InfoBytes Blog
OCC modifies exception to CIF withdrawal period extensions
On May 27, the OCC announced the publication of a final rule that adopts one change to the interim final rule published last August. As previously covered by InfoBytes, the interim final rule clarified, among other things, that under the OCC’s fiduciary activities regulation (12 CFR 9.18 (b)(5)(iii)), a bank that is administering a collective investment fund (CIF) invested “primarily in real estate or other assets that are not readily marketable” may require a prior notice period of up to one year for withdrawals. The interim final rule codified the OCC’s interpretation of the notice requirement as “requiring the bank to withdraw an account within the prior notice period or, if permissible under the CIF’s written plan, within one year after prior notice was required” (known as “the standard withdrawal period”). An exception allows banks to extend the withdrawal period (with opportunities for further extensions) under certain conditions and with OCC approval. While the final rule adopts the interim final rule’s framework, it revises one of the criteria necessary for OCC approval of an extension. Specifically, in order to qualify for an extension, a “bank must ‘represent’ rather than ‘commit’ that it will act upon the withdrawal request as soon as practicable.” The final rule took effect May 26.