Maryland Department of Labor Announces Retirement of Financial Regulation Commissioner Antonio P. Salazar

BALTIMORE, MD (October 9, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Labor today announced the upcoming retirement of Antonio P. "Tony" Salazar, who has served as the State’s 23rd Commissioner of Financial Regulation since July 5, 2017. Commissioner Salazar will step down from his role leading the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) on October 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished career in banking law and financial regulation spanning more than four decades.

The OFR is Maryland’s primary consumer financial protection agency. The Office is responsible for supervising all state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, as well as more than 17,000 non-depository licensees and registrants—including mortgage lenders, brokers, money transmitters, and debt management services. Under Commissioner Salazer’s leadership, the OFR has significantly strengthened consumer protections and elevated Maryland's profile as a national leader in financial services policy.

“I want to extend my deep gratitude to Commissioner Salazar for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the people of Maryland over the past nine years,†said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Tony has been a true champion for financial regulation and consumer protection in Maryland—working to safeguard the assets of Maryland families and serving with expertise, dedication, and integrity. The impact of his work will be felt for decades to come.â€

Commissioner Salazar’s leadership extended far beyond state lines. In May 2025, his national peers elected him as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), the nationwide organization representing state financial regulators across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Prior to becoming Chair, Salazar served in several key leadership roles on the CSBS Board. His national leadership brought a vital voice for Maryland in shaping state and federal financial services regulations and consumer protections.

“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve as Maryland's Commissioner of Financial Regulation,†said Commissioner Salazar. “I am incredibly proud of what the Office of Financial Regulation has accomplished. Working side-by-side with our dedicated staff, we have worked tirelessly to protect consumers, support a stable, growing financial system, as well as create and implement innovative programs such as the Access to Banking Act and the Maryland Stablecoin Act. I step down knowing that our financial oversight framework is stronger, more inclusive, and well-positioned for the future.â€

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner in 2017, Salazar built an extensive legal career in the private and public sectors. He led the Banking and Financial Institutions practice at the law firm Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC, and served for 18 years as Deputy General Counsel of Provident Bank in Baltimore. Salazar began his legal career as an enforcement attorney with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Commissioner Salazar has also been highly active in local community leadership. He is a graduate of Leadership Howard County and Leadership Maryland, and he has served on numerous local boards, including the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Board of Directors, the James Rouse Entrepreneurial Fund, and Centro de la Comunidad. He also served as a member of the Maryland Commission on Financial Education and Capability. He is looking forward to spending more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Under Maryland law, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation is appointed by the Secretary of Labor, with approval from the governor, and confirmed by the Maryland State Senate. MD Labor will work closely with the Governor's Appointments Office on a search to ensure a seamless transition. An interim appointment will be made in accordance with statute.

-###-

The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow MD Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website.

The Office of Financial Regulation helps safeguard Marylanders' financial interests by enforcing the State's consumer financial protection laws. The Office supervises state-chartered banks and credit unions, trust companies, and state-licensed lenders, money transmitters, and other financial providers. To learn more, visit labor.maryland.gov/finance.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.