CITY OF
SAN BERNARDINO
INVESTMENT POLICY
Fiscal Year 2026/27
Proposed June 17, 2026
Tarik Rahmani
Director of Finance & Management Services
I. PURPOSE
To establish guidelines for the prudent investment of public funds in a manner that will protect City funds, meet daily cash flow expenditures, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances governing the investment of public funds.
II. POLICY & ADOPTION
It shall be the policy of the City of San Bernardino to annually review and adopt an Investment Policy by resolution of the City Council. This Policy applies to all financial assets and fundsheldby the Cityof SanBernardino andthe Successor Agency to the San Bernardino Redevelopment Agency. The funds covered by this policy include:
*General Fund
*Special Revenue Funds
*Capital Project Funds
*Proprietary Funds
*Other funds that may be created
Any modifications to the Policy must be approved by the City Council.
III. PROCEDURES
The Director of Finance shall annually review the City's Investment Policy, and incorporate any changes in state law, recommendations from the City's Investment Advisor, recommendations from the various national and state organizations of municipal finance officers, or other changesrecommended by City staff. The revised Investment Policy shall be presented to the Finance Committee and the City Council for review and approval. (A) Responsibilities
No person may engage in investment activities except as provided under the terms of this Policy and the procedures established by the Director of Finance.
1. Responsibilities of the City Council
The City Councilshall annually consider and adopt a written Investment Policy. As provided in this Policy, the Council shall receive monthly Investment Reports.
2. Responsibilities of the Director of Finance
The Director of Finance is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is subject to his/her direction and supervision. The Director of Finance is charged with responsibility for the conduct of all Finance Department operations. The City Charter places the "City Treasurer" responsibilities amongst the duties of the Director of Finance. That individual is charged with responsibility for carrying out all investment actions. He/she may delegate the day-to-day investment activities to their designee(s) but not the responsibility for the overall investment program. If authorized by the City Council, the Director of Finance may also utilize the services of an external investment advisor to assist with the investment program.
The Director of Finance, through supporting staff members, is responsible to manage all public funds and securities belonging to or under the control ofthe City and the Successor Agency, including the deposit and investment of those funds in accordance with principles of sound treasury management and applicable laws and ordinances. Appropriate internal controls designed to ensure that assets of the City are protected from loss, theft, or misuse, including but not limited to separation of duties and multiple approvers for transactions, shall be maintained at all times in order to safeguard the City's assets.
3. Responsibilities of the City's Investment Advisor (if applicable) The City may engage in the services of outside professionals for evaluation and advice regarding the City's investment program. An authorized Investment Advisor may provide investment management services, which may also include facilitating trade executions under the direction of the Director of Finance or designee. Any Investment Advisor shall be registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission and licensed to do businessin the State of California. An authorized Investment Advisor shall invest the City'sfundsin investments that are in compliance with this policy and provide accurate and timely reports of its investment activities to City staff. The Investment Advisor shall never take possession of the City's funds or assets.
4. Internal Controls
The Director of Finance is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal control structure designed to ensure that the assets of the City are protected from loss, theft, fraud or misuse.
The City's external independent auditing firm shall perform an annual analysis and review of internal controls, account activity and compliance with policies and procedures.
(B) Prudent Investor Rule
The standard of prudence to be used by the Director of Finance shall be the "prudent investor" standard. Thisshall be applied in the context of managing an overall portfolio.
The "Prudent Investor Rule" provides, pursuant to California Government Code Section 53600.3, that investments shall be made with judgment and care-under circumstances then prevailing - which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived. The Director of Finance and any designee of the Director of Finance, as investment officers acting in accordance with written procedures and the investment policy and exercising due diligence, shall be relieved of personal responsibility for any individual security's credit risk or market price changes, provided deviations from expectations are reported to the City Council in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control adverse developments. (C) Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
In addition to state and local statutes relating to conflicts of interest, all persons involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business activity that conflicts with proper execution of the investment program or impairs their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Employees and investment officers are required to annually file applicable financial disclosures as required for “public officials who manage public investments” by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and are subject to California law relative to conflicts of interest.
(D) Level of Investment
The City strives to maintain the level of investment of all investable cash as near to 100 percent as possible through current and projected cash flow management. The Director of Finance shall maintain a system to monitor and forecast revenues and expenditures so that City funds can be invested to the fullest extent possible while providing sufficient liquidity to meet the City's reasonably anticipated cash flow requirements. Maturities of investments will be selected to provide necessary liquidity, manage interest rate risk, and optimize earnings. Because of inherent difficulties in accurately forecasting cash flow requirements, a portion of the portfolio should be continuously invested in readily available funds.
