N.D. Cent. Code § 6-08-08.1

6-08-08.1. Sale or purchase of associations, banking institutions, or holding

companies - Notification to commissioner - Hearing.

1. No person, acting directly or indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other

persons, may purchase or otherwise acquire control of an association or banking

institution unless the state banking board or commissioner has been given prior written

notice by application of the proposed disposition or acquisition. The written application

must include such information as the state banking board shall specify. The transaction

may not be consummated before the board or commissioner has granted approval.

2. The applicant shall publish notice of the application as required by the board by rule.

3. The commissioner shall determine if the application is complete and notify the

applicant of the determination. If the commissioner determines the application is

incomplete, the commissioner shall request additional information deemed necessary

to complete the application.

4. If not approved by the commissioner, the commissioner shall submit the application to

the board. The board may approve or disapprove the application if the board

determines that:

a. The character, reputation, general fitness, financial standing, and responsibility of

the persons proposed as new stockholders, directors, or officers is such that the

interests of the other stockholders, depositors, and creditors of the institution and

the public generally will be jeopardized by the change in control and

management.

b. The qualifications of management do not include adequate experience with

financial institutions or other approved related experience.

5. Within three business days after the board's decision to disapprove an application, the

board shall notify the applicant in writing of the disapproval. The notice must provide a

statement of the basis for the disapproval.

6. Within twenty days after receipt of the notice of disapproval, the applicant may request

a hearing on the disapproval. The board must conduct a hearing, if requested, under

the provisions of chapter 28-32. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board shall by

order approve or disapprove the application on the basis of the record at the hearing.

7. For purposes of this section, "control" means ownership or control, directly, indirectly,

or through the actions of one or more persons of the power to vote twenty-five percent

or more of any class of voting securities of an association, banking institution,

controlling bank holding company, or the direct or indirect power to control in any

manner the election of a majority of the directors of an association or banking

institution, or to direct the management or policies of an association or banking

institution, whether by individuals, corporations, limited liability companies,

partnerships, trusts, or other entities or organizations of any type.

8. The following acquisitions of voting securities of a North Dakota state chartered bank,

which would otherwise require submission of an application under this section, are not

subject to the application requirements if the acquiring person notifies the

commissioner within ninety days after the acquisition and provides any relevant

information requested by the commissioner: acquisition of voting securities through

inheritance; acquisition of voting securities as a bona fide gift; and acquisition of voting

securities in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted in good faith. This subsection

does not limit the authority of the commissioner to require a party to submit a written

application to the board under subsection 1.

9. This section does not apply to a cooperative financial institution.