Part B - Regulation of Financial Safety and Soundness of Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

12 USC 2279bb - Definitions

For purposes of this part:

(1) Compensation
The term compensation means any payment of money or the provision of any other thing of current or potential value in connection with employment.

(2) Core capital
The term core capital means, with respect to the Corporation, the sum of the following (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles):

(A) The par value of outstanding common stock.

(B) The par value of outstanding preferred stock.

(D) Retained earnings.

(3) Director
The term Director means the Director of the Office of Secondary Market Oversight of the Farm Credit Administration, selected under section 2279aa–11 (a)(3) of this title.

(4) Office
The term Office means the Office of Secondary Market Oversight of the Farm Credit Administration, established in section 2279aa–11 (a) of this title.

(5) Regulatory capital
The term regulatory capital means, with respect to the Corporation, the core capital of the Corporation plus an allowance for losses and guarantee claims, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(6) State
The term State means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

12 USC 2279bb1 - Risk-based capital levels

(a) Risk-based capital test
Not sooner than the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on February 10, 1996, the Director of the Office of Secondary Market Oversight shall, by regulation, establish a risk-based capital test under this section for the Corporation. When applied to the Corporation, the risk-based capital test shall determine the amount of regulatory capital for the Corporation that is sufficient for the Corporation to maintain positive capital during a 10-year period in which both of the following circumstances occur:

(1) Credit risk

(A) In general
With respect to securities representing an interest in, or obligations backed by, a pool of qualified loans owned or guaranteed by the Corporation and other obligations of the Corporation, losses on the underlying qualified loans occur throughout the United States at a rate of default and severity (based on any measurements of default reasonably related to prevailing industry practice in determining capital adequacy) reasonably related to the rate and severity that occurred in contiguous areas of the United States containing an aggregate of not less than 5 percent of the total population of the United States that, for a period of not less than 2 years (as established by the Director), experienced the highest rates of default and severity of agricultural mortgage losses, in comparison with such rates of default and severity of agricultural mortgage losses in other such areas for any period of such duration, as determined by the Director.

(B) Rural utility loans
With respect to securities representing an interest in, or obligation backed by, a pool of qualified loans described in section 2279aa (9)(C) of this title owned or guaranteed by the Corporation, losses occur at a rate of default and severity reasonably related to risks in electric and telephone facility loans (as applicable), as determined by the Director.

(2) Interest rate risk
Interest rates on Treasury obligations of varying terms increase or decrease over the first 12 months of such 10-year period by not more than the lesser of

(A) 50 percent (with respect to the average interest rates on such obligations during the 12-month period preceding the 10-year period), or

(B) 600 basis points, and remain at such level for the remainder of the period. This paragraph may not be construed to require the Director to determine interest rate risk under this paragraph based on the interest rates for various long-term and short-term obligations all increasing or all decreasing concurrently.

(b) Considerations

(1) Establishment of test
In establishing the risk-based capital test under subsection (a) of this section

(A) the Director shall take into account appropriate distinctions based on various types of agricultural mortgage products, varying terms of Treasury obligations, and any other factors the Director considers appropriate;

(B) the Director shall conform loan data used in determining credit risk to the minimum geographic and commodity diversification standards applicable to pools of qualified loans eligible for guarantee;

(C) the Director may take into account retained subordinated participating interests under section 2279aa–6 (b)(2) of this title (as in effect before February 10, 1996);

(D) the Director may take into account other methods or tests to determine credit risk developed by the Corporation before December 13, 1991; and

(E) the Director shall consider any other information submitted by the Corporation in writing during the 180-day period beginning on December 13, 1991.

(2) Revising test
Upon the expiration of the 8-year period beginning on December 13, 1991, the Director shall examine the risk-based capital test under subsection (a) of this section and may revise the test. In making examinations and revisions under this paragraph, the Director shall take into account that, before December 13, 1991, the Corporation has not issued guarantees for pools of qualified loans. To the extent that the revision of the risk-based capital test causes a change in the classification of the Corporation within the enforcement levels established under section 2279bb–4 of this title, the Director shall waive the applicability of any additional enforcement actions available because of such change for a reasonable period of time, to permit the Corporation to increase the amount of regulatory capital of the Corporation accordingly.

(c) Risk-based capital level
For purposes of this part, the risk-based capital level for the Corporation shall be equal to the sum of the following amounts:

(1) Credit and interest rate risk
The amount of regulatory capital determined by applying the risk-based capital test under subsection (a) of this section to the Corporation, adjusted to account for foreign exchange risk.

(2) Management and operations risk
To provide for management and operations risk, 30 percent of the amount of regulatory capital determined by applying the risk-based capital test under subsection (a) of this section to the Corporation.

