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Final Regulation R Exceptions and Exemptions for Banks from the Definition of "Broker"

Consumer Protection
October 25, 2007
Summary: On October 3, 2007, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the attached final rules that implement provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) that except banks from the definition of "broker" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 when they conduct certain securities transactions. Known as "Regulation R," the rules clarify permissible bank brokerage activities that can be conducted under the GLBA exceptions. The Board and the SEC consulted with the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Office of Thrift Supervision in all phases of the rulemaking. Financial Institutions will have until the first day of their first fiscal year that commences after September 30, 2008, to comply with the requirements in Regulation R.

Highlights:
Regulation R includes the following provisions:

  • Third-Party Brokerage (Networking) Arrangements - Rule 700 defines the terms under which a bank employee may receive a nominal, non-contingent, one-time cash fee of a fixed-dollar amount for referring a customer to a broker- dealer. Rule 701 contains an exemption and related definitions that permit a bank employee to receive a higher, contingent fee for referring an institutional or high net-worth customer to a broker-dealer.
  • Trust and Fiduciary Activities - Where a bank effects more than 500 securities transactions per year, the rules require trust operations to meet a "chiefly compensated" test unless related exemptions apply. Rules 721 through 723 define the terms "chiefly compensated" and "relationship compensation," and provide specific exemptions for banks effecting securities transactions in a trustee or fiduciary capacity, e.g., for short-term and transferred accounts.
  • Sweep Activities - Rules 740 and 741 define terms and provide an exemption for banks sweeping funds into certain money market funds.
  • Safekeeping and Custody Activities - Rule 760 provides exemptions for banks that accept orders to effect securities transactions from or for custody accounts. This rule comes into play when banks act in a custodial capacity for employee benefit plan accounts, for individual retirement accounts, and for accommodation trades for other custodial accounts.

Distribution:
FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Suggested Routing:
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Trust Officer
Chief Compliance Officer

Note:
FDIC financial institution letters (FILs) may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2007/index.html .

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html .

Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained via the FDIC's Public Information Center (1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200).



Additional Related Topics:

  • Compliance Examination Procedures and
  • Supervisory Guidance for Retail Investment Sales
FIL-92-2007
Attachment(s)
Definitions of Terms and Exemptions Relating To The "Broker" Exceptions For Banks
Contact(s)
Victoria Pawelski, (202) 898-3571

Last Updated: October 25, 2007