Final Rule on Special Assessment Pursuant to Systemic Risk Determination

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FDIC Financial Institution Letters › Final Rule on Special Assessment Pursuant to Systemic Risk Determination

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Text

________________________

Federal Deposit Insurance

Corporation

MEMO

TO:

The Board of Directors

FROM:

Patrick Mitchell

Director, Division of Insurance and Research

DATE:

November 16, 2023

RE:

Final Rule on The Special Assessment Pursuant to Systemic Risk Determination

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommend that the FDIC’s Board of Directors (Board) approve the attached final rule and

authorize its publication in the Federal Register. The final rule implements a special assessment to recover the

loss to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF or Fund) arising from the protection of uninsured depositors following

the closures of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, CA, and Signature Bank, New York, NY. The Federal Deposit

Insurance Act (FDI Act) requires the FDIC to take this action in connection with the systemic risk determination

announced on March 12, 2023.

The assessment base for the special assessment is equal to an insured depository institution’s (IDI)

estimated uninsured deposits, reported for the quarter that ended December 31, 2022, adjusted to exclude the

first $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits from the IDI, or for IDIs that are part of a holding company with

one or more subsidiary IDIs, at the banking organization level. The FDIC will collect the special assessment at an

annual rate of approximately 13.4 basis points, over eight quarterly assessment periods, which it estimates will

result in total revenue of $16.3 billion, the estimated losses attributable to the protection of uninsured

depositors at the two failed banks

of a holding company with

one or more subsidiary IDIs, at the banking organization level. The FDIC will collect the special assessment at an

annual rate of approximately 13.4 basis points, over eight quarterly assessment periods, which it estimates will

result in total revenue of $16.3 billion, the estimated losses attributable to the protection of uninsured

depositors at the two failed banks. Because the estimated loss pursuant to the systemic risk determination will

be periodically adjusted, and because assessments collected may change due to corrective amendments to the

amount of uninsured deposits reported for the December 31, 2022, reporting period, the FDIC retains the ability

to cease collection early, extend the special assessment collection period, and impose a final shortfall special

assessment to collect the difference between actual losses and the amounts collected after the receiverships for

Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank terminate.

Staff recommend approval of the final rule, which adopts the proposal with a modification to apply any

corrective amendments to estimated uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period to the

calculation of the special assessment, following adoption of the final rule. The final rule will be effective April 1,

2024, with the first collection for the special assessment reflected on the invoice for the first quarterly

assessment period of 2024 (i.e., January 1 through March 31, 2024), with a payment date of June 28, 2024.

BACKGROUND

A. Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and the Systemic Risk Exception

On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection

Concur:

Harrel M. Pettway

General Counsel

sessment reflected on the invoice for the first quarterly

assessment period of 2024 (i.e., January 1 through March 31, 2024), with a payment date of June 28, 2024.

BACKGROUND

A. Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and the Systemic Risk Exception

On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection

Concur:

Harrel M. Pettway

General Counsel

and Innovation, followed by the closure of Signature Bank by the New York State Department of Financial

Services. The FDIC was appointed as the receiver for both institutions.1

Section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act permits the FDIC to take action or provide assistance to an IDI for

which the FDIC has been appointed receiver as necessary to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on economic

conditions or financial stability, following a recommendation by the Board, with the written concurrence of the

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board of Governors), and a determination of systemic risk by

the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) (in consultation with the President).2

On March 12, 2023, the Secretary of the Treasury, acting on the recommendation of the Board and

Board of Governors, and after consultation with the President, invoked the statutory systemic risk exception to

allow the FDIC to complete its resolution of both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in a manner that fully

protects depositors.3 The full protection of depositors, rather than imposing losses on uninsured depositors,

was intended to strengthen public confidence in the nation’s banking system.

B

, and after consultation with the President, invoked the statutory systemic risk exception to

allow the FDIC to complete its resolution of both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in a manner that fully

protects depositors.3 The full protection of depositors, rather than imposing losses on uninsured depositors,

was intended to strengthen public confidence in the nation’s banking system.

B. Legal Authority and Policy Objectives

Under section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act, the loss to the DIF arising from the use of a systemic risk

exception must be recovered from one or more special assessments on IDIs, depository institution holding

companies (with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to holding companies), or both,

as the FDIC determines to be appropriate.4 As required by the FDI Act, the special assessment, detailed below, is

intended and designed to recover the losses to the DIF incurred as the result of the actions taken by the FDIC to

protect the uninsured depositors of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank following a determination of

systemic risk.5

Section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act provides the FDIC with discretion in the design and timeframe for any

special assessments to recover the losses to the DIF as a result of a systemic risk determination. As detailed in

the sections that follow, and as required by section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act, the FDIC considered the types of

entities that benefit from any action taken or assistance provided under the determination of systemic risk,

economic conditions, the effects on the industry, and such other factors as the FDIC deemed appropriate and

relevant to the action taken or assistance provided.6

1 See FDIC PR-16-2023, “FDIC Creates a Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara to Protect Insured

Depositors of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California.” March 10, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press­

releases/2023/pr23016.html

c conditions, the effects on the industry, and such other factors as the FDIC deemed appropriate and

relevant to the action taken or assistance provided.6

1 See FDIC PR-16-2023, “FDIC Creates a Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara to Protect Insured

Depositors of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California.” March 10, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press­

releases/2023/pr23016.html. See also FDIC PR-18-2023, “FDIC Establishes Signature Bridge Bank, N.A., as

Successor to Signature Bank, New York, NY.” March 12, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press­

releases/2023/pr23018.html.

2 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G). As used in the final rule, the term ‘‘bank’’ is synonymous with the term “insured

depository institution” as it is used in section 3(c)(2) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(2).

3 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G). See also: FDIC PR-17-2023. “Joint Statement by the Department of the Treasury, Federal

Reserve, and FDIC.” March 12, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23017.html. See also:

“Remarks by Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg on Recent Bank Failures and the Federal Regulatory Response

before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, United States Senate.” March 27, 2023.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/speeches/2023/spmar2723.html.

4 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(I).

5 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

6 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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C

ate.” March 27, 2023.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/speeches/2023/spmar2723.html.

4 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(I).

5 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

6 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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C. The Proposed Rule

On May 11, 2023, the Board approved a notice of proposed rulemaking (the proposed rule, or proposal)

to implement a special assessment, as required by the FDI Act, to recover the loss to the DIF arising from the

protection of uninsured depositors following the closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.7 The FDIC

proposed to collect a special assessment that would be approximately equal to the losses attributable to the

protection of uninsured depositors at these two failed banks, which were estimated to total $15.8 billion.

The FDIC proposed an annual special assessment rate that would be derived by dividing the loss

estimate attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors by the assessment base calculated for all IDIs

subject to the special assessment. The proposed assessment base (special assessment base) was equal to an

IDI’s estimated uninsured deposits as reported in the Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call

Report) or Report of Assets and Liabilities of U.S

ed by dividing the loss

estimate attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors by the assessment base calculated for all IDIs

subject to the special assessment. The proposed assessment base (special assessment base) was equal to an

IDI’s estimated uninsured deposits as reported in the Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call

Report) or Report of Assets and Liabilities of U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks (FFIEC 002) as of

December 31, 2022, adjusted to exclude the first $5 billion of uninsured deposits at the banking organization

level.8

In response to the proposal, the FDIC received 312 comment letters from depository institutions,

depository institution holding companies, trade associations, members of Congress, and other interested

parties.9 As further detailed below, the majority of commenters expressed support for the proposal and for the

scope of application of the proposed rule, including the $5 billion deduction applied to the special assessment

base. Other comment letters suggested the exclusion, or different treatment, of certain types of uninsured

deposits included in the special assessment base, different reporting dates of estimated uninsured deposits

used to calculate the assessment base, or adjustment of the $5 billion deduction from the special assessment

base. Commenters additionally discussed a range of other matters that are addressed in the relevant sections

below.

THE FINAL RULE

A. Description of the Final Rule

After careful consideration of the comments received on the proposal and analysis of the applicable

statutory factors, staff recommend that the Board adopt, as final, the proposed special assessment, with

clarifications to promote transparency and a modification to apply any corrective amendments to estimated

uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period to the calculation of the special assessment,

following adoption of the final rule.

B

osal and analysis of the applicable

statutory factors, staff recommend that the Board adopt, as final, the proposed special assessment, with

clarifications to promote transparency and a modification to apply any corrective amendments to estimated

uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period to the calculation of the special assessment,

following adoption of the final rule.

B. Estimated Special Assessment Amount

To determine the cost of the failures attributable to the cost of covering uninsured deposits pursuant to

the determination of systemic risk, the FDIC determined the percentage of deposits that were uninsured at the

time of failure and applied that percentage to the total cost of the failure for each bank.

