New Hampshire Banking Department

Overview

Official Title: New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Banking Department

Primary Function: Oversight of money transmission licensing, regulation, and supervision in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Banking Department is the primary state regulator responsible for licensing and supervising money transmitters operating in New Hampshire. Established under the state's financial services regulatory framework, the Banking Department enforces New Hampshire's money transmission laws and protects consumers engaging with regulated entities.

The department operates under a comprehensive modernized regulatory framework following the enactment of HB 1241 (effective 2024), which restructured money transmission regulation in alignment with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) Model Money Transmission Modernization Act. All new money transmitter licensing is conducted through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

Basic Identity

• Entity ID: A073-US-NH-BD

• Document Version: 1.0

• Confidence Level: 95

• Last Verified: April 5, 2026

• Next Review Date: April 5, 2027 (or upon HB 1241 implementation completion)

• Prepared By: Research Team

• Document Purpose: Regulatory intelligence for payments/transfers compliance

Classification

Inclusion Justification

What This Entity Oversees

Examination Authority and Scope

Examination Frequency: Minimum of every 24 months

• More frequent examinations may be conducted at Commissioner's discretion

• Examination frequency may increase based on risk assessment, compliance history, or consumer complaints

Scope of Examination:

• Financial condition and capital adequacy

• Operational compliance with RSA 399-G requirements

• Consumer protection practices

• Anti-money laundering (AML) / Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures [UNVERIFIED - specific AML/KYC statutory citation needed]

• Cybersecurity and data protection measures Requires verification from official sources

• Third-party service provider oversight

Examination Standards:

• Aligned with CSBS Model Modernization Act principles

• Risk-based supervisory approach

• Coordination with federal regulators where applicable (Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC)

Supervision and Reporting

Regular Reporting Requirements:

Requires verification from official sources Specific reporting requirements (financial statements, compliance reports, transaction data) not detailed in primary sources reviewed; likely includes NMLS reporting obligations.

Consent and Approval:

• Material changes to ownership or control may require prior approval

• Changes to money transmission business plan or structure require notification

Regulatory Database and Verification

• License verification available through NMLS using company name or NMLS number

• New Hampshire listed under State Licenses/Registrations section of verified records

• Verification confirms active licensure status in New Hampshire

Consumer Complaint Authority

Complaint Receipt and Investigation:

• Banking Department accepts consumer complaints regarding licensed money transmitters

• Investigation authority for complaints involving violations of consumer protection laws

Dispute Resolution:

Requires verification from official sources Specific mechanism for consumer dispute resolution or restitution not explicitly detailed in primary sources.

Disclosure Requirements

Requires verification from official sources Specific consumer disclosure requirements (fee schedules, exchange rates, transaction timelines) under RSA 399-G not detailed; likely includes standard money transmitter disclosures.

Fraud and Unlicensed Activity Reporting

• Consumers can report unlicensed money transmission activities to the Banking Department

• Reports of fraud or suspected violations investigated by regulatory staff

Regulatory Powers

Supervisory Directives

The Banking Department commissioner holds statutory authority to issue:

• Cease and desist orders

• Orders to suspend or revoke licenses

• Directives requiring remedial actions

• Correction and compliance notices

Administrative Actions

License Suspension or Revocation:

• Authority to suspend or revoke licenses for violations of RSA 399-G

• Examples include: failure to maintain surety bond, net worth violations, unlawful money transmission activities, consumer harm

Recent Enforcement Example:

• State Regulators Order Sigue Corp. to Cease Money Transmission Activities (enforcement action documented on Banking Department website)

Civil and Criminal Penalties

Violations of RSA 399-G:

Requires verification from official sources Specific criminal penalties (fines, imprisonment) and civil remedies not detailed in primary sources; likely follows standard New Hampshire statutes for regulatory violations.

Consumer Damages:

• Surety bond provides recourse for consumers harmed by licensee violations

Injunctive Relief

Requires verification from official sources Commissioner authority to seek injunctive relief in state courts for ongoing violations or threatened violations.

