Every bank holding company hereafter formed shall register with the department of finance and receive the approval of the director to become a bank holding company. The director shall approve an application to form a bank holding company if he finds that the persons who are officers, directors or stockholders are of such character and fitness that a bank or banks acquired by the bank holding company will be operated in a safe, prudent and profitable manner. The application shall include such information with respect to the financial condition and operations, management, and intercompany relationships of the bank holding company and its subsidiaries and related matters, as the director may deem necessary or appropriate. The director may, in his discretion, accept copies of federal registration in lieu of state requirements.