In Washington State, the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) oversees cannabis banking, providing guidance to help financial institutions navigate this federally challenging industry. Collaborating with the Attorney General, the DFI ensures compliance with state and federal laws despite cannabis’s Schedule I classification. To address banking hurdles, the DFI issued the "Providing Banking Services to Cannabis Related Businesses", outlining expectations for banks.
Banks, Credit Unions, and Fintechs that offer banking services to Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp Businesses in WA | Type of Financial Institution |
---|---|
Amalgamated Bank | Bank |
Chase (CBD Only) | Bank |
First Citizens Bank | Bank |
First Fidelity Bank | Bank |
Green Check | FINTECH |
Herring Bank | Bank |
Native American Bank | Bank |
Numerica Credit Union | Credit Union |
O Bee Credit Union | Credit Union |
Safe Harbor Financial | FINTECH |
Salal Credit Union | Credit Union |
Sound Credit Union | Credit Union |
Timberland Bank | Bank |
Twin City Bank | Bank |
Cannabis dispensaries and hemp/CBD shops in Washington face payment challenges due to federal restrictions.
Cannabis banking is vital in Washington, addressing key challenges in public safety, compliance, economic growth, and policy alignment.
Enhancing Public Safety: Reliance on cash transactions makes cannabis businesses vulnerable to theft and crime. Banking access reduces these risks, creating safer operations and communities.
Ensuring Compliance: Banking enables accurate financial records, crucial for meeting state regulations and simplifying tax reporting. It strengthens industry transparency and accountability.
Driving Economic Growth: Banking services provide cannabis businesses with access to loans and financial tools, promoting expansion, innovation, and job creation.
Supporting State Policies: Addressing federal banking restrictions aligns with Washington's cannabis legalization efforts, ensuring a regulated and sustainable market.