Regulation of holding companies
12 U.S.C. § 1467a
in effect(a) Definitions(1) In generalAs used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires—(A) Savings associationThe term “savings association” includes a savings bank or cooperative bank which is deemed by the appropriate Federal banking agency to be a savings association under subsection (l). (B) Uninsured institutionThe term “uninsured institution” means any depository institution the deposits of which are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (C) CompanyThe term “company” means any corporation, partnership, trust, joint-stock company, or similar organization, but does not include the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Resolution Trust Corporation, any Federal home loan bank, or any company the majority of the shares of which is owned by the United States or any State, or by an instrumentality of the United States or any State. (D) Savings and loan holding company(i) In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), the term “savings and loan holding company” means any company that directly or indirectly controls a savings association or that controls any other company that is a savings and loan holding company. (ii) ExclusionThe term “savings and loan holding company” does not include—(I) a bank holding company that is registered under, and subject to, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.), or to any company directly or indirectly controlled by such company (other than a savings association); (II) a company that controls a savings association that functions solely in a trust or fiduciary capacity as described in section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(c)(2)(D)); or (III) a company described in subsection (c)(9)(C) solely by virtue of such company’s control of an intermediate holding company established pursuant to section 1467b of this title. (E) Multiple savings and loan holding companyThe term “multiple savings and loan holding company” means any savings and loan holding company which directly or indirectly controls 2 or more savings associations. (F) Diversified savings and loan holding companyThe term “diversified savings and loan holding company” means any savings and loan holding company whose subsidiary savings association and related activities as permitted under paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of this section represented, on either an actual or a pro forma basis, less than 50 percent of its consolidated net worth at the close of its preceding fiscal year and of its consolidated net earnings for such fiscal year, as determined in accordance with regulations issued by the appropriate Federal banking agency. (G) SubsidiaryThe term “subsidiary” has the same meaning as in section 1813 of this title. (H) AffiliateThe term “affiliate” of a savings association means any person which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such savings association. (I) Bank holding companyThe terms “bank holding company” and “bank” have the meanings given to such terms in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841]. (J) AcquireThe term “acquire” has the meaning given to such term in section 1823(f)(8) of this title. (2) ControlFor purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to have control of—(A) a savings association if the person directly or indirectly or acting in concert with one or more other persons, or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, more than 25 percent of the voting shares of such savings association, or controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of such association; (B) any other company if the person directly or indirectly or acting in concert with one or more other persons, or through one or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, more than 25 percent of the voting shares or rights of such other company, or controls in any manner the election or appointment of a majority of the directors or trustees of such other company, or is a general partner in or has contributed more than 25 percent of the capital of such other company; (C) a trust if the person is a trustee thereof; or (D) a savings association or any other company if the Board determines, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing, that such person directly or indirectly exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of such association or other company. (3) ExclusionsNotwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the term “savings and loan holding company” does not include—(A) any company by virtue of its ownership or control of voting shares of a savings association or a savings and loan holding company acquired in connection with the underwriting of securities if such shares are held only for such period of time (not exceeding 120 days unless extended by the Board) as will permit the sale thereof on a reasonable basis; and (B) any trust (other than a pension, profit-sharing, shareholders’, voting, or business trust) which controls a savings association or a savings and loan holding company if such trust by its terms must terminate within 25 years or not later than 21 years and 10 months after the death of individuals living on the effective date of the trust, and is (i) in existence on June 26, 1967, or (ii) a testamentary trust created on or after June 26, 1967. (4) Special rule relating to qualified stock issuanceNo savings and loan holding company shall be deemed to control a savings association solely by reason of the purchase by such savings and loan holding company of shares issued by such savings association, or issued by any savings and loan holding company (other than a bank holding company) which controls such savings association, in connection with a qualified stock issuance if such purchase is approved by the Board under subsection (q)(1)(D), unless the acquiring savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with 1 or more other persons, or through 1 or more subsidiaries, owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, or holds proxies representing, more than 15 percent of the voting shares of such savings association or holding company.
(b) Registration and examination(1) In generalWithin 90 days after becoming a savings and loan holding company, each savings and loan holding company shall register with the Board on forms prescribed by the Board, which shall include such information, under oath or otherwise, with respect to the financial condition, ownership, operations, management, and intercompany relationships of such holding company and its subsidiaries, and related matters, as the Board may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section. Upon application, the Board may extend the time within which a savings and loan holding company shall register and file the requisite information. (2) Reports(A) In generalEach savings and loan holding company and each subsidiary thereof, other than a savings association, shall file with the Board, such reports as may be required by the Board. Such reports shall be made under oath or otherwise, and shall be in such form and for such periods, as the Board may prescribe. Each report shall contain such information concerning the operations of such savings and loan holding company and its subsidiaries as the Board may require. (B) Use of existing reports and other supervisory informationThe Board shall, to the fullest extent possible, use—(i) reports and other supervisory information that the savings and loan holding company or any subsidiary thereof has been required to provide to other Federal or State regulatory agencies; (ii) externally audited financial statements of the savings and loan holding company or subsidiary; (iii) information that is otherwise available from Federal or State regulatory agencies; and (iv) information that is otherwise required to be reported publicly. (C) AvailabilityUpon the request of the Board, a savings and loan holding company or a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company shall promptly provide to the Board any information described in clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (B). (3) Books and recordsEach savings and loan holding company shall maintain such books and records as may be prescribed by the Board. (4) Examinations(A) In generalSubject to subtitle B of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 [12 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.], the Board may make examinations of a savings and loan holding company and each subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company system, in order to—(i) inform the Board of—(I) the nature of the operations and financial condition of the savings and loan holding company and the subsidiary; (II) the financial, operational, and other risks within the savings and loan holding company system that may pose a threat to—(aa) the safety and soundness of the savings and loan holding company or of any depository institution subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company; or (bb) the stability of the financial system of the United States; and (III) the systems of the savings and loan holding company for monitoring and controlling the risks described in subclause (II); and (ii) monitor the compliance of the savings and loan holding company and the subsidiary with—(I) this chapter; (II) Federal laws that the Board has specific jurisdiction to enforce against the company or subsidiary; and (III) other than in the case of an insured depository institution or functionally regulated subsidiary, any other applicable provisions of Federal law. (B) Use of reports to reduce examinationsFor purposes of this subsection, the Board shall, to the fullest extent possible, rely on—(i) the examination reports made by other Federal or State regulatory agencies relating to a savings and loan holding company and any subsidiary; and (ii) the reports and other information required under paragraph (2). (C) Coordination with other regulatorsThe Board shall—(i) provide reasonable notice to, and consult with, the appropriate Federal banking agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or State regulatory agency, as appropriate, for a subsidiary that is a depository institution or a functionally regulated subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company before commencing an examination of the subsidiary under this section; and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, avoid duplication of examination activities, reporting requirements, and requests for information. (5) Agent for service of processThe Board may require any savings and loan holding company, or persons connected therewith if it is not a corporation, to execute and file a prescribed form of irrevocable appointment of agent for service of process. (6) Release from registrationThe Board may at any time, upon the motion or application of the Board, release a registered savings and loan holding company from any registration theretofore made by such company, if the Board determines that such company no longer has control of any savings association.
