Who Supervises Your Institution?

With all the different types of financial institutions in the marketplace these days, it is sometimes difficult to determine the proper regulatory agency to contact when you have a question or complaint. Words or initials which designate the institution as state or federally regulated are not always present in the institution's name. It is a good idea to have your checks, loan documents, or other paperwork from the institution handy when reviewing the following descriptions to determine the proper regulatory agency to contact.

Always contact your financial institution first with any questions, concerns or complaints regarding services offered or transactions; in many situations, a resolution can be found at the institution-level. But if in doubt, please contact the Division of Banking and we will be happy to help direct you to the proper agency.

Financial Institutions Regulated by the Division of Banking

The Division of Banking can help with questions or complaints regarding state-chartered commercial banks, industrial banks, trust companies, and state-regulated money transmitters only. Examples of such institutions are: FirstBank, Trust Company of America, and Western Union Financial Services, Inc.

To find out if your institution is regulated by the Division of Banking, click here to be directed to Find an Institution. Please note that if under "Institution Type" the words PDPA Escrow or PDPA Depository are listed, the institution may be a National or Interstate Bank (see descriptions below) and not regulated by the Division of Banking.

Financial Institutions Regulated by Other Agencies

National Banks: If your institution has "National," "National Association," or the initials "N.A." in or following its name, such as Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; Zions First National Bank; or UMB Bank Colorado, National Association, it is a National Bank. Some national banks do not have this designation, such as Chase Bank, but most do and are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which can be reached at 800-613-6743 or www.occ.treas.gov.

Interstate Banks: There are some banks that are headquartered in other states, but have facilities in Colorado, such as Bank of the West and Compass Bank. These banks are licensed and regulated by other states. For a directory of other state regulatory agencies and contact information, please visit the Conference of State Bank Supervisors webpage.

Credit Unions - Savings and Loans - Savings Banks: Credit Unions, Savings and Loans, and Savings Banks can be either state or federal regulated institutions.

State-chartered Credit Unions and Savings and Loans are regulated by the Division of Financial Services, which can be reached at 303-894-2336 or www.dora.state.co.us/financial-services.

Federal Credit Unions will usually have the word "federal" or "F.C.U." in their name. Federal Credit Unions are regulated by the National Credit Union Administration, which can be reached at 602-302-6000 or www.ncua.gov.

Federal Savings and Loans/Savings Banks will usually have "federal," "federal association," "federal savings banks" or the initials "F.A." or "F.S.L.A." in their name. Federal Savings and Loans/Savings Banks are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which can be reached at 800-613-6743 or www.occ.treas.gov.

Other Types of Financial Service Providers (Colorado only)

Finance Companies and Payday Lenders: Finance companies and Payday lenders are regulated by the Office of the State Attorney General, which can be reached at 303-866-4494, Supervised Lending Consumer Complaints & General Information or www.ago.state.co.us.

Mortgage Lenders and Brokers: Mortgage companies, brokers, and certain other lenders are regulated by the Division of Real Estate, which can be reached at 303-894-2166 or www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate.

Securities Professionals: Securities brokers and agents, investment advisers, and financial planners are regulated by the Division of Securities, which can be reached at 303-894-2320 or www.dora.state.co.us/securities.