82_FR_34663 82 FR 34522 - Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations

82 FR 34522 - Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 141 (July 25, 2017)

Page Range34522-34529
FR Document2017-15466

On July 18, 2017, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board of Directors (Board) adopted revised Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations (Guidelines) to provide institutions with broader avenues of redress with respect to material supervisory determinations and enhance consistency with the appeals process of the other Federal banking agencies. The revisions to the Guidelines permit the appeal of the level of compliance with an existing formal enforcement action, the decision to initiate an informal enforcement action, and matters requiring board attention; provide that a formal enforcement-related action or decision does not affect an appeal that is pending under the Guidelines; make additional opportunities for appeal available under the Guidelines in certain circumstances; provide for the publication of annual reports on Division Directors' decisions with respect to material supervisory determinations; and make other limited technical and conforming amendments.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 141 (Tuesday, July 25, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 25, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34522-34529]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15466]


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FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION


Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

ACTION: Notice of Guidelines.

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SUMMARY: On July 18, 2017, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
(FDIC) Board of Directors (Board) adopted revised Guidelines for 
Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations (Guidelines) to provide 
institutions with broader avenues of redress with respect to material 
supervisory determinations and enhance consistency with the appeals 
process of the other Federal banking agencies. The revisions to the 
Guidelines permit the appeal of the level of compliance with an 
existing formal enforcement action, the decision to initiate an 
informal enforcement action, and matters requiring board attention; 
provide that a formal enforcement-related action or decision does not 
affect an appeal that is pending under the Guidelines; make additional 
opportunities for appeal available under the Guidelines in certain 
circumstances; provide for the publication of annual reports on 
Division Directors' decisions with respect to material supervisory 
determinations; and make other limited technical and conforming 
amendments.

DATES: The revised Guidelines become effective on July 18, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Colohan, Associate Director, 
Division of Risk Management Supervision, (202) 898-7283; Sylvia 
Plunkett, Senior Deputy Director, Division of Depositor and Consumer 
Protection, (202) 898-6929; and James Watts, Senior Attorney, Legal 
Division, (202) 898-6678.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 4, 2016, the FDIC published in the 
Federal Register for notice and comment proposed amendments to the 
Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations that 
would provide institutions with broader avenues of redress with respect 
to material supervisory determinations.\1\ The 60-day comment period 
ended October 3, 2016. The FDIC received two comment letters, one from 
a trade association and another from a financial holding company. These 
comments and the FDIC's responses are summarized below.
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    \1\ 81 FR 51441 (Aug. 4, 2016).
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Background

    Section 309(a) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (Riegle Act) required the FDIC (as well as the 
other Federal banking agencies and the National Credit Union 
Administration Board) to establish an independent intra-agency 
appellate process to review material supervisory determinations.\2\ The 
Riegle Act defines the term ``independent appellate process'' to mean 
``a review by an agency official who does not directly or indirectly 
report to the agency official who made the material supervisory 
determination under review.'' \3\ In the appeals process, the FDIC is 
required to ensure that: (1) An appeal of a material supervisory 
determination by an insured depository institution is heard and decided 
expeditiously; and (2) appropriate safeguards exist for protecting 
appellants from retaliation by agency examiners.\4\
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    \2\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(a).
    \3\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(2).
    \4\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(b).
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    The term ``material supervisory determinations'' is defined to 
include determinations relating to: (1) Examination ratings; (2) the 
adequacy of loan loss reserve provisions; and (3) classifications on 
loans that are significant to an institution.\5\ The Riegle Act 
specifically excludes from the definition of ``material supervisory 
determinations'' a decision to appoint a conservator or receiver for an 
insured depository institution or to take prompt corrective action 
pursuant to section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act), 
12 U.S.C. 1831o.\6\ Finally, section 309(g) of the Riegle Act expressly 
provides that the requirement to establish an appeals process shall not 
affect the authority of the Federal banking agencies to take 
enforcement or supervisory actions against an institution.\7\
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    \5\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(1)(A).
    \6\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(1)(B).
    \7\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(g).
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    On December 28, 1994, the FDIC published in the Federal Register, 
for a 30-day comment period, a notice of and request for comments on 
proposed Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory 
Determinations.\8\ In the proposed Guidelines, the FDIC proposed that 
the term ``material supervisory determinations,'' in addition to the 
statutory exclusions noted above, also should exclude: (1) 
Determinations for which other appeals procedures exist (such as 
determinations relating to deposit

[[Page 34523]]

insurance assessment risk classifications); (2) decisions to initiate 
formal enforcement actions under section 8 of the FDI Act; (3) 
decisions to initiate informal enforcement actions (such as memoranda 
of understanding); (4) determinations relating to a violation of a 
statute or regulation; and (5) any other determinations not specified 
in the Riegle Act as being eligible for appeal.
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    \8\ 59 FR 66965 (Dec. 28, 1994).
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    Commenters to those proposed Guidelines had suggested that the 
proposed limitations on determinations eligible for appeal were too 
restrictive. In response to comments received, the FDIC modified the 
proposed Guidelines on March 21, 1995. The FDIC added a final 
clarifying sentence to the listing of ``Determinations Not Eligible for 
Appeal'' in the Guidelines as follows: ``The FDIC recognizes that, 
although determinations to take prompt corrective action or initiate 
formal or informal enforcement actions are not appealable, the 
determinations upon which such actions may be based (e.g., loan 
classifications) are appealable provided they otherwise qualify.'' \9\
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    \9\ 60 FR 15929 (Mar. 28, 1995).
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    On March 18, 2004, the FDIC published in the Federal Register, for 
a 30-day comment period, a notice and request for comments regarding 
proposed revisions to the Guidelines, which would have changed the 
composition and procedures of the SARC.\10\ On July 9, 2004, the FDIC 
published in the Federal Register a notice of guidelines which, 
effective June 28, 2004, adopted the revised Guidelines, largely as 
proposed.\11\
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    \10\ 69 FR 12855 (Mar. 18, 2004).
    \11\ 69 FR 41479 (July 9, 2004).
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    On May 27, 2008, the FDIC published in the Federal Register, for a 
60-day comment period, a notice and request for comments regarding 
proposed revisions to the Guidelines.\12\ On September 23, 2008, the 
FDIC published in the Federal Register final revisions to the 
Guidelines \13\ modifying the supervisory determinations eligible for 
appeal to eliminate the ability of an FDIC-supervised institution to 
file an appeal with the SARC for formal enforcement-related actions and 
decisions, including determinations and the underlying facts and 
circumstances that form the basis of a recommended or pending formal 
enforcement-related action or decision, and the initiation of an 
investigation under section 10(c) of the FDI Act.\14\ The FDIC noted at 
that time that these amendments better aligned the SARC appellate 
process with the material supervisory determinations appeals procedures 
at the other Federal banking agencies.
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    \12\ 73 FR 30393 (May 27, 2008).
    \13\ 73 FR 54822 (Sept. 23, 2008).
    \14\ 12 U.S.C. 1820(c).
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    On April 19, 2010, the FDIC published in the Federal Register 
revised Guidelines, effective April 13, 2010, extending the decision 
deadline for requests for review and clarifying the decisional deadline 
for written decisions by the SARC.\15\
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    \15\ 75 FR 20358 (Apr. 19, 2010).
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    On March 23, 2012, the FDIC published in the Federal Register 
revised Guidelines, effective March 20, 2012 that included technical 
and ministerial revisions to reflect changes in the organization of the 
FDIC's Board, of its offices and divisions, and in the categories of 
institutions that it supervises.\16\
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    \16\ 77 FR 17055 (Mar. 23, 2012).
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Amendments to the Guidelines

    As explained above, the FDIC adopted amendments to the Guidelines 
in 2008 modifying the supervisory determinations eligible for appeal to 
eliminate the ability of an FDIC-supervised institution to file an 
appeal with the SARC for formal enforcement-related actions and 
decisions, including determinations and the underlying facts and 
circumstances that form the basis of a recommended or pending formal 
enforcement-related action or decision, and the initiation of an 
investigation. Since that time, the FDIC's experience in administering 
the current SARC appeals process suggests that it would be beneficial 
for institutions to have broader avenues of redress with respect to 
material supervisory determinations. Accordingly, the FDIC is amending 
the Guidelines to expand institutions' opportunities for appeal under 
certain circumstances and enhance consistency with the appeals process 
of the other Federal banking agencies. The FDIC is also making certain 
technical and non-substantive changes to the Guidelines to make them 
easier to understand.

I. Material Supervisory Determinations Eligible for Review

    The amendments published for comment in the Federal Register on 
August 4, 2016 proposed to broaden the definition of ``material 
supervisory determination'' in two respects. First, the amendments 
proposed to allow determinations regarding an institution's level of 
compliance with a formal enforcement action to be appealed as a 
material supervisory determination; however, if the FDIC determines 
that lack of compliance with an existing enforcement action requires 
additional enforcement action, the proposed new enforcement action 
would not be appealable. Second, the amendments proposed to remove from 
the list of determinations that are not appealable the decision to 
initiate an informal enforcement action, such as a Memorandum of 
Understanding. Commenters supported these changes and the FDIC has 
adopted them as proposed.
    One commenter noted that while the amendments published for comment 
proposed to remove from the list of determinations that are not 
appealable the decision to initiate an informal enforcement action, 
they did not propose to make such decisions expressly appealable. The 
commenter requested that, for clarity, the FDIC add the decision to 
initiate an informal enforcement action to the list of appealable 
determinations. The FDIC agrees that this change clarifies 
institutions' opportunities for appeal. Accordingly, the amended 
Guidelines provide expressly that material supervisory determinations 
include decisions to initiate informal enforcement actions.\17\
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    \17\ As a practical matter, the FDIC believes that appeals of 
decisions to initiate informal enforcement actions are likely to be 
rare due to differences in the processes for initiating formal and 
informal enforcement actions.
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    A commenter recommended that the definition of material supervisory 
determination include matters requiring board attention. This commenter 
noted that matters requiring board attention are arguably subject to 
appeal under the current Guidelines. The FDIC believes that this change 
clarifies institutions' opportunities for appeal and enhances 
consistency with the appellate processes used by other agencies. 
Accordingly, the amended Guidelines provide expressly that matters 
requiring board attention are material supervisory determinations that 
may be appealed under the Guidelines.
    A commenter stated that the FDIC should allow appeals of the 
conclusions in an examination report. As discussed above, the Riegle 
Act provides for the review of ``material supervisory determinations.'' 
\18\ The FDIC anticipates that many conclusions in examination reports 
would be ``material supervisory determinations'' within the meaning of 
the statute and Guidelines and therefore appealable under the 
Guidelines. However, in 2016 the FDIC also put in place an informal 
process through which institutions can obtain review by the relevant 
Division Director of matters that are not covered by the SARC process 
or another existing FDIC

