Compliance Deadline for SAFE Act

Dear Board of Directors:

By October 1, 2010, credit unions are required to establish written policies providing a basic framework for compliance with the SAFE Act. To help you comply, this letter provides background, regulatory language, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Background

Enacted as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act) mandates a nationwide licensing and registration system for mortgage loan originators: the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) . The primary goals of the SAFE Act are to:

• Provide more effective regulatory oversight over the mortgage loan industry;
• Enhance consumer protection and accessibility to information;
• Reduce mortgage loan fraud; and
• Provide uniform license application and reporting requirements.

The SAFE Act specifically prohibits an individual who is employed by a depository institution from engaging in residential mortgage loan origination without first registering as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) and obtaining a unique identifier. This registration must remain current as long as the MLO is performing loan origination duties.

https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=71220d1813ef4090dc3f03e54c0693ef&mc=true&node=pt12.8.1007&rgn=div5 (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) . We have also included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) (opens new window) on the SAFE Act web page.

Credit unions should further refine their policies once more definitive details regarding the registration process are available.

If you have any questions related to the SAFE Act, you should contact your NCUA regional office or state supervisory authority.