Guidance on Deposit Placement and Collection Activities

• Institutions that accept deposits with the intent of placing a portion of some or all of these deposits must establish governing controls over this activity to prevent customer confusion and ensure that all activities comply with deposit insurance regulations.
• Some FDIC-insured depository institutions/affiliates have entered into agreements with third-party affinity groups or trade associations (groups) to collect and place customer deposits at FDIC-insured institutions and/or their affiliates.
• Once collected, if an institution/ affiliate subsequently places these deposits at other institutions/affiliates, the institution needs to adhere closely to the FDIC rules governing the eligibility of these accounts for "pass-through" deposit insurance coverage.
• Institutions should ensure that marketing materials, customer statements and disclosures given to customers are accurate with respect to deposit insurance coverage and reflect the terms and conditions of the arrangement between the customer and the bank, as well as with the banks that receive customer funds.
• Institutions acting as agents in deposit collection and placement arrangements should ensure customers are provided the deposit amount and the name of the insured depository institution at which their deposits are ultimately placed.
• Because insurance coverage is available only if the interest rate and the maturity date offered to the customer match the interest rate and maturity date for funds placed with another bank, any differences in terms must be disclosed to the customer at the inception of the arrangement, and in monthly statements, and the customer must be informed that these changes may impact the deposit insurance coverage of the account.
• All relevant personnel involved in collecting and placing deposits from any third party should be trained on deposit insurance coverage requirements, including requirements for pass-through insurance coverage.

Distribution:
FDIC-Insured Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Suggested Routing:
Chief Executive Officer
Compliance Officer
Branch Manager

Note:
FDIC financial institution letters (FILs) may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2010/index.html .

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html .

Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 3501 Fairfax Drive, E-1002, Arlington, VA 22226 (1-877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200).