Sales Finance Company

​​​Licensed under Wis. Stat. ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163, sales finance companies acquire installment sales contracts and/or consumer leases that are originated by Wisconsin motor vehicle and recreational vehicle dealers. Holders of sales finance licenses include banks, loan companies, motor vehicle dealerships, savings institutions, and organizations specializing in sales finance contracts and consumer lease agreements.

Frequent Links

  • Application for a Sales Finance Company License
    • Sales finance companies are required to apply for and maintain their Wisconsin license on the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS).  Please refer to the NMLS Checklist Compiler for a detailed list of information that must be provided with the application.
  • License Amendment Instructions - Refer to the applicable Wisconsin NMLS Amendment Checklist for instructions on how notify the Division of Banking about changes to:
    • Direct Owners, Indirect Owners, Affiliates or Subsidiaries
    • Executive Officers or other Control Persons
    • Addresses 
    • Legal Names or Trade Names
    • Legal Status
    • Disclosure Question and Answers

Helpful Information for Dealers

Helpful Information for Sales Finance Companies

  • Financial Statement Requirements:
    • The licensed legal entity's fiscal year-end financial statements and a completed Supplemental Financial Statement Information form, must be uploaded to NMLS within 90 days after the completion of each fiscal year.
      • Financial statements must include a balance sheet & income statement and be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
      • Licensees must maintain tangible net worth of at least $10,000 and positive working capital.  
      • When evaluating a licensee's tangible net worth and net working capital, the division discounts intangibles; receivables from officers, stockholders, and other related parties; employee advances; receivables over 120 days past due; and any other assets of questionable value.
  • Cybersecurity Resources
    • Cybersecurity 101 - a resource developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors intended to be an easily-digestible, non-technical reference guide to help executives develop a comprehensive, responsive cybersecurity program in line with best practices.
    • Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool – a resource updated October 15, 2024, and ​developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors in conjunction with state bank examiners, the Bankers Electronic Crimes Taskforce, and the United States Secret Service which contains important controls that all types of companies should use to assess their efforts to mitigate risks associated with ransomware and to identify opportunities for increasing security​.

Contact Us

Phone: (608) 261-7578
Email: DFI_LFS@dfi.wisconsin.gov