# OCC Interpretive Letter No. 835: Letter concludes that a national bank's ownership of a non-controlling interest in an insurance company that reinsures mortgage life, mortgage accidental death, and mortgage disability insurance on loans originated by the lenders with an ownership interest in the insurance company is permissible. (08/03/98)

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/OCC_INT0835

## Section

- **Citation:** OCC Interpretive Letter No. 835
- **Heading:** Letter concludes that a national bank's ownership of a non-controlling interest in an insurance company that reinsures mortgage life, mortgage accidental death, and mortgage disability insurance on loans originated by the lenders with an ownership interest in the insurance company is permissible. (08/03/98)
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** OCC Interpretive Letters / Letter concludes that a national bank's ownership of a non-controlling interest in an insurance company that reinsures mortgage life, mortgage accidental death, and mortgage disability insurance on loans originated by the lenders with an ownership interest in the insurance company is permissible. (08/03/98)

## Text

Although MIMLIC is authorized under its Articles of Incorporation to reinsure mortgage disability
1
insurance, MIMLIC does not presently engage in this activity.
See generally 12 C.F.R. § 2.2(b) (Credit life insurance includes credit health, accident, disability and
2
mortgage life insurance.)
Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks
Washington, DC 20219
Interpretive Letter #835
July 31, 1998
August 1998
Joseph T. Green, Esquire
12 U.S.C. 24(7)
General Counsel
TCF Financial Corporation
801 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3475
Re:
Proposed Mortgage Life Reinsurance Activities
Dear Mr. Green:
On February 24, 1997, the OCC approved the application of TCF Financial Corporation,
Minneapolis, Minnesota (“TCF”), to convert its federal savings bank to a national bank, Great
Lakes National Bank (“Bank”). Pursuant to the OCC’s approval, the OCC permitted Lakeland
Group Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Lakeland”), a subsidiary of the Bank, to retain its non-
controlling minority interest in MIMLIC Life Insurance Company (“MIMLIC”) for up to two
years pending the OCC’s determination of the permissibility of MIMLIC’s credit-related
reinsurance activities under the National Bank Act. See OCC Corporate Decision No. 97-13
(February 24, 1997) at 32. MIMLIC is an Arizona insurance company that reinsures
mortgage life, mortgage accidental death, and mortgage disability insurance (collectively,
1
“credit life insurance”) on loans originated by lenders with an ownership interest in MIMLIC.
2
For the reasons set forth below, we conclude that Lakeland is legally permitted to retain its
non-controlling minority interest in MIMLIC, subject to certain conditions.
Arizona insurance company that reinsures
mortgage life, mortgage accidental death, and mortgage disability insurance (collectively,
1
“credit life insurance”) on loans originated by lenders with an ownership interest in MIMLIC.
2
For the reasons set forth below, we conclude that Lakeland is legally permitted to retain its
non-controlling minority interest in MIMLIC, subject to certain conditions.

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I.
BACKGROUND
A.
Credit-related Insurance Generally
National banks may sell, underwrite and reinsure credit-related insurance products, including
credit life insurance, that assist bank customers in meeting loan obligations when unfortunate
circumstances, such as death, disability or unemployment, occur. These credit-related
products may be purchased by customers to mitigate risks arising from credit obligations, and
thus constitute an important component of outstanding credit relationships.
B.
Parties
MIMLIC is an Arizona insurance company that reinsures mortgage life, mortgage accidental
death, and mortgage disability insurance issued by Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company
(“Minnesota Mutual”) on loans originated by lenders with an ownership interest in MIMLIC.
The lenders with an ownership interest in MIMLIC include the Bank (which holds its
ownership through its subsidiary, Lakeland) and service corporations of federal savings
associations (collectively, “other depository institutions”).
C.
Each Lender’s Interest in MIMLIC
The Bank’s subsidiary, Lakeland, holds approximately a 2.9% interest in MIMLIC.
Minnesota Mutual holds approximately a 79% interest in MIMLIC, and the remaining shares
are owned by other depository institutions
ts
ownership through its subsidiary, Lakeland) and service corporations of federal savings
associations (collectively, “other depository institutions”).
C.
Each Lender’s Interest in MIMLIC
The Bank’s subsidiary, Lakeland, holds approximately a 2.9% interest in MIMLIC.
Minnesota Mutual holds approximately a 79% interest in MIMLIC, and the remaining shares
are owned by other depository institutions.
There are three classes of MIMLIC stock outstanding: Class A stock, which is entirely owned
by Minnesota Mutual; Class B stock, which is held by Lakeland and other depository
institutions that participate in Minnesota Mutual’s mortgage life insurance plan; and Class C
stock, which is held by Lakeland and other depository institutions that participate in Minnesota
Mutual’s mortgage accidental death insurance plan. The number of shares of Class B and
Class C stock and the value of shares held by Lakeland and the other investors reflect the
relative amounts of mortgage life and mortgage accidental death insurance, respectively, in
force with Minnesota Mutual on the mortgage borrowers of each lending institution. In order
to maintain this relative distribution, MIMLIC may adjust the amount of stock each investor
holds in MIMLIC, and has made such adjustments in April or May of each year based on the
insurance in force with Minnesota Mutual on the mortgage borrowers of each lending
institution as of December 31 of the prior year. The annual reallocation of shares produces
share ownership among investors in each class of MIMLIC’s stock in direct proportion to the
total insurance written on the borrowers of the lending institution for each type of insurance
during the prior calendar year.
the
insurance in force with Minnesota Mutual on the mortgage borrowers of each lending
institution as of December 31 of the prior year. The annual reallocation of shares produces
share ownership among investors in each class of MIMLIC’s stock in direct proportion to the
total insurance written on the borrowers of the lending institution for each type of insurance
during the prior calendar year.

