Asset Securitization

The 2018 update of Chapman's book, "The Regulation of Marketplace Lending: A Summary of the Principal Issues," discusses the latest “true lender” and Madden developments, CFPB changes and how they may affect regulatory priorities and enforcement, the roles of banks in marketplace lending, blockchain uses, and servicing and collection issues.

Chapman’s "Defaulted Securities: The Guide for Trustees and Bondholders" advances understanding and consideration of issues related to trustees and bondholders in both corporate and municipal financings.

This article describes the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on securitization transactions. The article addresses in detail the new limitation on the deduction for business interest expense as well as the requirement that the transferee of an equity interest in a partnership engaged in a US trade or business withhold 10% of the amount realized unless the transferor certifies that it is a US person. 

In light of the increasing significance of cybersecurity incidents, the SEC published a press release and additional Commission-level guidance regarding disclosure obligations relating to cybersecurity risks and incidents, which reinforces and expands upon the SEC staff guidance provided in 2011 and addresses two additional topics.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently issued a decision in a case that involved a question of whether the risk retention requirements imposed by Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act required open market CLO managers to retain risk in those transactions they managed. 

On December 20, Congress passed the act commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Although no provision of the Act was designed specifically to address securitization transactions, two new sets of rules are likely to have significant effects on at least some securitization transactions

On November 2, Representative Kevin Brady released the proposed text of the long-awaited federal income tax reform bill. The bill also includes a provision that creates a limit on the deductibility of interest. If enacted, this provision could have potentially wide-reaching impacts on securitization transactions.

In September, the IRS released proposed regulations that would not only change the types of instruments that are registration-required obligations, but also clarify when a registration-required obligation meets the requirements to be treated as issued in registered form.

On July 6, 2017, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued two consultative documents entitled “Criteria for Identifying Simple, Transparent and Comparable Short-Term Securitisations” and “Capital Treatment for Simple, Transparent and Comparable Short-Term Securitisations.” 

Keeping track of the regulatory developments affecting asset-backed commercial paper (“ABCP”) conduits and their sponsors is a daunting task. This updated desk reference reviews regulatory and legislative developments affecting the ABCP market.

More than a year after the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau submitted a proposed rule to limit consumer financial services contract arbitration clauses, the CFPB sounded the death knell on July 10, 2017, when it released its long-awaited final rule.

On June 12, the Department of Treasury issued the first report in a series regarding regulation of the financial system in a manner consistent with Core Principles set forth in Executive Order 13772 signed by President Trump on February 3, 2017.

The May 2015 decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC sent shockwaves through the marketplace lending industry, and nearly two years later the questions generated by this case remain largely unanswered. These questions have been further complicated by the long-awaited remand decision from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

On April 19, the House Financial Services Committee posted a “discussion draft” of a revised version of the CHOICE Act. The discussion draft contains most of the provisions in last year’s bill with a number of important changes.

On February 27, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued its long-awaited remand decision in Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC. 

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit made headlines following its decision in the PHH Corporation et al. v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau case. The Court found that the CFPB’s single-director, removable-only-for-cause structure was unconstitutional. However, the Court has now vacated that order in its entirety and set the case to be heard again en banc.

With Republicans retaining control of both chambers of Congress and Donald Trump elected President, the prospects for financial regulatory reform have changed. Many observers point to the Financial CHOICE Act as the best indication of Republican Congressional aspirations for such reform. 

On Friday, Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry announced that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will issue limited-purpose bank charters to qualified fintech companies.

A recent decision of the Maryland Court of Appeals could require marketplace lenders and others who arrange for federal or state banks to fund consumer loans to consumers residing in Maryland to obtain licenses as “credit services businesses” and could prohibit them from arranging those loans at interest rates exceeding the applicable Maryland usury caps.

On April 4, the U.S. Treasury Secretary announced that the government would release regulations to curb inversions and reduce the ability of companies to avoid taxes through “earnings stripping;” those regulations were published in the Federal Register on April 8th. 

On May 10, 2016 the U.S. Department of the Treasury published a white paper entitled “Opportunities and Challenges in Online Marketplace Lending.” The White Paper follows the “Request for Information” which the Department published in July 2015 to solicit public input on various topics concerning marketplace lending.

