MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey issued on Thursday an executive order banning banks and financial institutions from denying Alabamians services because of their political or religious beliefs.
The order mirrors one issued last August by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s order claimed that banks intentionally restricted some Americans’ access to financial services because of their beliefs or engagement in “lawful activities.”
“Some financial institutions participated in Government-directed surveillance programs targeting persons participating in activities and causes commonly associated with conservatism and the political right following the events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” the order reads.
Ivey’s order does not mention specific examples of restricted access but contends that “ensuring reliable access to financial services is fundamental to the economic stability and continued success of the State of Alabama.”
“It is the policy of the State of Alabama that no person shall be denied access to financial services due to their beliefs, affiliations, political views, or engagement in lawful activity,” her order says.
The order also directs the superintendent of banks to issue guidance about the new policy to all state-chartered banks.
Alabama Banking Department Superintendent Mike Hill said in a news release that while he believes state-chartered banks already provide fair and lawful access to their services, they should follow this policy immediately.
“Governor Ivey’s executive order closely aligns with the long-held position of the State Banking Department that no person shall be denied access to financial services solely due to their beliefs, affiliations, political views or engagement in lawful activity,” Hill said.
The state banking department oversees 88 commercial banks and two independent trust companies, according to the agency’s 2025 annual report.