Section 7-1-290. Powers as surety or guarantor

   (a) Except as authorized in subsection (b) of this Code section, in paragraph (10) of Code Section 7-1-260, and in paragraph (4) of Code Section 7-1-261, a bank shall not lend its credit, bind itself as a surety to indemnify another, or otherwise become a guarantor.

(b) A bank may act as a surety or guarantor if it has a substantial interest in the performance of the transaction involved or has a segregated deposit sufficient in amount to cover the institution's potential liability.

(c) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit banks from:

   (1) Giving warranties or guaranties in connection with the handling of items for collection; the transfer, exchange, or collection of securities; or the sale or disposition of its assets;

   (2) Issuing letters of credit; and

   (3) Pledging or otherwise granting security interests in their assets to secure public funds deposited in another bank.

(d) Notwithstanding other provisions of law to the contrary, irrevocable letters of credit issued by banks domiciled in this state may, in the discretion of the party in whose favor such irrevocable letter of credit is issued, be accepted in lieu of any bond, surety, or pledge of assets required by the laws of this state or regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws.

Code 1933, § 41A-1311, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 705, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 602, § 8; Ga. L. 1989, p. 1211, § 5; Ga. L. 1993, p. 929, § 2.