At Signature Bank, for which 67 percent of deposits were uninsured at the time of failure, the portion of

the total estimated loss of $0.9 billion that is attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors is $0.6

billion. The cost estimate for the sale of the Signature Bridge Bank to New York Community Bancorp decreased

7 See 88 FR 32694 (May 22, 2023).

8 As used in the final rule, the term “banking organization” includes IDIs that are not subsidiaries of a holding

company as well as holding companies with one or more subsidiary IDIs.

9 See comments on the proposal, available at: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/regulations/federal-register­

publications/2023/2023-special-assessments-systemic-risk-determination-3064-af93.html.

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, 2023).

8 As used in the final rule, the term “banking organization” includes IDIs that are not subsidiaries of a holding

company as well as holding companies with one or more subsidiary IDIs.

9 See comments on the proposal, available at: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/regulations/federal-register­

publications/2023/2023-special-assessments-systemic-risk-determination-3064-af93.html.

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following the issuance of the proposal from $2.4 billion to approximately $0.9 billion. The decline in the cost

estimate was primarily attributable to recoveries from assets in receivership that were higher than previously

estimated offset, in part, by higher costs of liabilities assumed by the receivership.

At Silicon Valley Bank, for which 88 percent of deposits were uninsured at the time of failure, the portion

of the total estimated loss of $17.8 billion that is attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors is $15.7

billion. The cost estimate for the sale of the Silicon Valley Bridge Bank to First Citizens was revised following the

issuance of the proposal from $16.1 billion to approximately $17.8 billion mainly due to recoveries from assets in

receivership that were less than previously anticipated and higher costs of liabilities assumed by the

receivership.

The revised cost estimates form the basis for the current special assessment calculation in this final

rule. In total, of the $18.7 billion in estimated losses at the two banks and incurred by the DIF, the estimated loss

attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors is $16.3 billion, an increase of approximately $500 million

from the estimate of $15.8 billion described in the proposal

The revised cost estimates form the basis for the current special assessment calculation in this final

rule. In total, of the $18.7 billion in estimated losses at the two banks and incurred by the DIF, the estimated loss

attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors is $16.3 billion, an increase of approximately $500 million

from the estimate of $15.8 billion described in the proposal.

As with all failed bank receiverships, these loss estimates will be periodically adjusted as assets are

sold, liabilities are satisfied, and receivership expenses are incurred. The exact amount of losses incurred will be

determined when the FDIC terminates the receiverships. As noted below, the amount of the special assessment

will be adjusted as the loss estimates change.

C. Rate for the Special Assessment

The proposed special assessment rate was derived by dividing the loss estimate attributable to the

protection of uninsured depositors by the assessment base calculated for all IDIs subject to the special

assessment as of December 31, 2022. As described in detail below, the proposed assessment base was equal to

estimated uninsured deposits reported for the quarter that ended December 31, 2022, after applying the $5

billion deduction.

Staff recommend adopting the proposed calculation of the special assessment rate as final. Under the

final rule, the special assessment rate will equal 3.36 basis points quarterly, or approximately 13.4 basis points

annually, an increase from the 12.5 basis point annual rate in the proposal.10 Amendments to reported

estimated uninsured deposits filed since the adoption of the proposed rule have resulted in a decline in the total

assessment base. The decline in the total assessment base combined with the increase in the cost estimate have

resulted in a higher annual rate relative to the proposal.11 As of November 2, 2023, the total assessment base

was $6.0 trillion

in the proposal.10 Amendments to reported

estimated uninsured deposits filed since the adoption of the proposed rule have resulted in a decline in the total

assessment base. The decline in the total assessment base combined with the increase in the cost estimate have

resulted in a higher annual rate relative to the proposal.11 As of November 2, 2023, the total assessment base

was $6.0 trillion. The special assessment rate will not change following the date of adoption of this final rule

10 The proposed rule noted that the special assessment rate in the proposal was subject to change prior to any

final rule depending on any adjustments to the loss estimate, mergers or failures, or amendments to reported

estimates of uninsured deposits. Estimates of the special assessment rate and expected effects in the proposed

rule generally reflected any amendments to data reported through February 21, 2023, for the reporting period

that ended December 31, 2022, while estimates for this final rule reflect any amendments reported as of

November 2, 2023. Given the closure of First Republic Bank, San Francisco, CA, announced on May 1, 2023,

estimates in the proposed rule and this final rule exclude First Republic Bank in addition to Silicon Valley Bank

and Signature Bank. See FDIC: PR-34-2023. “JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Columbus, Ohio

Assumes All the Deposits of First Republic Bank, San Francisco, California.” May 1, 2023.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23034.html.

11 The special assessment rate, base, and expected effects in this final rule reflect any amendments to data as of

November 2, 2023, for the reporting period that ended December 31, 2022.

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4

Chase Bank, National Association, Columbus, Ohio

Assumes All the Deposits of First Republic Bank, San Francisco, California.” May 1, 2023.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23034.html.

11 The special assessment rate, base, and expected effects in this final rule reflect any amendments to data as of

November 2, 2023, for the reporting period that ended December 31, 2022.

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through the duration of the initial eight-quarter collection period.

D. Assessment Base and Scope of Application for the Special Assessment

Under the proposal, each IDI’s assessment base for the special assessment would be equal to estimated

uninsured deposits as reported in the Call Report or FFIEC 002 for the quarter that ended December 31, 2022,

after applying the $5 billion deduction.12 As a result of this deduction, most small IDIs and IDIs that are part of a

small banking organization would not pay anything towards the special assessment. The special assessment

would not be not applicable to any banking organizations with total assets under $5 billion.

1. Comments Received on the Calculation of the Special Assessment

The majority of commenters stated that community banks should be exempt from the special

assessment. The FDIC received 63 comments related to the calculation of the special assessment base and the

scope of application for the special assessment, or the calculation of the special assessment rate. Among these

comments, 22 supported the resulting exclusion of community banks, or banking organizations with total assets

of $5 billion or less, from the scope of application

m the special

assessment. The FDIC received 63 comments related to the calculation of the special assessment base and the

scope of application for the special assessment, or the calculation of the special assessment rate. Among these

comments, 22 supported the resulting exclusion of community banks, or banking organizations with total assets

of $5 billion or less, from the scope of application. Other commenters stated that certain groups of banks should

be exempt from or pay less of the special assessment, while one commenter recommended that all banks be

subject to the special assessment.13

One commenter noted that given that the FDIC is required by statute to recover the estimated amount

of loss attributable to the protection of uninsured depositors following the determination of systemic risk, any

changes to the proposed special assessment base will necessarily redistribute the obligation among banking

organizations subject to the special assessment.

Several commenters recommended alternative measures for the special assessment base, including

total assets, total deposits, uninsured deposits as a percentage of total deposits, an institution’s regular risk-

based deposit insurance assessment base, or to otherwise take a more risk-based approach to calculating the

special assessment base.

Defining the assessment base for the special assessment as estimated uninsured deposits reported as

of December 31, 2022, and deducting $5 billion from a banking organization’s assessment base, serves several

purposes. First, banking organizations that reported $5 billion or less in estimated uninsured deposits as of

December 31, 2022, would not be subject to the special assessment

sment base.

Defining the assessment base for the special assessment as estimated uninsured deposits reported as

of December 31, 2022, and deducting $5 billion from a banking organization’s assessment base, serves several

purposes. First, banking organizations that reported $5 billion or less in estimated uninsured deposits as of

December 31, 2022, would not be subject to the special assessment. Banking organizations that reported more

than $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits would pay based on the marginal amounts of uninsured

deposits they reported, helping to mitigate a “cliff effect” that might otherwise apply if a different method, such

as applying an asset size threshold, were used to determine applicability, and thereby ensuring more equitable

treatment. Otherwise, a situation may arise in which a banking organization just over a particular size threshold

would pay a special assessment, while a banking organization just below such size threshold would pay none.

Second, the $5 billion deduction from the assessment base results in most small IDIs and IDIs that are

12 IDIs with less than $1 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2021, were not required to report the estimated

amount of uninsured deposits on the Call Report for December 31, 2022. Therefore, for IDIs that had less than $1

billion in total assets as of June 30, 2021, the amount and share of estimated uninsured deposits as of December

31, 2022, would be zero.

13 Among the groups of banks commenters stated should be exempt from the special assessment were: banks

under a range of other asset or uninsured deposit thresholds, banks not considered systemically important

financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions

(MDIs), rural banks, and mutual banks.

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31, 2022, would be zero.

13 Among the groups of banks commenters stated should be exempt from the special assessment were: banks

under a range of other asset or uninsured deposit thresholds, banks not considered systemically important

financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions

(MDIs), rural banks, and mutual banks.