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As noted under footnote 1, supra., MIMLIC does not presently reinsure mortgage disability insurance.
3
As of June 30, 1998, Lakeland’s 2.9% ownership interest in MIMLIC represented approximately .05% of
4
the Bank’s total equity capital.
D.
MIMLIC’s Reinsurance Activities
MIMLIC is authorized under Arizona law to reinsure life, accidental death, health, and
disability insurance. Pursuant to MIMLIC’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended,
MIMLIC’s reinsurance activities are limited to the reinsurance of risks ceded to it from
Minnesota Mutual, which assumes such risks under group life, accidental death and disability
insurance policies related to borrowers of mortgage loans from the Bank and the other
depository institutions that have an interest in MIMLIC.
3
Under MIMLIC’s Articles of Incorporation, Lakeland and each of the other depository
institutions with an interest in MIMLIC assume their pro-rata share of MIMLIC’s total
reinsurance risk. Net income received by MIMLIC from its credit life reinsurance operations
is distributed pro-rata, and losses are assessed on a pro-rata basis.
E.
Reserve Requirements and Capitalization
MIMLIC will comply with all capital and reserve requirements under Arizona law applicable
to reinsurers of mortgage life, mortgage accidental death and mortgage disability insurance.
F.
Limitations on the Liability of Each Lender
Neither Lakeland, the other depository institutions, nor the Bank, will be liable for any of the
activities of MIMLIC. MIMLIC is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of
Arizona
ll capital and reserve requirements under Arizona law applicable
to reinsurers of mortgage life, mortgage accidental death and mortgage disability insurance.
F.
Limitations on the Liability of Each Lender
Neither Lakeland, the other depository institutions, nor the Bank, will be liable for any of the
activities of MIMLIC. MIMLIC is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of
Arizona. Arizona law provides that a shareholder of a corporation is not personally liable for
the acts or debts of the corporation. A.R.S. § 10-622 (1996). Therefore, Lakeland and the
other depository institutions are not liable for MIMLIC’s obligations. Lakeland’s potential
loss exposure would be limited to the amount of Lakeland’s investment, i.e., its 2.9%
ownership interest in MIMLIC. The potential collective loss exposure of the other depository
4
institutions would also be limited to the amount of their collective investment in MIMLIC.
Additionally, the Bank and the other depository institutions hold their interest in MIMLIC
through their subsidiaries, which provides the lending institutions further insulation from
MIMLIC’s obligations. Provided that each lending institution’s respective subsidiary is
operated with appropriate corporate separateness, the Bank and the other depository institutions
should have no direct loss exposures for MIMLIC’s obligations. With respect to the Bank, its
indirect exposure will be limited to losses suffered by Lakeland, which are limited to its 2.9%
ownership interest in MIMLIC. Thus, the Bank’s loss exposure for the liabilities of MIMLIC
will be limited from a legal standpoint.
iate corporate separateness, the Bank and the other depository institutions
should have no direct loss exposures for MIMLIC’s obligations. With respect to the Bank, its
indirect exposure will be limited to losses suffered by Lakeland, which are limited to its 2.9%
ownership interest in MIMLIC. Thus, the Bank’s loss exposure for the liabilities of MIMLIC
will be limited from a legal standpoint.

