Regulatory Relief for Credit Unions Act of 2013

To improve the regulation of credit unions and depository institutions and to provide regulatory relief, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Regulatory Relief for Credit Unions Act of 2013 2. Enhancing the authority of the National Credit Union Administration (a) Review of Bureau regulations (1) In general Section 120 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1766) is amended by adding at the end the following: (k) Review of Bureau regulations If the Board determines that a regulation issued by the Bureau would create an undue hardship when applied to credit unions, the Board may— (1) delay the application of the regulation to credit unions until such time as the Board determines such application would not create an undue hardship; and (2) modify such regulation, as applied to credit unions, so long as the Board determines that such modification still meets the Bureau’s objective in issuing the regulation. . (2) Bureau defined Section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1752 (10) The term Bureau . (b) Use of State regulations by Federal credit unions Section 120 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1766 (l) Use of State regulations (1) Application With respect to a State law applicable to a State credit union, a Federal credit union may apply to the Board for permission to comply with such regulation in lieu of the applicable Federal regulation (if any), for purposes of the credit union’s branches located in such State. Such permission shall only apply to the State for which the permission is given, and the Federal credit union may not comply with such regulation in any other State in lieu of the applicable Federal regulation. (2) Determination The Board may approve an application received under paragraph (1) if the Board determines that having the Federal credit union’s branches in such State comply with the particular State law would— (A) improve the credit unions’s ability to serve members and lend in that particular State; and (B) not endanger the safety and soundness of the credit union. (3) Exception Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a Federal credit union may not apply to the Board for permission to comply with any provision of a State law if such law would conflict with the requirements of section 107A. . 3. Improved capital standards and leverage ratios for credit unions (a) In general Section 216 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1790d (1) by redesignating subsection (o) as subsection (p); (2) by inserting after subsection (n) the following: (o) Revised capital standards (1) Two-tier system The Board shall implement a two-tier system of net worth ratios for credit unions, consisting of a risk-based net worth ratio and a net worth capital ratio. Net worth categories in this section shall take into account the simplicity or complexity of credit unions in terms of risk profile. (2) Use of leverage ratios The Board shall establish standards under this section with respect to leverage ratios of a credit union to the same extent as are provided for net worth ratios of a credit union. Such standards shall take into account the unique nature of credit unions and, to the extent practicable, be comparable to, but not necessarily identical to, the leverage ratio standards under section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. ; and (3) in subsection (p), as so redesignated, by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Net worth The term net worth (A) with respect to any insured credit union, means the retained earnings balance of the credit union, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, together with— (i) any amounts that were previously retained earnings of any other credit union with which the credit union has combined; and (ii) components of equity under generally accepted accounting principles not included in retained earnings, as determined by the Board; (B) with respect to any insured credit union, includes, at the Board’s discretion and subject to rules and regulations established by the Board, assistance provided under section 208 of this title to facilitate a least-cost resolution consistent with the best interests of the credit union system; and (C) with respect to a low income credit union, includes secondary capital accounts, subject to limitations set by the Board to address the safe and sound use of secondary capital to carry out the purpose of this section, that are— (i) uninsured; and (ii) subordinate to all other claims against the credit union, including the claims of creditors, shareholders, and the Fund. . (b) Amendments to net worth categories (1) Section 216(c)(1) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended as follows: (A) Well capitalized In subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) it has a risk-based net worth ratio of not less than 10 percent; or (ii) is considered to be well capitalized by any other standard, as determined by the Board. . (B) Adequately capitalized In subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) it has a risk-based net worth ratio of not less than 8 percent; or (ii) is considered to be adequately capitalized by any other standard, as determined by the Board. . (C) Undercapitalized In subparagraph (C), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) it has a risk-based net worth ratio of not less than 6 percent; or (ii) is considered to be undercapitalized by any other standard, as determined by the Board. . (D) Significantly undercapitalized Subparagraph (D) is amended to read as follows: (D) Significantly undercapitalized An insured credit union is significantly undercapitalized (i) it has a net worth ratio of less than 3.25 percent; (ii) it has a net worth ratio of less than 4.25 percent, and either— (I) fails to submit an acceptable net worth restoration plan within the time allowed under subsection (f); or (II) materially fails to implement a net worth restoration plan approved by the Board; or (iii) it has a risk-based net worth ratio of less than 6 percent. . (2) Relevant Capital Measures Section 216(c)(2) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended— (A) by striking , for purposes of section 38(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, (B) by striking (as those terms are used in section 38), (C) by inserting or relevant capital measures as defined by the Board leverage limit (3) Adjustment of levels Section 216(c)(2)(A) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended— (A) by striking Federal banking agencies increase or decrease Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation increases or decreases (B) by striking level for levels for (4) Adjusting net worth levels Section 216(c)(2)(A) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended by striking