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part of a small banking organization not paying anything towards the special assessment. The special

assessment is not applicable to any banking organizations with total assets under $5 billion.14

Finally, deducting $5 billion from the assessment base of estimated uninsured deposits at the banking

organization level rather than at the IDI level for banking organizations with more than one subsidiary IDI

ensures that banking organizations with similar amounts of estimated uninsured deposits pay a similar special

assessment, regardless of banking organization structure. For example, a banking organization with multiple

IDIs with large amounts of estimated uninsured deposits will not have an advantage over other banking

organizations with only one subsidiary IDI with a similarly large amount of estimated uninsured deposits

because instead of excluding $5 billion of estimated uninsured deposits for each IDI in one banking

organization, the $5 billion deduction will be distributed across multiple affiliated IDIs

IDIs with large amounts of estimated uninsured deposits will not have an advantage over other banking

organizations with only one subsidiary IDI with a similarly large amount of estimated uninsured deposits

because instead of excluding $5 billion of estimated uninsured deposits for each IDI in one banking

organization, the $5 billion deduction will be distributed across multiple affiliated IDIs.

In implementing special assessments, the FDI Act requires the FDIC to consider the types of entities that

benefit from any action taken or assistance provided pursuant to the determination of systemic risk.15 The

assessment base of estimated uninsured deposits with the $5 billion deduction ensures that the banks that

benefited most from the assistance provided under the systemic risk determination will be charged a special

assessment to recover losses to the DIF resulting from the protection of uninsured depositors, with banks of

larger asset sizes and that hold greater amounts of uninsured deposits paying a h

igher special assessment. For

these reasons, staff recommend that the Board adopt the proposed exclusion of the first $5 billion from

estimated uninsured deposits from the assessment base for the special assessment, without change.

2. Comments on the Reporting Date of Uninsured Deposits for Special Assessment Base

Two commenters expressed support for the proposed December 31, 2022, reporting date for uninsured

deposits to determine the special assessment base. Thirteen commenters, including two trade associations and

three letters from members of Congress, requested that estimated uninsured deposits reported as of a more

recent date than December 31, 2022, be used to calculate the assessment base for the special assessment

essed support for the proposed December 31, 2022, reporting date for uninsured

deposits to determine the special assessment base. Thirteen commenters, including two trade associations and

three letters from members of Congress, requested that estimated uninsured deposits reported as of a more

recent date than December 31, 2022, be used to calculate the assessment base for the special assessment. Some

commenters that supported a later reporting date said that institutions, particularly mid-sized and regional

banks, that reported declines in uninsured deposit balances after December 31, 2022, should not be charged a

special assessment on uninsured deposit balances that they no longer hold or that are now insured.

In staff’s view, estimated uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2022, most closely approximate an

institution’s vulnerability to significant deposit withdrawals in the absence of the determination of systemic risk,

and therefore reflect the institutions that most benefited from such determination. An assessment base that is

calculated using the amount of uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2022, would result in transparent and

consistent payments, best approximate an institution’s vulnerability to deposit withdrawals, and would result in

a more simplified framework for calculating the special assessment. For these reasons, staff is recommending

the Board adopt as final the proposed special assessment base of estimated uninsured deposits as of December

31, 2022.

3. Comments Recommending Exclusions from Uninsured Deposits for Special Assessment Base

Multiple commenters supported the exclusion of, or different treatment for, certain types of uninsured

deposits included in the proposed assessment base for the special assessment of estimated uninsured deposits

reported as of December 31, 2022, less the $5 billion deduction

osits as of December

31, 2022.

3. Comments Recommending Exclusions from Uninsured Deposits for Special Assessment Base

Multiple commenters supported the exclusion of, or different treatment for, certain types of uninsured

deposits included in the proposed assessment base for the special assessment of estimated uninsured deposits

reported as of December 31, 2022, less the $5 billion deduction.

14 Some IDIs that report less than $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits will be subject to the special

assessment if they are part of banking organizations with multiple IDIs that report a combined total of estimated

uninsured deposits in excess of $5 billion.

15 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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a. Collateralized Deposits

b. Custody Bank Adjustments

c. Intercompany Deposits

The FDIC received 25 comments requesting that the FDIC either exclude, or provide a different

treatment for, collateralized deposits in the calculation of the special assessment base. According to the

commenters, collateralized deposits are more stable than other uninsured deposits because they are secured

and therefore pose little risk to the DIF.

In staff’s view, the presence of collateral does not fully mitigate run risk. Collateral may not always be

sufficient to cover the full amount of such a deposit, depending on the economic environment, and particularly

in the event of a liquidity crisis during which loss in value may need to be realized

other uninsured deposits because they are secured

and therefore pose little risk to the DIF.

In staff’s view, the presence of collateral does not fully mitigate run risk. Collateral may not always be

sufficient to cover the full amount of such a deposit, depending on the economic environment, and particularly

in the event of a liquidity crisis during which loss in value may need to be realized. Further, in certain types of

resolutions, collateralized deposits reduce the assets available to the FDIC as receiver to satisfy claims, including

the FDIC’s subrogated claim as deposit insurer, and result in a higher loss to the DIF in the event of a bank failure

compared to a bank holding the same level of deposits that are not collateralized.

The FDIC received one joint comment from three custody banks stating that the special assessment

base should be adjusted to mitigate the disproportionate and unwarranted impact on the custody bank

business model and on sound asset-liability and risk management practices.

Staff disagree. The banks that benefited most from the assistance provided under the systemic risk

determination were large banks and those that held greater amounts of uninsured deposits, regardless of the

assets that those deposits were used to fund. Custody banks, especially those whose primary business is

fiduciary and custodial and safekeeping, hold large amounts of uninsured deposits, including uninsured

deposits are from depositors with large deposit balances. Further, while certain deposits held by custody banks,

such as operational deposits, may be more stable than non-operational funding, in the event of idiosyncratic

stress, counterparties likely would reduce the amount of their operational deposits.16 The adjustments

proposed in the joint comment letter would result in custody banks paying significantly lower amounts of the

special assessment despite holding significant amounts of uninsured deposits

such as operational deposits, may be more stable than non-operational funding, in the event of idiosyncratic

stress, counterparties likely would reduce the amount of their operational deposits.16 The adjustments

proposed in the joint comment letter would result in custody banks paying significantly lower amounts of the

special assessment despite holding significant amounts of uninsured deposits.

The FDIC received 12 comments requesting the exclusion of, or different treatment for, intercompany

deposits in the calculation of the special assessment base. Commenters argued that intercompany deposits,

such as the deposits of subsidiaries that are not IDIs, deposits of other affiliates such as sister companies that

are not IDIs, or deposits of a parent holding company of the IDI, are stable and present minimal run risk because

entities within the banking organization’s structure are unlikely to withdraw funds in a crisis.

There is no clear evidence that intercompany deposits are more stable relative to other deposits.

Organizational structures, board members, governance, and decision making can differ between entities within

the same banking organization. Likewise, the behavior of creditors, including uninsured depositors, of each

entity can differ. Further, an affiliated entity’s deposits at a bank are insured to the same extent as an

unaffiliated entity’s deposits in the event of the bank’s failure. Each depositor is entitled to deposit insurance as

permitted by law, and to pro rata receivership distribution on the remaining, uninsured balances. Additionally,

it is not possible to accurately estimate the portion of uninsured deposits that are intercompany deposits using

existing items on the Call Report.

Deposits are the most common funding source for many banks. Depositors and other creditors are

often differentiated by their stability and customer profile characteristics. While some uninsured deposit

16 See 79 FR at 61502 (Oct. 10, 2014).

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is not possible to accurately estimate the portion of uninsured deposits that are intercompany deposits using

existing items on the Call Report.

Deposits are the most common funding source for many banks. Depositors and other creditors are

often differentiated by their stability and customer profile characteristics. While some uninsured deposit

16 See 79 FR at 61502 (Oct. 10, 2014).

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4. Final Assessment Base for the Special Assessment

relationships remain stable when a bank is in good condition, such relationships might become less stable due

to their uninsured status if a bank experiences financial problems or if the banking industry experiences stress

events.

Any revisions to the methodology for calculating the special assessment base, such as excluding or

adjusting for certain types of uninsured deposits, would change the allocation of the special assessment, but the

FDIC is required by statute to recover the full amount of the losses to the DIF incurred as the result of the

systemic risk determination. As a result, any exclusion for a type of uninsured deposits from the special

assessment base would reduce the amount of the special assessment for banking organizations that hold those

excluded, uninsured deposits, and increase the assessment burden for all other banks holding other types of

uninsured deposits. For this reason, and for the reasons described above, and consistent with the proposal, staff

recommend that the Board adopt the assessment base for the special assessment as proposed and decline to

exclude any particular type of uninsured deposits

ons that hold those

excluded, uninsured deposits, and increase the assessment burden for all other banks holding other types of

uninsured deposits. For this reason, and for the reasons described above, and consistent with the proposal, staff

recommend that the Board adopt the assessment base for the special assessment as proposed and decline to

exclude any particular type of uninsured deposits.