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The Bank generally does require that borrowers obtain mortgage insurance from third-party mortgage
5
insurers on a loan with a down payment of less than 20 percent of the property’s value, or a loan with a loan-to-value
ratio in excess of 80 percent. Mortgage insurance protects an investor holding a mortgage loan against default by the
mortgagor.
See footnote 1, supra.
6
The OCC recently amended its operating subsidiary rule, 12 C.F.R. § 5.34, as part of a general revision
7
of Part 5 under the OCC’s Regulation Review Program. Operating subsidiaries in which a national bank may invest
G.
Consumer Provisions
The Bank does not require borrowers to obtain credit life insurance in order to obtain a
mortgage. If, however, a borrower chooses to obtain credit life insurance sold by the Bank,
5
the Bank complies with, and makes the disclosures required under, 12 C.F.R. §§ 226.4(d) and
226.18(n). Specifically, the Bank (i) discloses in writing to the borrower that the credit life
insurance coverage is not required by the Bank; (ii) discloses the premium for the term of the
insurance coverage; (iii) discloses that the credit life insurance may be obtained from a person
of the borrower’s choice; and (iv) requires the borrower to sign or initial an affirmative written
request for the insurance.
H.
Safety and Soundness Considerations
As noted above, neither Lakeland, the other depository institutions, nor the Bank, will be
liable for any of the activities of MIMLIC
the
insurance coverage; (iii) discloses that the credit life insurance may be obtained from a person
of the borrower’s choice; and (iv) requires the borrower to sign or initial an affirmative written
request for the insurance.
H.
Safety and Soundness Considerations
As noted above, neither Lakeland, the other depository institutions, nor the Bank, will be
liable for any of the activities of MIMLIC. The authorized activities of MIMLIC consist
solely of reinsuring mortgage life, mortgage accidental death insurance, and mortgage
disability insurance on the mortgage loans of borrowers from the Bank and the other
depository institutions that have an interest in MIMLIC. MIMLIC does not reinsure the life,
6
accident, or disability insurance for other mortgage loans. All reinsured mortgages have to
meet Minnesota Mutual’s insurance criteria, which will provide minimal, uniform
requirements.
Moreover, as a licensed reinsurer in the state of Arizona, MIMLIC is subject to ongoing
supervision and regulation by the Arizona Commissioner. In return for accepting the risk
associated with its reinsurance activities, MIMLIC receives insurance premiums, as well as
investment income from its cash flow, providing a potentially important source of revenue for
lenders that have an ownership interest in MIMLIC.
II.
ANALYSIS
The Bank’s 2.9% interest (which is held by the Bank’s subsidiary Lakeland) in MIMLIC raises
the issue of the authority of a national bank to make a non-controlling investment in an
enterprise. A number of recent OCC Interpretive Letters have analyzed the authority of
7
ash flow, providing a potentially important source of revenue for
lenders that have an ownership interest in MIMLIC.
II.
ANALYSIS
The Bank’s 2.9% interest (which is held by the Bank’s subsidiary Lakeland) in MIMLIC raises
the issue of the authority of a national bank to make a non-controlling investment in an
enterprise. A number of recent OCC Interpretive Letters have analyzed the authority of
7

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include corporations, limited liability companies, or similar entities if the parent owns (1) more than 50 percent of the
voting (or similar type of controlling) interest, or (2) 50 percent or less so long as the bank “controls” the subsidiary
and no other party controls more than 50 percent. 12 C.F.R. § 5.34(d)(2). Here, MIMLIC will not be considered
an operating subsidiary since the Bank will not “control” MIMLIC.
See, e.g., Interpretive Letter No. 697, reprinted in [1995-1996 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep.
8
(CCH) ¶ 81-012 (November 15, 1995); Interpretive Letter No. 732, reprinted in [1995-1996 Transfer Binder] Fed.
Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 81-049 (May 10, 1996).
See also 12 C.F.R. § 5.36(b). National banks are permitted to make various types of equity investments
9
pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh) and other statutes.
See, e.g., OCC letter dated May 11, 1998, responding to an operating subsidiary application filed by
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Fleet National Bank (the “Fleet letter”) (authorizing underwriting and reinsurance of credit-related life, disability and
unemployment insurance); Corporate Decision No. 97-92 (November 1997) (authorizing underwriting and
national banks, either directly or through their subsidiaries, to own a non-controlling interest
in an enterprise. These letters each concluded that the ownership of such an interest is
8
permissible provided four standards, drawn from OCC precedents, are satisfied. They are:
9
1.
The activities of the entity or enterprise in which the investment is made must
be limited to activities that are part of, or incidental to, the business of banking;
2
sidiaries, to own a non-controlling interest
in an enterprise. These letters each concluded that the ownership of such an interest is
8
permissible provided four standards, drawn from OCC precedents, are satisfied. They are:
9
1.
The activities of the entity or enterprise in which the investment is made must
be limited to activities that are part of, or incidental to, the business of banking;
2.
The bank must be able to prevent the enterprise from engaging in activities that
do not meet the foregoing standard, or be able to withdraw its investment;
3.
The bank’s loss exposure must be limited, as a legal and accounting matter, and
the bank must not have open-ended liability for the obligations of the enterprise;
and
4.
The investment must be convenient and useful to the bank in carrying out its
business and not a mere passive investment unrelated to that bank’s banking
business.

