) Procedures. A national bank desiring to merge or consolidate with a state bank or a Federal savings association when the resulting institution will be a state bank or Federal savings association shall submit a notice to the appropriate district office advising of its intention. The national bank shall submit this notice at the time the application to merge or consolidate is filed with the responsible agency under the Bank Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(c). The OCC then provides instructions to the national bank for terminating its status as a national bank, including requiring the bank to provide the appropriate district office with the bank's charter (or a copy) in connection with the consummation of the transaction.

(iii) Special procedures for merger or consolidation into a Federal savings association. (A) With the exception of the procedures in paragraph (g)(3)(iii)(B) of this section, a national bank entering into a merger or consolidation with a Federal savings association when the resulting institution will be a Federal savings association shall comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 214a and 12 U.S.C. 214c as if the Federal savings association were a state bank. However, for these purposes the references in 12 U.S.C. 214c to “law of the State in which such national banking association is located” and “any State authority” mean “laws and regulations governing Federal savings associations” and “Office of Thrift Supervision,” respectively.

(B) National bank shareholders who dissent from a plan to merge or consolidate may receive in cash the value of their national bank shares if they comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 214a as if the Federal savings association were a state bank. The OCC conducts an appraisal or reappraisal of the value of the national bank shares held by dissenting shareholders only if all parties agree that the determination will be final and binding. The parties shall also agree on how the total expenses of the OCC in making the appraisal will be divided among the parties and paid to the OCC. The plan of merger or consolidation must provide, consistent with the requirements of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the manner of disposing of the shares of the resulting Federal savings association not taken by the dissenting shareholders of the national bank.

(4) Mergers of a national bank with its nonbank affiliates under 12 U.S.C. 215a–3 resulting in a national bank. (i) With the approval of the OCC, a national bank may merge with one or more of its nonbank affiliates, with the national bank as the resulting institution, in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, provided that the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized allows the nonbank affiliate to engage in such mergers. The transaction is also subject to approval by the FDIC under the Bank Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(c). In determining whether to approve the merger, the OCC shall consider the purpose of the transaction, its impact on the safety and soundness of the bank, and any effect on the bank's customers, and may deny the merger if it would have a negative effect in any such respect.

(ii) A national bank entering into the merger shall follow the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 215a as if the nonbank affiliate were a state bank, except as otherwise provided herein.

(iii) A nonbank affiliate entering into the merger shall follow the procedures for such mergers set out in the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized.

(iv) The rights of dissenting shareholders and appraisal of dissenters' shares of stock in the nonbank affiliate entering into the merger shall be determined in the manner prescribed by the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized.

(v) The corporate existence of each institution participating in the merger shall be continued in the resulting national bank, and all the rights, franchises, property, appointments, liabilities, and other interests of the participating institutions shall be transferred to the resulting national bank, as set forth in 12 U.S.C. 215a(a), (e), and (f) in the same manner and to the same extent as in a merger between a national bank and a state bank under 12 U.S.C. 215a(a), as if the nonbank affiliate were a state bank.

(5) Mergers of an uninsured national bank with its nonbank affiliates under 12 U.S.C. 215a–3 resulting in a nonbank affiliate. (i) With the approval of the OCC, a national bank that is not an insured bank as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1813(h) may merge with one or more of its nonbank affiliates, with the nonbank affiliate as the resulting entity, in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, provided that the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized allows the nonbank affiliate to engage in such mergers. In determining whether to approve the merger, the OCC shall consider the purpose of the transaction, its impact on the safety and soundness of the bank, and any effect on the bank's customers, and may deny the merger if it would have a negative effect in any such respect.

(ii) A national bank entering into the merger shall follow the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 214a, as if the nonbank affiliate were a state bank, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(iii) A nonbank affiliate entering into the merger shall follow the procedures for such mergers set out in the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized.

(iv) (A) National bank shareholders who dissent from an approved plan to merge may receive in cash the value of their national bank shares if they comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 214a as if the nonbank affiliate were a state bank. The OCC may conduct an appraisal or reappraisal of dissenters' shares of stock in a national bank involved in the merger if all parties agree that the determination is final and binding on each party and agree on how the total expenses of the OCC in making the appraisal will be divided among the parties and paid to the OCC.

(B) The rights of dissenting shareholders and appraisal of dissenters' shares of stock in the nonbank affiliate involved in the merger shall be determined in the manner prescribed by the law of the state or other jurisdiction under which the nonbank affiliate is organized.

(v) The corporate existence of each entity participating in the merger shall be continued in the resulting nonbank affiliate, and all the rights, franchises, property, appointments, liabilities, and other interests of the participating national bank shall be transferred to the resulting nonbank affiliate as set forth in 12 U.S.C. 214b, in the same manner and to the same extent as in a merger between a national bank and a state bank under 12 U.S.C. 214a, as if the nonbank affiliate were a state bank.

(h) Interstate combinations. A business combination between banks under the authority of 12 U.S.C. 1831u(a)(1) must satisfy the standards and requirements and comply with the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 1831u and the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 215 and 215a as applicable. For purposes of this section, the acquisition of a branch without the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a bank is treated as the acquisition of a bank whose home state is the state in which the branch is located.

(i) Expedited review for business reorganizations and streamlined applications. A filing that qualifies as a business reorganization as defined in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, or a filing that qualifies as a streamlined application as described in paragraph (j) of this section, is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 45th day after the application is received by the OCC, or the 15th day after the close of the comment period, whichever is later, unless the OCC notifies the applicant that the filing is not eligible for expedited review, or the expedited review process is extended, under §5.13(a)(2). An application under this paragraph must contain all necessary information for the OCC to determine if it qualifies as a business reorganization or streamlined application.

(j) Streamlined applications. (1) An applicant may qualify for a streamlined business combination application in the following situations:

(i) At least one party to the transaction is an eligible bank, and all other parties to the transaction are eligible banks or eligible depository institutions, the resulting national bank will be well capitalized immediately following consummation of the transaction, and the total assets of the target institution are no more than 50 percent of the total assets of the acquiring bank, as reported in each institution's Consolidated Report of Condition and Income filed for the quarter immediately preceding the filing of the application;

(ii) The acquiring bank is an eligible bank, the target bank is not an eligible bank or an eligible depository institution, the resulting national bank will be well capitalized immediately following consummation of the transaction, and the applicants in a prefiling communication request and obtain approval from the appropriate district office to use the streamlined application;

(iii) The acquiring bank is an eligible bank, the target bank is not an eligible bank or an eligible depository institution, the resulting bank will be well capitalized immediately following consummation of the transaction, and the total assets acquired do not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the acquiring national bank, as reported in each institution's Consolidated Report of Condition and Income filed for the quarter immediately preceding the filing of the application; or

(iv) In the case of a transaction under paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the acquiring bank is an eligible bank, the resulting national bank will be well capitalized immediately following consummation of the transaction, the applicants in a prefiling communication request and obtain approval from the appropriate district office to use the streamlined application, and the total assets acquired do not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the acquiring national bank, as reported in the bank's Consolidated Report of Condition and Income filed for the quarter immediately preceding the filing of the application.

(2) When a business combination qualifies for a streamlined application, the applicant should consult the Manual to determine the abbreviated application information required by the OCC. The OCC encourages prefiling communications between the applicants and the appropriate district office before filing under paragraph (j) of this section.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999; 65 FR 12911, Mar. 10, 2000; 68 FR 70129, Dec. 17, 2003]

§ 5.34   Operating subsidiaries.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 24 (Seventh), 24a, 93a, 3101 et seq.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank must file a notice or application as prescribed in this section to acquire or establish an operating subsidiary, or to commence a new activity in an existing operating subsidiary.

(c) Scope. This section sets forth authorized activities and application or notice procedures for national banks engaging in activities through an operating subsidiary. The procedures in this section do not apply to financial subsidiaries authorized under §5.39. Unless provided otherwise, this section applies to a Federal branch or agency that acquires, establishes, or maintains any subsidiary that a national bank is authorized to acquire or establish under this section in the same manner and to the same extent as if the Federal branch or agency were a national bank, except that the ownership interest required in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(5)(i)(B) of this section shall apply to the parent foreign bank of the Federal branch or agency and not to the Federal branch or agency.

(d) Definitions. For purposes of this §5.34:

(1) Authorized product means a product that would be defined as insurance under section 302(c) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 106–102, 113 Stat. 1338, 1407) (GLBA) (15 U.S.C. 6712) that, as of January 1, 1999, the OCC had determined in writing that national banks may provide as principal or national banks were in fact lawfully providing the product as principal, and as of that date no court of relevant jurisdiction had, by final judgment, overturned a determination by the OCC that national banks may provide the product as principal. An authorized product does not include title insurance, or an annuity contract the income of which is subject to treatment under section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 72).

(2) Well capitalized means the capital level described in 12 CFR 6.4(b)(1) or, in the case of a Federal branch or agency, the capital level described in 12 CFR 4.7(b)(1)(iii).

(3) Well managed means, unless otherwise determined in writing by the OCC:

(i) In the case of a national bank:

(A) The national bank has received a composite rating of 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System in connection with its most recent examination; or

(B) In the case of any national bank that has not been examined, the existence and use of managerial resources that the OCC determines are satisfactory.

(ii) In the case of a Federal branch or agency:

(A) The Federal branch or agency has received a composite ROCA supervisory rating (which rates risk management, operational controls, compliance, and asset quality) of 1 or 2 at its most recent examination; or

(B) In the case of a Federal branch or agency that has not been examined, the existence and use of managerial resources that the OCC determines are satisfactory.

(e) Standards and requirements—(1) Authorized activities. A national bank may conduct in an operating subsidiary activities that are permissible for a national bank to engage in directly either as part of, or incidental to, the business of banking, as determined by the OCC, or otherwise under other statutory authority, including:

(i) Providing authorized products as principal; and

(ii) Providing title insurance as principal if the national bank or subsidiary thereof was actively and lawfully underwriting title insurance before November 12, 1999, and no affiliate of the national bank (other than a subsidiary) provides insurance as principal. A subsidiary may not provide title insurance as principal if the state had in effect before November 12, 1999, a law which prohibits any person from underwriting title insurance with respect to real property in that state.

(2) Qualifying subsidiaries. An operating subsidiary in which a national bank may invest includes a corporation, limited liability company, or similar entity if the parent bank owns more than 50 percent of the voting (or similar type of controlling) interest of the operating subsidiary; or the parent bank otherwise controls the operating subsidiary and no other party controls more than 50 percent of the voting (or similar type of controlling) interest of the operating subsidiary. However, the following subsidiaries are not operating subsidiaries subject to this section:

(i) A subsidiary in which the bank's investment is made pursuant to specific authorization in a statute or OCC regulation (e.g., a bank service company under 12 U.S.C. 1861 et seq. or a financial subsidiary under section 5136A of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a)); and

(ii) A subsidiary in which the bank has acquired, in good faith, shares through foreclosure on collateral, by way of compromise of a doubtful claim, or to avoid a loss in connection with a debt previously contracted.

