What's New
This page outlines new additions and significant updates to the Department of Banking website. It does not list routine updates which are generally made on a daily basis to keep information current.
December 2023
The Banking Commissioner announced the 2024 deposit index to be 0.55%. The deposit index is used to determine the interest rates required by statute to be paid for various accounts. The Department of Banking posts the current and previous years' deposit interest and interest rates on its website.
May 2023
The Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Banking, the Office of the Attorney General and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issued a joint Consumer Alert to warn consumers of scams involving virtual currency kiosks, known as “Bitcoin ATMs.”
November 2022
With the growing interest and publicity of cryptocurrency, the Department of Banking has dedicated pages on its site for information about this virtual financial product. Visit Cryptocurrency and FinTech Resources from the DOB.
The Department hosted a webinar on cryptocurrency on November 15, 2022. View the recording of Unmasking Cryptocurrency here.
May 2020
The agency website includes Spanish versions of all COVID-19 pages, including links to the relevant pages in Spanish. The Consumer Assistance pages have also been translated to Spanish.
March 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Banking Commissioner has issued several guidance memos to state-chartered financial institutions and agency licensees, as well as information for consumers impacted by the outbreak on the newly created COVID-19 Resources page.
January 2020
In a new Consumer Alert, the Department of Banking advises consumers not to abbreviate "2020" when signing and dating legal documents. This alert is based on information provided by the East Millinocket Police Department.
December 2019
Commissioner Perez announced the 2020 deposit index to be 0.15%. The deposit index is used to determine the interest rates required by statute to be paid for various accounts. The Department of Banking posts the current and previous years' deposit interest and interest rates on its website.
October 2019
In response to the State's crumbling foundation crisis, largely centered in eastern Connecticut, the legislature passed the Supplemental Collapsing Foundation Loan Program during the 2019 legislative session. The program is administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
June 2019
Guarding the Guardians is a new educational publication that provides the red flags of financial guardian abuse and who to contact if you suspect financial abuse. Financial abuse by guardians occurs when the guardian improperly uses the protected individual's funds, securities, property, or other assets.
January 2019
Visit our Consumer Alerts page for updates on the latest scams and frauds affecting Connecticut consumers and investors.
June 2018
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Department of Banking encourages families to talk to their loved ones about the dangers of financial exploitation. Check out Conversation Starters: Guard Against Financial Exploitation.
February 2018
Cybersecurity Resources:
- The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission launched a web page designed to inform investors about virtual currencies, including possible risks associated with investing in this commodity.
-
Know the risks before you invest in cryptocurrencies, by the Federal Trade Commission, provides information that you should know if you are considering investing in cryptocurrency.
November 2017
Starting with the next renewal period that began on November 1, 2017, the Department of Banking will activate the auto-renewal feature of the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). We expect this to greatly increase our efficiency in processing renewal applications. Please read the attached memo for details - Auto-Renewal Notice, September 2017.
June 2017
The Department of Banking is pleased to offer Senior$afe, a free training to help investment professionals recognize and report possible elder financial exploitation.
Senior$afe Client/Customer Brochure
May 2017
A new page dedicated to the Department of Banking's Educational Outreach Program was developed to provide details regarding presentation topics and information for any group looking to schedule a free, unbiased speaker for their organization.
The Department of Banking, in partnership with the Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services, hosted a five-day Banking Boot Camp in May 2017. Four major banks welcomed 23 students inside their walls to interact with senior leaders, explore a variety of rewarding career paths in banking and regulation.
April 2017
On April 24, 2017 the Department of Banking launched a new Online Customer Assistance Form, providing consumers with the ability to quickly and easily file a complaint and upload supporting documents.
March 2017
Banking Boot Camp is a program of Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS) in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Banking, Connecticut Bankers Association and four Host Bank Sponsors. The Camp is designed to encourage college talent towards the myriad professional opportunities and energizing culture within the banking sector.
September 2016
Connecticut consumers who made payments to National Credit Adjusters, LLC may be eligible for a refund or balance adjustment under a 2016 settlement.
August 2016
A new Department of Banking Brochure has been published to share information about what our agency does and how we can be of help for Connecticut's consumers and investors. The DOB is a regulatory agency but also takes pride in being an advocate for the residents of Connecticut.
