Part C - Rights of Borrowers; Loan Restructuring

12 USC 2199 - Disclosure

(a) In general 
In accordance with regulations of the Farm Credit Administration, qualified lenders shall provide to borrowers, for all loans that are not subject to the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), meaningful and timely disclosure not later than the time of the loan closing, of
(1) the current rate of interest on the loan;
(2) in the case of an adjustable or variable rate loan, the amount and frequency by which the interest rate can be increased during the term of the loan or, if there are no such limitations, a statement to that effect, and the factors (including the cost of funds, operating expenses, and provision for loan losses) that will be taken into account by the qualified lender in determining adjustments to the interest rate;
(3) the effect, as shown by a representative example or examples, of any loan origination charges or purchases of stock or participation certificates on the effective rate of interest;
(4) any change in the interest rate applicable to the borrowers loan, and notice to the borrower of a change in the interest rate applicable to the loan of the borrower may be made within a reasonable time after the effective date of an increase or decrease in the interest rate;
(5) except with respect to stock guaranteed under section 2162 of this title, a statement indicating that stock that is purchased is at risk; and
(6) a statement indicating the various types of loan options available to borrowers, with an explanation of the terms and borrowers rights that apply to each type of loan.
(b) Differential interest rates 
A qualified lender offering more than one rate of interest to borrowers shall, at the request of a borrower of a loan
(1) provide a review of the loan to determine if the proper interest rate has been established;
(2) explain to the borrower in writing the basis for the interest rate charged; and
(3) explain to the borrower in writing how the credit status of the borrower may be improved to receive a lower interest rate on the loan.

12 USC 2200 - Access to documents and information

In accordance with regulations of the Farm Credit Administration, qualified lenders shall provide their borrowers, at the time of execution of loans, copies of all documents signed by the borrower and at any time thereafter, on a borrowers request, copies of all documents signed or delivered by the borrower and at any time, on request, a copy of the institutions articles of incorporation or charter and bylaws and copies of each appraisal of the borrowers assets made or used by the qualified lender.

12 USC 2201 - Notice of action on application

(a) Loan applications 
Each qualified lender to which a person has applied for a loan shall provide the person with prompt written notice of
(1) the action on the application;
(2) if the loan applied for is reduced or denied, the reasons for such action; and
(3) the applicants right to review under section 2202 of this title.
(b) Distressed loans 
Each qualified lender that has a distressed loan outstanding that is subject to restructuring requirements under this chapter shall provide, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Farm Credit Administration, the borrower with prompt written notice of
(1) any action taken with respect to restructuring the loan under section 2202a of this title;
(2) if restructuring is denied, the reasons for such action; and
(3) the borrowers right to review under section 2202 of this title.

12 USC 2202 - Reconsideration of actions

(a) Credit review committees 

(1) In general 
The board of directors of each qualified lender shall establish one or more credit review committees, which shall include farmer board representation.
(2) Membership 
In no case shall a loan officer involved in the initial decision on a loan serve on the credit review committee when the committee reviews such loan.
(b) Review of decisions 

(1) Denials or reductions 
Any applicant for a loan from a qualified lender that has received a written notice issued under section 2201 of this title of a decision to deny or reduce the loan applied for may submit a written request, not later than 30 days after receiving a notice denying or reducing the amount of the loan application, to obtain a review of the decision before the credit review committee.
(2) Denials of restructuring 
A borrower of a loan from a qualified lender that has received notice, under section 2201 of this title, of a decision to deny loan restructuring with respect to a loan made to the borrower, if the borrower so requests in writing within 7 days after receiving such notice, may obtain a review of such decision in person before the credit review committee.
(c) Personal appearance 
An applicant for a loan or for restructuring, who is entitled to and has requested a review under this section, may appear in person before the credit review committee, and may be accompanied by counsel or by any other representative of such persons choice, to seek a reversal of the decision on the application under review.
(d) Independent appraisal 

(1) In general 
An appeal filed with a credit review committee under this section may include, as a part of the request for a review of the decision filed under subsection (b)(1) or (2) of this section, a request for an independent appraisal, by an accredited appraiser, of any interests in property securing the loan (other than the stock or participation certificates of the qualified lender held by the borrower).
(2) Arrangement and cost 
Within 30 days after a request for an appraisal under paragraph (1), the credit review committee shall present the borrower with a list of three appraisers approved by the appropriate qualified lender from which the borrower shall select an appraiser to conduct the appraisal the cost of which shall be borne by the borrower, and shall consider the results of such appraisal in any final determination with respect to the loan.
(3) Copy to borrower 
A copy of any appraisal made under this subsection shall be provided to the borrower.
(4) Additional collateral 
An independent appraisal shall be permitted if additional collateral for a loan is demanded by the qualified lender when determining whether to restructure the loan.
(e) Notification of applicant 
Promptly after a review by the credit review committee, the committee shall notify the applicant or borrower, as the case may be, in writing of the decision of the committee and the reasons for the decision.

