(a) The Commissioner shall notify the parties to the proposed merger, share exchange, or asset transfer when the application is complete and all required fees have been paid. Promptly following this notification, the parties shall provide notice to clients who may be affected by the proposed merger, share exchange, or asset transfer in the form and manner specified by the Commissioner.

(b) At the expense of the parties to the proposed merger, share exchange, or asset transfer, the Commissioner may investigate the proposed transaction, including the character of the proposed directors, officers, and principal shareholders of each resulting trust institution and of any other person proposed to succeed to the accounts of the applying institutions. Notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, information bearing on the character or information about the personal finances of an existing or proposed organizer, officer, director, or shareholder is confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

(c) Based on the application and investigation, the Commissioner shall enter an order approving or denying approval of the proposed merger, share exchange, or asset transfer not later than the sixtieth day following the date the Commissioner notifies the parties that the application is complete, unless extraordinary circumstances require a longer period of review.

(d) Any written commitment made by a person proposing to engage in the merger, share exchange, or asset transfer as a condition for approval of the application is enforceable against that person.

(e) Any order entered by the Commissioner under the provisions of this section shall be subject to review by the Commission for entry of a final agency decision. (2001-263, s. 1.)