[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24497-24501]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-10480]



[[Page 24497]]

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NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

12 CFR Part 701

RIN 3133-AD71


Short-Term, Small Amount Loans

AGENCY: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: NCUA proposes to amend its general lending rule to enable 
federal credit unions (FCUs) to offer short-term, small amount loans 
(STS loans) as a viable alternative to predatory payday loans. The 
proposed amendment would permit FCUs to charge a higher interest rate 
for an STS loan than is permitted under the general lending rule, but 
the proposal will impose limitations on the permissible term, amount, 
and fees associated with an STS loan. The STS loan alternative will 
assist FCUs in meeting their mission to promote thrift and meet their 
members' credit needs, particularly the provident needs of members of 
modest means. Permitting a higher interest rate for STS loans will 
permit FCUs to make loans cost effective while the limitations on the 
term, amount, and fees will appropriately limit the product to meeting 
its purpose as an alternative to predatory credit products. This rule 
also identifies ``best practices'' FCUs should incorporate into their 
individual STS programs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 6, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods 
(Please send comments by one method only):
    <bullet> NCUA Web Site: http://www.ncua.gov/news/proposed_regs/proposed_regs.html. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> E-mail: Address to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cfbdaaa8aca0a2a2aaa1bbbc8fa1acbaaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="21534446424e4c4c444f5552614f4254400f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>. Include ``[Your 
name] Comments on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Short-term, Small 
Amount Loans)'' in the e-mail subject line.
    <bullet> Fax: (703) 518-6319. Use the subject line described above 
for e-mail.
    <bullet> Mail: Address to Mary Rupp, Secretary of the Board, 
National Credit Union Administration, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, 
Virginia 22314-3428.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mail address.
    Public inspection: All public comments are available on the 
agency's Web site at http://www.ncua.gov/RegulationsOpinionsLaws/comments as submitted, except as may not be possible for technical 
reasons. Public comments will not be edited to remove any identifying 
or contact information. Paper copies of comments may be inspected in 
NCUA's law library, at 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, by 
appointment weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. To make an appointment, 
call (703) 518-6546 or send an e-mail to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e01090d032f27220e202d3b2f60292138"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8a7afaba5898184a8868b9d89c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Justin M. Anderson, Staff Attorney, 
Office of General Counsel, at the above address or telephone (703) 518-
6540.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

A. Background

    NCUA proposes to amend its general lending rule to provide a 
regulatory framework so FCUs can be a viable alternative to high-cost 
payday lenders. The term ``payday loan'' generally refers to a small, 
short-term loan that is intended, specifically, to cover a borrower's 
expenses until his or her next payday, when the loan is to be repaid in 
full. NCUA Instruction 10200, Credit Union Online Instruction Guide, 
page 32 (12/2009). Historically, these loans have often been made by 
lenders who charge high fees and sometimes engage in predatory lending 
practices. While some payday loan borrowers use these loans sparingly, 
many other borrowers find themselves in cycles where their loans ``roll 
over'' repeatedly, incurring even higher fees. These borrowers are 
often unable to break free of this unhealthy dependence on payday 
loans. The NCUA Board (the Board) believes this dependence often 
reflects or exacerbates other financial difficulties payday loan 
borrowers are experiencing. The Board believes that, under the proper 
regulatory framework, FCUs can offer their members a reasonable 
alternative to high-cost payday loans and be a source of fair credit.
    The Board believes this proposed rule would achieve short and long-
term benefits for current payday borrowers. In the short-term, this 
proposed rule would provide borrowers with a responsible alternative to 
high-cost payday loans; in the long-term, the Board believes this rule 
will permit FCUs to offer borrowers a way to break the cycle of 
reliance on payday loans by building credit and converting to 
traditional, main-stream financial products. Unlike payday lenders, 
which rarely report their customers' payment of loans to credit 
bureaus, FCUs will generally be reporting their members' payment 
histories with STS loans to the credit bureaus. Members who 
successfully pay off STS loans at FCUs will likely be able to improve 
their credit scores and qualify for future loans at lower costs.
    NCUA's 5300 Call Report data, for the time period ending December 
31, 2009, indicate that approximately 352 FCUs currently offer various 
types of payday loan alternatives, and approximately 605 FCUs currently 
offer micro loans, which are loans with a principal under $500. The 
products currently being offered by FCUs include a mix of open and 
closed-end loans. With regard to open-end products, the Board notes 
this proposal does not address or alter the applicable regulations 
governing these products and does not prohibit open-end programs that 
are currently permissible. In addition, this proposed rule would not 
prohibit an FCU from continuing or participating in a closed-end payday 
loan program that currently operates successfully and is legal under 
NCUA's regulations and the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation Z (Reg 
Z). 12 CFR part 226.
    As evidenced by the small number of FCUs currently offering payday 
loan alternatives, the Board recognizes the current legal framework 
makes it difficult for FCUs to establish a safe and sound STS loan 
program for closed-end loans that satisfies the legal requirements of 
NCUA's regulations and the Federal Credit Union Act (the Act). For 
example, the Board notes some FCUs have charged high ``application'' 
fees to offset the risk of STS loans and remain under the current 
interest rate ceiling. These high fees, however, may be contrary to 
FCUs providing members with a better alternative to high-cost payday 
loans. Also, application fees that exceed the cost of processing the 
application may be deemed finance charges under Reg Z and result in an 
FCU violating NCUA's interest rate ceiling.