On April 26, 2016, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a proposed rule to implement the Net Stable Funding Ratio requirement. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board will consider the proposed NSFR rule at its meeting on May 3, 2016 and the Office of the Comptroller is also expected to to consider the proposed rule in the near future.

On March 4, 2016 the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking re-proposing a rule that would establish credit limits for single counterparties ofU.S. bank holding companies, foreign banking organizations, and U.S. intermediate holding companies of an FBO, with $50 billion or more of consolidated assets. 

Today, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a consultative document proposing revisions to its Basel III leverage ratio framework. Among other things, the Proposed Revisions provide that for purposes of calculating the denominator of the leverage ratio, off-balance sheet exposures of banks to securitization transactions are to be treated the same as such exposures are treated under the Basel Committee revisions to its securitization framework for risk-based capital.

On Friday, March 18, 2016, the United States Supreme Court issued a call for the views of the Solicitor General of the United States before it decides whether to hear an appeal from a Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision rendered last May in the case of Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC.

On March 7, the CFPB announced that it is accepting consumer complaints about online marketplace lenders, giving consumers “a greater voice in these markets and a place to turn to when they encounter problems.” The CFPB also issued a bulletin to provide consumers with information on marketplace lending.

In this article, we provide a brief overview of the key reforms under Regulation AB II, followed by a more focused review of the next compliance hurdle that ABS issuers will face — annual compliance checks to determine continued shelf eligibility.

On February 9, 2016, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance published a guide for issuers of Asset-Backed Securities addressing changes in EDGAR filing procedures to support new and updated filing requirements under Regulation AB II and Exchange Act Rule 15Ga-2.

A recent decision of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has highlighted once again the regulatory risks that the so-called “true lender” doctrine can create for internet-based lenders who partner with banks to establish exemptions from applicable state consumer protection laws.

On January 14, 2016 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published final rules related to the Fundamental Review of the Trading Book. Each member country, including the United States, will have to consider how it will give effect to the FRTB framework.

On November 2, 2015 President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, replacing a longstanding set of statutory provisions governing the audit and adjustment of partnership income tax returns.

A recent decision of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals could impact marketplace and other lenders who arrange for federal or state banks to fund consumer loans in Maryland at rates in excess of the applicable Maryland usury caps. 

At a meeting on October 22, 2015, the FDIC Board approved a final rule regarding Treatment of Financial Assets Transferred in Connection with a Securitization or Participation. 

At a meeting today the FDIC Board approved a joint final rule establishing margin requirements for swaps that are not cleared through a clearinghouse.

The FDIC has announced an open session meeting of its Board of Directors to take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2015.

The FDIC has announced an open session meeting of its Board of Directors to take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2015.

On September 17, 2015, the SEC adopted final amendments to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The amendments eliminate references to credit ratings in the Rule and make changes to the issuer diversification requirements of the Rule.

The Banking Law Journal republished a Chapman Client Alert.

In the case of Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC, the Second Circuit narrowly interpreted the scope of federal preemption of state usury laws under the National Bank Act as such laws apply to certain non‑bank loan assignees.

The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of how royalty-backed securitizations work and to encourage further use of royalty-backed securities by leaders in the music, business, and financial industries.

On May 18, 2015, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued guidance indicating when a banking organization that determines its risk-based capital using the advanced approaches may apply the simplified supervisory approach rather than the supervisory formula approach when determining the risk weight of a securitization exposure for risk-based capital purposes.

On May 4, 2015, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission published a letter providing clarification of an issue that has been of acute interest to the auto and equipment securitization industry. Section 2(h)(7)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act permits certain qualifying entities to elect not to clear a swap that is otherwise subject to a Clearing Determination.

On March 31, 2015, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued no-action relief stating that, with respect to certain legacy special purpose vehicle swaps, swap dealers would be exempt from complying with certain CFTC regulations. These Specified Regulations relate to external business conduct standards and swap trading documentation that swap dealers would otherwise be required to adhere to.

On February 18, 2015, the European Commission issued two publications which begin a three-month consultation with member states, capital market participants, and other stakeholders towards the development of an action plan for a fully functioning European Capital Markets Union by 2019. 