not more than the difference between the required minimum level most recently established by the Federal banking agencies and 4 percent of total assets (with respect to institutions regulated by those agencies) the increase or decrease made by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (5) Consultation With Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Section 216(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended by striking Federal banking agencies Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (c) Amendments relating to risk-Based net worth requirements Section 216(d) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking that are complex, as defined by the Board (B) by inserting , as defined by the Board (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Standard The Board shall design the risk-based net worth requirement to take account of any material risks, as defined by the Board, applicable to insured credit unions that are taken account of by comparable standards applicable to institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. ; and (3) in the heading for such subsection, by striking for Complex Credit Unions (d) Treatment based on other criteria Section 216(h)(1) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended to read as follows: (1) the Board may not reclassify an insured credit union into a lower net worth category due solely to interest rate risk, or treat an insured credit union as if it were in a lower net worth category, for reasons not pertaining to the safety and soundness of that credit union; and . (e) Definitions relating to net worth (1) Net worth ratio Section 216(p) of the Federal Credit Union Act, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended in paragraph (3)— (A) by inserting minus its deposit in the Fund, net worth of credit union (B) by inserting minus its deposit in the Fund total assets of the credit union (2) Risk-based net worth ratio Section 216(p) of the Federal Credit Union Act, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: (5) Risk-based net worth ratio The term risk-based net worth ratio (A) the ratio of the net worth of the credit union, plus any loan loss reserves (subject to limitations established by the Board), and minus the credit union’s deposit in the Fund, to (B) the risk assets of the credit union, as defined by the Board. . (3) Amendments relating to net worth restoration plans (A) Temporary waiver of net worth restoration plan requirement in response to disasters Subsection 216(f)(1) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended by striking Each insured credit union Except as determined by the Board in the case of a credit union that becomes or remains no less than undercapitalized due to the impact of a major natural or man-made disaster, each insured credit union (B) Net worth restoration requirement for credit unions that are not well capitalized Section 216(e) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended to read as follows: (e) Net worth restoration plan requirement applicable to credit unions that are not well capitalized The Board may require an insured credit union that is not well capitalized to submit a net worth restoration plan, as required under subsection (f), if— (1) material safety and soundness concerns caused the credit union to become less than well capitalized; and (2) the safety and soundness concerns remain unresolved. . (C) Board action may include order to credit union Section 216(i)(1)(B) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended— (i) by inserting order the credit union to take such other action (ii) by inserting , in the discretion of the Board, as the Board (D) Substitution of 90 calendar days Section 216(i)(3)(A) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended— (i) by striking calendar quarter 90 calendar days (ii) by inserting first the date on which the credit union (E) Clarification of coordination requirement Section 216(l)(3)(A)(ii) of the Federal Credit Union Act is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: , if the Board determines that such action by the official will carry out the purpose of this section (f) Study on reform of prompt corrective action (1) Study The National Credit Union Administration Board shall carry out a study of problems associated with the current prompt corrective action regime. In carrying out such study, the Board shall consult with qualified industry and National Credit Union Administration representatives. (2) Report Not later than the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Board shall issue a report to the Congress containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph (1), including any specific legislative recommendations recommended by the Board. 4. Review of credit union regulations (a) Cost-Benefit Analysis (1) National Credit Union Administration Section 120 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1766 (m) Cost-Benefit Analyses (1) Pre-issuance Each regulation issued by the Board shall include a thorough cost-benefit analysis that details the estimated cost to a credit union of complying with such regulation compared to the measurable benefit the regulation may have. Any information provided to the Board from credit unions for purposes of the Board’s analysis shall be on a voluntary basis. (2) 3-year review At the end of the 3-year period following the date on which the Board issues a final regulation, the Board shall— (A) carry out a review of the actual cost to a credit union of complying with the regulation; and (B) issue a report to the Congress containing the results of such review. (3) Rule revision If, in carrying out a review under paragraph (2), the Board determines that the actual cost of complying with a regulation is more than 20 percent higher than the Board initially estimated, the Board shall revise the rule. . (2) Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Section 1022 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 ( 12 U.S.C. 5512 (e) Regulations applicable to credit unions (1) Cost-benefit analyses (A) Pre-issuance Each regulation issued by the Bureau shall, to the extent the rule applies to a credit union, include a thorough cost-benefit analysis that details the estimated cost to a credit union of complying with such regulation compared to the measurable benefit the regulation may have. Any information provided to the Bureau from credit unions for purposes of its analysis shall be on a voluntary basis. (B) 3-year review At the end of the 3-year period following the date on which the Bureau issues a final regulation that applies to a credit union, the Bureau shall— (i) carry out a review of the actual cost to a credit union of complying with the regulation; and (ii) issue a report to the Congress containing the results of such review. (C) Rule revision