[[Page 34524]]

appeals or administrative process. See FIL-51-2016 (July 29, 2016).
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    \18\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(a).
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    One commenter recommended that the definition of material 
supervisory determination include any supervisory action that would 
adversely impact an institution, including: (1) Formal enforcement 
actions and assessments of civil money penalties; (2) public disclosure 
of a determination that an institution has violated a law or 
regulation, has committed an unsafe or unsound practice, or is in an 
unsafe and unsound condition; (3) restrictions on an institution's 
ability to open or expand branches or to purchase other institutions or 
their assets; (4) decisions to refer a matter to another agency for 
enforcement; and (5) ratings downgrades that would have adverse 
consequences for the institution, regardless of whether the downgrade 
is related to an enforcement action. Each of these supervisory actions 
is addressed below.
    Institutions that wish to appeal a formal enforcement action, 
including the assessment of a civil money penalty, have the ability to 
seek redress through the administrative process established under 
Section 8 of the FDI Act and Part 308 of the FDIC's regulations. 
Recommendations to pursue formal enforcement actions are reviewed by 
high-level FDIC officials prior to their initiation and are monitored 
by such officials subsequently. Contested enforcement actions include 
the right to an administrative hearing held before an impartial 
administrative law judge who makes findings of fact and conclusions of 
law and issues a recommended decision to the FDIC Board of Directors. 
The Board of Directors issues a final decision that is subject to 
review in federal court.
    Accordingly, the FDIC believes that the administrative enforcement 
process provides the appropriate avenue for contesting such 
determinations and notes that addressing formal enforcement-related 
actions through the administrative enforcement process is consistent 
with the other Federal banking agencies' appellate processes.\19\ The 
FDIC also notes that public disclosure of a determination that an 
institution has violated a law or regulation, has committed an unsafe 
or unsound practice, or is in an unsafe and unsound condition would 
typically occur in connection with a formal enforcement action, and is 
required by law to be made public.
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    \19\ The FDIC considered institutions' opportunity to contest 
determinations through the administrative enforcement process when 
it revised the Guidelines in 2008, eliminating the ability to file 
appeals with the SARC with respect to formal enforcement-related 
actions or decisions, including determinations and the underlying 
facts and circumstances forming the basis of a recommended or 
pending formal enforcement action. See 73 FR 54822, 54824 (Sep. 23, 
2008).
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    Institutions currently may appeal restrictions based on examination 
ratings by appealing the relevant rating. Ratings also may affect 
institutions' applications with respect to certain activities. The FDIC 
also applies specific standards to failed bank acquisitions based upon 
the acquiring institution's CAMELS rating.\20\ The Guidelines currently 
permit appeals of final decisions with respect to certain applications. 
See Section D, paragraph (m) of the Guidelines. Institutions file 
requests for reconsideration of such applications pursuant to Part 
303.11(f) of the FDIC's regulations, 12 CFR 303.11(f). If the request 
for reconsideration is granted, and the filing was originally denied by 
a Division Director, the institution may appeal that determination to 
the SARC. In addition, if an institution has concerns with FDIC staff 
processing of applications before a final decision is made, the FDIC 
also provides an informal process to obtain review of the matter by the 
Division Director. See FIL-51-2016 (July 29, 2016).
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    \20\ See FDIC Statement of Policy on Qualifications for Failed 
Bank Acquisitions, 74 FR 45440, 45448 (Sep. 2, 2009).
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    With respect to referrals of matters to another agency, the Equal 
Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) requires the FDIC to refer matters to the 
Attorney General whenever the agency has reason to believe that one or 
more creditors has engaged in a pattern or practice of discouraging or 
denying applications for credit in violation of the statute.\21\ 
Similarly, where the FDIC has reason to believe that an ECOA violation 
also would violate the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the matter is not 
required to be referred to the Attorney General, it is required to 
notify the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\22\
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    \21\ 15 U.S.C. 1691e(g).
    \22\ 15 U.S.C. 1691e(k).
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    The Guidelines currently allow institutions to appeal a variety of 
ratings, including CAMELS ratings, information technology ratings, 
trust ratings, Community Reinvestment Act ratings, and consumer 
compliance ratings, regardless of whether a change in the rating is 
related to an enforcement action. However, the facts and circumstances 
that form the basis of a recommended or pending formal enforcement 
action cannot be challenged through the process set forth in the 
Guidelines and must instead be addressed through the administrative 
enforcement process. In such instances, an appeal of the rating may be 
available through the SARC process based on grounds other than the 
facts and circumstances that form the basis of the recommended or 
pending formal enforcement action.

II. Commencement of Formal Enforcement Action

    Currently, the Guidelines state that a formal enforcement action or 
decision commences, and therefore becomes unappealable, when the FDIC 
initiates a formal investigation under 12 U.S.C. 1820(c) or provides 
written notice to the institution indicating the FDIC's intention to 
pursue available formal enforcement remedies under applicable statutes 
or published enforcement-related policies of the FDIC, including 
written notice of a referral to the Attorney General pursuant to ECOA 
or a notice to HUD for violations of ECOA and the FHA. The proposed 
amendments provided that a formal enforcement-related action or 
decision would commence and become unappealable when the FDIC initiates 
a formal investigation under 12 U.S.C. 1820(c) or provides written 
notice to the institution of a recommended or proposed formal 
enforcement action under applicable statutes or published enforcement-
related policies of the FDIC, including written notice of a referral to 
the Attorney General pursuant to ECOA or a notice to HUD for violations 
of ECOA and the FHA. This amendment, which the FDIC has adopted as 
proposed, is not intended to make a substantive change, but rather, to 
clarify the Guidelines and make them more consistent with the appellate 
processes used by other agencies.
    A commenter requested that the FDIC further clarify when a formal 
enforcement-related action has commenced. Institutions will be notified 
in writing that the FDIC has recommended or proposed a formal 
enforcement action. Other types of correspondence from the FDIC to the 
institution, such as letters requesting additional information or 
referencing a violation of law without an express statement that the 
FDIC has recommended or proposed a formal enforcement action, are not 
considered to constitute notice of a recommended or proposed formal 
enforcement action for purposes of the Guidelines.
    One commenter also expressed the concern that examiners may try to 
shield material supervisory determinations from appellate review by 
labeling them ``enforcement-related'' or initiating a formal 
enforcement action

[[Page 34525]]

on the eve of appeal. Formal enforcement actions are reviewed by high-
level FDIC officials prior to their initiation. Moreover, field 
examiners do not decide whether material supervisory determinations 
form the basis of a formal enforcement action and are therefore 
reviewable only through the administrative enforcement process. 
Institutions submit requests for review to staff at the FDIC's 
Washington office. Division staff who were not substantively involved 
in the decision carefully consider the request for review in 
consultation with Legal Division SARC specialists to ascertain whether 
specific determinations are subject to appeal under the Guidelines, or 
alternatively, through another process. The FDIC believes that these 
processes mitigate the concern that an examiner might characterize a 
finding as related to a formal enforcement action, or initiate such an 
action, for the purpose of precluding an appeal under the Guidelines.
    The proposed amendments also provided that initiation of a formal 
enforcement-related action or decision would not affect the appeal of 
any material supervisory determination that is pending under the 
Guidelines. In other words, this ensures that where an institution has 
filed an appeal of a material supervisory determination through the 
SARC process, the appeal will not be affected if the FDIC subsequently 
initiates a formal enforcement-related action or decision based on the 
same facts and circumstances as the appeal. The FDIC has adopted this 
amendment as proposed.

III. Additional Opportunities for Appeal

    The amendments published for comment proposed to allow institutions 
additional opportunities to appeal material supervisory determinations 
through the SARC process in certain circumstances. In particular, the 
amendments proposed to allow an institution an additional opportunity 
to appeal material supervisory determinations where the FDIC provides 
the institution with written notice of a recommended or proposed formal 
enforcement action but does not pursue an enforcement action within 120 
days of the written notice. The FDIC could extend this 120-day period, 
with the approval of the SARC Chairperson, if the FDIC notifies the 
institution that the relevant Division Director is seeking formal 
authority to take an enforcement action. The FDIC also proposed to 
allow institutions an additional opportunity to appeal material 
supervisory determinations through the SARC process in the case of a 
referral to the Attorney General for certain violations of ECOA if the 
Attorney General returns the matter to the FDIC and the FDIC does not 
initiate an enforcement action within 120 days of the date the referral 
is returned. Similarly, an additional opportunity to appeal through the 
SARC process would be allowed if the FDIC provides notice to HUD for 
violations of ECOA or the FHA, but does not initiate an enforcement 
action within 120 days of the date the notice is provided. The 
amendments published for comment proposed to allow the 120-day 
timeframe to be extended if the FDIC and the institution mutually agree 
and deem it appropriate in order to reach a mutually agreeable 
solution. Institutions would be provided written notice of the 
additional opportunity to submit an appeal through the SARC process 
within 10 days of a determination that an appeal will be made 
available. The FDIC has adopted these amendments as proposed.
    A commenter suggested that the FDIC should reduce the 120-day 
period in these provisions to 60 days because during this period, banks 
are subject to penalties and restrictions that can adversely affect 
operations. The FDIC believes that the 120-day time frame contained in 
these provisions is appropriate. As discussed above, formal enforcement 
actions are reviewed by high-level FDIC officials prior to their 
initiation. The 120-day time period appropriately balances the need for 
adequate review of enforcement actions with institutions' desire to 
promptly appeal material supervisory determinations.

IV. Structure of the Appellate Process

    Commenters also addressed the structure of the appellate process. 
One commenter stated that the FDIC should employ an independent review 
process that is not confined exclusively to agency officials. The FDIC 
is mindful of the commenter's concern but concludes that review by 
high-level officials who were not involved in the determination at 
issue and do not report to the official who made the determination is 
consistent with the Riegle Act, which provides for an intra-agency 
appellate process.\23\ The SARC is comprised of high-level officials, 
including one inside member of the FDIC's Board of Directors, who is 
designated the SARC Chairperson, and one deputy or special assistant to 
each of the inside Board members who are not designated as the SARC 
Chairperson. Furthermore, the amended Guidelines are specifically 
intended to provide institutions with broader avenues of redress with 
respect to material supervisory determinations. The FDIC also provides 
an informal process for review at the Division Director level of any 
matters that are not covered by an existing FDIC appeals or 
administrative process, such as the SARC appeals process or the 
administrative enforcement process. See FIL-51-2016 (July 29, 2016). 
Institutions may use this informal process to address, for example, 
concerns about FDIC staff processing of applications before a final 
decision is made.
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    \23\ 12 U.S.C. 4806(a).
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    A commenter suggested that under the Guidelines, initial appeals 
should be filed with the SARC, which is outside the supervision 
structure, rather than with the Division Director. The commenter noted 
that the OCC allows institutions to file appeals with its Ombudsman. 
The FDIC's experience in administering the appellate process, however, 
suggests that Division-level review resolves issues, narrowing the 
matters in dispute prior to SARC review or eliminating the need for an 
appeal to the SARC. Division-level review also ensures that the 
arguments are more fully developed for SARC review and allows the 
Division Director to correct errors and maintain consistency across the 
organization.
    The same commenter stated that if the FDIC retains Division-level 
reviews, it should increase the transparency of those reviews by 
publishing Division Directors' decisions. Division Directors conduct 
their reviews on an expedited basis, issuing written determinations on 
institutions' requests for review within 45 days of receipt of the 
request. However, the FDIC believes that the transparency of the 
process could be enhanced by providing institutions with additional 
information regarding Division-level reviews. Accordingly, the amended 
Guidelines provide for publication of annual reports on Division 
Directors' decisions with respect to institutions' requests for review 
of material supervisory determinations.
    A commenter stated that the FDIC should clarify that SARC decisions 
may be appealed to the federal courts of appeal. The FDIC notes that 
because supervisory decisions are entrusted to agency discretion, SARC 
decisions are not appealable.

V. Standard of Review

    Commenters also addressed the standard of review that applies to 
appeals filed under the Guidelines. A commenter stated that the 
proposed

[[Page 34526]]

amendments to the Guidelines did not address the high standard of 
review banks must meet when seeking redress. Another commenter stated 
that the FDIC should apply a de novo standard of review to appeals 
rather than the current standard, which the commenter believes is too 
deferential to examiners. Pursuant to Section M of the Guidelines, the 
SARC reviews appeals for ``consistency with the policies, practices, 
and mission of the FDIC and the overall reasonableness of, and the 
support offered for, the positions advanced.'' The SARC's balanced 
approach includes review of the evidence and arguments presented by 
both Division staff and the appealing institution. In addition to 
submitting written materials, an institution is generally invited to 
make an oral presentation before the SARC and explain its positions on 
the issues raised in the appeal. The FDIC believes that this approach 
is reasonable and enables institutions to obtain a full and fair review 
of material supervisory determinations.
    A commenter suggested that institutions also should be entitled to 
adduce evidence and engage in reasonable discovery during the appeals 
process. However, institutions often present extensive evidence in 
support of their appeals, and it is not apparent that the current 
process has hindered institutions' appeals.
    One commenter requested that the FDIC clarify the standard of 
review for Division-level reviews, noting that the Guidelines are not 
clear in this respect. The FDIC agrees that it would be useful to 
clarify this aspect of the process. Historically, the same standard of 
review has been applied to Division-level reviews and SARC appeals. The 
amended Guidelines apply the current standard of review for SARC 
appeals to Division-level reviews.

