Cease-and-Desist Order

Cease-and-desist order

An order issued after notice and opportunity for hearing, requiring a depository institution, a holding company or a depository institution official to terminate unlawful, unsafe or unsound banking practices. Cease-and-desist orders are issued by the appropriate federal regulatory agencies under the Financial Institutions Supervisory Act and can be enforced directly by the courts.

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Cease-and-Desist Order

An order from a government regulator to halt an action. Cease-and-desist orders are used to enforce licensing regulation, halt the sale of unregistered securities, or stop transactions believed to be fraudulent. The order states a period of time in which the recipient can contest it in court. If the recipient does not contest the order, or if the contest fails, the order becomes enforceable in a court of law.