2012 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 36a - The Banking Law of Connecticut
Chapter 664c - Fundamental Changes Involving Banks, Branches, Automated Teller Machines, Home Banking and Bank Holding Companies
Section 36a-145 - (Formerly Sec. 36-59). Branches, limited branches, mobile branches and loan production offices. Establishment, operation, conversion, closing, relocation, consolidation and sale.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Branch” means any office at a fixed location of a Connecticut bank, other than the main office, at which deposits are received, checks paid and money lent and which, at a minimum, is open for banking business Monday through Friday, except as provided in subsection (a) of section 36a-23.

(2) “Commercial activities” means activities in which a bank holding company, as defined in 12 USC 1841(a)(1), a financial holding company, as defined in 12 USC 1841(p), a national banking association established under 12 USC 21, or a financial subsidiary of a national bank established under 12 USC 24a, may not engage under federal law.

(3) “Consolidate” means to combine within the same neighborhood, without substantially affecting the nature of the business or customers served, (A) two or more branches into a single branch; (B) one or more branches and one or more limited branches into a single branch or limited branch; (C) two or more limited branches into a single limited branch; or (D) one or more branches or limited branches into a main office.

(4) “Limited branch” means any office at a fixed location of a Connecticut bank at which banking business is conducted other than the main office, branch, mobile branch or loan production office.

(5) “Mobile branch” means any office of a Connecticut bank at which banking business is conducted which is in fact moved or transported to one or more predetermined locations in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

(6) “Relocate” means to move within the same immediate neighborhood without substantially affecting the nature of the business or customers served.

(b) (1) With the approval of the commissioner, any Connecticut bank may establish a branch in this state. The commissioner shall not approve the establishment of a branch under this subsection unless the commissioner considers whether: (A) Establishment of the branch is consistent with safe and sound banking practices; and (B) the branch will promote the public convenience and advantage. The commissioner shall not approve the establishment of any branch under this subsection unless the commissioner makes the findings required under section 36a-34. No Connecticut bank may establish or maintain a branch in this state on the premises or property of an affiliate of such bank if the affiliate engages in commercial activities.

(2) For a period of three years following the issuance of its final certificate of authority pursuant to subsection (l) of section 36a-70, a Connecticut bank may, with thirty days’ prior notice to the commissioner, establish a branch in this state if the proposed branch was approved as part of the application to organize such bank, unless the commissioner requires an approval pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(3) With the approval of the commissioner, any Connecticut bank may convert a limited branch in this state to a branch. The commissioner shall not approve a conversion under this subdivision unless the commissioner considers such factors and makes such findings under subdivision (1) of this subsection as the commissioner deems applicable.

(c) (1) With the approval of the commissioner, any Connecticut bank may establish in this state a limited branch that provides limited services or is open for limited time periods. The commissioner shall not approve the establishment of a limited branch under this subdivision unless the commissioner considers such factors and makes such findings under subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section as the commissioner deems applicable. The commissioner shall approve such establishment if the commissioner determines that: (A) The interest of the neighborhood where the limited branch is to be located will be served to advantage by the establishment of the proposed branch, and (B) the proposed products, services and banking hours are appropriate to meet the convenience and needs of the neighborhood. No Connecticut bank may establish or maintain a limited branch in this state on the premises or property of an affiliate of such bank if the affiliate engages in commercial activities.

(2) For a period of three years following the issuance of its final certificate of authority pursuant to subsection (l) of section 36a-70, a Connecticut bank may, with thirty days’ prior notice to the commissioner, establish a limited branch in this state if the proposed limited branch was approved as part of the application to organize such bank, unless the commissioner requires an approval pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(3) With the approval of the commissioner, any Connecticut bank may convert a branch in this state to a limited branch. The commissioner shall not approve a conversion under this subdivision unless the commissioner considers such factors and makes such findings under subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section as the commissioner deems applicable, and the commissioner determines that alternative banking services are available in the neighborhood so that any reduction in services will not result in unmet banking needs.

(4) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, with the approval of the commissioner, any Connecticut bank may establish in this state a special need limited branch that provides limited services or is open for limited time periods in order to meet a special need of the neighborhood in which such limited branch is to be located. The commissioner shall not approve the establishment of a special need limited branch under this subdivision unless the commissioner considers such factors and makes such findings and determinations under subdivision (1) of this subsection as the commissioner deems necessary.