(3) Examination and supervision. An operating subsidiary conducts activities authorized under this section pursuant to the same authorization, terms and conditions that apply to the conduct of such activities by its parent national bank. If, upon examination, the OCC determines that the operating subsidiary is operating in violation of law, regulation, or written condition, or in an unsafe or unsound manner or otherwise threatens the safety or soundness of the bank, the OCC will direct the bank or operating subsidiary to take appropriate remedial action, which may include requiring the bank to divest or liquidate the operating subsidiary, or discontinue specified activities. OCC authority under this paragraph is subject to the limitations and requirements of section 45 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831v) and section 115 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C. 1820a).

(4) Consolidation of figures—(i) National banks. Pertinent book figures of the parent national bank and its operating subsidiary shall be combined for the purpose of applying statutory or regulatory limitations when combination is needed to effect the intent of the statute or regulation, e.g., for purposes of 12 U.S.C. 56, 60, 84, and 371d.

(ii) Federal branch or agencies. Transactions conducted by all of a foreign bank's Federal branches and agencies and State branches and agencies, and their operating subsidiaries, shall be combined for the purpose of applying any limitation or restriction as provided in 12 CFR 28.14.

(5) Procedures—(i) Application required. (A) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(5)(iv) or (e)(5)(vi) of this section, a national bank that intends to acquire or establish an operating subsidiary, or to perform a new activity in an existing operating subsidiary, must first submit an application to, and receive approval from, the OCC. The application must include a complete description of the bank's investment in the subsidiary, the proposed activities of the subsidiary, the organizational structure and management of the subsidiary, the relations between the bank and the subsidiary, and other information necessary to adequately describe the proposal. To the extent the application relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable. The application must state whether the operating subsidiary will conduct any activity at a location other than the main office or a previously approved branch of the bank. The OCC may require the applicant to submit a legal analysis if the proposal is novel, unusually complex, or raises substantial unresolved legal issues. In these cases, the OCC encourages applicants to have a pre-filing meeting with the OCC.

(B) A national bank must file an application and obtain prior approval before acquiring or establishing an operating subsidiary, or performing a new activity in an existing operating subsidiary, if the bank controls the subsidiary but owns 50 percent or less of the voting (or similar type of controlling) interest of the subsidiary. These applications are not subject to the filing exemption in paragraph (e)(5)(vi) of this section and are not eligible for the notice procedures in paragraph (e)(5)(iv) of this section.

(ii) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to this section. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that some or all provisions in §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(iii) OCC review and approval. The OCC reviews a national bank's application to determine whether the proposed activities are legally permissible and to ensure that the proposal is consistent with safe and sound banking practices and OCC policy and does not endanger the safety or soundness of the parent national bank. As part of this process, the OCC may request additional information and analysis from the applicant.

(iv) Notice process for certain activities. A national bank that is “well capitalized” and “well managed” may acquire or establish an operating subsidiary, or perform a new activity in an existing operating subsidiary, by providing the appropriate district office written notice within 10 days after acquiring or establishing the subsidiary, or commencing the activity, if the activity is listed in paragraph (e)(5)(v) of this section. The written notice must include a complete description of the bank's investment in the subsidiary and of the activity conducted and a representation and undertaking that the activity will be conducted in accordance with OCC policies contained in guidance issued by the OCC regarding the activity. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable. Any bank receiving approval under this paragraph is deemed to have agreed that the subsidiary will conduct the activity in a manner consistent with published OCC guidance.

(v) Activities eligible for notice. The following activities qualify for the notice procedures, provided the activity is conducted pursuant to the same terms and conditions as would be applicable if the activity were conducted directly by a national bank:

(A) Holding and managing assets acquired by the parent bank, including investment assets and property acquired by the bank through foreclosure or otherwise in good faith to compromise a doubtful claim, or in the ordinary course of collecting a debt previously contracted;

(B) Providing services to or for the bank or its affiliates, including accounting, auditing, appraising, advertising and public relations, and financial advice and consulting;

(C) Making loans or other extensions of credit, and selling money orders, savings bonds, and travelers checks;

(D) Purchasing, selling, servicing, or warehousing loans or other extensions of credit, or interests therein;

(E) Providing courier services between financial institutions;

(F) Providing management consulting, operational advice, and services for other financial institutions;

(G) Providing check guaranty, verification and payment services;

(H) Providing data processing, data warehousing and data transmission products, services, and related activities and facilities, including associated equipment and technology, for the bank or its affiliates;

(I) Acting as investment adviser (including an adviser with investment discretion) or financial adviser or counselor to governmental entities or instrumentalities, businesses, or individuals, including advising registered investment companies and mortgage or real estate investment trusts, furnishing economic forecasts or other economic information, providing investment advice related to futures and options on futures, and providing consumer financial counseling;

(J) Providing tax planning and preparation services;

(K) Providing financial and transactional advice and assistance, including advice and assistance for customers in structuring, arranging, and executing mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, leveraged buyouts, swaps, foreign exchange, derivative transactions, coin and bullion, and capital restructurings;

(L) Underwriting and reinsuring credit related insurance to the extent permitted under section 302 of the GLBA (15 U.S.C. 6712);

(M) Leasing of personal property and acting as an agent or adviser in leases for others;

(N) Providing securities brokerage or acting as a futures commission merchant, and providing related credit and other related services;

(O) Underwriting and dealing, including making a market, in bank permissible securities and purchasing and selling as principal, asset backed obligations;

(P) Acting as an insurance agent or broker, including title insurance to the extent permitted under section 303 of the GLBA (15 U.S.C. 6713);

(Q) Reinsuring mortgage insurance on loans originated, purchased, or serviced by the bank, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates, provided that if the subsidiary enters into a quota share agreement, the subsidiary assumes less than 50 percent of the aggregate insured risk covered by the quota share agreement. A “quota share agreement” is an agreement under which the reinsurer is liable to the primary insurance underwriter for an agreed upon percentage of every claim arising out of the covered book of business ceded by the primary insurance underwriter to the reinsurer;

(R) Acting as a finder pursuant to 12 CFR 7.1002 to the extent permitted by published OCC precedent;1

1 See, e.g., the OCC's monthly publication “Interpretations and Actions.” Beginning with the May 1996 issue, the OCC's Web site provides access to electronic versions of “Interpretations and Actions” (www.occ.treas.gov).

(S) Offering correspondent services to the extent permitted by published OCC precedent;

(T) Acting as agent or broker in the sale of fixed or variable annuities;

(U) Offering debt cancellation or debt suspension agreements;

(V) Providing real estate settlement, closing, escrow, and related services; and real estate appraisal services for the subsidiary, parent bank, or other financial institutions;

(W) Acting as a transfer or fiscal agent;

(X) Acting as a digital certification authority to the extent permitted by published OCC precedent, subject to the terms and conditions contained in that precedent; and

(Y) Providing or selling public transportation tickets, event and attraction tickets, gift certificates, prepaid phone cards, promotional and advertising material, postage stamps, and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) script, and similar media, to the extent permitted by published OCC precedent, subject to the terms and conditions contained in that precedent.

(vi) No application or notice required. A national bank may acquire or establish an operating subsidiary without filing an application or providing notice to the OCC, if the bank is adequately capitalized or well capitalized and the:

(A) Activities of the new subsidiary are limited to those activities previously reported by the bank in connection with the establishment or acquisition of a prior operating subsidiary;

(B) Activities in which the new subsidiary will engage continue to be legally permissible for the subsidiary; and

(C) Activities of the new subsidiary will be conducted in accordance with any conditions imposed by the OCC in approving the conduct of these activities for any prior operating subsidiary of the bank.

(vii) Fiduciary powers. If an operating subsidiary proposes to exercise investment discretion on behalf of customers or provide investment advice for a fee, the national bank must have prior OCC approval to exercise fiduciary powers pursuant to §5.26.

(6) Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries—(i) Filing requirement. Each national bank shall prepare and file with the OCC an Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries containing the information set forth in paragraph (e)(6)(ii) of this section for each of its operating subsidiaries that:

(A) Is not functionally regulated within the meaning of section 5(c)(5) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1844(c)(5)); and

(B) Does business directly with consumers in the United States. For purposes of paragraph (e)(6) of this section, an operating subsidiary, or any subsidiary thereof, does business directly with consumers if, in the ordinary course of its business, it provides products or services to individuals to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

(ii) Information required. The Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries must contain the following information for each covered operating subsidiary listed:

(A) The name and charter number of the parent national bank;

(B) The name (include any “dba” (doing business as), abbreviated names, or trade names used to identify the operating subsidiary when it does business directly with consumers), mailing address (include the street address or post office box, city, state, and zip code), e-mail address (if any), and telephone number of the operating subsidiary;

(C) The principal place of business of the operating subsidiary, if different from the address provided pursuant to paragraph (e)(6)(ii)(B) of this section; and

(D) The lines of business in which the operating subsidiary is doing business directly with consumers by designating the appropriate code contained in appendix B (NAICS Activity Codes for Commonly Reported Activities) to the Instructions for Preparation of Report of Changes in Organizational Structure, Form FR Y–10, a copy of which is set forth on the OCC's Web site at http://www.occ.gov. If the operating subsidiary is engaged in an activity not set forth in this list, a national bank shall report the code 0000 and provide a brief description of the activity.

(iii) Filing time frames and availability of information. Each national bank's Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries shall contain information current as of December 31st for the year prior to the year the report is filed. The national bank shall submit its first Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries (for information as of December 31, 2004) to the OCC on or before January 31, 2005, and on or before January 31st each year thereafter. The national bank may submit the Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries electronically or in another format prescribed by the OCC. The OCC will make available to the public the information contained in the Annual Report on Operating Subsidiaries on its Web site at http://www.occ.gov.

[65 FR 12911, Mar. 10, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 49097, Sept. 26, 2001; 66 FR 62914, Dec. 4, 2001; 68 FR 70131, Dec. 17, 2003; 69 FR 64481, Nov. 5, 2004]

§ 5.35   Bank service companies.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a and 1861–1867.

(b) Licensing requirements. Except where otherwise provided, a national bank shall submit a notice and obtain prior OCC approval to invest in the equity of a bank service company or to perform new activities in an existing bank service company.

(c) Scope. This section describes the procedures and requirements regarding OCC review and approval of a notice to invest in a bank service company.

(d) Definitions—(1) Bank service company means a corporation or limited liability company organized to provide services authorized by the Bank Service Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1861 et seq., all of whose capital stock is owned by one or more insured banks in the case of a corporation, or all of the members of which are one or more insured banks in the case of a limited liability company.

(2) Limited liability company means any non-corporate company, partnership, trust, or similar business entity organized under the law of a State (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) which provides that a member or manager of such company is not personally liable for a debt, obligation, or liability of the company solely by reason of being, or acting as, a member or manager of such company.

(3) Depository institution, for purposes of this section, means an insured bank, a financial institution subject to examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision, or the National Credit Union Administration Board, or a financial institution whose accounts or deposits are insured or guaranteed under state law and eligible to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration Board.

