Post by bot on Dec 11, 2013 19:21:32 GMT -8
Agencies Issue Final Rules Implementing the Volcker Rule
Five federal agencies on Tuesday issued final rules developed jointly to implement section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Volcker Rule”).
The final rules prohibit insured depository institutions and companies affiliated with insured depository institutions (“banking entities”) from engaging in short-term proprietary trading of certain securities, derivatives, commodity futures and options on these instruments, for their own account. The final rules also impose limits on banking entities’ investments in, and other relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds.
Like the Dodd-Frank Act, the final rules provide exemptions for certain activities, including market making, underwriting, hedging, trading in government obligations, insurance company activities, and organizing and offering hedge funds or private equity funds. The final rules also clarify that certain activities are not prohibited, including acting as agent, broker, or custodian.
The compliance requirements under the final rules vary based on the size of the banking entity and the scope of activities conducted. Banking entities with significant trading operations will be required to establish a detailed compliance program and their CEOs will be required to attest that the program is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the final rule. Independent testing and analysis of an institution’s compliance program will also be required. The final rules reduce the burden on smaller, less-complex institutions by limiting their compliance and reporting requirements. Additionally, a banking entity that does not engage in covered trading activities will not need to establish a compliance program.
The Federal Reserve Board announced on Tuesday that banking organizations covered by section 619 will be required to fully conform their activities and investments by July 21, 2015.
Media Contacts
Federal Reserve Board
Barbara Hagenbaugh
202-452-2955
CFTC
Steve Adamske
202-418-5080
FDIC
Andrew Gray
202-898-7192
OCC
Robert M. Garsson
202-649-6870
SEC
Judy Burns
202-551-6050
Related Links
•Final Rule – Preamble (PDF)
occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2013/nr-ia-2013-186a.pdf
•Final Rule (PDF)
occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2013/nr-ia-2013-186b.pdf
•Statement by Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry (PDF)
occ.gov/news-issuances/speeches/2013/pub-speech-2013-186.pdf
•Fact Sheet (PDF)
occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2013/nr-ia-2013-186d.pdf
•Volcker Rule Community Bank Summary (PDF)
occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2013/nr-ia-2013-186e.pdf