The Urgent Need for More Progressive Oversight in the Bank Charter Application Process

The decline in new bank formations has left a vacuum that non-bank financial technology companies (fintechs) have rushed to fill, operating largely beyond the reach of progressive regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting consumers. This trend underscores the critical need for a more inclusive and transparent bank charter application process, one that prioritizes consumers' rights and promotes financial equality. By reevaluating how we license new banks, we can ensure that the financial system works for everyone, not just the elite few.