Bureau of Financial Institutions

The Bureau of Financial Institutions encourages all supervised financial institutions to work constructively to mitigate the impacts of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic on Virginia consumers and businesses. While the Bureau is not in a position to unilaterally modify statutory requirements, it is also mindful of the extraordinary extenuating circumstances presented by these events. Accordingly, the Bureau will take such circumstances into account should a subsequent issue arise and will attempt to accommodate, consistent with law and sound practices, efforts made by licensees to minimize service disruptions. Licensees are nonetheless cautioned that data security, internal controls, and adherence to safe and sound lending practices must retain paramount importance in alternative work programs. The Bureau will also work with financial institutions to reduce burden when scheduling examinations and place an increased emphasis on off-site reviews and examinations until the public health crisis subsides. 

UPDATE 3/17/2023:  This policy statement will be withdrawn effective May 11, 2023, in alignment with the scheduled expiration of COVID-19-related public health and national emergency declarations.

The Bureau of Financial Institutions (BFI) is a regulatory division of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC.) This division is involved in consumer protection through administration of state laws regarding depository and non-depository financial institutions.

Depository financial institutions are comprised of Virginia-chartered banks and related holding companies, savings institutions and related holding companies, and credit unions. Non-depository institutions consist of trust companies, consumer finance companies, mortgage lenders and brokers, money transmitters, credit counseling agencies, motor vehicle title lenders, industrial loan associations, short-term lenders, check cashers, student loan servicers, and debt settlement services providers. Each institution is required to obtain a certificate of authority or a license prior to engaging in business with the exception of check cashers. Check cashers are required to register with the Bureau.

The Bureau also investigates and responds to consumer complaints. In addition to written complaints, the staff responds to thousands of telephone inquiries. The Bureau also has an outreach program for the purpose of improving the financial literacy of Virginians.