Capital Requirements for Federal Home Loan Banks

Zusammenfassung

The Federal Housing Finance Board (Finance Board) is modifying the capital and related regulations that were adopted on December 20, 2000. Many of the changes were identified in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) relating to unforeseen issues that were not addressed by the final capital rule. In addition to making certain conforming amendments, the Finance Board is clarifying that the Federal Home Loan Banks (Banks) may pay dividends on Class A stock from retained earnings; providing Banks with discretion to prohibit members from transferring Bank stock; defining the phrase "charges against the capital of the Bank;" clarifying the off-balance sheet conversion factors for commitments to make advances and commitments to acquire loans; changing the provision governing the membership termination date for members seeking to voluntarily withdraw from the Bank System; and adding a requirement that a Bank make certain disclosures to its members before its capital plan can be implemented. The Finance Board is also: providing Banks with authority to suspend the redemption of Class A or Class B stock if continued redemption would seriously affect the Bank's capital po