MARKET RISK: The federal banking agencies approved a rule requiring banks with large securities and foreign exchange portfolios to use an internal model to calculate the amount of capital they must hold against swings in the market. Published Sept. 6. Effective Jan. 1, 1998.
FIREWALLS: The Fed eliminated three firewalls that separate investment and commercial banking. The changes allow a single salesman to make loans and offer underwriting services. Also, employees may work for a bank and an affiliated securities unit and the two entities may buy most corporate securities from each other. Published Nov. 7. Effective Jan. 7.
MUTUAL FUNDS: The Fed gave directors and officers of bank holding companies permission to sit on the boards of mutual fund companies. Expected to be published shortly. Effective 30 days later.
INSIDER LOANS: The Fed amended Regulation O to give top bank officials permission to participate in discounted lending program available to all employees. Expected to be published shortly. Effective Nov. 4.
NEW ACTIVITIES II: The Fed eliminated a requirement that "well- capitalized" holding companies seek permission before engaging in many nonbank activities, such as leasing and brokerage services. Published Nov. 1. Effective Nov. 1.
FINES: The Office of Thrift Supervision raised the maximum fine for violations of its rules to $1,100,000. It also slightly raised the penalties for less egregious violations. Published Oct. 31. Effective Oct. 31.
CREDIT UNIONS: The National Credit Union Administration altered its rules to allow any two members to add items to the three-person board's agenda. Previously only the chairman could add agenda items. Published Oct. 25. Effective Oct. 25.
CRA HELP: The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council published answers to frequently asked questions about the revised Community Reinvestment Act rules. Published Oct. 21. Effective Oct. 21.
CAPITAL: The Fed gave banks permission to count a new form of preferred stock as Tier 1 capital. Published Oct. 21. Effective Oct. 21.
LOAN GUARANTEES: The Fed eliminated rules governing the interest rates and fees that government agencies could charge for guaranteed military procurement loans. Published Oct. 9. Effective Oct. 9.
SAIF PREMIUM: The FDIC issued a rule explaining how it will calculate the special assessment to capitalize the thrift insurance fund. It estimated the premium at 65.7 cents for every $100 of deposits insured by the thrift fund as of March 31, 1995. Published Oct. 16. Effective Oct. 8.
CONSUMER LEASES: The Fed adopted a rule requiring firms to explain how they calculate monthly lease payments. Also, it created several model forms and eased broadcast advertising restrictions. Published Sept. 27. Effective Oct. 1, 1997.