(B) Any Connecticut bank may establish in this state a special need limited branch that provides limited services or is open for limited time periods to participate or assist in a financial education program for high school students where, in connection with the program, deposits are received, checks are paid or money is lent, if: (i) The deposits are received, checks are paid and money is lent on school premises or a facility used by the high school; (ii) the receipt of deposits, paying of checks and lending of money are provided in accordance with the school’s policy; (iii) the principal purpose of each program is financial education; and (iv) each program is conducted in a manner that is consistent with safe and sound banking practices, provided the Connecticut bank submits written notice to the commissioner not less than thirty days prior to the date of the establishment of such branch. The notice shall include a detailed description of the program, the location of the high school or facility at which the program will take place and any other information that the commissioner may require.

(5) A limited branch shall be conspicuously identified as a branch of the Connecticut bank. The commissioner may condition the approval of such branch with any other requirement that the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of depositors or the Connecticut bank.

(d) (1) With the approval of the commissioner for each predetermined location, any Connecticut bank may establish in this state a mobile branch. The commissioner shall not approve the establishment of a mobile branch under this subsection unless the commissioner makes the considerations, findings and determinations required under subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section, provided that in the case of a mobile branch established in order to meet a special need of the neighborhood in which such mobile branch is to be located, the commissioner shall not approve such establishment unless the commissioner makes the considerations and determinations required under subdivision (4) of subsection (c) of this section.

(2) A mobile branch shall be conspicuously identified as a branch of the Connecticut bank. The commissioner may condition approval of such mobile branch with any other requirement that the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of depositors or the Connecticut bank.

(e) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a Connecticut bank from establishing or operating a branch, limited branch or mobile branch in the same or approximately the same location as another depository institution, or continuing to operate as a branch, limited branch or mobile branch in this state in the same or approximately the same location, the business of any other depository institution which has been acquired by the Connecticut bank.

(f) (1) A Connecticut bank which proposes to close any branch or limited branch shall submit to the commissioner a notice of the proposed closing not later than the first day of the ninety-day period ending on the date proposed for that closing. The notice shall include a detailed statement of the reasons for the decision to close the branch or limited branch and the statistical and other information in support of such reasons. After receipt of the notice, the commissioner may require the Connecticut bank to submit any additional information.

(2) The Connecticut bank shall provide notice of the proposed closing to its customers by:

(A) Posting a notice in a conspicuous manner on the premises of the branch or limited branch proposed to be closed during a period not less than the thirty-day period ending on the date proposed for that closing; and

(B) Including a notice in at least one of any regular account statements mailed to customers of the branch or limited branch proposed to be closed or in a separate mailing, by not later than the beginning of the ninety-day period ending on the date proposed for that closing.

(3) (A) A Connecticut bank which proposes to close any mobile branch shall submit to the commissioner a notice of the proposed closing not later than thirty days prior to the date proposed for such closing. The notice shall include a detailed statement of the reasons for the decision to close the mobile branch and the statistical and other information in support of such reasons. After receipt of the notice, the commissioner may require the Connecticut bank to submit any additional information.

(B) A Connecticut bank which proposes to close any predetermined location of a mobile branch shall notify the commissioner prior to the closing of such location.

(g) Any Connecticut bank may relocate within this state any branch or limited branch established in this state in accordance with such notice to customers and other requirements as the commissioner may prescribe, provided the bank submits written notice to the commissioner not later than thirty days prior to the date of such relocation.

(h) Any Connecticut bank may consolidate within this state any branch, limited branch or main office established in this state in accordance with such notice to customers and other requirements as the commissioner may prescribe, provided the bank submits written notice to the commissioner not later than thirty days prior to the date of such consolidation.

(i) With the approval of the commissioner, a Connecticut bank may sell a branch, limited branch or mobile branch established in this state to any bank, Connecticut credit union or federal credit union. The selling Connecticut bank must have been in existence and continuously operating for at least five years unless the commissioner waives this requirement. The commissioner shall not approve such sale if such acquiring bank or credit union, including all insured depository institutions which are affiliates of the bank or credit union, upon consummation of the sale, would control thirty per cent or more of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in this state, unless the commissioner permits a greater percentage of such deposits. Approval under this subsection shall not be required if approval under section 36a-210 is required for such sale.