(c) Holding company activities(1) Prohibited activitiesExcept as otherwise provided in this subsection, no savings and loan holding company and no subsidiary which is not a savings association shall—(A) engage in any activity or render any service for or on behalf of a savings association subsidiary for the purpose or with the effect of evading any law or regulation applicable to such savings association; (B) commence any business activity, other than the activities described in paragraph (2); or (C) continue any business activity, other than the activities described in paragraph (2), after the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date on which such company received approval under subsection (e) of this section to become a savings and loan holding company subject to the limitations contained in this subparagraph. (2) Exempt activitiesThe prohibitions of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to the following business activities of any savings and loan holding company or any subsidiary (of such company) which is not a savings association:(A) Furnishing or performing management services for a savings association subsidiary of such company. (B) Conducting an insurance agency or escrow business. (C) Holding, managing, or liquidating assets owned or acquired from a savings association subsidiary of such company. (D) Holding or managing properties used or occupied by a savings association subsidiary of such company. (E) Acting as trustee under deed of trust. (F) Any other activity—(i) which the Board, by regulation, has determined to be permissible for bank holding companies under section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1843(c)], unless the Board, by regulation, prohibits or limits any such activity for savings and loan holding companies; or (ii) in which multiple savings and loan holding companies were authorized (by regulation) to directly engage on March 5, 1987. (G) In the case of a savings and loan holding company, purchasing, holding, or disposing of stock acquired in connection with a qualified stock issuance if the purchase of such stock by such savings and loan holding company is approved by the Board pursuant to subsection (q)(1)(D). (H) Any activity that is permissible for a financial holding company (as such term is defined under section 2(p) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841(p)) 11 So in original. Probably should be followed by another closing parenthesis. to conduct under section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1843(k)] if—(i) the savings and loan holding company meets all of the criteria to qualify as a financial holding company, and complies with all of the requirements applicable to a financial holding company, under sections 4(l) and 4(m) of the Bank Holding Company Act 22 So in original. Probably should be followed by “of 1956”. [12 U.S.C. 1843(l), (m)] and section 2903(c) of this title as if the savings and loan holding company was a bank holding company; and (ii) the savings and loan holding company conducts the activity in accordance with the same terms, conditions, and requirements that apply to the conduct of such activity by a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.] and the Board’s regulations and interpretations under such Act. (3) Certain limitations on activities not applicable to certain holding companiesNotwithstanding paragraphs (4) and (6) of this subsection, the limitations contained in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to any savings and loan holding company (or any subsidiary of such company) which controls—(A) only 1 savings association, if the savings association subsidiary of such company is a qualified thrift lender (as determined under subsection (m)); or (B) more than 1 savings association, if—(i) all, or all but 1, of the savings association subsidiaries of such company were initially acquired by the company or by an individual who would be deemed to control such company if such individual were a company—(I) pursuant to an acquisition under section 1823(c) or 1823(k) of this title or section 408(m) 33 See References in Text note below. of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1730a(m)]; or (II) pursuant to an acquisition in which assistance was continued to a savings association under section 1823(i) of this title; and (ii) all of the savings association subsidiaries of such company are qualified thrift lenders (as determined under subsection (m)). (4) Prior approval of certain new activities required(A) In generalNo savings and loan holding company and no subsidiary which is not a savings association shall commence, either de novo or by an acquisition (in whole or in part) of a going concern, any activity described in paragraph (2)(F)(i) of this subsection without the prior approval of the Board. (B) Factors to be consideredIn considering any application under subparagraph (A) by any savings and loan holding company or any subsidiary of any such company which is not a savings association, the Board shall consider—(i) whether the performance of the activity described in such application by the company or the subsidiary can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public (such as greater convenience, increased competition, or gains in efficiency) that outweigh possible adverse effects of such activity (such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, or unsound financial practices); (ii) the managerial resources of the companies involved; and (iii) the adequacy of the financial resources, including capital, of the companies involved. (C) Board may differentiate between new and ongoing activitiesIn prescribing any regulation or considering any application under this paragraph, the Board may differentiate between activities commenced de novo and activities commenced by the acquisition, in whole or in part, of a going concern. (D) Approval or disapproval by orderThe approval or disapproval of any application under this paragraph by the Board shall be made in an order issued by the Board containing the reasons for such approval or disapproval. (5) Grace period to achieve complianceIf any savings association referred to in paragraph (3) fails to maintain the status of such association as a qualified thrift lender, the Board may allow, for good cause shown, any company that controls such association (or any subsidiary of such company which is not a savings association) up to 3 years to comply with the limitations contained in paragraph (1)(C). (6) Special provisions relating to certain companies affected by 1987 amendments(A) Exception to 2-year grace period for achieving complianceNotwithstanding paragraph (1)(C), any company which received approval under subsection (e) of this section to acquire control of a savings association between March 5, 1987, and August 10, 1987, shall not continue any business activity other than an activity described in paragraph (2) after August 10, 1987. (B) Exemption for activities lawfully engaged in before March 5, 1987Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(C) and subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), any savings and loan holding company which received approval, before March 5, 1987, under subsection (e) of this section to acquire control of a savings association may engage, directly or through any subsidiary (other than a savings association subsidiary of such company), in any activity in which such company or such subsidiary was lawfully engaged on such date. (C) Termination of subparagraph (B) exemptionThe exemption provided under subparagraph (B) for activities engaged in by any savings and loan holding company or a subsidiary of such company (which is not a savings association) which would otherwise be prohibited under paragraph (1)(C) shall terminate with respect to such activities of such company or subsidiary upon the occurrence (after August 10, 1987) of any of the following:(i) The savings and loan holding company acquires control of a bank or an additional savings association (other than a savings association acquired pursuant to section 1823(c) or 1823(k) of this title or section 406(f) or 408(m) 3 of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1729(f) or 1730a(m)]). (ii) Any savings association subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company fails to qualify as a domestic building and loan association under section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(19)]. (iii) The savings and loan holding company engages in any business activity—(I) which is not described in paragraph (2); and (II) in which it was not engaged on March 5, 1987. (iv) Any savings association subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company increases the number of locations from which such savings association conducts business after March 5, 1987 (other than an increase which occurs in connection with a transaction under section 1823(c) or (k) of this title or section 408(m) 3 of the National Housing Act. (v) Any savings association subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company permits any overdraft (including an intraday overdraft), or incurs any such overdraft in its account at a Federal Reserve bank, on behalf of an affiliate, unless such overdraft is the result of an inadvertent computer or accounting error that is beyond the control of both the savings association subsidiary and the affiliate. (D) Order to terminate subparagraph (B) activityAny activity described in subparagraph (B) may also be terminated by the Board, after opportunity for hearing, if the Board determines, having due regard for the purposes of this chapter, that such action is necessary to prevent conflicts of interest or unsound practices or is in the public interest. (7) Foreign savings and loan holding companyNotwithstanding any other provision of this section, any savings and loan holding company organized under the laws of a foreign country as of June 1, 1984 (including any subsidiary thereof which is not a savings association), which controls a single savings association on August 10, 1987, shall not be subject to this subsection with respect to any activities of such holding company which are conducted exclusively in a foreign country. (8) Exemption for bank holding companiesExcept for paragraph (1)(A), this subsection shall not apply to any company that is treated as a bank holding company for purposes of section 4 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1843], or any of its subsidiaries. (9) Prevention of new affiliations between S&L holding companies and commercial firms(A) In generalNotwithstanding paragraph (3), no company may directly or indirectly, including through any merger, consolidation, or other type of business combination, acquire control of a savings association after May 4, 1999, unless the company is engaged, directly or indirectly (including through a subsidiary other than a savings association), only in activities that are permitted—(i) under paragraph (1)(C) or (2) of this subsection; or (ii) for financial holding companies under section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1843(k)]. (B) Prevention of new commercial affiliationsNotwithstanding paragraph (3), no savings and loan holding company may engage directly or indirectly (including through a subsidiary other than a savings association) in any activity other than as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A). (C) Preservation of authority of existing unitary S&L holding companiesSubparagraphs (A) and (B) do not apply with respect to any company that was a savings and loan holding company on May 4, 1999, or that becomes a savings and loan holding company pursuant to an application pending before the Office on or before that date, and that—(i) meets and continues to meet the requirements of paragraph (3); and (ii) continues to control not fewer than 1 savings association that it controlled on May 4, 1999, or that it acquired pursuant to an application pending before the Office on or before that date, or the successor to such savings association. (D) Corporate reorganizations permittedThis paragraph does not prevent a transaction that—(i) involves solely a company under common control with a savings and loan holding company from acquiring, directly or indirectly, control of the savings and loan holding company or any savings association that is already a subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company; or (ii) involves solely a merger, consolidation, or other type of business combination as a result of which a company under common control with the savings and loan holding company acquires, directly or indirectly, control of the savings and loan holding company or any savings association that is already a subsidiary of the savings and loan holding company. (E) Authority to prevent evasionsThe Board may issue interpretations, regulations, or orders that the Board determines necessary to administer and carry out the purpose and prevent evasions of this paragraph, including a determination (in consultation with the appropriate Federal banking agency) that, notwithstanding the form of a transaction, the transaction would in substance result in a company acquiring control of a savings association. (F) Preservation of authority for family trustsSubparagraphs (A) and (B) do not apply with respect to any trust that becomes a savings and loan holding company with respect to a savings association, if—(i) not less than 85 percent of the beneficial ownership interests in the trust are continuously owned, directly or indirectly, by or for the benefit of members of the same family, or their spouses, who are lineal descendants of common ancestors who controlled, directly or indirectly, such savings association on May 4, 1999, or a subsequent date, pursuant to an application pending before the Office on or before May 4, 1999; and (ii) at the time at which such trust becomes a savings and loan holding company, such ancestors or lineal descendants, or spouses of such descendants, have directly or indirectly controlled the savings association continuously since May 4, 1999, or a subsequent date, pursuant to an application pending before the Office on or before May 4, 1999.
