[kowsley]

Are there provisions in Reg.O that would allow loans to be made to a director who has a related interest in a company that develops housing through the Affordable Housing Program? These types of loans typically have preferential rates due to the program. Would this be considered a Reg. O violation because of the preferential rates?

[rcooper]

There isn’t an exception that I see for this in the definition of “extension of credit” or the general prohibitions. (See links below.)

I think if you can document that the rate is a result of the program and anyone qualifying for a loan under this program will/would receive the same rate it should be fine. Just make sure it is documented. For example, do you offer this program to non-insiders? If so, document that and the rates that are available to everyone as of the date the rate is set. Also, if you have any other non-insider loans through this program that you could use to do a comparison to show the rate or underwriting isn’t preferential that would be great for examiners to see?

Here’s a link to Reg O’s general probitions: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f99c4c8d05a48ec42cac71afe72381fc&node=12:2.0.1.1.16.0.6.4&rgn=div8

And the definition of extension of credit: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f99c4c8d05a48ec42cac71afe72381fc&node=12:2.0.1.1.16.0.6.3&rgn=div8

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