Following careful consideration of the comments, and for the reasons described above, staff

recommend that the Board adopt as final the proposed assessment base for the special assessment, while

applying any corrective amendments to estimated uninsured deposits reported for the December 31, 2022,

reporting period in calculating the assessment base. The methodology for calculating the assessment base for

the special assessment ensures that the banks that benefited most from the assistance provided under the

systemic risk determination will be charged a special assessment to recover losses to the DIF resulting from the

protection of uninsured depositors, with banks of larger asset sizes and that hold greater amounts of uninsured

deposits paying a higher special assessment.

Consistent with the proposal, each IDI’s assessment base for the special assessment will be equal to

estimated uninsured deposits as reported in the Call Report or FFIEC 002 as of December 31, 2022, after applying

the $5 billion deduction. The deduction of the first $5 billion from estimated uninsured deposits in the

assessment base for the special assessment is applicable either to the IDI, if an IDI is not a subsidiary of a holding

company, or at the banking organization level, to the extent that an IDI is part of a holding company with one or

more subsidiary IDIs

of December 31, 2022, after applying

the $5 billion deduction. The deduction of the first $5 billion from estimated uninsured deposits in the

assessment base for the special assessment is applicable either to the IDI, if an IDI is not a subsidiary of a holding

company, or at the banking organization level, to the extent that an IDI is part of a holding company with one or

more subsidiary IDIs.

For a banking organization that has more than one subsidiary IDI, the assessment base for the special

assessment is equal to the IDI’s total estimated uninsured deposits reported as of December 31, 2022, less its

share of the $5 billion deduction, which is based on its share of total estimated uninsured deposits held by all IDI

affiliates in the banking organization.17

Based on data reported for the quarter that ended December 31, 2022, and as illustrated in Table 1

below, the staff estimate that 114 banking organizations, which include IDIs that are not subsidiaries of a

holding company and holding companies with one or more subsidiary IDIs and which comprise 81.3 percent of

industry assets, will be subject to the special assessment, including 48 banking organizations with total assets

over $50 billion and 66 banking organizations with total assets between $5 and $50 billion. No banking

organizations with total assets under $5 billion would pay the special assessment, based on data as of

17 As used in this final rule, the term “affiliate” has the same meaning as defined in section 3 of the FDI Act, 12

U.S.C. 1813(w)(6), which references the Bank Holding Company Act (“any company that controls, is controlled

by, or is under common control with another company”). See 12 U.S.C. 1841(k).

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8

h total assets under $5 billion would pay the special assessment, based on data as of

17 As used in this final rule, the term “affiliate” has the same meaning as defined in section 3 of the FDI Act, 12

U.S.C. 1813(w)(6), which references the Bank Holding Company Act (“any company that controls, is controlled

by, or is under common control with another company”). See 12 U.S.C. 1841(k).

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8

December 31, 2022.18

Table 1 – Banking Organizations Required to Pay Special Assessment,

Based on Data Reported for the December 31, 2022, Reporting Period1

Asset Size of

Banking Organization

Number of Banking

Organizations

Required to Pay

Special Assessment

Percentage of

All Banking

Organizations

in Asset Size

Category

Required to

Pay Special

Assessment

[Percent]

Share of

Special

Assessment

[Percent]

Share of

Industry

Assets

[Percent]

Greater than $50 billion

48

1.1

95.3

74.5

Between $5 and $50 billion

66

1.5

4.7

6.8

Under $5 billion

0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Total

114

2.6

100.0

81.3

1Reflects reporting amendments to estimated uninsured deposits, mergers, acquisitions, and failures

through November 2, 2023.

5. Prior Period Amendments

Under the proposal, amendments to an IDI’s Call Report for the December 31, 2022, reporting period

made after the date of adoption of any final rule would not have affected an institution’s rate or base for the

special assessment

100.0

81.3

1Reflects reporting amendments to estimated uninsured deposits, mergers, acquisitions, and failures

through November 2, 2023.

5. Prior Period Amendments

Under the proposal, amendments to an IDI’s Call Report for the December 31, 2022, reporting period

made after the date of adoption of any final rule would not have affected an institution’s rate or base for the

special assessment.

Staff recommend that the Board finalize this aspect of the rule as proposed, but in calculating the

special assessment, apply any amendments made by IDIs to correct the reporting of estimated uninsured

deposits that are confirmed through or, associated with the result of, the FDIC’s review of an institution’s

reporting methodology (as described below).

Following the issuance of the proposed rule, the FDIC observed that some IDIs were reporting or filing

amendments to the reporting of estimated uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period in a

manner that is inconsistent with the instructions to the Call Report.

The FDIC did not receive any comments on the proposed treatment of prior period amendments. Some

commenters, however, raised concerns about the accuracy of the amount of estimated uninsured deposits

reported on the Call Report. The FDIC received two comment letters indicating that banks may be reporting

uninsured deposits differently, or in an inconsistent manner, and one comment letter indicating that some

banks were confused about whether to include collateralized deposits in the amount of estimated uninsured

deposits reported on the Call Report.

On July 24, 2023, the FDIC issued a Financial Institution Letter (FIL) on Estimated Uninsured Deposits

Reporting Expectations, reiterating longstanding instructions and stating that each IDI is responsible for the

18 The special assessment rate, base, and expected effects in this final rule reflect any amendments to data as of

November 2, 2023, for the reporting period that ended December 31, 2022

July 24, 2023, the FDIC issued a Financial Institution Letter (FIL) on Estimated Uninsured Deposits

Reporting Expectations, reiterating longstanding instructions and stating that each IDI is responsible for the

18 The special assessment rate, base, and expected effects in this final rule reflect any amendments to data as of

November 2, 2023, for the reporting period that ended December 31, 2022. These estimates may change

depending on any subsequent amendments to reported estimates of uninsured deposits.

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9

accuracy of the data reported in its Call Report and for filing amendments as necessary to ensure Call Report

accuracy.19 The FIL stated that, consistent with the requirement to file accurate Call Reports, IDIs that incorrectly

reported uninsured deposits should amend their Call Reports by making the appropriate changes to the data

and submitting the revised data file.

As a general matter, the amount of estimated uninsured deposits reported on the Call Report is

monitored as one of many indicators of safety and soundness, and its accuracy, as with all items collected on

the Call Report, is of the utmost importance. The reported amount of estimated uninsured deposits is also used

to determine the amount of estimated insured deposits in calculating the DIF reserve ratio, which is the ratio of

the DIF balance to all insured deposits.20

The FDIC is conducting a review (Assessment Reporting Review) of the reporting methodology for

estimated uninsured deposits and related items on the Call Report b ecause of the importance of these items as

indicators of safety and soundness.21 The Assessment Reporting Review may result in amendments to uninsured

deposits and related items reported on the Call Report

ll insured deposits.20

The FDIC is conducting a review (Assessment Reporting Review) of the reporting methodology for

estimated uninsured deposits and related items on the Call Report b ecause of the importance of these items as

indicators of safety and soundness.21 The Assessment Reporting Review may result in amendments to uninsured

deposits and related items reported on the Call Report.

Given the planned Assessment Reporting Review, staff are recommending that in calculating the

special assessment, the final rule apply any amendments made by IDIs to correct the reporting of estimated

uninsured deposits that are either confirmed through, or associated with the result of, the FDIC’s review of an

institution’s reporting methodology.

Under the final rule, each institution’s special assessment base has been calculated using estimated

uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period as reported on November 2, 2023.22

Amendments made to an institution’s December 31, 2022, Call Report through November 2, 2023, have been

accounted for in the calculations, as proposed. In addition, under the final rule, certain amendments filed after

November 2, 2023, will affect the calculation of an institution’s special assessment base. In particular, if as part

of the FDIC’s Assessment Reporting Review of an institution’s reporting methodology (described above), the

FDIC finds that as of November 2, 2023, an institution was not reporting uninsured deposits for the December 31,

2022, reporting period in accordance with the Call Report instructions, and corrective amendments are filed as a

result of the FDIC’s review after November 2, 2023, those amendments will affect the special assessment base

for such institution, and any affiliates, as applicable, for all collection periods.

E

ember 2, 2023, an institution was not reporting uninsured deposits for the December 31,

2022, reporting period in accordance with the Call Report instructions, and corrective amendments are filed as a

result of the FDIC’s review after November 2, 2023, those amendments will affect the special assessment base

for such institution, and any affiliates, as applicable, for all collection periods.

