FDIC Adopts Final Rule on Qualified Financial Contracts

The final rule requires that QFCs of covered FDIC-supervised institutions, including those with foreign counterparties, clarify that they are subject to temporary stays under U.S. resolution regimes. In addition, QFCs of covered FDIC-supervised institutions are prohibited from allowing the exercise of default rights against, or imposing transfer restrictions on, the covered FDIC-supervised institution based on the entry of an affiliate of the covered FDIC-supervised institution into bankruptcy. The final rule also amends the definitions of "qualifying master netting agreement" and related terms in the FDIC's capital and liquidity rules to account for the final rule.

FDIC issued a proposed rule on this issue last year. The final rule reflects changes made to the proposal in response to comments received by FDIC. Requirements of this final rule are substantively identical to those contained in the final rule recently adopted by FED. QFCs include derivatives, securities lending, and short-term funding transactions such as repurchase agreements. These transactions can pose a threat to financial stability in times of market stress.

Related Link: Final Rule (QFC)

Effective Date: January 01, 2018

Keywords: Americas, US, Securities, OTC Derivatives, QFC, Covered Institutions, FED, FDIC