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Broker Patricia in Detroit has a trust account at First Michigan Bank. The bank fails and is taken over by federal regulators. Patricia's trust account held $95,000 in client earnest money deposits from 12 different transactions. The FDIC insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor per institution. Patricia argues that each client's funds are separately insured up to $250,000 because they are held in trust for individual clients. Which statement best reflects the correct FDIC insurance treatment AND Patricia's legal obligations under Michigan law?

Correct Answer

C) FDIC pass-through insurance may cover each client's beneficial interest separately, but Patricia remains responsible under Michigan law for proper trust fund management regardless of bank failure

Under FDIC rules, properly designated trust accounts (titled as 'broker trust account' or 'escrow account' for the benefit of identified clients) may qualify for pass-through insurance, where each client's beneficial interest is separately insured up to $250,000. However, this requires proper titling, recordkeeping, and identification of beneficial owners. Critically, under MCL 339.2512 and Michigan's Occupational Code, Patricia's legal obligation to safeguard client funds does not end with bank failure. She remains responsible for proper trust fund management, including choosing a financially sound institution and maintaining proper records that would support any FDIC pass-through claim.

Answer Options
A
Patricia is correct that each client's funds are insured up to $250,000 separately, and she has no further obligation if the bank fails
B
The trust account is insured as a single account up to $250,000 total, and Patricia remains liable to clients for any uninsured losses
C
FDIC pass-through insurance may cover each client's beneficial interest separately, but Patricia remains responsible under Michigan law for proper trust fund management regardless of bank failure
D
Patricia's obligation ends upon bank failure because the loss was caused by a third party beyond her control

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

trust_accountFDIC_insurancepass_through_coveragebroker_liabilitybank_failureadvanced_trust_rules

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