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�౦��Ϸ���� (�౦��Ϸ����) is issuing the attached guidance to assist banks in complying with the spousal signature provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B, 12 CFR Part 202. Among other things, Regulation B prohibits lending policies and practices that discriminate on the basis of marital status.

On February 4, 2002, the �౦��Ϸ���� issued general guidance on the spousal signature provisions of Regulation B (see FIL-9-2002), which generated considerable interest among banks. As a result, the �౦��Ϸ���� has developed more specific guidance to further assist banks in their compliance efforts.

On March 17, 2003, the Federal Reserve Board issued amendments to Regulation B, with an effective date of April 15, 2003, and a mandatory compliance date of April 15, 2004 (see FIL-5-2004, dated January 9, 2004). The spousal signature provisions of Regulation B were affected by those amendments. Today's FIL incorporates those amendments to Regulation B and augments FIL-9-2002.

For more information, please contact Russ Bailey, Senior Fair Lending Specialist, at (202) 898-6529; Andrea Winkler, Counsel, at (202) 898-3727; or Janet Norcom, Counsel, at (202) 898-8886.

For your reference, �౦��Ϸ���� Financial Institution Letters may be accessed from the �౦��Ϸ����'s Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2004/index.html .

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Distribution: �౦��Ϸ����-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of �౦��Ϸ���� financial institution letters may be obtained through the �౦��Ϸ����'s Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).