Sec. 23. (a) An out-of-state state bank that establishes and maintains one (1) or more branches in Indiana under this chapter may conduct at the branch or branches only those activities that are expressly authorized under the laws of Indiana for Indiana state banks.

     (b) An Indiana state bank may conduct any activities at any branch located outside Indiana that are permissible for a bank organized or reorganized by the host state in which the branch is located. However, if Indiana law specifically prohibits an activity that is permitted by the host state, the department may by order waive the prohibition if the department determines that the involvement of out-of-state branches of Indiana state banks in the particular activities conducted in the host state would not threaten the safety or soundness of banks. This section does not authorize a bank located in Indiana to engage in an activity in Indiana that has been waived under this provision.

     (c) An out-of-state bank that has acquired a branch in Indiana under this chapter may establish or acquire additional branches in Indiana to the same extent that any Indiana bank may establish or acquire a branch in Indiana under applicable federal and Indiana law.

     (d) With the prior approval of the department, an Indiana state bank that has acquired a branch or branches in a state other than Indiana through an interstate merger transaction may establish or acquire additional branches in the host state to the same extent that a host state state bank may establish or acquire a branch in the host state under the applicable host state law and federal law. An Indiana state bank desiring to establish one (1) or more branches under this section must file a written application with the director. The application must be in the form and must contain the information prescribed by the director. The department may approve or disapprove the application. Before the department approves the application, the bank must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that:

(1) the applicant state bank will have adequate capital, sound management, and adequate future earnings prospects after the establishment of the branch; and

(2) the establishment of the proposed branch will not violate the laws of the host state.

     (e) The investigation of the department relative to any application as required by this section shall be conducted without a public hearing.

     (f) The branch or branches of an out-of-state bank that are established and maintained in Indiana under this chapter shall be subject to the provisions and fees of IC 24-4.5 to the same extent as a bank located in Indiana.

As added by P.L.171-1996, SEC.36. Amended by P.L.192-1997, SEC.8.