(4) Invest includes making any advance of funds to a bank service company, whether by the purchase of stock, the making of a loan, or otherwise, except a payment for rent earned, goods sold and delivered, or services rendered before the payment was made.

(5) Principal investor means the insured bank that has the largest amount invested in the equity of a bank service company. In any case where two or more insured banks have equal amounts invested, the bank service company shall designate one of the banks as its principal investor.

(e) Standards and requirements. A national bank may invest in a bank service company that conducts activities described in paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this section, and activities (other than taking deposits) permissible for the national bank and other state and national bank shareholders or members in the bank service company.

(f) Procedures—(1) OCC notice and approval required. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(4) of this section, a national bank that intends to make an investment in a bank service company, or to perform new activities in an existing bank service company, must submit a notice to and receive prior approval from the OCC. The OCC approves or denies a proposed investment within 60 days after the filing is received by the OCC, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the filing presents a significant supervisory or compliance concern, or raises a significant legal or policy issue. The notice must include the information required by paragraph (g) of this section.

(2) Notice process only for certain activities. A national bank that is “well capitalized” and “well managed” as defined in §5.34(d) may invest in a bank service company, or perform a new activity in an existing bank service company, by providing the appropriate district office written notice within 10 days after the investment, if the bank service company engages only in the activities listed in §5.34(e)(5)(v). No prior OCC approval is required. The written notice must include a complete description of the bank's investment in the bank service company and of the activity conducted and a representation and undertaking that the activity will be conducted in accordance with OCC guidance. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable. Any bank receiving approval under this paragraph is deemed to have agreed that the bank service company will conduct the activity in a manner consistent with the published OCC guidance.

(3) Investments requiring no approval. A national bank does not need OCC approval to invest in a bank service company, or to perform a new activity in an existing bank service company, if the bank service company will provide the following services only for depository institutions: check and deposit posting and sorting; computation and posting of interest and other credits and charges; preparation and mailing of checks, statements, notices, and similar items; or any other clerical, bookkeeping, accounting, statistical, or similar function.

(4) Federal Reserve approval. A national bank also may, with the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board), invest in the equity of a bank service company that provides any other service (except deposit taking) that the Federal Reserve Board has determined, by regulation, to be permissible for a bank holding company under 12 U.S.C. 1843(c)(8).

(5) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to a request for approval to invest in a bank service corporation. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(g) Required information. A notice required under paragraph (f)(1), of this section must contain the following:

(1) The name and location of the bank service company;

(2) A complete description of the activities the bank service company will conduct. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable;

(3) Information demonstrating that the bank will comply with the investment limitations of paragraph (i) of this section;

(4) Information demonstrating that the bank service company and all banks investing in the bank service company are located in the same state, unless the Federal Reserve Board has approved an exception to this requirement under the authority of 12 U.S.C. 1864(b); and

(5) Information demonstrating that the bank service company will conduct these activities only at locations in a state where the investing bank could be authorized to perform the activities directly.

(h) Examination and supervision. Each bank service company in which a national bank is the principal investor is subject to examination and supervision by the OCC in the same manner and to the same extent as that national bank. OCC authority under this paragraph is subject to the limitations and requirements of section 45 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831v) and section 115 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C. 1820a).

(i) Investment and other limitations—(1) Investment limitations. A bank may not invest more than ten percent of its capital and surplus in a bank service company. In addition, the bank's total investments in all bank service companies may not exceed five percent of the bank's total assets.

(2) Other limitations. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(4) of this section, a bank service company shall only conduct activities that the national bank could conduct directly. If the bank service company has both national and state bank shareholders or members, the activities conducted must also be permissible for the state bank shareholders or members.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999; 65 FR 12913, Mar. 10, 2000]

§ 5.36   Other equity investments.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 1 et seq., 24(Seventh), and 93a.

(b) Scope. National banks are permitted to make various types of equity investments pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 24(Seventh) and other statutes. These investments are in addition to those subject to §§5.34, 5.35, and 5.37. This section describes the procedure governing the filing of the notice that the OCC requires in connection with certain of these investments. Other investments authorized under this section may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the OCC.

(c) Definitions. For purposes of this §5.36:

(1) Enterprise means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, or similar business entity.

(2) Well capitalized means the capital level described in 12 CFR 6.4(b)(1).

(3) Well managed has the meaning set forth in §5.34(d)(3).

(d) Procedure. (1) A national bank must provide the appropriate district office with written notice within ten days after making an equity investment in the following:

(i) An agricultural credit corporation;

(ii) A savings association eligible to be acquired under section 13 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823); and

(iii) Any other equity investment that may be authorized by statute after February 12, 1990, if not covered by other applicable OCC regulation.

(2) The written notice required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section must include a description, and the amount, of the bank's investment.

(3) The OCC reserves the right to require additional information as necessary.

(e) Non-controlling investments. A national bank may make a non-controlling investment, directly or through its operating subsidiary, in an enterprise that engages in the activities described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section by filing a written notice. The written notice must be filed with the appropriate district office no later than 10 days after making the investment and must:

(1) Describe the structure of the investment and the activity or activities conducted by the enterprise in which the bank is investing. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable;

(2) State which paragraphs of §5.34(e)(5)(v) describe the activity or activities, or state that, and describe how, the activity is substantively the same as that contained in published OCC precedent approving a non-controlling investment by a national bank or its operating subsidiary, state that the activity will be conducted in accordance with the same terms and conditions applicable to the activity covered by the precedent, and provide the citation to the applicable precedent;

(3) Certify that the bank is well managed and well capitalized at the time of the investment;

(4) Describe how the bank has the ability to prevent the enterprise from engaging in activities that are not set forth in §5.34(e)(5)(v) or not contained in published OCC precedent approving a non-controlling investment by a national bank or its operating subsidiary, or how the bank otherwise has the ability to withdraw its investment;

(5) Certify that the bank will account for its investment under this section under the equity or cost method of accounting;

(6) Describe how the investment is convenient and useful to the bank in carrying out its business and not a mere passive investment unrelated to the bank's banking business;

(7) Certify that the bank's loss exposure is limited, as a legal and accounting matter, and the bank does not have open-ended liability for the obligations of the enterprise; and

(8) Certify that the enterprise in which the bank is investing agrees to be subject to OCC supervision and examination, subject to the limitations and requirements of section 45 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831v) and section 115 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C. 1820a).

(f) Non-controlling investments by Federal branches. A Federal branch that satisfies the well capitalized and well managed standards in 12 CFR 4.7(b)(1)(iii) and §5.34(d)(3)(ii) may make a non-controlling investment in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section in the same manner and subject to the same conditions and requirements as a national bank, and subject to any additional requirements that may apply under 12 CFR 28.10(c).

(g) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, and 5.11 of this part do not apply to filings for other equity investments.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 12913, Mar. 10, 2000; 65 FR 41560, July 6, 2000; 68 FR 70698, Dec. 19, 2003]

§ 5.37   Investment in bank premises.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 29, 93a, and 371d.

(b) Scope. This section sets forth the procedures governing OCC review and approval of applications by national banks to invest in bank premises or in certain bank premises related investments, loans, or indebtedness, as described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section.

(c) Definition—Bank premises for purposes of this section includes the following:

(1) Premises that are owned and occupied (or to be occupied, if under construction) by the bank, its branches, or its consolidated subsidiaries;

(2) Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements, vaults, and fixed machinery and equipment;

(3) Remodeling costs to existing premises;

(4) Real estate acquired and intended, in good faith, for use in future expansion; or

(5) Parking facilities that are used by customers or employees of the bank, its branches, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

(d) Procedure—(1) Application. (i) A national bank shall submit an application to the appropriate supervisory office to invest in bank premises, or in the stock, bonds, debentures, or other such obligations of any corporation holding the premises of the bank, or to make loans to or upon the security of the stock of such corporation, if the aggregate of all such investments and loans, together with the indebtedness incurred by any such corporation that is an affiliate of the bank, as defined in 12 U.S.C. 221a, will exceed the amount of the capital stock of the bank.

(ii) The application must include:

(A) A description of the bank's present investment in bank premises;

(B) The investment in bank premises that the bank intends to make, and the business reason for making the investment; and

(C) The amount by which the bank's aggregate investment will exceed the amount of the bank's capital stock.

(2) Approval. An application for national bank investment in bank premises or in certain bank premises' related investments, loans or indebtedness, as described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, is deemed approved as of the 30th day after the filing is received by the OCC, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the filing presents a significant supervisory, or compliance concern, or raises a significant legal or policy issue. An approval for a specified amount under this section remains valid up to that amount until the OCC notifies the bank otherwise.

(3) Notice process. Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, a bank that is rated 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (CAMELS) may make an aggregate investment in bank premises up to 150 percent of the bank's capital and surplus without the OCC's prior approval, provided that the bank is well capitalized as defined in 12 CFR part 6 and will continue to be well capitalized after the investment or loan is made. However, the bank shall notify the appropriate supervisory office in writing of the investment within 30 days after the investment or loan is made. The written notice must include a description of the bank's investment.

(4) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to this section. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999]

§ 5.39   Financial subsidiaries.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a and section 121 of Public Law 106–102, 113 Stat. 1338, 1373.

(b) Approval requirements. A national bank must file a notice as prescribed in this section prior to acquiring a financial subsidiary or engaging in activities authorized pursuant to section 5136A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a) through a financial subsidiary. When a financial subsidiary proposes to conduct a new activity permitted under §5.34, the bank shall follow the procedures in §5.34(e)(5) instead of paragraph (i) of this section.

(c) Scope. This section sets forth authorized activities, approval procedures, and, where applicable, conditions for national banks engaging in activities through a financial subsidiary.

(d) Definitions. For purposes of this §5.39:

(1) Affiliate has the meaning set forth in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841), except that the term “affiliate” for purposes of paragraph (h)(5) of this section shall have the meaning set forth in sections 23A or 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371c and 371c–1), as applicable.

(2) Appropriate Federal banking agency has the meaning set forth in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).

(3) Company has the meaning set forth in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841), and includes a limited liability company (LLC).

(4) Control has the meaning set forth in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841).

(5) Eligible debt means unsecured long-term debt that is:

(i) Not supported by any form of credit enhancement, including a guaranty or standby letter of credit; and

(ii) Not held in whole or in any significant part by any affiliate, officer, director, principal shareholder, or employee of the bank or any other person acting on behalf of or with funds from the bank or an affiliate of the bank.

(6) Financial subsidiary means any company that is controlled by one or more insured depository institutions, other than a subsidiary that:

(i) Engages solely in activities that national banks may engage in directly and that are conducted subject to the same terms and conditions that govern the conduct of these activities by national banks; or

(ii) A national bank is specifically authorized to control by the express terms of a Federal statute (other than section 5136A of the Revised Statutes), and not by implication or interpretation, such as by section 25 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 601–604a), section 25A of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 611–631), or the Bank Service Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.)

(7) Insured depository institution has the meaning set forth in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).