B. Legal Framework

    While the Act permits FCUs to make loans and extend lines of credit 
to members, it prohibits FCUs from charging an annual percentage rate 
(APR), inclusive of all finance charges, above 15%. 12 U.S.C. 
1757(5)(A)(vi). The Act, however, permits the Board, after considering 
certain statutory criteria, to establish a higher interest rate ceiling 
in 18-month cycles. Id. At its July 2009 meeting, the Board reapproved 
an APR ceiling of 18%, effective until January 2011. NCUA Letter to 
Federal Credit Unions 09-FCU-06 (July 2009).
    NCUA's long-standing policy has been to look to the definition of 
``finance charge'' in Reg Z to determine what fees are finance charges. 
The NCUA Board articulated this policy in the preamble

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of a final rulemaking, and the Office of General Counsel has 
subsequently reiterated the policy in numerous legal opinions. 45 FR 
22888, 22890 (April 4, 1980); OGC Op. 91-0412 (April 30, 1991); OGC Op. 
03-1050 (November 10, 2003).
    Reg Z defines ``finance charge'' broadly as including ``any charge 
payable directly or indirectly by the consumer and imposed directly or 
indirectly by the creditor as an incident to or a condition of the 
extension of credit.'' 12 CFR 226.4(a). As a result, most fees charged 
in connection with an extension of credit are considered finance 
charges.
    Reg Z, however, expressly excludes certain charges from the 
definition of finance charge. Relevant to this proposed rule, Reg Z 
excludes ``[a]pplication fees charged to all applicants for credit, 
whether or not credit is actually extended.'' 12 CFR 226.4(a). The 
Official Staff Interpretations to Reg Z further explains:

    An application fee that is excluded from the finance charge is a 
charge to recover the costs associated with processing applications 
for credit. The fee may cover the costs of services such as credit 
reports, credit investigations, and appraisals. The creditor is free 
to impose the fee in only certain of its loan programs, such as 
mortgage loans, However (sic), if the fee is to be excluded from the 
finance charge under Sec.  226.4(c)(1), it must be charged to all 
applicants, not just to applicants who are approved or who actually 
receive credit.

12 CFR part 226, supp. I, section 226.4--Finance Charge, 4(c) Charges 
excluded from the finance charge. Paragraph 4(c)(1).

