{
 "jurisdiction_id": "US-MT",
 "jurisdiction": "United States – Montana",
 "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/",
 "generator": "render_jid v13.3.0",
 "date_modified": "2026-08-11",
 "schema_version": "world-payments-v1",
 "counts": {
  "modules": 14,
  "sourced_findings": 60,
  "source_register": 127
 },
 "modules": [
  {
   "code": "W1a",
   "name": "Licensing, Authorisation & Market Access",
   "confidence": "Confirmed",
   "moved_this_cycle": true,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w1a-licensing-authorisation-market-access",
   "standing_position": "Montana is the sole US state that does not operate a state-level money transmitter licensing regime; DBFI licenses adjacent activities under Title 32 MCA; a brief 2023 informal solicitation attempt was withdrawn.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "regulator guidance / statute silence",
     "source": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Banking and Financial Institutions Act (Title 32 MCA)",
     "source": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0320/chapter_0010/part_0020/section_0110/0320-0010-0020-0110.html",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Regulation of Escrow Businesses Act (Title 32, ch.7 MCA)",
     "source": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0320/chapter_0070/part_0010/section_0090/0320-0070-0010-0090.html",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Consumer Loan Act",
     "source": "https://banking.mt.gov/MortgageConsumerFinance/FAQs",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Retail Installment Sales Act",
     "source": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/mortgage-consumer-finance/",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "regulator notice (withdrawn)",
     "source": "https://www.mwe.com/insights/montana-pump-fakes-a-requirement-for-money-transmitters/",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "CSBS Model Money Transmission Modernization Act (comparative)",
     "source": "https://www.cooley.com/news/insight/2023/2023-09-12-model-money-transmission-modernization-act-12-states-take-action",
     "source_url": "https://banking.mt.gov/moneytransmitters",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W1b",
   "name": "Conduct, Safeguarding & Financial Promotions",
   "confidence": "Confirmed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w1b-conduct-safeguarding-financial-promotions",
   "standing_position": "Conduct/safeguarding runs through activity-specific bonding (escrow $100k; debt management $50k) with MUTPCPA as UDAP backstop, strengthened by SB488 (2025).",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Regulation of Escrow Businesses Act",
     "source": "https://www.bondexchange.com/montana-escrow-business-license-bond/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (Title 30, ch.14 MCA)",
     "source": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 488 (2025 amendment)",
     "source": "https://infobytes.orrick.com/2025-04-25/montana-enacts-consumer-protection-amendments-to-include-deception/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Debt management licensing regime",
     "source": "https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/debt-management-and-debt-settlement-businesses/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Office of Consumer Protection mandate",
     "source": "https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-30/chapter-14/part-1/section-30-14-103/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W2",
   "name": "Stablecoins & Digital Money",
   "confidence": "Confirmed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w2-stablecoins-digital-money",
   "standing_position": "Montana enacted the Financial Freedom and Innovation Act (SB 265) in October 2025, creating a network-token regulatory framework, CBDC prohibition, and self-custody protections, building on SB 178 (2023).",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Financial Freedom and Innovation Act (SB 265, 2025)",
     "source": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_url": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 265",
     "source": "https://dailymontanan.com/2025/10/08/montana-moves-forward-on-regulatory-framework-for-blockchain-digital-assets/",
     "source_url": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 265 / SB 178 comparative summary",
     "source": "https://www.montanasmarketplace.com/montana-living/crypto-in-montana",
     "source_url": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 178 (2023)",
     "source": "https://cointelegraph.com/news/montana-governor-signs-pro-cryptocurrency-mining-bill-into-law",
     "source_url": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force",
     "source": "https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/montana-moves-forward-on-regulatory-framework-for-blockchain-digital-assets",
     "source_url": "https://csimt.gov/2025/10/07/montana-opens-the-door-to-digital-asset-innovation-with-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act/",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W3",
   "name": "Operational Resilience & Critical Infrastructure",
   "confidence": "Confirmed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w3-operational-resilience-critical-infrastructure",
   "standing_position": "Montana's operational-resilience posture rests on breach-notification statutes requiring immediate AG notification ahead of consumer notice.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "MCA 30-14-1704 (Computer security breach)",
     "source": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Data breach notification regime",
     "source": "https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/reporting-requirements-for-data-breaches/",
     "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Data breach law commentary",
     "source": "https://pivitstrategy.com/what-to-do-after-a-cyberattack-in-montana-2026/",
     "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "MCA 33-19-321 (Insurance licensee breach)",
     "source": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0190/part_0030/section_0210/0330-0190-0030-0210.html",
     "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "State cybersecurity incident reporting",
     "source": "https://sitsd.mt.gov/cybersecurity/",
     "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0170/section_0040/0300-0140-0170-0040.html",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W4",
