Commerce, Real Estate

Rule R162-2c

Utah Residential Mortgage Practices and Licensing Rules

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 34431
Filed: 02/14/2011 12:17:56 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This amendment: 1) clarifies the roles of principal lending manager and branch lending manager; and 2) moves from statute and into rule the specific factors that disqualify an applicant from licensure.

Summary of the rule or change:

In Subsection R162-2c-201(5), language is added to clarify: 1) that a principal lending manager may not simultaneously serve as a branch lending manager; and 2) that an individual may not serve as the branch lending manager for more than one branch at any given time. In Subsection R162-2c-202, language is added that, to date, has been included in statute (Section 61-2c-203). H.B. 91 (2011 Legislative Session) proposes to remove this language so that it may be incorporated into rule, where the division will have more flexibility to make changes as needed to comply with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and the Department of Housing and Urban Development efforts to standardize mortgage licensing and enforcement across the country.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 61-2c-103(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The proposed amendments do not create a new program or requirement that the state will be required to implement or enforce. Therefore, no fiscal impact to the state budget is anticipated.

local governments:

Local governments are not subject to Division licensing requirements. Therefore, they are not affected by these amendments, and no fiscal impact to local governments is anticipated.

small businesses:

Small businesses that operate branch offices will be required to assign a unique individual to act as the branch lending manager for each branch office. Complying with this requirement might require some small businesses to arrange for a mortgage loan originator to license as a principal lending manager. A small business that chooses to bear these costs on behalf of the loan originator will pay fees for prelicensing education, testing, and application. The Division's position is that these costs are justified because having qualified on-site supervision of branch office activities provides valuable protections for the public.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

A mortgage loan originator who is required by his or her employer to obtain the principal lending manager license in order to serve as a branch lending manager will, if the employer does not cover the costs, pay fees for prelicensing education, testing, and application. The Division's position is that these costs are justified because having qualified on-site supervision of branch office activities provides valuable protections for the public. However, a person so affected is not required to complete additional continuing education in order to renew the principal lending manager license in the same year it is obtained. Therefore, the costs of obtaining the new license will be offset, at least to a degree.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

An affected person who is required to obtain the principal lending manager license in order to serve as a branch lending manager will, if the employer does not cover the costs, pay fees for prelicensing education, testing, and application.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule filing adds the standards that each branch office must have its own branch lending manager, and a principal lending manager may not simultaneously serve as a branch lending manager. There is a potential additional cost to businesses that must obtain a branch lending manager to meet this requirement, but such costs are expected to be outweighed by the benefit of having a branch lending manager supervisor on site. No other fiscal impact to businesses is anticipated.

Francine A. Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Real Estate
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Jennie Jonsson at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6706, by FAX at 801-526-4387, or by Internet E-mail at jjonsson@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

03/31/2011

This rule may become effective on:

04/07/2011

Authorized by:

Deanna Sabey, Director

R162. Commerce, Real Estate.

R162-2c. Utah Residential Mortgage Practices and Licensing Rules.

R162-2c-201. Licensing and Registration Procedures.

(1) Mortgage loan originator.

(a) To obtain a Utah license to practice as a mortgage loan originator, an individual who is not currently and validly licensed in any state shall:

(i) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) obtain a unique identifier through the nationwide database;

(iv) successfully complete, within the 12-month period prior to the date of application, 40 hours of Utah-specific pre-licensing education as approved by the division;

(v)(A) successfully complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education as approved by the nationwide database according to the nationwide database outline for national course curriculum; or

(B) if the individual previously passed the 20-hour national course, obtained a license, and thereafter allowed the license to expire, successfully complete continuing education:

(I) approved by the nationwide database; and

(II) in the number of hours that would have been required to renew the expired license in the year in which the individual allowed the license to expire;

(vi) take and pass the examinations that meet the requirements of Section 61-2c-204.1(4) and that:

(A) are approved and administered through the nationwide database; and

(B) consist of a national component and a Utah-specific state component;

(vii) request licensure as a mortgage loan originator through the nationwide database;

(viii) authorize a criminal background check and submit fingerprints through the nationwide database;

(ix) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(x) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(xi) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(b) To obtain a Utah license to practice as a mortgage loan originator, an individual who is currently and validly licensed in another state shall:

(i) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii)(A) successfully complete, within the 12-month period prior to the date of application, 40 hours of Utah-specific mortgage loan originator prelicensing education; and

(B) take and pass the Utah-specific state examination component;

(iv) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(v) request licensure as a mortgage loan originator through the nationwide database;

(vi) authorize a criminal background check through the nationwide database;

(vii) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(viii) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(2) Principal lending manager. To obtain a Utah license to practice as a PLM, an individual shall:

(a) qualify as a mortgage loan originator through the nationwide database;

(b) evidence good moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(c) evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(d) obtain approval from the division to take the Utah-specific PLM prelicensing education by evidencing that the applicant has, within the five years preceding the date of application, had three years of full-time active experience as a mortgage loan originator;