VI. Stay of Supervisory Actions

    A commenter requested that the FDIC stay supervisory actions during 
the pendency of an appeal. While the FDIC generally does not stay 
material supervisory determinations while an appeal under the 
Guidelines is pending, the Guidelines do not prohibit an institution 
from making such a request of the Division Director.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation Board of Directors adopts the Guidelines for 
Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations as set forth below.

Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations

A. Introduction

    Section 309(a) of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-325, 108 Stat. 2160) (Riegle Act) 
required the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish 
an independent intra-agency appellate process to review material 
supervisory determinations made at insured depository institutions that 
it supervises. The Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory 
Determinations (Guidelines) describe the types of determinations that 
are eligible for review and the process by which appeals will be 
considered and decided. The procedures set forth in these Guidelines 
establish an appeals process for the review of material supervisory 
determinations by the Supervision Appeals Review Committee (SARC).

B. SARC Membership

    The following individuals comprise the three (3) voting members of 
the SARC: (1) One inside FDIC Board member, either the Chairperson, the 
Vice Chairperson, or the FDIC Director (Appointive), as designated by 
the FDIC Chairperson (this person would serve as the Chairperson of the 
SARC); and (2) one deputy or special assistant to each of the inside 
FDIC Board members who are not designated as the SARC Chairperson. The 
General Counsel is a non-voting member of the SARC. The FDIC 
Chairperson may designate alternate member(s) to the SARC if there are 
vacancies so long as the alternate member was not involved in making or 
affirming the material supervisory determination under review. A member 
of the SARC may designate and authorize the most senior member of his 
or her staff within the substantive area of responsibility related to 
cases before the SARC to act on his or her behalf.

C. Institutions Eligible to Appeal

    The Guidelines apply to the insured depository institutions that 
the FDIC supervises (i.e., insured State nonmember banks, insured 
branches of foreign banks, and state savings associations) and to other 
insured depository institutions with respect to which the FDIC makes 
material supervisory determinations.

D. Determinations Subject to Appeal

    An institution may appeal any material supervisory determination 
pursuant to the procedures set forth in these Guidelines.
    Material supervisory determinations include:
    (a) CAMELS ratings under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating 
System;
    (b) IT ratings under the Uniform Interagency Rating System for Data 
Processing Operations;
    (c) Trust ratings under the Uniform Interagency Trust Rating 
System;
    (d) CRA ratings under the Revised Uniform Interagency Community 
Reinvestment Act Assessment Rating System;
    (e) Consumer compliance ratings under the Uniform Interagency 
Consumer Compliance Rating System;
    (f) Registered transfer agent examination ratings;
    (g) Government securities dealer examination ratings;
    (h) Municipal securities dealer examination ratings;
    (i) Determinations relating to the adequacy of loan loss reserve 
provisions;
    (j) Classifications of loans and other assets in dispute the amount 
of which, individually or in the aggregate, exceeds 10 percent of an 
institution's total capital;
    (k) Determinations relating to violations of a statute or 
regulation that may affect the capital, earnings, or operating 
flexibility of an institution, or otherwise affect the nature and level 
of supervisory oversight accorded an institution;
    (l) Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) restitution;
    (m) Filings made pursuant to 12 CFR 303.11(f), for which a request 
for reconsideration has been granted, other than denials of a change in 
bank control, change in senior executive officer or board of directors, 
or denial of an application pursuant to section 19 of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act), 12 U.S.C. 1829 (which are contained in 
12 CFR 308, subparts D, L, and M, respectively), if the filing was 
originally denied by the Director, Deputy Director, or Associate 
Director of the Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection (DCP) or 
the Division of Risk Management Supervision (RMS);
    (n) Decisions to initiate informal enforcement actions (such as 
memoranda of understanding);
    (o) Determinations regarding the institution's level of compliance 
with a formal enforcement action; however, if the FDIC determines that 
the lack of compliance with an existing formal enforcement action 
requires additional enforcement action, the proposed new enforcement 
action is not appealable;
    (p) Matters requiring board attention; and

[[Page 34527]]

    (q) Any other supervisory determination (unless otherwise not 
eligible for appeal) that may affect the capital, earnings, operating 
flexibility, or capital category for prompt corrective action purposes 
of an institution, or otherwise affect the nature and level of 
supervisory oversight accorded an institution.
    Material supervisory determinations do not include:
    (a) Decisions to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured 
depository institution;
    (b) Decisions to take prompt corrective action pursuant to section 
38 of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. 1831o;
    (c) Determinations for which other appeals procedures exist (such 
as determinations of deposit insurance assessment risk classifications 
and payment calculations); and
    (d) Formal enforcement-related actions and decisions, including 
determinations and the underlying facts and circumstances that form the 
basis of a recommended or pending formal enforcement action.
    A formal enforcement-related action or decision commences, and 
becomes unappealable, when the FDIC initiates a formal investigation 
under 12 U.S.C. 1820(c) or provides written notice to the institution 
of a recommended or proposed formal enforcement action under applicable 
statutes or published enforcement-related policies of the FDIC, 
including written notice of a referral to the Attorney General pursuant 
to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) or a notice to the Secretary 
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for violations of ECOA or the 
Fair Housing Act (FHA). For the purposes of these Guidelines, remarks 
in a Report of Examination do not constitute written notice of a 
recommended or proposed enforcement action. A formal enforcement-
related action or decision does not affect the appeal of any material 
supervisory determination that is pending under these Guidelines.
    Additional SARC Rights:
    (a) In the case of any written notice from the FDIC to the 
institution of a recommended or proposed formal enforcement action, 
including a draft consent order, if an enforcement action, such as the 
issuance of a notice of charges or the signing of a consent order, is 
not pursued within 120 days of the written notice, SARC appeal rights 
will be made available pursuant to these guidelines. The FDIC may 
extend this 120-day period, with the approval of the SARC Chairperson, 
if the FDIC notifies the institution that the relevant Division 
Director is seeking formal authority to take an enforcement action.
    (b) In the case of a referral to the Attorney General for 
violations of the ECOA, if the Attorney General returns the matter to 
the FDIC and the FDIC does not initiate an enforcement action within 
120 days of the date the referral is returned, SARC appeal rights will 
be made available pursuant to these guidelines.
    (c) In the case of providing notice to HUD for violations of the 
ECOA or the FHA, if the FDIC does not initiate an enforcement action 
within 120 days of the date the notice is provided, SARC appeal rights 
will be made available under these guidelines.
    (d) Written notification of SARC rights will be provided to the 
institution within 10 days of a determination that such rights have 
been made available.
    (e) The FDIC and an institution may mutually agree to extend the 
timeframes in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) if the parties deem it 
appropriate in order to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

E. Good-Faith Resolution

    An institution should make a good-faith effort to resolve any 
dispute concerning a material supervisory determination with the on-
site examiner and/or the appropriate Regional Office. The on-site 
examiner and the Regional Office will promptly respond to any concerns 
raised by an institution regarding a material supervisory 
determination. Informal resolution of disputes with the on-site 
examiner and/or the appropriate Regional Office is encouraged, but 
seeking such a resolution is not a condition to filing a request for 
review with the appropriate Division, either DCP or RMS, or to filing 
an appeal with the SARC under these Guidelines.

F. Filing a Request for Review With the Appropriate Division

    An institution may file a request for review of a material 
supervisory determination with the Division that made the 
determination, either the Director, DCP, or the Director, RMS, 
(Director or Division Director), 550 17th Street NW., Room F-4076, 
Washington, DC 20429, within 60 calendar days following the 
institution's receipt of a report of examination containing a material 
supervisory determination or other written communication of a material 
supervisory determination. A request for review must be in writing and 
must include:
    (a) A detailed description of the issues in dispute, the 
surrounding circumstances, the institution's position regarding the 
dispute and any arguments to support that position (including citation 
of any relevant statute, regulation, policy statement, or other 
authority), how resolution of the dispute would materially affect the 
institution, and whether a good-faith effort was made to resolve the 
dispute with the on-site examiner and the Regional Office; and
    (b) A statement that the institution's board of directors has 
considered the merits of the request and has authorized that it be 
filed.
    The Division Director will review the appeal for consistency with 
the policies, practices, and mission of the FDIC and the overall 
reasonableness of, and the support offered for, the positions advanced. 
The Division Director will issue a written determination on the request 
for review, setting forth the grounds for that determination, within 45 
days of receipt of the request. No appeal to the SARC will be allowed 
unless an institution has first filed a timely request for review with 
the appropriate Division Director.

G. Appeal to the SARC

    An institution that does not agree with the written determination 
rendered by the Division Director must appeal that determination to the 
SARC within 30 calendar days from the date of that determination. The 
Director's determination will inform the institution of the 30-day time 
period for filing with the SARC and will provide the mailing address 
for any appeal the institution may wish to file. Failure to file within 
the 30-day time limit may result in denial of the appeal by the SARC. 
If the Division Director recommends that an institution receive relief 
that the Director lacks delegated authority to grant, the Director may, 
with the approval of the Chairperson of the SARC, transfer the matter 
directly to the SARC without issuing a determination. Notice of such a 
transfer will be provided to the institution. The Division Director may 
also request guidance from the SARC Chairperson as to procedural or 
other questions relating to any request for review.

H. Filing With the SARC

    An appeal to the SARC will be considered filed if the written 
appeal is received by the FDIC within 30 calendar days from the date of 
the Division Director's written determination or if the written appeal 
is placed in the U.S. mail within that 30-day period. If the 30th day 
after the date of the Division Director's written determination is a 
Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, filing may be made on the next 
business day. The appeal should be sent to the

[[Page 34528]]

address indicated on the Division Director's determination being 
appealed.

I. Contents of Appeal

    The appeal should be labeled to indicate that it is an appeal to 
the SARC and should contain the name, address, and telephone number of 
the institution and any representative, as well as a copy of the 
Division Director's determination being appealed. If oral presentation 
is sought, that request should be included in the appeal. Only matters 
previously reviewed at the division level, resulting in a written 
determination or direct referral to the SARC, may be appealed to the 
SARC. Evidence not presented for review to the Division Director may be 
submitted to the SARC only if authorized by the SARC Chairperson. The 
institution should set forth all of the reasons, legal and factual, why 
it disagrees with the Division Director's determination. Nothing in the 
SARC administrative process shall create any discovery or other such 
rights.

J. Burden of Proof

    The burden of proof as to all matters at issue in the appeal, 
including timeliness of the appeal if timeliness is at issue, rests 
with the institution.

K. Oral Presentation

    The SARC may, in its discretion, whether or not a request is made, 
determine to allow an oral presentation. The SARC generally grants a 
request for oral presentation if it determines that oral presentation 
is likely to be helpful or would otherwise be in the public interest. 
Notice of the SARC's determination to grant or deny a request for oral 
presentation will be provided to the institution. If oral presentation 
is held, the institution will be allowed to present its positions on 
the issues raised in the appeal and to respond to any questions from 
the SARC. The SARC may also require that FDIC staff participate as the 
SARC deems appropriate.

L. Dismissal, Withdrawal and Rejection

    An appeal may be dismissed by the SARC if it is not timely filed, 
if the basis for the appeal is not discernable from the appeal, or if 
the institution moves to withdraw the appeal. An appeal may be rejected 
if the right to appeal has been cut off under Section D, above.

M. Scope of Review and Decision

    The SARC will review the appeal for consistency with the policies, 
practices, and mission of the FDIC and the overall reasonableness of, 
and the support offered for, the positions advanced. The SARC will 
notify the institution, in writing, of its decision concerning the 
disputed material supervisory determination(s) within 45 days from the 
date the SARC meets to consider the appeal, which meeting will be held 
within 90 days from the date of the filing of the appeal. SARC review 
will be limited to the facts and circumstances as they existed prior 
to, or at the time the material supervisory determination was made, 
even if later discovered, and no consideration will be given to any 
facts or circumstances that occur or corrective action taken after the 
determination was made. The SARC may reconsider its decision only on a 
showing of an intervening change in the controlling law or the 
availability of material evidence not reasonably available when the 
decision was issued.