(8) Long term debt means any debt obligation with an initial maturity of 360 days or more.

(9) Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841).

(10) Tangible equity has the meaning set forth in 12 CFR 6.2(g).

(11) Well capitalized with respect to a depository institution means the capital level designated as “well capitalized” by the institution's appropriate Federal banking agency pursuant to section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831o).

(12) Well managed means:

(i) Unless otherwise determined in writing by the appropriate Federal banking agency, the institution has received a composite rating of 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under an equivalent rating system) in connection with the most recent examination or subsequent review of the depository institution and, at least a rating of 2 for management, if such a rating is given; or

(ii) In the case of any depository institution that has not been examined by its appropriate Federal banking agency, the existence and use of managerial resources that the appropriate Federal banking agency determines are satisfactory.

(e) Authorized activities. A financial subsidiary may engage only in the following activities:

(1) Activities that are financial in nature and activities incidental to a financial activity, authorized pursuant to 5136A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a) (to the extent not otherwise permitted under paragraph (e)(2) of this section), including:

(i) Lending, exchanging, transferring, investing for others, or safeguarding money or securities;

(ii) Engaging as agent or broker in any state for purposes of insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability, death, defects in title, or providing annuities as agent or broker;

(iii) Providing financial, investment, or economic advisory services, including advising an investment company as defined in section 3 of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a–3);

(iv) Issuing or selling instruments representing interests in pools of assets permissible for a bank to hold directly;

(v) Underwriting, dealing in, or making a market in securities;

(vi) Engaging in any activity that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has determined, by order or regulation in effect on November 12, 1999, to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto (subject to the same terms and conditions contained in the order or regulation, unless the order or regulation is modified by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System);

(vii) Engaging, in the United States, in any activity that a bank holding company may engage in outside the United States and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has determined, under regulations prescribed or interpretations issued pursuant to section 4(c)(13) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1843(c)(13)) as in effect on November 11, 1999, to be usual in connection with the transaction of banking or other financial operations abroad; and

(viii) Activities that the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as provided in section 5136A of the Revised Statutes, determines to be financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity; and

(2) Activities that may be conducted by an operating subsidiary pursuant to §5.34.

(f) Impermissible activities. A financial subsidiary may not engage as principal in the following activities:

(1) Insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability or death, or defects in title (except to the extent permitted under sections 302 or 303(c) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)), 113 Stat. 1407–1409, (15 U.S.C. 6712 or 15 U.S.C. 6713) or providing or issuing annuities the income of which is subject to tax treatment under section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 72);

(2) Real estate development or real estate investment, unless otherwise expressly authorized by law; and

(3) Activities authorized for bank holding companies by section 4(k)(4)(H) or (I) (12 U.S.C. 1843) of the Bank Holding Company Act, except activities authorized under section 4(k)(4)(H) that may be permitted in accordance with section 122 of the GLBA, 113 Stat. 1381.

(g) Qualifications. A national bank may, directly or indirectly, control a financial subsidiary or hold an interest in a financial subsidiary only if:

(1) The national bank and each depository institution affiliate of the national bank are well capitalized and well managed;

(2) The aggregate consolidated total assets of all financial subsidiaries of the national bank do not exceed the lesser of 45 percent of the consolidated total assets of the parent bank or $50 billion (or such greater amount as is determined according to an indexing mechanism jointly established by regulation by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System); and

(3) If the national bank is one of the 100 largest insured banks, determined on the basis of the bank's consolidated total assets at the end of the calendar year, the bank has at least one issue of outstanding eligible debt that is currently rated in one of the three highest investment grade rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. If the national bank is one of the second 50 largest insured banks, it may either satisfy this requirement or satisfy alternative criteria the Secretary of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System establish jointly by regulation. This paragraph (g)(3) does not apply if the financial subsidiary is engaged solely in activities in an agency capacity.

(h) Safeguards. The following safeguards apply to a national bank that establishes or maintains a financial subsidiary:

(1) For purposes of determining regulatory capital:

(i) The national bank must deduct the aggregate amount of its outstanding equity investment, including retained earnings, in its financial subsidiaries from its total assets and tangible equity and deduct such investment from its total risk-based capital (this deduction shall be made equally from Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital); and

(ii) The national bank may not consolidate the assets and liabilities of a financial subsidiary with those of the bank;

(2) Any published financial statement of the national bank shall, in addition to providing information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, separately present financial information for the bank in the manner provided in paragraph (h)(1) of this section;

(3) The national bank must have reasonable policies and procedures to preserve the separate corporate identity and limited liability of the bank and the financial subsidiaries of the bank;

(4) The national bank must have procedures for identifying and managing financial and operational risks within the bank and the financial subsidiary that adequately protect the national bank from such risks;

(5) Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 371c and 371c–1) apply to transactions involving a financial subsidiary in the following manner:

(i) A financial subsidiary shall be deemed to be an affiliate of the bank and shall not be deemed to be a subsidiary of the bank;

(ii) The restrictions contained in section 23A(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act shall not apply with respect to covered transactions between a bank and any individual financial subsidiary of the bank;

(iii) The bank's investment in the financial subsidiary shall not include retained earnings of the financial subsidiary;

(iv) Any purchase of, or investment in, the securities of a financial subsidiary of a bank by an affiliate of the bank will be considered to be a purchase of or investment in such securities by the bank; and

(v) Any extension of credit by an affiliate of a bank to a financial subsidiary of the bank may be considered an extension of credit by the bank to the financial subsidiary if the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determines that such treatment is necessary or appropriate to prevent evasions of the Federal Reserve Act and the GLBA.

(6) A financial subsidiary shall be deemed a subsidiary of a bank holding company and not a subsidiary of the bank for purposes of the anti-tying prohibitions set forth in 12 U.S.C. 1971 et seq.

(i) Procedures to engage in activities through a financial subsidiary. A national bank that intends, directly or indirectly, to acquire control of, or hold an interest in, a financial subsidiary, or to commence a new activity in an existing financial subsidiary, must obtain OCC approval through the procedures set forth in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this section.

(1) Certification with subsequent notice. (i) At any time, a national bank may file a “Financial Subsidiary Certification” with the appropriate district office listing the bank's depository institution affiliates and certifying that the bank and each of those affiliates is well capitalized and well managed.

(ii) Thereafter, at such time as the bank seeks OCC approval to acquire control of, or hold an interest in, a new financial subsidiary, or commence a new activity authorized under section 5136A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a) in an existing subsidiary, the bank may file a written notice with the appropriate district office at the time of acquiring control of, or holding an interest in, a financial subsidiary, or commencing such activity in an existing subsidiary. The written notice must be labeled “Financial Subsidiary Notice” and must:

(A) State that the bank's Certification remains valid;

(B) Describe the activity or activities conducted by the financial subsidiary. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable;

(C) Cite the specific authority permitting the activity to be conducted by the financial subsidiary. (Where the authority relied on is an agency order or interpretation under section 4(c)(8) or 4(c)(13), respectively, of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, a copy of the order or interpretation should be attached);

(D) Certify that the bank will be well capitalized after making adjustments required by paragraph (h)(1) of this section;

(E) Demonstrate the aggregate consolidated total assets of all financial subsidiaries of the national bank do not exceed the lesser of 45 percent of the bank's consolidated total assets or $50 billion (or the increased level established by the indexing mechanism); and

(F) If applicable, certify that the bank meets the eligible debt requirement in paragraph (g)(3) of this section.

(2) Combined certification and notice. A national bank may file a combined certification and notice with the appropriate district office at least five business days prior to acquiring control of, or holding an interest in, a financial subsidiary, or commencing a new activity authorized pursuant to section 5136A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Revised Statutes in an existing subsidiary. The written notice must be labeled “Financial Subsidiary Certification and Notice” and must:

(i) List the bank's depository institution affiliates and certify that the bank and each depository institution affiliate of the bank is well capitalized and well managed;

(ii) Describe the activity or activities to be conducted in the financial subsidiary. To the extent the notice relates to the initial affiliation of the bank with a company engaged in insurance activities, the bank should describe the type of insurance activity that the company is engaged in and has present plans to conduct. The bank must also list for each state the lines of business for which the company holds, or will hold, an insurance license, indicating the state where the company holds a resident license or charter, as applicable;

(iii) Cite the specific authority permitting the activity to be conducted by the financial subsidiary. (Where the authority relied on is an agency order or interpretation under section 4(c)(8) or 4(c)(13), respectively, of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, a copy of the order or interpretation should be attached);

(iv) Certify that the bank will remain well capitalized after making the adjustments required by paragraph (h)(1) of this section;

(v) Demonstrate the aggregate consolidated total assets of all financial subsidiaries of the national bank do not exceed the lesser of 45% of the bank's consolidated total assets or $50 billion (or the increased level established by the indexing mechanism); and

(vi) If applicable, certify that the bank meets the eligible debt requirement in paragraph (g)(3) of this section.

(3) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13 do not apply to activities authorized under this section.

(4) Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). A national bank may not apply under this paragraph (i) to commence a new activity authorized under section 5136A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 24a), or directly or indirectly acquire control of a company engaged in any such activity, if the bank or any of its insured depository institution affiliates received a CRA rating of less than “satisfactory record of meeting community credit needs” on its most recent CRA examination prior to when the bank would file a notice under this section.

(j) Failure to continue to meet certain qualification requirements—(1) Qualifications and safeguards. A national bank, or, as applicable, its affiliated depository institutions, must continue to satisfy the qualification requirements set forth in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section and the safeguards in paragraphs (h)(1), (2), (3) and (4) of this section following its acquisition of control of, or an interest in, a financial subsidiary. A national bank that fails to continue to satisfy these requirements will be subject to the following procedures and requirements:

(i) The OCC shall give notice to the national bank and, in the case of an affiliated depository institution to that depository institution's appropriate Federal banking agency, promptly upon determining that the national bank, or, as applicable, its affiliated depository institution, does not continue to meet the requirements in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this section or the safeguards in paragraph (h)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section. The bank shall be deemed to have received such notice three business days after mailing of the letter by the OCC;

(ii) Not later than 45 days after receipt of the notice under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section, or any additional time as the OCC may permit, the national bank shall execute an agreement with the OCC to comply with the requirements in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) and (h)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section;

(iii) The OCC may impose limitations on the conduct or activities of the national bank or any subsidiary of the national bank as the OCC determines appropriate under the circumstances and consistent with the purposes of section 5136A of the Revised Statutes; and

(iv) The OCC may require a national bank to divest control of a financial subsidiary if the national bank does not correct the conditions giving rise to the notice within 180 days after receipt of the notice provided under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) Eligible debt rating requirement. A national bank that does not continue to meet the qualification requirement set forth in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, applicable where the bank's financial subsidiary is engaged in activities other than solely in an agency capacity, may not directly or through a subsidiary, purchase or acquire any additional equity capital of any such financial subsidiary until the bank meets the requirement in paragraph (g)(3) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph (j)(2), the term “equity capital” includes, in addition to any equity investment, any debt instrument issued by the financial subsidiary if the instrument qualifies as capital of the subsidiary under federal or state law, regulation, or interpretation applicable to the subsidiary.

