About The Department of Corporations

The Department of Corporations provides protections to consumers, and services to businesses, engaged in financial transactions.  We license and regulate a variety of financial services and securities businesses that represent a significant part of the state's economy and affect the lives of Californians.  These businesses include: securities brokers and dealers; investment advisers and financial planners; and consumer and commercial lenders including mortgage lenders; Deferred Deposit or payday lenders; escrow companies; and certain other fiduciaries. We also regulate the offer and sales of securities, franchises and off-exchange commodities.  The Department has authority to bring both civil and administrative actions under the laws subject to the jurisdiction of the California Corporations Commissioner.

The Department reports to the Governor through the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. We are the first line of defense for many of the most significant financial transactions that Californians make, from mortgages to retirement plans.

California Department of Corporations' Mission Statement

  1. Ensure an efficient and accessible financial services marketplace in California,
  2. Educate the public about the risks and rewards in investing and finances,
  3. Enforce California’s financial services laws to protect the public from fraud.

In furtherance of the Department's mission two offices have been established to assist you:

The Consumer Services Office is the Department of Corporations’ one-stop information clearing house.  You may contact the Customer Resource Center at 1-866-275-2677 for direct information on department licensees, programs, and regulations.  The Consumer Services Office at 866 ASK CORP or (866) 275-2677 also offers information to consumers that wish to file complaints against companies regulated by the department.

The Office of Education and Outreach helps teach Californians how to avoid financial fraud and make wise and safe financial decisions. Team members in this office conduct presentations throughout California covering a broad variety of financial literacy topics.  Contact us at forms@corp.ca.gov for copies of our free publications and to request presentations. You may also contact us through the Consumer Services Office at 866 ASK CORP or (866) 275-2677.

 

 

Have a comment or complaint about the Department of Corporations?

Please fill in the attached form and send it to us: Citizen Complaint or Comment Form