Applications & Membership

We handle requests from bank holding companies, state member banks, foreign organizations and individuals to form a bank holding company, acquire a bank or a controlling interest in a banking organization, engage in certain non-bank activities, merge with another bank or establish branches.

Federal Reserve Membership

More than one-third of U.S. commercial banks are members of the Federal Reserve System. National banks must be members; state chartered banks may join by meeting certain requirements.

• Application Types

  Application Types

  The link provides a general description of the filing, the publication requirements, the form to be submitted, the processing time frame, and the relevant statutory factors associated with that type of proposal.

• De Novo branches

  Establishing a De Novo Branch

  A state member bank must file an application with this Reserve Bank and the appropriate State authority to establish a de novo branch or new banking office.  The applicant should submit to the Reserve Bank: a cover letter that includes the street address of the branch or a description of the physical location if a street address has not been assigned; a copy of the newspaper notice; and a copy of the State filing. It is essential that we receive the cover letter and newspaper notices within one week of publication or you may be required to republish the notice. In addition, you should request an affidavit of publication from each newspaper and forward to us upon receipt.

• Filing Applications Electronically

  Electronic Application Submission

  “FedEZFile” is the Federal Reserve System’s single technology tool that offers an easy, immediate, and secure way for financial organizations supervised by the Federal Reserve Board, their authorized representatives, and individuals to:

  • Submit filings;
  • View the status of their filings;
  • Communicate with assigned Reserve Bank and/or Board analyst(s) and attorneys; and
  • Receive digitally signed correspondence from the Federal Reserve.

  
  

  Learn more about registration details and how to begin the process.

• Request Copies

  Request Copies

  Copies of banking applications may be requested from the Reserve Bank. Requests must be made in writing, either by mail or by e-mail. 
  Requests should be forwarded to:

  Ivy Carter
  Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  P. 0. Box 27622
  Richmond, VA 23261
  Phone: (804) 697-8826

• Where to Send

  Where to Send Applications/Notices or Request Public Information

  Mail:
  Brent Hassell
  Assistant Vice President
  Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  P.O. Box 27622
  Richmond, VA 23261

  Parcel Delivery:
  Brent Hassell
  Assistant Vice President
  Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  FRBR Warehouse
  2050 Magnolia Street
  Richmond, VA 23223

• Public Comments

  Commenting on an Application

  Parties wanting to comment on banking applications must submit their comments in writing, via mail, facsimile, or email. Comments must be received by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the public comment period. Comments should be forwarded to:

  Brent Hassell
  Assistant Vice President
  Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  P. 0. Box 27622
  Richmond, VA 23261
  Fax: (804)697-4021
  comments.applications@rich.frb.org

Additional Resources

Actions Taken and Applications Received (H.2)

Banking Market Definitions

Newspaper Notices to Complete an Application