On March 20, the NMLS proposed a processing fee to support a uniform and automated method for state-licensed money transmitters to report information concerning authorized agents/delegates to NMLS participating state agencies. The proposal notes that as of March 2013, 10 state agencies manage their money transmitter licenses through NMLS and an additional 20 agencies intend to do so by the end of 2014. The NMLS proposes to support that functionality through a fee of no more than fifty cents ($.50) per active agent/delegate location, assessed once per year, based on the number of all active agent/delegate locations as of a certain date. Money transmitter licensees with less than 100 active agent/delegate locations reported through NMLS will not be assessed a fee. The fee, which is distinct from and independent of fees or assessments required by state agencies, would be charged starting in 2014. The NMLS seeks comments on the proposal by April 19, 2013.

The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) held its fifth annual NMLS User Conference and Training in San Antonio, Texas from February 26 through March 1, 2013. The Conference brought together state and federal mortgage regulators, industry professionals, compliance companies, top law firms, and education providers to learn about the latest developments in mortgage supervision and to discuss pressing issues confronting the industry.

The first day of the Conference included the bi-annual NMLS Ombudsman Meeting, which provided an opportunity for NMLS users to raise issues concerning the NMLS, state and/or federal regulation. NMLS Ombudsman Timothy Siwy, Deputy Secretary of Non-Depository Institutions with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, presided over the meeting, in which specific questions submitted by industry representatives were addressed. Several of the submitted questions focused on the new Uniform State Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Exam or Uniform State Test (the UST) of which 24 agencies have already adopted. Concerns were raised by the regulators as some state statutes require that a state’s specific laws be tested as a pre-requisite of MLO licensure. Others, such as regulators from California and Utah, had concerns that MLOs would not adequately learn state specific laws and regulations prior to licensure.  In light of these concerns, industry representatives indicated that the UST is only the first step in licensure, and continuing education requirements, monitoring, and examinations would also serve as opportunities to ensure MLOs are well-versed in applicable state specific licensing laws and regulations.

Other areas of focus included NMLS’s expansion to include non-mortgage licenses, such as payday lender and pawn broker licenses. Some industry representatives voiced concern that approval of a license via the NMLS now carries with it an image of legitimacy with the public and expanding licensure to non-mortgage, less regulated industries could undermine that image. Regulators responded that the NMLS is a tracking mechanism—a way for regulators to track licensees state-to-state and industry-to-industry—not an independent licensing credential.

Full details regarding the specific issues submitted for comment, as well as accompanying exhibits, will be available on the NMLS Website, Ombudsman Page.  A recording of the Ombudsman Meeting should be posted to the NMLS Resource Center in the near future.

The remaining days of the Conference covered Read more…

Recently, the Virginia State Corporation Commission adopted regulations proposed by the Bureau of Financial Institutions to clarify that individuals engaged in the business of a loan processor or underwriter, who do not otherwise engage in mortgage broker activities, are not mortgage brokers subject to state licensing requirements. The final rule also (i) broadens the scope of prohibited activities for licensees, (ii) establishes requirements for licensees’ outsourcing of loan processing and underwriting, (iii) requires licensees to update its NMLS loan originator sponsorship information following changes in originator status, (iv) adds a definition for “refinancing” that includes any loan modification, and (v) expands the Bureau’s enforcement authorities. The amended regulations took effect January 28, 2013.

On January 16, the CSBS announced that a new national mortgage loan originator (MLO) test with a uniform state component will be available on April 1, 2013. The 2009 SAFE Act requires that MLOs pass a test in order to obtain a state originator license through the NMLS. Since adoption of the SAFE Act, the test has been comprised of two parts: a national component and a state-specific component. The new test administered by the NMLS is meant to streamline the licensing process for originators seeking to obtain licenses in multiple states. Twenty state agencies will no longer require a state-specific test component as of April 1, 2013, with four more states removing the requirement on July 1, 2013. The NMLS posted additional details about the test, including costs and enrollment eligibility.

On December 21, the NMLS announced that NMLS Release 2013.1 is planned for March 18, 2013. As summarized in the Release Portfolio, the updated systems will (i) allow state agencies to invoice licensees for various fees, (ii) provide money transmitters the ability to submit periodic reports regarding authorized agents, (iii) allow state regulators to adopt the newly created Uniform State Test Component in lieu of existing State-specific Test Components to satisfy the SAFE Test State Component Requirement, and (iv) display through NMLS Consumer Access self-reported disciplinary actions for federally registered mortgage loan originators.