(d) Transactions with affiliatesTransactions between any subsidiary savings association of a savings and loan holding company and any affiliate (of such savings association subsidiary) shall be subject to the limitations and prohibitions specified in section 1468 of this title.
(e) Acquisitions(1) In generalIt shall be unlawful for—(A) any savings and loan holding company directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries or through one or more transactions—(i) to acquire, except with the prior written approval of the Board, the control of a savings association or a savings and loan holding company, or to retain the control of such an association or holding company acquired or retained in violation of this section as heretofore or hereafter in effect; (ii) to acquire, except with the prior written approval of the Board, by the process of merger, consolidation, or purchase of assets, another savings association or a savings and loan holding company, or all or substantially all of the assets of any such association or holding company; (iii) to acquire, by purchase or otherwise, or to retain, except with the prior written approval of the Board, more than 5 percent of the voting shares of a savings association not a subsidiary, or of a savings and loan holding company not a subsidiary, or in the case of a multiple savings and loan holding company (other than a company described in subsection (c)(8)), to acquire or retain, and the Board may not authorize acquisition or retention of, more than 5 percent of the voting shares of any company not a subsidiary which is engaged in any business activity other than the activities specified in subsection (c)(2). This clause shall not apply to shares of a savings association or of a savings and loan holding company—(I) held as a bona fide fiduciary (whether with or without the sole discretion to vote such shares); (II) held temporarily pursuant to an underwriting commitment in the normal course of an underwriting business; (III) held in an account solely for trading purposes; (IV) over which no control is held other than control of voting rights acquired in the normal course of a proxy solicitation; (V) acquired in securing or collecting a debt previously contracted in good faith, during the 2-year period beginning on the date of such acquisition or for such additional time (not exceeding 3 years) as the Board may permit if the Board determines that such an extension will not be detrimental to the public interest; (VI) acquired under section 408(m) 3 of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1730a(m)] or section 1823(k) of this title; (VII) held by any insurance company, as defined in section 2(a)(17) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a–2(a)(17)], except as provided in paragraph (6); or (VIII) acquired pursuant to a qualified stock issuance if such purchase is approved by the Board under subsection (q)(1)(D); except that the aggregate amount of shares held under this clause (other than under subclauses (I), (II), (III), (IV), and (VI)) may not exceed 15 percent of all outstanding shares or of the voting power of a savings association or savings and loan holding company; or (iv) to acquire the control of an uninsured institution, or to retain for more than one year after February 14, 1968, or from the date on which such control was acquired, whichever is later, except that the Board may upon application by such company extend such one-year period from year to year, for an additional period not exceeding 3 years, if the Board finds such extension is warranted and is not detrimental to the public interest; and (B) any other company, without the prior written approval of the Board, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries or through one or more transactions, to acquire the control of one or more savings associations, except that such approval shall not be required in connection with the control of a savings association, (i) acquired by devise under the terms of a will creating a trust which is excluded from the definition of “savings and loan holding company” under subsection (a) of this section, (ii) acquired in connection with a reorganization in which a person or group of persons, having had control of a savings association for more than 3 years, vests control of that association in a newly formed holding company subject to the control of the same person or group of persons, or (iii) acquired by a bank holding company that is registered under, and subject to, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.], or any company controlled by such bank holding company. The Board shall approve an acquisition of a savings association under this subparagraph unless the Board finds the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and association involved to be such that the acquisition would be detrimental to the association or the insurance risk of the Deposit Insurance Fund, and shall render a decision within 90 days after submission to the Board of the complete record on the application. Consideration of the managerial resources of a company or savings association under subparagraph (B) shall include consideration of the competence, experience, and integrity of the officers, directors, and principal shareholders of the company or association. (2) Factors to be consideredThe Board shall not approve any acquisition under subparagraph (A)(i) or (A)(ii), or of more than one savings association under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection, any acquisition of stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance, any acquisition under paragraph (4)(A), or any transaction under section 1823(k) of this title, except in accordance with this paragraph. In every case, the Board shall take into consideration the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and association involved, the effect of the acquisition on the association, the insurance risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund, and the convenience and needs of the community to be served, and shall render a decision within 90 days after submission to the Board of the complete record on the application. Consideration of the managerial resources of a company or savings association shall include consideration of the competence, experience, and integrity of the officers, directors, and principal shareholders of the company or association. Before approving any such acquisition, except a transaction under section 1823(k) of this title, the Board shall request from the Attorney General and consider any report rendered within 30 days on the competitive factors involved. The Board shall not approve any proposed acquisition—(A) which would result in a monopoly, or which would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the savings and loan business in any part of the United States, (B) the effect of which in any section of the country 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 it finds that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed acquisition are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the acquisition in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served, (C) if the company fails to provide adequate assurances to the Board that the company will make available to the Board such information on the operations or activities of the company, and any affiliate of the company, as the Board determines to be appropriate to determine and enforce compliance with this chapter, (D) in the case of an application involving a foreign bank, if the foreign bank is not subject to comprehensive supervision or regulation on a consolidated basis by the appropriate authorities in the bank’s home country, or (E) in the case of an application by a savings and loan holding company to acquire an insured depository institution, if—(i) the home State of the insured depository institution is a State other than the home State of the savings and loan holding company; (ii) the applicant (including all insured depository institutions which are affiliates of the applicant) controls, or upon consummation of the transaction would control, more than 10 percent of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States; and (iii) the acquisition does not involve an insured depository institution in default or in danger of default, or with respect to which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides assistance under section 1823 of this title. (3) Interstate acquisitionsNo acquisition shall be approved by the Board under this subsection which will result in the formation by any company, through one or more subsidiaries or through one or more transactions, of a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings associations in more than one State, unless—(A) such company, or a savings association subsidiary of such company, is authorized to acquire control of a savings association subsidiary, or to operate a home or branch office, in the additional State or States pursuant to section 1823(k) of this title; (B) such company controls a savings association subsidiary which operated a home or branch office in the additional State or States as of March 5, 1987; or (C) the statutes of the State in which the savings association to be acquired is located permit a savings association chartered by such State to be acquired by a savings association chartered by the State where the acquiring savings association or savings and loan holding company is located or by a holding company that controls such a State chartered savings association, and such statutes specifically authorize such an acquisition by language to that effect and not merely by implication. (4) Acquisitions by certain individuals(A) In generalNotwithstanding subsection (h)(2), any director or officer of a savings and loan holding company, or any individual who owns, controls, or holds with power to vote (or holds proxies representing) more than 25 percent of the voting shares of such holding company, may acquire control of any savings association not a subsidiary of such savings and loan holding company with the prior written approval of the Board. (B) Treatment of certain holding companiesIf any individual referred to in subparagraph (A) controls more than 1 savings and loan holding company or more than 1 savings association, any savings and loan holding company controlled by such individual shall be subject to the activities limitations contained in subsection (c) to the same extent such limitations apply to multiple savings and loan holding companies, unless all or all but 1 of the savings associations (including any institution deemed to be a savings association under subsection (l) of this section) controlled directly or indirectly by such individual was acquired pursuant to an acquisition described in subclause (I) or (II) of subsection (c)(3)(B)(i). (5) Acquisitions pursuant to certain security interestsThis subsection and subsection (c)(2) of this section do not apply to any savings and loan holding company which acquired the control of a savings association or of a savings and loan holding company pursuant to a pledge or hypothecation to secure a loan, or in connection with the liquidation of a loan, made in the ordinary course of business. It shall be unlawful for any such company to retain such control for more than one year after February 14, 1968, or from the date on which such control was acquired, whichever is later, except that the Board may upon application by such company extend such one-year period from year to year, for an additional period not exceeding 3 years, if the Board finds such extension is warranted and would not be detrimental to the public interest. (6) Shares held by insurance affiliatesShares described in clause (iii)(VII) of paragraph (1)(A) shall not be excluded for purposes of clause (iii) of such paragraph if—(A) all shares held under such clause (iii)(VII) by all insurance company affiliates of such savings association or savings and loan holding company in the aggregate exceed 5 percent of all outstanding shares or of the voting power of the savings association or savings and loan holding company; or (B) such shares are acquired or retained with a view to acquiring, exercising, or transferring control of the savings association or savings and loan holding company. (7) DefinitionsFor purposes of paragraph (2)(E)—(A) the terms “default”, “in danger of default”, and “insured depository institution” have the same meanings as in section 1813 of this title; and (B) the term “home State” means—(i) with respect to a national bank, the State in which the main office of the bank is located; (ii) with respect to a State bank or State savings association, the State by which the savings association is chartered; (iii) with respect to a Federal savings association, the State in which the home office (as defined by the regulations of the Board 44 So in original. Probably should be “Director”. of the Office of Thrift Supervision, or, on and after the transfer date,3 the Comptroller of the Currency) of the Federal savings association is located; and (iv) with respect to a savings and loan holding company, the State in which the amount of total deposits of all insured depository institution subsidiaries of such company was the greatest on the date on which the company became a savings and loan holding company.
