The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is looking for information on how it can improve the deposit insurance application process and on factors that discourage potential applicants from beginning or finishing applications. Specific aspects under review include improvements that might benefit community banks and improvements in technology. The agency also has created a process that will allow potential applicants to request a review of a draft deposit insurance proposal.
As part of its efforts to increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has announced multiple initiatives and resources related to the deposit insurance application process for organizers of de novo banks. The changes are intended to promote a more transparent, streamlined, and accountable process for all applications submitted to the agency. FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams stated that a pipeline of new banks “is critical to the long-term health of the industry and communities across the country. The application process should not be overly burdensome and should not deter prospective banks from applying.”
The FDIC requested comments on all aspects of the deposit insurance application process, including ways in which the FDIC could or should support the continuing evolution of emerging technology and Fintech companies; aspects of the application process that may discourage potential applications; possible changes to the application process for traditional community bank proposals; and other suggestions for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, or transparency of the application process. Comments on the Notice and Request for Information are due by Feb. 11, 2019.
The FDIC has also created a new, designated mailbox as an additional means by which bankers, applicants, and other interested parties may pose questions regarding specific applications or the application process in general.
Updated publications. The FDIC has also updated two publications related to the deposit insurance application process. The publications, Applying for Deposit Insurance—A Handbook for Organizers of De Novo Institutions, which was developed to facilitate the process of establishing new banks and originally issued on Dec. 22, 2016, and Deposit Insurance Applications Procedures Manual, which was issued for public comment on July 10, 2017, provide comprehensive instruction to staff regarding the deposit insurance application process. Together, the documents address the informational needs of organizers and provide comprehensive instruction to FDIC staff.
Draft insurance review proposal. The FDIC announced that it is establishing a process to allow prospective organizers the option to request FDIC review of a draft deposit insurance proposal prior to filing an official application. The FDIC will review draft proposals to identify potential issues, provide preliminary feedback, and work with organizers on their submissions before submitting a formal application. The draft review process is intended to provide the FDIC and organizing groups the opportunity to better understand and work through possible challenges with a proposal through a collaborative process before a formal application is filed. The agency noted that feedback is limited to matters raised in the review of the submitted materials.
Review requests should be made in writing to the appropriate FDIC regional office and should be accompanied by a draft application filing. The FDIC expects to provide interim feedback to the organizers as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after receiving a draft proposal, and to communicate overall feedback within 60 days of receipt.
Timeframe guidelines. The FDIC has also updated and is republishing its timeframe guidelines for applications. The FDIC is republishing its timeframe guidelines for processing applications, notices, requests, and other filings submitted on behalf of existing and proposed institutions and other parties.
According to the FDIC, the timeframe guidelines apply to filings processed by Regional Offices under delegated authority. The timeframe guidelines do not apply to filings that:
- raise legal or policy issues;
- establish or change FDIC policy;
- could attract unusual attention or publicity; or
- involve an issue of first impression.
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