Source: http://ininet.org/209-cmr-50-00-parity-with-federal-credit-unions.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 10:44:10+00:00

Document:
50.14: Additional Notice Authorities Activities Requiring No Notice Or Application For Credit Unions That Have Previously Received Approval Pursuant To 209 CMR 50.00 et seq.
50.15: Additional Notice Authorities For Credit Unions That Have Not Previously Received Approval Pursuant To 209 CMR 50.00 et seq.
The purpose of 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. is to specify authorized powers and activities of credit unions, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 171, §6A, and to establish procedures and requirements, applicable to credit unions seeking to exercise powers granted to or conduct activities authorized for federal credit unions under federal law, to the extent that such powers are not otherwise prohibited.
In determining whether or not to authorize any power or activity, the Commissioner shall also determine whether or not competition among credit unions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted.
A credit union may, under M.G.L. c. 171, §6A and 209 CMR 50.00 et seq., exercise only those powers and engage in only those activities expressly authorized by the Commissioner as set forth in 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. Powers and activities not so authorized are prohibited.
(1) 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. shall apply only to credit unions as defined by 209 CMR 50.04.
(2) Any power authorized and exercised pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. shall be independent from, and in addition to, any other powers granted to credit unions under applicable General Laws, or regulations promulgated thereunder. The express powers granted to credit unions under the General Laws are not limited or otherwise restricted by 209 CMR 50.00 et seq.
(3) Any lending power authorized and exercised pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. shall be subject to the limitations on total obligations to one borrower found in M.G.L. c. 171, § 58, unless otherwise specified herein.
The Commissioner may issue from time to time advisory rulings, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 8, interpreting any provision of the regulations issued hereunder. Each regulation or officially published interpretation or guideline issued by the NCUA which interprets a provision of Federal law, as defined by 209 CMR 50.04, similar in substance to a provision of 209 CMR 50.00 et seq., shall, until rescinded by the NCUA, be deemed by the Commissioner to be an advisory ruling issued under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 8; provided, however, that the Commissioner, at any time, may reject such a regulation or officially published interpretation or guideline issued by the NCUA.
Adequately Capitalized. A credit union shall be deemed adequately capitalized if the credit union meets the definition of an adequately capitalized institution as defined under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1790d, and the regulations promulgated by the NCUA.
Automobile. The word automobile shall include a motorcycle and a truck up to $50,000 and a truck exceeding $50,000 that is primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
Credit union. A credit union chartered pursuant to M.G. L. c. 171 and subject to examination and supervision by the Commissioner under M.G. L. c. 167.
Commissioner. The commissioner of banks, including the Division of Banks.
CUSO. A credit union service organization authorized under 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c).
Federal law. The Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1781 et seq., and its implementing regulations; any other federal statute or regulation authorizing a federal credit union to engage in activities; and, any officially published interpretation or guideline issued thereunder, by the NCUA. An "officially published guideline" must be formally published and circulated by the NCUA or a commercial publisher and be generally available to the public. This phrase shall not include a private, unpublished staff attorney letter issued to a federal credit union.
Health savings account. The term health savings account shall include a tax-advantaged savings account a member may use to pay some medical expenses not covered by health insurance in accordance with 26 U.S.C. § 223 and any guidelines issued by the NCUA.
Manufactured Home. The term manufactured home shall include a mobile home and any other home as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5402(6).
NCUA. The National Credit Union Administration.
Organization member. Any fraternal organization, voluntary association, partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company pursuant to relevant state law, or limited liability partnership pursuant to relevant state law, composed principally of individual members or stockholders who are themselves eligible to membership in a credit union or the Central Credit Union Fund, Inc. Said definition shall be effective as used in M.G.L. c. 171 and 209 CMR 50.00 et seq.
Residential Mortgage Loan. The term residential mortgage loan shall mean a loan secured by a mortgage on a dwelling house with accommodations for four or less separate households occupied, or to be occupied, in whole or in part by the mortgagor or secured by a mortgage on an owner-occupied unit of a condominium. The term residential mortgage loan shall also mean a loan secured by a mortgage on a manufactured home that is permanently affixed to the land, qualifies as real property by being titled as real property under the laws of the state where it is located, and qualifies for a home mortgage interest deduction under the Internal Revenue Code.
3. it is not otherwise in compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1790d.
Strong or Satisfactory Management. A credit union shall be deemed to have strong or satisfactory management if the credit union’s management rating meets the definitions set forth in Division of Banks Regulatory Bulletin 1.1-101, Appendix A; NCUA Letter to Credit Unions No. 161; and NCUA Letter to Credit Unions No. 167.
Trustee or Custodial Services. Trustee or custodial services are services as defined at 12 CFR §721.3(ll).
Well Capitalized. A credit union shall be deemed to be well capitalized if the credit union meets the definition of a well capitalized institution as defined under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act, 12 U.S.C. § 1790d, and the regulations promulgated by the NCUA.
