12 U.S.C. § 5238 – Study on mark-to-market accounting

(a) Study The Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the Board and the Secretary, shall conduct a study on mark-to-market accounting standards as provided in Statement Number 157 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, as such standards are applicable to financial institutions, including depository institutions. Such a study shall consider at a minimum—
1. (1) the effects of such accounting standards on a financial institution’s balance sheet;
2. (2) the impacts of such accounting on bank failures in 2008;
3. (3) the impact of such standards on the quality of financial information available to investors;
4. (4) the process used by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in developing accounting standards;
5. (5) the advisability and feasibility of modifications to such standards; and
6. (6) alternative accounting standards to those provided in such Statement Number 157.
(b) Report The Securities and Exchange Commission shall submit to Congress a report of such study before the end of the 90-day period beginning on October 3, 2008, containing the findings and determinations of the Commission, including such administrative and legislative recommendations as the Commission determines appropriate.