(f) Declaration of dividendEvery subsidiary savings association of a savings and loan holding company shall give the Board not less than 30 days’ advance notice of the proposed declaration by its directors of any dividend on its guaranty, permanent, or other nonwithdrawable stock. Such notice period shall commence to run from the date of receipt of such notice by the Board. Any such dividend declared within such period, or without the giving of such notice to the Board, shall be invalid and shall confer no rights or benefits upon the holder of any such stock.
(g) Administration and enforcement(1) In generalThe Board is authorized to issue such regulations and orders, including regulations and orders relating to capital requirements for savings and loan holding companies, as the Board deems necessary or appropriate to enable the Board to administer and carry out the purposes of this section, and to require compliance therewith and prevent evasions thereof. In establishing capital regulations pursuant to this subsection, the appropriate Federal banking agency shall seek to make such requirements countercyclical so that the amount of capital required to be maintained by a company increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with the safety and soundness of the company. (2) InvestigationsThe Board may make such investigations as the Board deems necessary or appropriate to determine whether the provisions of this section, and regulations and orders thereunder, are being and have been complied with by savings and loan holding companies and subsidiaries and affiliates thereof. For the purpose of any investigation under this section, the Board may administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpenas, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memorandums, or other records which may be relevant or material to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in any State. The Board may apply to the United States district court for the judicial district (or the United States court in any territory) in which any witness or company subpenaed resides or carries on business, for enforcement of any subpena issued pursuant to this paragraph, and such courts shall have jurisdiction and power to order and require compliance. (3) Proceedings(A) In any proceeding under subsection (a)(2)(D) or under paragraph (5) of this subsection, the Board may administer oaths and affirmations, take or cause to be taken depositions, and issue subpenas. The Board may make regulations with respect to any such proceedings. The attendance of witnesses and the production of documents provided for in this paragraph may be required from any place in any State or in any territory at any designated place where such proceeding is being conducted. Any party to such proceedings may apply to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, or the United States district court for the judicial district or the United States court in any territory in which such proceeding is being conducted, or where the witness resides or carries on business, for enforcement of any subpena issued pursuant to this paragraph, and such courts shall have jurisdiction and power to order and require compliance therewith. Witnesses subpenaed under this section shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States. (B) Any hearing provided for in subsection (a)(2)(D) or under paragraph (5) of this section 55 So in original. Probably should be “subsection”. shall be held in the Federal judicial district or in the territory in which the principal office of the association or other company is located unless the party afforded the hearing consents to another place, and shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5. (4) InjunctionsWhenever it appears to the Board that any person is engaged or has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of the provisions of this section or of any regulation or order thereunder, the Board may bring an action in the proper United States district court, or the United States court of any territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to enjoin such acts or practices, to enforce compliance with this section or any regulation or order, or to require the divestiture of any acquisition in violation of this section, or for any combination of the foregoing, and such courts shall have jurisdiction of such actions. Upon a proper showing an injunction, decree, restraining order, order of divestiture, or other appropriate order shall be granted without bond. (5) Cease and desist orders(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Board may, whenever the Board has reasonable cause to believe that the continuation by a savings and loan holding company of any activity or of ownership or control of any of its noninsured subsidiaries constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of a savings and loan holding company’s subsidiary savings association and is inconsistent with the sound operation of a savings association or with the purposes of this section or section 1818 of this title, order the savings and loan holding company or any of its subsidiaries, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, to terminate such activities or to terminate (within 120 days or such longer period as the Board directs in unusual circumstances) its ownership or control of any such noninsured subsidiary either by sale or by distribution of the shares of the subsidiary to the shareholders of the savings and loan holding company. Such distribution shall be pro rata with respect to all of the shareholders of the distributing savings and loan holding company, and the holding company shall not make any charge to its shareholders arising out of such a distribution. (B) The Board may in the discretion of the Board apply to the United States district court within the jurisdiction of which the principal office of the company is located, for the enforcement of any effective and outstanding order issued under this section, and such court shall have jurisdiction and power to order and require compliance therewith. Except as provided in subsection (j), no court shall have jurisdiction to affect by injunction or otherwise the issuance or enforcement of any notice or order under this section, or to review, modify, suspend, terminate, or set aside any such notice or order.
(h) Prohibited actsIt shall be unlawful for—(1) any savings and loan holding company or subsidiary thereof, or any director, officer, employee, or person owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote, or holding proxies representing, more than 25 percent of the voting shares, of such holding company or subsidiary, to hold, solicit, or exercise any proxies in respect of any voting rights in a savings association which is a mutual association; (2) any director or officer of a savings and loan holding company, or any individual who owns, controls, or holds with power to vote (or holds proxies representing) more than 25 percent of the voting shares of such holding company, to acquire control of any savings association not a subsidiary of such savings and loan holding company, unless such acquisition is approved by the Board pursuant to subsection (e)(4); or (3) any individual, except with the prior approval of the Board, to serve or act as a director, officer, or trustee of, or become a partner in, any savings and loan holding company after having been convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust.
(i) Penalties(1) Criminal penalty(A) Whoever knowingly violates any provision of this section or being a company, violates any regulation or order issued by the Board under this section, shall be imprisoned not more than 1 year, fined not more than $100,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, or both. (B) Whoever, with the intent to deceive, defraud, or profit significantly, knowingly violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than $1,000,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (2) 66 See Codification note below. Civil money penalty(A) PenaltyAny company which violates, and any person who participates in a violation of, any provision of this section, or any regulation or order issued pursuant thereto, shall forfeit and pay a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day during which such violation continues. (B) AssessmentAny penalty imposed under subparagraph (A) may be assessed and collected by the Board in the manner provided in subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (I) of section 1818(i)(2) of this title for penalties imposed (under such section) and any such assessment shall be subject to the provisions of such section. (C) HearingThe company or other person against whom any civil penalty is assessed under this paragraph shall be afforded a hearing if such company or person submits a request for such hearing within 20 days after the issuance of the notice of assessment. Section 1818(h) of this title shall apply to any proceeding under this paragraph. (D) DisbursementAll penalties collected under authority of this paragraph shall be deposited into the Treasury. (E) “Violate” definedFor purposes of this section, the term “violate” includes any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, participating in, counseling, or aiding or abetting a violation. (F) RegulationsThe Board shall prescribe regulations establishing such procedures as may be necessary to carry out this paragraph. (3) 6 Civil money penalty(A) PenaltyAny company which violates, and any person who participates in a violation of, any provision of this section, or any regulation or order issued pursuant thereto, shall forfeit and pay a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each day during which such violation continues. (B) Assessment; etc.Any penalty imposed under subparagraph (A) may be assessed and collected by the Board in the manner provided in subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (I) of section 1818(i)(2) of this title for penalties imposed (under such section) and any such assessment shall be subject to the provisions of such section. (C) HearingThe company or other person against whom any penalty is assessed under this paragraph shall be afforded an agency hearing if such company or person submits a request for such hearing within 20 days after the issuance of the notice of assessment. Section 1818(h) of this title shall apply to any proceeding under this paragraph. (D) DisbursementAll penalties collected under authority of this paragraph shall be deposited into the Treasury. (E) “Violate” definedFor purposes of this section, the term “violate” includes any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, participating in, counseling, or aiding or abetting a violation. (F) RegulationsThe Board shall prescribe regulations establishing such procedures as may be necessary to carry out this paragraph. (4) Notice under this section after separation from serviceThe resignation, termination of employment or participation, or separation of an institution-affiliated party (within the meaning of section 1813(u) of this title) with respect to a savings and loan holding company or subsidiary thereof (including a separation caused by the deregistration of such a company or such a subsidiary) shall not affect the jurisdiction and authority of the Board to issue any notice and proceed under this section against any such party, if such notice is served before the end of the 6-year period beginning on the date such party ceased to be such a party with respect to such holding company or its subsidiary (whether such date occurs before, on, or after August 9, 1989).
