§ 53C-1-3.  Existing banks; prohibitions, injunctions.

(a) No depository institution organized or created under the laws of this State may operate as a bank except in accordance with this Chapter. Banks established prior to October 1, 2012, may continue operation under their existing organizational documents but shall be subject to all other requirements of this Chapter.

(b) No person shall operate in this State as a "bank," "savings bank," "savings and loan association," "trust company," or otherwise as a depository institution or trust institution unless established as a depository institution or trust institution under the laws of this State or another state or established under federal law. Unless so authorized, no person doing business in this State shall do either of the following:

(1) Use in its name the term "bank," "savings and loan," "savings bank," "banking company," "trust company," or words of similar meaning that lead the public reasonably to believe that it conducts the business of a depository institution or trust institution.

(2) Use any sign, letterhead, circular, or Web site content or advertise or communicate in any manner that would lead the public reasonably to believe that it conducts the business of a depository institution or trust institution.

(c) Upon application by the Commissioner, a court of competent jurisdiction may issue an injunction to restrain any person from violating or from continuing to violate this section. (2012-56, s. 4.)