General Info

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, governed by the State of Washington, regulates and examines a variety of state-chartered financial services. Founded in 1993, the department administers various financial enterprises and individuals, such as salespeople, banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, securities issuers and consumer loan companies. Its consumer services division regulates the business activities of escrow agents, check cashers, payday lenders and money service providers. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions operates a securities division that controls investments, franchises, business opportunities and off-exchange commodities sold in the state. In addition, the division handles complaints and conducts investigations. The department also processes consumer complaints for credit union customers. It conducts various types of supervisory, surveillance and enforcement activities to detect the violations of regulatory statutes.