July 2016
Effective July 1, 2016, any person responsible for the servicing of any student education loan to any student loan borrower is required to have a Student Loan Servicer license.
June 2016
An application for a license to be an International Trade and Investment Corporation has been added in the Financial Institutions Division, pursuant to Sections 65 to 71 of Public Act 16-65.
March 2016
A new Student Loan Repayment Guide is available to assist borrowers in Connecticut, which ranks among the top 10 states for average student loan debt. The online guide is a public education initiative produced by the Departments of Banking and Consumer Protection and the Attorney General's Office to focus on the issue of student loan debt. The guide is available in seven languages.
January 2016
Staff from the Department of Banking Foreclosure Hotline participates in monthly Foreclosure Prevention Clinics, sponsored by the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. These free clinics are offered in Hartford, Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.
April 2015
The Department of Banking has teamed up with the Departments of Consumer Protection, Energy & Environmental Protection and Insurance to offer the public an opportunity to dispose of their personal documents and records safely. The events took place on April 18, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black Rock State Park, Route 6 in Watertown, and at Mansfield Hollow State Park off Rte. 89 in Mansfield.
February 2015
Governor Malloy appoints Jorge L. Perez as Commissioner of the Department of Banking.
In recognition of Military Saves Week, the Department of Banking website offers important resources for active duty and veterans to protect their financial information, make informed savings and investing decisions and prevent scams and fraud. The agency also encouraged smart saving during Connecticut Saves Week.
October 2014
A free Homeowners Mortgage Assistance Event was held on Thursday, October 9, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Conference Center at CoCo Key, 3580 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT. The event provided an opportunity for Connecticut borrowers to work one-on-one with their bank or loan servicer, or to meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor, to find solutions to their mortgage problems.
May 2014
The Department of Banking, in coordination with the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Attorney General, sponsored a 7th Homeowners Mortgage Assistance Event on Friday, May 30, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Trumbull Marriott in Trumbull, CT. The free event provided an opportunity for Connecticut borrowers to work one-on-one with their bank or loan servicer, or to meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor, to find solutions to their mortgage problems.
April 2014
On April 9, 2014, the Banking Commissioner announced a settlement with CashCall, Inc. and Western Sky Financial. Consumers who have loans with Western Sky Financial or CashCall may be eligible for a refund, and are encouraged to:
- Visit the settlement website, at www.CTWesternSkySettlement.com, to obtain a claim form.
- Call the Department of Banking's Consumer Affairs unit, at 1-800-831-7225.
-
Attend a Town Hall meeting.
February 2014
October 2013
A sixth Homeowners Mortgage Assistance Event took place on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. This free event was co-sponsored by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen and the Department of Banking. The event provided an opportunity for Connecticut homeowners having difficulties with their mortgage or in danger of foreclosure to meet directly with their bank or loan servicer, or to meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor, to find solutions to their mortgage problems.
April 2013
A fifth Homeowners Mortgage Assistance Event took place on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at the Omni New Haven Hotel in New Haven, CT. This free event was co-sponsored by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen and the Department of Banking. The event provided an opportunity for Connecticut borrowers to work one-on-one with their bank or loan servicer, or to meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor, to find solutions to their mortgage problems.
March 2013
Five employees in the Department of Banking’s Securities and Business Investments Division were honored by the Connecticut United States Attorney’s Office for their investigative efforts:
- Principal Examiner Klemes M. Klementon, Banking Department Manager Cesar Garcia and Assistant Director Cynthia Antanaitis were recognized for their efforts in the investor fraud case of U.S. v. Stephen Blankenship.
-
Associate Financial Examiner Sylvia Morgan, Associate Financial Examiner Jon Petrucci, Principal Examiner Klemes M. Klementon and Banking Department Manager Cesar Garcia were recognized for their efforts in the case of U.S. v. Robin Brass, who ran a classic Ponzi scheme.
February 2013
In observance of America Saves Week (February 25-March 1) the Department of Banking encourages consumers and investors to "talk the talk" about saving and investing:
-
Assess your savings plan and take the pledge to save.
-
Military Saves promotes "Build Wealth, Not Debt" to servicemembers and their families.