Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

Have always had good service and quick turnaround on licensing paperwork from the people at DFI. Staff have always been kind and courteous whether communicating by phone or email.

Very poorly run office/government institution. No voicemail boxes set up, can't reach anyone by phone during normal business hours, the letters they send out to financial advisors with instructions aren't accurate, painful to register with them. I literally had to involve my state Governor's office in order to finally get registered as a financial advisor with the DFI after 3 months of wrangling back and worth with their bureaucrats. 10 years ago this office was MUCH better. Needs to be brought up to a higher standard ASAP.

The DFI is an example of a government regulator that has no accountability to the citizens it serves or to its regulated parties. Specifically it is regulating small businesses out of business with bureaucratic rule enforcement that violate state law and are not making the industry more fair but rather eliminating local small businesses that are more competitive and accountable to the citizens of Washington State.
…...(c) Despite its importance, Washington's regulatory system must not impose excessive, unreasonable, or unnecessary obligations; to do so serves only to discredit government, makes enforcement of essential regulations more difficult, and detrimentally affects the economy of the state and the well-being of our citizens.
(2) The legislature therefore enacts chapter 403, Laws of 1995, to be known as the regulatory reform act of 1995, to ensure that the citizens and environment of this state receive the highest level of protection, in an effective and efficient manner, without stifling legitimate activities and responsible economic growth. To that end, it is the intent of the legislature, in the adoption of chapter 403, Laws of 1995, that:.........
In order to achieve greater compliance with administrative rules at less cost, that a cooperative partnership exist between agencies and regulated parties that emphasizes education and assistance before the imposition of penalties…….

Another useless financial drain on taxpayers, completely incompetent employees.

Not competent! Rude and unprofessional!!