(j) Judicial reviewAny party aggrieved by an order of the Board under this section may obtain a review of such order by filing in the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the principal office of such party is located, or in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, within 30 days after the date of service of such order, a written petition praying that the order of the Board be modified, terminated, or set aside. A copy of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Board, and thereupon the Board shall file in the court the record in the proceeding, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Upon the filing of such petition, such court shall have jurisdiction, which upon the filing of the record shall be exclusive, to affirm, modify, terminate, or set aside, in whole or in part, the order of the Board. Review of such proceedings shall be had as provided in chapter 7 of title 5. The judgment and decree of the court shall be final, except that the same shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court upon certiorari as provided in section 1254 of title 28.
(k) Savings clauseNothing contained in this section, other than any transaction approved under subsection (e)(2) of this section or section 1823 of this title, shall be interpreted or construed as approving any act, action, or conduct which is or has been or may be in violation of existing law, nor shall anything herein contained constitute a defense to any action, suit, or proceeding pending or hereafter instituted on account of any act, action, or conduct in violation of the antitrust laws.
(l) Treatment of FDIC insured State savings banks and cooperative banks as savings associations(1) In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, a savings bank (as defined in section 1813(g) of this title) and a cooperative bank that is an insured bank (as defined in section 1813(h) of this title) upon application shall be deemed to be a savings association for the purpose of this section, if the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that such bank is a qualified thrift lender (as determined under subsection (m)). (2) Failure to maintain qualified thrift lender statusIf any savings bank which is deemed to be a savings association under paragraph (1) subsequently fails to maintain its status as a qualified thrift lender, as determined by the appropriate Federal banking agency, such bank may not thereafter be a qualified thrift lender for a period of 5 years.
(m) Qualified thrift lender test(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraphs (2) and (7), any savings association is a qualified thrift lender if—(A) the savings association qualifies as a domestic building and loan association, as such term is defined in section 7701(a)(19) of title 26; or (B)(i) the savings association’s qualified thrift investments equal or exceed 65 percent of the savings association’s portfolio assets; and (ii) the savings association’s qualified thrift investments continue to equal or exceed 65 percent of the savings association’s portfolio assets on a monthly average basis in 9 out of every 12 months. (2) Exceptions granted by appropriate Federal banking agencyNotwithstanding paragraph (1), the appropriate Federal banking agency may grant such temporary and limited exceptions from the minimum actual thrift investment percentage requirement contained in such paragraph as the appropriate Federal banking agency deems necessary if—(A) the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that extraordinary circumstances exist, such as when the effects of high interest rates reduce mortgage demand to such a degree that an insufficient opportunity exists for a savings association to meet such investment requirements; or (B) the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that—(i) the grant of any such exception will significantly facilitate an acquisition under section 1823(c) or 1823(k) of this title; (ii) the acquired association will comply with the transition requirements of paragraph (7)(B), as if the date of the exemption were the starting date for the transition period described in that paragraph; and (iii) the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that 77 So in original. The words “the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that” probably should not appear. the exemption will not have an undue adverse effect on competing savings associations in the relevant market and will further the purposes of this subsection. (3) Failure to become and remain a qualified thrift lender(A) In generalA savings association that fails to become or remain a qualified thrift lender shall immediately be subject to the restrictions under subparagraph (B). (B) Restrictions applicable to savings associations that are not qualified thrift lenders(i) Restrictions effective immediatelyThe following restrictions shall apply to a savings association beginning on the date on which the savings association should have become or ceases to be a qualified thrift lender:(I) ActivitiesThe savings association shall not make any new investment (including an investment in a subsidiary) or engage, directly or indirectly, in any other new activity unless that investment or activity would be permissible for the savings association if it were a national bank, and is also permissible for the savings association as a savings association. (II) BranchingThe savings association shall not establish any new branch office at any location at which a national bank located in the savings association’s home State may not establish a branch office. For purposes of this subclause, a savings association’s home State is the State in which the savings association’s total deposits were largest on the date on which the savings association should have become or ceased to be a qualified thrift lender. (III) DividendsThe savings association may not pay dividends, except for dividends that—(aa) would be permissible for a national bank; (bb) are necessary to meet obligations of a company that controls such savings association; and (cc) are specifically approved by the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board after a written request submitted to the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board by the savings association not later than 30 days before the date of the proposed payment. (IV) Regulatory authorityA savings association that fails to become or remain a qualified thrift lender shall be deemed to have violated section 1464 of this title and subject to actions authorized by section 1464(d) of this title. (ii) Additional restrictions effective after 3 yearsBeginning 3 years after the date on which a savings association should have become a qualified thrift lender, or the date on which the savings association ceases to be a qualified thrift lender, as applicable, the savings association shall not retain any investment (including an investment in any subsidiary) or engage, directly or indirectly, in any activity, unless that investment or activity—(I) would be permissible for the savings association if it were a national bank; and (II) is permissible for the savings association as a savings association. (C) Holding company regulationAny company that controls a savings association that is subject to any provision of subparagraph (B) shall, within one year after the date on which the savings association should have become or ceases to be a qualified thrift lender, register as and be deemed to be a bank holding company subject to all of the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.], section 1818 of this title, and other statutes applicable to bank holding companies, in the same manner and to the same extent as if the company were a bank holding company and the savings association were a bank, as those terms are defined in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. (D) RequalificationA savings association that should have become or ceases to be a qualified thrift lender shall not be subject to subparagraph (B) or (C) if the savings association becomes a qualified thrift lender by meeting the qualified thrift lender requirement in paragraph (1) on a monthly average basis in 9 out of the preceding 12 months and remains a qualified thrift lender. If the savings association (or any savings association that acquired all or substantially all of its assets from that savings association) at any time thereafter ceases to be a qualified thrift lender, it shall immediately be subject to all provisions of subparagraphs (B) and (C) as if all the periods described in subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (C) had expired. (E) Exemption for specialized savings associations serving certain military personnelSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to a savings association subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company if at least 90 percent of the customers of the savings and loan holding company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are active or former members in the United States military services or the widows, widowers, divorced spouses, or current or former dependents of such members. (F) Exemption for certain Federal savings associationsThis paragraph shall not apply to any Federal savings association in existence as a Federal savings association on August 9, 1989—(i) that was chartered before October 15, 1982, as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under State law; or (ii) that acquired its principal assets from an association that was chartered before October 15, 1982, as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under State law. (G) No circumvention of exit moratoriumSubparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not be construed as permitting any insured depository institution to engage in any conversion transaction prohibited under section 1815(d) 3 of this title. (4) DefinitionsFor purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:(A) Actual thrift investment percentageThe term “actual thrift investment percentage” means the percentage determined by dividing—(i) the amount of a savings association’s qualified thrift investments, by (ii) the amount of the savings association’s portfolio assets. (B) Portfolio assetsThe term “portfolio assets” means, with respect to any savings association, the total assets of the savings association, minus the sum of—(i) goodwill and other intangible assets; (ii) the value of property used by the savings association to conduct its business; and (iii) liquid assets of the type required to be maintained under section 1465 of this title, as in effect on the day before December 27, 2000, in an amount not exceeding the amount equal to 20 percent of the savings association’s total assets. (C) Qualified thrift investments(i) In generalThe term “qualified thrift investments” means, with respect to any savings association, the assets of the savings association that are described in clauses (ii) and (iii). (ii) Assets includible without limitThe following assets are described in this clause for purposes of clause (i):(I) The aggregate amount of loans held by the savings association that were made to purchase, refinance, construct, improve, or repair domestic residential housing or manufactured housing. (II) Home-equity loans. (III) Securities backed by or representing an interest in mortgages on domestic residential housing or manufactured housing. (IV) Existing obligations of deposit insurance agencies.