    To provide more flexibility for STS loans, the Board considered 
changing NCUA's long-standing policy of looking to Reg Z in defining 
finance charge. The Board, however, has determined that a consistent 
interpretation of finance charge, in line with requirements for other 
lenders, will be more easily understood by members and FCUs.\1\ The 
Board, therefore, is proposing to amend NCUA's general lending rule by 
permitting a separate and higher interest rate ceiling for STS loans. 
The Board notes this proposed rule prohibits FCUs making loans using 
the higher interest rate ceiling from charging any fees in excess of a 
capped application fee and restricts the duration and amount of STS 
loans.
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    \1\ The Board notes the Fed has proposed a rule that would 
remove most finance charge exclusions for closed-end credit 
transactions secured by real property or a dwelling. The Fed's 
proposed rule solicited public comment on whether to expand this 
provision to encompass all closed-end transactions. Truth in 
Lending, 74 FR 43232 (August 26, 2009). The comment period closed in 
December of 2009, and, if the Fed amends the definition of finance 
charges for all closed-end transactions, the Board will consider 
revising the requirements of this proposal.
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C. Proposed Changes

1. Interest Rate Ceiling

    Payday lenders often charge APRs in excess of 400%. Without an 
increase in NCUA's allowable APR for STS loans, the Board believes it 
may be almost impossible for some FCUs to provide these types of loans 
to members. The Board believes small FCUs in particular, which often 
have members in need of this type of loan, would not be able to operate 
an STS loan program under NCUA's current interest rate ceiling in a 
cost-effective manner.
    Historically, the Board has had one interest rate ceiling for 
lending, which has ranged between 15% and 21%. The Board does not 
believe it is necessary to raise the interest rate ceiling for all 
credit products. Rather, the Board's authority to establish a higher 
interest rate than set by the Act encompasses authority, once the 
statutory criteria are met, to establish different rates for different 
products. The Board, therefore, proposes to set a higher interest rate 
ceiling only for STS loans made in accordance with the proposed 
requirements of this rule.
    The Board believes an annual percentage rate (APR) of 1000 basis 
points above the established general interest rate ceiling, as set by 
the Board, is sufficient for FCUs to offer STS loans with a reasonable 
return considering they are unsecured and have a high risk of loss. 
Based on the current interest rate ceiling, the maximum APR under this 
proposed rule would be 28%. This figure is lower than the maximum 
permissible interest rate under both the Talent Amendment, Public Law 
109-364, section 670, 120 Stat. 2266 (2006) (codified at 10 U.S.C. 
987), and the FDIC's Small-Dollar Loan Pilot Program Guidelines 
(SDLG).\2\
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    \2\ In 2007, the FDIC implemented a voluntary pilot program to 
assess the viability of banks offering short-term loans. The FDIC's 
SDLG provided for a maximum APR of 36%, inclusive of all fees, and 
issued guidelines for a bank to participate in the program. Federal 
Deposit Insurance Company, Final Guidelines for Affordable Small-
Dollar Loans, PR-52-2007 (2007).
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    In determining an APR ceiling for STS loans, the Board examined 
data collected by the FDIC during the first year of its pilot program 
and determined an APR that averaged the maximum APR and the average APR 
offered by banks under the program was an appropriate figure for 
FCUs.\3\ In addition to accounting for the not-for-profit nature of 
FCUs, a 28% APR also takes into account that the APR under both the 
Talent Amendment \4\ and the FDIC's SDLG is inclusive of all fees, 
while this proposed rule permits a capped application fee in addition 
to the set APR. The APR ceiling in this proposed rule also considers 
the average usury caps and payday loan laws enacted by several 
states.\5\
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    \3\ In the fourth quarter of the FDIC's pilot program, the 
average APR was 20% and the maximum APR was 35.5%. The average of 
these two figures is 27.75%. The FDIC's Small-Dollar Loan Pilot 
Program: A Case Study After One Year, FDIC Quarterly, Volume 3, No. 
2 (2009)
    \4\ The Department of Defense regulations implementing the 
Talent Amendment permit a 36% APR inclusive all fees associated with 
extension of credit to a covered borrower if they are financed, 
deducted from the proceeds of the consumer credit, or otherwise paid 
as a condition of the credit. 72 FR 50592 (August 31, 2007). For 
additional discussion of issues regarding implementation and 
oversight of the regulation see Department of Defense Report to the 
U.S. Senate on Implementation of Limitations on Terms of Consumer 
Credit Extended to Service Members and Dependents (2008) at http://www.dcuc.org/PDF%20Files/Senate%20Report%20Final.pdf.
    \5\ Currently, 14 states have usury caps on small-dollar loan 
products, which have an average rate of 24.2%.
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    The Board realizes that interest income alone may not be sufficient 
to recover losses and the costs of processing an application, and, 
therefore, is proposing FCUs be permitted to charge a capped 
application fee as discussed below. The Board, however, is requesting 
specific comment on the possibility of using a 36% APR inclusive of all 
fees, either as an alternative to or in lieu of the structure in this 
proposed rule. The Board notes that, although this proposed rule allows 
a higher APR ceiling for STS loans than for all other FCU loans, it 
encourages FCUs to charge only an APR that allows an STS loan program 
to operate in a safe and sound manner.\6\
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    \6\ See fn. 3. In the FDIC's pilot program, some participating 
banks were able to offer loans at an APR less than maximum 
permissible APR. Federal Deposit Insurance Company, The FDIC's 
Small-Dollar Loan Pilot Program: A Case Study after One Year, FDIC 
Quarterly Vol. 3, No. 2 (2009). The SDLG is located on the FDIC's 
Web site at www.FDIC.gov/smalldollarloans.
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2. Application Fees

