§ 1723 — Application for license generally; grounds for refusal; fee upon approval of application; investigation fee; moratorium upon issuance

(a) Every person, desiring to obtain a license under this chapter, shall file with the Commissioner an application in writing in such form as may be prescribed by the Commissioner, which application must demonstrate public convenience and advantage which will be satisfied by the approval of such application. Before a license shall be issued by the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall make, or cause to be made, an investigation of the condition and affairs of the applicant and its general plan of operation. The Commissioner shall investigate the moral character and general fitness of the applicant, if an individual, and of the members of a partnership or association, and of the directors, managers, trustees, and other officers of every applicant, to discharge the duties reposed in them, and may examine any or all of them under oath. The Commissioner shall require the applicant to enter into written agreement with him or her for a business plan, describing the management, operations and investments. The business plan shall include financial projections of the proposed licensee for the first 3 years of operation and the plan, as a minimum, shall conform with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. § 571.6(b) as existing on the effective date hereof. Unless the State Bank Commissioner is satisfied as to the character and general fitness of the managing officers of the applicant to honestly and efficiently carry on its business, and that the plan of operation is financially and mathematically sound, and that the contracts or obligations issued or to be issued are practicable and possible of fulfillment, and of such nature as to insure the repayment of the principal amount or amounts actually paid in by the subscriber or purchaser, together with a reasonable profit or accumulation of interest within a reasonable time after notice and demand by the subscriber or purchaser, and is equitable and nonoppressive, the Commissioner shall refuse the license, and forthwith notify the applicant of such refusal, and specify in the notice the cause or causes thereof.

(b) An applicant shall pay to the office of the State Bank Commissioner a fee of $1,150 for use of the State upon approval of the application. In addition, the applicant shall pay an investigation fee of $575 which shall not be refundable and shall be submitted with the application.

(c) No new license required under § 1721 of this title shall be issued after July 15, 1991.

Legislative History

32 Del. Laws, c. 107, § 18 ; 33 Del. Laws, c. 112, § 2 ; Code 1935, § 2353; 5 Del. C. 1953, § 1723; 60 Del. Laws, c. 268, § 12 ; 65 Del. Laws, c. 13, § 3 ; 67 Del. Laws, c. 260, § 1 ; 68 Del. Laws, c. 105, § 10 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1