Mortgage Compliance Library: Federal & State Regulators

This library centralizes every U.S. mortgage regulator—federal, state, and investor—with plain-English summaries of who they oversee, which rules matter most, and how to stay exam-ready. Your #1 action item: bookmark this page and use it as your regulator reference hub.

Mortgage Compliance Dashboard

Federal Regulators

CFPB, OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, HUD/FHA, FHFA, VA, USDA, Ginnie Mae, DOJ, FTC, FinCEN, OFAC, FFIEC.

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State Regulators

50 states + D.C., each with its own licensing and supervision rules.

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Investor / GSE Oversight

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and related entities.

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Checklist for Users

Identify Your Regulators

Determine which federal, state, and investor entities oversee your organization based on your business model, charter type, and geographic footprint.

Review Key Rules & Guidelines

Study the primary regulations and bulletins that apply to your operations. Focus on CFPB rules, state licensing requirements, and investor guidelines.

Establish Monitoring Processes

Set up systems to track regulatory changes, exam schedules, and compliance deadlines. Use automated tools to stay current with updates.

Maintain Audit-Ready Documentation

Keep comprehensive records of policies, procedures, training, and compliance activities. Ensure documentation is organized and easily accessible for examinations.

Compliance Checklist Dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CFPB and why does it matter to mortgage lenders?

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the primary federal regulator for consumer mortgage lending. It enforces major laws like TILA-RESPA, HMDA, and fair lending statutes. The CFPB conducts examinations, issues guidance, and can impose significant penalties for violations, making compliance essential for all mortgage originators and servicers.

How do state regulators differ from federal regulators?

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State regulators oversee licensing, conduct examinations, and enforce state-specific mortgage laws. Each state has its own requirements for loan originators, companies, and branch locations. Unlike federal regulators, state agencies focus on licensing compliance, net worth requirements, surety bonds, and state-specific consumer protection laws.

What role do Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play in compliance?

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As government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set guidelines for loans they purchase. Lenders must comply with their selling guides, quality control requirements, and representations and warranties. Non-compliance can result in loan buybacks, exclusion from selling privileges, and financial penalties.

How often should I check for regulatory updates?

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Regulatory updates should be monitored continuously. Federal agencies like the CFPB release bulletins and rule changes regularly, while states may update licensing requirements or laws annually. Implement a daily or weekly monitoring system using automated tools to track Federal Register notices, agency websites, and industry news sources.
CFPB Compliance

Sources

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Federal Reserve System
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
Fannie Mae Selling Guide
Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer Guide