Based upon the facts presented, the Bank’s proposal satisfies these four standards.
A.
The activities of the entity or enterprise in which the investment is made
must be limited to activities that are part of, or incidental to, the business
of banking.
1.
The “Business of Banking” Analysis
The OCC previously has determined that selling, underwriting, and reinsuring credit life
insurance is generally permissible under the National Bank Act. The OCC concluded that, in
10

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reinsurance of credit-related disability and involuntary unemployment insurance); Interpretive Letter No. 277,
reprinted in [1983-1984 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 85,441 (December 13, 1983) (authorizing
underwriting and reinsurance of credit-related life insurance); 12 C.F.R. Part 2 (Sales of Credit Life Insurance); and
IBAA v. Heimann, 613 F.2d 1164 (D.C. Cir. 1979), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 823 (1980) (confirming the OCC’s
authority to adopt its credit life insurance regulation at 12 C.F.R. Part 2).
OCC letter dated May 11, 1998
ed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 85,441 (December 13, 1983) (authorizing
underwriting and reinsurance of credit-related life insurance); 12 C.F.R. Part 2 (Sales of Credit Life Insurance); and
IBAA v. Heimann, 613 F.2d 1164 (D.C. Cir. 1979), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 823 (1980) (confirming the OCC’s
authority to adopt its credit life insurance regulation at 12 C.F.R. Part 2).
OCC letter dated May 11, 1998.
11
general, these insurance activities are part of the business of banking because credit-related
insurance products are an integral part of credit transactions. Credit-related insurance products
assist bank customers in meeting loan obligations when unfortunate circumstances, such as
death, disability or unemployment, occur. These credit-related products may be purchased by
customers to mitigate risks arising from credit obligations, and thus constitute an important
component of outstanding credit relationships. Such credit-related insurance products involve
the assumption by banks of risks that are inherent in the lending business. Bank lenders
necessarily must assume the risk that loan borrowers will experience adverse circumstances
that may interfere with their ability to repay loan obligations. Reinsurance of credit-related
insurance products similarly involves the assumption of the risk that customers may experience
such adverse circumstances.
In the Fleet letter, the OCC concluded that credit life insurance benefits bank customers
11
because it enables those customers to ensure repayment of their loans in the event of adverse
circumstances such as death. The OCC also concluded that credit life underwriting and
reinsurance activities benefitted national banks because they enable a national bank to obtain
new sources of income in connection with credit risks that the bank already assumes in
connection with its lending relationship with a customer
those customers to ensure repayment of their loans in the event of adverse
circumstances such as death. The OCC also concluded that credit life underwriting and
reinsurance activities benefitted national banks because they enable a national bank to obtain
new sources of income in connection with credit risks that the bank already assumes in
connection with its lending relationship with a customer. Banks’ involvement in underwriting
and reinsuring credit life insurance may promote competition between underwriters of credit-
related insurance products, and expand consumer choices. Finally, the OCC concluded that
the risks assumed by banks when they underwrite and reinsure credit-related insurance
products are not new to national banks. These risks are similar for all borrowers with the
same risk characteristics, regardless of the identity of the lender. The OCC thus concluded
that the underwriting and reinsurance activities are part of the business of banking.
Alternatively, the OCC concluded that underwriting and reinsuring credit life insurance would
be permissible as an activity incidental to banking, particularly to a national bank’s express
power to make loans, because it enhances a lender’s ability to receive repayment for its loans;
and promotes the lending business by making available a credit-related product useful to
borrowers. To determine the permissibility of MIMLIC’s credit life reinsurance activities, we
will discuss each of the “business of banking” factors analyzed in the Fleet letter, and apply
them to the specific facts of MIMLIC’s case.
because it enhances a lender’s ability to receive repayment for its loans;
and promotes the lending business by making available a credit-related product useful to
borrowers. To determine the permissibility of MIMLIC’s credit life reinsurance activities, we
will discuss each of the “business of banking” factors analyzed in the Fleet letter, and apply
them to the specific facts of MIMLIC’s case.