If, in carrying out a review under subparagraph (B), the Bureau determines that the actual cost of complying with a regulation is more than 20 percent higher than the Bureau initially estimated, the Bureau shall revise the rule. (2) Additional considerations In proposing any regulation that applies to credit unions, the Bureau shall— (A) consider the impact of such regulation on— (i) all federally insured credit unions; and (ii) consumers in rural areas; and (B) consult with the National Credit Union Administration and other appropriate Federal agencies, both prior to proposing such regulation and during the comment process for such regulation, regarding consistency with prudential, market, and systemic objectives of such Administration and other agencies. (3) Objections (A) In general If, during the consultation process described in paragraph (2)(B), the National Credit Union Administration or another agency provides the Bureau with a written objection to the proposed regulation, or a portion thereof, the Bureau shall include with the final regulation a description of the objection and the basis for the Bureau’s decision, if any, regarding such objection. (B) Construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as altering or limiting the procedures under section 1023 that may apply to any regulation prescribed by the Bureau. . 5. Modernizing the Central Liquidity Facility (a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall, in consultation with the National Credit Union Administration, carry out a study of the Central Liquidity Facility that examines the need for any improvements or modernizing needed of such Facility. (b) Report Not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall issue a report to the Congress containing all of the findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a), including any legislative recommendations the Comptroller General may have for modernizing the Central Liquidity Facility. 6. Modernizing credit union investment options (a) Investments in securities by Federal credit unions Section 107 of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1757 (1) by striking A Federal credit union (a) In general A Federal credit union ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Investment for the credit union’s own account (1) In general A Federal credit union may purchase and hold for its own account such investment securities of investment grade as the Board may authorize by regulation, subject to such limitations and restrictions as the Board may prescribe. (2) Percentage limitations (A) Single person The total amount of investment securities of any single person held by a Federal credit union for the credit union’s own account may not exceed 10 percent of the net worth of the credit union. (B) Aggregate investments The aggregate amount of investment securities held by a Federal credit union for the credit union’s own account may not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the credit union. (3) Definitions For purposes of this subsection: (A) Investment grade The term investment grade (B) Investment security (i) In general The term investment security (ii) Further definition by board The Board may further define the term investment security (4) Clarification of prohibition on stock ownership No provision of this subsection shall be construed as authorizing a Federal credit union to purchase shares of stock of any corporation for the credit union’s own account, except as otherwise permitted by law. . (b) Mortgage servicing rights Section 107(a) of the Federal Credit Union Act, as amended by this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (18) Federal credit unions may purchase mortgage servicing rights as an investment, including purchases of mortgage servicing rights from other credit unions subject to limits established by the Board. . 7. National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund parity with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Section 207(k)(1) of the Federal Credit Union Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1787(k)(1) (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by inserting after deposits in the name of the member or held in the member’s account on behalf of another person (B) by striking the member the person (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking or in joint tenancy. in joint tenancy, or where a member holds funds for the use of a nonmember. Coverage for an account established by a member shall be consistent with that of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, regardless of the membership status of the owner of the funds that are deposited in an account established by a member. 8. Enhancing the authority of the appropriate Federal banking agencies (a) In general The Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5481 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1023 the following: 1023A. Review of Bureau regulations on depository institutions If the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that a regulation issued by the Bureau would create an undue hardship when applied to a class of depository institutions regulated by such agency, the agency may— (1) delay the application of the regulation to the class of depository institutions until such time as the agency determines such application would not create an undue hardship; and (2) modify such regulation, as applied to the class of depository institutions, so long as the agency determines that such modification still meets the Bureau’s objective in issuing the regulation. . (b) Technical amendment The table of contents for the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1023 the following new item: 1023A. Review of Bureau regulations on depository institutions. . 9. Review of depository institution regulations (a) Cost-Benefit Analysis (1) Pre-issuance Each regulation issued by an appropriate Federal banking agency shall include a thorough cost-benefit analysis that details the estimated cost to a depository institution of complying with such regulation compared to the measurable benefit the regulation may have. Any information provided to an agency from a depository institution for purposes of the agency’s analysis shall be on a voluntary basis. (2) 3-year review At the end of the 3-year period following the date on which the agency issues a final regulation, the agency shall— (A) carry out a review of the actual cost to a depository institution of complying with the regulation; and (B) issue a report to the Congress containing the results of such review. (3) Rule revision If, in carrying out a review under paragraph (2), the agency determines that the actual cost of complying with a regulation is more than 20 percent higher than the agency initially estimated, the agency shall revise the rule. (4) Definitions For