FDIC Approves Proposed Rule Regarding Enforcement of Subsidiary and Affiliate Contracts

FDIC Dodd-Frank

On March 20, the FDIC approved for publication a proposed rule to implement new authorities granted by the Dodd-Frank Act that permit the FDIC, as receiver for a financial company whose failure would pose a significant risk to financial stability, to enforce certain contracts of subsidiaries and affiliates of the covered company. This proposed rule would include contracts that purport to terminate, accelerate, or provide for other remedies based on the insolvency, financial condition, or receivership of the covered company, so long as the FDIC complies with statutory requirements. The proposed rule would apply broadly to all contracts and make clear that the FDIC’s authority as receiver effectively preserves contractual relationships of subsidiaries and affiliates during the liquidation process.