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See Letter from James M. Kane, District Counsel dated June 8, 1988 (unpublished) (national banks
12
permitted to purchase preferred stock in captive insurance company where stock purchase was a prerequisite to
obtaining directors’ and officers’ (“D&O”) liability insurance); Interpretive Letter No. 554, reprinted in [1991-1992
Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶83,301 (May 7, 1990) (captive insurer similar to Kane situation);
a.
Functionally Equivalent to or a Logical Outgrowth of
Recognized Banking Functions.
MIMLIC reinsures credit-related insurance risks that arise from insurance policies written in
connection with mortgage loans made by the Bank and other depository institutions that have
an interest in MIMLIC. As noted above, each lender will assume (indirectly through a
subsidiary) its pro-rata share of the reinsurance risk and receive its pro-rata share of the
insurance premium based on the amount of mortgage insurance issued by Minnesota Mutual to
mortgage customers of the Bank. Thus lenders, including the Bank, are using this
arrangement as a means to reinsure credit-related life insurance, an activity the OCC has found
permissible for national banks.
The proposed arrangement is similar to reinsurance activities previously approved by the OCC
where a bank assumes risks arising from a pool of mortgages that includes loans originated or
held by the bank and other lenders. See Interpretive Letter No. 828 (April 6, 1998)
(authorizing reinsurance of private mortgage insurance on mortgage loans originated or
purchased by lenders participating in a reciprocal mortgage reinsurance exchange)
einsurance activities previously approved by the OCC
where a bank assumes risks arising from a pool of mortgages that includes loans originated or
held by the bank and other lenders. See Interpretive Letter No. 828 (April 6, 1998)
(authorizing reinsurance of private mortgage insurance on mortgage loans originated or
purchased by lenders participating in a reciprocal mortgage reinsurance exchange). Similar to
the arrangement described in Interpretive Letter No. 828, all the loans reinsured by MIMLIC
must meet Minnesota Mutual’s underwriting criteria to be accepted for coverage. Thus,
Minnesota Mutual’s underwriting criteria will assure a level of consistency and uniformity.
Those underwriting criteria will assure that each lender’s subsidiary with an ownership interest
in MIMLIC assumes a pro-rata share of reinsurance liability on an essentially homogenous
mortgage pool issued under the same general insurance underwriting guidelines. Accordingly,
MIMLIC’s reinsurance of credit life insurance on loans originated by lenders with an
ownership interest in MIMLIC, is functionally equivalent to, or a logical outgrowth of,
previously approved credit life insurance reinsurance activities.
In addition, through its reinsurance activities, MIMLIC assumes credit-related risks that are
inherent in the lending business. Lenders necessarily must assume the risk that loan borrowers
will experience adverse circumstances that may interfere with their ability to repay loan
obligations. Credit-related insurance products involve the assumption of the risk of losses
when customers experience such unfortunate, adverse circumstances. See Fleet letter. The
activity of reinsuring credit life insurance thus is directly related to or a logical outgrowth of a
bank’s lending authority and is a permissible banking activity under 12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh).
The proposal is also consistent with our precedents that hold that national banks may pool their
resources to engage in banking activities collectively
nate, adverse circumstances. See Fleet letter. The
activity of reinsuring credit life insurance thus is directly related to or a logical outgrowth of a
bank’s lending authority and is a permissible banking activity under 12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh).
The proposal is also consistent with our precedents that hold that national banks may pool their
resources to engage in banking activities collectively. As with other collective ventures
12

