Financial Crime World

Regulatory Bodies for Financial Markets in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DBF) is responsible for regulating and examining financial institutions operating in Georgia. The department’s purview includes:

Regulated Institutions and Service Providers

  • State-Chartered Banks: DBF regulates state-chartered banks operating in Georgia.
  • Bank Holding Companies: The department oversees bank holding companies operating in the state.
  • Trust Companies: DBF regulates trust companies chartered by the state of Georgia.
  • Credit Unions: Georgia-state chartered credit unions fall under the regulatory responsibility of DBF.
  • Merchant Acquirer Limited Purpose Banks (MALPBs): The department regulates MALPBs chartered in Georgia.

Additionally, DBF regulates various financial service providers, including:

Regulated Service Providers

  • Mortgage Brokers: The department oversees mortgage brokers operating in Georgia.
  • Lenders: DBF regulates lenders offering consumer and commercial loans.
  • Processors: The department ensures compliance with regulations for loan processors.
  • Loan Originators: DBF regulates loan originators operating in the state.
  • Check Cashers: The department monitors check cashing activities in Georgia.
  • Sellers/Issuers of Payment Instruments: DBF regulates sellers and issuers of payment instruments, such as credit cards and debit cards.
  • Money Transmitters: The department oversees money transmission services operating in the state.
  • Consumer Installment Lenders: DBF regulates consumer installment lenders offering loans to Georgia residents.
  • International Banking Organizations: The department ensures compliance with regulations for international banking organizations conducting business in Georgia.

Regulatory Responsibilities

DBF shares regulatory responsibility with federal counterparts for Georgia-state chartered financial institutions, including:

  • FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
  • FRB (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)
  • NCUA (National Credit Union Administration)

For activities taking place within the state, DBF is the sole regulatory agency for mortgage lenders, brokers, consumer installment lenders, and money service businesses, excluding certain federal agencies that enforce specific laws.

Contact Information

The department’s headquarters is located at:

2990 Brandywine Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30341-5565

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except Sundays and Saturdays)

Organizational Chart

DBF’s organizational chart is available for download on its website, providing a high-level overview of the department’s structure and responsibilities.