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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 1.1Ch. 10Art. 1§ 1320 Bank Property Acquisition Rules

§ 1320 Bank Property Acquisition Rules

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1320 Bank Property Acquisition Rules

This law lets banks and trust companies own, lease, or sell real estate only for reasons that are directly related to their business, such as running branches, storing records, or earning rental income.

Key Takeaways

  • •Banks can buy property for branch offices, storage, records, or office space for staff.
  • •Extra space in a bank building can be rented out as a source of income.
  • •Banks may acquire property through foreclosure, debt settlement, or other approved methods.
  • •Selling, leasing, or exchanging owned property requires commissioner approval.

Example

A bank wants to buy a building to use as a new branch office and also rent out the extra space to a coffee shop to earn extra money.

The bank can purchase the property because it is needed for a branch office and the extra space can be leased for income, which is allowed under the statute.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1320 Bank Property Acquisition Rules

A bank or trust company may purchase, acquire, hold, or lease real property or an interest therein only as follows: (a) Such as may be necessary or convenient for the use, operation or housing of its head office and branch offices, or for the storage of records or other personal property, or for office space for use by its officers or employees, or which may be reasonably necessary for future expansion of its business, or which is otherwise reasonably related to the conduct of its business. Real property used by a bank as its banking premises may include in addition to the space required for the transaction of its business other space which may be let as a source of income. (b) Such as may be conveyed to it in satisfaction in whole or in part of debts previously contracted in the course of its business. (c) Such as it may purchase or acquire at foreclosure sales under mortgages or deeds of trust held by it, or under judgments or decrees in its favor. (d) Such as it may purchase or otherwise acquire when necessary to minimize or prevent the loss or destruction of any lien or interest therein. (e) Such as it may purchase or otherwise acquire pursuant to Section 1322. A bank or trust company may sell, lease, or encumber real property or any interest therein owned by it, or, with the written approval of the commissioner, exchange the same for other real property. (Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 243, Sec. 3. (SB 664) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

real propertyforeclosure saleslien or interestcommissioner's approval

Related Statutes

  • § 1321 Bank Property Sale Requirements
  • § 1322 Bank Real Estate Investments
  • § 1323 Bank Employee Bribery Prohibition
  • § 1324 Bank Fraud By Insiders
  • § 1325 Bank Officer False Reports

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 1320.
View Official Source