—Direct or indirect obligations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation issued in accordance with the terms of agreements entered into prior to July 1, 1989, for the 10-year period beginning on the date of issuance of such obligations. (V) New obligations of deposit insurance agencies.—Obligations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, the FSLIC Resolution Fund, and the Resolution Trust Corporation issued in accordance with the terms of agreements entered into on or after July 1, 1989, for the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance of such obligations. (VI) Shares of stock issued by any Federal home loan bank. (VII) Loans for educational purposes, loans to small businesses, and loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts. (iii) Assets includible subject to percentage restrictionThe following assets are described in this clause for purposes of clause (i):(I) 50 percent of the dollar amount of the residential mortgage loans originated by such savings association and sold within 90 days of origination. (II) Investments in the capital stock or obligations of, and any other security issued by, any service corporation if such service corporation derives at least 80 percent of its annual gross revenues from activities directly related to purchasing, refinancing, constructing, improving, or repairing domestic residential real estate or manufactured housing. (III) 200 percent of the dollar amount of loans and investments made to acquire, develop, and construct 1- to 4-family residences the purchase price of which is or is guaranteed to be not greater than 60 percent of the median value of comparable newly constructed 1- to 4-family residences within the local community in which such real estate is located, except that not more than 25 percent of the amount included under this subclause may consist of commercial properties related to the development if those properties are directly related to providing services to residents of the development. (IV) 200 percent of the dollar amount of loans for the acquisition or improvement of residential real property, churches, schools, and nursing homes located within, and loans for any other purpose to any small businesses located within any area which has been identified by the appropriate Federal banking agency, in connection with any review or examination of community reinvestment practices, as a geographic area or neighborhood in which the credit needs of the low- and moderate-income residents of such area or neighborhood are not being adequately met. (V) Loans for the purchase or construction of churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, other than those qualifying under clause (IV), and loans for the improvement and upkeep of such properties. (VI) Loans for personal, family, or household purposes (other than loans for personal, family, or household purposes described in clause (ii)(VII)). (VII) Shares of stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association. (iv) Percentage restriction applicable to certain assetsThe aggregate amount of the assets described in clause (iii) which may be taken into account in determining the amount of the qualified thrift investments of any savings association shall not exceed the amount which is equal to 20 percent of a savings association’s portfolio assets. (v) Qualified thrift investmentsThe term “qualified thrift investments” excludes—(I) except for home equity loans, that portion of any loan or investment that is used for any purpose other than those expressly qualifying under any subparagraph of clause (ii) or (iii); or (II) goodwill or any other intangible asset. (D) Credit cardThe appropriate Federal banking agency shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to define the term “credit card”. (E) Small businessThe appropriate Federal banking agency shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to define the term “small business”. (5) Consistent accounting required(A) In determining the amount of a savings association’s portfolio assets, the assets of any subsidiary of the savings association shall be consolidated with the assets of the savings association if—(i) Assets of the subsidiary are consolidated with the assets of the savings association in determining the savings association’s qualified thrift investments; or (ii) Residential mortgage loans originated by the subsidiary are included pursuant to paragraph (4)(C)(iii)(I) in determining the savings association’s qualified thrift investments. (B) In determining the amount of a savings association’s portfolio assets and qualified thrift investments, consistent accounting principles shall be applied. (6) Special rules for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands savings associations(A) Puerto Rico savings associationsWith respect to any savings association headquartered and operating primarily in Puerto Rico—(i) the term “qualified thrift investments” includes, in addition to the items specified in paragraph (4)—(I) the aggregate amount of loans for personal, family, educational, or household purposes made to persons residing or domiciled in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (II) the aggregate amount of loans for the acquisition or improvement of churches, schools, or nursing homes, and of loans to small businesses, located within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (ii) the aggregate amount of loans related to the purchase, acquisition, development and construction of 1- to 4-family residential real estate—(I) which is located within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (II) the value of which (at the time of acquisition or upon completion of the development and construction) is below the median value of newly constructed 1- to 4-family residences in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which may be taken into account in determining the amount of the qualified thrift investments and of such savings association shall be doubled. (B) Virgin Islands savings associationsWith respect to any savings association headquartered and operating primarily in the Virgin Islands—(i) the term “qualified thrift investments” includes, in addition to the items specified in paragraph (4)—(I) the aggregate amount of loans for personal, family, educational, or household purposes made to persons residing or domiciled in the Virgin Islands; and (II) the aggregate amount of loans for the acquisition or improvement of churches, schools, or nursing homes, and of loans to small businesses, located within the Virgin Islands; and (ii) the aggregate amount of loans related to the purchase, acquisition, development and construction of 1- to 4-family residential real estate—(I) which is located within the Virgin Islands; and (II) the value of which (at the time of acquisition or upon completion of the development and construction) is below the median value of newly constructed 1- to 4-family residences in the Virgin Islands, which may be taken into account in determining the amount of the qualified thrift investments and of such savings association shall be doubled. (7) Transitional rule for certain savings associations(A) In generalIf any Federal savings association in existence as a Federal savings association on August 9, 1989—(i) that was chartered as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under State law before October 15, 1982; or (ii) that acquired its principal assets from an association that was chartered before October 15, 1982, as a savings bank or a cooperative bank under State law, meets the requirements of subparagraph (B), such savings association shall be treated as a qualified thrift lender during the period ending on September 30, 1995. (B) Subparagraph (B) requirementsA savings association meets the requirements of this subparagraph if, in the determination of the appropriate Federal banking agency—(i) the actual thrift investment percentage of such association does not, after August 9, 1989, decrease below the actual thrift investment percentage of such association on July 15, 1989; and (ii) the amount by which—(I) the actual thrift investment percentage of such association at the end of each period described in the following table, exceeds (II) the actual thrift investment percentage of such association on July 15, 1989, is equal to or greater than the applicable percentage (as determined under the following table) of the amount by which 70 percent exceeds the actual thrift investment percentage of such association on August 9, 1989: For the following period:The applicable percentage is: July 1, 1991–September 30, 199225 percent October 1, 1992–March 31, 199450 percent April 1, 1994–September 30, 199575 percent Thereafter100 percent (C) Actual thrift investment percentageFor purposes of this paragraph, the actual thrift investment percentage of an association on July 15, 1989, shall be determined by applying the definition of “actual thrift investment percentage” that takes effect on July 1, 1991.
(n) Tying restrictionsA savings and loan holding company and any of its affiliates shall be subject to section 1464(q) of this title and regulations prescribed under such section, in connection with transactions involving the products or services of such company or affiliate and those of an affiliated savings association as if such company or affiliate were a savings association.
