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Arkansas State Bank Department

The mission of ASBD is to maintain a legal and regulatory structure for Arkansas's financial industry. This structure provides the public with convenient, safe and competitive banking, which fosters economic development within this State. Our mission is accomplished through efficient allocation of available human and other resources existing in our Examination, Information Technology and Administrative Services Divisions.

FAQ

Consumer Info

How do I file a complaint about a bank?

We are occasionally contacted by people who have complaints about their bank. The answer to this question depends upon whether your bank is chartered by the State or Arkansas or by the US Government.

All complaints must be submitted in writing.

Help with submitting a formal complaint can be found by clicking here.

 

What does "FDIC insured" mean?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency of the United States government that protects the funds depositors place in banks and savings associations

Please click here for more information.

 

Who should I contact regarding credit bureaus?

For questions regarding credit reports and credit bureaus please click on the following links: www.equifax.com, www.experian.com, www.transunion.com

 

Who can answer my questions concerning check cashing companies and collection agencies?

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies at 501-371-1438 or www.asbca.org

 

Who can answer my questions regarding private mortgage companies or money services companies?

Contact the Arkansas Securities Department at 501-324- 9260 or www.securities.arkansas.gov

 

How do I find out if my mortgage loan officer is licensed?

Please see: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

 

How can I locate an inactive bank account?

Generally, after five years without activity, bank deposits are considered unclaimed property and turned over to the Arkansas State Auditor.  Please see the following link:  https://www.ark.org/auditor/unclprop

 

What do I need to know about virtual currency?

The increased interest in virtual currency and other payments innovations has led to the rapid emergence of different types of currencies and payments mechanisms.  As these are released into the marketplace, it is important for consumers and investors to educate themselves with accurate information to make informed decisions about this innovative and evolving industry.

Please click here for more information.


Departmental Info

How do I apply for a job?

The Arkansas State Bank Department is a regulatory agency of state government. The workforce of the department is generally divided into three areas: Administration, Examination and Support. Working at the Arkansas State Bank Department is a worthwhile, rewarding experience.

From time to time, employment opportunities arise at the Arkansas State Bank Department. When vacancies occur we post an announcement of those position on our website. As a part of Arkansas state government, to apply for a position with the department you will have to fill out an application online.

Please click here to see any currently available positions.

Please click here to access the official employment website of the State of Arkansas to fill out an online application.

 

Where can I find the Exam Questionnaires?

Banks can access the questionnaires concerning recent examination by the department by clicking here.

 


Financial Institution Info

Who regulates my bank?

Banks are authorized to conduct business in the United States of America through a charter. A bank can obtain a national charter or a state charter. National charters are issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. State charters issued by the various state governments.

You can click here to see a table showing financial institutions in Arkansas and their charter designation.

 

What is a state chartered bank?

A state-chartered bank is a financial institution that receives its charter from a state authority such as the Arkansas State Bank Department. State-chartered banks are supervised jointly by their state chartering authority and either the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the Federal Reserve System. A state-chartered bank that chooses to become a member of the Federal Reserve System is supervised by the Federal Reserve.

As an alternative, a bank can choose to organize as a national bank or federal savings association with a charter issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This agency, commonly referred to as the OCC, is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In addition to its chartering authority, the OCC regulates and supervises national banks and federal savings associations.

This choice of state or national charter for commercial banks is referred to as the "dual banking system."

All federal credit unions are chartered and supervised by the National Credit Union Administration.

 

Where can I find a list of Arkansas banks?

Click here for a list of state and nationally chartered financial institutions whose main office is located in Arkansas.

 



The Great Seal of Arkansas

The State Bank Department was created by Act 113 of 1913. The Department is charged with regulating state-chartered commercial banks with main offices in Arkansas. These 73 banks hold assets of over $161 billion as of December 31, 2023. The Department also is charged with supervising the bank holding companies of Arkansas state-chartered banks; state-chartered trust companies; regional and county industrial development corporations; industrial loan institutions; and capital development companies. The Department operates to ensure the safety and soundness of, and public confidence in, these institutions and organizations.


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