Regulatory Role and Function

Legal Foundation

Primary Statutes and Legislation

New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 399-G: Licensing of Money Transmitters

• Core statutory authority governing money transmission business in New Hampshire

• Defines scope of regulated activities, licensing requirements, and supervisory authority

• Effective date: Original enactment; amended and modernized by HB 1241 (signed August 23, 2024)

HB 1241 (2024) - Money Transmission Regulation Modernization

• Comprehensive revision of RSA 399-G

• Enacted with input from Banking Department, state bank supervisors (CSBS), and industry stakeholders

• Incorporates provisions for convertible virtual currency regulation

• Effective 60 days after gubernatorial signature (approximately late October 2024)

RSA 358-A - Consumer Fraud Act

• Applicable to convertible virtual currency transmission activities

• Provides consumer protection framework for digital asset transfers

Regulatory Jurisdiction

The Banking Department holds exclusive regulatory authority over:

• Licensure and registration of money transmitters in New Hampshire

• Examination and supervision of licensed entities

• Enforcement of money transmission laws

• Consumer protection in money transmission activities

• Interstate coordination and cooperation with other state regulators

Licensing and Authorization Relevance

Definition of Money Transmission

Under NH RSA 399-G, money transmission includes:

1. Selling or issuing payment instruments (prepaid cards, checks, traveler's checks, etc.)

2. Selling or issuing stored value products

3. Receiving money or monetary value for transmission to another location

4. Converting convertible virtual currency (under modified RSA 358-A framework)

Licensing Requirement

Mandatory License: Any person or entity engaging in money transmission activities within New Hampshire must obtain a money transmitter license from the Banking Department prior to commencing operations.

Penalty for Unlicensed Operation: Unlawful to engage in money transmission without conspicuously posted license in principal office or conspicuously posted registration in each authorized delegate office.

Application Process

Licensing System: Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)

• All new applications submitted through NMLS

• Existing licensees must update NMLS for changes of ownership or operational status

• License verification available through New Hampshire Banking Department License Verification

Application Content Requirements:

• Company information and ownership structure

• Detailed business plan

• Historical financial statements

• Proposed staffing and management

• Compliance policies and procedures

• Previous regulatory history and record of conduct

Review Timeline:

• Commissioner has up to 120 days to investigate and determine whether to issue license

• Review period begins upon receipt of complete application and required fees

• Commissioner evaluates financial resources, experience, personnel, and proposed conduct

Approval Criteria:

• Applicant's financial resources

• Management and personnel experience

• Past and proposed conduct

• Ability to maintain public confidence in licensed entity

Authorized Delegates

• Money transmitters may appoint authorized delegates to conduct money transmission on their behalf

• Each delegate must be registered with the Banking Department

• Each delegate location in New Hampshire requires registration and separate compliance

Surety Bond

Bond Requirement: $100,000 continuous surety bond (minimum)

• Payable to the State of New Hampshire and the Bank Commissioner

• For the benefit of any person damaged by violation of RSA 399-G

• Bond must be maintained throughout licensure period

Net Worth / Capital Requirements

Net Worth Requirement:

• Minimum $1,000,000 net worth, OR

• Equal to average daily outstanding money transmissions during prior calendar year

• Whichever is lower

Calculation:

• Net worth calculated in accordance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)

• Reviewed and verified during examination process

Application Fees

Principal Location Fee: $500 (non-refundable)

• Charged per principal office/headquarters location in New Hampshire

Authorized Delegate Fees: $25 per delegate (registered in New Hampshire)

• Maximum aggregate annual delegate fees: $4,500

Total Annual Cost (Estimated):

• Minimum: $500 (single principal office, no delegates)

• Maximum: $5,000 (principal office + delegates)

Renewal and Ongoing Fees

Requires verification from official sources Licensing appears to be renewable on annual or multi-year basis; specific renewal fee structure and timeline not explicitly detailed in primary sources.

