Express Interest in the Sandbox 

Initial step for companies seeking consideration for the NC Regulatory Sandbox. 

Begin Your Path to Testing 

The Expression of Interest form is the first step toward joining the NC Regulatory Sandbox. It notifies the NC Innovation Council that you’d like to be considered and provides enough information to determine eligibility. You can also request a consultation or an opportunity to present your product or service at a Council meeting. Presentation requests require Council approval and must address finance or insurance innovations with regulatory challenges.

Express Interest Form

 
NC Regulatory Sandbox Application

Apply to test your innovative finance or insurance product or service under a regulatory waiver in the NC Regulatory Sandbox.

Tab/Accordion Items

  • Each product or service requires a separate application.
  • The NC Innovation Council, established by G.S. 169-4, reviews applications on a rolling basis, assigns participants to the appropriate state agency, and may request additional information or a presentation.
  • The Council cannot provide legal advice. Applicants are responsible for understanding applicable regulations and possible exemptions.
  • Please review the FAQs before submitting an application.

  • Seeking a regulatory waiver for finance or insurance tech innovation.
  • Have a product/service ready for market testing.
  • Be registered in North Carolina (prior to Sandbox testing).
  • Must be a domestic corporation or entity.

  • Timeline: Decisions within 90–120 days; State agencies review in 45 business days.
  • Completeness: Executive Director checks applications; incomplete submissions are denied with explanation.
  • Council Review: Evaluates risks, benefits, statutes, monitoring plans, consumer protections, bonds, waiver length, and agency recommendations.
  • Engagement: Applicants may present; public can comment; Council may request additional information.
  • Outcome: Approved applications receive a waiver agreement; denials include written reasons within 10 business days.

  • A $50 application fee is required; applications are incomplete until it is received.
  • Participants may need to post a consumer protection bond or deposit with the applicable State agency, funds are released after the waiver expires or all claims are resolved.
  • Participation fees are due upon execution of the waiver agreement, based on the entity’s size and expected revenue of the innovative product. Fee schedule listed below.  
Venue (or Risk)
Number of EmployeesLess than $10,000$10,000 to less than $100,000$100,000 to less than $1,000,000$1,000,000 to less than $10,000,000$10,000,000 and more
1-10$450$900$1,800$3,600$7,200
11-100$900$1,800$3,600$7,200$14,400
101-1000$1,800$3,600$7,200$14,400$28,800
1,001-50,000$3,600$7,200$14,400$28,800$57,600
50,001 and more$7,200$14,400$28,800$57,600$115,200

Submit an Application

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