(E) Investment Objectives
The City seeks safety and liquidity in all of its investments followed by yield. Safety, liquidity, and yield are defined as follows:
1. Safety. Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of capital in the overall portfolio.
2. Liquidity. The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet operating requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by structuring the portfolio so that securities mature concurrent with cash needs to meet anticipated demands.
3. Yield. The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of attaining a market rate of return, taking into account the investment risk constraints and liquidity needs. Return on investment is of secondary importance compared to the safety and liquidity objectives described above.
(F) Allowable Investments
The investments listed in this Policy are authorized investments pursuant to Sections 53601 and 53635 ofthe California Government Code and are authorized investments for the City subject, however, to the restrictions set forth in Section "K" of this Investment Policy. In the event that an apparent discrepancy is found between this Policy and the Government Code, the more restrictive parameters will take precedence. (G) Collateralization
If collateral is required for a particular investment type, it will be provided in compliance with California Government Code requirements.
(H) Investment Pools/Mutual Funds
Prior to investing in any pooled investment program (e.g., LAIF, money market funds), the Director of Finance will review the program's documentation (e.g., investment policy, policies for participation, fees) to determine the appropriateness of the pool for City funds. Whenever the City hasfunds invested in a pooled investment program, the Director of Finance should periodically review the pool's investment holdings. The review shall, at a minimum, obtain the following information:
• A description of eligible investment securities, and a written statement of investment policy and objectives.
• A description of interest calculations and how it is distributed, and how gains and losses are treated.
• A description of how the securities are safeguarded (including the settlement processes), and how often the securities are priced and the program audited. • A description of who may invest in the program, how often, and what size of deposits and withdrawals are allowed.
• A schedule for receiving statements and portfolio listings. • A description of how the pool/fund utilizes reserves, retained earnings, etc. • A fee schedule, including when and how fees are assessed. • The eligibility of the pool/fund to invest in bond proceeds and special district funds, and a description of its practices.
(I) Diversification
The City shall diversify the investments within the portfolio to avoid incurring unreasonable risks inherent in over-investing in specific instruments, individual financial institutions, or maturities. To promote diversification, unless a more restrictive limit applies, no more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in the securities of any one issuer, regardless of security type; excluding U.S. Treasuries, federal agencies, supranationals, medium-term notes, asset-backed/mortgage backed/CMO securities, and pooled investments such as LAIF, money market funds, or local government investment pools.
(J) Maximum Maturities
For those investment types for which this Policy does not specify a maturity limit, no individual investment shall exceed a maturity of five years from the date of purchase unless the City Council has granted express authority to make that investment either specifically or as a part of an investment program approved by the City Council no less than three months prior to the investment. Both Agency and Non-Agency MortgageBacked Securities and Asset-Backed Securities may be measured by their WeightedAverage-Life when determining allowable maturity limits. The weighted average duration of the investment portfolio shall not exceed 3.0 years. (K) Authorized Investments of the City
The following types of investments are authorized by this Policy
1. U.S. Treasury Instruments. United States Treasury notes, bonds, bills, or certificates of indebtedness, or those for which the faith and credit of the United States are pledged for the payment of principal and interest. There is no limitation as to the percentage of the City's portfolio that may be invested in this category. The maximum maturity for thisinvestment is five years from the time of purchase.
2. State of California's Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF). A State of Californiamanaged investment pool. The maximum amount invested in this category may not exceed the limit set by LAIF for operating accounts ($75 million).
3. Local Government Investment Pools ("LGIP''). Shares of beneficial interest issued by joint powers authority organized pursuant to Section 6509.7 that invests in the securities and obligations authorized in Government Code (e.g. Cal Trust, CAMP, CLASS). The City will limit investments to LGIPs that seek to maintain a stable net asset value. There is no limitation as to the percentage of the City's portfolio that may be invested in this category.
4. Municipal Bonds. Registered state warrants ortreasury notes orbonds of this state, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue-producing property owned, controlled, or operated by the state or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the state.
Registered treasury notes or bonds of any of the other 49 states in addition to California, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues from a revenueproducing property owned, controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board, agency, or authority of any of the other 49 states, in addition to California.
