(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, in addition to all powers enumerated by this title, and those necessarily implied therefrom, a bank or trust company may engage in other business activities that have been determined by the board of governors of the federal reserve system or by the United States Congress to be closely related to the business of banking, as of July 27, 2003.

     (2) A bank or trust company that desires to perform an activity that is not expressly authorized by subsection (1) of this section shall first apply to the director for authorization to conduct such activity. Within thirty days of the receipt of this application, the director shall determine whether the activity is closely related to the business of banking, whether the public convenience and advantage will be promoted, whether the activity is apt to create an unsafe or unsound practice by the bank or trust company and whether the applicant is capable of performing such an activity. If the director finds the activity to be closely related to the business of banking and the bank or trust company is otherwise qualified, he or she shall immediately inform the applicant that the activity is authorized. If the director determines that such activity is not closely related to the business of banking or that the bank or trust company is not otherwise qualified, he or she shall promptly inform the applicant in writing. The applicant shall have the right to appeal from an unfavorable determination in accordance with the procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. In determining whether a particular activity is closely related to the business of banking, the director shall be guided by the rulings of the board of governors of the federal reserve system and the comptroller of the currency in making determinations in connection with the powers exercisable by bank holding companies, and the activities performed by other commercial banks or their holding companies.

     (3) Notwithstanding any restrictions, limitations, and requirements of law, in addition to all powers, express or implied, that a bank or trust company has under the laws of this state, a bank or trust company shall have the powers and authorities conferred as of August 31, 1994, or a subsequent date not later than July 27, 2003, upon a federally chartered bank doing business in this state. A bank or trust company may exercise the powers and authorities conferred on a federally chartered bank after July 27, 2003, only if the director finds that the exercise of such powers and authorities:

     (a) Serves the convenience and advantage of depositors, borrowers, or the general public; and

     (b) Maintains the fairness of competition and parity between state-chartered banks or trust companies and federally chartered banks.

     As used in this section, "powers and authorities" include without limitation powers and authorities in corporate governance and operational matters.

     The restrictions, limitations, and requirements applicable to specific powers or authorities of federally chartered banks shall apply to banks or trust companies exercising those powers or authorities permitted under this subsection but only insofar as the restrictions, limitations, and requirements relate to exercising the powers or authorities granted banks or trust companies solely under this subsection.

     (4) Any activity which may be performed by a bank or trust company, except the taking of deposits, may be performed by (a) a corporation or (b) another entity approved by the director, which in either case is owned in whole or in part by the bank or trust company.

[2003 c 24 § 2. Prior: 1995 c 344 § 2; 1995 c 134 § 2; prior: 1994 c 256 § 37; 1994 c 92 § 20; 1986 c 279 § 10; 1983 c 157 § 8; 1969 c 136 § 7.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Construction -- 1994 c 256: See RCW 43.320.007.

     Severability -- 1983 c 157: See note following RCW 30.04.060.