A Compliant Website – Why It Matters
For many financial institutions, their public website is their most visited branch. A website is an important marketing tool, but it’s also a regulatory touchpoint. A website with compliance issues can expose the institution to regulatory scrutiny, reputational harm, accessibility problems, and customer mistrust. Here’s why compliance across key areas matter:
Accuracy & Transparency – General Website Information
- Retention & Site Information – Ensures compliant site record retention standards are met, and general information is correct.
- Layout, Content, & Printing – Keeps website information clear, accurate, customer-friendly, and printable for recordkeeping.
- Links, Calculators, & Products – Protects customers from broken links, inaccurate loan calculators, or incomplete product details.
- Copyrights & Trademarks – Safeguards the institution’s reputation by protecting intellectual property and respecting third-party rights.
Why it matters: Clear, accurate content prevents misleading advertising violations and builds customer confidence.
Protecting Customer Data – Online Privacy
- GLBA & FTC Fair Information Practice Principles – Ensures customer data is handled in compliance with privacy laws.
- Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy – Builds trust by being upfront about how information is collected, shared, and used.
- Analytics Usage – Confirms customer tracking complies with disclosure and opt-out requirements.
Why it matters: Transparency in data use protects the institution from privacy-related fines and enhances customer trust in digital banking.
Regulatory Disclosures – Meeting Legal Requirements
- FDIC/NCUA Notices & Logos – Confirms that insured products are properly labeled, preventing customer confusion with non-deposit products.
- Fair Lending & Equal Opportunity – Ensures that users can access, understand, and apply for financial products without bias or barriers.
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Reg B) & Fair Housing Act – Ensures equal access to credit and proper logo usage.
- EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) – Demonstrates non-discrimination in hiring.
- Consumer Protection Regulations (Reg Z, Reg E, Reg DD, Reg M) – Ensures all disclosures for credit, deposits, transfers, and leases are accurate and timely.
- Non-Deposit Investment Products (NDIP) – Prevents customer confusion by separating uninsured products from FDIC/NCUA-insured deposits.
Why it matters: Missing or incorrect disclosures are among the most common compliance exam findings – and carry enforcement risk.
Safety & Security – Customer Communication
- Weblinking Notices – Warns customers when leaving the institution’s site, reducing liability for third-party content.
- Email Link Warnings – Alerting users to not share personal information via email is an important security and trust measure.
Why it matters: Proper warnings protect both the institution and its customers from fraud and misrepresentation.
Accessibility & Youth Protections
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Ensures people with disabilities can fully access services, avoiding exclusion and legal exposure.
- COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) – Prevents unlawful collection of data from minors.
Why it matters: Accessibility and age-appropriate protections show the institution’s commitment to inclusion and fairness.
The Bottom Line
A website is more than a digital storefront – it is a regulated extension of the institution. A compliance-focused website review ensures:
- Customers receive accurate, fair, and transparent information.
- Sensitive data is protected under privacy and security rules.
- The financial institution avoids costly regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
- Accessibility, fairness, and trust remain at the core of the customer relationship.
In short: A website compliance review is key to helping protect a financial institution from legal, reputational, and operational risks while reinforcing its commitment to security, fairness, accessibility, and customer trust.
Let us know if we can help you with a web compliance review.
Neovera SV (formerly 10-D Security) is an independent firm specializing in IT security and compliance for financial institutions. We help clients mitigate risk and comply with GLBA requirements, offering tailored services and expertise to strengthen cybersecurity programs.