OCC, FDIC withdraw leveraged lending guidance 

The OCC and FDIC announced they are rescinding their March 2013 guidance on leveraged lending and the November 2014 frequently asked questions on implementing the guidance. 

Details: The agencies said they expect banks to manage leveraged lending exposures consistent with general principles for safe and sound lending. 

Background: According to the agencies: 

• Leveraged lending provides a wide range of businesses, including those that are highly indebted or highly leveraged or that have low obligor ratings, with access to capital for business transformations. 

• The 2013 guidance and 2014 FAQs were overly restrictive and impeded banks’ application to leveraged lending of the risk management principles that guide their other business decisions.