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Interpretive Letter No. 427, reprinted in [1988-1989 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶85,651 (May
9, 1988) (bank purchases of stock in the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”) where stock
purchases were necessary for participation in the agricultural mortgage secondary market promoted by Farmer Mac;
Letter of James J. Saxon, Comptroller of the currency (October 12, 1966) (banks may purchase minority interests in
a corporation that operated a credit card clearinghouse for the benefit of the owner banks); and Letter of Robert B.
Serino, Deputy Chief Counsel (November 9, 1992) (equity investment to join an ATM network).
permitted by the OCC, MIMLIC offers the opportunity to engage in banking services more
efficiently and effectively. Participating lenders can realize an overall cost savings through
economies of scale offered by MIMLIC that will reduce transaction costs. Participating
lenders also can achieve greater diversification through reinsuring in a larger, more diverse,
portfolio of loans. This will be particularly helpful to community and mid-size banks, which,
individually, may lack the resources and loan volume to achieve the level of diversification or
economies of scale, offered by MIMLIC.
b.
Respond to Customer Needs or Otherwise Benefit the Bank or
Its Customers.
MIMLIC offers benefits for the Bank and its customers. Credit life insurance benefits the
Bank’s customers because these products enable those customers to ensure repayment of their
loans in the event of death, disability, or involuntary unemployment
the level of diversification or
economies of scale, offered by MIMLIC.
b.
Respond to Customer Needs or Otherwise Benefit the Bank or
Its Customers.
MIMLIC offers benefits for the Bank and its customers. Credit life insurance benefits the
Bank’s customers because these products enable those customers to ensure repayment of their
loans in the event of death, disability, or involuntary unemployment. The Bank’s involvement
in this activity will do nothing to diminish customers’ ability to obtain optional credit life
insurance. MIMLIC also benefits the Bank by providing flexibility in structuring its activities
to obtain new sources of credit-related income. MIMLIC offers the Bank a potentially more
cost-effective and attractive vehicle for reinsuring credit life insurance. By joining forces with
other financial institutions through MIMLIC, the Bank benefits from the economies of scale
and diversification offered by MIMLIC.
c.
Risks Similar in Nature to Those Already Assumed by
National Banks.
The risks assumed by MIMLIC when it reinsures credit life insurance are similar to risks
national banks may assume through the reinsurance of credit life insurance on their own loans.
MIMLIC merely assumes the risk that the loan borrowers may experience adverse
circumstances that interfere with their ability to repay loans.
The risks assumed by the Bank, by using MIMLIC to reinsure credit life insurance, also are
similar to the risks the Bank would assume if it conducted the reinsurance activities directly.
The Bank, by owning an interest in MIMLIC, assumes risks commensurate with the risks
arising from reinsuring credit life insurance on the Bank’s loans and receives a return based on
the premiums attributed to credit life insurance coverage on those loans. Thus, the Bank is
subject to similar risks when it reinsures credit life insurance directly, or indirectly through its
ownership of MIMLIC.
y.
The Bank, by owning an interest in MIMLIC, assumes risks commensurate with the risks
arising from reinsuring credit life insurance on the Bank’s loans and receives a return based on
the premiums attributed to credit life insurance coverage on those loans. Thus, the Bank is
subject to similar risks when it reinsures credit life insurance directly, or indirectly through its
ownership of MIMLIC.

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2.
Incidental To the Business of Banking Analysis
The OCC also determined in the Fleet letter that even if selling, underwriting and reinsuring
credit-related insurance were not viewed as a part of the business of banking, those activities
would be generally permissible as incidental to a national bank’s express power to make loans.
Similarly, a national bank’s reinsurance of credit life insurance through MIMLIC is incidental
to the business of banking.
In NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. v. Variable Annuity Life Insurance Co., 513 U.S.
251 (1995) (“VALIC”), the Supreme Court expressly held that the “business of banking” is
not limited to the enumerated powers in 12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh), but encompasses more
broadly activities that are part of the business of banking. VALIC at 258, n.2. The VALIC
decision further established that banks may engage in activities that are incidental to the
enumerated powers as well as the broader “business of banking.”
Prior to VALIC, the standard that was often considered in determining whether an activity was
incidental to banking was the one advanced by the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Arnold
Tours, Inc. v. Camp, 472 F.2d 427 (1st Cir. 1972) (“Arnold Tours”). The Arnold Tours
standard defined an incidental power as one that is "convenient or useful in connection with
the performance of one of the bank's established activities pursuant to its express powers under
the National Bank Act." Arnold Tours at 432 (emphasis added)
e one advanced by the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Arnold
Tours, Inc. v. Camp, 472 F.2d 427 (1st Cir. 1972) (“Arnold Tours”). The Arnold Tours
standard defined an incidental power as one that is "convenient or useful in connection with
the performance of one of the bank's established activities pursuant to its express powers under
the National Bank Act." Arnold Tours at 432 (emphasis added). Even prior to VALIC, the
Arnold Tours formula represented the narrow interpretation of the “incidental powers”
provision of the National Bank Act. Interpretive Letter 494 (December 20, 1989), reprinted in
[1989-1990 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 83,083 (December 20, 1989).
The VALIC decision, however, has established that the Arnold Tours formula provides that an
incidental power includes one that is convenient and useful to the “business of banking,” as
well as a power incidental to the express powers specifically enumerated in 12 U.S.C.
§ 24(Seventh).
Reinsuring credit life insurance through MIMLIC is incidental to the business of banking
under the Arnold Tours standard. Reinsuring credit life insurance in the manner proposed
through the Bank’s non-controlling interest in MIMLIC is incidental to a national bank’s
express power to make loans. This activity is “convenient” and “useful” to the Bank because
it will provide the Bank an alternative structure for reinsuring credit life insurance on the
Bank’s loans. This flexibility is convenient and useful to the Bank in determining how to
structure its credit life reinsurance activities in the most efficient and profitable manner.
B.
The bank must be able to prevent the enterprise from engaging in activities
that do not meet the foregoing standard, or be able to withdraw its
investment.
The activities of the enterprise in which a national bank may invest must be part of, or
incidental to, the business of banking, not only at the time the bank first acquires its
rance activities in the most efficient and profitable manner.
B.
The bank must be able to prevent the enterprise from engaging in activities
that do not meet the foregoing standard, or be able to withdraw its
investment.
The activities of the enterprise in which a national bank may invest must be part of, or
incidental to, the business of banking, not only at the time the bank first acquires its