(k) Examination and supervision. A financial subsidiary is subject to examination and supervision by the OCC, subject to the limitations and requirements of section 45 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831v) and section 115 of the GLBA (12 U.S.C. 1820a).

[65 FR 12914, Mar. 10, 2000]

Subpart D—Other Changes in Activities and Operations
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§ 5.40   Change in location of main office.
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(a) Authority 12 U.S.C. 30, 93a, and 2901 through 2907.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank shall give prior notice to the OCC to relocate its main office within city, town, or village limits to an authorized branch location. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior OCC approval to relocate its main office to any other location in the city, town, or village, or within 30 miles of the limits of the city, town, or village in which the main office of the bank is located.

(c) Scope. This section describes OCC procedures and approval standards for an application or a notice by a national bank to change the location of its main office.

(d) Procedure—(1) Main office relocation to an authorized branch location within city, town, or village limits. A national bank may change the location of its main office to an authorized branch location (approved or existing branch site) within the limits of the same city, town, or village. The national bank shall submit a notice to the appropriate district office before the relocation. The notice must include the new address of the main office and the effective date of the relocation.

(2) To any other location. To relocate its main office to any other location, a national bank shall file an application to relocate with the appropriate district office. If relocating the main office outside the limits of its city, town, or village, a national bank shall also:

(i) Obtain the approval of shareholders owning two-thirds of the voting stock of the bank; and

(ii) Amend its articles of association.

(3) Establishment of a branch at site of former main office. A national bank desiring to establish a branch at its former main office location shall obtain OCC approval pursuant to the standards of §5.30.

(4) Expedited review. A main office relocation application submitted by an eligible bank under paragraph (d)(2) of this section is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 15th day after the close of the public comment period or the 45th day after the filing is received by the OCC, whichever is later, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that time that the filing is not eligible for expedited review, or the expedited review period is extended, under §5.13(a)(2).

(5) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. (i) Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to a main office relocation to an authorized branch location within the limits of the city, town, or village as described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. However, if the OCC concludes that the notice under paragraph (d)(1) of this section presents a significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issue, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.9, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(ii) The comment period on any application filed under paragraph (d)(2) of this section to engage in a short-distance relocation of a main office is 15 days.

(e) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if the national bank has not opened its main office at the relocated site within 18 months of the date of approval.

§ 5.42   Corporate title.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 21a, 30, and 93a.

(b) Scope. This section describes the method by which a national bank may change its corporate title.

(c) Standards. A national bank may change its corporate title provided that the new title includes the word “national” and complies with other applicable Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 709, regarding false advertising and the misuse of names to indicate a Federal agency, and any applicable OCC guidance.

(d) Procedures—(1) Notice process. A national bank shall promptly notify the appropriate district office if it changes its corporate title. The notice must contain the old and new titles and the effective date of the change.

(2) Amendment to articles of association. A national bank whose corporate title is specified in its articles of association shall amend its articles, in accordance with the procedures of 12 U.S.C. 21a, to change its title.

(3) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13(a) do not apply to a national bank's change of corporate title. However, if the OCC concludes that the application presents a significant and novel policy, supervisory, or legal issue, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13(a) apply.

§ 5.46   Changes in permanent capital.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 21a, 51, 51a, 51b, 51b–1, 52, 56, 57, 59, 60, and 93a.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain OCC approval to decrease its permanent capital. Generally, a national bank need only submit a notice to increase its permanent capital, although, in certain circumstances, a national bank shall be required to submit an application and obtain OCC approval.

(c) Scope. This section describes procedures and standards relating to a transaction resulting in a change in a national bank's permanent capital.

(d) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to changes in a national bank's permanent capital.

(e) Definitions. For the purposes of this section the following definitions apply:

(1) Capital plan means a plan describing the manner and schedule by which a national bank will attain specified capital levels or ratios, including a plan to achieve minimum capital ratios filed with the appropriate district office under 12 CFR 3.7 and a capital restoration plan filed with the OCC under 12 U.S.C. 1831o and 12 CFR 6.5.

(2) Capital stock means the total amount of common stock and preferred stock.

(3) Capital surplus means the total of:

(i) The amount paid in on capital stock in excess of the par or stated value;

(ii) Direct capital contributions representing the amounts paid in to the national bank other than for capital stock;

(iii) The amount transferred from undivided profits required by 12 U.S.C. 60; and

(iv) The amount transferred from undivided profits reflecting stock dividends.

(4) Permanent capital means the sum of capital stock and capital surplus.

(f) Policy. In determining whether to approve a proposed change to a national bank's permanent capital, the OCC considers whether the change is:

(1) Consistent with law, regulation, and OCC policy thereunder;

(2) Provides an adequate capital structure; and

(3) If appropriate, complies with the bank's capital plan.

(g) Increases in permanent capital—(1) Prior approval—(i) Criteria. A national bank need not obtain prior OCC approval to increase its permanent capital unless the bank is:

(A) Required to receive OCC approval pursuant to letter, order, directive, written agreement or otherwise;

(B) Selling common or preferred stock for consideration other than cash; or

(C) Receiving a material noncash contribution to capital surplus.

(ii) Application and letter of notification. A national bank that proposes to increase its permanent capital and that must receive OCC approval under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section shall file an application under paragraph (i)(1) of this section and a letter of notification under paragraph (i)(3) of this section. A national bank not required to obtain prior approval under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section for an increase in capital shall file only the letter of notification under paragraph (i)(3) of this section.

(2) Preferred stock. Notwithstanding paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, in the case of a sale of preferred stock, the national bank shall also submit provisions in the articles of association concerning preferred stock dividends, voting and conversion rights, retirement of the stock, and rights to exercise control over management to the appropriate district office prior to the sale of the preferred stock. The provisions will be deemed approved by the OCC within 30 days of its receipt, unless the OCC notifies the applicant otherwise, including a statement of the reason for the delay.

(h) Decreases in permanent capital. A national bank shall submit an application and obtain prior approval under paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this section for any reduction of its permanent capital.

(i) Procedures—(1) Prior approval. A national bank proposing to make a change in its permanent capital that requires prior OCC approval under paragraphs (g) or (h) of this section shall submit an application to the appropriate district office. The application must:

(i) Describe the type and amount of the proposed change in permanent capital and explain the reason for the change;

(ii) In the case of a reduction in capital, provide a schedule detailing the present and proposed capital structure;

(iii) In the case of a material noncash contribution to capital, provide a description of the method of valuing the contribution; and

(iv) State if the bank is subject to a capital plan with the OCC and how the proposed change would conform to a capital plan or if a capital plan is otherwise required in connection with the proposed change in permanent capital.

(2) Expedited review. An eligible bank's application is deemed approved by the OCC 30 days after the date the OCC receives the application described in paragraph (i)(1) of this section, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the application is not eligible for expedited review under §5.13(a)(2). A bank seeking to decrease its capital may request OCC approval for up to four consecutive quarters. An eligible bank may decrease its capital pursuant to such a plan only if the bank maintains its eligible bank status before and after each decrease in its capital.

(3) Letter of notification. After a bank completes an increase in capital it shall submit a letter of notification to the appropriate district office in order to obtain a certification from the OCC. The proposed change is deemed approved by the OCC and certified seven days after the date on which the OCC receives the letter of notification. The letter of notification must be acknowledged before a notary public by the bank's president, vice president, or cashier and contain:

(i) A description of the transaction, unless already provided pursuant to paragraph (i)(1) of this section;

(ii) The amount, including the par value of the stock, and effective date of the increase;

(iii) A certification that the funds have been paid in, if applicable;

(iv) A certified copy of the amendment to the articles of association, if required; and

(v) A statement that the bank has complied with all laws, regulations and conditions imposed by the OCC.

(4) Notice process. A national bank that decreases its capital in accordance with paragraphs (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this section shall notify the appropriate district office following the completion of the transaction.

(5) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if a national bank has not completed its change in permanent capital within one year of the date of approval.

(j) Offers and sales of stock. A national bank shall comply with the Securities Offering Disclosure Rules in 12 CFR part 16 for offers and sales of common and preferred stock.

(k) Shareholder approval. A national bank shall obtain the necessary shareholder approval required by statute for any change in its permanent capital.

§ 5.47   Subordinated debt as capital.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank does not need prior OCC approval to issue subordinated debt, or to prepay subordinated debt (including payment pursuant to an acceleration clause or redemption prior to maturity) provided the bank remains an eligible bank after the transaction, unless the OCC has previously notified the bank that prior approval is required, or unless prior approval is required by law. No prior approval is required for the bank to count the subordinated debt as Tier 2 or Tier 3 capital. However, a bank issuing subordinated debt shall notify the OCC after issuance if the debt is to be counted as Tier 2 or Tier 3 capital.

(c) Scope. This section sets forth the procedures for OCC review and approval of an application to issue or prepay subordinated debt.

(d) Definitions—(1) Capital plan means a plan describing the means and schedule by which a national bank will attain specified capital levels or ratios, including a plan to achieve minimum capital ratios filed with the appropriate district office under 12 CFR 3.7 and a capital restoration plan filed with the OCC under 12 U.S.C. 1831o and 12 CFR 6.5.

(2) Tier 2 capital has the same meaning as set forth in 12 CFR 3.2(d).

(3) Tier 3 capital has the same meaning as set forth in 12 CFR part 3, appendix B, section 2(d).

(e) Qualification as regulatory capital. (1) A national bank's subordinated debt qualifies as Tier 2 capital if the subordinated debt meets the requirements in 12 CFR part 3, appendix A, section 2(b)(4), and complies with the “OCC Guidelines for Subordinated Debt” in the Manual.

(2) A national bank's subordinated debt qualifies as Tier 3 capital if the subordinated debt meets the requirements in 12 CFR part 3, section 2(d) of Appendix B.

(3) If the OCC notifies a national bank that it must obtain OCC approval before issuing subordinated debt, the subordinated debt will not qualify as Tier 2 or Tier 3 capital until the bank obtains OCC approval for its inclusion in capital.

(f) Prior approval procedure—(1) Application. A national bank required to obtain OCC approval before issuing or prepaying subordinated debt shall submit an application to the appropriate district office. The application must include:

(i) A description of the terms and amount of the proposed issuance or prepayment;

(ii) A statement of whether the bank is subject to a capital plan or required to file a capital plan with the OCC and, if so, how the proposed change conforms to the capital plan;

(iii) A copy of the proposed subordinated note format and note agreement; and

(iv) A statement of whether the subordinated debt issue complies with all laws, regulations, and the “OCC Guidelines for Subordinated Debt” in the Manual.

(2) Approval—(i) General. The application is deemed approved by the OCC as of the 30th day after the filing is received by the OCC, unless the OCC notifies the bank prior to that date that the filing presents a significant supervisory, or compliance concern, or raises a significant legal or policy issue.

