§ 23-46-101 - Confidential records. - Arkansas Statutes

23-46-101. Confidential records.

(a) Notwithstanding the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, 25-19-101 et seq., the following records of the State Bank Department shall be confidential and shall not be exhibited or revealed to the public except as stated in this section or in accordance with department regulations:

(1) All examination reports filed with the department;

(2) All records disclosing information obtained from examinations;

(3) Investigations and reports revealing facts concerning a financial institution, a capital development company, or the customers of these organizations; and

(4) All personal financial statements submitted to the department for any purpose.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, records deemed confidential in accordance with this section may be disclosed, in the Bank Commissioner's discretion, as follows:

(1) Under a validly issued subpoena and in the interest of justice, the commissioner may waive the privilege created in this section and produce examination reports and other related documents under the provisions of a protective order entered by a court or administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction when the order is designed to protect the confidential nature of the information so disclosed from public dissemination;

(2) Official orders of the department may be disclosed within the discretion of the commissioner if the commissioner makes a determination that such a disclosure would not give advantage to a competitor or adversely affect the safety and soundness of the financial institution; and

(3) To state and federal regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over financial institutions or entities engaging in financial activities, including, but not limited to, insurance and securities brokerage and underwriting.

(c) The commissioner shall have the power to promulgate regulations with regard to disclosure of confidential information.