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ownership, but for as long as the bank has an ownership interest. This standard may be met if
the bank is able to exercise a veto power over the activities of the enterprise, or is able to
dispose of its interest. See, e.g., Interpretive Letter No. 711, reprinted in [1995-1996
Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 81-026 (February 3, 1996); Interpretive
Letter No. 625, reprinted in [1993-1994 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶
83,507 (July 1, 1993). This ensures that the bank will not become involved in impermissible
activities.
Lakeland holds only a 2.9% voting stock interest in MIMLIC and thus, does not possess the
power to control the activities of MIMLIC. However, the Bank is able to withdraw from its
investment, and TCF has represented that Lakeland would agree to dispose of its stock in
MIMLIC promptly if MIMLIC were to begin to engage in impermissible activities.
Therefore, the second standard is satisfied.
C.
The bank’s loss exposure must be limited, as a legal and accounting matter,
and the bank must not have open-ended liability for the obligations of the
enterprise.
1.
Loss Exposure From A Legal Standpoint.
A primary concern of the OCC is that national banks should not be subjected to undue risk.
Where an investing bank will not control the operations of the entity in which the bank holds
an interest, it is important that the national bank’s investment not expose it to unlimited
liability
t not have open-ended liability for the obligations of the
enterprise.
1.
Loss Exposure From A Legal Standpoint.
A primary concern of the OCC is that national banks should not be subjected to undue risk.
Where an investing bank will not control the operations of the entity in which the bank holds
an interest, it is important that the national bank’s investment not expose it to unlimited
liability. Normally, this is not a concern when investing in a corporation, for it is generally
accepted that a corporation is an entity distinct from its shareholders or members, with its own
separate rights and liabilities. 1 Fletcher, Cyclopedia of the Law of Private Corporations § 25
(rev. perm. ed. 1990).
Here, MIMLIC is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Arizona. Arizona
law provides that a shareholder of a corporation is not personally liable for the acts or debts of
the corporation. A.R.S. § 10-622 (1996). Therefore, Lakeland is not liable for MIMLIC’s
obligations. Lakeland’s potential loss exposure would be limited to the amount of Lakeland’s
investment, i.e., its 2.9% ownership interest in MIMLIC. Additionally, the Bank holds its
minority interest in MIMLIC through Lakeland, its subsidiary, which provides further
insulation from MIMLIC’s obligations. Provided that Lakeland is operated with appropriate
corporate separateness, the Bank should have no direct loss exposure for MIMLIC’s
obligations. The Bank’s indirect exposure will be limited to losses suffered by Lakeland,
which are limited to its 2.9% ownership interest in MIMLIC. Thus, the Bank’s loss exposure
for the liabilities of MIMLIC will be limited from a legal standpoint.
2.
Loss Exposure From An Accounting Standpoint.
ith appropriate
corporate separateness, the Bank should have no direct loss exposure for MIMLIC’s
obligations. The Bank’s indirect exposure will be limited to losses suffered by Lakeland,
which are limited to its 2.9% ownership interest in MIMLIC. Thus, the Bank’s loss exposure
for the liabilities of MIMLIC will be limited from a legal standpoint.
2.
Loss Exposure From An Accounting Standpoint.