E. Collection Period for the Special Assessment

Under the proposal, the special assessment would be collected beginning with the first quarterly

assessment period of 2024 (i.e., January 1 through March 31, 2024), with an invoice payment date of June 28,

2024. In order to mitigate the risk of overcollecting as the loss estimates for the failed banks are periodically

adjusted, to preserve liquidity at IDIs, and in the interest of consistent and predictable assessments, the special

assessment would be collected over eight quarters.

If, prior to the end of the initial eight-quarter collection period, the FDIC expects the loss to be lower

19 FDIC Financial Institution Letter (FIL 37-2023), Estimated Uninsured Deposits Reporting Expectations.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2023/fil23037.html.

20 Section 3(y)(3) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. 1813(y)(3).

21 Consistent with the FDIC’s practice of conducting reviews under Section 7(b)(4) of the FDI Act to confirm the

correctness of any assessment, the FDIC will review an institution’s reporting methodology for estimated

uninsured deposits and related items. See 12 U.S.C. 1817(b)(4).

22 As proposed, the assessment base and rate would be calculated as of the date the final rule is adopted;

however, under the final rule, this is calculated on November 2, 2023, shortly before the date of adoption, for

operational and administrative reasons.

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ll review an institution’s reporting methodology for estimated

uninsured deposits and related items. See 12 U.S.C. 1817(b)(4).

22 As proposed, the assessment base and rate would be calculated as of the date the final rule is adopted;

however, under the final rule, this is calculated on November 2, 2023, shortly before the date of adoption, for

operational and administrative reasons.

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10

than the amount it expects to collect from the special assessment, the FDIC proposed to cease collection of the

special assessment before the end of the initial eight-quarter collection period, in the quarter after it has

collected enough to recover actual or estimated losses. Alternatively, if, at the end of the eight-quarter

collection period, the estimated or actual loss exceeds the amount collected, the FDIC proposed to extend the

collection period over one or more quarters as needed in order to collect the difference between the amount

collected and the estimated or actual loss at the end of the eight-quarter collection period, (the shortfall

amount).

In the likely event that a final loss amount at the termination of the receiverships is not determined

until after the initial collection period and any extended collection period, and if losses at the termination of the

receiverships exceed the amount collected through such special assessment, the FDIC proposed to impose a

one-time final shortfall special assessment to collect the final shortfall amount

ely event that a final loss amount at the termination of the receiverships is not determined

until after the initial collection period and any extended collection period, and if losses at the termination of the

receiverships exceed the amount collected through such special assessment, the FDIC proposed to impose a

one-time final shortfall special assessment to collect the final shortfall amount.

Comments Received on the Collection Period

The FDIC received three comments on the length of the initial collection period, with one commenter

requesting a longer collection period to help with cash flow, one commenter requesting a shorter collection

period, and one commenter suggesting that banks should have the option to fully fund obligations prior to the

end of the proposed collection period.

The FDIC is required by statute to place the excess funds collected through the special assessment in

the DIF.23 By spreading out the collection period over eight quarters, a length of time that would enable the FDIC

to develop a more accurate estimate of loss, and allowing for early cessation after the FDIC has collected enough

to recover actual or estimated losses, the FDIC mitigates the risk of overcollecting. Reducing the length of the

collection period could also adversely impact liquidity. Therefore, staff recommend that the Board adopt the

initial collection period of eight quarters as proposed, with a modification to apply any corrective amendments

to estimated uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022, reporting period to the calculation of the special

assessment, following adoption of the final rule.

In the event that an extended collection period is needed, staff recommend finalizing its proposal to

extend the collection period over one or more quarters to collect the difference between the amount collected

and the estimated or actual loss at the end of the eight-quarter collection period

reporting period to the calculation of the special

assessment, following adoption of the final rule.

In the event that an extended collection period is needed, staff recommend finalizing its proposal to

extend the collection period over one or more quarters to collect the difference between the amount collected

and the estimated or actual loss at the end of the eight-quarter collection period. In the interest of consistency

and predictability, the quarterly rate will not exceed the 3.36 basis point quarterly special assessment rate

applied during the initial eight-quarter collection period, and such extended special assessment will be

collected for the minimum number of quarters needed to recover the shortfall amount at such quarterly rate.

The FDIC received four comments on the one-time final shortfall special assessment. One supported the

proposed calculation. One commenter recommended that if the amount collected exceeds the final loss

estimate, that the excess collected should be credited against future assessments. One commenter requested

that the assessment base methodology be adjusted to incorporate a risk-based component. One commenter

said that the one-time final shortfall special assessment should be calculated at the end of a recommended one-

year payment period.

The FDIC would only collect a one-time final shortfall special assessment if the final loss amount at the

termination of the receiverships is not determined until after the initial collection period and any extended

collection period, and if losses at the termination of the receiverships exceed the amount collected through such

special assessment. Therefore, staff recommend that the Board adopt the one-time final shortfall special

assessment as proposed, while accommodating amendments to the reported amount of uninsured deposits.

23 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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11

tion period and any extended

collection period, and if losses at the termination of the receiverships exceed the amount collected through such

special assessment. Therefore, staff recommend that the Board adopt the one-time final shortfall special

assessment as proposed, while accommodating amendments to the reported amount of uninsured deposits.

23 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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11

Given that the planned review of the reporting methodology for estimated uninsured deposits may

result in amendments to uninsured deposits and related items reported on the Call Report, staff also

recommend a modification to apply any corrective amendments that are confirmed through, or resulting from,

the FDIC’s review of an institution’s reporting methodology to the reported amount of estimated uninsured

deposits to the calculation of the assessment base for the initial eight-quarter collection period, any extended

collection period, and for a one-time final shortfall special assessment, if needed.

F. Collection of Special Assessment and Any Shortfall Special Assessment

The special assessment and any shortfall special assessment will be collected at the same time and in

the same manner as an IDI’s regular quarterly deposit insurance assessment. Invoices for an IDI’s regular

quarterly deposit insurance assessment will disclose the amount of any special assessment or shortfall special

assessment due.

Comments Received on Communication of Loss Estimate

Two commenters requested that the FDIC communicate any revisions to the loss estimate and updates

on the collection of the special assessment

ular quarterly deposit insurance assessment. Invoices for an IDI’s regular

quarterly deposit insurance assessment will disclose the amount of any special assessment or shortfall special

assessment due.

Comments Received on Communication of Loss Estimate

Two commenters requested that the FDIC communicate any revisions to the loss estimate and updates

on the collection of the special assessment. To increase transparency and in response to comments on the

proposal, staff are recommending clarifications, including that the FDIC plans to communicate any changes to

the loss estimate, as applicable, and to provide updates on the collection of the special assessment to banking

organizations subject to the special assessment.

G. Mergers, Consolidations and Terminations of Deposit Insurance

Under the proposed rule, if an IDI were to acquire—through merger or consolidation—another IDI

following the adoption of this final rule or during any collection period, the acquiring IDI would be required to

pay the acquired IDI’s special assessment, if any, including any unpaid special assessment, in addition to its own

special assessment, from the quarter of the acquisition through the remainder of all special assessment

collection periods. Under the proposal, in the event that the FDIC extends the collection period or imposes a

one-time final shortfall assessment, each banking organization’s assessment base would be adjusted for

mergers or failures that occurred during the eight-quarter collection period

wn

special assessment, from the quarter of the acquisition through the remainder of all special assessment

collection periods. Under the proposal, in the event that the FDIC extends the collection period or imposes a

one-time final shortfall assessment, each banking organization’s assessment base would be adjusted for

mergers or failures that occurred during the eight-quarter collection period.

Under the proposed rule, when the insured status of an IDI is terminated and the deposit liabilities of

the IDI are not assumed by another IDI, the IDI whose insured status is terminating must, among other things,

continue to pay assessments, including the special assessment, for the assessment periods that its deposits are

insured, but not thereafter.24

When an IDI voluntarily terminates its deposit insurance under the FDI Act, the IDI whose insured status

is terminating must, among other things, continue to pay assessments for the assessment periods that its

deposits are insured.25

Comments Received on Mergers, Consolidations, and Terminations of Deposit Insurance

One commenter expressed concern that use of the December 31, 2022, reporting date ignores recent

acquisition activity while another commenter requested clarification that the estimates in the proposed rule

exclude the uninsured deposits that New York Community Bank assumed following its acquisition of Signature

24 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

25 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

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ns of Deposit Insurance

One commenter expressed concern that use of the December 31, 2022, reporting date ignores recent

acquisition activity while another commenter requested clarification that the estimates in the proposed rule

exclude the uninsured deposits that New York Community Bank assumed following its acquisition of Signature

24 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

25 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

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12

Bank in March 2023.26 One commenter requested clarification of the point at which obligation to pay the special

assessment would end if a bank were to voluntarily terminate its insured status during the collection period.