Bonds, notes, warrants, or other evidences of indebtedness of a local agency within this state, including bonds payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing property owned, controlled, or operated by the local agency, or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the local agency.
Purchases are limited to securities rated in a rating category of "A" (long- term) or "A-1" (short-term) or their equivalents or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO). A maximum of 30% of the City's portfolio may be invested in this category. The maximum maturity forthis investment isfive yearsfromthe time of purchase.
5. Federal Agency Securities. Federal agency or United States government- sponsored enterprise obligations, participations, or other instruments, including those issued by or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by federal agencies or United States government-sponsored enterprises. There is no limitation as to the percentage of the City's portfolio that may be invested in this category. The maximum maturity for this investment is five years from the time of purchase. The maturity of Agency mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities shall be measured by Weighted-Average-Life (WAL), which is not to exceed 5 years.
6. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit. Negotiable certificates of deposit issued by a nationally or state-chartered bank, a savings association or a federal association, a state or federal credit union, or by a federally licensed or state-licensed branch of a foreign bank. Securities in this category shall be limited to the maximum amount covered by federal deposit insurance currently set at $250,000. A maximum of 30% of the City's portfolio may be invested in this category. The maximum maturity for this investment is five years from the time of purchase.
7. Commercial Paper. Commercial paper of "prime" quality of the highest ranking or of the highest letter and number rating as provided for by a NRSRO. The entity that issues the commercial paper shall meet all of the following conditions in either paragraph (1) or (2):
1. The entity meets the following criteria: (A) Is organized and operating in the United States as a general corporation; (B) Has total assets in excess of five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and (C) Has debt other than commercial paper, if any, that is rated in a rating category of "A" or its equivalent or better by an NRSRO.
2. The entity meets the following criteria: (A) is organized within the United States as a special purpose corporation, trust, or limited liability company, (B) Has program-wide credit enhancements including but not limited to, overcollateralization, letters of credit, or a surety bond, and (C) Has commercial paper that is rated “A-1” or better, or the equivalent, by an NRSRO.
Purchases are limited to securities that have a maximum maturity of 397 days. A maximum of 25% of the City’s portfolio may be invested in this category with a maximum of 10% per issuer.
8. Corporate or Medium-Term Notes. Corporate or medium-term notes, defined as all corporate and depository institution debt securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or any state and operating within the United States. Purchases are limited to securities rated in a rating category of "A" or its equivalent or better by an NRSRO. A maximum of 30% of the City's portfolio may be invested in this category with a maximum of 10% per issuer.
9. Money Market Funds ("MMF"). Purchases are restricted to Government Money Market Funds. Furthermore,these Money Market Funds must have met either of the following criteria: (A) Attained the highest ranking or the highest letter and numerical rating provided by not less than two NRSROs, or (B) Retained an investment advisor with not less than five years' experience and registered or exempt from registration with the SEC, with assets under management in excess of five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000).A maximum of 20%ofthe City's portfolio may be invested in this category.
10. Supranational Obligations. United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, or Inter-American Development Bank, with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, and eligible for purchase and sale within the United States. Investments under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating category of "AA" orits equivalent or better by a NRSRO. A maximum of 30% of the City's portfolio may be invested in this category with a maximum of 10% per issuer.
11. Bankers Acceptances. Bankers’ acceptances are short-term debt instruments issued by a company that is guaranteed by a commercial bank. Banker Acceptances are limited to institutions with short-term debt obligations of A-1 or higher and have long term debt obligations rated “A” or higher, or the equivalent, by an NRSRO. The maturity shall not exceed 180 days and no more than 40% of the total portfolio may be invested in Bankers’ Acceptances and no more than 5% per issuer.
12. Deposits Placed Through a Private Sector Entity. The City may invest in Certificates of Deposit placed through a deposit placement service that uses a private sector entity to place deposits with eligible depository institutions. These placements are subject to the following limitations:
• All deposits must be fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) orthe National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
• The City may invest up to 50% of its surplus funds in such deposits through January 1, 2031.
• Beginning January 1, 2031, the investment limit will revert to 30% of surplusfunds, unless otherwise amended by law.
• The placement service and the participating financial institutions must provide documentation verifying the full insurance of the deposits
13. Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Backed, Mortgage Pass-Through securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. A mortgage passthrough security, collateralized mortgage obligation, mortgage- backed or other pay-through bond, equipment lease-backed certificate, consumer receivable passthrough certificate, or consumer receivable-backed bond with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less as measured by Weighted-Average Life (WAL). Securities shall be rated in a rating category of “AA” or its equivalent or better by an NRSRO. A maximum of 20% of the City’s portfolio may be invested in the category.
City of San Bernardino Authorized Investment Policy Table Investment Type Maximum Term
Maximum % of
Portfolio Maximum per Issuer Minimum Rating
US Treasury Obligations 5 Years NONE NONE NONE
Local Agency Investment
Fund (LAIF) N/A
The City may invest up
to the maximum
amount permitted by
California state law
($75 million).
N/A NONE
Joint Powers/Local
Government Investment
Pool
N/A NONE N/A NONE
Municipal Debt 5 Years 30% NONE A1, A
Federal Agency
Obligations
5 years (MBS/ABS
maturities
measured by
Weighted-AverageLife)
NONE NONE NONE
Certificate of Deposits 5 Years 30% $250K
Securites in this
category shall be
limited to the
maximum amount
covered by federal
deposit insurance.
Commercial Paper 397 days 25% 10% A1/P1, A
Medium Term/Corporate
Notes
5 Years 30% 10% A
Money Market Mutual
Funds
N/A 20% NONE AAA
Supranational
Obligations
(IBRD, IFC, IDB)
5 Years 30% 10% AA
Bankers' Acceptances 180 Days 40% 5% A1, A
Asset-Backed, MortgageBacked, Mortgage PassThrough Securities and Collateralized Mortgage
Obligations
5 years as
measured by
Weighted-AverageLife
20% NONE AA
(L) Prohibited Investments
Furthermore, the City will not invest in inverse floaters, range notes, interest-only strips, or any security that could result in zero interest accrual if held to maturity.
In orderto anticipate market changes and provide a level ofsecurity for allfunds,the collateralization level will 100% of market value for Certificate of Deposits and 102% for reverse purchase agreements or principal and accrued interest. Collateral will always be held by an independent third party with whom the entity has a current custodial relationship
(M) Performance Standards
The investment portfolio shall be managed with the objective of obtaining a marketaverage rate of return during budgetary and economic cycles, considering the City's investment risk constraints and the cash flow needs.
Investment return is a consideration only after the core investment portfolio tenets ofsafety and liquidity have been met. The Director of Finance will adopt a benchmark which best approximates the composition and weighted average maturity of the City's portfolio. The City will monitor the City's portfolio yield against the US Treasury Constant Maturity and the performance yield presented by LAIF. However, the benchmark will be used only as a reference tool and does not infer that the portfolio will be managed in an attempt to attain or exceed the stated benchmark.
Benchmarks may change over time based on changes in market conditions or cash flow requirements. The selected performance benchmarks shall be representative of the City's overall investment objectives and liquidity requirements. (N) Investment Reporting
The Director of Finance shall submit to the City Council, on a monthly basis, a report summarizing the individual transactions executed within the month. The Director of Finance shall submit to the City Council on a quarterly basis a report summarizing the status of the current investment portfolio and the individual transactions executed over the last quarter. The report shall be prepared in a manner which shall allow the City Council to ascertain whether investment activities during the reporting period have conformed to the Investment Policy.
The report will include the following elements:
• Type of investment
• Institution/Issuer
• Purchase Date
• Date of maturity
• Amount of deposit or cost ofthe investment
• Face value ofthe investment
• Current market value of securities and source of valuation • Rate of interest
• Interest earnings
• Statement relating the report to its compliance with the Statement of Investment Policy or the manner in which the portfolio is not in compliance • Statement on availability of funds to meet the next six months’ obligations • Percentage of Portfolio by Investment Type
• Days to Maturity for all Investments
• Comparative report on Monthly Investment Balances & Interest Yields • Monthly transactions
The Investment Advisor shall report to the City, on a monthly basis, the weightedaverage-life for each structured security to ensure compliance with the individual 5- year weighted-average-life limitation.
All data shall be maintained by the Investment Advisor for record-keeping purposes. If a structured security is reported to have a weighted-average-life greater than 5 years, it shall be flagged for immediate discussion with both the City and Investment Advisor to determine if the security shall be held or liquidated, depending on underlying risk and broader market conditions. Notwithstanding the aforementioned process, any security with a weighted-average-life greater than 4 years shall be monitored on a monthly basis to note any reporting trends.