    The Board recognizes that some payday lenders charge fees, 
disguised as ``application'' fees, to account for the risk of loss 
associated with STS loans. Often these fees exceed $50 and are 
sometimes tied to the amount of the loan. As noted above, Reg Z defines 
an application fee as the fee necessary to recoup actual costs incurred 
by the lender in reviewing an application. The Board believes it is 
illegal under the Act and

[[Page 24499]]

Reg Z for FCUs to link fees to the loan amount or charge application 
fees this high.
    The credit worthiness determination in payday lending scenarios is 
often minimal, consisting of a verification of employment, age, and 
residence; sometimes, it is less than that. The Board is proposing to 
restrict FCUs making STS loans to charging an application fee in 
accordance with the definition in Reg Z that is no more than $20. Reg Z 
limits application fees to the recovery of costs associated with 
processing applications for credit that are charged to all consumers 
who apply, regardless if credit is actually extended. 12 CFR 
226.4(c)(1).
    The Board believes that, for FCUs to offer an economically-viable 
product, they must be permitted to recover the costs associated with 
processing an application up to a reasonable amount. The Board 
recognizes STS loans present a higher degree of risk, but it is the 
interest rate, not the application fee, on which FCUs should rely to 
address that risk. The Board believes an application fee should recoup 
the costs associated with processing an application, and FCUs should 
rely on interest income to account for losses and create a sustainable 
product.
    In determining an appropriate maximum application fee, the Board 
considered the limited underwriting associated with STS loans and the 
ability of FCUs to process applications efficiently for this product. 
The Board believes a maximum application fee of $20 would adequately 
permit FCUs to recover their processing costs and provide a responsible 
alternative for members.

3. Maturity and Amount

    This proposed rule would also set a minimum and maximum maturity 
and dollar amount for STS loans. The Board believes it is necessary to 
specifically establish the terms for this type of loan to ensure FCU 
members are able to manage repayment.
    The Act allows the Board to prescribe rules and regulations 
regarding how loans are to be repaid.

    Loans shall be paid or amortized in accordance with rules and 
regulations prescribed by the Board after taking into account the 
needs or conditions of the borrowers, the amounts and duration of 
the loans, the interest of the members and the credit unions, and 
such other factors as the Board deems relevant.

