Supervisory Practices Regarding Depository
Institutions and Borrowers in Areas Affected by
Severe Storms and Flooding in Ohio and Wisconsin
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recognizes the serious impact of the
storms and flooding in Ohio and Wisconsin on the operations of financial institutions, and
will provide regulatory assistance to institutions subject to its supervision. These
initiatives
are being taken to provide regulatory relief and facilitate recovery. The FDIC encourages
depository institutions in the disaster areas to meet the financial service needs of their
communities.
Lending. Bankers should work constructively with borrowers in communities
affected by
the storms and flooding. The FDIC realizes that the effects on local businesses and
individuals are often transitory, and that prudent efforts to adjust or alter terms on
existing
loans in areas affected by the storms and floods should not be subject to examiner
criticism.
In supervising institutions affected by the disaster, the FDIC will take into consideration
the
unusual circumstances the institutions face. The agency recognizes that efforts to work with
borrowers in communities under stress can be consistent with safe and sound banking
practices as well as in the public interest.
Investments. Bankers should monitor municipal securities and loans extended
in areas
affected by the disaster. The FDIC realizes that local government projects may be negatively
affected. Appropriate monitoring and prudent efforts to stabilize such investments are
encouraged.
Reporting Requirements. FDIC-supervised institutions operating in the
declared disaster
areas should notify the FDIC Chicago Regional Office if they expect a delay in filing their
Reports of Income and Condition (Call Reports) or other reports. The FDIC will take into
consideration any causes beyond the control of a reporting institution in determining an
acceptable filing delay.
Publishing Requirements. The FDIC understands that the damage caused by the
recent
disaster may affect compliance with publishing and other requirements for branch closings,
relocations and temporary facilities under various laws and regulations. Banks that have
disaster-related difficulties in complying with any publishing or other requirements should
contact the FDIC Chicago Regional Office.
Consumer Laws. Regarding consumer loans, Regulation Z provides consumers an
option to
waive or modify the three-day rescission period when a "bona fide personal financial
emergency" exists. To exercise this option, the consumer must provide the lender with a
statement describing the emergency in accordance with the regulation.