New Jersey Introduces Bond Requirement for Exempt Companies Employing MLOs

The bill amends the New Jersey Residential Mortgage Lending Act, introducing a clear definition of what constitutes an exempt company under the Act.
 
A company can be deemed to be exempt if it meets a couple of requirements. It should not be a bona fide not for profit entity. The company should also not be subject to licensure as a residential mortgage lender or broker. In the same time, it employs or will employ one or more mortgage loan originators.
 
In addition, a company can qualify to be categorized as exempt if it performs mortgage loan origination only in relation to conducting loan processing or underwriting functions.
 
Once a business has verified that it meets the definition for an exempt company, they can continue onwards with the registration procedure.

With Assembly Bill 2035, New Jersey exempt companies employing MLOs have to register with the Commissioner at the State Department of Banking and Insurance. While this is the state authority in charge of overseeing the activities of various finance professionals, the actual registration process is handled by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). It is through its Web site that any application forms and supporting documents have to be submitted.
 
Besides the requirement to register, exempt companies have to meet a mortgage broker surety bond requirement. The blanket bond amount that has to be posted is determined by the Commissioner, but cannot exceed $25,000. The purpose of the bond is to provide protection for the mortgage loan origination related activities of the exempt company.
 
During the registration process, applicants have to cover a non-refundable fee of not more than $500, set by the state Commissioner. They may also need to pay fees to the NMLS during the procedure there.
 
Once registered, exempt companies have to comply with a number of obligations. They have to keep a timely communication with the Commissioner in regards to access to their records and documents. Companies also have to notify within 10 days if they cannot qualify for exempt registration anymore. Additionally, they have to employ a minimum of one licensed mortgage loan originator to oversee the other employed loan processors and underwriters.

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Todd Bryant is the President and Founder of Bryant Surety Bonds. He is a surety bonds expert with years of experience in helping mortgage professionals get bonded and stay compliant.

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