Bridge bank

In the United States law of banking regulation, a bridge bank is a temporary bank organized by Federal bank regulators to administer the deposits and liabilities of a failed bank. Under the Competitive Equality Banking Act (CEBA) of 1987, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is authorized to operate a failed bank for a period of up to three years, until a buyer can be found for its operations. [Thomas P. Fitch, "Barron's Dictionary of Banking Terms" (Barron's, 2006: ISBN 0812096592). ] [FDIC, [http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/matrix/exhibit2.html Delegations of Authority: Enforcement Actions] , accessed July 12, 2008.]

Under CEBA, when a FDIC-insured bank is in financial trouble, the FDIC "may establish a bridge bank to — (A) assume the deposits of the closed bank; (B) assume such other liabilities of the closed bank as the Corporation, in the Corporation's discretion, may determine to be appropriate; (C) purchase such assets of the closed bank as the Corporation, in the Corporation's discretion, may determine to be appropriate; and (D) perform any other temporary function which the Corporation may prescribe in accordance with this Act." [CEBA, [http://www.philadelphiafed.org/src/ceba87.txt HR. 27 (1987)] , ss. 503. Codified at 12 USC ch. 16, ss. 1821(n).]

Bridge banks must be chartered as national banks. To the extent possible, bridge banks are required to honor the commitments of the failed bank to its customers, and not to interrupt or terminate adequately secured loans. [12 USC ch. 16, ss. 1821(n)(3)(B)] Bridge banks are authorized to seek to liquidate failed banks, either by finding buyers for the bank as a going concern, or by liquidating its portfolio of assets, within two years, which can be extended for cause by an additional year. Should the bridge bank fail to wind down its operations within the allotted time, the bridge bank must notify the Comptroller of the Currency of its intent to dissolve the bridge bank. Under this situation, the FDIC is appointed as the receiver of the bridge bank's assets. [12 USC ch. 16, ss. 1821(n)(12)]

ee also

*Receivership

References