§ 5623. Expanded access to mainstream financial institutions
Expanded access to mainstream financial institutions
In general
The Secretary is authorized to establish a multiyear program of grants, cooperative agreements, financial agency agreements, and similar contracts or undertakings to promote initiatives designed—
to enable low- and moderate-income individuals to establish one or more accounts in a federally insured depository institution that are appropriate to meet the financial needs of such individuals; and
to improve access to the provision of accounts, on reasonable terms, for low- and moderate-income individuals.
Program eligibility and activities
In general
The Secretary shall restrict participation in any program established under subsection (a) to an eligible entity. Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this subchapter, 1 or more eligible entities may participate in 1 or several programs established under subsection (a).
Account activities
Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an eligible entity may, in participating in a program established under subsection (a), offer or provide to low- and moderate-income individuals products and services relating to accounts, including—
small-dollar value loans; and
financial education and counseling relating to conducting transactions in and managing accounts.