Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a new executive order aimed at protecting access to financial services for Alabama residents, stating that individuals should not be denied banking services based on their beliefs or lawful activities.
According to Executive Order No. 743, titled “Promoting Fair and Lawful Access to Financial Services,” the state is emphasizing that reliable access to banking is essential to Alabama’s economic stability and continued success.
The order states, “ensuring reliable access to financial services is fundamental to the economic stability and continued success of the State of Alabama.”
It also reinforces that state-chartered banking institutions are expected to serve communities by providing services to law-abiding customers and maintaining financial soundness.
According to the order, “banking institutions should not restrict access to financial services based on customers’ beliefs, affiliations, political views, or engagement in lawful activity.”
State leaders noted that restricting access for those reasons could undermine public trust and that banking decisions should be based on “material, measurable, and justifiable business risks.”
The order references a 2025 federal action, stating, “on August 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14331, Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans, declaring that no American should be denied access to financial services because of their constitutionally or statutorily protected beliefs, affiliations, or political views.”
Under the order, Alabama’s policy is now formalized, stating, “no person shall be denied access to financial services due to their beliefs, affiliations, political views, or engagement in lawful activity.”
The directive also instructs the Superintendent of Banks to issue guidance to state-chartered financial institutions to ensure compliance with the policy and continued adherence to safe, sound, and legal business practices.
The order will be implemented consistent with existing law and available funding. It also clarifies that it does not create a private right of action against the state or its agencies.
According to the order, any prior executive orders that conflict with this directive are rescinded to the extent of the conflict.
The executive order was signed March 26, 2026, and took effect immediately.
