(a) If a financial institution authorized to commence business under this chapter does not commence business within two years from the filing of its organizational documents in the Office of the Secretary of State, its right to do business shall lapse.

(b) Notwithstanding the time limitation in subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner may extend the period in which business shall be commenced for a period not to exceed six months upon written application by the institution setting forth the reasons for the extension filed before the expiration of the time period established in subsection (a) of this section. If an extension is granted by the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall notify the Secretary of State. (Added 1999, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2001.)