This bill changes the rules for how long banks can keep certain investments, allowing them to hold these investments for up to 15 years.
Merchant Banking Modernization Act This bill requires financial holding companies to be allowed to hold merchant banking investments for a minimum of 15 years. Currently, financial holding companies are generally prohibited from holding interests in nonfinancial companies, however, there are statutory exemptions for merchant banking activities—financial services for private commercial entities. As a result of these financial services, the financial holding company may gain equity in these private commercial entities through portfolio holdings. Under current regulations, these holdings are subject to certain limitations, including a holding limit of 10 years, with the option of extending the period subject to review by the Federal Reserve Board.