In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a savings bank (as defined in section 1813(g) of this title ) and a cooperative bank that is an insured bank (as defined in section 1813(h) of this title ) upon application shall be deemed to be a savings association for the purpose of this section, if the appropriate Federal banking agency determines that such bank is a qualified thrift lender (as determined under subsection (m)).