Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo today announced that the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has taken another step to modernize its operations for non-depository institutions and will transition check casher and virtual currency business activity companies to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) today, October 1, 2018.  The action marks the last phase of the DFS plan to manage the license application and ongoing regulation of all non-depository financial institutions doing business in New York through NMLS.  Licensed budget planners, sales finance agencies, money transmitter licensees and mortgage providers were previously transitioned to the NMLS platform.

“DFS is pleased to add check casher and virtual currency business activity companies to the growing list of nonbank financial institutions, including fintech firms, that will benefit from the efficiencies and robust oversight that the NMLS platform provides for state regulators,” said Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo. “The Department is proud to continue our work with CSBS and our fellow state regulators in the ongoing modernization of financial services regulation, enhancing the strong regulatory framework created by states, and supporting industry innovation.”

NMLS was created by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) to manage and regulate mortgage providers licensed in New York.  NMLS is a secure, web-based, nationwide licensing system that allows companies to apply for, update, and renew their licenses in one or more states conveniently and safely online.  NMLS allows DFS to provide enhanced supervision of non-depository institutions, by linking with other states to protect consumers.  Currently, 62 state agencies use NMLS to accept and process license applications and registrations.

Commencing on October 1, 2018, financial services companies holding check casher and virtual currency business activity licenses will have the opportunity to transition those licenses to NMLS and companies applying for new licenses will be able to apply through NMLS.  DFS has sent letters to each licensee with detailed instructions for transitioning their company and branches onto NMLS and licensees will also be provided with training on NMLS use.

More information about NMLS can be found online on the NMLS Resource Center.