New York state’s banking regulator wants Deutsche Bank and a pair of local lenders to hand over information about their relationships with presidential adviser Jared Kushner, his family and businesses, a new report said Wednesday.
The state’s Department of Financial Services sent letters to Deutsche Bank, Signature Bank and New York Community Bank last week, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources.
The regulators asked about the banks’ relationships with Kushner and his business properties, as well as documents and communications about certain loan requests, and set a deadline of March 5, the news service reported.
The request came from Maria Vullo, an appointee of Gov. Andrew Cuomo who serves as the department’s superintendent and also covers the banks’ processes for loan approvals.
Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, stepped down from the family business when he joined the administration a year ago and divested some assets by transferring them to relatives.
“We have not received a copy of any letter from the New York State Department of Financial Services,” Christine Taylor, a spokeswoman for the Kushner Cos., told Bloomberg.
“Our company is a multi-billion enterprise that is extremely financially strong. Prior to our CEO voluntarily resigning to serve our country, we never had any type of inquiries. These type of inquiries appear to be harassment solely for political reasons.”
Ciara Marangas, a department rep, declined to comment.
Kushner has been on the hot seat over his security clearance, with one area of concern being how much debt he and his wife Ivanka Trump are carrying.
The power couple have taken on more debt since joining the administration at banks including Signature and New York Community, according to their recent government disclosures.
Deutsche Bank is also among more than half a dozen banks that have lent money to the couple.