The uninsured deposits of First Republic Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank, which failed

prior to the adoption of the proposed rule, were excluded from the calculation of the assessment rate and base

for the special assessment, and the estimated expected effects in the proposed rule and in this final rule. Staff

recommend that such exclusion be adopted in the final rule. This exclusion was intended to prevent

disincentivizing any potential future acquisition activity following the adoption of the proposed rule, particularly

given the uncertainty in the banking sector at the time the proposal was adopted.

Staff recommend that the Board adopt as final the proposed provisions related to mergers,

acquisitions, and terminations of deposit insurance, with two adjustments. First, in the event that the FDIC

extends the collection period or imposes a one-time final shortfall assessment, each banking organization’s

assessment base will not be adjusted for mergers or failures that occurred after the adoption of this final rule or

during the eight-quarter collection period. In staff’s view, each banking organization’s assessment base reflects

its relative benefit from the assistance provided under the systemic risk determination

d or imposes a one-time final shortfall assessment, each banking organization’s

assessment base will not be adjusted for mergers or failures that occurred after the adoption of this final rule or

during the eight-quarter collection period. In staff’s view, each banking organization’s assessment base reflects

its relative benefit from the assistance provided under the systemic risk determination. This treatment would

ensure that an acquiring bank’s special assessment, and any special assessment assumed for an acquired bank,

continues to reflect each banking organization’s relative benefit from the assistance provided under the

systemic risk determination, and would have the result that a banking organization subject to the special

assessment that acquires another banking organization also subject to the special assessment would derive

benefit from the $5 billion deduction for both special assessment payments.

The FDIC is also clarifying that the special assessment base of the acquiring bank in a merger or

consolidation that occurred prior to the March 12, 2023, determination of systemic risk would be adjusted to

include the uninsured deposits of the acquired bank and would derive benefit of a single $5 billion deduction.

Calculating the assessment base in this manner best reflects the structure of the banking organization at the

time the determination of systemic risk was made, and reflects the organization’s relative benefit from the

assistance provided.

Second, in order to avoid incentivizing banks to voluntarily terminate their insured status to avoid

paying the special assessment under the final rule, staff recommend that under the final rule, the FDIC require

any bank that voluntarily terminates its insured status after the adoption of this final rule or during any special

assessment collection period to pay the entire remaining amount of its special assessment at the same time its

obligation to pay regular deposit insurance assessments would end.27

H

cial assessment under the final rule, staff recommend that under the final rule, the FDIC require

any bank that voluntarily terminates its insured status after the adoption of this final rule or during any special

assessment collection period to pay the entire remaining amount of its special assessment at the same time its

obligation to pay regular deposit insurance assessments would end.27

H. Accounting Treatment

Each institution should account for the special assessment in accordance with U.S. generally accepted

accounting principles (GAAP). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards

Codification Topic 450, Contingencies (FASB ASC Topic 450), an estimated loss from a loss contingency shall be

accrued by a charge to income if information indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and

the amount of loss is reasonably estimable.28 Therefore, an institution will recognize in the Call Report and other

financial statements the accrual of a liability and estimated loss (i.e., expense) from a loss contingency for the

special assessment when the institution determines that the conditions for accrual under GAAP have been met.

In addition, the General Instructions to the Call Report provide guidance on ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events,

26 FDIC PR-21-2023. “Subsidiary of New York Community Bancorp, Inc. to Assume Deposits of Signature Bridge

Bank, N.A., From the FDIC.” March 19, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23021.html.

27 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

28 FASB ASC paragraph 450-20-25-2.

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13

t.

In addition, the General Instructions to the Call Report provide guidance on ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events,

26 FDIC PR-21-2023. “Subsidiary of New York Community Bancorp, Inc. to Assume Deposits of Signature Bridge

Bank, N.A., From the FDIC.” March 19, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23021.html.

27 See 12 CFR 327.6(c).

28 FASB ASC paragraph 450-20-25-2.

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13

which may be applicable.29

Similarly, each institution should account for any shortfall special assessment in accordance with FASB

ASC Topic 450 when the conditions for accrual under GAAP have been met.

Comments Received on Accounting Treatment

The FDIC received two comments that supported restructuring the special assessment as a prepaid

expense that could be amortized over a multi-year period.

Structuring the special assessment as a prepaid expense would reduce the one-time effect on income

but would also reduce liquidity by the full amount of the special assessment at payment. In staff’s view, the

proposed structure of the special assessment best promotes maintenance of liquidity, which will allow

institutions to absorb any potential unexpected setbacks while continuing to meet the credit needs of the U.S.

economy. For these reasons, staff recommend against the Board restructuring the special assessment as a

prepaid expense.

ANALYSIS AND EXPECTED EFFECTS

The following summarizes the factors considered in recommending adoption of the special

assessment.30

A

uidity, which will allow

institutions to absorb any potential unexpected setbacks while continuing to meet the credit needs of the U.S.

economy. For these reasons, staff recommend against the Board restructuring the special assessment as a

prepaid expense.

ANALYSIS AND EXPECTED EFFECTS

The following summarizes the factors considered in recommending adoption of the special

assessment.30

A. The Types of Entities that Benefit

In implementing special assessments under section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act, the FDIC is required to

consider the types of entities that benefit from any action taken or assistance provided pursuant to

determination of systemic risk.31

With the rapid collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the space of 48 hours, concerns

arose that risk could spread more widely to other institutions and that the financial system as a whole could be

placed at risk. Shortly after Silicon Valley Bank was closed on March 10, 2023, a number of institutions with large

amounts of uninsured deposits reported that depositors had begun to withdraw their funds. The extent to which

IDIs rely on uninsured deposits for funding varies significantly. Uninsured deposits were used to fund nearly

three-quarters of the assets at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. On March 12, 2023, the Board and the

Board of Governors voted unanimously to recommend, and the Treasury Secretary, in consultation with the

President, determined that the FDIC could use emergency systemic risk authorities under the FDI Act to

complete its resolution of both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in a manner that fully protects

depositors.32 The full protection of depositors, rather than imposing losses on uninsured depositors, was

29 See General Instructions to the Call Report, available at: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/bankers/call­

reports/crinst-031-041/2022/2022-12-generalinstructions.pdf.

30 In prescribing special assessments, the FDIC is required by statute to consider:

Bank in a manner that fully protects

depositors.32 The full protection of depositors, rather than imposing losses on uninsured depositors, was

29 See General Instructions to the Call Report, available at: https://www.fdic.gov/resources/bankers/call­

reports/crinst-031-041/2022/2022-12-generalinstructions.pdf.

30 In prescribing special assessments, the FDIC is required by statute to consider:

(i) The types of entities that benefit from any action taken or assistance provided.

(ii) Economic conditions.

(iii) The effects on the industry.

(iv) Such other factors as the FDIC deems appropriate and relevant to the action taken or assistance provided.

Section 13(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III) of the FDI Act.

31 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

32 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G). See also: FDIC PR-17-2023. “Joint Statement by the Department of the Treasury,

Federal Reserve, and FDIC.” March 12, 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23017.html.

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14

intended to strengthen public confidence in the nation’s banking system.

In the weeks that followed the determination of systemic risk, efforts to stabilize the banking system

and stem potential contagion from the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank ensured that

depositors would continue to have access to their savings, that small businesses and other employers could

continue to make payrolls, and that other banks could continue to extend credit to borrowers and serve as a

source of support. In general, large banks and regional banks, and particularly those with large amounts of

uninsured deposits, were the banks most exposed to and likely would have been the most affected by uninsured

deposit runs. Indeed, shortly after Silicon Valley Bank was closed, a number of institutions with large amounts of

uninsured deposits reported that depositors had begun to withdraw their funds

pport. In general, large banks and regional banks, and particularly those with large amounts of

uninsured deposits, were the banks most exposed to and likely would have been the most affected by uninsured

deposit runs. Indeed, shortly after Silicon Valley Bank was closed, a number of institutions with large amounts of

uninsured deposits reported that depositors had begun to withdraw their funds. The failure of Silicon Valley

Bank and the impending failure of Signature Bank raised concerns that, absent immediate assistance for

uninsured depositors, there could be negative knock-on consequences for similarly situated institutions,

depositors, and the financial system more broadly.