12 U.S.C. 1757(5)(A)(ix).

    In considering the nature of STS loans, the Board proposes to set 
the maturity at a minimum of one month and a maximum of six months. 
Payday loans generally must be repaid within two weeks, regardless of 
loan amount, often causing borrowers to roll the loans over to avoid 
default. The proposed rule prohibits ``roll-overs,'' so FCUs need to 
set a maturity, within this range, based on the amount of the loan and 
the borrower's ability to repay. The Board believes setting a minimum 
and maximum loan term will make STS loans a better alternative to 
payday loans.
    The Board also proposes setting the amount of a qualifying STS loan 
at a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $1,000. The maximum amount is 
slightly lower than the average loan amount in the FDIC's pilot 
program.\7\ However, the Board believes a maximum loan amount of $1,000 
will provide borrowers with lending comparable to payday lenders and 
possibly permit borrowers to pay off current payday loans and 
transition to more responsible FCU products, helping borrowers to break 
the payday cycle. Regarding the $200 minimum loan, the Board believes 
this minimum is reasonable in terms of the maximum $20 permissible 
application fee the rule permits and recognizes there is demand for 
short-term loans in this amount. Available data suggests the average, 
traditional payday loan amount is between $300 and $400.\8\
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    \7\ FDIC cites that 26 banks in the pilot program made 4,338 
loans with a total principal balance of $5.2 million. Dividing the 
total principal balance by the total number of loans equals an 
approximate average loan of $1,198.71. Federal Deposit Insurance 
Company, The FDIC's Small-Dollar Loan Pilot Program: A Case Study 
After One Year, FDIC Quarterly Vol3, no. 2 (2009).
    \8\ Nancy Pierce, Payday Lending: The Credit Union Way, CUNA 
LENDING COUNCIL & NATIONAL CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION/REAL 
SOLUTIONS[reg] (2008), available at http://realsolutions.coop/assets/2008/7/23/NancyPierceCUNALendingCouncilPaydayLendingWhitePaperWithNCUFAndREALSolutions.pdf.
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    This proposed rule would also impose a limit on the number of STS 
loans an FCU may lend to a member at any one time and on the total 
number of these loans an FCU may make to a member in any rolling six-
month period. Specifically, an FCU would only be permitted to make one 
loan at a time to a member and no more than three in any rolling six-
month period. The proposed rule also prohibits FCUs from granting roll-
overs to a borrower. The Board believes these provisions of the rule 
will work to curtail a member's repetitive use and reliance on this 
type of product, which often compounds the member's already unstable 
financial condition. The Board notes that average borrowers use a 
payday product in excess of eight times per year, most of which are 
continuous ``roll-overs'' of an initial loan.\9\ The Board recognizes 
that continuously ``rolling-over'' a loan can subject a borrower to 
additional fees and repayment amounts that are substantially more than 
the initial amount borrowed. The Board believes that this proposed rule 
offers terms that will eliminate the need for a borrower to roll over a 
loan.
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    \9\ Keith Ernst, John Farris & Uriah King, Quantifying the 
Economic Cost of Predatory Payday Lending, Center for Responsible 
Lending (2003), available at http://www.responsiblelending.org/pdfs/CRLpaydaylendingstudy121803.pdf.
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    FCUs should set a loan amount and loan terms based on the 
borrower's ability to repay. The Board notes FCUs are not expected to 
run a credit report on a borrower to determine ability to repay STS 
loans. Rather, an FCU should be able to use a borrower's proof of 
recurring income as the key criterion in developing standards for 
maturity lengths and loan amounts so a borrower can repay the loan 
without roll-overs. As noted above, the intent of this rule is to 
permit FCUs to provide a viable, responsible alternative to high-cost 
payday loans, which will help members break the cycle, improve their 
credit scores and gain or re-gain access to mainstream financial 
products.
    This rule does not address charging fees for late payments or 
defaults in an STS loan program. FCUs can impose late fees that comply 
with NCUA's credit practices rule, 12 CFR Part 706. However, FCUs 
should be careful that late fees do not exacerbate a borrower's 
financial situation. FCUs should be careful in setting maturity terms 
and loan amounts based on a borrower's proof of recurring income so 
that borrowers will be able to pay off the loan without incurring late 
fees.

