About the Banking Bureau The general mission of the Banking Bureau of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking is to promote a climate in which financial institutions will organize to do business in the District of Columbia and contribute to the economic development of the District through the increased availability of capital and credit, and to expand advantageous financial services to the public in a nondiscriminatory manner. The Bureau is responsible for chartering and regulating banks, savings banks, trust companies, and other financial institutions operating in the District of Columbia including mortgage lenders and brokers, check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, moneylenders, and operators of non-bank ATMs in all respects permitted by law. The Bureau’s chartering, licensing, registration, examination, and investigation activities protect the public interest and the interest of consumers, depositors, creditors and shareholders from unfair and abusive practices and help maintain public confidence in the banking system.