(a)  Study

The Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the Board and the Secretary, shall conduct a study on mark-to-market accounting standards as provided in Statement Number 157 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, as such standards are applicable to financial institutions, including depository institutions. Such a study shall consider at a minimum⁠—

(1)  the effects of such accounting standards on a financial institution’s balance sheet;

(2)  the impacts of such accounting on bank failures in 2008;

(3)  the impact of such standards on the quality of financial information available to investors;

(4)  the process used by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in developing accounting standards;

(5)  the advisability and feasibility of modifications to such standards; and

(6)  alternative accounting standards to those provided in such Statement Number 157.

(b)  Report

The Securities and Exchange Commission shall submit to Congress a report of such study before the end of the 90-day period beginning on October 3, 2008, containing the findings and determinations of the Commission, including such administrative and legislative recommendations as the Commission determines appropriate.