The merger of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the Pennsylvania Securities Commission, signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett in July, became effective Monday.

The office is now known as the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.

The merger was made possible by Act 86, which was signed into law by Corbett on July 2. Since that time, the Department of Banking and the Securities Commission have been working together to ensure a seamless transition, according to Corbett's office.

Mailing addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers for individual staff members will remain the same for both entities. Executive offices for the new Department of Banking and Securities will reside at the current Department of Banking location in Harrisburg, Pa.

During this transition period, the institutions and professionals that are chartered and licensed by the Department of Banking will see no changes, said Department of Banking Secretary Glenn  Moyer.

“Reducing the size and cost of state government for taxpayers is a top priority for my administration. The merger of these two state government entities will lead to an initial savings of $1 million, with more possible as we move forward with the consolidation,” Corbett said.

Cost savings were achieved in various ways, including the reduction of duplicative services and operations, according to the Corbett's office.

Contact information for the new Department of Banking and Securities is below:

• Banking issues: 17 N. Second St., Suite 1300,      Harrisburg, Pa. 17101
• Securities issues: Eastgate Office Building, 2nd Floor,      1010 N. Seventh St., Harrisburg, Pa. 17102-1410
• Consumer inquiries and complaints: 1-800-PA-BANKS      (1-800-722-2657)
• Securities and investor inquiries and complaints:      1-800-600-0007
• Website: www.dobs.state.pa.us