ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The rules are clear and concise on how credit unions should approach any contracts with broker-dealers and their safekeepers. NCUA Rules and Regulations Part 703.8 and 703.9 outline a number of specific steps on how credit unions are required to ensure certain protections. 703.8 Broker-dealers (a) A Federal credit union may purchase and sell investments through a broker-dealer as long as the broker-dealer is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) or is a depository institution whose broker-dealer activities are regulated by a Federal or State regulatory agency. (b) Before purchasing an investment through a broker-dealer, a Federal credit union must analyze and annually update the following: (1) The background of any sales representative with whom the Federal credit union is doing business; (2) Information available from State or Federal securities regulators and securities industry self-regulatory organizations, such as the National Association of Securities Dealers and the North American Securities Administrators Association, about any enforcement actions against the broker-dealer, its affiliates, or associated personnel; and (3) If the broker-dealer is acting as the Federal credit union's counterparty, the ability of the broker-dealer and its subsidiaries or affiliates to fulfill commitments, as evidenced by capital strength, liquidity, and operating results. The Federal credit union should consider current financial data, annual reports, reports of nationally-recognized statistical rating agencies, relevant disclosure documents, and other sources of financial information. (c) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply when the Federal credit union purchases a certificate of deposit or share certificate directly from a bank, credit union, or other depository institution. 703.9 Safekeeping (a) A Federal credit union's purchased investments and repurchase collateral must be in the Federal credit union's possession, recorded as owned by the Federal credit union through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or held by a board-approved safekeeper under a written custodial agreement that requires the safekeeper to exercise, at least, ordinary care. (b) Any safekeeper used by a Federal credit union must be regulated and supervised by either the Securities and Exchange Commission, a Federal or State depository institution regulatory agency, or a State trust company regulatory agency. (c) A Federal credit union must obtain and reconcile monthly a statement of purchased investments and repurchase collateral held in safekeeping. (d) Annually, the Federal credit union must analyze the ability of the safekeeper to fulfill its custodial responsibilities, as evidenced by capital strength, liquidity, and operating results. The Federal credit union should consider current financial data, annual reports, reports of nationally recognized statistical rating agencies, relevant disclosure documents, and other sources of financial information.