Bulletin 3269 - October 16, 2026

Bulletin 3269 - October 16, 2026

The Department of Banking News Bulletin

Bulletin # 3269 - Week Ending October 16, 2026

This Bulletin constitutes the only official notification you will receive from this office concerning any of the following applications. Any observations you may have are solicited. Any comments should be directed to Jorge L. Perez, Banking Commissioner. Written comments will be considered only if they are received within ten business days from the date of this bulletin.

CREDIT UNION ACTIVITY

Merger

On October 5, 2026, Unity Financial Credit Union, a Connecticut credit union, and GHA Federal Credit Union, a federal credit union, filed an application pursuant to Section 36a-468a of the Connecticut General Statutes seeking approval of the merger of GHA Federal Credit Union with and into Unity Financial Credit Union. The proposed target date for this merger is April 30, 2027.

CONSUMER CREDIT ACTIVITY

Atlantic Collection Agency, Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Inc.

On October 9, 2026, the Commissioner entered into a Consent Order with Atlantic Collection Agency, Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Inc, (NMLS # 1172914), ("Atlantic"), East Lyme, Connecticut. The Consent Order was based on an examination by the Consumer Credit Division. As a result of such examination, the Commissioner alleged that (1) Atlantic failed to timely reconcile its trust accounts, in violation of Section 36a-811(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, and (2) conducted its business in a way which renders the Commissioner unable to determine that the financial responsibility, character and integrity of Atlantic are such as to warrant belief that the business will be operated soundly and efficiently, in the public interest and consistent with the purposes of Sections 36a-800 to 36a-814, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes, as required pursuant to Section 36a-801(c)(2) of the Connecticut General Statutes. As part of the Consent Order, Atlantic shall: (1) cease and desist from failing to reconcile its trust accounts, in violation of Section 36a-811(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes; (2) provide evidence of an independent audit of its trust accounts and timely address any identified deficiencies; (3) submit monthly trust account reconciliations to the Department within 15 days after each month-end for a period of two years; (4) submit written policies and procedures addressing trust account reconciliations and oversight of trust accounts; and (5) in addition to any other available remedies, pay a $25,000 civil penalty for each violation that remains uncured 30 days after written notice from the Commissioner during the three-year period following execution of the Consent Order.

Fresh Start Funding, LLC d/b/a Open Wallet

On October 6, 2026, the Commissioner issued a Notice of Intent to Issue Order to Cease and Desist, Notice of Intent to Impose Civil Penalty and Notice of Right to Hearing (collectively, "Notice"), in the matter of Fresh Start Funding, LLC d/b/a Open Wallet (NMLS # 1864357) ("Respondent"), Gilbert, Arizona. The Notice was the result of an investigation by the Consumer Credit Division. The Commissioner alleged in the Notice that Respondent violated an order of the Commissioner by failing to submit annual financial statements required pursuant to the Consent Order issued by the Commissioner against Respondent on September 9, 2025. The Notice seeks an Order to Cease and Desist and an Order Imposing a Civil Penalty against Respondent. Respondent was afforded an opportunity to request a hearing concerning the allegation set forth in the Notice.

Dated: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Jorge L. Perez
Banking Commissioner