(a) The OCC is issuing this part 159 pursuant to its general rulemaking and supervisory authority under the Home Owners' Loan Act, 12 U.S.C. 1462 et seq., and its specific authority under section 18(m) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(m). This part 159 applies to subordinate organizations of Federal savings associations. The OCC may, at any time, limit a Federal savings association's investment in any of these entities, or may limit or refuse to permit any activities of any of these entities for supervisory, legal, or safety and soundness reasons.
(b) Notices under this part are applications for purposes of statutory and regulatory references to ``applications.'' Any conditions that the OCC imposes in approving any application are enforceable as a condition imposed in writing by the OCC in connection with the granting of a request by a Federal savings association within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. 1818(b) or 1818(i).