12 USC 2202a - Restructuring distressed loans

(a) Definitions 
As used in this part:
(1) Application for restructuring 
The term application for restructuring means a written request
(A) from a borrower for the restructuring of a distressed loan in accordance with a preliminary restructuring plan proposed by the borrower as a part of the application;
(B) submitted on the appropriate forms prescribed by the qualified lender; and
(C) accompanied by sufficient financial information and repayment projections, where appropriate, as required by the qualified lender to support a sound credit decision.
(2) Cost of foreclosure 
The term cost of foreclosure includes
(A) the difference between the outstanding balance due on a loan made by a qualified lender and the liquidation value of the loan, taking into consideration the borrowers repayment capacity and the liquidation value of the collateral used to secure the loan;
(B) the estimated cost of maintaining a loan as a nonperforming asset;
(C) the estimated cost of administrative and legal actions necessary to foreclose a loan and dispose of property acquired as the result of the foreclosure, including attorneys fees and court costs;
(D) the estimated cost of changes in the value of collateral used to secure a loan during the period beginning on the date of the initiation of an action to foreclose or liquidate the loan and ending on the date of the disposition of the collateral; and
(E) all other costs incurred as the result of the foreclosure or liquidation of a loan.
(3) Distressed loan 
The term distressed loan means a loan that the borrower does not have the financial capacity to pay according to its terms and that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:
(A) The borrower is demonstrating adverse financial and repayment trends.
(B) The loan is delinquent or past due under the terms of the loan contract.
(C) One or both of the factors listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B), together with inadequate collateralization, present a high probability of loss to the lender.
(4) Foreclosure proceeding 
The term foreclosure proceeding means
(A) a foreclosure or similar legal proceeding to enforce a lien on property, whether real or personal, that secures a nonaccrual or distressed loan; or
(B) the seizing of and realizing on nonreal property collateral, other than collateral subject to a statutory lien arising under subchapter I or II of this chapter, to effect collection of a nonaccrual or distressed loan.
(5) Loan 

(A) In general 
Subject to subparagraph (B), the term loan means a loan made to a farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products, for any agricultural or aquatic purpose and other credit needs of the borrower, including financing for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrowers operations and those of other eligible farmers, ranchers, and producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
(B) Exclusion for loans designated for sale into secondary market 

(i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the term loan does not include a loan made on or after February 10, 1996, that is designated, at the time the loan is made, for sale into a secondary market.
(ii) Unsold loans
(I) In general Except as provided in subclause (II), if a loan designated for sale under clause (i) is not sold into a secondary market during the 180-day period that begins on the date of the designation, the provisions of this section and sections 2202, 2202b, 2202c, 2202d, and 2219a of this title that would otherwise apply to the loan in the absence of the exclusion described in clause (i) shall become effective with respect to the loan.
(II) Later sale If a loan described in subclause (I) is sold into a secondary market after the end of the 180-day period described in subclause (I), subclause (I) shall not apply with respect to the loan beginning on the date of the sale.
(6) Qualified lender 
The term qualified lender means
(A) a System institution that makes loans (as defined in paragraph (5)) except a bank for cooperatives; and
(B) each bank, institution, corporation, company, union, and association described in section 2015 (b)(1)(B) of this title but only with respect to loans discounted or pledged under section 2015 (b)(1) of this title.
(7) Restructure and restructuring 
The terms restructure and restructuring include rescheduling, reamortization, renewal, deferral of principal or interest, monetary concessions, and the taking of any other action to modify the terms of, or forbear on, a loan in any way that will make it probable that the operations of the borrower will become financially viable.
(b) Notice 

(1) In general 
On a determination by a qualified lender that a loan made by the lender is or has become a distressed loan, the lender shall provide written notice to the borrower that the loan may be suitable for restructuring, and include with such notice
(A) a copy of the policy of the lender established under subsection (g) of this section that governs the treatment of distressed loans; and
(B) all materials necessary to enable the borrower to submit an application for restructuring on the loan.
(2) Notice before foreclosure 
Not later than 45 days before any qualified lender begins foreclosure proceedings with respect to a loan outstanding to any borrower, the lender shall notify the borrower that the loan may be suitable for restructuring and that the lender will review any such suitable loan for restructuring, and shall include with such notice a copy of the policy and the materials described in paragraph (1).
(3) Limitation on foreclosure 
No qualified lender may foreclose or continue any foreclosure proceeding with respect to any distressed loan before the lender has completed any pending consideration of the loan for restructuring under this section.
(c) Meetings 
On determination by a qualified lender that a loan made by the lender is or has become a distressed loan, the lender shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the borrower thereof to personally meet with a representative of the lender
(1) to review the status of the loan, the financial condition of the borrower, and the suitability of the loan for restructuring; and
(2) with respect to a loan that is in nonaccrual status, to develop a plan for restructuring the loan if the loan is suitable for restructuring.
(d) Consideration of applications 

