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New Mexico regulator declares that licensed small loan companies are non-essential
On April 6, New Mexico’s Financial Institutions Division issued notice that businesses operated by companies licensed under the New Mexico Small Loan Act of 1955 are not “essential businesses” for purposes of the state’s stay at home order and must remain closed through April 30.
Montana Banking and Financial Institutions extends filing deadlines for non-depository licensees
The Montana Banking and Financial Institutions announced that it is extending the deadline for non-depository licensees to file certain reports. The MCR Q1 2020 report due date has been extended from May 15, 2020, to June 14, 2020. The deadline to submit the MCR Standard Financial Condition Report and the Financial Statement has been extended from 90 days from the end of the company’s fiscal year to 120 days from the end of company’s fiscal year.
California Department of Business Oversight issues guidance to finance lenders, PACE administrators, deferred deposit originators, and premium finance companies
On April 3, the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO) issued guidance to finance lenders, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) administrators, deferred deposit originators, and premium finance companies requesting such licensees work with their customers by offering payment plans and extensions at no additional cost to the customer. The DBO also requests that premium finance companies grant a grace period similar to the grace periods being granted by many insurance companies in order to prevent insureds from experiencing an interruption in insurance coverage.
Hawaii regulator permits licensees to reduce office hours, temporarily close
The Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions issued guidance indicating that it will temporarily permit licensees with locations in Hawaii to reduce hours or close offices during Hawaii’s Covid-19 Emergency Period. The guidance clarifies that financial institutions and escrow depositories are required to provide notice of closures or reductions in hours to the Division and to customers as soon as practicable. While mortgage loan originators, mortgage servicers, and money transmitters are not required to provide notice, the Division requests a courtesy notification of any closure or reduction in hours, and mortgage loan originator branch managers must post signage at the branch office.
Arkansas Securities Department provides relief from regulatory deadlines and guidance on notarization
On April 1, the Arkansas Securities Department issued guidance providing relief from certain regulatory deadlines to licensed money services businesses and mortgage companies. The department is providing a 60-day extension to file financial statements and a 30-day extension to submit Call Reports and the MCR Standard Financial Condition Reports. Further, the guidance provides that licensed entities are authorized to use real-time audio and visual means to witness the signing of a legal document so long as the identity and physical presence of any and all witnesses and signers in Arkansas are validated at the time of execution of the document by real-time audio or visual means.
Nevada Updates state of emergency measures
On March 31, Nevada updated its state of emergency directive extending state-issued licenses and permits that were set to expire during the state of emergency period. The directive will remain in effect until the state of emergency is terminated or renewed.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues notice to consumer credit licensees
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued a notice to consumer credit licensees stating that it appreciates advance notice of any changes to the licensee’s usual business practices. Licensees are expected to “act responsively and proactively to address any consumer harm that may arise,” including through waiving defaults where a consumer is unable to make a payment as a result of the licensee’s business practices. New credit transactions originated during Covid-19 will be evaluated as part of the next examination cycle.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues guidance to Consumer Installment Loan Act, Payday Loan Reform Act, and Sales Finance Agency Act licensees on office closures
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued guidance to licensees under the Consumer Installment Loan Act, Payday Loan Reform Act, and Sales Finance Agency Act regarding office closures due to Covid-19. A licensee may close its offices without notice and approval of the Department as otherwise required under applicable law if certain conditions are met. For example, the licensee must provide notice to the Department no later than 24 hours after the closure and one business day prior to reopening, and the licensee must provide reasonable methods for consumers to make payments while its offices are closed. Additionally, if any payments are due on any obligations to a licensee on any closed day, then the payment must be considered received on the closed day for all purposes, including the computation of interest or charges, if received at any time before the close of business on the 30th calendar day following the last closed day.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues notice to currency exchange and money transmitter licensees
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued a notice encouraging currency exchange and money transmitter licensees to provide the Department with advance notice of any changes to their usual business practices. The Department expects all licensees to act responsibly and proactively to address any consumer harm that may arise.
Massachusetts Division of Banks updates extensions for licensee filings
On March 30, the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) issued an update for licensees to clarify the filing deadlines for financial statements and call reports in light of the NMLS policy decision. The DOB is providing a 60-day extension to file financial statements, a 30-day extension to submit Call Reports and the MCR Standard Financial Condition Report, and a 60-day extension for Annual Reports.