Publications and Guidance

The publications in this section consist of various memos, guidance, and special reports issued by the Department. 

Memos/Guides/Handbooks:

Department Letter to CUs Implementing IT Composite Rating

Department Letter to CUs Implementing IT Composite Rating (129.09 KB)

Notification of upcoming change in the way in which the Department of Banking and Finance (Department) will be assigning ratings to Georgia state-chartered credit unions as part of Safety and Soundness examinations.

Credit Union Statement of Policy

Credit Union Statement of Policy (264.96 KB)

This policy manual contains Department policy statements that are intended to provide the public and the banking industry with a better understanding of the basis for decisions by the Department. The policy statements are intended to be applicable in the large majority of the decisions.

Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool

Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool (2.36 MB)

The Bankers Electronic Crimes Taskforce (BECTF), State Bank Regulators, and the United States Secret
Service developed this tool. It was developed to help financial institutions assess their efforts to mitigate
risks associated with ransomware and identify gaps for increasing security.

Electronic Submission for Documents to Department

Electronic Submission for Documents to Department (5.48 KB)

In order to improve our service, the Department is implementing electronic document submission for correspondence. Regular and ongoing correspondence should be submitted to the designated Department recipient through email.

Marijuana Job Aid

Marijuana Job Aid (276.1 KB)

This job aid is an examiner reference tool providing background as well as Georgia-specific information such as legalization status, risk management considerations, and related topics on marijuana.

Georgia Hemp Job Aid

Georgia Hemp Job Aid (211.24 KB)

This job aid is an examiner reference tool providing background as well as Georgia-specific information such as legalization status, risk management considerations, and related topics on hemp.

• DBF Article Series on Board Oversight and Corporate Governance

• Best Practices for Dealing with Heightened Levels of Asset Quality Issues

• "Sensitivity to Market Risk" Rating Component for Credit Unions

DBF Guidance for Georgia State-Chartered Banks, Bank Holding Companies, Credit Unions, and Trust Companies:

• DBF SUP 21-005 Development of Policies by Financial Institutions
• DBF SUP 21-007 Assessing Liquidity in Community Financial Institutions
• DBF SUP  21-002 Loan Participation Agreements Containing Last In, First Out Provisions
• DBF SUP 21-004 Fidelity Bond and D&O Coverage for Financial Institutions
• DBF SUP 18-008 Commission on the Sale of Credit Related Insurance
• DBF SUP 18-010 Low Income Credit Unions
• DBF SUP 19-001 Geographic Common Bond Field of Membership
• DBF SUP 21-006 Financial Institution Charter Conversion Investigations
• DBF SUP 20-002 Avoidance of Predatory Lending
• DBF SUP 21-008 Pre-opening Examination Procedures
• DBF SUP 21-001 Examination Frequency_ Processing_ and Turnaround Goals

Other References:

• NCUA Examiners Guide

• FFIEC BSA/AML Examination Manual

• FFIEC IT Handbook