Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section:

"Automated teller facility" means electronic or mechanical equipment that performs routine transactions for the public at locations off premises of the principal office or branch office of a company that holds a certificate to engage in business under this chapter and that is authorized to issue, negotiate, and sell certificates of investment or indebtedness.

"Branch" means any office, agency, mobile unit, messenger service, or other place of business at which:

(1) deposits are received;

(2) negotiable or transferable instruments or orders, or similar instruments, are paid; or

(3) money is lent.

However, the term does not include the principal office of a company or an automated teller facility.

"Financial institution" has the same meaning as in IC 28-1-1-3.

(b) Any domestic corporation organized under the general corporation laws of Indiana may engage in business as an industrial loan and investment company subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth in this chapter. The department may issue a certificate authorizing a corporation to engage in business under this chapter after the department considers and investigates all the following:

(1) The financial standing and character of the incorporators, organizers, directors, principal shareholders, or controlling corporations.

(2) The character, qualifications, and experience of the officers and directors of the corporation.

(3) The future earnings prospects for the proposed corporation in the community in which the corporation will be located.

(4) The adequacy of the corporation's capital.

If the department determines any of the factors described in subdivisions (1) through (4) unfavorably, the department may not issue a certificate authorizing the corporation to engage in business under this chapter. Certificates issued under this section must state whether the corporation is authorized to accept deposits and, if not, must provide that the corporation may do business under this article only as restricted by section 21 of this chapter.

(c) Any company that is authorized to accept deposits and that holds a certificate to engage in business under this chapter is entitled to establish one (1) or more branches de novo and one (1) or more branches by acquisition in any location or locations within Indiana, at which any business of the company may be transacted to the same extent as at the principal office of the company.

(d) As a condition to the establishment and operation of a branch or branches under this section, the company must:

(1) obtain prior written approval of the department;

(2) operate each branch under the correct name of the company and its name must contain in addition the word "branch"; and

(3) demonstrate that the applicant company will have adequate capital, sound management, and adequate future earnings prospects after the establishment of the branch.

(e) The location of the principal office or any branch established under this section may be changed at any time when authorized by the board of directors of the company and approved by the department.

(f) Any company desiring to open or establish one (1) or more branches or change location of an existing branch or the principal office must file a written application therefor, in such form and containing such information as may be prescribed by the department. If the department determines that the requirements of subsection (d) have been satisfied, the department may in its discretion approve the application.

(g) A company is entitled to open or establish an automated teller facility in any location within Indiana or as permitted by the laws of the state in which the automated teller machine is to be located. An automated teller facility may be owned or operated individually by any company or jointly on a cost sharing or fee basis.

(h) A branch by acquisition may be established under this section only if done in compliance with applicable provisions of IC 28-1-7 or IC 28-1-8.

(i) A company that is authorized to accept deposits and that holds a certificate to engage in business under this chapter is entitled to establish one (1) or more branches de novo and one (1) or more branches by acquisition in any location outside Indiana. Any business of the company may be transacted at a branch established under this subsection to the same extent as at the principal office of the company, subject to IC 28-2-18-19.

Formerly: Acts 1935, c.181, s.4; Acts 1951, c.79, s.1; Acts 1967, c.45, s.1; Acts 1971, P.L.400, SEC.1; Acts 1973, P.L.284, SEC.1. As amended by P.L.141-1984, SEC.9; P.L.269-1985, SEC.1; P.L.270-1985, SEC.1; P.L.33-1991, SEC.46; P.L.171-1996, SEC.43; P.L.192-1997, SEC.11; P.L.141-2005, SEC.9; P.L.90-2008, SEC.36.