Money transmitters in Rhode Island

Who needs this in Rhode Island

A business that receives money or monetary value from Rhode Island customers and transmits it to another person, sells payment instruments, or holds customer funds for later payment generally needs a money-transmitter license from Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. Agent-of-payee and payment-processor exemptions are statutory and fact-specific.

Where to file

Request the Rhode Island money-transmitter license on NMLS. FinCEN MSB registration is a separate federal filing and never replaces the Rhode Island license.

Federal overlay

FinCEN MSB registration and the Bank Secrecy Act are federal duties. They never substitute for a required state money-transmitter license. Unlicensed money transmission can also be a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1960.

Sources

• NMLS / CSBS state agency contacts
• FinCEN MSB registration
• NMLS Resource Center