CREDIT UNION CHARTERS: The NCUA made it more difficult for senior citizens and retirees to join federal credit unions. Published March 22. Effective July 1.
MONEY MARKET FUNDS RISK: The SEC amended its rules for tax-exempt money market funds to reduce the chance that these funds will not be able to maintain a stable net asset value. Published March 28. Effective June 3.
WIRE TRANSFERS: The Fed and Treasury released their oft-delayed wire- transfer record keeping rules. These require banks to retain records on the amount and date of a transfer, the name and address of the sender and recipient, and the name of the bank that originated the transaction. Published April 1. Effective May 28.
REAL ESTATE LENDING: The Department of Housing and Urban Development streamlined its Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act rules by eliminating various appendices that are simply illustrative or repeat information from other statutes. Published March 26. Effective April 25.
OFFICE SPACE: The OCC adopted a rule giving national banks more time to dispose of leased office space they no longer need. Published March 20. Effective April 19.
CRIMINAL REFERRALS: The NCUA adopted rules streamlining the reporting of suspect activities. The other agencies had previously approved identical rules. Published March 21. Effective April 1.
TRUTH-IN-LENDING: The Fed dropped from a staff commentary a controversial proposal to let states decide whether Truth-in-Lending disclosures must include fees for debt cancellation agreements. Published April 4. Effective April 1, but compliance optional until Oct. 1.
ELECTRONIC BANKING: The Fed adopted a 1994 proposal updating and streamlining Regulation E. Among other things, the asset size of institutions exempt from the regulation was increased to $100 million, from $25 million. Expected to be published shortly.