(o) Mutual holding companies(1) In generalA savings association operating in mutual form may reorganize so as to become a holding company by—(A) chartering an interim savings association, the stock of which is to be wholly owned, except as otherwise provided in this section, by the mutual association; and (B) transferring the substantial part of its assets and liabilities, including all of its insured liabilities, to the interim savings association. (2) Directors and certain account holders’ approval of plan requiredA reorganization is not authorized under this subsection unless—(A) a plan providing for such reorganization has been approved by a majority of the board of directors of the mutual savings association; and (B) in the case of an association in which holders of accounts and obligors exercise voting rights, such plan has been submitted to and approved by a majority of such individuals at a meeting held at the call of the directors in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the association’s charter and bylaws. (3) Notice to the Board; disapproval period(A) Notice requiredAt least 60 days prior to taking any action described in paragraph (1), a savings association seeking to establish a mutual holding company shall provide written notice to the Board. The notice shall contain such relevant information as the Board shall require by regulation or by specific request in connection with any particular notice. (B) Transaction allowed if not disapprovedUnless the Board within such 60-day notice period disapproves the proposed holding company formation, or extends for another 30 days the period during which such disapproval may be issued, the savings association providing such notice may proceed with the transaction, if the requirements of paragraph (2) have been met. (C) Grounds for disapprovalThe Board may disapprove any proposed holding company formation only if—(i) such disapproval is necessary to prevent unsafe or unsound practices; (ii) the financial or management resources of the savings association involved warrant disapproval; (iii) the savings association fails to furnish the information required under subparagraph (A); or (iv) the savings association fails to comply with the requirement of paragraph (2). (D) Retention of capital assetsIn connection with the transaction described in paragraph (1), a savings association may, subject to the approval of the Board, retain capital assets at the holding company level to the extent that such capital exceeds the association’s capital requirement established by the Board pursuant to subsections (s) and (t) of section 1464 of this title. (4) Ownership(A) In generalPersons having ownership rights in the mutual association pursuant to section 1464(b)(1)(B) of this title or State law shall have the same ownership rights with respect to the mutual holding company. (B) Holders of certain accountsHolders of savings, demand or other accounts of—(i) a savings association chartered as part of a transaction described in paragraph (1); or (ii) a mutual savings association acquired pursuant to paragraph (5)(B), shall have the same ownership rights with respect to the mutual holding company as persons described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. (5) Permitted activitiesA mutual holding company may engage only in the following activities:(A) Investing in the stock of a savings association. (B) Acquiring a mutual association through the merger of such association into a savings association subsidiary of such holding company or an interim savings association subsidiary of such holding company. (C) Subject to paragraph (6), merging with or acquiring another holding company, one of whose subsidiaries is a savings association. (D) Investing in a corporation the capital stock of which is available for purchase by a savings association under Federal law or under the law of any State where the subsidiary savings association or associations have their home offices. (E) Engaging in the activities described in subsection (c)(2) or (c)(9)(A)(ii). (6) Limitations on certain activities of acquired holding companies(A) New activitiesIf a mutual holding company acquires or merges with another holding company under paragraph (5)(C), the holding company acquired or the holding company resulting from such merger or acquisition may only invest in assets and engage in activities which are authorized under paragraph (5). (B) Grace period for divesting prohibited assets or discontinuing prohibited activitiesNot later than 2 years following a merger or acquisition described in paragraph (5)(C), the acquired holding company or the holding company resulting from such merger or acquisition shall—(i) dispose of any asset which is an asset in which a mutual holding company may not invest under paragraph (5); and (ii) cease any activity which is an activity in which a mutual holding company may not engage under paragraph (5). (7) RegulationA mutual holding company shall be chartered by the Board and shall be subject to such regulations as the Board may prescribe. Unless the context otherwise requires, a mutual holding company shall be subject to the other requirements of this section regarding regulation of holding companies. (8) Capital improvement(A) Pledge of stock of savings association subsidiaryThis section shall not prohibit a mutual holding company from pledging all or a portion of the stock of a savings association chartered as part of a transaction described in paragraph (1) to raise capital for such savings association. (B) Issuance of nonvoting sharesThis section shall not prohibit a savings association chartered as part of a transaction described in paragraph (1) from issuing any nonvoting shares or less than 50 percent of the voting shares of such association to any person other than the mutual holding company. (9) Insolvency and liquidation(A) In generalNotwithstanding any provision of law, upon—(i) the default of any savings association—(I) the stock of which is owned by any mutual holding company; and (II) which was chartered in a transaction described in paragraph (1); (ii) the default of a mutual holding company; or (iii) a foreclosure on a pledge by a mutual holding company described in paragraph (8)(A), a trustee shall be appointed receiver of such mutual holding company and such trustee shall have the authority to liquidate the assets of, and satisfy the liabilities of, such mutual holding company pursuant to title 11. (B) Distribution of net proceedsExcept as provided in subparagraph (C), the net proceeds of any liquidation of any mutual holding company pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be transferred to persons who hold ownership interests in such mutual holding company. (C) Recovery by CorporationIf the Corporation incurs a loss as a result of the default of any savings association subsidiary of a mutual holding company which is liquidated pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall succeed to the ownership interests of the depositors of such savings association in the mutual holding company, to the extent of the Corporation’s loss. (10) DefinitionsFor purposes of this subsection—(A) Mutual holding companyThe term “mutual holding company” means a corporation organized as a holding company under this subsection. (B) Mutual associationThe term “mutual association” means a savings association which is operating in mutual form. (C) DefaultThe term “default” means an adjudication or other official determination of a court of competent jurisdiction or other public authority pursuant to which a conservator, receiver, or other legal custodian is appointed. (11) Dividends(A) Declaration of dividends(i) Advance notice requiredEach subsidiary of a mutual holding company that is a savings association shall give the appropriate Federal banking agency and the Board notice not later than 30 days before the date of a proposed declaration by the board of directors of the savings association of any dividend on the guaranty, permanent, or other nonwithdrawable stock of the savings association. (ii) Invalid dividendsAny dividend described in clause (i) that is declared without giving notice to the appropriate Federal banking agency and the Board under clause (i), or that is declared during the 30-day period preceding the date of a proposed declaration for which notice is given to the appropriate Federal banking agency and the Board under clause (i), shall be invalid and shall confer no rights or benefits upon the holder of any such stock. (B) Waiver of dividendsA mutual holding company may waive the right to receive any dividend declared by a subsidiary of the mutual holding company, if—(i) no insider of the mutual holding company, associate of an insider, or tax-qualified or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan of the mutual holding company holds any share of the stock in the class of stock to which the waiver would apply; or (ii) the mutual holding company gives written notice to the Board of the intent of the mutual holding company to waive the right to receive dividends, not later than 30 days before the date of the proposed date of payment of the dividend, and the Board does not object to the waiver. (C) Resolution included in waiver noticeA notice of a waiver under subparagraph (B) shall include a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the mutual holding company, in such form and substance as the Board may determine, together with any supporting materials relied upon by the board of directors of the mutual holding company, concluding that the proposed dividend waiver is consistent with the fiduciary duties of the board of directors to the mutual members of the mutual holding company. (D) Standards for waiver of dividendThe Board may not object to a waiver of dividends under subparagraph (B) if—(i) the waiver would not be detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association; (ii) the board of directors of the mutual holding company expressly determines that a waiver of the dividend by the mutual holding company is consistent with the fiduciary duties of the board of directors to the mutual members of the mutual holding company; and (iii) the mutual holding company has, prior to December 1, 2009—(I) reorganized into a mutual holding company under this subsection; (II) issued minority stock either from its mid-tier stock holding company or its subsidiary stock savings association; and (III) waived dividends it had a right to receive from the subsidiary stock savings association. (E) Valuation(i) In generalThe appropriate Federal banking agency shall consider waived dividends in determining an appropriate exchange ratio in the event of a full conversion to stock form. (ii) ExceptionIn the case of a savings association that has reorganized into a mutual holding company, has issued minority stock from a mid-tier stock holding company or a subsidiary stock savings association of the mutual holding company, and has waived dividends it had a right to receive from a subsidiary savings association before December 1, 2009, the appropriate Federal banking agency shall not consider waived dividends in determining an appropriate exchange ratio in the event of a full conversion to stock form.
(p) Holding company activities constituting serious risk to subsidiary savings association(1) Determination and imposition of restrictionsIf the Board or the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that the continuation by a savings and loan holding company of any activity constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of a savings and loan holding company’s subsidiary savings association, the Board may impose such restrictions as the Board, in consultation with the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association determines to be necessary to address such risk. Such restrictions shall be issued in the form of a directive to the holding company and any of its subsidiaries, limiting—(A) the payment of dividends by the savings association; (B) transactions between the savings association, the holding company, and the subsidiaries or affiliates of either; and (C) any activities of the savings association that might create a serious risk that the liabilities of the holding company and its other affiliates may be imposed on the savings association. Such directive shall be effective as a cease and desist order that has become final. (2) Review of directive(A) Administrative reviewAfter a directive referred to in paragraph (1) is issued, the savings and loan holding company, or any subsidiary of such holding company subject to the directive, may object and present in writing its reasons why the directive should be modified or rescinded. Unless within 10 days after receipt of such response the Board affirms, modifies, or rescinds the directive, such directive shall automatically lapse. (B) Judicial reviewIf the Board affirms or modifies a directive pursuant to subparagraph (A), any affected party may immediately thereafter petition the United States district court for the district in which the savings and loan holding company has its main office or in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to stay, modify, terminate or set aside the directive. Upon a showing of extraordinary cause, the savings and loan holding company, or any subsidiary of such holding company subject to a directive, may petition a United States district court for relief without first pursuing or exhausting the administrative remedies set forth in this paragraph.