(e) within the 12-month period preceding the date of application, successfully complete 40 hours of Utah-specific PLM prelicensing education as certified by the division;

(f)(i) if currently licensed in Utah as a mortgage loan originator, take and pass a principal lending manager examination as approved by the commission; or

(ii) if not currently licensed in Utah as a mortgage loan originator, take and pass:

(A) the Utah-specific state examination component; and

(B) a principal lending manager examination as approved by the commission;

(g) provide to the division all relevant information regarding "yes" answers to disclosure questions found within the application submitted on the MU4 form;

(h) register in the nationwide database by selecting the "principal lending manager" license type and completing the associated MU4 form;

(i) complete, sign, and submit to the division a social security verification form as provided by the division; and

(j) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(3) Associate lending manager. To obtain a Utah license to practice as an ALM, an individual shall:

(a) comply with this Subsection (2)(a) through (g);

(b) register in the nationwide database by selecting the "associate lending manager" license type and completing the associated MU4 form; and

(c) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(4) Mortgage entity.

(a) To obtain a Utah license to operate as a mortgage entity, a person shall:

(i) establish that all control persons meet the requirements for moral character pursuant to R162-2c-202(1);

(ii) establish that all control persons meet the requirements for competency pursuant to R162-2c-202(2);

(iii) register any other trade name with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code;

(iv) register the entity in the nationwide database by:

(A) submitting an MU1 form that includes:

(I) all required identifying information;

(II) the name of the PLM who will serve as the entity's qualifying individual;

(III) the name of any individuals who may serve as control persons;

(IV) the entity's registered agent; and

(V) any other trade name under which the entity will operate; and

(B) creating a sponsorship through the nationwide database that identifies the mortgage loan originator(s) sponsored by the entity;

(v) register any branch office operating from a different location than the entity;

(vi) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database;

(vii) provide to the division proof that any assumed business name or other trade name is registered with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code;

(viii) provide to the division all court documents related to any criminal proceeding not disclosed through a previous application or renewal and involving any control person;

(ix) provide to the division complete documentation of any action taken by a regulatory agency against:

(A) the entity itself; or

(B) any control person; and

(C) not disclosed through a previous application or renewal; and

(x) provide to the division a notarized letter on company letterhead, signed by the owner or president of the entity, authorizing the PLM to use the entity's name.

(b) Restrictions on entity name. No license may be issued by the division to an entity that proposes to operate under a name that closely resembles the name of another entity licensee, or that the division determines might otherwise be confusing or misleading.

(5) Branch office.

(a) To register a branch office with the division, a person shall:

(i) obtain a Utah entity license for the entity under which the branch office will be registered;

(ii) submit to the nationwide database an MU3 form that includes:

(A) all required identifying information; and

(B) [if registering on or after November 1, 2010,] the name of the ALM who will serve as the branch lending manager;

(iii) create a sponsorship through the nationwide database that identifies the mortgage loan originator(s) who will work from the branch office; and

(iv) pay all fees through the nationwide database as required by the division and by the nationwide database.

(b) A person who registers another trade name and operates under that trade name from an address that is different from the address of the entity shall register the other trade name as a branch office pursuant to this Subsection (5).

(c)(i) A PLM may not simultaneously serve as a BLM.

(ii) An individual may not serve as the BLM for more than one branch at any given time.

(6) Licenses not transferable.

(a) A licensee shall not transfer the licensee's license to any other person.

(b) A licensee shall not allow any other person to work under the licensee's license.

(c) If a change in corporate structure of a licensed entity creates a separate and unique legal entity, that entity shall obtain a unique license, and shall not operate under any existing license.

(7) Expiration of test results.

(a) Scores for the mortgage loan originator licensing examination shall be valid for five years.

(b) Scores for the PLM exam shall be valid for 90 days.

(8) Incomplete PLM or ALM application.

(a) The division may grant a 30-day extension of the 90-day application window upon a finding that:

(i) an applicant has made a good faith attempt to submit a completed application; but

(ii) requires more time to provide missing documents or to obtain additional information.

(b) If the applicant does not supply the required documents or information within the 30-day extension, the division may deny the application as incomplete.

(9) Nonrefundable fees. All fees are nonrefundable, regardless of whether an application is granted or denied.

(10) Other trade names.

(a) The division shall not approve a license for any person operating under an assumed business name that poses a reasonable likelihood of misleading the public into thinking that the person is:

(i) endorsed by the division, the state government, or the federal government;

(ii) an agency of the state or federal government; or

(iii) not engaged in the business of residential mortgage loans.

(b) A mortgage entity that operates under another trade name shall register the other trade name by including it on the MU1 form and obtaining the required registration.

 

R162-2c-202. Qualifications for Licensure.

(1) Character. Individual applicants and control persons shall evidence good moral character, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness.