(j) With the approval of the commissioner, a Connecticut bank may establish a branch, limited branch or mobile branch outside of this state in accordance with applicable law. The commissioner shall not grant such approval, unless: (1) The commissioner finds, in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to chapter 54, that the Connecticut bank has a record of compliance with the requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, 12 USC 2901 et seq., as from time to time amended, sections 36a-30 to 36a-33, inclusive, to the extent applicable, and applicable consumer protection laws; (2) the Connecticut bank is adequately capitalized and the commissioner determines that it will continue to be adequately capitalized; and (3) the Connecticut bank is adequately managed and the commissioner determines that it will continue to be adequately managed. The commissioner may examine and supervise the out-of-state branches of any such Connecticut bank and may enter into agreements with other state or federal banking regulators or similar regulators in a foreign country concerning such examinations or supervision. Any such agreement may include provisions concerning the assessment or sharing of fees for such examination or supervision.

(k) Any Connecticut bank may relocate outside of this state any branch or limited branch established outside of this state in accordance with such notice to customers and other requirements as the commissioner may prescribe, provided the bank submits written notice to the commissioner not later than thirty days prior to the date of such relocation.

(l) Any Connecticut bank may consolidate outside of this state any branch or limited branch established outside of this state in accordance with such notice to customers and other requirements as the commissioner may prescribe, provided the bank submits written notice to the commissioner not later than thirty days prior to the date of such consolidation.

(m) With the approval of the commissioner, a Connecticut bank may sell a branch, limited branch or mobile branch established outside of this state. The selling Connecticut bank must have been in existence and continuously operating for at least five years unless the commissioner waives this requirement. Approval under this subsection shall not be required if approval under section 36a-210 is required for such sale.

(n) Upon receipt of an application pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section, subdivisions (1) and (4) of subsection (c) of this section, subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of this section or subsection (j) of this section, the commissioner shall cause notice of the application to be published in the department’s weekly bulletin. The commissioner shall determine whether the applicant is an eligible entity, as defined in section 36a-34, and shall promptly notify the applicant of such determination. An application by an eligible entity shall be deemed approved on the twelfth day after expiration of the comment period provided in the department’s weekly bulletin, unless the commissioner informs the applicant, in writing, prior to such twelfth day, that (1) an adverse comment has been received that warrants additional investigation or review; (2) the application presents a significant community reinvestment or compliance concern; (3) the application presents a significant supervisory concern or raises significant legal or policy issues; or (4) the application requires additional information. The application may be deemed approved prior to the expiration of the twelfth day if the commissioner issues a written notice of the commissioner’s intent not to disapprove the application.

(o) With the approval of the commissioner, a Connecticut bank may establish a loan production office in this state.

(1949 Rev., S. 5783; 1951, 1955, S. 2651d; 1957, P.A. 88; 1959, P.A. 278; 1967, P.A. 318; 1969, P.A. 633, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 224; P.A. 79-247, S. 1; P.A. 81-207, S. 1; P.A. 86-176, S. 1; P.A. 87-9, S. 2, 3; 87-205, S. 1, 6; P.A. 88-65, S. 53; P.A. 90-2, S. 9, 20; 90-64, S. 1, 4; P.A. 92-12, S. 24; 92-17, S. 1, 7; P.A. 93-59, S. 3, 8; P.A. 94-122, S. 67, 340; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1, S. 16, 21; P.A. 95-155, S. 12, 29; P.A. 96-191, S. 1, 6; P.A. 01-183, S. 5, 11; P.A. 02-47, S. 10; P.A. 03-196, S. 5; P.A. 05-39, S. 5; 05-47, S. 2; P.A. 07-14, S. 1; P.A. 09-100, S. 8; P.A. 12-96, S. 20, 21.)