(ii) Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital. When the OCC notifies the bank that the OCC approves the bank's application to issue or prepay the subordinated debt, it also notifies the bank whether the subordinated debt qualifies as Tier 2 or Tier 3 capital.

(iii) Expiration of approval. Approval expires if a national bank does not complete the sale of the subordinated debt within one year of approval.

(g) Notice procedure. If a national bank is not required to obtain approval before issuing subordinated debt, the bank shall notify the appropriate district office in writing within ten days after issuing subordinated debt that is to be counted as Tier 2 or Tier 3 capital. The notice must include:

(1) The terms of the issuance;

(2) The amount and date of receipt of funds;

(3) A copy of the final subordinated note format and note agreement; and

(4) A statement that the issue complies with all laws, regulations, and the “OCC Guidelines for Subordinated Debt Instruments” in the Manual.

(h) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to the issuance of subordinated debt.

(i) Issuance of subordinated debt. A national bank shall comply with the Securities Offering Disclosure Rules in 12 CFR part 16 when issuing subordinated debt even if the bank is not required to obtain prior approval to issue subordinated debt.

§ 5.48   Voluntary liquidation.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a, 181, and 182.

(b) Licensing requirements. A national bank considering going into voluntary liquidation shall notify the OCC. The bank shall also file a notice with the OCC once a liquidation plan is definite.

(c) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to a voluntary liquidation. However, if the OCC concludes that the notice presents significant and novel policy, supervisory or legal issues, the OCC may determine that any or all parts of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

(d) Standards. A national bank may liquidate in accordance with the terms of 12 U.S.C. 181 and 182.

(e) Procedure—(1) Notice of voluntary liquidation. When the shareholders of a solvent national bank have voted to voluntarily liquidate, the bank shall file a notice with the appropriate district office and publish public notice in accordance with 12 U.S.C. 182.

(2) Report of condition. The liquidating bank shall submit reports of the condition of its commercial, trust, and other departments to the appropriate district office by filing the quarterly Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Reports).

(3) Report of progress. The liquidating agent or committee shall submit a “Report of Progress of Liquidation” annually to the appropriate district office until the liquidation is complete.

(f) Expedited liquidations in connection with acquisitions—(1) General. When an acquiring depository institution in a business combination purchases all the assets, and assumes all the liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of a target national bank, the acquiring depository institution may dissolve the target national bank immediately after the combination. However, if any liabilities will remain in the target national bank, then the standard liquidation procedures apply.

(2) Procedure. After its shareholders have voted to liquidate and the national bank has notified the appropriate district office of its plans, the bank may surrender its charter and dissolve immediately, if:

(i) The acquiring depository institution certifies to the OCC that it has purchased all the assets and assumed all the liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of the national bank in liquidation; and

(ii) The acquiring depository institution and the national bank in liquidation have published notice that the bank will dissolve after the purchase and assumption to the acquiror. This is included in the notice and publication for the purchase and assumption required under the Bank Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(c).

(g) National bank as acquiror. If another national bank plans to acquire a national bank in liquidation through merger or through the purchase of the assets and the assumption of the liabilities of the bank in liquidation, the acquiring bank shall comply with the Bank Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(c), and §5.33.

§ 5.50   Change in bank control; reporting of stock loans.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a and 1817(j).

(b) Licensing requirements. Any person seeking to acquire control of a national bank shall provide 60 days prior written notice of a change in control to the OCC, except where otherwise provided in this section.

(c) Scope—(1) General. This section describes the procedures and standards governing OCC review of notices for a change in control of a national bank and reports of stock loans.

(2) Exempt transactions. The following transactions are not subject to the requirements of this section:

(i) The acquisition of additional shares of a national bank by a person who:

(A) Has, continuously since March 9, 1979, (or since that institution commenced business, if later) held power to vote 25 percent or more of the voting securities of that bank; or

(B) Under paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section, would be presumed to have controlled that bank continuously since March 9, 1979, if the transaction will not result in that person's direct or indirect ownership or power to vote 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities of the national bank; or, in other cases, where the OCC determines that the person has controlled the bank continuously since March 9, 1979;

(ii) Unless the OCC otherwise provides in writing, the acquisition of additional shares of a national bank by a person who has lawfully acquired and maintained continuous control of the bank under paragraph (f) of this section after complying with the procedures and filing the notice required by this section;

(iii) A transaction subject to approval under section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1842, section 18 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828, or section 10 of the Home Owners' Loan Act, 12 U.S.C. 1467a;

(iv) Any transaction described in section 2(a)(5) or 3(a) (A) or (B) of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1841(a)(5) and 1842(a) (A) and (B), by a person described in those provisions;

(v) A customary one-time proxy solicitation or receipt of pro rata stock dividends; and

(vi) The acquisition of shares of a foreign bank that has a Federally licensed branch in the United States. This exemption does not extend to the reports and information required under paragraph (h) of this section.

(3) Prior notice exemption. The following transactions are not subject to the prior notice requirements of this section but are otherwise subject to this section, including filing a notice and paying the appropriate filing fee, within 90 calendar days after the transaction occurs:

(i) The acquisition of control as a result of acquisition of voting shares of a national bank through testate or intestate succession;

(ii) The acquisition of control as a result of acquisition of voting shares of a national bank as a bona fide gift;

(iii) The acquisition of voting shares of a national bank resulting from a redemption of voting securities;

(iv) The acquisition of control of a national bank as a result of actions by third parties (including the sale of securities) that are not within the control of the acquiror; and

(v) The acquisition of control as a result of the acquisition of voting shares of a national bank in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted in good faith.

(A) “Good faith” means that a person must either make or acquire a loan secured by voting securities of a national bank in advance of any known default. A person who purchases a previously defaulted loan secured by voting securities of a national bank may not rely on this paragraph (c)(3)(v) to foreclose on that loan, seize or purchase the underlying collateral, and acquire control of the national bank without complying with the prior notice requirements of this section.

(B) To ensure compliance with this section, the acquiror of a defaulted loan secured by a controlling amount of a national bank's voting securities shall file a notice prior to the time the loan is acquired unless the acquiror can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OCC that the voting securities are not the anticipated source of repayment for the loan.

(d) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) Acquisition includes a purchase, assignment, transfer, or pledge of voting securities, or an increase in percentage ownership of a national bank resulting from a redemption of voting securities.

(2) Acting in concert means:

(i) Knowing participation in a joint activity or parallel action towards a common goal of acquiring control whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or

(ii) A combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement, or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

(3) Control means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of a national bank or to vote 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities of a national bank.

(4) Notice means a filing by a person in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.

(5) Person means an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, or any other form of entity, and includes voting trusts and voting agreements and any group of persons acting in concert.

(6) Voting securities means:

(i) Shares of common or preferred stock, or similar interests, if the shares or interests, by statute, charter, or in any manner, allow the holder to vote for or select directors (or persons exercising similar functions) of the issuing national bank, or to vote on or to direct the conduct of the operations or other significant policies of the issuing national bank. However, preferred stock or similar interests are not voting securities if:

(A) Any voting rights associated with the shares or interests are limited solely to voting rights customarily provided by statute regarding matters that would significantly affect the rights or preference of the security or other interest. This includes the issuance of additional amounts of classes of senior securities, the modification of the terms of the security or interest, the dissolution of the issuing national bank, or the payment of dividends by the issuing national bank when preferred dividends are in arrears;

(B) The shares or interests are a passive investment or financing device and do not otherwise provide the holder with control over the issuing national bank; and

(C) The shares or interests do not allow the holder by statute, charter, or in any manner, to select or to vote for the selection of directors (or persons exercising similar functions) of the issuing national bank.

(ii) Securities, other instruments, or similar interests that are immediately convertible, at the option of the owner or holder thereof, into voting securities.

(e) Policy—(1) General. The OCC seeks to enhance and maintain public confidence in the banking system by preventing a change in control of a national bank that could have serious adverse effects on a bank's financial stability or management resources, the interests of the bank's customers, the Federal deposit insurance fund, or competition.

(2) Acquisitions subject to the Bank Holding Company Act. (i) If corporations, partnerships, certain trusts, associations, and similar organizations, that are not already bank holding companies, are not required to secure prior Federal Reserve Board approval to acquire control of a bank under section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1842, they are subject to the notice requirements of this section.

(ii) Certain transactions, including foreclosures by depository institutions and other institutional lenders, fiduciary acquisitions by depository institutions, and increases of majority holdings by bank holding companies, are described in sections 2(a)(5)(D) and 3(a) (A) and (B) of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C. 1841(a)(5)(D) and 12 U.S.C. 1842(a) (A) and (B), but do not require the Federal Reserve Board's prior approval. For purposes of this section, they are considered subject to section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act, 12 U.S.C 1842, and do not require either a prior or subsequent notice to the OCC under this section.

(3) Assessing financial condition. In assessing the financial condition of the acquiring person, the OCC weighs any debt servicing requirements in light of the acquiring person's overall financial strength; the institution's earnings performance, asset condition, capital adequacy, and future prospects; and the likelihood of the acquiring party making unreasonable demands on the resources of the institution.

(f) Procedures—(1) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8(a), 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13(a) through (f) do not apply to filings under this section.

(2) Who must file. (i) Any person seeking to acquire the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies, or to vote 25 percent or more of a class of voting securities of a national bank, shall file a notice with the OCC 60 days prior to the proposed acquisition, unless the acquisition is exempt under paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

(ii) The OCC presumes, unless rebutted, that an acquisition or other disposition of voting securities through which any person proposes to acquire ownership of, or the power to vote, ten percent or more of a class of voting securities of a national bank is an acquisition by a person of the power to direct the bank's management or policies if:

(A) The securities to be acquired or voted are subject to the registration requirements of section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78l; or

(B) Immediately after the transaction no other person will own or have the power to vote a greater proportion of that class of voting securities.

(iii) Other transactions resulting in a person's control of less than 25 percent of a class of voting securities of a national bank are not deemed by the OCC to result in control for purposes of this section.

(iv) If two or more persons, not acting in concert, each propose to acquire simultaneously equal percentages of ten percent or more of a class of a national bank's voting securities, and either the acquisitions are of a class of securities subject to the registration requirements of section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78l, or immediately after the transaction no other shareholder of the national bank would own or have the power to vote a greater percentage of the class, each of the acquiring persons shall either file a notice or rebut the presumption of control.

(v) An acquiring person may seek to rebut the presumption established in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section by presenting relevant information in writing to the appropriate district office. The OCC shall respond in writing to any person that seeks to rebut the presumption of control. No rebuttal filing is effective unless the OCC indicates in writing that the information submitted has been found to be sufficient to rebut the presumption of control.

(3) Filings. (i) The OCC does not accept a notice of a change in control unless it is technically complete, i.e., the information provided is responsive to every item listed in the notice form and is accompanied by the appropriate fee.

(A) The notice must contain personal and biographical information, detailed financial information, details of the proposed change in control, information on any structural or managerial changes contemplated for the institution, and other relevant information required by the OCC. The OCC may waive any of the informational requirements of the notice if the OCC determines that it is in the public interest.

