# Financial Institutions (GFI)

## Title 5. Banking Institutions -- General Provisions

### Subtitle 8. Prohibited Activities; Penalties

#### Section 5-808.1

(a) After notice and a hearing, the Commissioner may assess a civil penalty against a banking institution that the Commissioner determines has:

  (1) Violated a cease and desist order issued by the Commissioner under Sec. 5-808 of this subtitle; or

  (2) Engaged in:

    (i) An unsafe or unsound banking practice; or

    (ii) A practice that is injurious to the public interest.

(b) The civil penalty may not exceed:

  (1) $1,000 per violation; and

  (2) $1,000 per violation for each day that the violation continues.

(c)

  (1) A civil penalty shall be assessed by written notice of assessment served on the person to be assessed.

  (2) The notice of assessment shall state the:

    (i) Amount of the civil penalty;

    (ii) Legal authority for the assessment; and

    (iii) Matters of fact or law constituting the grounds for the assessment.

  (3) The notice of assessment shall constitute a final order for purposes of judicial review pursuant to Sec. 10-221 of the State Government Article.

(d) In determining the amount of the civil penalty to be assessed, the Commissioner shall consider:

  (1) The seriousness of the violation;

  (2) The good faith of the violator;

  (3) The violator's history of previous violations;

  (4) The deleterious effect of the violation on the public and the banking industry;

  (5) The assets of the violator; and

  (6) Any other factors relevant to the determination of the civil penalty.

(e)

  (1) A civil penalty assessed under this section shall be due and payable within 30 days after the Commissioner issues the notice of assessment.

  (2) The Commissioner may reduce or set aside a civil penalty.

(f) The Commissioner shall pay all civil penalties collected under this section into the General Fund of the State.

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Md. Code Ann., Fin. Inst. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)