Nissan Motor Acceptance Company Files Application to Establish Nissan Bank U.S., LLC, Strengthening Dealer Financing Capabilities
Nissan Motor Acceptance Company (NMAC), the dedicated financial services division of Nissan North America, has taken a major step in expanding its capabilities by formally submitting an application to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. The company is seeking regulatory approval to establish Nissan Bank U.S., LLC, an industrial bank that would be headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The proposed institution marks a strategic evolution in Nissan’s approach to automotive financing in the United States. As envisioned, Nissan Bank U.S. will focus primarily on commercial financing for automotive dealerships, with the goal of increasing operational efficiency, reducing financing costs, and expanding services not only for Nissan and INFINITI dealers, but also for non-Nissan affiliated dealerships nationwide.
Expanding on Four Decades of Dealer Support
For over 40 years, NMAC has served as a key financial partner for Nissan’s dealer network across the country, offering a range of products and services designed to support dealer operations, inventory management, and customer financing. The formation of Nissan Bank U.S. represents a natural next step in that legacy, offering the ability to deliver more tailored, cost-effective, and responsive financial products that align with the evolving needs of today’s dealership environment.
According to Kevin Cullum, President of NMAC, the decision to pursue the formation of a bank underscores Nissan’s long-term commitment to enhancing its dealer relationships while investing in the strength of the broader automotive retail ecosystem.
“For over 40 years, NMAC has supported our dealer network with stable, relationship-driven financing,” said Cullum. “Forming Nissan Bank U.S. gives us greater flexibility to serve dealers more efficiently and competitively—so they can better serve their customers. It also deepens our support for locally owned dealerships, many of which are small businesses that anchor their communities. From small towns to major markets, this Bank will help dealers access the tools they need to grow—while reinforcing our long-term investment in the U.S. market.”
A Focus on Efficiency, Flexibility, and Local Impact
The creation of Nissan Bank U.S. would allow NMAC to operate under a banking charter, providing the ability to offer a broader range of financial solutions at more competitive rates. The bank will harness NMAC’s proven track record in commercial lending and its existing relationships with more than 1,200 dealerships across the country.
One of the core advantages of forming the bank is the potential to streamline commercial financing processes, resulting in faster decisions, better interest rate structures, and customized loan products that meet the unique capital needs of dealerships. These improvements are expected to directly enhance dealer profitability and customer satisfaction, particularly in an era of rapid change across the automotive retail landscape.
While large, corporate-owned dealerships exist, a significant portion of Nissan and INFINITI’s dealer base is composed of independent, locally owned small businesses. These dealerships often serve as cornerstones of their communities, providing jobs, supporting local initiatives, and contributing to regional economies. The proposed bank aims to reinforce this economic role by delivering more accessible, community-focused financing tools.
Commitment to Community Investment and Economic Development
Beyond its core commercial lending function, Nissan Bank U.S. intends to play a broader role in supporting community and economic development. In line with Nissan’s existing values and corporate responsibility initiatives, the bank plans to invest in programs that promote financial literacy, affordable housing, and economic mobility—particularly in underserved areas.
Utah, home to the proposed bank headquarters, is likely to benefit directly from these initiatives, with potential expansion to other regions as the bank grows. These community-focused investments will align with federal guidelines for industrial banks while also reflecting Nissan’s enduring commitment to the well-being of the markets it serves.
No Change to Consumer Lending
It is important to note that the formation of Nissan Bank U.S. will not affect NMAC’s current offerings to retail customers. Consumer auto loans, leases, and other related services will continue to be provided directly by NMAC, which will maintain its focus on supporting customer vehicle financing and ownership experiences.
The bank will operate alongside NMAC as a specialized financial vehicle dedicated to commercial clients—namely dealerships—providing them with expanded access to capital and tools needed to navigate a dynamic and increasingly competitive automotive environment.
Regulatory Process and Strategic Advisors
As with all proposed banking institutions, the establishment of Nissan Bank U.S. is subject to regulatory approval. NMAC has submitted its application in accordance with guidelines set forth by the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. The process is expected to involve a thorough review to ensure compliance with applicable laws and financial oversight requirements.
In preparing the application, Nissan collaborated with a team of experienced advisors and legal counsel to ensure a robust and comprehensive submission. Klaros Group, a strategic advisory firm with deep expertise in financial services innovation and regulation, worked closely with NMAC throughout the planning and submission process. Legal representation was provided by Covington & Burling LLP, a prominent law firm known for its financial regulatory practice.
Strategic Timing and Market Outlook
The timing of this application reflects broader trends within the automotive and financial services sectors. As dealership operations become more data-driven and digitally integrated, the need for flexible, responsive, and efficient financing solutions continues to grow. Additionally, shifting consumer behavior, supply chain dynamics, and emerging mobility trends have placed increasing pressure on dealerships to modernize and invest in infrastructure, technology, and customer experience enhancements.
By forming a dedicated industrial bank, Nissan positions itself at the forefront of these changes—delivering tools and resources that help dealerships navigate industry headwinds while continuing to grow. The bank’s ability to offer tailored financial services is expected to create meaningful differentiation in a competitive lending market.
If approved, Nissan Bank U.S. would join a select group of industrial banks operating in the United States, many of which are tied to large non-financial parent companies. This model allows commercial entities to offer financial services through a separately regulated banking subsidiary, enabling more targeted and cost-effective solutions for specific business functions.
For Nissan, this move represents more than just a financial restructuring—it signals a forward-looking strategy that leverages financial services as a competitive advantage. It aligns with Nissan’s global vision of delivering value through innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement.
As the application moves through the regulatory review process, NMAC and its partners remain committed to transparency, compliance, and collaboration with stakeholders at every level.