Convertible Virtual Currency Regulation (Post-HB 1241)

Regulatory Approach:

• Persons engaged in selling/issuing convertible virtual currency or receiving convertible virtual currency for transmission are subject to modified regulatory framework

• Regulatory oversight passed to Department of Consumer Affairs under RSA 358-A (Consumer Fraud Act)

• Requires verification from official sources Specific licensing or registration requirements for crypto-focused money transmitters unclear; may vary based on business model

HB 1241 Framework:

• Modernized regulation to accommodate emerging fintech business models

• Alignment with CSBS Model Act provisions for digital assets

• Separation of traditional money transmission from convertible virtual currency operations

Virtual Currency Resources

• Virtual Currencies Page - New Hampshire Banking Department

• Dedicated page for consumer information and regulatory guidance on virtual currency

Fintech and Innovation

Requires verification from official sources Specific fintech regulatory sandbox, innovation program, or expedited licensing pathway not identified in primary sources. Banking Department may coordinate with state legislature on emerging technology regulation.

Payments and Money Movement Relevance

The New Hampshire Banking Department has the following relevance to payments and money movement in United States:

Payment Systems Governed or Overseen

The New Hampshire Banking Department does not directly operate payment systems. Its payment-related role includes:

Money transmitters, payment processors, and fintech companies operating in this jurisdiction require licensing or registration with this entity.

Relationship to Other Regulators

Multi-State Licensing System (NMLS)

Primary Coordination Mechanism:

• New Hampshire utilizes NMLS for uniform application and licensing process

• Enables licensee to manage multi-state licensing through single platform

• Facilitates data sharing and regulatory coordination between state regulators

Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS)

• Banking Department participates in CSBS working groups

• HB 1241 incorporated CSBS Model Money Transmission Modernization Act principles

• Active coordination on interstate regulatory standards and best practices

Reciprocal Recognition

Requires verification from official sources Specific provisions for reciprocal recognition of out-of-state money transmitter licenses not detailed; NMLS platform and HB 1241 modernization likely enable streamlined interstate operations.

Federal Coordination

• New Hampshire Banking Department coordinates with federal banking regulators (Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, FinCEN)

• FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) registration required for money transmitters; state regulators provide oversight coordination

• Requires verification from official sources Specific MOUs or coordination agreements with federal agencies not identified in primary sources.

Geography and Jurisdiction Notes

Important Departments and Divisions

Key Public Resources

Primary Contact Information

Mailing Address:

New Hampshire Banking Department

53 Regional Drive, Suite 200

Concord, NH 03301

United States

Phone: (603) 271-3561 (Main Office)

Consumer Credit Licensing: (603) 271-8675

Foreclosure Hotline: (800) 437-5991

Fax: (603) 271-1090 or (603) 271-0750

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Leadership

Bank Commissioner (Chief Regulator):

• Name: Emelia A.S. Galdieri

• Title: Commissioner of Banks / Banking Department Commissioner

• Appointed: January 2022

• Authority: Executive authority for all Banking Department regulatory functions, licensing decisions, and enforcement actions

Deputy Commissioner:

Requires verification from official sources Deputy commissioner name and contact information not identified in primary sources.

Official Resources and Links

• Main Website: New Hampshire Banking Department

• Money Transmitters Page: Money Transmitters - Consumer Credit Licensees & Registrants

• License Verification: License Verification System

• Contact Page: Contact Us

• Laws, Rules & Guidance: Laws, Rules & Guidance - Banking Department

• Annual Reports: Annual Reports of the Commissioner

• Virtual Currency Guidance: Virtual Currencies - Consumer Assistance

Forms and Applications

• Online Forms Portal: NH Online Forms System - Banking Division

• NMLS Application: All new money transmitter applications submitted through Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)

Legislative Resources

• New Hampshire State Legislature: General Court (GC) - Chapter 399-G Text

• HB 1241 (2024): Legiscan - HB 1241 Full Text

Notes on Naming and Language