(1) In general 
When a qualified lender receives an application for restructuring from a borrower, the qualified lender shall determine whether or not to restructure the loan, taking into consideration
(A) whether the cost to the lender of restructuring the loan is equal to or less than the cost of foreclosure;
(B) whether the borrower is applying all income over and above necessary and reasonable living and operating expenses to the payment of primary obligations;
(C) whether the borrower has the financial capacity and the management skills to protect the collateral from diversion, dissipation, or deterioration;
(D) whether the borrower is capable of working out existing financial difficulties, reestablishing a viable operation, and repaying the loan on a rescheduled basis; and
(E) in the case of a distressed loan that is not delinquent, whether restructuring consistent with sound lending practices may be taken to reasonably ensure that the loan will not become a loan that it is necessary to place in nonaccrual status.
(2) Applications not required for restructuring plans 
This section shall not prevent a qualified lender from proposing a restructuring plan for an individual borrower in the absence of an application for restructuring from the borrower.
(e) Restructuring 

(1) In general 
If a qualified lender determines that the potential cost to such qualified lender of restructuring the loan in accordance with a proposed restructuring plan is less than or equal to the potential cost of foreclosure, the qualified lender shall restructure the loan in accordance with the plan.
(2) Computation of cost of restructuring 
In determining whether the potential cost to the qualified lender of restructuring a distressed loan is less than or equal to the potential cost of foreclosure, a qualified lender shall consider all relevant factors, including
(A) the present value of interest income and principal forgone by the lender in carrying out the restructuring plan;
(B) reasonable and necessary administrative expenses involved in working with the borrower to finalize and implement the restructuring plan;
(C) whether the borrower has presented a preliminary restructuring plan and cash-flow analysis taking into account income from all sources to be applied to the debt and all assets to be pledged, showing a reasonable probability that orderly debt retirement will occur as a result of the proposed restructuring; and
(D) whether the borrower has furnished or is willing to furnish complete and current financial statements in a form acceptable to the institution.
(f) Least cost alternative 
If two or more restructuring alternatives are available to a qualified lender under this section with respect to a distressed loan, the lender shall restructure the loan in conformity with the alternative that results in the least cost to the lender.
(g) Restructuring policy 

(1) Establishment 
Each bank board of directors shall develop a policy within 60 days after January 6, 1988, that is consistent with this section, to govern the restructuring of distressed loans. Such policy shall constitute the restructuring policy of each qualified lender within the district.
(2) Contents of policy 
The policy established under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of
(A) the procedure for submitting an application for restructuring; and
(B) the right of borrowers with distressed loans to seek review by a credit review committee in accordance with section 2202 of this title of a denial of an application for restructuring.
(3) Submission of policy to FCA 
Each bank board shall submit the policy of the district governing the treatment of distressed loans under this section to the Farm Credit Administration. Notwithstanding the duty imposed by the preceding sentence, the other duties imposed by this section shall take effect on January 6, 1988.
(h) Reports 
During the 5-year period beginning on January 6, 1988, each qualified lender shall submit semiannual reports to the Farm Credit Administration containing
(1) the results of the review of distressed loans of the lender; and
(2) the financial effect of loan restructurings and liquidations on the lender.
(i) Compliance 
The Farm Credit Administration may issue a directive requiring compliance with any provision of this section to any qualified lender that fails to comply with such provision.
(j) Permitted foreclosures 
This section shall not be construed to prevent any qualified lender from enforcing any contractual provision that allows the lender to foreclose a loan, or from taking such other lawful action as the lender deems appropriate, if the lender has reasonable grounds to believe that the loan collateral will be destroyed, dissipated, consumed, concealed, or permanently removed from the State in which the collateral is located.
(k) Application of section 
The time limitation prescribed in subsection (b)(2) of this section, and the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, shall not apply to a loan that became a distressed loan before January 6, 1988, if the borrower and lender of the loan are in the process of negotiating loan restructuring with respect to the loan.
(l) Assistance in restructuring 
Each Farm Credit Bank, on request of any production credit association, may assist the association in restructuring loans under this section.