N. Publication of Decisions

    SARC decisions will be published as soon as practicable, and the 
published decisions will be redacted to avoid disclosure of exempt 
information. In cases in which redaction is deemed insufficient to 
prevent improper disclosure, published decisions may be presented in 
summary form. Published SARC decisions may be cited as precedent in 
appeals to the SARC. Annual reports on Division Directors' decisions 
with respect to institutions' requests for review of material 
supervisory determinations also will be published.

O. SARC Guidelines Generally

    Appeals to the SARC will be governed by these Guidelines. The SARC 
will retain discretion to waive any provision of the Guidelines for 
good cause. The SARC may adopt supplemental rules governing its 
operations; order that material be kept confidential; and consolidate 
similar appeals.

P. Limitation on Agency Ombudsman

    The subject matter of a material supervisory determination for 
which either an appeal to the SARC has been filed, or a final SARC 
decision issued, is not eligible for consideration by the Ombudsman.

Q. Coordination With State Regulatory Authorities

    In the event that a material supervisory determination subject to a 
request for review is the joint product of the FDIC and a State 
regulatory authority, the Director, DCP, or the Director, RMS, as 
appropriate, will promptly notify the appropriate State regulatory 
authority of the request, provide the regulatory authority with a copy 
of the institution's request for review and any other related 
materials, and solicit the regulatory authority's views regarding the 
merits of the request before making a determination. In the event that 
an appeal is subsequently filed with the SARC, the SARC will notify the 
institution and the State regulatory authority of its decision. Once 
the SARC has issued its determination, any other issues that may remain 
between the institution and the State authority will be left to those 
parties to resolve.

R. Effect on Supervisory or Enforcement Actions

    The use of the procedures set forth in these Guidelines by any 
institution will not affect, delay, or impede any formal or informal 
supervisory or enforcement action in progress or affect the FDIC's 
authority to take any supervisory or enforcement action against that 
institution.

S. Effect on Applications or Requests for Approval

    Any application or request for approval made to the FDIC by an 
institution that has appealed a material supervisory determination that 
relates to, or could affect the approval of, the application or request 
will not be considered until a final decision concerning the appeal is 
made unless otherwise requested by the institution.

T. Prohibition on Examiner Retaliation

    The FDIC has an experienced examination workforce and is proud of 
its professionalism and dedication. FDIC policy prohibits any 
retaliation, abuse, or retribution by an agency examiner or any FDIC 
personnel against an institution. Such behavior against an institution 
that appeals a material supervisory determination constitutes 
unprofessional conduct and will subject the examiner or other personnel 
to appropriate disciplinary or remedial action. Institutions that 
believe they have been retaliated against are encouraged to contact the 
Regional Director for the appropriate FDIC region. Any institution that 
believes or has any evidence that it has been subject to retaliation 
may file a complaint with the Director, Office of the Ombudsman, 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street, Washington, DC 
20429, explaining the circumstances and the basis for such belief or 
evidence and requesting that the complaint be investigated and 
appropriate disciplinary or remedial action taken. The Office of the 
Ombudsman will work with the appropriate Division Director to resolve 
the allegation of retaliation.


[[Page 34529]]


    By order of the Board of Directors.

    Dated at Washington, DC, the 18th day of July, 2017.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-15466 Filed 7-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6714-01-P



                                                  34522                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices

                                                  numbers to access those accounts. FCC                    FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE                                 Background
                                                  considers that information to be records                 CORPORATION                                                  Section 309(a) of the Riegle
                                                  not routinely available for public                                                                                 Community Development and
                                                  inspection under 47 CFR 0.457, and                       Guidelines for Appeals of Material                        Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994
                                                  exempt from disclosure under FOIA                        Supervisory Determinations                                (Riegle Act) required the FDIC (as well
                                                  exemption 4 (5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4)).                                                                                  as the other Federal banking agencies
                                                                                                           AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance                         and the National Credit Union
                                                     Needs and Uses: This collection was                   Corporation.
                                                  approved under the emergency                                                                                       Administration Board) to establish an
                                                  processing provision of the Paperwork                    ACTION:        Notice of Guidelines.                      independent intra-agency appellate
                                                  Reduction Act (PRA), 5 CFR 1320.13.                                                                                process to review material supervisory
                                                                                                           SUMMARY:    On July 18, 2017, the Federal                 determinations.2 The Riegle Act defines
                                                  The Commission is now requesting
                                                                                                           Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)                      the term ‘‘independent appellate
                                                  OMB approval for this information
                                                                                                           Board of Directors (Board) adopted                        process’’ to mean ‘‘a review by an
                                                  collection for a full three year term. The                                                                         agency official who does not directly or
                                                  Spectrum Act requires the Commission                     revised Guidelines for Appeals of
                                                                                                           Material Supervisory Determinations                       indirectly report to the agency official
                                                  to reimburse broadcast television                                                                                  who made the material supervisory
                                                  licensees for costs ‘‘reasonably                         (Guidelines) to provide institutions with
                                                                                                           broader avenues of redress with respect                   determination under review.’’ 3 In the
                                                  incurred’’ in relocating to new channels                                                                           appeals process, the FDIC is required to
                                                  assigned in the repacking process and                    to material supervisory determinations
                                                                                                           and enhance consistency with the                          ensure that: (1) An appeal of a material
                                                  Multichannel Video Programming                                                                                     supervisory determination by an
                                                                                                           appeals process of the other Federal
                                                  Distributors (MVPDs) for costs                                                                                     insured depository institution is heard
                                                                                                           banking agencies. The revisions to the
                                                  reasonably incurred in order to continue                                                                           and decided expeditiously; and (2)
                                                                                                           Guidelines permit the appeal of the
                                                  to carry the signals of stations relocating              level of compliance with an existing                      appropriate safeguards exist for
                                                  to new channels as a result of the                       formal enforcement action, the decision                   protecting appellants from retaliation by
                                                  repacking process or a winning reverse                   to initiate an informal enforcement                       agency examiners.4
                                                  auction bid.1                                                                                                         The term ‘‘material supervisory
                                                                                                           action, and matters requiring board
                                                                                                                                                                     determinations’’ is defined to include
                                                     The Commission decided through                        attention; provide that a formal
                                                                                                                                                                     determinations relating to: (1)
                                                  notice-and-comment rulemaking that it                    enforcement-related action or decision                    Examination ratings; (2) the adequacy of
                                                  will issue all eligible broadcasters and                 does not affect an appeal that is pending                 loan loss reserve provisions; and (3)
                                                  MVPDs an initial allocation of funds                     under the Guidelines; make additional                     classifications on loans that are
                                                  based on estimated costs, which will be                  opportunities for appeal available under                  significant to an institution.5 The Riegle
                                                  available for draw down (from                            the Guidelines in certain circumstances;                  Act specifically excludes from the
                                                  individual accounts in the U.S.                          provide for the publication of annual                     definition of ‘‘material supervisory
                                                  Treasury) as the entities incur expenses,                reports on Division Directors’ decisions                  determinations’’ a decision to appoint a
                                                  followed by a subsequent allocation to                   with respect to material supervisory                      conservator or receiver for an insured
                                                  the extent necessary. The reason for                     determinations; and make other limited                    depository institution or to take prompt
                                                  allowing eligible entities to draw down                  technical and conforming amendments.                      corrective action pursuant to section 38
                                                  funds as they incur expenses is to                       DATES:  The revised Guidelines become                     of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
                                                  reduce the chance that entities will be                  effective on July 18, 2017.                               (FDI Act), 12 U.S.C. 1831o.6 Finally,
                                                  unable to finance necessary relocation                                                                             section 309(g) of the Riegle Act
                                                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                          expressly provides that the requirement
                                                  changes.2
                                                                                                           Patricia Colohan, Associate Director,                     to establish an appeals process shall not
                                                     The information collection for which                  Division of Risk Management                               affect the authority of the Federal
                                                  we are requesting approval is necessary                  Supervision, (202) 898–7283; Sylvia                       banking agencies to take enforcement or
                                                  for eligible entities to instruct the                    Plunkett, Senior Deputy Director,                         supervisory actions against an
                                                  Commission on how to pay the amounts                     Division of Depositor and Consumer                        institution.7
                                                  the entities draw down, and for the                      Protection, (202) 898–6929; and James                       On December 28, 1994, the FDIC
                                                  entities to make certifications that                     Watts, Senior Attorney, Legal Division,                   published in the Federal Register, for a
                                                  reduce the risk of waste, fraud, abuse                   (202) 898–6678.                                           30-day comment period, a notice of and
                                                  and improper payments.                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    On August                   request for comments on proposed
                                                  Federal Communications Commission.                       4, 2016, the FDIC published in the                        Guidelines for Appeals of Material
                                                  Marlene H. Dortch,                                       Federal Register for notice and                           Supervisory Determinations.8 In the
                                                                                                           comment proposed amendments to the                        proposed Guidelines, the FDIC
                                                  Secretary, Office of the Secretary.                                                                                proposed that the term ‘‘material
                                                                                                           Guidelines for Appeals of Material
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–15527 Filed 7–24–17; 8:45 am]                                                                        supervisory determinations,’’ in
                                                                                                           Supervisory Determinations that would
                                                  BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
                                                                                                           provide institutions with broader                         addition to the statutory exclusions
                                                                                                           avenues of redress with respect to                        noted above, also should exclude: (1)
                                                                                                           material supervisory determinations.1                     Determinations for which other appeals
                                                                                                           The 60-day comment period ended                           procedures exist (such as
                                                                                                           October 3, 2016. The FDIC received two                    determinations relating to deposit
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                     1 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
                                                                                                           comment letters, one from a trade
                                                  2012, Pubic Law 112–96 (Spectrum Act)                                                                                2 12 U.S.C. 4806(a).
                                                                                                           association and another from a financial
                                                  § 6403(b)(4)(A)(i), (ii).                                                                                            3 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(2).
                                                     2 Expanding the Economic and Innovation
                                                                                                           holding company. These comments and                         4 12 U.S.C. 4806(b).
                                                                                                           the FDIC’s responses are summarized                         5 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(1)(A).
                                                  Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive
                                                  Auctions, GN Docket No. 12–268, Report and Order,        below.                                                      6 12 U.S.C. 4806(f)(1)(B).

                                                  29 FCC Rcd 6567 (2014) (‘‘Incentive Auction R&O’’)                                                                   7 12 U.S.C. 4806(g).

                                                  at 609.                                                       1 81   FR 51441 (Aug. 4, 2016).                        8 59 FR 66965 (Dec. 28, 1994).




