The commissioner shall investigate the financial soundness, experience, character, reputation and general fitness of the applicant to determine if the business will be operated honestly and in compliance with this chapter and the regulations of the department and if the applicant merits the confidence of the community in which the license is to be located.
At the determination of the commissioner, a license may be issued to the applicant to operate as a consumer loan broker at the address stated in the application.
The commissioner may deny the application and, in that event, shall return the applicant's bond as well as one-half (1/2) of the annual fee. The commissioner shall retain the remaining one-half (1/2) and treat it as other collections permitted under this chapter.
The commissioner shall officially act on all applications within thirty (30) days of receipt of same by the department.