(O) Portfolio Review
The Director of Finance shall continually monitor portfolio performance to ensure that the securities in the portfolio are in compliance with this Policy. The Director of Finance shall report any issues of material non-compliance in the next monthly Investment Report. Percentage holding limits and diversification requirements listed in this Policy apply at the time a security is purchased. If a percentage holding limit or diversification requirement is exceeded due to a subsequent change in the portfolio, it is not a compliance violation, but no additional securities may be purchased in that category or for that issuer until the holdings are back under the Policy limits.
Creditratings, where shown,specify the minimum credit rating category required at purchase. In the event a security held by the City is subject to a credit rating change that brings it below the minimum credit ratings specified in this Policy, the Director of Finance will notify the City Council of the change in the next monthly Investment Report. The course of action to be followed will then be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering such factors as the reason forthe change, prognosis for recovery or further rating downgrades, and the market price of the security. If a security is determined to be out of compliance with this Policy due to a subsequent change in this Policy or the Government Code, it may be held to maturity unless there is a requirement that the security be sold.
(P) Debt Proceeds
Debt proceeds and bond reserve funds are to be invested in accordance with their respective bond indenture. If the indenture is silent as to the permitted investments, the bond proceeds will be invested in the securities permitted by this Policy. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Policy, the percentage limitations listed elsewhere in this Policy do not apply to bond proceeds and bond proceeds may be invested beyond five years if the maturities of such investments do not exceed the expected use of the funds, the investments are deemed prudent in the opinion of the Director of Finance, and the investments are not prohibited by the applicable bond documents. Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes or other temporary financing proceeds shall not be invested for a term that exceeds the term of the debt.
(Q) Safe Keeping
To protect against potential losses by collapse of individual securities dealers, all deliverable securities owned by the City, including collateral on repurchase agreements, shall be held in safekeeping by a third party bank trust department acting as agent for the City under the terms of a custody agreement executed by the bank and by the City.
All deliverable securities will be received and delivered using standard delivery-versuspayment procedures. (R) Qualified Financial Institutions and Broker/Dealers The Director of Finance shall maintain a list of approved financial institutions authorized to provide investment related services to the City. In addition, the City shall maintain a list of approved security broker/dealers selected by conducting a process of due diligence. These may include 'primary' dealers or regional dealers that qualify under Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Rule 15C3-1 (uniform net capital rule). A copy of thisInvestment Policy shall be sent annually to all firms with which the City executes investments.
Additionally, all financial institutions and broker/dealers who desire to become qualified bidders of investment transactions must provide the Director of Finance with the following:
• Audited Financial Statements
• Proof of State Registration
• Copy of most recently filed Financial Industry Regulated Authority (FINRA) documentation
• Certification of having read the Investment Policy and depository contracts of the City of San Bernardino
The Director of Finance will review the existing list of either qualified broker/dealers or qualified bidders for investment transactions on an annual basis. At the discretion of the Director of Finance, and with the due diligence noted above, add or delete either broker/dealers or qualified bidders.
(S) Continuing Education and Training
To ensure the highest level of professional standards for the execution of the investment program, investment staff responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolio are encouraged to engage in continuing education in the areas of cash and investment management.
GLOSSARY
AGENCIES: Federal agency securities
BANKERS’ ACCEPTANCE (BA): A draft or bill of exchange accepted by a bank or trust company. The accepting institution guarantees payment of the bill, as well as the issuer. The drafts are drawn on a bank by an exporter or importer to obtain funds to pay for specific merchandise. An acceptance is a high grade negotiable instrument.
BENCHMARK: A comparative base for measuring the performance or risk tolerance of the investment portfolio. A benchmark should represent a close correlation to the level of risk and the average duration of the portfolio's investments BROKER: A broker brings buyers and sellers together for a commission. He/she does not take a position.
CERTIFICATEOF DEPOSIT (CD): A time deposit with a specific maturity evidenced by a certificate.
Large-denomination CD's are typically negotiable.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit or other property, which a borrower pledges to secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits of public monies.
COMMERCIAL PAPER: Short term unsecured promissory note issued by a corporation (including limited liability companies) to raise working capital. These negotiable instruments are purchased at a discount to par value or at par value with interest bearing. Commercial paper is issued by corporations such as General Motors Acceptance Corporation, IBM, Bank of America, etc.
COUPON: a) The annual interest that a bond’s issuer promises to pay the bondholder on the bond’s face value. b) A certificate attached to a bond evidencing interest due on a payment date.
DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all transactions; buying and selling for his/her own account.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: delivery versus payment and delivery versus receipt. Delivery versus payment is delivery of securities with an exchange of money for the securities. Delivery versus receipt is delivery of securities with an exchange of a signed receipt for the securities.
DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities offering independent returns.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal government set up to supply credit to various classes of institutions (e.g. S&L’s, small business firms, students, farmers, farm cooperatives, and exporters).
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC): A Federal agency that insures bank deposits, currently up to $250,00 per deposit.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be converted easily and rapidly into cash without a substantial loss of value. In the money market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread between the bid and asked prices is narrow and a reasonable size can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT POOL (LGIP): The aggregate of all funds from political subdivisions that are placed in the custody of the State Treasurer for investment and reinvestment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could presumably be purchased or sold.
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes due and payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (bills, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, etc.) are issued and traded.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATION (“NRSRO”): Firms that review and assess the creditworthiness of an obligor as an entity or with respect to specific securities or money market instruments and express their opinion in the form of a letter rating. A credit rating agency may apply to the SEC fore registration as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”). The primary rating agencies are Standard & Poor’s Corporation, Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. and Fitch, Inc.
NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT: Generally, short-term debt instruments that usually pays interest and is used by a bank, savings or federal association, state or federal credit union, or state-licensed branch of a foreign bank. Negotiable CDs are traded in a secondary market and are payable upon order to the bearer or initial depositor (investor). Negotiable CDs are insured by FDIC up to $250,000, but they are not collateralized beyond that amount.
NON-NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT: CDs that carry a penalty if redeemed prior to maturity. Non-negotiable CDs issued by banks and savings and loans are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the amount of $250,000, including principal and interest. Amounts deposited above this amount may be secured with other forms of collateral through an agreement between the investor and issuer. Collateral may include other securities including Treasuries or agency securities such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
PORTFOLIO: Collection of securities held by an investor.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities dealers who submit daily reports of market activity and positions and monthly financials statements to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and are subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers include Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered securities brokers/dealers, banks and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT PERSON RULE: An investment standard. In some states, the law requires that a fiduciary, such as a trustee, may invest money only in a list of securities selected by the custody state – the so-called “legal list”. In other states, the trustee may invest in a security if it is one that would be bought by a prudent person of discretion and intelligence who is seeking a reasonable income and preservation of capital.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its purchase price or its current market price. This may be the amortized yield to maturity; on a bond, the current income return.
SAFEKEEPING: The service provided by banks and trust companies for clients when the bank or trust company stores the securities, takes in coupon payments, and redeems issues at maturity.
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION: Agency created by Congress to protected investors in securities transactions by administrating securities legislation.
SEC RULE 15c3-1: See “Uniform Net Capital Rule”.
SUPRANATIONAL SECURITIES: United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporate (IFC), or InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, and eligible for purchase and sale within the United States. Investments under this subdivision shall be rated “AA” or better by an NRSRO and shall not exceed 10 percent of the agency’s moneys that may be invested pursuant to this section.
TREASURY BILLS: A non-interest bearing discount security issued by the U.S. Treasury to finance the national debt. Most bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one year.
TREASURY BOND: Long-term U.S. Treasury securities having initial maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Intermediate-term coupon bearing U.S. Treasury having initial maturities from one year to ten years.
UNIFORM NET CAPITAL RULE: Securities and Exchange Commission requirement that member firms as well as nonmember broker/dealers in securities maintain a maximum ratio of indebtedness to liquid capital of 15 to 1; also called the net capital rule and net capital ratio. Indebtedness covers all money owed to a firm, including margin loans and commitments to purchase securities, one reason new public issues are spread among members of underwriting syndicates. Liquid capital includes cash and assets easily converted into cash.
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE-LIFE (WAL): Measures the average length of time for anticipated principal repayments to measure a bond's risk and liquidity. In order to calculate a bond's WAL, assumptions must be made regarding prepayment event probabilities, prepayment amounts, prepayment speed, underlying asset leverage, and other collateral features as well as macroeconomic drivers such as, but not limited to, interest rate expectations, home prices, and mortgage rates. Institutionally, proprietary models use these various assumed inputs to estimate the amount and timing of principal repayments in order to produce a WAL output that functions as a useful metric to understand interest rate risk, prepayment risk, and extension risk.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage. (a) Income Yield is obtained by dividing the current dollar income by the current market price for the security. (b) Net Yield or Yield to Maturity is the current income yield minus any premium above par or plus any discount from par in purchase price, with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the date of maturity of the bond.