MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey on Thursday signed Executive Order No. 743, a measure aimed at ensuring fair and lawful access to financial services across the state.
According to the governor’s office, the order directs that state-chartered banking institutions in Alabama must not deny or restrict services based on a customer’s beliefs, political views, affiliations, or participation in legal activities. The action reinforces expectations that financial institutions serve all law-abiding residents without discrimination tied to viewpoint or lawful conduct.
“Alabamians count on being able to utilize banking services for their own financial security and prosperity, and such access underpins the stability of our economy,” Ivey stated. “State-chartered banking institutions must not restrict the use of financial services based on customers’ beliefs, political views or involvement in legal activities. Accordingly, I sign this executive order to ensure that our residents’ lawful right to financial services is protected.”
The order follows a similar move at the federal level. On August 7, 2025, Donald Trump issued Executive Order No. 14331, titled “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” which stated that individuals should not be denied financial services due to constitutionally or statutorily protected beliefs or affiliations.
State officials noted that Alabama law already requires state-chartered banks to operate in a financially sound manner while serving the needs of their communities. The executive order is intended to clarify and reinforce those expectations.
Mike Hill, superintendent of the Alabama State Banking Department, said the order aligns with the department’s long-standing position.
“Governor Ivey’s executive order closely aligns with the long-held position of the State Banking Department that no person shall be denied access to financial services solely due to their beliefs, affiliations, political views or engagement in lawful activity,” Hill said. “While I believe that our state-chartered banks have provided fair and lawful access to their services, all Alabama state-chartered banking institutions should follow this policy effective immediately.”
Under the order, the State Banking Department is tasked with issuing guidance to all state-chartered financial institutions. That guidance will outline expectations for maintaining safe, sound, and lawful banking practices while adhering to the policy of equal access.
The executive order took effect immediately upon signing.