On December 18, the NMLS announced that its fifth Annual Conference and Training will be held February 26 – March 1, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. The Conference allows companies that manage financial services licenses or registration through NMLS to hear directly from state and federal policymakers regarding the NMLS system and regulatory and compliance developments.

On November 1, the NMLS issued a reminder that the renewal period for state-licensed entities and individuals runs from November 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. The NMLS also provided a Renewal Handbook to guide users in the renewal process, as well as state-specific renewal FAQs, and deadline and fees charts.

On October 1, Oklahoma began transitioning state-licensed money transmitters to the NMLS. Existing and new licensees must create a company record in the NMLS and begin using the system for new licenses and renewals. The NMLS has issued instructions for new applications as well as company transition requests. Because the Oklahoma State Banking Department cannot receive electronic payments, licensees still must mail fee payments to the Department with a copy of the new or renewal application.

On September 28, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) proposed a system for state-licensed money service businesses (MSBs) to report information concerning authorized delegates through NMLS. Licensed MSBs are permitted to contract with third-parties-authorized delegates-to perform the function of receiving and dispensing funds on behalf of the MSB. Most state regulators require that MSBs report information regarding their authorized delegates. NMLS currently is expanding to allow state agencies to manage filings by non-mortgage companies, including MSBs. To date, nine states have started to manage or have announced their intent to manage MSB licenses through NMLS. An NMLS working group has determined that the reporting of authorized delegate information is not supported by NMLS’ existing platform. The instant proposal (i) identifies new NMLS functionality to facilitate reporting of authorized delegate information, (ii) outlines policies to implement such reporting, and (iii) describes the process by which an MSB would report such information through NMLS. The CSBS has requested comment from licensees and regulatory agencies by November 1, 2012.

On September 26, the NMLS published a portfolio of targeted system enhancements scheduled for release on October 22, 2012. The release will include (i) credit report enhancements, (ii) updates to the federal registry disciplinary actions reporting pursuant to the SAFE Act, (iii) renewal enhancements, and (iv) other general system enhancements. One such enhancement would require federally registered mortgage loan originators to provide certain disciplinary action information related to any disclosure questions they answered in the affirmative.

Beginning September 1, 2012, Idaho and Pennsylvania transitioned to NMLS the state licensing process for certain non-mortgage consumer financial service providers. In Idaho, all money transmitters now have the option of using the NMLS to obtain or renew their licenses. In Pennsylvania, all debt management services, money transmitter, and accelerated mortgage payment providers can begin to use the NMLS for all licensing-related transactions as of September 1, 2012. Effective November 1, 2012, all new applications must be processed through NMLS, and all current license holders must submit a transition request by December 31, 2012.

The American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators (AARMR) held its 23rd Annual Regulatory Conference in Boston, Massachusetts from August 14-17, 2012.  AARMR is the trade association of state mortgage regulators that coordinates state-level regulation of the mortgage industry and, in partnership with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), created the National Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS).

The Conference brought together state and federal mortgage regulators, industry professionals, compliance companies, legal professionals, and education providers to discuss the latest developments in mortgage supervision and pressing issues confronting the industry, most notably developments regarding: (i) the SAFE Act and entity level licensing through the NMLS and (ii) the examination, enforcement and rulemaking initiatives of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Read more…

Recently, Maine finalized a rule to convert licensing of state supervised mortgage lenders and brokers to the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). In concert with the transition to NMLS, the state regulator (i) converted the state’s two-year license to a one year license, (ii) shifted the annual licensing date from September 30 to January 1, and (iii) set new licensing fees. Starting August 31, 2012, new applicants can begin using the NMLS to obtain a license and currently licensed lenders and brokers can transition to the NMLS as renewals. To aid in the transition, the NMLS provides requirements checklists and transition information on its website.

Recently, the NMLS released the Nationwide View of State-Licensed Mortgage Entities and the NMLS Federal Registry Report for the second quarter of 2012. The Nationwide View report provides information regarding state-licensed entities including application activity and licensed entities by state, among other summary data. The Federal Registry report provides summary data regarding federally registered institutions.