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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 5Ch. 12Art. 3§ 16552 Foreign Credit Union Licensing

§ 16552 Foreign Credit Union Licensing

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16552 Foreign Credit Union Licensing

This law says a foreign credit union can only open a branch or agency in the state if the state commissioner first approves it and gives a license.

Key Takeaways

  • •A foreign credit union needs a license from the state commissioner before opening a branch or agency.
  • •The commissioner must be sure the credit union, its leaders, and the proposed office are honest, financially sound, and well‑managed.
  • •The credit union must show it will follow all laws, benefit the public, and have no more than 50% of its members living in the state.
  • •If any of these checks fail, the application is denied; if they pass and all conditions are met, the license is issued.

Example

A credit union from Canada wants to open a branch in a city here so its Canadian members can use local services.

The Canadian credit union must apply to the state commissioner. The commissioner will check that the credit union and its leaders are trustworthy, financially stable, have good management, will follow all laws, have a solid business plan, help the public, and that no more than half of its members live in the state. If everything looks good, the commissioner issues a license and the branch can open.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16552 Foreign Credit Union Licensing

(a) No foreign (other nation) credit union shall establish or maintain a branch office or agency unless the commissioner shall have first approved its establishment and issued a license authorizing the foreign (other nation) credit union to maintain the branch office or agency. (b) If the commissioner finds all of the following with respect to an application by a foreign (other nation) credit union for approval to establish a branch office or agency, the commissioner shall approve the application: (1) That the foreign (other nation) credit union, the directors and officers of the foreign (other nation) credit union, and the proposed management of the office are each of good character and sound financial standing. (2) That the financial history and condition of the foreign (other nation) credit union are satisfactory. (3) That the management of the foreign (other nation) credit union and the proposed management of the office are adequate. (4) That it is reasonable to believe that, if licensed to maintain the office, the foreign (other nation) credit union will operate the office in a safe and sound manner and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and orders. (5) That the foreign (other nation) credit union’s plan to establish and to maintain the office affords reasonable promise of successful operation. (6) That the foreign (other nation) credit union’s establishment and maintenance of the office will promote the public convenience and advantage, and is necessary or convenient to meet the needs of the foreign (other nation) credit union’s members. (7) Not more than 50 percent of the members of the foreign (other nation) credit union are or will be residents of this state. If the commissioner finds otherwise, the commissioner shall deny the application. (c) Whenever an application by a foreign (other nation) credit union for approval to establish a branch office or agency has been approved and all conditions precedent to the issuance of a license authorizing the foreign (other nation) credit union to maintain the branch office or agency have been fulfilled, the commissioner shall issue the license. (Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 612, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

applicationcompliancecommissionregulationlicensedirectormanagementconvenience

Related Statutes

  • § 22104 Finance Lender Net Worth
  • § 31322 Licensee Head Office Relocation
  • § 16900 Enforcement Actions And Receivers
  • § 31800 False Statements Prohibited
  • § 31802 Financial Record Fraud Prohibition

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 16552.
View Official Source