4. Cap on Loan Volume and Underwriting

    In addition to the requirements relating to making an STS loan, the 
proposed rule would require FCUs to include, in their written lending 
policies, a cap on both the total number and total dollar amount of STS 
loans. The Board is concerned with the inherent higher risk in STS 
loans, which may be heightened by an initially high loan volume. The 
Board believes a high, initial loan volume, coupled with likely higher 
defaults, could stretch resources for collections and expose the FCU to 
unnecessary risks.
    Alternatively, and in order to limit risks on FCUs' balance sheets 
and to ensure that STS loan volume does not overwhelm FCUs' lending and 
collections operations, the Board is considering setting a cap in the 
final

[[Page 24500]]

rule on the dollar amount, percentage and/or number of STS loans that 
FCUs can have outstanding at any given time. The Board seeks comments 
on how such a cap could be structured, for example, as a percentage 
based on assets or other formula, while meeting the overall objectives 
of this proposed rule.
    Finally, the Board is proposing to require FCUs to implement 
appropriate underwriting criteria for STS loans to minimize risk. In 
developing underwriting criteria, an FCU should focus on the member's 
relationship with the FCU and the borrower's ability to repay the loan 
at or before maturity. Based on the member's potential ongoing 
relationship with the FCU and the small-dollar amount of the loan, an 
FCU may only need to review a member's account records and proof of 
recurring income. To verify proof of income, FCUs should require a 
member to produce at least two recent paycheck stubs. Below, the Board 
requests specific comment on requiring borrowers to participate in 
direct deposit or a payroll deduction program as a condition of an 
extension of credit under this rule, which may assist an FCU in 
verifying a member's employment status for underwriting purposes. As 
noted above, however, the Board does not believe it is generally 
necessary for an FCU's underwriting to include a credit report. The 
Board believes an FCU's underwriting criteria should address a member's 
need for quickly available funds but adhere to the principles of 
responsible lending.

5. Guidance and Best Practices

    Although the Board is not proposing specific underwriting 
standards, risk avoidance methods, or program features, FCUs should 
consider the ``best practices,'' discussed below, in developing an STS 
program. The Board believes the proximity of including the ``best 
practices'' in the regulatory text will be helpful to FCUs. These 
practices are not regulatory requirements, but FCUs should consider 
them in developing an STS program. FCUs should also consider guidance 
NCUA issued last year on payday alternatives. NCUA Letter to Federal 
Credit Unions, ``Payday Lending'' 09-FCU-05 (July 2009) (09-FCU-05) 
(available on NCUA's Web site at http://www.ncua.gov/Resources/09-FCU-05.pdf). In addition, the Board has reviewed the FDIC's SDLG and notes 
these guidelines also offer prudent suggestions for an FCU to consider 
in developing an STS loan program.\10\
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    \10\ The FDIC's SDLG highlights many of the features, including 
underwriting, that make payday loans attractive to borrowers. 
Federal Deposit Insurance Company, Final Guidelines for Affordable 
Small-Dollar Loans, PR-52-2007 (2007).
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    Although STS loan programs can be a useful method of serving 
members, there are inherent risks in this type of loan. In developing 
an STS loan program, FCUs should consider the credit, transaction, 
fraud, reputation, and compliance risks. FCUs should also consider the 
risks for members of receiving STS loans and try to minimize them. The 
Board encourages FCUs to use STS loans as a means of serving more 
members and, through financial counseling and other methods, attempt to 
help members move away from STS loans in favor of an FCU's more 
mainstream products and services. See 09-FCU-05. FCUs should also 
consider offering certain additional features such as a savings 
component or electronic loan transactions as part of a successful STS 
program. The Board is also recommending FCUs, at least in the initial 
stages of an STS loan program, consider a length of membership 
requirement of at least three months. The Board recognizes there is a 
higher risk of default among new members as opposed to members with an 
established relationship with an FCU. The Board is seeking comment on 
whether a certain length of membership should be required, or whether 
each FCU should evaluate their own risk tolerance and decide on a 
membership requirement accordingly. Rather than prescribe specific 
membership features that must be included in an STS program, this 
proposed rule would allow an FCU to make this determination based on 
its capabilities and the needs of its members.