(1) Financial and Managerial Requirements. Any credit union engaging in an activity pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. must possess the necessary financial and managerial resources to ensure such activity will not adversely affect the institution's safety and soundness.
(2) Policy and Procedure Requirements. Any credit union engaging in an activity pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. must have in place adequate policies and procedures governing the performance of such activity by the credit union and its employees, to minimize any credit, market, liquidity, operational, legal and reputational risks to the credit union.
(3) Satisfactory CRA Rating Requirement. Any credit union applying to engage in an activity pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. must have received at least a satisfactory CRA rating at the most recent examination conducted by the Commissioner pursuant to M. G. L. c.167, § 14.
(4) Review. Any activity undertaken by a credit union pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. shall remain subject to periodic review by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may modify, curtail, rescind or otherwise limit a credit union's authority to conduct any activity pursuant to 209 CMR 50.00 et seq. through a formal or informal remedial action if a credit union ceases to meet any applicable requirements, based upon a report of examination conducted by the Commissioner or the NCUA, or based on other reliable information.
(a) A credit union that is adequately capitalized, and has not been notified that it is significantly undercapitalized, may engage in any activity listed under 209 CMR 50.06(3) by submitting an application to, and receiving approval from the Commissioner before commencing the activity; provided, however, that such a credit union may also apply and receive approval from the Commissioner on a discretionary basis pursuant to 209 CMR 50.06, to engage in activities listed under 209 CMR 50.08(3), 209 CMR 50.09(3), and 209 CMR 50.12(2)(a).
(b) A credit union that is well capitalized, and has not been notified that it is significantly undercapitalized may apply and receive approval from the Commissioner before commencing the activity; provided, however, that such credit union may also apply and receive an expedited approval from the Commissioner to engage in an activity pursuant to 209 CMR 50.08(1).
(2) Application. The application must include a complete description of the credit union's proposed activity, the credit union's investment in such activity, a detailed business plan containing financial projections and assumptions, the written policies required by 209 CMR 50.05(2), as well as a representation and undertaking that the activity will be conducted in accordance with Massachusetts and Federal law. The application must also provide any other information the Commissioner may require.
(a) Temporary Branch Offices. A credit union may establish and operate a temporary branch office, to be open for less than a year, or on an intermittent basis at a designated site, subject to the investment limitations to purchase, hold and lease real estate suitable for the transaction of business, found at M.G.L. c. 171, § 75.
1. Authority. A credit union may establish and operate a branch office on a shared basis with one or more credit unions or federal credit unions subject to the approval of the commissioner under M.G.L. c. 171, § 8.
2. Credit Union Service Organizations. Shared branch offices may be established through a CUSO or by written agreement among two or more credit unions. Such CUSO shall comply with 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c).
3. Mandatory safeguards. Any such CUSO or agreement shall establish adequate safeguards relative to credit union liability for employee breaches of member confidentiality; loss against fraud or dishonesty; and any other risks associated with the operation of a shared branch office.
4. Maximum investment. Shared branch offices shall be subject to the investment limitations to purchase, hold and lease real estate suitable for the transaction of business, found at M.G.L. c. 171, § 75. In the event of a conflict between the investment limitations of M.G.L. c. 171, § 75 and the maximum investment limitations of 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)1.a. and b. governing CUSOs, the former provision shall control.
a. Equity Investments. A credit union may invest in the shares, stocks or obligations of any other organization, providing services which are associated with the routine operations of credit unions, up to 1% of its total paid in and unimpaired capital and surplus, as of its last calendar year-end financial report, with the approval of the Commissioner.
b. Lending. A credit union's total loans to all CUSOs shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 1% of its total paid in and unimpaired capital and surplus, as of its last calendar year-end financial report. The lending authority under 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)1.b. is independent from the investment authority authorized under 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)1.a.
c. Investment Limitations. The investment authorized by 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)1.a. shall not include the power to acquire control, directly or indirectly, of another financial institution or to invest in shares, stocks or obligations of a trade association, liquidity facility or any similar organization, corporation, or association, except as otherwise expressly authorized by 12 U.S.C. § 1781 et seq. or M.G.L. c. 171.
a. Checking and Currency Services.
iii. Money order, savings bonds, travelers checks, and purchase and sale of U.S. Mint commemorative coins services.
b. Clerical, Professional and Management Services.
c. Consumer Mortgage Loan Origination.
ii. Real estate leasing of excess CUSO property.
iii. Sale of repossessed collateral.
h. Record Retention, Security and Disaster Recovery Services.
v. Record retention and storage.
j. CUSO Investments in Non-CUSO Service Providers. In connection with providing a permissible service, a CUSO may invest in a non-CUSO service provider. The amount of the CUSO's investment is limited to the amount necessary to participate in the service provider, or a greater amount if necessary to receive a reduced price for goods or services.