(B) When the acquiring person is an individual, or group of individuals acting in concert, the requirement to provide personal financial data may be satisfied with a current statement of assets and liabilities and an income summary, together with a statement of any material changes since the date of the statement or summary. However, the OCC may require additional information, if appropriate.

(ii) The OCC has 60 days from the date it declares the notice to be technically complete to review the notice.

(A) When the OCC declares a notice technically complete, the appropriate district office sends a letter of acknowledgment to the applicant indicating the technically complete date.

(B) As set forth in paragraph (g) of this section, the applicant shall publish an announcement within 10 days of filing the notice with the OCC. The publication of the announcement triggers a 20-day public comment period. The OCC may waive or shorten the public comment period if an emergency exists. The OCC also may shorten the comment period for other good cause. The OCC may act on a proposed change in control prior to the expiration of the public comment period if the OCC makes a written determination that an emergency exists.

(C) An applicant shall notify the OCC immediately of any material changes in a notice submitted to the OCC, including changes in financial or other conditions, that may affect the OCC's decision on the filing.

(iii) Within the 60-day period, the OCC may inform the applicant that the acquisition has been disapproved, has not been disapproved, or that the OCC will extend the 60-day review period. The applicant may request a hearing by the OCC within 10 days of receipt of a disapproval (see 12 CFR part 19, subpart H, for hearing initiation procedures). Following final agency action under 12 CFR part 19, further review by the courts is available.

(4) Disapproval of notice. The OCC may disapprove a notice if it finds that any of the following factors exist:

(i) The proposed acquisition of control would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any part of the United States;

(ii) The effect of the proposed acquisition of control in any section of the country may be substantially to lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly or the proposed acquisition of control would in any other manner be in restraint of trade, and the anticompetitive effects of the proposed acquisition of control are not clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served;

(iii) The financial condition of any acquiring person is such as might jeopardize the financial stability of the bank or prejudice the interests of the depositors of the bank;

(iv) The competence, experience, or integrity of any acquiring person, or of any of the proposed management personnel, indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors of the bank, or in the interest of the public, to permit that person to control the bank;

(v) An acquiring person neglects, fails, or refuses to furnish the OCC all the information it requires; or

(vi) The OCC determines that the proposed transaction would result in an adverse effect on the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund.

(5) Disapproval notification. If the OCC disapproves a notice, it mails a written notification to the proposed acquiring person within three days after the decision containing a statement of the basis for disapproval.

(g) Disclosure—(1) Announcement. The applicant shall publish an announcement in a newspaper of general circulation in the community where the affected national bank is located within ten days of filing. The OCC may authorize a delayed announcement if an immediate announcement would not be in the public interest.

(i) In addition to the information required by §5.8(b), the announcement must include the name of the national bank named in the notice and the comment period (i.e., 20 days from the date of the announcement). The announcement also must state that the public portion of the notice is available upon request.

(ii) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph (g), if the OCC determines in writing that an emergency exists and that the announcement requirements of this paragraph (g) would seriously threaten the safety and soundness of the national bank to be acquired, including situations where the OCC must act immediately in order to prevent the probable failure of a national bank, the OCC may waive or shorten the publication requirement.

(2) Release of information. (i) Upon the request of any person, the OCC releases the information provided in the public portion of the notice and makes it available for public inspection and copying as soon as possible after a notice has been filed. In certain circumstances the OCC may determine that the release of the information would not be in the public interest. In addition, the OCC makes a public announcement of a technically complete notice, the disposition of the notice, and the consummation date of the transaction, if applicable, in the OCC's “Weekly Bulletin.”

(ii) The OCC handles requests for the non-public portion of the notice as requests under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, and other applicable law.

(h) Reporting of stock loans—(1) Requirements. (i) Any foreign bank, or any affiliate thereof, shall file a consolidated report with the appropriate district office of the national bank if the foreign bank or any affiliate thereof, has credit outstanding to any person or group of persons that, in the aggregate, is secured, directly or indirectly, by 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities of the same national bank.

(ii) The foreign bank, or any affiliate thereof, shall also file a copy of the report with its appropriate district office if that office is different from the national bank's appropriate district office. If the foreign bank, or any affiliate thereof, is not supervised by the OCC, it shall file a copy of the report filed with the OCC with its appropriate Federal banking agency.

(iii) Any shares of the national bank held by the foreign bank, or any affiliate thereof, as principal must be included in the calculation of the number of shares in which the foreign bank or any affiliate thereof has a security interest for purposes of paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph (h):

(i) Foreign bank and affiliate have the same meanings as in section 1 of the International Banking Act of 1978, 12 U.S.C. 3101.

(ii) Credit outstanding includes any loan or extension of credit; the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance, or letter of credit, including an endorsement or standby letter of credit; and any other type of transaction that extends credit or financing to a person or group of persons.

(iii) Group of persons includes any number of persons that a foreign bank, or an affiliate thereof, has reason to believe:

(A) Are acting together, in concert, or with one another to acquire or control shares of the same insured national bank, including an acquisition of shares of the same national bank at approximately the same time under substantially the same terms; or

(B) Have made, or propose to make, a joint filing under 15 U.S.C. 78m regarding ownership of the shares of the same depository institution.

(3) Exceptions. Compliance with paragraph (h)(1) of this section is not required if:

(i) The person or group of persons referred to in paragraph (h)(1) of this section has disclosed the amount borrowed and the security interest therein to the appropriate district office in connection with a notice filed under this section or any other application filed with the appropriate district office as a substitute for a notice under this section, such as for a national bank charter; or

(ii) The transaction involves a person or group of persons that has been the owner or owners of record of the stock for a period of one year or more or, if the transaction involves stock issued by a newly chartered bank, before the bank's opening.

(4) Report requirements. (i) The consolidated report must indicate the number and percentage of shares securing each applicable extension of credit, the identity of the borrower, and the number of shares held as principal by the foreign bank and any affiliate thereof.

(ii) The foreign bank and all affiliates thereof shall file the consolidated report in writing within 30 days of the date on which the foreign bank or affiliate thereof first believes that the security for any outstanding credit consists of 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities of a national bank.

(5) Other reporting requirements. A foreign bank or any affiliate thereof, supervised by the OCC and required to report credit outstanding secured by the shares of a depository institution to another Federal banking agency also shall file a copy of the report with its appropriate district office.

§ 5.51   Changes in directors and senior executive officers.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 1831i.

(b) Scope. This section describes the circumstances when a national bank must notify the OCC of a change in its directors and senior executive officers, and the OCC's authority to disapprove those notices.

(c) Definitions—(1) Director means a person who serves on the board of directors of a national bank except:

(i) A director of a foreign bank that operates a Federal branch; and

(ii) An advisory director who does not have the authority to vote on matters before the board of directors and provides solely general policy advice to the board of directors.

(2) National bank, as defined in §5.3(j), includes a Federal branch for purposes of this section only.

(3) Senior executive officer means the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief lending officer, chief investment officer, and any other individual the OCC identifies to the national bank who exercises significant influence over, or participates in, major policy making decisions of the bank without regard to title, salary, or compensation. The term also includes employees of entities retained by a national bank to perform such functions in lieu of directly hiring the individuals, and, with respect to a Federal branch operated by a foreign bank, the individual functioning as the chief managing official of the Federal branch.

(4) Technically complete notice means a notice that provides all the information requested in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, including complete explanations where material issues arise regarding the competence, experience, character, or integrity of proposed directors or senior executive officers, and any additional information that the OCC may request following a determination that the original submission of the notice was not technically complete.

(5) Technically complete notice date means the date on which the OCC has received a technically complete notice.

(6) Troubled condition means a national bank that:

(i) Has a composite rating of 4 or 5 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (CAMELS);

(ii) Is subject to a cease and desist order, a consent order, or a formal written agreement, unless otherwise informed in writing by the OCC; or

(iii) Is informed in writing by the OCC that as a result of an examination it has been designated in “troubled condition” for purposes of this section.

(d) Prior notice. A national bank shall provide written notice to the OCC at least 90 days before adding or replacing any member of its board of directors, employing any person as a senior executive officer of the national bank, or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer so that the person would assume a different executive officer position, if:

(1) The national bank is not in compliance with minimum capital requirements applicable to such institution, as prescribed in 12 CFR part 3, or is otherwise in troubled condition; or

(2) The OCC determines, in connection with the review by the agency of the plan required under section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 USC 1831o, or otherwise, that such prior notice is appropriate.

(e) Procedures—(1) Filing notice. A national bank shall file a notice with its appropriate supervisory office. When a national bank files a notice, the individual to whom the filing pertains shall attest to the validity of the information pertaining to that individual. The 90-day review period begins on the technically complete notice date.

(2) Content of notice. A notice must contain the identity, personal history, business background, and experience of each person whose designation as a director or senior executive officer is subject to this section. The notice must include:

(i) A description of his or her material business activities and affiliations during the five years preceding the date of the notice;

(ii) A description of any material pending legal or administrative proceedings to which he or she is a party;

(iii) Any criminal indictment or conviction by a state or Federal court; and

(iv) Legible fingerprints of the person, except that fingerprints are not required for any person who, within the three years immediately preceding the date of the present notice, has been subject to a notice filed with the OCC pursuant to section 32 of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. 1831i, or this section and has previously submitted fingerprints.

(3) Requests for additional information. Following receipt of a technically complete notice, the OCC may request additional information, in writing where feasible, and may specify a time period during which the information must be provided.

(4) Notice of disapproval. The OCC may disapprove an individual proposed as a member of the board of directors or as a senior executive officer if the OCC determines on the basis of the individual's competence, experience, character, or integrity that it would not be in the best interests of the depositors of the national bank or the public to permit the individual to be employed by, or associated with, the national bank. The OCC sends a notice of disapproval to both the national bank and the disapproved individual stating the basis for disapproval.

(5) Notice of intent not to disapprove. An individual proposed as a member of the board of directors or as a senior executive officer may begin service before the expiration of the review period if the OCC notifies the national bank that the OCC does not disapprove the proposed director or senior executive officer.

(6) Waiver of prior notice. (i) A national bank may send a letter to the appropriate supervisory office requesting a waiver of the prior notice requirement. The OCC may waive the prior notice requirement but not the filing required under this section. The OCC may grant a waiver if it finds that delay could harm the national bank or the public interest, or that other extraordinary circumstances justify waiving the prior notice requirement. The length of any waiver depends on the circumstances in each case. If the OCC grants a waiver, the national bank shall file the required notice within the time period specified in the waiver, and the proposed individual may assume the position on an interim basis until the individual and the national bank receive a notice of disapproval or, if an appeal has been filed, until a notice of disapproval has been upheld on appeal as set forth in paragraph (f) of this section. If the required notice is not filed within the time period specified in the waiver, the proposed individual shall resign his or her position. Thereafter, the individual may assume the position on a permanent basis only after the national bank receives a notice of intent not to disapprove, after the review period elapses, or after a notice of disapproval has been overturned on appeal as set forth in paragraph (f) of this section. A waiver does not affect the OCC's authority to issue a notice of disapproval within 30 days of the expiration of such waiver.