D. Request for Comments

    In addition to comments on all aspects of this proposed rule, the 
Board would appreciate specific comments from credit unions currently 
offering viable small amount loan programs. In drafting a final rule, 
the Board is interested in learning from the experience credit unions 
have had in operating a successful program and the specific features 
that have led to a program's success as a sustainable and responsible 
alternative to payday lending. Also, the Board would appreciate 
comments on certain alternative provisions or requirements that agency 
staff considered in drafting the proposed rule.
    The Board is interested in comments on whether the final rule 
should require amortization and prohibit balloon payments on STS loans. 
The Board is concerned that requiring a member to pay back the entire 
amount or a substantial portion of an STS loan in one payment may not 
be feasible for some borrowers and may exacerbate a borrower's weak 
financial situation. The Board is also concerned that STS loans with 
balloon payments may cause additional financial problems for borrowers 
or lead them to return to payday lenders.
    Another alternative on which the Board requests comments is whether 
the final rule should set a 36% APR ceiling inclusive of all fees, 
either in addition to or in lieu of the maximum APR and application fee 
terms in the proposed regulatory text. The Board notes an all-inclusive 
APR would not include fees for unanticipated late payments, defaults, 
delinquencies, or similar occurrences. As noted above, a 36% APR 
ceiling, inclusive of all fees, would track the approaches of the FDIC 
in its pilot program and the Department of Defense regulations. Under 
the proposed rule, it may be difficult for FCUs to offer STS loans to 
military borrowers in accordance with the Department of Defense 
regulations.
    Finally, the Board requests comments on whether the final rule 
should require borrowers to participate in direct deposit or a payroll 
deduction program as a condition of obtaining an STS loan. Direct 
deposit is the electronic deposit of funds into a member's account, 
while a payroll deduction program is an automatic deduction from a 
member's salary before it is deposited in the member's account. Direct 
deposit and payroll deduction are useful tools in managing an FCU's 
exposure. Specifically, both direct deposit and payroll deduction can 
help an FCU verify employment and income levels of a borrower and help 
determine the appropriate loan term and amount. In addition, direct 
deposit helps to ensure there is a recurring source of income, which an 
FCU may be able to use to recoup a defaulted loan. Further, a payroll 
deduction program provides FCUs with an easy way to ensure payment is 
made.

Regulatory Procedures

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires NCUA to prepare an analysis 
to describe any significant economic impact a proposed rule may have on 
a substantial number of small credit unions (those under $10 million in 
assets). This proposed rule increases the interest rate ceiling for STS 
loans and sets out several STS loan program requirements an FCU must 
meet to take advantage of the higher interest rates.

[[Page 24501]]

The proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small credit unions, and, therefore, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis is not required.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule adds a requirement that federal credit unions establish a 
cap on short-term, small-dollar loans in their general written lending 
policies, which federal credit unions are already required to maintain 
and is currently approved under the Paperwork Reduction Act control 
number 3133-0139. NCUA has determined that the requirements of this 
rule are additions to an FCU's customary business records and do not 
increase the paperwork requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 and regulations of the Office of Management and Budget.

Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132 encourages independent regulatory agencies to 
consider the impact of their actions on state and local interests. In 
adherence to fundamental federalism principles, NCUA, an independent 
regulatory agency as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5), voluntarily complies 
with the executive order. The proposed rule would not have substantial 
direct effects on the states, on the connection between the national 
government and the states, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. NCUA has 
determined that this proposed rule does not constitute a policy that 
has federalism implications for purposes of the executive order.

The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999--
Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families

    NCUA has determined that this proposed rule would not affect family 
well-being within the meaning of section 654 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act, 1999, Public Law 105-277, 112 
Stat. 2681 (1998).

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 701

    Credit unions, Federal credit unions.

Mary Rupp,
Secretary of the Board.
    For the reasons discussed above, the National Credit Union 
Administration proposes to amend 12 CFR part 701 as set forth below:

PART 701--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 701 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1755, 1756, 1757, 1759, 1761a, 
1761b, 766, 1767, 1782, 1784, 1787, 1789. Section 701.6 is also 
authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3717. Section 701.31 is also authorized by 
15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 1981 and 3601-3610. Section 701.35 
is also authorized by 42 U.S.C. 4311-4312.

    In section 701.21, add paragraph (c)(7)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  701.21  Loans to members and lines of credit to members.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (7) * * *
    (iii) Short-term, small amount Loans (STS loans). (A) 
Notwithstanding the provisions in Sec.  701.21(c)(7)(ii), a federal 
credit union may charge an interest rate of 1000 basis points above the 
maximum interest rate as established by the Board, provided the federal 
credit union is making a closed-end loan in accordance with the 
following conditions:
    (1) The principal of the loan is not less than $200 or more than 
$1000;
    (2) The loan has a minimum maturity term of one month and a maximum 
maturity term of six months;
    (3) The federal credit union does not make more than three, STS 
loans in any rolling six-month period to any one borrower and makes no 
more than one, short-term, small amount loan at a time to a borrower;
    (4) The federal credit union must not roll-over any STS loan;
    (5) The federal credit union charges an application fee to all 
members applying for a new loan that reflects the actual costs 
associated with processing the application, but in no case may the 
application fee exceed $20; and
    (6) The federal credit union includes, in its written lending 
policies, a limit on the aggregate number of loans and aggregate dollar 
amount of loans made under this section and implements appropriate 
underwriting guidelines to minimize risk; for example, requiring a 
borrower to verify employment by producing at least two recent pay 
stubs.
    (B) STS Loan Program Guidance and Best Practices. In developing a 
successful STS loan program, a federal credit union should consider how 
the program will help benefit a member's financial well-being while 
considering the higher degree of risk associated with this type of 
lending. The guidance and best practices are intended to help federal 
credit unions minimize risk and develop a successful program, but are 
not an exhaustive checklist and do not guarantee a successful program 
with a low degree of risk.
    (1) Program Features. Several features that may increase the 
success of an STS loan program and enhance member benefit include 
adding a savings component, financial education, reporting of members' 
payment of STS loans to credit bureaus, or electronic loan transactions 
as part of an STS program.
    (2) Underwriting. Federal credit unions need to develop minimum 
underwriting standards that account for a member's need for quickly 
available funds, while adhering to principles of responsible lending. 
Underwriting standards should address required documentation for proof 
of employment or income, including at least two recent paycheck stubs. 
FCUs should be able to use a borrower's proof of recurring income as 
the key criterion in developing standards for maturity lengths and loan 
amounts so a borrower can repay the loan without roll-overs. For 
members with established accounts, FCUs should only need to review a 
member's account records and proof of recurring income or employment.
    (3) Risk Avoidance. Federal credit unions need to consider risk 
avoidance strategies, including: Imposing a length of membership 
requirement, requiring members to participate in a payroll deduct 
program or direct deposit, and conducting a thorough evaluation of the 
federal credit unions resources and ability to engage in an STS loan 
program.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2010-10480 Filed 5-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535-01-P


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