Enforcement Actions Flashcards
When can the FDIC initiate a formal or informal enforcement action?
When a bank is found to be in an unsatisfactory condition.
What law or regulation governs FDIC formal enforcement actions?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI)
What is the final supervisory step before initiating a formal enforcement action?
An informal enforcement action.
What is an informal action?
Voluntary commitments made by the Board designed to correct identified deficiencies and ensure compliance with federal and state banking laws and
regulations.
Informal actions are neither publicly disclosed nor legally enforceable.
What are the most common informal actions?
Board resolutions
MOUs
What is a Board Resolution?
Informal commitment from Board, at the request of Regional Management, to take corrective action on deficiencies.
May be drafted by a bank Board as a proactive measure.
What is an MOU
Informal agreement between bank and FDIC drafted by the RO staff to address and correct identified weaknesses.
Used when a Board resolution will not adequately address deficiencies.
What is a formal enforcement action?
Actions taken pursuant to the powers granted to the FDIC’s Board of Directors under Section 8 of the FDI Act. Formal enforcement actions are publicly available records.
What are the formal enforcement actions available?
Termination of insurance Cease & Desist Order Order of Restitution Temporary Cease & Desist Order Removal and Prohibition Order Temporary Suspension Order Suspension Order Civil Money Penalties
What is a Cease & Desist Order?
Order to halt violations and require affirmative action to correct conditions resulting from violations.
If issued against a specific person is termed a PC&D.
What is the name of the formal enforcement action where a bank voluntarily agrees to enter a Cease and Desist order?
Consent Order
Who can receive a Cease and Desist order?
Institution affiliated party (IAP), bank, officer/director.
What is a restitution order?
Requires a bank or IAP to disgorge any unjust enrichment to consumers or take other actions to stop consumer harm.
What is a temporary Cease & Desist order?
Issued in the most severe situations to immediately halt particularly egregious practices pending a formal hearing on permanent Cease and-Desist Orders issued pursuant to Section 8(b).
What is a removal and prohibition order?
Order to remove an IAP for a bank and prohibit specific activities or industries.
ex: director, officer, employee, stockholder, agent
What is a temporary suspension order?
Temp suspension of an IAP pending hearing on an Order of Removal, if the IAPs continued participation poses a immediate threat to the bank or depositors.
What is a suspension order?
Issued to IAPs who are
charged with felonies involving dishonesty or a breach of trust pending the disposition of the criminal charges.
What are Civil Money Penalties?
CMPs are assessed to sanction a bank, IAP, or individual for violation, breach of fiduciary duty/practice. Also to deter future occurrences.
What is considered for CMPs to IAPs?
12 factors that measure the breadth and severity of the problem are considered, including consumer harm, cooperation, and supervisory history. Additionally, the asset size of the institution is taken into account.
What is considered for CMPs to bank’s/individuals?
CMP matrices to determine appropriateness and level of CMPs.
Does a bank have the right to appeal an enforcement action?
Only Informal and determinations regarding the institutions level of compliance with a formal EA.
However, if a determination results in citing an additional EA then the new EA cant be appealed.
Can formal enforcement actions be appealed?
Generally No, it becomes unappealable with the FDIC initiates a formal investigation or provides written notice to the bank of the investigation or referral to the Attorney General or HUD for FL concerns.
In what situations can a formal enforcement action be appealed?
If the FDIC fails to pursue a formal EA within:
120 days of written notice to the bank
120 days of date Attorney General referral is returned
120 days of notice to HUD
However this time can be extended if all parties agree to work toward a mutual solution.
True or false: the appeal process will delay a formal enforcement action?
False, appeal procedures will not impede, affect or delay a formal EA in progress or affect the FDIC’s authority to take an EA.
What is an alternative to Restitution or CMPs?
A supervisory letter as a means of communicating a supervisory concern when circumstances do not warrant a formal action.
What compliance ratings typically result in an EA?
3, 4, or 5. However, EAs can be issued with higher rated banks if the circumstances permit.
When should an informal EA be pursued?
Generally appropriate for 3 rated banks or where formal actions are considered but not pursued (ex: when CMP matrix suggests no CMP).
When should a formal EA be pursued?
Bank with 4 or 5 rating, evidence of unsafe or unsound practices, concern over high volume or severity of violations.
With higher ratings when actions such as CMPs/restitution must be taken based on actionable misconduct.
What is actionable misconduct? (4)
- action that results in violation, cease & desist order.
- participation, counseling, aiding or abetting in a violation
- engagement in unsafe or unsound practice
- breach of fiduciary duty
What is an Institution Affiliated Party? (IAP)
- Director, officer, employee, controlling shareholder for a bank
- anyone required to file change-in-control notice
- shareholder, consultant, joint venture partner, etc. who participates in conduct of the bank
- and contractor who knowingly or recklessly participates in violations
What is the statute of limitations on formal enforcement actions?
5 years
What must be done to modify a formal EA?
Issue a modification order
Under what circumstances my formal EAs be terminated?
- significant improvement to conditions and circumstances at bank
- provisions of formal action have been satisfied
- a new action has ben issued replacing existing action
- Conditions have deteriorated, and new action initiated.
How is a formal EA terminated?
Most expire after 5 years but Cease & Desist, consent orders, and other orders without an expiration date must be issued a termination order.
When would the FDIC be required to refer a matter to the Department of Justice?
Whenever the FDIC has reason to believe a bank has engaged in a pattern or practice of discouraging or denying applicants for credit in violation of ECOA.
When would the FDIC be required to notify HUD of a fair lending matter?
When the FDIC has reason to believe a bank has engaged in conduct that violates both ECOA and the FHA.
True or False: The RO is not required to open a consult with the WO and Legal prior to making referrals or providing notice to the DOJ or HUD
False. A consult is required before notice or referral.
When might a regulatory agency use informal EAs?
To address weak operating practices, deteriorating financial conditions, or actionable misconduct.
When findings or recommendations in an ROE will not, by themselves, attain timely corrective action from management.
True or False: The use of an informal EA prevents the FDIC from subsequently pursuing a formal EA.
False: and MOU or Board Resolution do not prevent the FDIC from issuing a subsequent formal EA.
Can informal enforcement actions be modified?
Yes, if changes occur that warrant a modification the FDIC may suggest a bank modify a BBR or agree to modify an MOU. Modification procedures a similar to procedures to initiate a new action.
Under what conditions can an informal EA be terminated? (5)
- Bank is in significant compliance with the action
- Corrective action is satisfactory and complete
- EA has been partially met, and a new EA has been issued to address outstanding provisions
- Lack of compliance led to issuing a new EA
- Bank merges or closes.
Can the FDIC terminate a BBR?
No, since the FDIC is not a party to BBRs they cannot terminate them. However, if a BBR contains requirements for reporting progress to the RO, the RO may notify the bank that reporting is no longer necessary.
How does the FDIC document Informal EA Terminations?
- letter from RD to Bank Board
- File Memo from RO reviewer stating action was terminated
What is the definition of an unsafe or unsound practice?
Action or Lack of Action that is contrary to accepted standards of prudent bank operation that may result in risk or loss or damage to the bank, shareholders, or the DIF.
What compliance practices are deemed unsafe or unsound?
- Operating without adequate internal controls and adequate audit program
- Failure to provide adequate supervision and direction over bank officers
- Failure to implement an adequate CMS.