This web site contains general information about the types of filings required by the Federal Reserve and how they are processed. Banking organizations are generally required to notify the Federal Reserve or seek its approval before acquiring banks or companies or engaging in new activities.

The web site is intended to provide only general guidance relating to the administrative procedures followed by the Federal Reserve as it considers the appropriate action on a formal application, notification, or request filed by a bank holding company, state member bank, individual, or foreign banking organization. Although sections of the web site may provide a general description of qualifying criteria or statutory factors, such descriptions are not to be construed as absolute standards for approval of a filing. Furthermore, any reference to related laws, regulations, or System policy statements are intended as a source of additional information and are not to be construed as legal advice, which may be necessary to determine filing requirements.

The Federal Reserve System will review all information submitted in satisfaction of a filing requirement and will continue to assess the merits of a proposal throughout the processing period. As a result of this continuous review of the filer and the proposal, issues may arise at any time that will result in a request for additional information or a change in the filing's processing path and time frame for the System's final action.