FinTech → Chartered Bank Roadmap
Transitioning ThinkMakes from a banking infrastructure "renter" to a full charter "landlord" — capturing Net Interest Margin, full interchange, and institutional valuation multiples.
Two Paths to Charter Ownership
Build from Scratch (Varo Model)
✅ Pros
• Full control from day one
• No legacy liabilities
• OCC national charter
⚠️ Cons
• Longest timeline
• Highest capital requirement
• Extensive regulatory review
Buy to Play (SoFi Model)
✅ Pros
• Fastest route to charter
• Existing FDIC insurance
• Established customer base
⚠️ Cons
• Requires cash to buy out owners
• Inherits legacy systems
• Due diligence complexity
An Industrial Loan Company (ILC) Charter allows a non-financial parent company (like ThinkMakes, a tech/political org) to own a full bank — without the same Bank Holding Company restrictions applied to commercial banks.
Why ILC?
Offers full banking services. Parent company (ThinkMakes) does not need to divest from other business lines. Available in Utah, Nevada, California.
Notable ILC Holders
Toyota Financial, BMW Bank, Square (Block), Nelnet — all non-bank parents owning FDIC-insured banks via ILC charter.
How You Get Paid as a Bank Owner
Take user deposits at 0.05% and lend at 15–25% via credit cards or business loans. Keep the entire spread.
Keep the full interchange fee on every card swipe instead of sharing 50–80% with Stride or Evolve.
Chartered banks trade at multiples of Book Value. Your valuation jumps from "software app" to "regulated utility."
Immediate Steps (Before the $20M Charter)
Negotiate higher revenue share with your partner bank based on deposit volume you bring in.
Help your partner underwrite loans to your 37+ projects and take a referral or servicing fee.
File for an Industrial Loan Company charter in Utah — allows a non-financial parent company to own a bank.
Begin capital raise targeting $20M through platform investors and the ThinkMakes Innovation Exchange.
| Path | Min Capital | Timeline | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Novo (OCC) | $20M–$50M | 3–5 years | OCC |
| Acquisition | Varies | 12–18 months | OCC / Fed |
| ILC (Utah) | $10M–$20M | 18–36 months | UDFI / FDIC |
