General rule. National banks and Federal savings associations shall comply with the provisions contained in 12 CFR part 223 (Regulation W).

Enforcement. The Comptroller of the Currency administers and enforces affiliate transactions requirements as they apply to national banks and Federal savings associations.

Standard for exemptions. The OCC may, by order, exempt transactions or relationships of a national bank or Federal savings association from the requirements of section 23A and section 11 of the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA), as applicable, and 12 CFR part 223 if:

The OCC, jointly with the Federal Reserve Board, finds the exemption to be in the public interest and consistent with the purposes of section 23A or section 11 of the HOLA, as applicable; and

The FDIC, within 60 days of receiving notice of such joint finding, does not object in writing to the finding based on a determination that the exemption presents an unacceptable risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Procedures for exemptions. A national bank or Federal savings association may request an exemption from the requirements of section 23A or section 11 of the HOLA, as applicable, and 12 CFR part 223 for a national bank or Federal savings association by submitting a written request to the Deputy Comptroller for Licensing with a copy to the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank. Such a request must:

Describe in detail the transaction or relationship for which the national bank or Federal savings association seeks exemption;

Explain why the OCC should exempt the transaction or relationship;

Explain how the exemption would be in the public interest and consistent with the purposes of section 23A or section 11 of the HOLA, as applicable; and

Explain why the exemption does not present an unacceptable risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund.