Exec-Sharing Restrictions Eased For Unrelated Banks, Thrifts

adopted a rule that makes it easier for unaffiliated institutions to share officers and directors.

Raising the size thresholds, the agencies said an executive may be employed by two institutions if one has less than $2.5 billion of assets and the other has less than $1.5 billion.

However, a banker may not work for two organizations that have offices in the same community, unless they control less than 20% of the deposit market share. If the offices are located in the same greater metropolitan statistical area, an individual may not work for two institutions with combined assets exceeding $20 million.

The agencies also said institutions may apply for an exemption, but must prove that sharing executives would not result in a monopoly or substantially reduce competition. Exemptions are also possible when one of the two institutions primarily serves low-to moderate-income areas, is controlled by minorities or women, has been chartered for less than two years, or is in troubled financial condition.

The interagency rule, effective Jan. 1, is expected to be published Friday in the Federal Register. -- Katharine Fraser

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