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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices                                                         34523

                                                  insurance assessment risk                                aligned the SARC appellate process                        additional enforcement action, the
                                                  classifications); (2) decisions to initiate              with the material supervisory                             proposed new enforcement action
                                                  formal enforcement actions under                         determinations appeals procedures at                      would not be appealable. Second, the
                                                  section 8 of the FDI Act; (3) decisions                  the other Federal banking agencies.                       amendments proposed to remove from
                                                  to initiate informal enforcement actions                    On April 19, 2010, the FDIC                            the list of determinations that are not
                                                  (such as memoranda of understanding);                    published in the Federal Register                         appealable the decision to initiate an
                                                  (4) determinations relating to a violation               revised Guidelines, effective April 13,                   informal enforcement action, such as a
                                                  of a statute or regulation; and (5) any                  2010, extending the decision deadline                     Memorandum of Understanding.
                                                  other determinations not specified in                    for requests for review and clarifying the                Commenters supported these changes
                                                  the Riegle Act as being eligible for                     decisional deadline for written                           and the FDIC has adopted them as
                                                  appeal.                                                  decisions by the SARC.15                                  proposed.
                                                     Commenters to those proposed                             On March 23, 2012, the FDIC                              One commenter noted that while the
                                                  Guidelines had suggested that the                        published in the Federal Register                         amendments published for comment
                                                  proposed limitations on determinations                   revised Guidelines, effective March 20,                   proposed to remove from the list of
                                                  eligible for appeal were too restrictive.                2012 that included technical and                          determinations that are not appealable
                                                  In response to comments received, the                    ministerial revisions to reflect changes                  the decision to initiate an informal
                                                  FDIC modified the proposed Guidelines                    in the organization of the FDIC’s Board,                  enforcement action, they did not
                                                  on March 21, 1995. The FDIC added a                      of its offices and divisions, and in the                  propose to make such decisions
                                                  final clarifying sentence to the listing of              categories of institutions that it                        expressly appealable. The commenter
                                                  ‘‘Determinations Not Eligible for                        supervises.16                                             requested that, for clarity, the FDIC add
                                                  Appeal’’ in the Guidelines as follows:                                                                             the decision to initiate an informal
                                                                                                           Amendments to the Guidelines
                                                  ‘‘The FDIC recognizes that, although                                                                               enforcement action to the list of
                                                  determinations to take prompt                               As explained above, the FDIC adopted                   appealable determinations. The FDIC
                                                  corrective action or initiate formal or                  amendments to the Guidelines in 2008                      agrees that this change clarifies
                                                  informal enforcement actions are not                     modifying the supervisory                                 institutions’ opportunities for appeal.
                                                  appealable, the determinations upon                      determinations eligible for appeal to                     Accordingly, the amended Guidelines
                                                  which such actions may be based (e.g.,                   eliminate the ability of an FDIC-                         provide expressly that material
                                                  loan classifications) are appealable                     supervised institution to file an appeal                  supervisory determinations include
                                                  provided they otherwise qualify.’’ 9                     with the SARC for formal enforcement-                     decisions to initiate informal
                                                     On March 18, 2004, the FDIC                           related actions and decisions, including                  enforcement actions.17
                                                  published in the Federal Register, for a                 determinations and the underlying facts                     A commenter recommended that the
                                                  30-day comment period, a notice and                      and circumstances that form the basis of                  definition of material supervisory
                                                  request for comments regarding                           a recommended or pending formal                           determination include matters requiring
                                                  proposed revisions to the Guidelines,                    enforcement-related action or decision,                   board attention. This commenter noted
                                                  which would have changed the                             and the initiation of an investigation.                   that matters requiring board attention
                                                  composition and procedures of the                        Since that time, the FDIC’s experience                    are arguably subject to appeal under the
                                                  SARC.10 On July 9, 2004, the FDIC                        in administering the current SARC                         current Guidelines. The FDIC believes
                                                  published in the Federal Register a                      appeals process suggests that it would                    that this change clarifies institutions’
                                                  notice of guidelines which, effective                    be beneficial for institutions to have                    opportunities for appeal and enhances
                                                  June 28, 2004, adopted the revised                       broader avenues of redress with respect                   consistency with the appellate processes
                                                  Guidelines, largely as proposed.11                       to material supervisory determinations.                   used by other agencies. Accordingly, the
                                                     On May 27, 2008, the FDIC published                   Accordingly, the FDIC is amending the                     amended Guidelines provide expressly
                                                  in the Federal Register, for a 60-day                    Guidelines to expand institutions’                        that matters requiring board attention
                                                  comment period, a notice and request                     opportunities for appeal under certain                    are material supervisory determinations
                                                  for comments regarding proposed                          circumstances and enhance consistency                     that may be appealed under the
                                                  revisions to the Guidelines.12 On                        with the appeals process of the other                     Guidelines.
                                                  September 23, 2008, the FDIC published                   Federal banking agencies. The FDIC is                       A commenter stated that the FDIC
                                                  in the Federal Register final revisions to               also making certain technical and non-                    should allow appeals of the conclusions
                                                  the Guidelines 13 modifying the                          substantive changes to the Guidelines to                  in an examination report. As discussed
                                                                                                           make them easier to understand.                           above, the Riegle Act provides for the
                                                  supervisory determinations eligible for
                                                                                                                                                                     review of ‘‘material supervisory
                                                  appeal to eliminate the ability of an                    I. Material Supervisory Determinations                    determinations.’’ 18 The FDIC
                                                  FDIC-supervised institution to file an                   Eligible for Review                                       anticipates that many conclusions in
                                                  appeal with the SARC for formal
                                                                                                              The amendments published for                           examination reports would be ‘‘material
                                                  enforcement-related actions and
                                                                                                           comment in the Federal Register on                        supervisory determinations’’ within the
                                                  decisions, including determinations and
                                                                                                           August 4, 2016 proposed to broaden the                    meaning of the statute and Guidelines
                                                  the underlying facts and circumstances
                                                                                                           definition of ‘‘material supervisory                      and therefore appealable under the
                                                  that form the basis of a recommended or
                                                                                                           determination’’ in two respects. First,                   Guidelines. However, in 2016 the FDIC
                                                  pending formal enforcement-related
                                                                                                           the amendments proposed to allow                          also put in place an informal process
                                                  action or decision, and the initiation of
                                                                                                           determinations regarding an                               through which institutions can obtain
                                                  an investigation under section 10(c) of                                                                            review by the relevant Division Director
                                                  the FDI Act.14 The FDIC noted at that                    institution’s level of compliance with a
                                                                                                           formal enforcement action to be                           of matters that are not covered by the
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  time that these amendments better                                                                                  SARC process or another existing FDIC
                                                                                                           appealed as a material supervisory
                                                    9 60 FR 15929 (Mar. 28, 1995).                         determination; however, if the FDIC
                                                                                                                                                                       17 As a practical matter, the FDIC believes that
                                                    10 69 FR 12855 (Mar. 18, 2004).                        determines that lack of compliance with
                                                                                                                                                                     appeals of decisions to initiate informal
                                                    11 69 FR 41479 (July 9, 2004).                         an existing enforcement action requires                   enforcement actions are likely to be rare due to
                                                    12 73 FR 30393 (May 27, 2008).
                                                                                                                                                                     differences in the processes for initiating formal and
                                                    13 73 FR 54822 (Sept. 23, 2008).                            15 75   FR 20358 (Apr. 19, 2010).                    informal enforcement actions.
                                                    14 12 U.S.C. 1820(c).                                       16 77   FR 17055 (Mar. 23, 2012).                      18 12 U.S.C. 4806(a).




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                                                  34524                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices

                                                  appeals or administrative process. See                   unsound condition would typically                     addressed through the administrative
                                                  FIL–51–2016 (July 29, 2016).                             occur in connection with a formal                     enforcement process. In such instances,
                                                    One commenter recommended that                         enforcement action, and is required by                an appeal of the rating may be available
                                                  the definition of material supervisory                   law to be made public.                                through the SARC process based on
                                                  determination include any supervisory                       Institutions currently may appeal                  grounds other than the facts and
                                                  action that would adversely impact an                    restrictions based on examination                     circumstances that form the basis of the
                                                  institution, including: (1) Formal                       ratings by appealing the relevant rating.             recommended or pending formal
                                                  enforcement actions and assessments of                   Ratings also may affect institutions’                 enforcement action.
                                                  civil money penalties; (2) public                        applications with respect to certain
                                                  disclosure of a determination that an                                                                          II. Commencement of Formal
                                                                                                           activities. The FDIC also applies specific            Enforcement Action
                                                  institution has violated a law or                        standards to failed bank acquisitions
                                                  regulation, has committed an unsafe or                   based upon the acquiring institution’s                   Currently, the Guidelines state that a
                                                  unsound practice, or is in an unsafe and                 CAMELS rating.20 The Guidelines                       formal enforcement action or decision
                                                  unsound condition; (3) restrictions on                   currently permit appeals of final                     commences, and therefore becomes
                                                  an institution’s ability to open or                      decisions with respect to certain                     unappealable, when the FDIC initiates a
                                                  expand branches or to purchase other                     applications. See Section D, paragraph                formal investigation under 12 U.S.C.
                                                  institutions or their assets; (4) decisions              (m) of the Guidelines. Institutions file              1820(c) or provides written notice to the
                                                  to refer a matter to another agency for                  requests for reconsideration of such                  institution indicating the FDIC’s
                                                  enforcement; and (5) ratings                             applications pursuant to Part 303.11(f)               intention to pursue available formal
                                                  downgrades that would have adverse                       of the FDIC’s regulations, 12 CFR                     enforcement remedies under applicable
                                                  consequences for the institution,                        303.11(f). If the request for                         statutes or published enforcement-
                                                  regardless of whether the downgrade is                   reconsideration is granted, and the filing            related policies of the FDIC, including
                                                  related to an enforcement action. Each                   was originally denied by a Division                   written notice of a referral to the
                                                  of these supervisory actions is                          Director, the institution may appeal that             Attorney General pursuant to ECOA or
                                                  addressed below.                                         determination to the SARC. In addition,               a notice to HUD for violations of ECOA
                                                    Institutions that wish to appeal a                     if an institution has concerns with FDIC              and the FHA. The proposed
                                                  formal enforcement action, including                     staff processing of applications before a             amendments provided that a formal
                                                  the assessment of a civil money penalty,                 final decision is made, the FDIC also                 enforcement-related action or decision
                                                  have the ability to seek redress through                 provides an informal process to obtain                would commence and become
                                                  the administrative process established                   review of the matter by the Division                  unappealable when the FDIC initiates a
                                                  under Section 8 of the FDI Act and Part                  Director. See FIL–51–2016 (July 29,                   formal investigation under 12 U.S.C.
                                                  308 of the FDIC’s regulations.                           2016).                                                1820(c) or provides written notice to the
                                                  Recommendations to pursue formal                            With respect to referrals of matters to            institution of a recommended or
                                                  enforcement actions are reviewed by                      another agency, the Equal Credit                      proposed formal enforcement action
                                                  high-level FDIC officials prior to their                 Opportunity Act (ECOA) requires the                   under applicable statutes or published
                                                  initiation and are monitored by such                     FDIC to refer matters to the Attorney                 enforcement-related policies of the
                                                  officials subsequently. Contested                        General whenever the agency has reason                FDIC, including written notice of a
                                                  enforcement actions include the right to                 to believe that one or more creditors has             referral to the Attorney General
                                                  an administrative hearing held before an                 engaged in a pattern or practice of                   pursuant to ECOA or a notice to HUD
                                                  impartial administrative law judge who                                                                         for violations of ECOA and the FHA.
                                                                                                           discouraging or denying applications for
                                                  makes findings of fact and conclusions                                                                         This amendment, which the FDIC has
                                                                                                           credit in violation of the statute.21
                                                  of law and issues a recommended                                                                                adopted as proposed, is not intended to
                                                                                                           Similarly, where the FDIC has reason to
                                                  decision to the FDIC Board of Directors.                                                                       make a substantive change, but rather,
                                                                                                           believe that an ECOA violation also
                                                  The Board of Directors issues a final                                                                          to clarify the Guidelines and make them
                                                                                                           would violate the Fair Housing Act
                                                  decision that is subject to review in                                                                          more consistent with the appellate
                                                                                                           (FHA) and the matter is not required to
                                                  federal court.                                                                                                 processes used by other agencies.
                                                    Accordingly, the FDIC believes that                    be referred to the Attorney General, it is               A commenter requested that the FDIC
                                                  the administrative enforcement process                   required to notify the Department of                  further clarify when a formal
                                                  provides the appropriate avenue for                      Housing and Urban Development                         enforcement-related action has
                                                  contesting such determinations and                       (HUD).22                                              commenced. Institutions will be
                                                  notes that addressing formal                                The Guidelines currently allow                     notified in writing that the FDIC has
                                                  enforcement-related actions through the                  institutions to appeal a variety of                   recommended or proposed a formal
                                                  administrative enforcement process is                    ratings, including CAMELS ratings,                    enforcement action. Other types of
                                                  consistent with the other Federal                        information technology ratings, trust                 correspondence from the FDIC to the
                                                  banking agencies’ appellate processes.19                 ratings, Community Reinvestment Act                   institution, such as letters requesting
                                                  The FDIC also notes that public                          ratings, and consumer compliance                      additional information or referencing a
                                                  disclosure of a determination that an                    ratings, regardless of whether a change               violation of law without an express
                                                  institution has violated a law or                        in the rating is related to an enforcement            statement that the FDIC has
                                                  regulation, has committed an unsafe or                   action. However, the facts and                        recommended or proposed a formal
                                                  unsound practice, or is in an unsafe and                 circumstances that form the basis of a                enforcement action, are not considered
                                                                                                           recommended or pending formal                         to constitute notice of a recommended
                                                     19 The FDIC considered institutions’ opportunity      enforcement action cannot be                          or proposed formal enforcement action
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                                                  to contest determinations through the                    challenged through the process set forth              for purposes of the Guidelines.
                                                  administrative enforcement process when it revised       in the Guidelines and must instead be
                                                  the Guidelines in 2008, eliminating the ability to                                                                One commenter also expressed the
                                                  file appeals with the SARC with respect to formal          20 See FDIC Statement of Policy on Qualifications
                                                                                                                                                                 concern that examiners may try to
                                                  enforcement-related actions or decisions, including                                                            shield material supervisory
                                                  determinations and the underlying facts and              for Failed Bank Acquisitions, 74 FR 45440, 45448
                                                  circumstances forming the basis of a recommended         (Sep. 2, 2009).                                       determinations from appellate review by
                                                  or pending formal enforcement action. See 73 FR            21 15 U.S.C. 1691e(g).                              labeling them ‘‘enforcement-related’’ or
                                                  54822, 54824 (Sep. 23, 2008).                              22 15 U.S.C. 1691e(k).                              initiating a formal enforcement action