On January 21, 2015, the FDIC proposed a rule that would clarify the requirements of its Securitization Safe Harbor Rule regarding retention of an economic interest in the credit risk of securitized financial assets upon and following the effective date of the credit risk retention regulations adopted under Section 15G of the Securities Exchange Act.  

The final credit risk retention rule was published in the Federal Register today, December 24, 2014, setting the compliance dates for the final rule.

The Federal Reserve Board announced today that it has acted under the Volcker Rule to give banking entities until July 21, 2016, to conform investments in, and relationships with, covered funds and foreign funds that were in place prior to December 31, 2013, with the requirements of the Volcker Rule. 

On December 11, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published final revisions to the securitization framework for determining regulatory capital requirements on exposures arising from securitization transactions.

On December 11, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Organization of Securities Commissions issued a Consultative Document proposing criteria that may be used by transaction parties and regulators to assist in the development of simple and transparent securitization structures.

On December 9, 2014, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System proposed a framework to establish risk-based capital surcharges for the largest, most interconnected U.S. bank holding companies pursuant to Section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

On October 31, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued the final standard for a Net Stable Funding Ratio requirement.

In September 2014, the U.S. banking agencies adopted final rules implementing a liquidity coverage ratio requirement that will test a bank's ability to withstand "liquidity stress periods." In collaboration with the Structured Finance Industry Group (SFIG), Chapman attorneys authored a guide summarizing elements of the final rule that have the greatest impact on the securitization market. 

At an open meeting this morning, October 21, 2014, in a 4-1 vote, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation adopted final rules to implement the credit risk retention requirements of Section 15G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which were added to that statute pursuant to Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System announced today that it is holding an open meeting at 3:30pm (EST) on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, to vote on adoption of a final risk retention rule under Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

This morning, Regulation AB II was published in the Federal Register.

Chapman and Cutler hosted a regulatory update program on September 10, 2014, regarding the recently adopted final rules implementing Regulation AB II and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio.

On September 3, 2014, the U.S .banking agencies adopted final rules implementing a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) requirement that will test a bank's ability to withstand liquidity stress periods. The specific objective of the LCR rules is to ensure that a bank has enough high quality liquid assets (referred to as HQLA) that can be immediately converted into cash to meet its liquidity needs for a 30-day stress period.

On September 3, 2014, the OCC, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC (collectively, the "Agencies") adopted final rules implementing revisions to the denominator measure for the supplementary leverage ratio. 

This morning, September 3, 2014, the Federal Reserve Board adopted final regulations implementing the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) requirement in the United States.

On August 27, 2014, in a 3-2 vote, the SEC approved final rules applicable to nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs).

The FDIC has announced an open meeting on September 3, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time to vote on final regulations implementing the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and changes to the supplementary leverage ratio (SLR).

At an open meeting this morning, August 27, 2014, the SEC unanimously adopted final rules under Regulation AB that substantially revise the offering process, disclosure and reporting requirements for registered offerings of asset-backed securities (ABS).

On August 27, 2014, the Federal Reserve Board announced that an open meeting will be held on September 3 to vote on final regulations implementing the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) requirement in the United States

This evening, the SEC announced that it is holding an open meeting at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, to vote on adoption of Regulation AB II and additional Dodd-Frank implementing regulations.

On July 23rd, the SEC adopted final amendments to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

On February 18, 2014, the Federal Reserve issued the final version of new Regulation YY establishing “enhanced prudential standards” for large bank holding companies and large foreign banks operating in the United States.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released its final Supervisory Framework for Measuring and Controlling Large Exposures (Large Exposures Framework) today.

On April 8th, each of the OCC, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC (collectively, the "Agencies") voted to adopt a final rule that strengthens supplementary leverage ratio standards for large, interconnected U.S. banking organizations (the "Final Rule").  

On April 8, the OCC, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC (collectively, the "Agencies") adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking (the "Proposed Rule") to implement revisions to the denominator measure for the supplementary leverage ratio ("SLR"). 

On April 7th, the Federal Reserve Board (the Board) announced that it intends to allow banking entities two additional one-year extensions to conform their ownership interests in and sponsorship of certain collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) covered by the Volcker Rule.  

