R.I. Gen. Laws § 19-3-2: Loans for which financial institution is liable.

No financial institution shall make any loan or advance whereby it is liable directly, indirectly, or contingently for the repayment of the loan or advance in whole or in part. This restriction shall not impair the right of a financial institution:

(1) To accept, under its letters of credit or other authorization, drafts or bills of exchange arising out of actual commercial transactions or issued or drawn for agricultural, industrial, or commercial purposes, at sight or on time; or

(2) To purchase from and sell mortgage loans with or without recourse to the Rhode Island housing and mortgage finance corporation or other secondary market investors.