Retail Foreign Exchange Transactions

The FDIC is adopting a final rule that imposes requirements for foreign currency futures, options on futures, and options that an insured depository institution supervised by the FDIC engages in with retail customers. The final rule also imposes requirements on other foreign currency transactions that are functionally or economically similar, including so-called ``rolling spot'' transactions that an individual enters into with a foreign currency dealer, usually through the Internet or other electronic platform, to transact in foreign currency. The regulations do not apply to traditional foreign currency forwards, spots, or swap transactions that an insured depository institution engages in with business customers to hedge foreign exchange risk. The final rule applies to all state nonmember banks and, as of July 21, 2011, also to all state savings associations.

Agency Contact: Nancy W. Hunt, Associate Director, (202) 898-6643; Bobby R. Bean, Chief, Policy Section, (202) 898-6705; John Feid, Senior Capital Markets Specialist, (202) 898-8649; Division of Risk Management Supervision; David N. Wall, Assistant General Counsel, (703) 562-2440; Thomas Hearn, Counsel, (202) 898-6967; Diane Nguyen, Counsel, (703) 562-6102; Legal Division, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20429.