The Federal Reserve Board on Friday requested comment on possible changes in how savings and loan holding companies may be supervised under the central bank's watch.
In July, the Board will assume responsibility for savings and loan holding companies, which are currently overseen by the Office of Thrift Supervision (that agency is being merged into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency).
The Fed said it intends to integrate each thrift holding company into existing programs that will align the institutions with various supervisory portfolios, such as community banks, regional banks or large banking institutions, depending on size and complexity.
It also made clear that it will take into account "any unique characteristics of SLHCs and requirements of the Home Owners Loan Act."
Among the areas it left open for comment are any burdens that may result from potential changes in supervision of the firms by the Fed and what specific characteristics should be taken into account when evaluating a supervisory program. The board said it will assess thrift holding company capital using supervisory methods similar to those currently used by the OTS until it finalizes new consolidated capital standards.
It specifically asked commenters to address whether there any risks, or unique characteristics of savings and loan holding companies the board should consider when developing capital requirements based on Basel III requirements. Comments are due May 23.
