FHLBank System Regulator Provides LIBOR Transition Guidance
last updated on Friday, September 27, 2019 in Business News
The financial markets are preparing for the expected phase-out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) by the end of 2021.
As part of this transition, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently issued a supervisory letter to all Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). The FHFA, which regulates the FHLBanks, has required that by June 30, 2020, the FHLBanks cease entering into new LIBOR referenced instruments with maturities beyond December 31, 2021.This change may impact certain FHLB Des Moines products with a LIBOR component, including:
- Adjustable Rate Advances indexed to 1, 3 or 6-month LIBOR
- Capped LIBOR Advances
- Convertible Advances
- Member-Option LIBOR Advances (MOLA)
The FHFA has also directed the FHLBanks to update their pledged collateral certification reporting requirements by March 31, 2020 in an effort to encourage members to distinguish LIBOR-linked collateral maturing past December 31, 2021.
The full letter from the FHFA is available for your reference on the FHFA website.
The 11 FHLBanks are participating in industry-wide efforts to facilitate an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate. Each FHLBank has developed a multi-year plan to reduce its LIBOR exposures over time.
As we prepare for this transition, we also want to ensure that you, our members, are as prepared as possible. We have created a dedicated resource page on our website to help with the LIBOR transition.
We will provide you with ongoing updates as new information and resources become available. If you have questions regarding this communication or would like more details on the LIBOR transition, please contact your Relationship Manager.
- LIBOR
- SOFR