Uninsured deposit concentrations of IDIs, meaning the percentage of domestic deposits that are

uninsured, vary significantly. At Silicon Valley Bank, 88 percent of deposits were uninsured at the point of failure

compared to 67 percent at Signature Bank. On average, the largest banking organizations by asset size reported

significantly greater uninsured deposit concentrations relative to smaller banking organizations, as illustrated in

Table 2 below, based on data as of December 31, 2022. Banking organizations with total assets between $1

billion and $5 billion generally reported the lowest percentage of uninsured deposits to total domestic deposits,

averaging 33.0 percent, compared with the largest banking organizations with total assets greater than $250

billion, which averaged 50.4 percent

organizations, as illustrated in

Table 2 below, based on data as of December 31, 2022. Banking organizations with total assets between $1

billion and $5 billion generally reported the lowest percentage of uninsured deposits to total domestic deposits,

averaging 33.0 percent, compared with the largest banking organizations with total assets greater than $250

billion, which averaged 50.4 percent.

Table 2 – Uninsured Deposits as a Percentage of Total Domestic Deposits,

By Banking Organization Asset Size,

Based on Data for the December 31, 2022, Reporting Period1

[Percent]

Asset Size of

Banking Organization

Ratio of Uninsured

Deposits to Total

Domestic Deposits

[Percent]

$1 to $5 Billion

33.0

$5 to $10 Billion

35.0

$10 to $50 Billion

40.3

$50 to $250 Billion

42.8

Greater than $250 Billion

50.4

1Reflects reporting amendments to estimated uninsured deposits,

mergers, acquisitions, and failures through November 2, 2023.

Following the announcement of the systemic risk determination, the FDIC observed a significant

slowdown in uninsured deposits leaving certain institutions, evidence that the systemic risk determination

helped stem the outflow of these deposits while providing stability to the banking industry.

Between December 31, 2022, and March 31, 2023, banks in all asset size groups experienced quarterly

declines in uninsured deposit balances, but these declines were particularly severe and widespread among

banks between $50 billion and $250 billion in total assets. In addition, between December 31, 2022, and March

31, 2023, the eight U.S. GSIBs reported a weighted average decline in uninsured deposits of 2.1 percent, albeit

slower than the industry average of approximately eight percent. However, changes in uninsured deposit

balances over this time period varied widely for the GSIBs. Two of the eight GSIBs experienced growth in

uninsured deposits of 2.6 percent and 2.0 percent over this period while the other six GSIBs experienced

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d a weighted average decline in uninsured deposits of 2.1 percent, albeit

slower than the industry average of approximately eight percent. However, changes in uninsured deposit

balances over this time period varied widely for the GSIBs. Two of the eight GSIBs experienced growth in

uninsured deposits of 2.6 percent and 2.0 percent over this period while the other six GSIBs experienced

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declines, some significant, ranging between less than two percent to nearly 17 percent.

Generally speaking, larger banks benefited the most from the stability provided to the banking industry

under the systemic risk determination. Under the final rule, the banks that benefited most from the assistance

provided under the systemic risk determination will be charged a special assessment to recover losses to the DIF

resulting from the protection of uninsured depositors, with banks of larger asset sizes and that hold greater

amounts of uninsured deposits paying a higher special assessment.

B. Effects on the Industry

In calculating the assessment base for the special assessment, the FDIC will deduct $5 billion from each

IDI or banking organization’s aggregate estimated uninsured deposits reported for the quarter that ended

December 31, 2022. As a result, any institution that did not report any uninsured deposits as of December 31,

2022, will not be subject to the special assessment. Additionally, most small IDIs and IDIs that are part of a small

banking organization will not pay anything towards the special assessment

anking organization’s aggregate estimated uninsured deposits reported for the quarter that ended

December 31, 2022. As a result, any institution that did not report any uninsured deposits as of December 31,

2022, will not be subject to the special assessment. Additionally, most small IDIs and IDIs that are part of a small

banking organization will not pay anything towards the special assessment. Some small and mid-size IDIs will be

subject to the special assessment if they are subsidiaries of a banking organization with more than $5 billion in

uninsured deposits and such IDIs report positive amounts of uninsured deposits after application of the

deduction, or if they directly hold more than $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2022,

which for smaller institutions would constitute heavy reliance on uninsured deposits.

Based on data reported for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, and as captured in Table 1 above,

the FDIC estimates that 114 banking organizations will be subject to the special assessment upon adoption of

the final rule, including 48 banking organizations with total assets over $50 billion and 66 banking organizations

with total assets between $5 and $50 billion. No banking organizations with total assets under $5 billion will pay

a special assessment, based on data reported as of December 31, 2022. 33 It is anticipated that the same banking

organizations subject to the special assessment would also be subject to any extended special assessment or

one-time final shortfall special assessment, absent the effects of any amendments to estimated uninsured

deposits, mergers, consolidations, failures, or other terminations of deposit insurance that occur through the

determination of such extended special assessment or one-time final shortfall special assessment.

C

e special assessment would also be subject to any extended special assessment or

one-time final shortfall special assessment, absent the effects of any amendments to estimated uninsured

deposits, mergers, consolidations, failures, or other terminations of deposit insurance that occur through the

determination of such extended special assessment or one-time final shortfall special assessment.

C. Capital and Earnings Analysis

Staff estimate that the FDIC will collect through the special assessment the estimated loss from

protecting uninsured depositors at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank of approximately $16.3 billion, over

the initial eight-quarter collection period. Banking organizations will recognize the accrual of a liability and an

estimated loss (i.e., expense) from a loss contingency for the special assessment when the institution

determines that the conditions for accrual under GAAP have been met. This analysis assumes that the effects on

capital and earnings of the entire amount of the special assessment to be collected over eight quarters would

occur in one quarter only.

To estimate the effects of the special assessment relative to a banking organization’s capital, the

analysis considers the effective pre-tax cost of the special assessment, and assumes that an institution will

maintain its dividend rate (that is, dividends as a percentage of net income) unchanged from the weighted

average rate reported over the four quarters between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.34 Given the current loss

33 Some IDIs that report less than $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits will be subject to the special

assessment if they are part of banking organizations with multiple IDIs that report a combined total of estimated

uninsured deposits in excess of $5 billion.

34 For purposes of this analysis, Tier 1 capital to assets is used as the measure of capital adequacy

3.34 Given the current loss

33 Some IDIs that report less than $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits will be subject to the special

assessment if they are part of banking organizations with multiple IDIs that report a combined total of estimated

uninsured deposits in excess of $5 billion.

34 For purposes of this analysis, Tier 1 capital to assets is used as the measure of capital adequacy. In the event

that the ratio of Tier 1 capital to assets falls below four percent, however, this assumption is modified such that

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estimate and the assumptions in the analysis, staff estimate that, on average, the special assessment will

decrease the dollar amount of Tier 1 capital of banking organizations required to pay the special assessment by

an estimated 62 basis points.35 No banking organizations are estimated to fall below the minimum capital

requirement (a four percent Tier 1 capital-to-assets ratio) as a result of the special assessment.

While the special assessment is allocated based on estimated uninsured deposits reported at the

banking organization level, IDIs will be responsible for payment of the special assessment. Staff analyzed the

effect of the special assessment on income reported at the IDI-level for IDIs subject to the special assessment

that are not subsidiaries of a holding company or that are subsidiaries of a holding company with only one IDI

subsidiary. For IDIs that are subsidiaries of a holding company with more than one IDI subsidiary, staff analyzed

the effect of the special assessment by aggregating the income reported by all IDIs subject to the special

assessment within each banking organization since the IDIs will be responsible for payment

of a holding company or that are subsidiaries of a holding company with only one IDI

subsidiary. For IDIs that are subsidiaries of a holding company with more than one IDI subsidiary, staff analyzed

the effect of the special assessment by aggregating the income reported by all IDIs subject to the special

assessment within each banking organization since the IDIs will be responsible for payment. Staff analyzed the

impact of the special assessment on banking organizations that were profitable based on their average

quarterly income from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.36

The effects on income of the entire amount of the special assessment to be collected over eight

quarters are assumed to occur in one quarter only. Given the assumptions and the estimated loss amount, staff

estimate that the special assessment would result in an average one-quarter reduction in income of 20.4 percent

for banking organizations subject to the special assessment.37 Staff estimate that approximately 66 percent of

profitable banking organizations subject to the proposal are projected to have a special assessment of less than

20 percent of income, including 23 percent with a special assessment of less than 5 percent of income. Another

34 percent of profitable banking organizations subject to the proposal are projected to have a special

assessment equal to or exceeding 20 percent of income.

Comments Received on the Effect of the Special Assessment on Capital and Earnings

The FDIC received 13 comments, including three comments from trade associations, suggesting

modifications to change the timing of, or otherwise mitigate the effect of the special assessment on capital,

earnings, and regular deposit insurance assessments. Seven commenters supported an optional transition

period or a similar approach to allow banking organizations to phase in the effects of the special assessment on

their regulatory capital ratios over the eight-quarter collection period

odifications to change the timing of, or otherwise mitigate the effect of the special assessment on capital,

earnings, and regular deposit insurance assessments. Seven commenters supported an optional transition

period or a similar approach to allow banking organizations to phase in the effects of the special assessment on

their regulatory capital ratios over the eight-quarter collection period.