Activities Related to Routine Daily Operations. A CUSO may engage in other activities if said activities are related to the routine daily operations of credit unions as permitted by the NCUA pursuant to 12 CFR §712.5 provided, however, that the Commissioner affirmatively deems such activity permissible by regulation or in writing.
l. Trust and Trust-Related Services. Trust and trust-related services as set forth at 12 CFR 712.5(p): Acting as administrator for prepaid legal service plans; acting as trustee, guardian, conservator, estate administrator, or in any other fiduciary capacity; and trust services.
d. Real estate brokerage" under 12 CFR § 712.5(pq).
a. Corporate Structure. A credit union may invest in or lend to a CUSO structured as a business corporation, provided such entity is established and maintained under relevant federal or state law, or limited liability company or limited partnership, provided such entity is established and maintained under relevant state law Massachusetts law or except as otherwise provided in 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c). A credit union may also invest in a federally-chartered CUSO pursuant to 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c) if said federally-chartered CUSO limits itself at all times to those activities that can be conducted by a state-chartered CUSO pursuant to 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)2.
b. Separate Corporate Identify. A CUSO shall maintain a separate and distinct corporate identity from the investing credit union. A credit union or CUSO that complies with the provisions of 12 CFR § 712.3, 12 CFR § 712.4, and 12 CFR § 712.8 shall be deemed to be in compliance with 209 CMR 50.06(3)(c)4.b.
5. Officials and Senior Management Employees. Officials, senior management employees and their immediate family members of a credit union that has outstanding loans or investments in a CUSO shall not receive any salary, commission, investment income, or other income or compensation from the CUSO either directly or indirectly, or from any person being serviced through the CUSO as set forth under 12 CFR § 712.8.
1. Investments in Community Development Credit Unions. A credit union may, individually or with other credit unions or federal credit unions, make deposits in, invest in, or lend to, a state or federally chartered credit union designated as a community development or low-income credit union located in the Commonwealth. A credit union's total deposits, investments and loans to all community development credit unions shall not exceed, in the aggregate, five percent of its total paid in and unimpaired capital and surplus, as of its last calendar year-end financial report.
2. Community Development Loan Pools. A credit union may, with other state or federally-chartered credit unions or banks, invest in, or lend to, a residential mortgage loan pool designed to promote affordable housing for low to moderate income persons residing in the Commonwealth for the purpose of meeting its obligations under the Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act, M.G.L.c.167, § 14. Such investments and loans shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 5% of the credit union's total paid in and unimpaired capital and surplus, as of its last calendar year-end financial report.
(e) 12 Year Consumer Loans.
1. General. A credit union may make a personal loan to a member for a term of up to 12 years for any personal loan authorized by M.G.L. c. 171, § 59 or M.G.L. c. 171, § 64. Except as provided by 209 CMR 50.06(3)(e)2., any such personal loan shall be subject to the limitations, terms and conditions relative to collateral, loan to value, and variation in the rate of interest set forth in M.G.L. c. 171, § 59(1) through (3) or M.G.L. c. 171, § 64.
c. secured by a perfected pledge or security interest in the collateral, if made on a secured basis.
3. Limitations. A credit union may make a personal loan authorized by 209 CMR 50.06(3)(e) up to any amount, provided such loan or advance would not cause the member to be indebted to the credit union in an aggregate amount exceeding 10% of the credit union's total unimpaired shares and surplus.
4. Aggregate Outstanding Loan Balance Limitations. A credit union shall aggregate all personal loans made under M.G.L. c. 171, § 59 with loans made under 209 CMR 50.06(3)(e) in calculating its maximum outstanding loan limitations under 209 CMR 50.06(3)(e)4..
1. General. Notwithstanding M.G.L. c. 171, § 59(3) and 209 CMR 50.06(3)(e), a credit union may make an automobile loan, in an amount that may exceed the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price consistent with safety and soundness limits, to a member in an amount up to 100% of the value of the collateral for a term not to exceed 12 years or the useful life of the automobile, whichever is less. Indirect lending for automobiles may also be done in conjunction with the provisions of 209 CMR 50.06(3)(l). An application for direct automobile loans, in an amount that may exceed the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price consistent with safety and soundness limits, to members up to 100% of the value of the collateral for a term not to exceed that set forth in M.G.L. c. 171, § 59(3) shall be deemed approved by the Commissioner 30 days after the filing is received by the Commissioner, unless the Commissioner notifies the credit union prior to that date that the filing is not eligible for expedited review.

References: §6
 §6
 § 58
 § 8
 § 8
 § 1790
 § 1781
 § 223
 § 1790
 §721
 § 1790
 § 14
 § 75
 § 8
 § 75
 § 75
 § 1781

v. 
 §712
 § 712
 § 712
 § 712
 § 712
 § 712
 § 14
 § 59
 § 64
 § 59
 § 64
 § 59
 § 59
 § 59