   "name": "Scheme & Network Compliance",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w4-scheme-network-compliance",
   "standing_position": "Montana permits credit card surcharging up to ~3% in market practice; MCA 61-3-117 (state agencies) and MCA 7-6-617 (local government) expressly authorize fee pass-through for government payments. SB 528 (2025), previously cited as the enacting private-merchant surcharge statute, died in standing committee 2025-05-23 and was never enacted; the statutory basis for general private-merchant surcharging remains an open question.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 528 (credit card transaction fee law)",
     "source": "https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1758739",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "MCA 61-3-117",
     "source": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "MCA 7-6-617 (local government surcharge)",
     "source": "https://www.getnickel.com/surcharge-laws/montana",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Comparative surcharge law tracking",
     "source": "https://paymentcloudinc.com/blog/credit-card-surcharge-laws-by-state/",
     "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W5",
   "name": "Payment Corridor Dynamics",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w5-payment-corridor-dynamics",
   "standing_position": "Montana's payment-corridor infrastructure runs through the Fed Minneapolis Helena Branch and growing FedNow participation; no distinct MT-specific cross-border corridor regulation identified.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Helena Branch",
     "source": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_url": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "FedNow Service adoption",
     "source": "https://www.csiweb.com/what-to-know/content-hub/blog/exploring-the-fednow-service-and-instant-payments/",
     "source_url": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Federal Reserve rural banking access commentary",
     "source": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_url": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "FedNow participant registry",
     "source": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/organizations",
     "source_url": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W6",
   "name": "Industry Structure & Commercial Dynamics",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w6-industry-structure-commercial-dynamics",
   "standing_position": "33 state-chartered banks with 682 branches (May 2026) amid active consolidation, including Frontier Credit Union's acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte, plus a niche Bozeman fintech cluster.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "State-chartered bank registry",
     "source": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_url": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Bank M&A (credit union acquiring bank)",
     "source": "https://www.bankingdive.com/news/idaho-frontier-credit-union-buy-montana-first-citizens-bank-butte-icba/747027/",
     "source_url": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Bank M&A closing",
     "source": "https://frontiercreditunion.com/blog/its-official-were-in-butte/",
     "source_url": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Private-sector payments fintech signal",
     "source": "https://www.mthightech.org/news/great-places-for-tech-in-montana-bozeman",
     "source_url": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Public bank holding company results",
     "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001478454/000117184326000431/exh_991.htm",
     "source_url": "https://doa.mt.gov/BFID/banks/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W7",
   "name": "Legal & Litigation",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": true,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w7-legal-litigation",
   "standing_position": "Legal/enforcement activity concentrated in State Auditor crypto-fraud prosecutions and DBFI's enforcement register; complaints grew sharply through 2024-2025.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Crypto fraud prosecution",
     "source": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_url": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Fraud complaint data",
     "source": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_url": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Division Enforcement Actions register",
     "source": "https://banking.mt.gov/Enforcement_Actions/Division_Enforcement_Actions",
     "source_url": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Crypto Ponzi prosecution",
     "source": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_url": "https://www.thebulldog.law/montana-s-financial-freedom-and-innovation-act-legal-guide-for-digital-asset-companies",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W8",
   "name": "Merchant Acquiring & Risk",
   "confidence": "Assessed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w8-merchant-acquiring-risk",
   "standing_position": "Montana merchant acquiring operates under the general federal card-network framework, with the state's own footprint limited to the surcharge disclosure practice; no distinct MCC/chargeback statute identified.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Surcharge/merchant cost commentary",
     "source": "https://merchantcostconsulting.com/lower-credit-card-processing-fees/montana-surcharge-laws/",
     "source_url": "https://merchantcostconsulting.com/lower-credit-card-processing-fees/montana-surcharge-laws/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "MCA 61-3-117",
     "source": "https://law.justia.com/codes/montana/title-61/chapter-3/part-1/section-61-3-117/",
     "source_url": "https://merchantcostconsulting.com/lower-credit-card-processing-fees/montana-surcharge-laws/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Merchant fee consumer commentary",
     "source": "https://963theblaze.com/why-am-i-being-charged-a-fee-to-use-my-card-at-montana-merchants/",
     "source_url": "https://merchantcostconsulting.com/lower-credit-card-processing-fees/montana-surcharge-laws/",
     "source_tier": "4",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W9",
   "name": "Product Innovation & Market Development",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w9-product-innovation-market-development",
