PRESS RELEASE
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
May 14, 1997
Media Contact:
Jay Rosenstein (202) 898-7303
Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's
banking system. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing
risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its
operations.
FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically
(go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information
Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-33-97
FDIC PUBLISHES SEMIANNUAL AGENDA OF REGULATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has published its semiannual agenda of
regulations in the Federal Register to inform the public of the Corporation's regulatory
actions and encourage participation in the rulemaking process.
Many of the actions are the result of the FDIC Board's ongoing efforts to reduce the
regulatory burden on banks, simplify rules, improve efficiency, and to comply with the
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994.
Of the 30 final or proposed changes to the FDIC's regulations on the agency's agenda
as of April 25, eight were completed, six were published as proposals, and 14 were
expected to be proposed for public comment. Also included are two "long-term" actions
under consideration that may eventually be issued for public comment. Highlights
follow.
• With the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) fully capitalized, the Board
in December 1996 reduced the assessment rates that SAIF-insured institutions
pay to maintain the fund at its "designated reserve ratio." The same rule
simultaneously widened the spread between the lowest and highest rates to
improve the effectiveness of the FDIC's risk-based premium system.
• In an effort to promote public understanding of deposit insurance, the Board in
May 1996 asked for public comment on steps it could take to simplify and clarify
the rules for bankers and consumers. (On April 29, 1997, just days after the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
May 14, 1997
Media Contact:
Jay Rosenstein (202) 898-7303
Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's
banking system. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing
risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its
operations.
FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically
(go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information
Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-33-97
FDIC PUBLISHES SEMIANNUAL AGENDA OF REGULATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has published its semiannual agenda of
regulations in the Federal Register to inform the public of the Corporation's regulatory
actions and encourage participation in the rulemaking process.
Many of the actions are the result of the FDIC Board's ongoing efforts to reduce the
regulatory burden on banks, simplify rules, improve efficiency, and to comply with the
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994.
Of the 30 final or proposed changes to the FDIC's regulations on the agency's agenda
as of April 25, eight were completed, six were published as proposals, and 14 were
expected to be proposed for public comment. Also included are two "long-term" actions
under consideration that may eventually be issued for public comment. Highlights
follow.
• With the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) fully capitalized, the Board
in December 1996 reduced the assessment rates that SAIF-insured institutions
pay to maintain the fund at its "designated reserve ratio." The same rule
simultaneously widened the spread between the lowest and highest rates to
improve the effectiveness of the FDIC's risk-based premium system.
• In an effort to promote public understanding of deposit insurance, the Board in
May 1996 asked for public comment on steps it could take to simplify and clarify
the rules for bankers and consumers. (On April 29, 1997, just days after the
FDIC's Semiannual Regulatory Agenda was published, the FDIC did propose
specific changes to the insurance rules.)
• The FDIC Board in February 1997 agreed to work with the other federal
regulators to resolve differences in the minimum leverage capital standard and in
the risk-based capital treatment of certain assets.
• FDIC staff plan to ask the Board to finalize an August 1996 proposal to
streamline the approval process for insured state banks wishing to engage in
activities not permitted for national banks, such as real estate investment
ventures or activities involving insurance products and annuity contracts.
• The Board also may take final action soon on a proposal issued for public
comment in September 1996 that would reduce the burden associated with the
agency's fair housing rules regarding advertising, poster and recordkeeping
requirements.
• The Board is expected soon to propose a more formal certification program for
minority-and women-owned companies wishing to do business with the FDIC.
Attached is a copy of the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda that appeared in the April 25,
1997, Federal Register, which contains all 30 final or proposed rule changes.
Last Updated 07/14/1999
specific changes to the insurance rules.)
• The FDIC Board in February 1997 agreed to work with the other federal
regulators to resolve differences in the minimum leverage capital standard and in
the risk-based capital treatment of certain assets.
• FDIC staff plan to ask the Board to finalize an August 1996 proposal to
streamline the approval process for insured state banks wishing to engage in
activities not permitted for national banks, such as real estate investment
ventures or activities involving insurance products and annuity contracts.
• The Board also may take final action soon on a proposal issued for public
comment in September 1996 that would reduce the burden associated with the
agency's fair housing rules regarding advertising, poster and recordkeeping
requirements.
• The Board is expected soon to propose a more formal certification program for
minority-and women-owned companies wishing to do business with the FDIC.
Attached is a copy of the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda that appeared in the April 25,
1997, Federal Register, which contains all 30 final or proposed rule changes.
Last Updated 07/14/1999