The FSC stated that, in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulations Governing Domestic Branches of Financial Institutions (the Regulations), banks and credit cooperatives that meet requirements in terms of soundness of financial business can apply to the FSC to set up domestic branches in May annually.
Eight items have been listed as this year’s evaluation items when financial institutions apply to set up domestic branches; they are as the following: public benefit, financial education,  financial crime prevention, SME loan growth rate, performance in granting loans to SMEs run by women, employment of the full quota of disabled persons required by law, provision of barrier-free financial services (including whether barrier-free online banking and WEB ATM have been completed and whether barrier-free ATM established,) and acceptance of deposits from credit unions. The aim is to encourage financial institutions to take part in public benefit activities and help promote policies. 
Also in line with Article 5 of the Regulations, financial institutions can apply to the FSC to set up branches in remote areas at any time; the FSC will regularly post the list of areas where financial services are lacking on its official website to facilitate application by financial institutions.