(ii) In the case of the election at a meeting of the shareholders of a new director not proposed by management, a waiver is granted automatically and the elected individual may begin service as a director. However, under these circumstances, the national bank shall file the required notice with the appropriate supervisory office as soon as practical, but not later than seven days from the date the individual is notified of the election. The individual's continued service is subject to the conditions specified in paragraph (e)(6)(i) of this section.

(7) Commencement of service. An individual proposed as a member of the board of directors or as a senior executive officer may assume the office following the end of the review period, which begins on the technically complete notice date, unless:

(i) The OCC issues a notice of disapproval during the review period; or

(ii) The national bank does not provide additional information within the time period required by the OCC pursuant to paragraph (e)(3) of this section and the OCC deems the notice to be abandoned pursuant to §5.13(c).

(8) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13 (a) through (f) do not apply to a notice for a change in directors and senior executive officers.

(f) Appeal—(1) If the national bank, the proposed individual, or both, disagree with a disapproval, they may seek review by appealing the disapproval to the Comptroller, or an authorized delegate, within 15 days of the receipt of the notice of disapproval. The national bank or the individual may appeal on the grounds that the reasons for disapproval are contrary to fact or insufficient to justify disapproval. The appellant shall submit all documents and written arguments that the appellant wishes to be considered in support of the appeal.

(2) The Comptroller, or an authorized delegate, may designate an appellate official who was not previously involved in the decision leading to the appeal at issue. The Comptroller, an authorized delegate, or the appellate official considers all information submitted with the original notice, the material before the OCC official who made the initial decision, and any information submitted by the appellant at the time of the appeal.

(3) The Comptroller, an authorized delegate, or the appellate official shall independently determine whether the reasons given for the disapproval are contrary to fact or insufficient to justify the disapproval. If either is determined to be the case, the Comptroller, an authorized delegate, or the appellate official may reverse the disapproval.

(4) Upon completion of the review, the Comptroller, an authorized delegate, or the appellate official shall notify the appellant in writing of the decision. If the original decision is reversed, the individual may assume the position in the bank for which he or she was proposed.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999]

§ 5.52   Change of address.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a, 161, and 481.

(b) Scope. This section describes the obligation of a national bank to notify the OCC of any change in its address. However, no notice is required if the change in address results from a transaction approved under this part.

(c) Notice process. Any national bank with a change in the address of its main office or in its post office box shall send a written notice to the appropriate district office.

(d) Exceptions to rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, and 5.13 do not apply to changes in a national bank's address.

§ 5.53   Change in asset composition.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a, 1818.

(b) Scope. This section requires a national bank to obtain the approval of the OCC before changing the composition of all, or substantially all, of its assets through sales or other dispositions, or, having sold or disposed of all, or substantially all, of its assets, through subsequent purchases or other acquisitions or other expansions of its operations. This section does not apply to a change in composition of all, or substantially all, of a bank's assets that the bank undertakes in response to direction from the OCC (e.g., in an enforcement action pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1818) or as part of a voluntary liquidation pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 181 and 182 and 12 CFR 5.48, if the liquidating bank has stipulated in its notice of liquidation to the OCC that its liquidation will be completed, the bank dissolved and its charter returned to the OCC within one year of the date it filed this notice, unless the OCC extends the time period. This section does not apply to changes in asset composition that occur as a result of a bank's ordinary and ongoing business of originating and securitizing loans.

(c) Approval requirement. (1) A national bank must file an application and obtain the prior written approval of the OCC before changing the composition of all, or substantially all, of its assets (i) through sales or other dispositions, or, (ii) having sold or disposed of all or substantially all of its assets, through subsequent purchases or other acquisitions or other expansions of its operations.

(2) In determining whether to approve an application under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the OCC will consider the purpose of the transaction, its impact on the safety and soundness of the bank, and any effect on the bank's customers. The OCC may deny the application if the transaction would have a negative effect in any of these respects. The OCC's review of any change in asset composition through purchase or other acquisition or other expansions of its operations under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section will include, in addition to the foregoing factors, the factors governing the organization of a bank under §5.20.

(d) Exceptions to Rules of General Applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply with respect to applications filed pursuant to this section. However, if the OCC concludes that an application presents significant or novel policy, supervisory, or legal issues, the OCC may determine that some or all of the provisions of §§5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 apply.

[69 FR 50297, Aug. 16, 2004]

Subpart E—Payment of Dividends
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§ 5.60   Authority, scope, and exceptions to rules of general applicability.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 56, 60, and 93a.

(b) Scope. Except as otherwise provided, the restrictions in this subpart apply to the declaration and payment of all dividends by a national bank, including dividends paid in property. However, the provisions contained in §5.64 do not apply to dividends paid in stock of the bank.

(c) Exceptions to the rules of general applicability. Sections 5.8, 5.10, and 5.11 do not apply to this subpart.

§ 5.61   Definitions.
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For the purposes of subpart E, the following definitions apply:

(a) Capital stock, capital surplus, and permanent capital have the same meaning as set forth in §5.46.

(b) Retained net income means the net income of a specified period less the total amount of all dividends declared in that period.

§ 5.62   Date of declaration of dividend.
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A national bank shall use the date a dividend is declared for the purposes of determining compliance with this subpart.

§ 5.63   Capital limitation under 12 U.S.C. 56.
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(a) General limitation. Except as provided by 12 U.S.C. 59 and §5.46, a national bank may not withdraw, or permit to be withdrawn, either in the form of a dividend or otherwise, any portion of its permanent capital. Further, a national bank may not declare a dividend in excess of undivided profits.

(b) Preferred stock. The provisions of 12 U.S.C. 56 do not apply to dividends on preferred stock. However, if the undivided profits of the national bank are not sufficient to cover a proposed dividend on preferred stock, the proposed dividend constitutes a reduction in capital subject to 12 U.S.C. 59 and §5.46.

§ 5.64   Earnings limitation under 12 U.S.C. 60.
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(a) Transfers to capital surplus. Subject to the restrictions in 12 U.S.C. 56 and this subpart, the directors of a national bank may declare and pay dividends as frequently and of such amount of undivided profits as they judge prudent. However, a national bank may not declare a dividend unless capital surplus equals or exceeds the capital stock of the bank, except:

(1) In the case of an annual dividend, the bank may declare a dividend if the bank transfers 10 percent of its net income for the preceding four quarters to capital surplus; or

(2) In the case of a quarterly or semiannual dividend, or any other special dividend, the bank may declare a dividend if the bank transfers 10 percent of its net income for the preceding two quarters to capital surplus.

(b) Earnings limitation. For purposes of 12 U.S.C. 60, a national bank may not declare a dividend if the total amount of all dividends (common and preferred), including the proposed dividend, declared by the national bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the national bank's retained net income of that year to date, combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years, unless the dividend is approved by the OCC. A national bank shall submit a request for OCC approval of a dividend under 12 U.S.C. 60 to the appropriate supervisory office.

(c) Surplus surplus. Any amount in capital surplus in excess of capital stock required by 12 U.S.C. 60(a) (referred to as “surplus surplus”) may be transferred to undivided profits and available as dividends, provided:

(1) The bank can demonstrate that the surplus came from earnings of prior periods, excluding the effect of any stock dividend; and

(2) The board of directors of the bank approves the transfer of the surplus surplus from capital surplus to undivided profits.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 64 FR 60098, Nov. 4, 1999]

§ 5.65   Restrictions on undercapitalized institutions.
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Notwithstanding any other provision in this subpart, a national bank may not declare or pay any dividend if, after making the dividend, the national bank would be “undercapitalized” as defined in 12 CFR part 6.

§ 5.66   Dividends payable in property other than cash.
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In addition to cash dividends, directors of a national bank may declare dividends payable in property, with the approval of the OCC. Even though the property distributed has been previously charged down or written off entirely, the dividend is equivalent to a cash dividend in an amount equal to the actual current value of the property. Before the dividend is declared, the bank should show the excess of the actual value over book value on the books of the national bank as a recovery, and the dividend should then be declared in the amount of the full book value (equivalent to the actual current value) of the property being distributed.

§ 5.67   Fractional shares.
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To avoid complicated recordkeeping in connection with fractional shares, a national bank issuing additional stock by stock dividend, upon consolidation or merger, or otherwise, may adopt arrangements such as the following to preclude the issuance of fractional shares. The bank may:

(a) Issue scripts or warrants for trading;

(b) Make reasonable arrangements to provide those to whom fractional shares would otherwise be issued an opportunity to realize at a fair price upon the fraction not being issued through its sale, or the purchase of the additional fraction required for a full share, if there is an established and active market in the national bank's stock;

(c) Remit the cash equivalent of the fraction not being issued to those to whom fractional shares would otherwise be issued. The cash equivalent is based on the market value of the stock, if there is an established and active market in the national bank's stock. In the absence of such a market, the cash equivalent is based on a reliable and disinterested determination as to the fair market value of the stock if such stock is available; or

(d) Sell full shares representing all the fractions at public auction, or to the highest bidder after having solicited and received sealed bids from at least three licensed stock brokers. The national bank shall distribute the proceeds of the sale pro rata to shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to the fractional shares.

Subpart F—Federal Branches and Agencies
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§ 5.70   Federal branches and agencies.
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(a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 93a and 3101 et seq.

(b) Scope. This subpart describes the filing requirements for corporate activities and transactions involving Federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. Substantive rules and policies for specific applications are contained in 12 CFR part 28.

(c) Definitions. For purposes of this subpart:

(1) To establish a Federal branch or agency means to:

(i) Open and conduct business through an initial or additional Federal branch or agency;

(ii) Acquire directly, through merger, consolidation, or similar transaction with another foreign bank, the operations of a Federal branch or agency that is open and conducting business;

(iii) Acquire a Federal branch or agency through the acquisition of a foreign bank subsidiary that will cease to operate in the same corporate form following the acquisition;

(iv) Convert a state branch or state agency operated by a foreign bank, or a commercial lending company controlled by a foreign bank, into a Federal branch or agency;

(v) Relocate a Federal branch or agency within a state or from one state to another; or

(vi) Convert a Federal agency or a limited Federal branch into a Federal branch.

(2) Federal branch includes a limited Federal branch unless otherwise provided.

(d) Filing requirements—(1) General. Unless otherwise provided in 12 CFR part 28, a Federal branch or agency shall comply with the applicable requirements of this part.

(2) Applications. A foreign bank shall submit an application and obtain prior approval from the OCC before it:

(i) Establishes a Federal branch or agency; or

(ii) Exercises fiduciary powers at a Federal branch. A foreign bank may submit an application to exercise fiduciary powers at the time of filing an application for a Federal branch license or at any subsequent date.

[61 FR 60363, Nov. 27, 1996, as amended at 68 FR 70698, Dec. 19, 2003]

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