12 USC 2202b - Effect of restructuring on borrower stock

(a) Farm Credit Bank 
If a Farm Credit Bank forgives and writes off, under section 2202a of this title, any of the principal outstanding on a loan made to any borrower, the Federal land bank association of which the borrower is a member and stockholder shall cancel the same dollar amount of borrower stock held by the borrower in respect of the loan, up to the total amount of such stock, and, to the extent provided for in the bylaws of the bank relating to its capitalization, the bank shall retire an equal amount of stock owned by the Federal land bank association.
(b) Production credit association 
If a production credit association forgives and writes off, under section 2202a of this title, any of the principal outstanding on a loan made to any borrower, the association shall cancel the same dollar amount of borrower stock held by the borrower in respect of the loan, up to the total amount of such stock.
(c) Retention of stock 
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the borrower shall be entitled to retain at least one share of stock to maintain the borrowers membership and voting interest in the association.

12 USC 2202c - Review of restructuring denials

(a) Requirements for restructuring by System institutions 

(1) Existing nonaccrual loans 
Within 9 months after a qualified lender is certified under section 2278a–4 of this title, such lender shall review each loan that has not been previously restructured and that is in nonaccrual status on the date the lender is certified, and determine whether to restructure the loan.
(2) New nonaccrual loans 
Within 6 months after a loan made by a certified lender is placed in nonaccrual status, the lender shall determine whether to restructure the loan.
(b) Special asset groups 

(1) Establishment 
Within 30 days after a qualified lender in a district is certified to issue preferred stock under section 2278b–7 of this title, the Farm Credit Bank board shall establish a special asset group that shall review each determination by the lender not to restructure a loan.
(2) Restructuring plan 
If a special asset group determines under paragraph (1) that a loan under review should be restructured, the group shall prescribe a restructuring plan for the loan that the qualified lender shall implement.
(c) National Special Asset Council 

(1) Establishment 
A National Special Asset Council shall be established by the Assistance Board to
(A) monitor compliance with the restructuring requirements of this section by qualified lenders certified to issue preferred stock under section 2278b–7 of this title, and by special asset groups established under subsection (b) of this section; and
(B) review a sample of determinations made by each special asset group that a loan will not be restructured.
(2) Review of determination 
The National Special Asset Council shall review a sufficient number of determinations made by each special asset group to foreclose on any loan to assure the Council that such group is complying with this section. With regard to each determination reviewed, the Council shall make an independent judgment on the merits of the decision to foreclose rather than restructure the loan.
(3) Noncompliance 
If the National Special Asset Council determines that any special asset group is not in substantial compliance with this section, the Council shall notify the group of the determination, and may take such other action as the Council considers necessary to ensure that such group complies with this section.
(d) Report 
With respect to determinations by a special asset group that a loan will not be restructured, the special asset group shall submit to the National Special Asset Council a report evaluating the loan and the basis for the determination that the loan should not be restructured.
(e) Restructuring factors 
In determining whether a loan is to be restructured, the National Special Asset Council, each special asset group, and each qualified lender certified under section 2278a–4 of this title shall take into consideration the factors specified in section 2202a (d)(1) of this title.

12 USC 2202d - Protection of borrowers who meet all loan obligations

(a) Foreclosure prohibited 
A qualified lender may not foreclose on any loan because of the failure of the borrower thereof to post additional collateral, if the borrower has made all accrued payments of principal, interest, and penalties with respect to the loan.
(b) Prohibition against required principal reduction 
A qualified lender may not require any borrower to reduce the outstanding principal balance of any loan made to the borrower by any amount that exceeds the regularly scheduled principal installment payment (when due and payable), unless
(1) the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of part or all of the collateral; or
(2) the parties agree otherwise in a written agreement entered into by the parties.
(c) Nonenforcement 
After a borrower has made all accrued payments of principal, interest, and penalties with respect to a loan made by a qualified lender, the lender shall not enforce acceleration of the borrowers repayment schedule due to the borrower having not timely made one or more principal or interest payments.
(d) Placing loans in nonaccrual status 

(1) Notification 
If a qualified lender places any loan in nonaccrual status, the lender shall document such change of status and promptly notify the borrower thereof in writing of such action and the reasons therefor.
(2) Review of denial 
If the borrower was not delinquent in any principal or interest payment under the loan at the time of such action and the borrowers request to have the loan placed back into accrual status is denied, the borrower may obtain a review of such denial before the appropriate credit review committee under section 2202 of this title.
(3) Application 
This subsection shall only apply if a loan being placed in nonaccrual status results in an adverse action being taken against the borrower.

12 USC 2202e - Waiver of mediation rights by borrowers

No System institution may make a loan secured by a mortgage or lien on agricultural property to a borrower on the condition that the borrower waive any right under the mediation program of any State.