The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is modifying its rules regarding the financing and securitization of the unguaranteed portion of loans it guarantees under Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act. Present SBA regulations allow only non-depository lenders to engage in these practices (13 CFR 120.420, revised as of March 1, 1996). This interim rule will permit both depository and non-depository lenders to pledge or sell the unguaranteed portions of SBA guaranteed loans. During the pendency of this interim final rule, subject to compliance with all other aspects of the interim final rule, SBA expects to give favorable review to any transaction which complies with the retainage requirements described in the notice of proposed rulemaking relevant to financing and securitization which appeared in the Federal Register on February 26, 1997. If SBA is presented with a transaction which is not structured in a manner consistent with such retainage requirements, SBA will need to assure itself as to safety and soundness considerations and compliance with the interim rule before giving its approval.