One commenter said that for purposes of calculating requirements and guidance related to levels of

an institution retains the amount necessary to reach a four percent minimum and distributes any remaining

funds according to the dividend payout rate. The analysis uses four percent as the threshold because IDIs

generally need to maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0 percent or greater to be considered “adequately

capitalized” under Prompt Corrective Action Standards. See 12 CFR 324.403(b)(2). Additionally, Federal Reserve

Board-regulated institutions must generally maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0 percent or greater to meet the

minimum capital requirements. See 12 CFR 217.10(a)(1).

35 Estimated effects on capital are calculated based on data reported as of June 30, 2023, on the Call Report and

the Consolidated Financial Statements for Holding Companies (FR Y-9C), respectively, for IDIs that are not

subsidiaries of a holding company or that are part of a banking organization with only one subsidiary IDI

required to pay the special assessment, and for banking organizations, to the extent that an IDI is part of a

holding company with more than one subsidiary IDI required to pay the special assessment.

36 There were two banking organizations that would be required to pay the special assessment that were

unprofitable based on average quarterly income from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

37 Earnings or income are quarterly income before assessments and taxes. Quarterly income is assumed to equal

average income from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

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to pay the special assessment.

36 There were two banking organizations that would be required to pay the special assessment that were

unprofitable based on average quarterly income from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

37 Earnings or income are quarterly income before assessments and taxes. Quarterly income is assumed to equal

average income from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

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dividends and stock repurchases, and for examination findings related to earnings, the reduction in earnings

resulting from the payment of the special assessment should be disregarded, or at least be amortized over the

collection period. The same commenter also requested an adjustment to eliminate the impact of the special

assessment on regular quarterly deposit insurance assessments for large banks and highly complex banks.38

As described above, given the loss estimate and the assumptions applied in the analysis, staff estimate

that, on average, the special assessment will decrease the dollar amount of Tier 1 capital of banking

organizations subject to the special assessment by an estimated 62 basis points. No banking organizations are

estimated to fall below the minimum capital requirement (a four percent Tier 1 capital-to-assets ratio) as a

result of the special assessment. As described above, the effect of the special assessment on Tier 1 capital is

minimal and is not estimated to cause any institutions to fall below the minimum capital requirement;

therefore, staff do not recommend adoption of a transition period to phase-in the special assessment’s effect on

regulatory capital.

In order to preserve liquidity at IDIs, and in the interest of consistent and predictable assessments, the

special assessment will be collected over eight quarters. The special assessment is applicable for the first

quarterly assessment period of 2024

irement;

therefore, staff do not recommend adoption of a transition period to phase-in the special assessment’s effect on

regulatory capital.

In order to preserve liquidity at IDIs, and in the interest of consistent and predictable assessments, the

special assessment will be collected over eight quarters. The special assessment is applicable for the first

quarterly assessment period of 2024. Given that the proposal was approved by the Board and published in the

Federal Register in May 2023, institutions were provided time to prepare and plan for the special assessment.

D. Economic Conditions

On September 7, 2023, the FDIC released the results of the Quarterly Banking Profile, which provided a

comprehensive summary of financial results for all FDIC-insured institutions for the second quarter of 2023.

Overall, key banking industry metrics remained favorable in the quarter.39

Net income declined from the previous quarter due to accounting gains on failed bank acquisitions that

occurred in the first and the second quarter. However, excluding these nonrecurring gains, net income was

relatively flat from the prior quarter. Net income remained relatively high by historical measures in the second

quarter, although the banking industry reported a tighter net interest margin and funding pressures driven by

increasing rates paid on deposits as well as high rates paid on non-deposit liabilities. Loan expansion continued,

asset quality metrics were favorable, and the banking industry remained well-capitalized.

The banking industry continues to face significant downside risks from the effects of inflation, rising

market interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. These risks could cause credit quality deterioration and

weakness in profitability, which may result in more stringent underwriting standards, a slowdown in loan

growth, higher provision expenses, and liquidity constraints

ll-capitalized.

The banking industry continues to face significant downside risks from the effects of inflation, rising

market interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. These risks could cause credit quality deterioration and

weakness in profitability, which may result in more stringent underwriting standards, a slowdown in loan

growth, higher provision expenses, and liquidity constraints. Also, commercial real estate portfolios are under

pressure from higher interest rates as loans mature and require refinancing, and office properties are

experiencing weak demand for space and softening property values.

Despite these challenges, the state of the U.S. banking system remains sound and institutions are well

positioned to absorb a special assessment.

38 For regular deposit insurance assessment purposes, a large bank is generally defined as an institution with $10

billion or more in total assets, and a highly complex bank is generally defined as an institution that has $50

billion or more in total assets and is controlled by a parent holding company that has $500 billion or more in

total assets, or is a processing bank or trust company. See 12 CFR 327.8(f) and (g).

39 FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile, Second Quarter 2023. https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/quarterly-banking­

profile/qbp/2023jun/.

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ALTERNATIVES

While the FDIC is required by statute to recover the loss to the DIF arising from the use of a systemic risk

determination through one or more special assessments, Section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act provides the FDIC

with discretion in the design and timeframe for any special assessments to recover the losses from the systemic

risk determination.40 Staff considered several alternatives while developing the proposal and this final rule, but

believe, on balance, that the proposed special assessment is th

etermination through one or more special assessments, Section 13(c)(4)(G) of the FDI Act provides the FDIC

with discretion in the design and timeframe for any special assessments to recover the losses from the systemic

risk determination.40 Staff considered several alternatives while developing the proposal and this final rule, but

believe, on balance, that the proposed special assessment is the most appropriate and most straightforward

manner in which to collect the special assessment. Accordingly, and after consideration of the statutory factors

as described above, staff recommend adopting as final the proposed special assessment, with changes to

promote transparency and to apply any corrective amendments to the reporting of estimated uninsured

deposits to the calculation of the special assessment.

CONCLUSION

In staff’s view, the final rule reflects an appropriate balancing of the statutory requirement to apply the

special assessment to the types of entities that benefited the most from the protection of uninsured depositors

provided under the determination of systemic risk while ensuring equitable, transparent, and consistent

treatment based on amounts of uninsured deposits at the time of the determination of systemic risk. The final

rule also allows for payments to be collected over an extended period of time in order to mitigate the liquidity

effects of the special assessment by requiring smaller, consistent quarterly payments. On balance, in staff’s

view, the final rule best promotes maintenance of liquidity, which will allow institutions to absorb any potential

unexpected setbacks while continuing to meet the credit needs of the U.S. economy.

EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION DATE

Staff recommend issuing this final rule with an effective date of April 1, 2024

ssment by requiring smaller, consistent quarterly payments. On balance, in staff’s

view, the final rule best promotes maintenance of liquidity, which will allow institutions to absorb any potential

unexpected setbacks while continuing to meet the credit needs of the U.S. economy.

EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION DATE

Staff recommend issuing this final rule with an effective date of April 1, 2024. The first collection for

special assessment will be reflected on the invoice for the first quarterly assessment period of 2024 (i.e., January

1 through March 31, 2024), with a payment date of June 28, 2024, and the FDIC will continue to collect the

special assessment for an anticipated total of eight quarterly assessment periods. Because the estimated loss

pursuant to the systemic risk determination will be periodically adjusted, and to allow for any corrective

amendments to the amount of uninsured deposits reported for the December 31, 2022, reporting period applied

to the calculation of the special assessment, staff recommend that the FDIC retain the ability to cease collection

early, impose an extended special assessment collection period after the initial eight-quarter collection period

to collect the difference between losses and the amounts collected, and impose a one-time final shortfall special

assessment after both receiverships terminate.

40 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(I). In implementing special assessments, the FDIC is required to consider the types of

entities that benefit from any action taken or assistance provided under the determination of systemic risk,

effects on the industry, economic conditions, and any such other factors as the FDIC deems appropriate and

relevant to the action taken or the assistance provided. See 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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Staff contacts:

DIR

Ashley Mihalik

Associate Director, Financial Risk Management

under the determination of systemic risk,

effects on the industry, economic conditions, and any such other factors as the FDIC deems appropriate and

relevant to the action taken or the assistance provided. See 12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(ii)(III).

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Staff contacts:

DIR

Ashley Mihalik

Associate Director, Financial Risk Management

(202) 898-3793

Kayla Shoemaker

Senior Policy Analyst, Banking and Regulatory Policy

(202) 898-6962

Legal

Sheikha Kapoor

Assistant General Counsel

(202) 898-3960

Ryan McCarthy

Counsel

(202) 898-7301

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This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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