About Us

The Department regulates banks, credit unions, trust companies, business and industrial development corporations, industrial loan and thrift companies, insurance premium finance companies, mortgage lenders, brokers, servicers and originators, title pledge lenders, check cashers, deferred presentment services companies, money transmitters and flexible credit act lenders.

For most Tennesseans, financial institutions are symbols of security.  Their role in business and industry is crucial to the growth of our country's economy and our own personal well being.

The Department continues to develop and implement its Regulatory Balance mission for depository institutions.  Department examiners seek to right size regulation to the merits of each institution and avoid a one size fits all approach in order to support the Governor’s economic goals for Tennessee.  The Tennessee banking system is critical to the state’s economic vitality and the Department’s balanced regulatory approach supports economic progress.

In Tennessee, banking is big business. 

MISSION

The primary statutory mission of the Department of Financial Institutions is to provide the people of Tennessee with a safe and sound system of banks and other institutions by ensuring safety and soundness and compliance with governing law, while giving institutions the opportunity to contribute to the economic progress of Tennessee and the nation. Furthermore, with respect to non-deposit companies, our mission is to seek the greatest access to credit for consumers within the bounds of the law and prudent operations by licensed companies.

VISION

Our vision is the establishment of a regulatory program that provides for a sound state financial services system within which institutions have the opportunity to succeed and serve their communities by encouraging commerce while there is strong enforcement of laws and regulations to protect citizens.