In these difficult economic times, companies seeking additional liquidity may turn to alternative sources of financing. Companies with assets that can be monetized (e.g., accounts receivable, intellectual property, real estate, equipment, etc.) may discover a number of options available to them. In particular, accounts receivable financing may be an attractive way for certain companies to obtain working capital relatively quickly.

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission announcedamendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) relating to the telemarketing of debt relief services, including new restrictions on advance fees charged by debt relief companies.

Today, the Board of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation took the following actions:

Yesterday, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico closed Westernbank Puerto Rico, headquartered in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.

Yesterday, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico closed R-G Premier Bank of Puerto Rico, headquartered in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.

Yesterday, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions closed Frontier Bank, headquartered in Everett, Washington, and appointed the FDIC receiver.

Yesterday, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico closed Eurobank, headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the FDIC was appointed receiver.

Yesterday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency closed BC National Banks, headquartered in Butler, Missouri, and appointed the FDIC receiver.

Yesterday, the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Regulation of the Missouri Division of Finance closed Champion Bank, headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri, and appointed the FDIC receiver.

Yesterday, the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation closed CF Bancorp, headquartered in Port Huron, Michigan, and the FDIC was appointed receiver. As receiver, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with First Michigan Bank, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, to assume all of the deposits of CF Bancorp.