(a) An applicant [shall be denied a license for]may not have:

(i) [criminal history as outlined in Section 61-2c-203(1)(a)-(f);]been convicted of, pled guilty to, pled no contest to, pled guilty in a similar manner to, or resolved by diversion or its equivalent:

(A) a felony involving an act of fraud, dishonesty, a breach of trust, or money laundering;

(B) any felony in the seven years preceding the day on which an application is submitted to the division;

(C) in the five years preceding the day on which an application is submitted to the division:

(I) a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or

(II) a crime in another jurisdiction that is the equivalent of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

[(ii)](D) in the three years preceding the day on which an application is submitted to the division, any misdemeanor involving : [fraud, misrepresentation, theft, or dishonesty that resulted in:

(A) a conviction occurring within three years of the date of application;

(B) a plea agreement occurring within three years of the date of application; or

(C) a jail or prison release date falling within three years of the date of application.]

(I) fraud;

(II) misrepresentation;

(III) theft; or

(IV) dishonesty;

(ii) had a license as a mortgage loan originator revoked by a government regulatory body at any time, unless the revocation is subsequently vacated or converted;

(iii) had a professional license or registration, whether issued by a Utah regulatory body or by another jurisdiction, suspended, surrendered, canceled, or denied in the five years preceding the date the individual applies for licensure if the suspension, surrender, cancellation, or denial is based on misconduct in a professional capacity that relates to:

(A) moral character;

(B) honesty;

(C) integrity;

(D) truthfulness; or

(E) the competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans;

(iv) in the five years preceding the day on which an application is submitted to the division, been the subject of a bar by the:

(A) Securities and Exchange Commission;

(B) New York Stock Exchange; or

(C) National Association of Securities Dealers;

(v) had a permanent injunction entered against the individual:

(A) by a court or administrative agency; and

(B) on the basis of:

(I) conduct or a practice involving the business of residential mortgage loans; or

(II) conduct involving fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit.

(b) An applicant may be denied a license or issued a restricted license for incidents in the applicant's past other than those specified in this Subsection (1)(a) that reflect negatively on the applicant's moral character, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. In evaluating an applicant for these qualities, the division and commission may consider any evidence, including the following:

(i) criminal convictions or plea agreements[ entered more than three years prior to the date of application], with particular consideration given to convictions or plea agreements relative to charges that involve moral turpitude;

(ii) the circumstances that led to any criminal conviction or plea agreement under consideration;

(iii) past acts related to honesty or moral character, with particular consideration given to any such acts involving the business of residential mortgage loans;

(iv) dishonest conduct that would be grounds under Utah law for sanctioning an existing licensee;

(v) civil judgments in lawsuits brought on grounds of fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit;

(vi) court findings of fraudulent or deceitful activity;

(vii) evidence of non-compliance with court orders or conditions of sentencing;

(viii) evidence of non-compliance with:

(A) terms of a diversion agreement still subject to prosecution;

(B) a probation agreement; or

(C) a plea in abeyance; or

(ix) failure to pay taxes or child support obligations.

(2) Competency. Individual applicants and control persons shall evidence competency to transact the business of residential mortgage loans. In evaluating an applicant for competency, the division and commission may consider any evidence that reflects negatively on an applicant's competency, including:

(a) civil judgments, with particular consideration given to any such judgments involving the business of residential mortgage loans;

(b) failure to satisfy a civil judgment that has not been discharged in bankruptcy;

(c) failure of any previous mortgage loan business in which the individual was engaged, as well as the circumstances surrounding that failure;

(d) evidence as to the applicant's business management and employment practices, including the payment of employees, independent contractors, and third parties;

(e) the extent and quality of the applicant's training and education in mortgage lending;

(f) the extent and quality of the applicant's training and education in business management;

(g) the extent of the applicant's knowledge of the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;

(h) evidence of disregard for licensing laws;

(i) evidence of drug or alcohol dependency;

(j) sanctions placed on professional licenses; and

(k) investigations conducted by regulatory agencies relative to professional licenses.

(3) Financial responsibility. Individual applicants shall evidence financial responsibility. To evaluate an applicant for financial responsibility, the division shall:

(a) access the credit information available through the NMLS of:

(i) an applicant for initial licensure, beginning October 18, 2010; and

(ii) a licensee who requests renewal during the 2010 renewal period, unless the licensee's credit report was reviewed in issuing the initial license; and

(b) give particular consideration to:

(i) outstanding civil judgments;

(ii) outstanding tax liens;

(iii) foreclosures;

(iv) multiple social security numbers attached to the individual's name;

(v) child support arrearages; and

(vi) bankruptcies.

(4) Age. An applicant shall be at least 18 years of age.

(5) Minimum education. An applicant shall have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent education as approved by the commission.

 

KEY: residential mortgage, loan origination, licensing, enforcement

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [January 8, ]2011

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 61-2c-103(3); 61-2c-402(4)(a)