   "standing_position": "Montana's product-innovation frontier centers on SB265's network-token framework and the Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force, layered on FedNow adoption.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "SB 265 (network token product framework)",
     "source": "https://dailymontanan.com/2025/04/03/legislators-propose-bills-to-back-data-centers-legislate-blockchain-technology/",
     "source_url": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/about.html",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "FedNow instant payments infrastructure",
     "source": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/about.html",
     "source_url": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/about.html",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force",
     "source": "https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/montana-moves-forward-on-regulatory-framework-for-blockchain-digital-assets",
     "source_url": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/about.html",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Crypto adoption/product context",
     "source": "https://www.montanasmarketplace.com/montana-living/crypto-in-montana",
     "source_url": "https://www.frbservices.org/financial-services/fednow/about.html",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W10",
   "name": "Consumer Protection & APP Fraud",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w10-consumer-protection-app-fraud",
   "standing_position": "Fastest-growing consumer-protection concern is crypto/ATM-enabled fraud against elderly residents; MT has a restitution fund and is drafting crypto-ATM legislation for 2027.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Crypto ATM fraud data",
     "source": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_url": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Crypto ATM regulatory gap",
     "source": "https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/10/22/crypto-atm-fraud-on-the-rise-nationally-prompting-montana-regulatory-push/",
     "source_url": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Legislative pipeline",
     "source": "https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-rise-in-cryptocurrency-atm-scams",
     "source_url": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (MUTPCPA)",
     "source": "https://www.agrusslawfirm.com/unfair-deceptive-or-abusive-acts-or-practices-udaap/montana/",
     "source_url": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Comparative state crypto-ATM legislation tracking",
     "source": "https://stateline.org/2025/07/28/citing-potential-for-fraud-blue-and-red-states-pass-new-crypto-atm-laws/",
     "source_url": "https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-state-auditor-warns-of-uptick-in-crypto-atm-scams",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W11",
   "name": "AML/CFT & Financial Crime",
   "confidence": "Assessed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w11-aml-cft-financial-crime",
   "standing_position": "Absence of a state MTL/AML overlay leaves federal FinCEN BSA/MSB registration as the sole compliance layer for money-transmission-adjacent activity in Montana.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Federal BSA/FinCEN MSB registration",
     "source": "sentinel.globallawexperts.com/obtaining-an-msb-licence-in-montana-us-everything-you-need-to-know/",
     "source_url": null,
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "DBFI use of FinCEN MSB definition",
     "source": "sentinel.faisalkhan.com/solutions/licensing/money-transmitter-license-mtl/money-transmitter-license-in-the-state-of-montana-the-abridged-version/",
     "source_url": null,
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W12",
   "name": "Correspondent Banking, Settlement & Access",
   "confidence": "High",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w12-correspondent-banking-settlement-access",
   "standing_position": "Correspondent-banking/settlement access runs through Fed Minneapolis Helena Branch and FedNow, against documented rural/tribal credit-access constraints flagged by the Federal Reserve.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Helena Branch",
     "source": "https://www.minneapolisfed.org/about-us/our-helena-branch",
     "source_url": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Rural/tribal correspondent access",
     "source": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_url": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Community bank access framework",
     "source": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/bowman20250227a.htm",
     "source_url": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "Montana Independent Bankers Association policy position",
     "source": "https://mibonline.org/privacy-resolutions/",
     "source_url": "https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260414a.htm",
     "source_tier": "2",
     "retrieved_at": "2026-07-05"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "code": "W13",
   "name": "Commercial Intelligence & Fintech",
   "confidence": "Assessed",
   "moved_this_cycle": false,
   "url": "https://payments.gi/jurisdictions/united-states-montana/#w13-commercial-intelligence-fintech",
   "standing_position": "Dominant trailing-12-month commercial event is Frontier Credit Union's acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte (closed 2026-02-01), the first whole-bank credit-union acquisition in Montana; deal value undisclosed.",
   "findings": [
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "commercial_event: M&A",
     "source": "https://www.bankingdive.com/news/idaho-frontier-credit-union-buy-montana-first-citizens-bank-butte-icba/747027/",
     "source_url": "https://frontiercreditunion.com/blog/its-official-were-in-butte/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "commercial_event: M&A closing",
     "source": "https://frontiercreditunion.com/blog/its-official-were-in-butte/",
     "source_url": "https://frontiercreditunion.com/blog/its-official-were-in-butte/",
     "source_tier": "3",
     "retrieved_at": null
    },
    {
     "finding": null,
     "instrument_type": "commercial_event: earnings/product",
     "source": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001478454/000117184326000431/exh_991.htm",
     "source_url": "https://frontiercreditunion.com/blog/its-official-were-in-butte/",
     "source_tier": "1",
     "retrieved_at": null
    }
   ]
  }
 ]
}