NAIHP: CFPB Issues Proposed Rule on Originator Compensation & Qualifications

(NAIHP) -- Washington, D.C. – On August 17, 2012, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), issued a proposed rule regarding originator compensation and qualifications. Prior to releasing the rule, the CFPB held a conference call to brief industry on the contents of the proposal. It was during this call NAIHP learned the CFPB chose not to include its idea of a flat fee as a form of originator compensation in the proposal. “NAIHP has long been opposed to the current form of originator compensation, which is why we filed suit against the Federal Reserve Board on March 7, 2011. Altering the current form of originator compensation by adding a flat fee, would have further confused consumers. However, we applaud the CFPB for accepting extensive input from small business professionals and making the appropriate decision,” said Marc Savitt-President of NAIHP. NAIHP still believes improvement needs to be made to the proposal in other areas, such as originator qualification.  Currently, only mortgage brokers are licensed, while other originators have registration requirements. “If the CFPB’s goal is to level the playing field for all originators, then every originator should meet the same qualifications,” according to Savitt. During the SBREFA Panel and industry roundtables, dual compensation was discussed at great length. However, mortgage brokers are still banned from receiving it. “Dual compensation, is NOT double compensation and benefits consumers. Additionally, allowing depositories to receive this form of compensation, especially without disclosure, harms competition and increases consumer costs,” said Savitt. NAIHP will be commenting on the proposal shortly.