The FDIC has announced that the Board of Directors will meet in open session at 2:00 PM on April 8th to discuss, among other things, a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement revisions to the denominator measure for the supplementary leverage ratio (“SLR”). 

Today, the SEC has extended the comment period on Regulation AB to April 28, 2014. 

On February 26, 2014, Representative David Camp, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, released draft legislation referred to as the Tax Reform Act of 2014 that proposes to amend major portions of the Internal Revenue Code to provide for comprehensive tax reform.

On February 26, 2014, Representative David Camp, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, released draft legislation referred to as the Tax Reform Act of 2014 that proposes to amend major portions of the Internal Revenue Code to provide for comprehensive tax reform.

This afternoon, Commissioner Michael S. Piwowar released a Statement supporting the SEC's decision to re-open the comment period on Regulation AB II, noting that market practices have continued to evolve since the financial crisis and the importance of obtaining the most recent data and information possible to inform and guide the SEC's decision-making process.  

Today, the SEC announced that it is re-opening the comment period on Regulation AB II to solicit further public comment on an approach to disseminate potentially sensitive asset-level data.

On February 12, 2014, 17 members of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, including the chair, Maxine Waters, wrote a letter to the federal regulators implementing the Volcker Rule asking that interpretive guidance be issued with respect to the treatment of certain CLO debt securities.

The SEC has announced that it is removing Regulation AB II off the agenda for its February 5th open meeting.  

The SEC has announced that it is holding an open meeting at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 5th to adopt Regulation AB II.

On January 14, 2014, five federal agencies approved an interim final rule to permit banks to retain certain collateralized debt obligations backed primarily by trust preferred securities (TruPS CDOs) from the investment prohibitions of the Volcker Rule.  

On January 12, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) issued a consultative document proposing revisions to the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) under Basel III.

On January 12, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published guidance to assist national banking supervisions in implementing the liquidity ratio requirement (LCR) under Basel III.

On January 12, 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued final requirements for banks' disclosures relating to the liquidity coverage ratio.

Industry participants are concerned that the Volcker Rule's prohibition of banks acquiring or retaining "ownership interests" of CLO covered funds will prohibit banks from owning rated debt securities that include the right to replace the collateral manager for cause and appoint a replacement.  

Federal regulators approved final regulations implementing the “Volcker Rule” on December 10, 2013.

On October 24, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board released a proposed rule that introduces a liquidity coverage ratio requirement that will test a bank's ability to withstand "liquidity stress periods." 

On October 4, 2013, a Chicago bankruptcy court judge decided a case which establishes favorable precedent for the securitization market.

On July 2, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System adopted a final rule revising its risk-based and leverage capital requirements. The changes to the Advanced Approaches framework will be effective January 1, 2014 and the new Standardized Approach framework will be effective January 1, 2015. While we are still in the process of reviewing the rule and the release (it totals 971 pages), our initial impressions of the securitization sections of the rule are set forth in this client alert.

Beginning June 10, 2013, many securitization issuers could be required to submit newly executed interest rate swaps for clearing under Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) and implementing regulations.

On January 7, 2013, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Committee) issued major revisions to the “liquidity coverage ratio” (LCR) it published in 2010.

On December 18, 2012 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a consultative document entitled “Revisions to the Securitisation Framework.” The paper contains the Committee’s proposed revisions to the securitization framework following its “fundamental review” of the existing framework.

By letter dated December 7, 2012, the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight  of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission released interpretive guidance significantly expanding the scope of its October 11, 2012 interpretive letter. The October 11 Letter confirmed that securitization vehicles that satisfy five criteria, including a requirement that they operate consistent with either Regulation AB or Rule 3a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, should not be “commodity pools” as a result of holding a swap nor should their operators be required to register as “commodity pool operators” under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. 

By letter dated October 11, 2012, the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 1 released interpretive guidance confirming that certain securitization vehicles should not be included within the definition of “commodity pool” and that operators of such vehicles should not be included within the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC rules. Separately, in a no-action letter dated October 11, 2012, the Division conditionally extended the deadline for registration as a commodity pool operator from October 12, 2012 to December 31, 2012 for vehicles that are commodity pools solely by virtue of their involvement with swaps.