Regulation X

What Is Regulation X?

Regulation X is a rule, issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRS), that governs credit limits granted to foreign persons or organizations for the purchases of U.S. Treasuries, like T-bonds.

The term regulation X may also refer to a regulation covering real estate transactions issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Borrowers subject to Regulation X may also need to conform to both Federal Reserve Regulation T, relating to brokers and dealers, and Regulation U, banks and lenders.

Understanding Regulation X

Regulation X is part of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It applies to credit secured both within and outside the United States. Borrowers who are subject to Regulation X must also prove that the credit they obtain conforms to both Federal Reserve Regulation T (relating to brokers and dealers) and Regulation U (banks and lenders).

Borrowers who can claim permanent residency outside the United States and do not obtain or carry purpose credit over $100,000 outside the United States are exempt from Regulation X. Purpose credit is any credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental, or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock.

The acquisition of U.S. Treasuries such as bonds by international parties can create complex economic and political interdependence. Nations such as China frequently acquire bonds and other U.S. Treasuries. The sale of such bonds allows the federal government to finance budget deficits.

The U.S. government's debt has been purchased at an appreciable rate since 2008, with international buyers making up a substantial portion of this market. The Federal Reserve buys some of this debt as well. While international entities continue to acquire these securities, it gives the federal government more fiscal leeway to handle budget gaps.

Regulation X serves to enforce policies that limit foreign individuals and organizations from making domestic investments they do not have supporting cash for. The rule applies guidelines set forth by Regulation T, which restricts borrowers from using more than 50% financing from brokerage firms when purchasing securities.

When this is applied through the provisions of Regulation X, it narrows the capacity for international buyers to use credit to invest in U.S. securities. Comparable rules under Regulation U also limit the financing available through bank lenders for the purchase of such securities.

The provisions of Regulation X require international investors to pay at least 50% cash toward their domestic investments, regardless of how the remaining credit or financing is structured. This means international investors must be solvent enough to pay at least half the price of their purchases of U.S. Treasuries.

Regulation X in Real Estate

A completely separate Regulation X was issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to effect the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974. This policy offers protection to consumers who possess or apply for federally related mortgages. Regulation X in this context mandates disclosure about the application and servicing of certain secured loans.

In April 2021, the CFPB proposed amending Regulation X to streamline the process of modifying mortgages of borrowers impacted by the government restrictions issued during the COVID-19 pandemic and to apply an emergency pre-foreclosure review period for mortgages on principal residences to determine if modification or other relief is possible.

Under the new rule, mortgage services would not be allowed to initiate foreclosure proceedings on any mortgages for borrowers who have faced COVID-19-related financial hardship. Protections were finalized on June 30, 2021, and became effective on August 31, 2021, but subsequently expired on January 1, 2022.