Credit Union Regulator Adopts Ban of Risky Investments

The National Credit Union Administration approved a final rule Thursday prohibiting risky investments by credit unions, starting Jan. 1.

Credit unions will be barred from investing in stripped mortgage-backed securities, residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations, securities related to commercial mortgages and small business, as well as other "inappropriate" products, NCUA said.

However, some credit unions will be able to buy and sell derivatives, such as futures and interest rate swaps, under an NCUA pilot program.

The new rule, which has been in the works since November 1995, also requires credit unions to adopt more detailed investment policies.

NCUA will require more specifics on management of interest rate, liquidity, credit, and concentration risks. Also, credit unions face more reporting requirements on securities with maturities greater than three years and other investments.

The less complicated a credit union's portfolio is, the less burden the regulation will create, an NCUA spokesman said.

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