History: 1959 act amended (3) by changing “six months” to “three years”; 1967 act required that limited-power branch cease operation within four rather than three years after opening of new state bank and trust company or national banking association in Subsec. (3); 1969 act replaced previous provision re closing of limited-power branch with provision specifying that branch is not required to cease operation for “two years from July 1, 1969,” provided the commissioner grants his approval; 1971 act deleted requirement that branch bank must be backed by same amount as required to establish a state bank and trust company in Subsec. (1)(b); P.A. 79-247 deleted requirement that capital and surplus of bank and trust company desiring to operate a branch must exceed $1,000,000 in Subsec. (1)(b), deleted reference to acquisition by consolidation or merger in Subsec. (1)(c) and specified applicability to acquisition by purchase under any provision of statutes “other than section 36-30” and inserted new Subsecs. (4) and (5), renumbering former Subsec. (4) accordingly; P.A. 81-207 added Subsec. (7) to define “banking institution”; P.A. 86-176 added Subsec. (8) to phase out home office protection over a three-year period; (Revisor’s note: Pursuant to P.A. 87-9 “banking commissioner” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “commissioner of banking”); P.A. 87-205 made a technical correction to Subsec. (6) by adding the reference “or unless authorized under the provisions of chapter 662c”; P.A. 88-65 deleted an obsolete reference in Subsec. (3) re the closing of limited power branches; P.A. 90-2 added Subsec. (9) re factors the commissioner of banking must consider, and findings the commissioner must make, prior to approving any branch; P.A. 90-64 added Subsec. (10) re establishment of coexisting branches; P.A. 92-12 redesignated Subsecs., Subdivs. and Subparas., and made technical changes; P.A. 92-17 added provisions re the establishment and operation of limited service and limited hour branches, deleted requirement for a combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000 and related provisions, deleted former Subsecs. (2) to (5) and (8), redesignated former Subsec. (1) as Subsec. (a) and deleted references to establishment of one or more branches in certain towns in former Subdivs. (a) and (b), redesignated former Subsec. (7) as Subsec. (c), redesignated former Subsec. (9) as Subsec. (d), redesignated former Subsec. (10) as Subsec. (e), and redesignated former Subsec. (6) as Subsec. (f); P.A. 93-59 added new Subsec. (g) authorizing state bank and trust company to sell a branch to any state or federal banking institution located in the state with the approval of the commissioner, effective May 10, 1993; P.A. 94-122 added new Subsec. (a) defining “branch”, renumbered former Subsec. (a) as Subsec. (b), deleted Subsec. (a)(2) re the standard for establishing limited branches, added Subsec. (b)(2) and (3) and Subsec. (c) re branch establishment, renumbered former Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (c)(3), deleted Subsecs. (c) and (d), renumbered former Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (d), added new Subsecs. (e) and (f) re branch closing and relocation, and renumbered former Subsecs. (f) and (g) as Subsecs. (g) and (h), effective January 1, 1995; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1 transferred the language in former Subsec. (h) concerning the sale of branches and limited branches to Subsec. (g) and designated former Subsec. (g), which prohibits out-of-state banks from maintaining offices within the state, as Subsec. (h)(1) and added a new Subdiv. (2) excluding from the out-of-state bank prohibitions in Subdiv. (1) a foreign bank establishing and maintaining a federal branch or state branch, provided the foreign bank elects this state as its home state under the International Banking Act of 1978, or a federal agency, state agency or representative office, effective January 1, 1995; Sec. 36-59 transferred to Sec. 36a-145 in 1995; P.A. 95-155 amended Subsec. (b)(2) and (d) to change references to banks and credit unions to “depository institutions”, amended Subsec. (g) to add five-year requirement and requirement re control of deposits, added new Subsec. (h) re a Connecticut bank’s establishing a branch or limited branch outside this state, renumbered former Subsec. (h) as (i), and made technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 27, 1995; P.A. 96-191 redefined “branch” and “limited branch” to refer to offices at fixed locations, defined “mobile branch” and established provisions re mobile bank branches, and deleted former Subsec. (i) re out-of-state banks, effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 01-183 added Subsec. (b)(4) re conversion of a limited branch to a branch, added reference to special need in Subsec. (c)(2), and amended Subsec. (f) by adding provisions