(d) Specified contents

(1) In general
The regulations establishing the risk-based capital test under this section shall

(A) be issued by the Director for public comment in the form of a notice of proposed rulemaking, to be first published after the expiration of the period referred to in subsection (a) of this section; and

(B) contain specific requirements, definitions, methods, variables, and parameters used under the risk-based capital test and in implementing the test (such as loan loss severity, float income, loan-to-value ratios, taxes, yield curve slopes, default experience, prepayment rates, and performance of pools of qualified loans).

(2) Specificity
The regulations referred to in paragraph (1) shall be sufficiently specific to permit an individual other than the Director to apply the test in the same manner as the Director.

(e) Availability of model
The Director shall make copies of the statistical model or models used to implement the risk-based capital test under this section available for public acquisition and may charge a reasonable fee for such copies.

12 USC 2279bb2 - Minimum capital level

(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, for purposes of this part, the minimum capital level for the Corporation shall be an amount of core capital equal to the sum of

(1) 2.75 percent of the aggregate on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

(2) 0.75 percent of the aggregate off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation, which, for the purposes of this part, shall include

(A) the unpaid principal balance of outstanding securities that are guaranteed by the Corporation and backed by pools of qualified loans;

(B) instruments that are issued or guaranteed by the Corporation and are substantially equivalent to instruments described in subparagraph (A); and

(b) Transition period

(1) In general
For purposes of this part, the minimum capital level for the Corporation

(A) prior to January 1, 1997, shall be the amount of core capital equal to the sum of

(i) 0.45 percent of aggregate off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation;

(ii) 0.45 percent of designated on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation, as determined under paragraph (2); and

(iii) 2.50 percent of on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation other than assets designated under paragraph (2);

(B) during the 1-year period ending December 31, 1997, shall be the amount of core capital equal to the sum of

(i) 0.55 percent of aggregate off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation;

(ii) 1.20 percent of designated on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation, as determined under paragraph (2); and

(iii) 2.55 percent of on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation other than assets designated under paragraph (2);

(i) if the Corporations core capital is not less than $25,000,000 on January 1, 1998, the sum of

(I) 0.65 percent of aggregate off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation;

(II) 1.95 percent of designated on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation, as determined under paragraph (2); and

(III) 2.65 percent of on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation other than assets designated under paragraph (2); or

(ii) if the Corporations core capital is less than $25,000,000 on January 1, 1998, the amount determined under subsection (a) of this section; and

(D) on and after January 1, 1999, shall be the amount determined under subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Designated on-balance sheet assets
For purposes of this subsection, the designated on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation shall be

(A) the aggregate on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation acquired under section 2279aa–6 (e) of this title; and

(B) the aggregate amount of qualified loans purchased and held by the Corporation under section 2279aa–3 (c)(13) of this title.

12 USC 2279bb3 - Critical capital level

For purposes of this part, the critical capital level for the Corporation shall be an amount of core capital equal to 50 percent of the total minimum capital amount determined under section 2279bb–2 of this title.

12 USC 2279bb4 - Enforcement levels

(a) In general
The Director shall classify the Corporation, for purposes of this part, according to the following enforcement levels:

(1) Level I
The Corporation shall be classified as within level I if the Corporation

(A) maintains an amount of regulatory capital that is equal to or exceeds the risk-based capital level established under section 2279bb–1 of this title; and

(B) equals or exceeds the minimum capital level established under section 2279bb–2 of this title.

(2) Level II
The Corporation shall be classified as within level II if

(A) the Corporation

(i) maintains an amount of regulatory capital that is less than the risk-based capital level; and

(ii) equals or exceeds the minimum capital level; or

(B) the Corporation is otherwise classified as within level II under subsection (b) of this section.

(3) Level III
The Corporation shall be classified as within level III if

(A) the Corporation

(i) does not equal or exceed the minimum capital level; and

(ii) equals or exceeds the critical capital level established under section 2279bb–3 of this title; or

(B) the Corporation is otherwise classified as within level III under subsection (b) of this section.

(4) Level IV
The Corporation shall be classified as within level IV if the Corporation

(A) does not equal or exceed the critical capital level; or

(B) is otherwise classified as within level IV under subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Discretionary classification
If at any time the Director determines in writing (and provides written notification to the Corporation and the Farm Credit Administration) that the Corporation is taking any action not approved by the Director that could result in a rapid depletion of core capital or that the value of the property subject to mortgages securitized by the Corporation or property underlying securities guaranteed by the Corporation, has decreased significantly, the Director may classify the Corporation

(1) as within level II, if the Corporation is otherwise within level I;

(2) as within level III, if the Corporation is otherwise within level II; or

(3) as within level IV, if the Corporation is otherwise within level III.

(c) Quarterly determination
The Director shall determine the classification of the Corporation for purposes of this part on not less than a quarterly basis (and as appropriate under subsection (b) of this section). The first such determination shall be made for the quarter ending March 31, 1992.