- 11 -
From an accounting standpoint, the loss exposure of the Bank will also be limited. The Bank
has advised that the accounting treatment for its investment in MIMLIC is under the cost
method of accounting. This treatment is used for equity interests of less than 20 percent in
corporations. Under this method, losses recognized by the investor will not exceed the amount
of the investment (including extensions of credit or guarantees, if any) shown on the investor’s
books. See generally, Accounting Principles Board, Op. 18 § 19 (1971) (cost method of
accounting for investments in common stock). Under these circumstances, the loss exposure
of the Bank should be limited, since Lakeland owns only 2.9% of MIMLIC. Therefore, for
both legal and accounting purposes, the Bank’s potential loss exposure relative to MIMLIC
should be limited to the amount of its investment. Since that exposure will be quantifiable and
controllable, the third standard is satisfied.
D.
The investment must be convenient and useful to the bank in carrying out
its business and not a mere passive investment unrelated to that bank’s
banking business.
Twelve U.S.C. § 24 (Seventh) gives national banks incidental powers that are “necessary” to
carry on the business of banking. “Necessary” has been judicially construed to mean
“convenient or useful.” See Arnold Tours, Inc. v. Camp, 472 F.2d 427, 432 (1st Cir. 1972).
Our precedents on bank non-controlling investments have indicated that the investment must be
convenient or useful to the bank in conducting that bank’s business
ves national banks incidental powers that are “necessary” to
carry on the business of banking. “Necessary” has been judicially construed to mean
“convenient or useful.” See Arnold Tours, Inc. v. Camp, 472 F.2d 427, 432 (1st Cir. 1972).
Our precedents on bank non-controlling investments have indicated that the investment must be
convenient or useful to the bank in conducting that bank’s business. The investment must
benefit or facilitate that business and cannot be a mere passive or speculative investment. See,
e.g., Interpretive Letter No. 697, supra; Interpretive Letter No. 543, reprinted in [1990-1991
Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 83,255 (February 13, 1991); Interpretive
Letter No. 427, reprinted in [1988-1989 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶
85,651 (May 9, 1988); Interpretive Letter No. 421, reprinted in [1988-1989 Transfer Binder]
Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 85,645 (March 14, 1988); Interpretive Letter No. 380,
reprinted in [1988-1989 Transfer Binder] Fed. Banking L. Rep. (CCH) ¶ 85,604 (December
29, 1986).
The Bank’s investment is neither passive nor speculative. The Bank’s investment in MIMLIC
provides the Bank a more cost-effective and attractive vehicle for reinsuring credit life
insurance on the Bank’s loans. The investment in MIMLIC also benefits the Bank because it
provides the Bank flexibility in obtaining new sources of credit-related income. For these
reasons, the Bank’s investment in MIMLIC is convenient and useful to the Bank in carrying
out its business and is not a mere passive investment. Thus, the fourth standard is satisfied.
III.
CONCLUSION
Based upon the information and representations provided by the Bank, and for the reasons
discussed above, it is our opinion that Lakeland is legally permitted to retain its 2.9% non-
controlling minority interest in MIMLIC in the manner and as described herein, subject to the
following conditions:
siness and is not a mere passive investment. Thus, the fourth standard is satisfied.
III.
CONCLUSION
Based upon the information and representations provided by the Bank, and for the reasons
discussed above, it is our opinion that Lakeland is legally permitted to retain its 2.9% non-
controlling minority interest in MIMLIC in the manner and as described herein, subject to the
following conditions:

- 12 -
1.
MIMLIC will engage only in activities that are part of, or incidental to, the
business of banking;
2.
Lakeland will withdraw from MIMLIC by disposing of its stock in MIMLIC
promptly if MIMLIC engages in an activity that is inconsistent with condition
number one;
3.
The Bank will account for its investment in MIMLIC under the cost method of
accounting; and
4.
MIMLIC will be subject to OCC examination.
These conditions are conditions imposed in writing by the OCC in connection with its action
on the request for a legal opinion confirming that Lakeland’s investment is permissible under
12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh) and, as such, may be enforced in proceedings under applicable law.
Sincerely,
/s/
Raymond Natter
Acting Chief Counsel

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/OCC_INT0835. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.