re additional information required by the commissioner in Subdiv. (1) and deleting provision re notice and other requirements and adding Subparas. (A) and (B) re submission of notice and closure of predetermined location of a mobile branch in Subdiv. (3), effective July 6, 2001; P.A. 02-47 moved definition of “relocate” from Subsec. (g) to Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (c)(1) by adding provisions re establishment of limited branch “either de novo or resulting from the conversion of a branch” and by making technical changes in (c)(1) and (2), amended Subsecs. (g) and (h) by adding provisions re branches “established in this state”, added Subsec. (j) re relocation of branch or limited branch established outside state and added Subsec. (k) re sale of branch, limited branch or mobile branch established outside state; P.A. 03-196 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by redefining “branch” to delete requirement that office be open during specified hours, defining “consolidate” in new Subdiv. (2) and redesignating existing Subdivs. (2) to (4), inclusive, as Subdivs. (3) to (5), inclusive, amended Subsec. (b) by merging existing Subdivs. (2) and (3) into Subdiv. (1), deleting “in the town or the surrounding area” in Subdiv. (1)(B), adding new Subdiv. (2) re establishment of a branch approved as part of application to organize a bank, and redesignating existing Subdiv. (4) as Subdiv. (3), amended Subsec. (c) by deleting “either de novo or resulting from the conversion of a branch” in Subdiv. (1), deleting “or conversion” in Subdiv. (1)(A), deleting Subdiv. (1)(C) re determination of availability of alternative banking services, adding new Subdiv. (2) re establishment of a limited branch approved as part of application to organize a bank and new Subdiv. (3) re conversion of a branch to a limited branch, redesignating existing Subdivs. (2) and (3) as new Subdivs. (4) and (5), and amending Subdiv. (5) by deleting “or mobile branch”, amended Subsec. (d) by designating existing provisions as Subdiv. (1), amending said Subdiv. (1) by deleting provision re full or limited services or time periods and adding Subdiv. (2) re identification and approval of mobile branch, amended Subsec. (g) to allow Connecticut bank to relocate branch upon prior notice to commissioner rather than approval of commissioner, added new Subsecs. (h) and (l) re consolidation of branch or main office by Connecticut bank, redesignated existing Subsecs. (h) to (j), inclusive, as new Subsecs. (i) to (k), inclusive, and redesignated existing Subsec. (k) as new Subsec. (m), amended Subsecs. (i) and (m) by providing that approval not required if approval is required under Sec. 36a-210 for such sale, amended Subsec. (j) by providing that agreement may include provisions re assessment or sharing of fees for examination or supervision, amended Subsec. (k) to allow Connecticut bank to relocate branch upon prior notice to commissioner rather than approval of commissioner, and made conforming and technical changes, effective July 1, 2003; P.A. 05-39 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to substitute requirement that commissioner consider whether proposed branch will promote the public convenience and advantage for requirements that commissioner consider whether establishment of branch will result in oversaturation of depository institutions in town in which branch is to be located or in area surrounding the town, whether the Connecticut bank intends to operate branch on a long-term basis, and whether such bank maintains a reasonable ratio of loans made in the state to deposits received from residents of the state, and to eliminate requirement that commissioner not consider the existence of any office established under Sec. 36a-425(d) that is situated at or near location of branch, effective May 17, 2005; P.A. 05-47 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to add exception re Sec. 36a-23(a); P.A. 07-14 added new Subsec. (a)(2) defining “commercial activities”, redesignated existing Subsec. (a)(2) to (5) as Subsec. (a)(3) to (6), and amended Subsecs. (b)(1) and (c)(1) to prohibit a Connecticut bank from establishing or maintaining a branch or limited branch in this state on premises or property of its affiliate if affiliate engages in commercial activities, effective May 7, 2007; P.A. 09-100 amended Subsec. (c) by redesignating existing Subdiv. (4) as Subdiv. (4)(A), making a conforming change therein and adding Subdiv. (4)(B) re establishment of special need limited branch to participate or assist in financial education program for high school students, and added Subsec. (n) re applications by eligible entities, effective June 3, 2009; P.A. 12-96 amended Subsec. (a)(4) to redefine “limited branch” by adding reference to loan production office and added Subsec. (o) re establishment of a loan production office, effective June 8, 2012.