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices                                               34525

                                                  on the eve of appeal. Formal                             determinations through the SARC                           amended Guidelines are specifically
                                                  enforcement actions are reviewed by                      process in the case of a referral to the                  intended to provide institutions with
                                                  high-level FDIC officials prior to their                 Attorney General for certain violations                   broader avenues of redress with respect
                                                  initiation. Moreover, field examiners do                 of ECOA if the Attorney General returns                   to material supervisory determinations.
                                                  not decide whether material supervisory                  the matter to the FDIC and the FDIC                       The FDIC also provides an informal
                                                  determinations form the basis of a                       does not initiate an enforcement action                   process for review at the Division
                                                  formal enforcement action and are                        within 120 days of the date the referral                  Director level of any matters that are not
                                                  therefore reviewable only through the                    is returned. Similarly, an additional                     covered by an existing FDIC appeals or
                                                  administrative enforcement process.                      opportunity to appeal through the SARC                    administrative process, such as the
                                                  Institutions submit requests for review                  process would be allowed if the FDIC                      SARC appeals process or the
                                                  to staff at the FDIC’s Washington office.                provides notice to HUD for violations of                  administrative enforcement process. See
                                                  Division staff who were not                              ECOA or the FHA, but does not initiate                    FIL–51–2016 (July 29, 2016).
                                                  substantively involved in the decision                   an enforcement action within 120 days                     Institutions may use this informal
                                                  carefully consider the request for review                of the date the notice is provided. The                   process to address, for example,
                                                  in consultation with Legal Division                      amendments published for comment                          concerns about FDIC staff processing of
                                                  SARC specialists to ascertain whether                    proposed to allow the 120-day                             applications before a final decision is
                                                  specific determinations are subject to                   timeframe to be extended if the FDIC                      made.
                                                  appeal under the Guidelines, or                          and the institution mutually agree and                       A commenter suggested that under
                                                  alternatively, through another process.                  deem it appropriate in order to reach a                   the Guidelines, initial appeals should be
                                                  The FDIC believes that these processes                   mutually agreeable solution. Institutions                 filed with the SARC, which is outside
                                                  mitigate the concern that an examiner                    would be provided written notice of the                   the supervision structure, rather than
                                                  might characterize a finding as related                  additional opportunity to submit an                       with the Division Director. The
                                                  to a formal enforcement action, or                       appeal through the SARC process                           commenter noted that the OCC allows
                                                  initiate such an action, for the purpose                 within 10 days of a determination that                    institutions to file appeals with its
                                                  of precluding an appeal under the                        an appeal will be made available. The                     Ombudsman. The FDIC’s experience in
                                                  Guidelines.                                              FDIC has adopted these amendments as                      administering the appellate process,
                                                     The proposed amendments also                          proposed.                                                 however, suggests that Division-level
                                                  provided that initiation of a formal                        A commenter suggested that the FDIC                    review resolves issues, narrowing the
                                                  enforcement-related action or decision                   should reduce the 120-day period in                       matters in dispute prior to SARC review
                                                  would not affect the appeal of any                       these provisions to 60 days because                       or eliminating the need for an appeal to
                                                  material supervisory determination that                  during this period, banks are subject to                  the SARC. Division-level review also
                                                  is pending under the Guidelines. In                      penalties and restrictions that can                       ensures that the arguments are more
                                                  other words, this ensures that where an                  adversely affect operations. The FDIC                     fully developed for SARC review and
                                                  institution has filed an appeal of a                     believes that the 120-day time frame                      allows the Division Director to correct
                                                  material supervisory determination                       contained in these provisions is                          errors and maintain consistency across
                                                  through the SARC process, the appeal                     appropriate. As discussed above, formal                   the organization.
                                                  will not be affected if the FDIC                         enforcement actions are reviewed by                          The same commenter stated that if the
                                                  subsequently initiates a formal                          high-level FDIC officials prior to their                  FDIC retains Division-level reviews, it
                                                  enforcement-related action or decision                   initiation. The 120-day time period                       should increase the transparency of
                                                  based on the same facts and                              appropriately balances the need for                       those reviews by publishing Division
                                                  circumstances as the appeal. The FDIC                    adequate review of enforcement actions                    Directors’ decisions. Division Directors
                                                  has adopted this amendment as                            with institutions’ desire to promptly                     conduct their reviews on an expedited
                                                  proposed.                                                appeal material supervisory                               basis, issuing written determinations on
                                                                                                           determinations.                                           institutions’ requests for review within
                                                  III. Additional Opportunities for
                                                                                                                                                                     45 days of receipt of the request.
                                                  Appeal                                                   IV. Structure of the Appellate Process
                                                                                                                                                                     However, the FDIC believes that the
                                                     The amendments published for                             Commenters also addressed the                          transparency of the process could be
                                                  comment proposed to allow institutions                   structure of the appellate process. One                   enhanced by providing institutions with
                                                  additional opportunities to appeal                       commenter stated that the FDIC should                     additional information regarding
                                                  material supervisory determinations                      employ an independent review process                      Division-level reviews. Accordingly, the
                                                  through the SARC process in certain                      that is not confined exclusively to                       amended Guidelines provide for
                                                  circumstances. In particular, the                        agency officials. The FDIC is mindful of                  publication of annual reports on
                                                  amendments proposed to allow an                          the commenter’s concern but concludes                     Division Directors’ decisions with
                                                  institution an additional opportunity to                 that review by high-level officials who                   respect to institutions’ requests for
                                                  appeal material supervisory                              were not involved in the determination                    review of material supervisory
                                                  determinations where the FDIC provides                   at issue and do not report to the official                determinations.
                                                  the institution with written notice of a                 who made the determination is                                A commenter stated that the FDIC
                                                  recommended or proposed formal                           consistent with the Riegle Act, which                     should clarify that SARC decisions may
                                                  enforcement action but does not pursue                   provides for an intra-agency appellate                    be appealed to the federal courts of
                                                  an enforcement action within 120 days                    process.23 The SARC is comprised of                       appeal. The FDIC notes that because
                                                  of the written notice. The FDIC could                    high-level officials, including one inside                supervisory decisions are entrusted to
                                                  extend this 120-day period, with the                     member of the FDIC’s Board of                             agency discretion, SARC decisions are
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                                                  approval of the SARC Chairperson, if                     Directors, who is designated the SARC                     not appealable.
                                                  the FDIC notifies the institution that the               Chairperson, and one deputy or special
                                                  relevant Division Director is seeking                    assistant to each of the inside Board                     V. Standard of Review
                                                  formal authority to take an enforcement                  members who are not designated as the                       Commenters also addressed the
                                                  action. The FDIC also proposed to allow                  SARC Chairperson. Furthermore, the                        standard of review that applies to
                                                  institutions an additional opportunity to                                                                          appeals filed under the Guidelines. A
                                                  appeal material supervisory                                   23 12   U.S.C. 4806(a).                              commenter stated that the proposed


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                                                  34526                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices

                                                  amendments to the Guidelines did not                     Guidelines for Appeals of Material                      Material supervisory determinations
                                                  address the high standard of review                      Supervisory Determinations                            include:
                                                  banks must meet when seeking redress.                                                                            (a) CAMELS ratings under the
                                                                                                           A. Introduction                                       Uniform Financial Institutions Rating
                                                  Another commenter stated that the FDIC
                                                  should apply a de novo standard of                         Section 309(a) of the Riegle                        System;
                                                  review to appeals rather than the                        Community Development and                               (b) IT ratings under the Uniform
                                                  current standard, which the commenter                    Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994                    Interagency Rating System for Data
                                                  believes is too deferential to examiners.                (Pub. L. 103–325, 108 Stat. 2160) (Riegle             Processing Operations;
                                                  Pursuant to Section M of the Guidelines,                 Act) required the Federal Deposit                       (c) Trust ratings under the Uniform
                                                  the SARC reviews appeals for                             Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to                       Interagency Trust Rating System;
                                                  ‘‘consistency with the policies,                         establish an independent intra-agency                   (d) CRA ratings under the Revised
                                                  practices, and mission of the FDIC and                   appellate process to review material                  Uniform Interagency Community
                                                                                                           supervisory determinations made at                    Reinvestment Act Assessment Rating
                                                  the overall reasonableness of, and the
                                                                                                           insured depository institutions that it               System;
                                                  support offered for, the positions
                                                                                                           supervises. The Guidelines for Appeals                  (e) Consumer compliance ratings
                                                  advanced.’’ The SARC’s balanced
                                                                                                           of Material Supervisory Determinations                under the Uniform Interagency
                                                  approach includes review of the                                                                                Consumer Compliance Rating System;
                                                  evidence and arguments presented by                      (Guidelines) describe the types of
                                                                                                           determinations that are eligible for                    (f) Registered transfer agent
                                                  both Division staff and the appealing                                                                          examination ratings;
                                                  institution. In addition to submitting                   review and the process by which
                                                                                                           appeals will be considered and decided.                 (g) Government securities dealer
                                                  written materials, an institution is                                                                           examination ratings;
                                                  generally invited to make an oral                        The procedures set forth in these
                                                                                                                                                                   (h) Municipal securities dealer
                                                  presentation before the SARC and                         Guidelines establish an appeals process
                                                                                                                                                                 examination ratings;
                                                  explain its positions on the issues raised               for the review of material supervisory
                                                                                                                                                                   (i) Determinations relating to the
                                                  in the appeal. The FDIC believes that                    determinations by the Supervision
                                                                                                                                                                 adequacy of loan loss reserve
                                                  this approach is reasonable and enables                  Appeals Review Committee (SARC).
                                                                                                                                                                 provisions;
                                                  institutions to obtain a full and fair                   B. SARC Membership                                      (j) Classifications of loans and other
                                                  review of material supervisory                                                                                 assets in dispute the amount of which,
                                                  determinations.                                             The following individuals comprise                 individually or in the aggregate, exceeds
                                                                                                           the three (3) voting members of the                   10 percent of an institution’s total
                                                     A commenter suggested that                            SARC: (1) One inside FDIC Board
                                                  institutions also should be entitled to                                                                        capital;
                                                                                                           member, either the Chairperson, the                     (k) Determinations relating to
                                                  adduce evidence and engage in                            Vice Chairperson, or the FDIC Director                violations of a statute or regulation that
                                                  reasonable discovery during the appeals                  (Appointive), as designated by the FDIC               may affect the capital, earnings, or
                                                  process. However, institutions often                     Chairperson (this person would serve as               operating flexibility of an institution, or
                                                  present extensive evidence in support of                 the Chairperson of the SARC); and (2)                 otherwise affect the nature and level of
                                                  their appeals, and it is not apparent that               one deputy or special assistant to each               supervisory oversight accorded an
                                                  the current process has hindered                         of the inside FDIC Board members who                  institution;
                                                  institutions’ appeals.                                   are not designated as the SARC                          (l) Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)
                                                     One commenter requested that the                      Chairperson. The General Counsel is a                 restitution;
                                                  FDIC clarify the standard of review for                  non-voting member of the SARC. The                      (m) Filings made pursuant to 12 CFR
                                                  Division-level reviews, noting that the                  FDIC Chairperson may designate                        303.11(f), for which a request for
                                                  Guidelines are not clear in this respect.                alternate member(s) to the SARC if there              reconsideration has been granted, other
                                                  The FDIC agrees that it would be useful                  are vacancies so long as the alternate                than denials of a change in bank control,
                                                  to clarify this aspect of the process.                   member was not involved in making or                  change in senior executive officer or
                                                  Historically, the same standard of                       affirming the material supervisory                    board of directors, or denial of an
                                                  review has been applied to Division-                     determination under review. A member                  application pursuant to section 19 of the
                                                  level reviews and SARC appeals. The                      of the SARC may designate and                         Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act),
                                                  amended Guidelines apply the current                     authorize the most senior member of his               12 U.S.C. 1829 (which are contained in
                                                  standard of review for SARC appeals to                   or her staff within the substantive area              12 CFR 308, subparts D, L, and M,
                                                  Division-level reviews.                                  of responsibility related to cases before             respectively), if the filing was originally
                                                                                                           the SARC to act on his or her behalf.                 denied by the Director, Deputy Director,
                                                  VI. Stay of Supervisory Actions                                                                                or Associate Director of the Division of
                                                                                                           C. Institutions Eligible to Appeal
                                                    A commenter requested that the FDIC                                                                          Depositor and Consumer Protection
                                                                                                             The Guidelines apply to the insured                 (DCP) or the Division of Risk
                                                  stay supervisory actions during the                      depository institutions that the FDIC
                                                  pendency of an appeal. While the FDIC                                                                          Management Supervision (RMS);
                                                                                                           supervises (i.e., insured State                         (n) Decisions to initiate informal
                                                  generally does not stay material                         nonmember banks, insured branches of                  enforcement actions (such as
                                                  supervisory determinations while an                      foreign banks, and state savings                      memoranda of understanding);
                                                  appeal under the Guidelines is pending,                  associations) and to other insured                      (o) Determinations regarding the
                                                  the Guidelines do not prohibit an                        depository institutions with respect to               institution’s level of compliance with a
                                                  institution from making such a request                   which the FDIC makes material                         formal enforcement action; however, if
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                                                  of the Division Director.                                supervisory determinations.                           the FDIC determines that the lack of
                                                    For the reasons set out in the                                                                               compliance with an existing formal
                                                                                                           D. Determinations Subject to Appeal
                                                  preamble, the Federal Deposit Insurance                                                                        enforcement action requires additional
                                                  Corporation Board of Directors adopts                      An institution may appeal any                       enforcement action, the proposed new
                                                  the Guidelines for Appeals of Material                   material supervisory determination                    enforcement action is not appealable;
                                                  Supervisory Determinations as set forth                  pursuant to the procedures set forth in                 (p) Matters requiring board attention;
                                                  below.                                                   these Guidelines.                                     and


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices                                          34527

                                                     (q) Any other supervisory                             Director is seeking formal authority to               arguments to support that position
                                                  determination (unless otherwise not                      take an enforcement action.                           (including citation of any relevant
                                                  eligible for appeal) that may affect the                    (b) In the case of a referral to the               statute, regulation, policy statement, or
                                                  capital, earnings, operating flexibility,                Attorney General for violations of the                other authority), how resolution of the
                                                  or capital category for prompt corrective                ECOA, if the Attorney General returns                 dispute would materially affect the
                                                  action purposes of an institution, or                    the matter to the FDIC and the FDIC                   institution, and whether a good-faith
                                                  otherwise affect the nature and level of                 does not initiate an enforcement action               effort was made to resolve the dispute
                                                  supervisory oversight accorded an                        within 120 days of the date the referral              with the on-site examiner and the
                                                  institution.                                             is returned, SARC appeal rights will be               Regional Office; and
                                                     Material supervisory determinations                   made available pursuant to these                         (b) A statement that the institution’s
                                                  do not include:                                          guidelines.                                           board of directors has considered the
                                                     (a) Decisions to appoint a conservator                   (c) In the case of providing notice to             merits of the request and has authorized
                                                  or receiver for an insured depository                    HUD for violations of the ECOA or the                 that it be filed.
                                                  institution;                                             FHA, if the FDIC does not initiate an                    The Division Director will review the
                                                     (b) Decisions to take prompt                          enforcement action within 120 days of                 appeal for consistency with the policies,
                                                  corrective action pursuant to section 38                 the date the notice is provided, SARC                 practices, and mission of the FDIC and
                                                  of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. 1831o;                         appeal rights will be made available                  the overall reasonableness of, and the
                                                     (c) Determinations for which other                    under these guidelines.                               support offered for, the positions
                                                                                                              (d) Written notification of SARC                   advanced. The Division Director will
                                                  appeals procedures exist (such as
                                                                                                           rights will be provided to the institution            issue a written determination on the
                                                  determinations of deposit insurance
                                                                                                           within 10 days of a determination that                request for review, setting forth the
                                                  assessment risk classifications and
                                                                                                           such rights have been made available.                 grounds for that determination, within
                                                  payment calculations); and
                                                                                                              (e) The FDIC and an institution may                45 days of receipt of the request. No
                                                     (d) Formal enforcement-related
                                                                                                           mutually agree to extend the timeframes               appeal to the SARC will be allowed
                                                  actions and decisions, including
                                                                                                           in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) if the                unless an institution has first filed a
                                                  determinations and the underlying facts
                                                                                                           parties deem it appropriate in order to               timely request for review with the
                                                  and circumstances that form the basis of                                                                       appropriate Division Director.
                                                                                                           reach a mutually agreeable solution.
                                                  a recommended or pending formal
                                                  enforcement action.                                      E. Good-Faith Resolution                              G. Appeal to the SARC
                                                     A formal enforcement-related action                      An institution should make a good-                    An institution that does not agree
                                                  or decision commences, and becomes                       faith effort to resolve any dispute                   with the written determination rendered
                                                  unappealable, when the FDIC initiates a                  concerning a material supervisory                     by the Division Director must appeal
                                                  formal investigation under 12 U.S.C.                     determination with the on-site examiner               that determination to the SARC within
                                                  1820(c) or provides written notice to the                and/or the appropriate Regional Office.               30 calendar days from the date of that
                                                  institution of a recommended or                          The on-site examiner and the Regional                 determination. The Director’s
                                                  proposed formal enforcement action                       Office will promptly respond to any                   determination will inform the
                                                  under applicable statutes or published                   concerns raised by an institution                     institution of the 30-day time period for
                                                  enforcement-related policies of the                      regarding a material supervisory                      filing with the SARC and will provide
                                                  FDIC, including written notice of a                      determination. Informal resolution of                 the mailing address for any appeal the
                                                  referral to the Attorney General                         disputes with the on-site examiner and/               institution may wish to file. Failure to
                                                  pursuant to the Equal Credit                             or the appropriate Regional Office is                 file within the 30-day time limit may
                                                  Opportunity Act (ECOA) or a notice to                    encouraged, but seeking such a                        result in denial of the appeal by the
                                                  the Secretary of Housing and Urban                       resolution is not a condition to filing a             SARC. If the Division Director
                                                  Development (HUD) for violations of                      request for review with the appropriate               recommends that an institution receive
                                                  ECOA or the Fair Housing Act (FHA).                      Division, either DCP or RMS, or to filing             relief that the Director lacks delegated
                                                  For the purposes of these Guidelines,                    an appeal with the SARC under these                   authority to grant, the Director may,
                                                  remarks in a Report of Examination do                    Guidelines.                                           with the approval of the Chairperson of
                                                  not constitute written notice of a                                                                             the SARC, transfer the matter directly to
                                                  recommended or proposed enforcement                      F. Filing a Request for Review With the               the SARC without issuing a
                                                  action. A formal enforcement-related                     Appropriate Division                                  determination. Notice of such a transfer
                                                  action or decision does not affect the                     An institution may file a request for               will be provided to the institution. The
                                                  appeal of any material supervisory                       review of a material supervisory                      Division Director may also request
                                                  determination that is pending under                      determination with the Division that                  guidance from the SARC Chairperson as
                                                  these Guidelines.                                        made the determination, either the                    to procedural or other questions relating
                                                     Additional SARC Rights:                               Director, DCP, or the Director, RMS,                  to any request for review.
                                                     (a) In the case of any written notice                 (Director or Division Director), 550 17th
                                                  from the FDIC to the institution of a                    Street NW., Room F–4076, Washington,                  H. Filing With the SARC
                                                  recommended or proposed formal                           DC 20429, within 60 calendar days                        An appeal to the SARC will be
                                                  enforcement action, including a draft                    following the institution’s receipt of a              considered filed if the written appeal is
                                                  consent order, if an enforcement action,                 report of examination containing a                    received by the FDIC within 30 calendar
                                                  such as the issuance of a notice of                      material supervisory determination or                 days from the date of the Division
                                                  charges or the signing of a consent                      other written communication of a                      Director’s written determination or if
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                                                  order, is not pursued within 120 days of                 material supervisory determination. A                 the written appeal is placed in the U.S.
                                                  the written notice, SARC appeal rights                   request for review must be in writing                 mail within that 30-day period. If the
                                                  will be made available pursuant to these                 and must include:                                     30th day after the date of the Division
                                                  guidelines. The FDIC may extend this                       (a) A detailed description of the issues            Director’s written determination is a
                                                  120-day period, with the approval of the                 in dispute, the surrounding                           Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday,
                                                  SARC Chairperson, if the FDIC notifies                   circumstances, the institution’s position             filing may be made on the next business
                                                  the institution that the relevant Division               regarding the dispute and any                         day. The appeal should be sent to the


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                                                  34528                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices

