Chapter 10Foreign (National) Savings Companies
Section § 10000
This section explains how certain terms are defined specifically for this chapter. A 'California savings association' includes associations authorized in California since 1935. 'Foreign holding company' refers to savings or bank holding companies primarily operating outside California without branches in the state. A 'foreign savings association' is an insured entity that is neither a California nor a federal association. An 'insured institution' is a savings entity insured by the FDIC but excludes certain types of savings banks. Additionally, the 'principal place of deposits' is where an entity has its largest deposits overall.
Section § 10001
Only California savings associations or authorized entities can operate as an association in California. Foreign savings associations and foreign holding companies are not allowed to control a California savings association. The commissioner has the power to stop anyone from illegally conducting association business in California.
Section § 10002
This law allows foreign savings associations to operate or take control in California starting from January 1, 1991, but only if their home jurisdiction does not impose barriers on California savings associations wanting to do the same there. If it does, then California will impose similar restrictions on them.
Section § 10003
If a foreign savings association wants to do business in California or take control of a California savings association, it needs written approval from the state commissioner. To get approval, they must apply, pay certain fees, and provide the necessary documentation as required by the commissioner. The commissioner can set rules to protect the public and the interests of account holders, borrowers, and stockholders in California. Additionally, the commissioner can work with other states for mutual oversight of savings associations, which might affect the approval process.
Section § 10004
This law states that if someone tries to sell or handle savings accounts from a foreign savings association in this state without following all the legal requirements, they can face serious penalties. These penalties can include time in jail or prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
Section § 10005
This California law clarifies when a foreign savings association or securities broker-dealer isn't considered as doing business or soliciting savings accounts in the state. Federally insured foreign savings associations, which are supervised and audited, along with registered broker-dealers, aren’t considered engaging in business through certain activities. These activities include specific advertising methods and some offerings or placements of savings accounts.
Foreign associations can advertise through various media like mail, radio, or newspapers, but not via telemarketing or automatic calling devices. The advertising must be truthful and not give a false impression. Registered broker-dealers can also offer savings accounts from federally insured foreign savings associations. However, the accounts must be rated as ‘investment grade’ based on the foreign association's financial reliability, not just on federal deposit insurance.
Section § 10006
This law states that foreign savings associations (savings banks from outside California) and their holding companies must follow the same rules as California-based savings associations when doing business in California, unless specific regulations say otherwise.
Section § 10007
A foreign savings association must comply with specific rules if it is overseen by a foreign holding company. Both the savings association and the holding company need to meet these set requirements.
Section § 10009
This law specifies that it took effect starting from January 1, 1991.