Full-service regulatory consulting for de novo bank charter applications. We guide founders from concept through FDIC approval — navigating the FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, and state banking authorities with precision and expertise.
Stratford Advisors is a specialized advisory firm dedicated exclusively to de novo bank formation. Our principals have held senior positions at the FDIC, OCC, and state banking departments — giving our clients unmatched insight into what regulators expect and require.
We believe every community deserves access to locally-owned banking. Our mission is to lower the barriers for qualified founders and ensure that the next generation of community banks is built on a foundation of regulatory excellence.
We build applications the way examiners want to read them — complete, consistent, and defensible.
From articles of incorporation through the full FDIC interagency package — every document, every section.
We coordinate investor disclosures, organizer bios, background checks, and capital-raise documentation.
De novo applications span hundreds of pages across a dozen regulatory submissions. We handle every component — from the strategic business plan to BSA/AML programs and governance documents.
Complete preparation of the Interagency Application for Deposit Insurance — all 57 questions, supplemental exhibits, and supporting documentation.
Core Service300+ page regulatory-grade business plan covering market analysis, financial projections, product offerings, management, and capital planning.
Core ServiceBylaws, articles of incorporation, and board governance frameworks — drafted to meet state charter law and bank regulatory standards.
GovernanceComprehensive BSA/AML policies, suspicious activity monitoring frameworks, CIP/CDD programs, and OFAC compliance procedures.
ComplianceInvestor deck preparation, offering circular support, organizer coordination, and minimum capital target analysis for regulatory approval.
CapitalAssessment area delineation, community development strategy, and CRA performance context — built to pass first-exam scrutiny.
CommunityWe assess your proposed market, competitive landscape, and organizer group to determine charter viability.
State vs. national charter selection, primary regulator identification, and pre-filing meeting preparation.
Full interagency application package including business plan, governance documents, and all exhibits.
Coordinated submission, examiner Q&A response management, and supplemental information preparation.
Policy finalization, management team vetting, and pre-opening examination preparation.
We prepare applications for every federal and state regulatory authority
A seasoned leader in community banking and financial services, Vic brings deep expertise in de novo bank formation, regulatory strategy, and capital planning to guide founders from concept through charter approval.
Ryan specializes in regulatory document preparation, FDIC interagency applications, and governance framework design. His hands-on experience with bank charter filings ensures every submission meets the highest standard of regulatory readiness.
Every de novo journey begins with a conversation. Tell us about your vision, your market, and your team. We'll give you an honest assessment of your path to charter approval.