                                                  address indicated on the Division                        offered for, the positions advanced. The              copy of the institution’s request for
                                                  Director’s determination being                           SARC will notify the institution, in                  review and any other related materials,
                                                  appealed.                                                writing, of its decision concerning the               and solicit the regulatory authority’s
                                                                                                           disputed material supervisory                         views regarding the merits of the request
                                                  I. Contents of Appeal                                                                                          before making a determination. In the
                                                                                                           determination(s) within 45 days from
                                                     The appeal should be labeled to                       the date the SARC meets to consider the               event that an appeal is subsequently
                                                  indicate that it is an appeal to the SARC                appeal, which meeting will be held                    filed with the SARC, the SARC will
                                                  and should contain the name, address,                    within 90 days from the date of the                   notify the institution and the State
                                                  and telephone number of the institution                  filing of the appeal. SARC review will                regulatory authority of its decision.
                                                  and any representative, as well as a                     be limited to the facts and                           Once the SARC has issued its
                                                  copy of the Division Director’s                          circumstances as they existed prior to,               determination, any other issues that
                                                  determination being appealed. If oral                    or at the time the material supervisory               may remain between the institution and
                                                  presentation is sought, that request                     determination was made, even if later                 the State authority will be left to those
                                                  should be included in the appeal. Only                   discovered, and no consideration will                 parties to resolve.
                                                  matters previously reviewed at the                       be given to any facts or circumstances                R. Effect on Supervisory or Enforcement
                                                  division level, resulting in a written                   that occur or corrective action taken                 Actions
                                                  determination or direct referral to the                  after the determination was made. The
                                                  SARC, may be appealed to the SARC.                       SARC may reconsider its decision only                   The use of the procedures set forth in
                                                  Evidence not presented for review to the                 on a showing of an intervening change                 these Guidelines by any institution will
                                                  Division Director may be submitted to                    in the controlling law or the availability            not affect, delay, or impede any formal
                                                  the SARC only if authorized by the                       of material evidence not reasonably                   or informal supervisory or enforcement
                                                  SARC Chairperson. The institution                        available when the decision was issued.               action in progress or affect the FDIC’s
                                                  should set forth all of the reasons, legal                                                                     authority to take any supervisory or
                                                  and factual, why it disagrees with the                   N. Publication of Decisions                           enforcement action against that
                                                  Division Director’s determination.                         SARC decisions will be published as                 institution.
                                                  Nothing in the SARC administrative                       soon as practicable, and the published                S. Effect on Applications or Requests for
                                                  process shall create any discovery or                    decisions will be redacted to avoid                   Approval
                                                  other such rights.                                       disclosure of exempt information. In
                                                                                                           cases in which redaction is deemed                      Any application or request for
                                                  J. Burden of Proof                                                                                             approval made to the FDIC by an
                                                                                                           insufficient to prevent improper
                                                     The burden of proof as to all matters                 disclosure, published decisions may be                institution that has appealed a material
                                                  at issue in the appeal, including                        presented in summary form. Published                  supervisory determination that relates
                                                  timeliness of the appeal if timeliness is                SARC decisions may be cited as                        to, or could affect the approval of, the
                                                  at issue, rests with the institution.                    precedent in appeals to the SARC.                     application or request will not be
                                                                                                           Annual reports on Division Directors’                 considered until a final decision
                                                  K. Oral Presentation                                                                                           concerning the appeal is made unless
                                                                                                           decisions with respect to institutions’
                                                    The SARC may, in its discretion,                       requests for review of material                       otherwise requested by the institution.
                                                  whether or not a request is made,                        supervisory determinations also will be               T. Prohibition on Examiner Retaliation
                                                  determine to allow an oral presentation.                 published.
                                                  The SARC generally grants a request for                                                                           The FDIC has an experienced
                                                  oral presentation if it determines that                  O. SARC Guidelines Generally                          examination workforce and is proud of
                                                  oral presentation is likely to be helpful                  Appeals to the SARC will be governed                its professionalism and dedication.
                                                  or would otherwise be in the public                      by these Guidelines. The SARC will                    FDIC policy prohibits any retaliation,
                                                  interest. Notice of the SARC’s                           retain discretion to waive any provision              abuse, or retribution by an agency
                                                  determination to grant or deny a request                 of the Guidelines for good cause. The                 examiner or any FDIC personnel against
                                                  for oral presentation will be provided to                SARC may adopt supplemental rules                     an institution. Such behavior against an
                                                  the institution. If oral presentation is                 governing its operations; order that                  institution that appeals a material
                                                  held, the institution will be allowed to                 material be kept confidential; and                    supervisory determination constitutes
                                                  present its positions on the issues raised               consolidate similar appeals.                          unprofessional conduct and will subject
                                                  in the appeal and to respond to any                                                                            the examiner or other personnel to
                                                  questions from the SARC. The SARC                        P. Limitation on Agency Ombudsman                     appropriate disciplinary or remedial
                                                  may also require that FDIC staff                            The subject matter of a material                   action. Institutions that believe they
                                                  participate as the SARC deems                            supervisory determination for which                   have been retaliated against are
                                                  appropriate.                                             either an appeal to the SARC has been                 encouraged to contact the Regional
                                                                                                           filed, or a final SARC decision issued,               Director for the appropriate FDIC region.
                                                  L. Dismissal, Withdrawal and Rejection                   is not eligible for consideration by the              Any institution that believes or has any
                                                     An appeal may be dismissed by the                     Ombudsman.                                            evidence that it has been subject to
                                                  SARC if it is not timely filed, if the basis                                                                   retaliation may file a complaint with the
                                                                                                           Q. Coordination With State Regulatory                 Director, Office of the Ombudsman,
                                                  for the appeal is not discernable from
                                                                                                           Authorities                                           Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
                                                  the appeal, or if the institution moves to
                                                  withdraw the appeal. An appeal may be                      In the event that a material                        550 17th Street, Washington, DC 20429,
                                                  rejected if the right to appeal has been                 supervisory determination subject to a                explaining the circumstances and the
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                                                  cut off under Section D, above.                          request for review is the joint product of            basis for such belief or evidence and
                                                                                                           the FDIC and a State regulatory                       requesting that the complaint be
                                                  M. Scope of Review and Decision                          authority, the Director, DCP, or the                  investigated and appropriate
                                                    The SARC will review the appeal for                    Director, RMS, as appropriate, will                   disciplinary or remedial action taken.
                                                  consistency with the policies, practices,                promptly notify the appropriate State                 The Office of the Ombudsman will work
                                                  and mission of the FDIC and the overall                  regulatory authority of the request,                  with the appropriate Division Director
                                                  reasonableness of, and the support                       provide the regulatory authority with a               to resolve the allegation of retaliation.


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 25, 2017 / Notices                                          34529

                                                    By order of the Board of Directors.                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                2. Email your request, including your
                                                    Dated at Washington, DC, the 18th day of               HUMAN SERVICES                                        address, phone number, OMB number,
                                                  July, 2017.                                                                                                    and CMS document identifier, to
                                                  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.                   Centers for Medicare & Medicaid                       Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov.
                                                                                                           Services                                                3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at
                                                  Robert E. Feldman,
                                                                                                           [Document Identifiers CMS–10488]                      (410) 786–1326.
                                                  Executive Secretary.
                                                                                                                                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–15466 Filed 7–24–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                           Agency Information Collection                         William Parham at (410) 786–4669.
                                                  BILLING CODE 6714–01–P                                   Activities: Submission for OMB                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
                                                                                                           Review; Comment Request                               Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)
                                                                                                           AGENCY: Centers for Medicare &                        (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), federal agencies
                                                                                                           Medicaid Services, HHS.                               must obtain approval from the Office of
                                                  FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM                                                                                         Management and Budget (OMB) for each
                                                                                                           ACTION: Notice.
                                                                                                                                                                 collection of information they conduct
                                                  Change in Bank Control Notices;
                                                                                                           SUMMARY:    The Centers for Medicare &                or sponsor. The term ‘‘collection of
                                                  Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or
                                                                                                           Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing                 information’’ is defined in 44 U.S.C.
                                                  Bank Holding Company                                                                                           3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and
                                                                                                           an opportunity for the public to
                                                                                                           comment on CMS’ intention to collect                  includes agency requests or
                                                     The notificants listed below have
                                                                                                           information from the public. Under the                requirements that members of the public
                                                  applied under the Change in Bank
                                                                                                           Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                       submit reports, keep records, or provide
                                                  Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and                                                                            information to a third party. Section
                                                                                                           (PRA), federal agencies are required to
                                                  § 225.41 of the Board’s Regulation Y (12                 publish notice in the Federal Register                3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C.
                                                  CFR 225.41) to acquire shares of a bank                  concerning each proposed collection of                3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies
                                                  or bank holding company. The factors                     information, including each proposed                  to publish a 30-day notice in the
                                                  that are considered in acting on the                     extension or reinstatement of an existing             Federal Register concerning each
                                                  notices are set forth in paragraph 7 of                  collection of information, and to allow               proposed collection of information,
                                                  the Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(7)).                          a second opportunity for public                       including each proposed extension or
                                                     The notices are available for                         comment on the notice. Interested                     reinstatement of an existing collection
                                                  immediate inspection at the Federal                      persons are invited to send comments                  of information, before submitting the
                                                  Reserve Bank indicated. The notices                      regarding the burden estimate or any                  collection to OMB for approval. No
                                                  also will be available for inspection at                 other aspect of this collection of                    comments were received in response to
                                                  the offices of the Board of Governors.                   information, including the necessity and              the 60-day comment period. To comply
                                                  Interested persons may express their                     utility of the proposed information                   with this requirement, CMS is
                                                                                                           collection for the proper performance of              publishing this notice that summarizes
                                                  views in writing to the Reserve Bank
                                                                                                           the agency’s functions, the accuracy of               the following proposed collection(s) of
                                                  indicated for that notice or to the offices
                                                                                                           the estimated burden, ways to enhance                 information for public comment:
                                                  of the Board of Governors. Comments                      the quality, utility, and clarity of the                1. Type of Information Collection
                                                  must be received not later than August                   information to be collected; and the use              Request: Revision of an existing
                                                  8, 2017.                                                 of automated collection techniques or                 information collection request; Title of
                                                     A. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas                     other forms of information technology to              Information Collection: Consumer
                                                  City (Dennis Denney, Assistant Vice                      minimize the information collection                   Experience Survey Data Collection. Use:
                                                  President) 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas                      burden.                                               Section 1311(c)(4) of the Affordable
                                                  City, Missouri 64198–0001:                               DATES: Comments on the collection(s) of               Care Act requires the Department of
                                                     1. Krystal Steele, Sundance,                          information must be received by the                   Health and Human Services (HHS) to
                                                  Wyoming; as trustee, to acquire voting                   OMB desk officer by August 24, 2017.                  develop an enrollee satisfaction survey
                                                  shares of Sundance State Bank Profit                     ADDRESSES: When commenting on the                     system that assesses consumer
                                                                                                           proposed information collections,                     experience with qualified health plans
                                                  Sharing and Employee Stock Ownership
                                                                                                           please reference the document identifier              (QHPs) offered through an Exchange. It
                                                  Plan and Trust, Sundance, Wyoming,
                                                                                                           or OMB control number. To be assured                  also requires public display of enrollee
                                                  and thereby acquire voting shares of
                                                                                                           consideration, comments and                           satisfaction information by the
                                                  Sundance Bankshares, Inc., which                                                                               Exchange to allow individuals to easily
                                                  controls Sundance State Bank, both of                    recommendations must be received by
                                                                                                           the OMB desk officer via one of the                   compare enrollee satisfaction levels
                                                  Sundance, Wyoming.                                                                                             between comparable plans. HHS
                                                                                                           following transmissions: OMB, Office of
                                                    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve              Information and Regulatory Affairs,                   established the QHP Enrollee
                                                  System, July 20, 2017.                                   Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax                      Experience Survey (QHP Enrollee
                                                  Yao-Chin Chao,                                           Number: (202) 395–5806 OR, Email:                     Survey) to assess consumer experience
                                                  Assistant Secretary of the Board.                        OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.                          with the QHPs offered through the
                                                                                                              To obtain copies of a supporting                   Marketplaces. The survey include topics
                                                  [FR Doc. 2017–15594 Filed 7–24–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                           statement and any related forms for the               to assess consumer experience with the
                                                  BILLING CODE 6210–01–P
                                                                                                           proposed collection(s) summarized in                  health care system such as
                                                                                                           this notice, you may make your request                communication skills of providers and
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                                                                                                           using one of following:                               ease of access to health care services.
                                                                                                              1. Access CMS’ Web site address at                 CMS developed the survey using the
                                                                                                           Web site address at https://                          Consumer Assessment of Health
                                                                                                           www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-                          Providers and Systems (CAHPS®)
                                                                                                           Guidance/Legislation/                                 principles (https://www.ahrq.gov/
                                                                                                           PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRA-                      cahps/about-cahps/principles/
                                                                                                           Listing.html.                                         index.html) and established an


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Document Created: 2018-10-24 11:22:28
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 11:22:28
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of Guidelines.
DatesThe revised Guidelines become effective on July 18, 2017.
ContactPatricia Colohan, Associate Director, Division of Risk Management Supervision, (202) 898-7283; Sylvia Plunkett, Senior Deputy Director, Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection, (202) 898-6929; and James Watts, Senior Attorney, Legal Division, (202) 898-6678.
FR Citation82 FR 34522 

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