Compliance Audit Services for Banks &
Credit Unions
Cannabis Compliance CRB Audits &
Bank Program Support
ICS Consulting provides independent, third-party state cannabis regulatory compliance audits for financial institutions serving Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs). We help banks and credit unions reduce regulatory risk, strengthen CRB oversight, and maintain examiner-ready cannabis banking programs through customized audits, program reviews, and regulatory expertise.
Supporting Compliant Cannabis Banking Programs Nationwide
Financial institutions rely on ICS Consulting to independently evaluate cannabis regulatory compliance at the state level, helping ensure CRB clients are operating in alignment with applicable cannabis laws and regulations. Our state cannabis compliance audits provide banks and credit unions with clear, documented insight into regulatory and operational risk specific to Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs). This independent, third-party review supports stronger oversight, informed risk management, and ongoing confidence in compliant cannabis banking relationships.
Cannabis Operations CORE™ Audits
for Cannabis-Related Businesses
ICS Consulting conducts our custom (CORE™) Cannabis Operations Review and Evaluations for CRB clients of banks and credit unions. These audits are specifically designed for CRB Programs and to help financial institutions meet oversight expectations by verifying that cannabis customers are operating in compliance with state cannabis regulations.
Our audits are:
- Independent and third-party
- By state and license type
- Aligned with bank oversight and risk management needs
- Confidential, secure and non-disruptive to CRB operations
- Customized for Banks and Credit Unions
- Remote and/or On-Site
- We offer annual CRB Audit Packages
Our Custom CORE™ Audit Checklist
All CRB audits are conducted using our proprietary CORE™ Audit Checklist, which evaluates key cannabis operational and regulatory requirements, including:
- Recordkeeping and regulatory reporting
- Facility compliance and security requirements
- State compliance alignment relevant to financial institution oversight
Audit deliverables are structured to support both the bank’s due diligence obligations and the CRB’s ongoing compliance efforts.
CRB Program Audits for Banks and
Credit Unions
In addition to auditing CRB clients, ICS Consulting supports financial institutions directly through Banking (CRB) Program Audits.
Cannabis Banking Program Audit
These audits review the structure, controls, and regulatory alignment of a bank’s internal cannabis banking program.
Our CRB Program Audits are risk-based and designed to:
- Strengthen program defensibility
- Identify policy and operational gaps
- Support alignment with FinCEN guidance
- Complement BSA/AML frameworks and internal controls
- Support examiner and regulator expectations
Risk-Based, Institution-Specific Approach
ICS Consulting tailors every CRB Program Audit to the institution’s unique risk profile, underwriting standards, and operational structure. Our collaborative approach ensures practical recommendations without disrupting existing banking operations.
Training & Cannabis Compliance Education for Financial Institutions & CRB Clients
ICS Consulting provides cannabis compliance training and education for:
- Bank and credit union teams
- CRB clients and cannabis operators
Training is available remotely or in-person and focuses on:
- State cannabis regulatory requirements
- Compliance expectations tied to banking relationships
- Audit preparedness and ongoing compliance best practices
We've worked with banks across the US providing training for their staff and CRB customers.
Why Banks & Credit Unions Work With ICS Consulting
ICS Consulting has been advocating and lobbying for SAFE Baking for the last decade in Washington D.C., and working directly with financial institutions serving Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs) for last 10 years conducting compliance audits.
Banks & Credit Unions work with ICS Consulting because:
- Our Deep expertise in regulated cannabis operations
- Proven experience supporting financial institutions nationwide
- Independent, third-party audit services
- Risk-based approach aligned with underwriting and compliance goals
- Confidential, professional, and examiner-aware
- We're a Trusted partner to both banks and cannabis operators
At ICS, we’re not just compliance experts - we’re trusted strategic partners, dedicated to helping businesses stay audit-ready, aligned with state and federal expectations, and fully prepared for long-term operational success.
Cannabis Banking Audits &
CRB Banking Programs – FAQ
What is a Cannabis Operations Regulatory audit for CRBs?
- Cannabis Operations Regulatory Audit is an independent, third-party review of a cannabis operator’s compliance with state cannabis laws and regulations. Banks use these audits to support oversight of Cannabis-Related Business customers and as part of KYC (Know Your Customer).
Do you audit the bank or the cannabis business?
- ICS Consulting does both. We conduct state cannabis compliance audits of CRB clients and provide CRB Program Audits for banks and credit unions to evaluate their internal cannabis banking programs.
Are these audits related to BSA/AML compliance?
- Our CRB operations audits focus on state cannabis regulatory compliance and our CRB Banking Program Audits aligns with FinCEN guidance, SARS and supports BSA/AML frameworks, ICS Consulting does not provide BSA/AML or financial audits.
Are your audits customized by state?
- Yes. All CRB audits are customized based on state regulations, license type, and the financial institution’s oversight requirements.
Are audits disruptive to CRB operations?
- No. Our audits are designed to be confidential, collaborative, and minimally disruptive while still providing thorough compliance review.
Create a Culture of Compliance
Reach out today.
ICS Consulting are national cannabis compliance experts specializing in licensing, OSHA compliance, workplace safety programs, operational readiness, and regulatory advisory services for operators, government agencies, and legal professionals across regulated and emerging U.S. cannabis markets. For more information on how ICS Consulting can help your cannabis business, book a free 30-minute consult.