About DFI

For over 100 years, the Department of Financial Institutions has overseen the operations of state-licensed financial institutions, including commercial banks, credit unions, industrial banks, savings associations, trust companies, foreign banking organizations, business and industrial development corporations, money transmitters, issuers of payment instruments and travelers checks, and premium finance companies. See DFI Financial Institutions Overview.

The DFI protects and serves California’s depositors, borrowers, shareholders and consumers and ensures public confidence through the enforcement of state laws and the effective regulation and supervision of the depository financial institutions licensed by the Department. 

The DFI provides high quality and responsive regulation and oversight of the licensees under its supervision. The DFI’s bank and credit union examination programs are accredited by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS).

CSBS Accreditation NASCUS Accreditation
  • DFI Accreditation
    The Department of Financial Institutions is professionally accredited by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) certifying that DFI maintains the highest standards and practices in state banking and credit union supervision.
  • Careers at DFI
    Employment opportunities with DFI: exam bulletins, job openings, and information on the State of California employment process.
  • California State Bank Charter - The Charter of Choice
    Prospective bank applicants are encouraged to follow the links on this page to learn how to file an application to organize a state bank and to discover why a California state bank charter is the charter of choice.
  • Contact Us
    How to contact DFI by mail, email, phone and fax. List of key contacts.
  • DFI Budget
    The Department’s programs are supported by assessments (licensees, license and application fees and charges for various other services). The Department's budget is available from the Department on Finance, visit www.ebudget.ca.gov.
  • Executive Profiles
    Bios and contact information for DFI's Executive Management.
  • History
    History of regulatory responsibilities beginning in 1857.
  • Mission
    Mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the Department.
  • Small Business Opportunities
    Information for small businesses including a list of commodities purchased by the Department. Contact information for the DFI Small Business Liaison/Advocate.
  • Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016 (PDF)
    DFI's Strategic Plan seeks to promote the financial strength, integrity and stability of our licensees, thereby accomplishing its mission.