On-Balance Sheet Netting Proposal

The Basle Committee on Banking Supervision has issued the attached proposal that establishes principles for the capital treatment of on-balance sheet netting transactions. The proposal differs from current U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). However, institutions should continue to follow the GAAP standards for regulatory reporting until notified otherwise.

The proposal allows on-balance sheet netting if these four conditions are met:

• The reporting bank has a well-founded legal basis for determining that the netting or offsetting and agreement are enforceable in each relevant jurisdiction.
• The maturity of the deposit is at least as long as the corresponding loan.
• The positions are denominated in the same currency.
• The reporting bank monitors and controls the exposures on a net basis.

The Basle Committee is seeking comments on the proposal, particularly as it relates to the overall scope of netting transactions and netting across currencies. Comments are due by June 30, 1998, and may be submitted directly to the Basle Committee at facsimile number 011 41 61 280 9100.

Attachment: Basle Committee on Banking Supervision - Consultative paper on on-balance-sheet netting

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, N.W., Room 100, Washington, D.C. 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).