(q) Qualified stock issuance by undercapitalized savings associations or holding companies(1) In generalFor purposes of this section, any issue of shares of stock shall be treated as a qualified stock issuance if the following conditions are met:(A) The shares of stock are issued by—(i) an undercapitalized savings association; or (ii) a savings and loan holding company which is not a bank holding company but which controls an undercapitalized savings association if, at the time of issuance, the savings and loan holding company is legally obligated to contribute the net proceeds from the issuance of such stock to the capital of an undercapitalized savings association subsidiary of such holding company. (B) All shares of stock issued consist of previously unissued stock or treasury shares. (C) All shares of stock issued are purchased by a savings and loan holding company that is registered, as of the date of purchase, with the Board in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section. (D) Subject to paragraph (2), the Board approved the purchase of the shares of stock by the acquiring savings and loan holding company. (E) The entire consideration for the stock issued is paid in cash by the acquiring savings and loan holding company. (F) At the time of the stock issuance, each savings association subsidiary of the acquiring savings and loan holding company (other than an association acquired in a transaction pursuant to subsection (c) or (k) of section 1823 of this title or section 408(m) 3 of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1730a(m)]) has capital (after deducting any subordinated debt, intangible assets, and deferred, unamortized gains or losses) of not less than 6½ percent of the total assets of such savings association. (G) Immediately after the stock issuance, the acquiring savings and loan holding company holds not more than 15 percent of the outstanding voting stock of the issuing undercapitalized savings association or savings and loan holding company. (H) Not more than one of the directors of the issuing association or company is an officer, director, employee, or other representative of the acquiring company or any of its affiliates. (I) Transactions between the savings association or savings and loan holding company that issues the shares pursuant to this section and the acquiring company and any of its affiliates shall be subject to the provisions of section 1468 of this title. (2) Approval of acquisitions(A) Additional capital commitments not requiredThe Board shall not disapprove any application for the purchase of stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance on the grounds that the acquiring savings and loan holding company has failed to undertake to make subsequent additional capital contributions to maintain the capital of the undercapitalized savings association at or above the minimum level required by the Board or any other Federal agency having jurisdiction. (B) Other conditionsNotwithstanding subsection (a)(4), the Board may impose such conditions on any approval of an application for the purchase of stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance as the Board determines to be appropriate, including—(i) a requirement that any savings association subsidiary of the acquiring savings and loan holding company limit dividends paid to such holding company for such period of time as the Board may require; and (ii) such other conditions as the Board deems necessary or appropriate to prevent evasions of this section. (C) Application deemed approved if not disapproved within 90 daysAn application for approval of a purchase of stock in connection with a qualified stock issuance shall be deemed to have been approved by the Board if such application has not been disapproved by the Board before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date such application has been deemed sufficient under regulations issued by the Board. (3) No limitation on class of stock issuedThe shares of stock issued in connection with a qualified stock issuance may be shares of any class. (4) “Undercapitalized savings association” definedFor purposes of this subsection, the term “undercapitalized savings association” means any savings association—(A) the assets of which exceed the liabilities of such association; and (B) which does not comply with one or more of the capital standards in effect under section 1464(t) of this title.
(r) Penalty for failure to provide timely and accurate reports(1) First tierAny savings and loan holding company, and any subsidiary of such holding company, which—(A) maintains procedures reasonably adapted to avoid any inadvertent and unintentional error and, as a result of such an error—(i) fails to submit or publish any report or information required under this section or regulations prescribed by the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency, within the period of time specified by the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency; or (ii) submits or publishes any false or misleading report or information; or (B) inadvertently transmits or publishes any report which is minimally late, shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $2,000 for each day during which such failure continues or such false or misleading information is not corrected. Such holding company or subsidiary shall have the burden of proving by a preponderence 88 So in original. Probably should be “preponderance”. of the evidence that an error was inadvertent and unintentional and that a report was inadvertently transmitted or published late. (2) Second tierAny savings and loan holding company, and any subsidiary of such holding company, which—(A) fails to submit or publish any report or information required under this section or under regulations prescribed by the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency, within the period of time specified by the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency; or (B) submits or publishes any false or misleading report or information, in a manner not described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $20,000 for each day during which such failure continues or such false or misleading information is not corrected. (3) Third tierIf any savings and loan holding company or any subsidiary of such a holding company knowingly or with reckless disregard for the accuracy of any information or report described in paragraph (2) submits or publishes any false or misleading report or information, the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency may assess a penalty of not more than $1,000,000 or 1 percent of total assets of such company or subsidiary, whichever is less, per day for each day during which such failure continues or such false or misleading information is not corrected. (4) AssessmentAny penalty imposed under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) shall be assessed and collected by the Board or appropriate Federal banking agency in the manner provided in subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (I) of section 1818(i)(2) of this title (for penalties imposed under such section) and any such assessment (including the determination of the amount of the penalty) shall be subject to the provisions of such subsection. (5) HearingAny savings and loan holding company or any subsidiary of such a holding company against which any penalty is assessed under this subsection shall be afforded a hearing if such savings and loan holding company or such subsidiary, as the case may be, submits a request for such hearing within 20 days after the issuance of the notice of assessment. Section 1818(h) of this title shall apply to any proceeding under this subsection.
(s) Mergers, consolidations, and other acquisitions authorized(1) In generalSubject to sections 1815(d)(3) 3 and 1828(c) of this title and all other applicable laws, any Federal savings association may acquire or be acquired by any insured depository institution. (2) Expedited approval of acquisitions(A) In generalAny application by a savings association to acquire or be acquired by another insured depository institution which is required to be filed with the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association under any applicable law or regulation shall be approved or disapproved in writing by the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date such application is filed with the agency. (B) Extension of periodThe period for approval or disapproval referred to in subparagraph (A) may be extended for an additional 30-day period if the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association determines that—(i) an applicant has not furnished all of the information required to be submitted; or (ii) in the judgment of the appropriate Federal banking agency for the savings association, any material information submitted is substantially inaccurate or incomplete. (3) “Acquire” definedFor purposes of this subsection, the term “acquire” means to acquire, directly or indirectly, ownership or control through a merger or consolidation or an acquisition of assets or assumption of liabilities, provided that following such merger, consolidation, or acquisition, an acquiring insured depository institution may not own the shares of the acquired insured depository institution. (4) Regulations(A) RequiredThe Comptroller shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (1). (B) Effective dateThe regulations required under subparagraph (A) shall—(i) be prescribed in final form before the end of the 90-day period beginning on December 19, 1991; and (ii) take effect before the end of the 120-day period beginning on December 19, 1991. (5) LimitationNo provision of this section shall be construed to authorize a national bank or any subsidiary thereof to engage in any activity not otherwise authorized under the National Bank Act [12 U.S.C. 21 et seq.] or any other law governing the powers of a national bank.
(t) Exemption for bank holding companiesThis section shall not apply to a bank holding company that is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 [12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.], or any company controlled by such bank holding company.
(u) Data standards(1) RequirementThe Board shall adopt data standards for all information that, through a collection of information, is regularly filed with or submitted to the Board by any savings and loan holding company, or subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, other than a depository institution, under this section. (2) ConsistencyThe data standards required under paragraph (1) shall incorporate, and ensure compatibility with (to the extent feasible), all applicable data standards established in the rules promulgated under section 5334 of this title, including, to the extent practicable, by having the characteristics described in clauses (i) through (vi) of subsection (c)(1)(B) of such section 5334.
Source: OLRC USLMURL: https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/95/xml_usc12@119-95.zipFetched: 6/3/2026