Section 24Sec./Art. 24

Equity Investments of a Universal Bank. - A universal bank may, subject to the conditions stated in the succeeding paragraph, invest in the equities of allied and non-allied enterprises as may be determined by the Monetary Board. Allied enterprises may either be financial or non-financial. Except as the Monetary Board may otherwise prescribe:

24.1. The total investment in equities of allied and non-allied enterprises shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the net worth of the bank; and

24.2. The equity investment in any one enterprise, whether allied or non-allied, shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the net worth of the bank.

As used in this Act, "net worth" shall mean the total of the unimpaired paid-in capital including paid-in surplus, retained earnings and undivided profit, net of valuation reserves and other adjustments as may be required by the Bangko Sentral.

The acquisition of such equity or equities is subject to the prior approval of the Monetary Board which shall promulgate appropriate guidelines to govern such investments. (21-Ba)