12 USC 4518 - Prohibition and withholding of executive compensation

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 4518.

Prohibition and withholding of executive compensation

(a)

In general

(b)

Factors

(c)

Withholding of compensation

(d)

Prohibition of setting compensation

(e)

Authority to regulate or prohibit certain forms of benefits to affiliated parties

(1)

Golden parachutes and indemnification payments

(2)

Factors to be taken into account

The Director shall prescribe, by regulation, the factors to be considered by the Director in taking any action pursuant to paragraph (1), which may include such factors as—

(A)

whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that the affiliated party has committed any fraudulent act or omission, breach of trust or fiduciary duty, or insider abuse with regard to the regulated entity that has had a material effect on the financial condition of the regulated entity;

(B)

whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that the affiliated party is substantially responsible for the insolvency of the regulated entity, the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the regulated entity, or the troubled condition of the regulated entity (as defined in regulations prescribed by the Director);

(C)

whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that the affiliated party has materially violated any applicable provision of Federal or State law or regulation that has had a material effect on the financial condition of the regulated entity;

(D)

whether the affiliated party was in a position of managerial or fiduciary responsibility; and

(E)

the length of time that the party was affiliated with the regulated entity, and the degree to which—

(i)

the payment reasonably reflects compensation earned over the period of employment; and

(ii)

the compensation involved represents a reasonable payment for services rendered.

(3)

Certain payments prohibited

No regulated entity may prepay the salary or any liability or legal expense of any affiliated party if such payment is made—

(A)

in contemplation of the insolvency of such regulated entity, or after the commission of an act of insolvency; and

(B)

with a view to, or having the result of—

(i)

preventing the proper application of the assets of the regulated entity to creditors; or

(ii)

preferring one creditor over another.

(4)

Golden parachute payment defined

(A)

In general

For purposes of this subsection, the term “golden parachute payment” means any payment (or any agreement to make any payment) in the nature of compensation by any regulated entity for the benefit of any affiliated party pursuant to an obligation of such regulated entity that—

(i)

is contingent on the termination of such party’s affiliation with the regulated entity; and

(ii)

is received on or after the date on which—

(I)

the regulated entity became insolvent;

(II)

any conservator or receiver is appointed for such regulated entity; or

(III)

the Director determines that the regulated entity is in a troubled condition (as defined in the regulations of the Director).

(B)

Certain payments in contemplation of an event

(C)

Certain payments not included

For purposes of this subsection, the term “golden parachute payment” shall not include—

(i)

any payment made pursuant to a retirement plan which is qualified (or is intended to be qualified) under section 401 of title 26, or other nondiscriminatory benefit plan;

(ii)

any payment made pursuant to a bona fide deferred compensation plan or arrangement which the Director determines, by regulation or order, to be permissible; or

(iii)

any payment made by reason of the death or disability of an affiliated party.

(5)

Other definitions

For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:

(A)

Indemnification payment

Subject to paragraph (6), the term “indemnification payment” means any payment (or any agreement to make any payment) by any regulated entity for the benefit of any person who is or was an affiliated party, to pay or reimburse such person for any liability or legal expense with regard to any administrative proceeding or civil action instituted by the Agency which results in a final order under which such person—

(i)

is assessed a civil money penalty;

(ii)

is removed or prohibited from participating in conduct of the affairs of the regulated entity; or

(iii)

is required to take any affirmative action to correct certain conditions resulting from violations or practices, by order of the Director.

(B)

Liability or legal expense

The term “liability or legal expense” means—

(i)

any legal or other professional expense incurred in connection with any claim, proceeding, or action;

(ii)

the amount of, and any cost incurred in connection with, any settlement of any claim, proceeding, or action; and

(iii)

the amount of, and any cost incurred in connection with, any judgment or penalty imposed with respect to any claim, proceeding, or action.

(C)

Payment

The term “payment” includes—

(i)

any direct or indirect transfer of any funds or any asset; and

(ii)

any segregation of any funds or assets for the purpose of making, or pursuant to an agreement to make, any payment after the date on which such funds or assets are segregated, without regard to whether the obligation to make such payment is contingent on—

(I)

the determination, after such date, of the liability for the payment of such amount; or

(II)

the liquidation, after such date, of the amount of such payment.

(6)

Certain commercial insurance coverage not treated as covered benefit payment

(Pub. L. 102–550, title XIII, § 1318, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3949; Pub. L. 110–289, div. A, title I, §§ 1113(a), 1114, July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2678, 2679.)

cite as: 12 USC 4518