Determining Credit Capacity

Each member has an assigned credit capacity and terms that are regularly evaluated and determined by our Credit department. The credit capacity for most members is at or above 30 percent of assets. 

In the rare situation where a member becomes distressed, our Board of Directors has affirmed that we will continue to make advances available as long as the institution pledges sufficient eligible collateral and the member's primary regulator does not object to the extension of credit.

To find your institution's currently assigned credit capacity, navigate to the Member Account Profile within eAdvantage.

Complete details on the Bank’s credit standards are defined in the Member Products Policy beginning on page 5.

Member Credit Capacity Review

Each quarter, members' assigned credit capacities are reviewed utilizing various sources of information. This review process utilizes report of examination findings, regulatory financial reports, enforcement actions, SEC filings, audited financial statements, rating agencies' analysis, discussions with member management and/or regulators, and any other relevant material information. Material changes in financial condition, including events that occurred subsequent to the quarterly information used in the analysis, may have an impact on a member’s assigned credit capacity.

Members are generally notified in advance of potential declines in their credit capacity and given the opportunity to provide additional information to be considered in the credit assessment process. A final credit capacity is then assigned that will remain in effect until the next quarterly credit review or upon receipt of new credit-related information, whichever comes first.

Credit Information & Credit Capacity 

The assigned credit capacity not only determines the maximum amount of credit capacity available, assuming adequate eligible collateral, but also determines the maximum term for advances. 

The Credit Management Resources page in eAdvantage provides information regarding FHLB Des Moines credit and collateral practices, including our standard credit terms by institution type, comparisons of credit capacity levels to CAMELS ratings, quarterly median financial metrics, and others. 

Credit Constrained Members

Members who are experiencing deterioration in their financial condition and, as a result, a reduction in their FHLB Des Moines credit capacity to 25% of total assets or less can request that an exception be considered by the Bank to provide greater borrowing capacity. For those with the lowest credit capacity, approval by the primary regulator may also be required. Members should contact their relationship manager if they wish to request an exception.