purposes of this subsection, the terms appropriate Federal banking agency depository institution 12 U.S.C. 1813 (b) Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Section 1022 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 ( 12 U.S.C. 5512 (f) Regulations applicable to depository institutions (1) Cost-benefit analyses (A) Pre-issuance Each regulation issued by the Bureau shall, to the extent the rule applies to a depository institution, include a thorough cost-benefit analysis that details the estimated cost to a depository institution of complying with such regulation compared to the measurable benefit the regulation may have. Any information provided to the Bureau from depository institutions for purposes of its analysis shall be on a voluntary basis. (B) 3-year review At the end of the 3-year period following the date on which the Bureau issues a final regulation that applies to a credit union, the Bureau shall— (i) carry out a review of the actual cost to a depository institution of complying with the regulation; and (ii) issue a report to the Congress containing the results of such review. (C) Rule revision If, in carrying out a review under subparagraph (B), the Bureau determines that the actual cost of complying with a regulation is more than 20 percent higher than the Bureau initially estimated, the Bureau shall revise the rule. (2) Additional considerations In proposing any regulation that applies to depository institutions, the Bureau shall— (A) consider the impact of such regulation on— (i) community-based depository institutions; and (ii) consumers in rural areas; and (B) consult with the appropriate Federal banking agencies, both prior to proposing such regulation and during the comment process for such regulation, regarding consistency with prudential, market, and systemic objectives of such agencies. (3) Objections (A) In general If, during the consultation process described in paragraph (2)(B), an agency provides the Bureau with a written objection to the proposed regulation, or a portion thereof, the Bureau shall include with the final regulation a description of the objection and the basis for the Bureau’s decision, if any, regarding such objection. (B) Construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as altering or limiting the procedures under section 1023 that may apply to any regulation prescribed by the Bureau. .

Summary: Regulatory Relief for Credit Unions Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to authorize the National Credit Union Administration Board (NCUAB), if it determines that a regulation issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would create an undue hardship when applied to credit unions, to: (1) delay the regulation's application to credit unions until the NCUAB determines that it would not create an undue hardship; and (2) modify the regulation as it applies to credit unions, so long as the modification meets CFPB's objective in issuing the regulation. Authorizes a federal credit union to apply for NCUAB permission to comply with a state law applicable to a state credit union in lieu of applicable federal regulation (if any), for purposes of the credit union's branches located in that state. Limits such permission only to the state for which permission is given. Prohibits a federal credit union from complying with the regulation in any other state in lieu of the applicable federal regulation. Prohibits a federal credit union, however, from applying for permission to comply with state law if it would conflict with federal limitations on member business loans. Requires the NCUAB to: (1) implement a two-tier system of net worth ratios for credit unions, consisting of a risk-based net worth ratio and a net worth capital ratio; and (2) establish standards for leverage ratios to the same extent as are provided for net worth ratios. Redefines net worth to include components of equity under generally accepted accounting principles not included in retained earnings. Increases the net worth ratios for well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, and significantly undercapitalized credit unions. Directs the NCUAB to design the risk-based net worth requirement to account for material risks applicable to insured credit unions that are taken account of by comparable standards applicable to institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Prohibits the NCUAB from reclassifying an insured credit union into a lower net worth category due solely to interest rate risk, or treat an insured credit union as if it were in a lower net worth category, for reasons not pertaining to its safety and soundness. Exempts from the requirement of a net worth restoration plan any credit union undercapitalized as a result of a major natural or man-made disaster. Eliminates the requirement that an insured credit union that is not well-capitalized set aside an earnings-retention amount annually. Authorizes the NCUAB to require an insured credit union that is not well-capitalized, instead, to submit a net worth restoration plan. Directs the NCUAB to study problems associated with the current prompt corrective action regime. Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to require each regulation issued by the NCUAB and the CFPB to include a cost-benefit analysis detailing the estimated cost of compliance compared to its measurable benefit. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study whether improvements or modernization is needed for the Central Liquidity Facility. Permits a federal credit union to: (1) purchase and hold for its own account investment grade securities, not exceeding 10% of its total assets; and (2) purchase mortgage servicing rights as an investment, including mortgage servicing rights from other credit unions. Modifies NCUAB authority to define the extent of share insurance coverage for member accounts where a member holds funds for the use of a nonmember. Requires coverage for an account established by a member to be consistent with FDIC coverage, regardless of the membership status of the owner of funds deposited in an account established by a member. Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to authorize a federal banking agency, when it determines that a CFPB regulation would create an undue hardship upon a depository institution the agency regulates, to: (1) delay the regulation's application until the application would not create an undue hardship, and (2) modify the regulation so long as the modification meets the CFPB objective in issuing the regulation. Requires that: (1) each CFPB regulation applicable to a depository institution include a cost-benefit analysis comparing the estimated cost of compliance with the regulation's measurable benefit, and (2) any information provided by a depository institution for purposes of that analysis be voluntary.