(d) Notice
Upon determining under subsection (b) or (c) of this section that the Corporation is within level II or III, the Director shall provide written notice to the Congress and to the Corporation

(1) that the Corporation is within such level;

(2) that the Corporation is subject to the provisions of section 2279bb–5 or 2279bb–6 of this title, as applicable; and

(3) stating the reasons for the classification of the Corporation within such level.

(e) Implementation
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this section, during the period beginning on December 13, 1991, and ending on the effective date of the risk based capital regulation issued by the Director under section 2279bb–1 of this title, the Corporation shall be classified as within level I if the Corporation equals or exceeds the minimum capital level established under section 2279bb–2 of this title.

12 USC 2279bb5 - Mandatory actions applicable to level II

(a) Capital restoration plan
If the Corporation is classified as within level II, the Corporation shall, within the time period determined by the Director, submit to the Director a capital restoration plan and, after approval, carry out the plan.

(b) Restriction on dividends
If the Corporation is classified as within level II, the Corporation may not make any payment of dividends that would result in the Corporation being reclassified as within level III or IV.

(c) Reclassification from level II to level III
The Director shall immediately reclassify the Corporation as within level III (and the Corporation shall be subject to the provisions of section 2279bb–6 of this title), if

(1) the Corporation is within level II; and

(2)

(A) the Corporation does not submit a capital restoration plan that is approved by the Director; or

(B) the Director determines that the Corporation has failed to make, in good faith, reasonable efforts necessary to comply with such a capital restoration plan and fulfill the schedule for the plan approved by the Director.

(d) Effective date
This section shall take effect upon the expiration of the 30-month period beginning on December 13, 1991.

12 USC 2279bb6 - Supervisory actions applicable to level III

(a) Mandatory supervisory actions

(1) Capital restoration plan
If the Corporation is classified as within level III, the Corporation shall, within the time period determined by the Director, submit to the Director a capital restoration plan and, after approval, carry out the plan.

(2) Restrictions on dividends

(A) Prior approval
If the Corporation is classified as within level III, the Corporation

(i) may not make any payment of dividends that would result in the Corporation being reclassified as within level IV; and

(ii) may make any other payment of dividends only if the Director approves the payment before the payment.

(B) Standard for approval
If the Corporation is classified as within level III, the Director may approve a payment of dividends by the Corporation only if the Director determines that the payment

(i) will enhance the ability of the Corporation to meet the risk-based capital level and the minimum capital level promptly,

(ii) will contribute to the long-term safety and soundness of the Corporation, or

(iii) is otherwise in the public interest.

(3) Reclassification from level III to level IV
The Director shall immediately reclassify the Corporation as within level IV if

(A) the Corporation is classified as within level III; and

(B)

(i) the Corporation does not submit a capital restoration plan that is approved by the Director; or

(ii) the Director determines that the Corporation has failed to make, in good faith, reasonable efforts necessary to comply with such a capital restoration plan and fulfill the schedule for the plan approved by the Director.

(b) Discretionary supervisory actions
In addition to any other actions taken by the Director (including actions under subsection (a) of this section), the Director may, at any time, take any of the following actions if the Corporation is classified as within level III:

(1) Limitation on increase in obligations
Limit any increase in, or order the reduction of, any obligations of the Corporation, including off-balance sheet obligations.

(2) Limitation on growth
Limit or prohibit the growth of the assets of the Corporation or require contraction of the assets of the Corporation.

(3) Prohibition on dividends
Prohibit the Corporation from making any payment of dividends.

(4) Acquisition of new capital
Require the Corporation to acquire new capital in any form and in any amount sufficient to provide for the reclassification of the Corporation as within level II.

(5) Restriction of activities
Require the Corporation to terminate, reduce, or modify any activity that the Director determines creates excessive risk to the Corporation.

(6) Conservatorship
Appoint a conservator for the Corporation consistent with this chapter.

12 USC 2279bb7 - Recapitalization of Corporation

(a) Mandatory recapitalization
The Corporation shall increase the core capital of the Corporation to an amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000, not later than the earlier of

(1) the date that is 2 years after February 10, 1996; or

(2) the date that is 180 days after the end of the first calendar quarter that the aggregate on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation, plus the outstanding principal of the off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation, equal or exceed $2,000,000,000.

(b) Raising core capital
In carrying out this section, the Corporation may issue stock under section 2279aa–4 of this title and otherwise employ any recognized and legitimate means of raising core capital in the power of the Corporation under section 2279aa–3 of this title.

(c) Limitation on growth of total assets
During the 2-year period beginning on February 10, 1996, the aggregate on-balance sheet assets of the Corporation plus the outstanding principal of the off-balance sheet obligations of the Corporation may not exceed $3,000,000,000 if the core capital of the Corporation is less than $25,000,000.

(d) Enforcement
If the Corporation fails to carry out subsection (a) of this section by the date required under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section, the Corporation may not purchase a new qualified loan or issue or guarantee a new loan-backed security until the core capital of the Corporation is increased to an amount equal to or greater than $25,000,000.