Loan Originator Compensation Rule — Reg Z §1026.36 Explained

How the CFPB's Loan Originator Compensation Rule works: what MLOs can and cannot be paid on, dual compensation, steering, and the safe harbor.

The LO Compensation Rule under Regulation Z restricts how mortgage loan originators can be paid. Understanding it early prevents career-ending compliance mistakes.

Executive summary

The Loan Originator Compensation Rule, codified in Regulation Z §1026.36, was implemented after the 2008 crisis to prevent loan originators from steering consumers toward higher-cost loans in exchange for higher personal compensation. In plain English: MLOs cannot be paid based on the terms of the loan (interest rate, points, fees) other than the loan amount itself, cannot be paid by both the consumer and any other party on the same transaction, and cannot steer consumers to loans that pay the MLO more when a comparable-benefit alternative exists.

Key takeaways

1. What You Can and Cannot Be Paid On

Permitted

Compensation can be based on: loan amount (a fixed basis-point commission on principal), pull-through / funded-loan volume, quality metrics (defect rate, on-time closing), overall company performance, and hourly or salary. Non-deferred profits-based compensation is allowed within specific caps in a defined contribution plan.

Prohibited

Compensation cannot be based on: interest rate, discount points, fees the consumer pays (except as part of loan amount), or a proxy for any of those terms. A 'proxy' is any factor that consistently varies with a loan term and can be modified by the MLO.

2. Dual Compensation

One payer per deal

On any single mortgage transaction, an MLO can be paid by the consumer OR by another party (typically the creditor), but not both. If the consumer pays the MLO directly, no other party can pay the MLO on that loan.

Practical implication

Most retail MLOs are paid by the creditor. Broker MLOs typically operate under a lender-paid compensation model per creditor to keep the rule simple.

3. The Steering Prohibition and Safe Harbor

Steering prohibited

An MLO cannot direct or 'steer' a consumer to a loan that will result in greater compensation to the MLO than another available loan for which the consumer likely qualifies — unless that loan is genuinely in the consumer's interest.

The safe harbor

Reg Z provides a safe harbor: if the MLO obtains loan options from a significant number of creditors and presents the consumer with the lowest-interest-rate option, the lowest-total-dollar-cost option, and the lowest interest rate without risky features, the MLO is deemed not to have steered.

Document the options presented: The safe harbor only protects you if you can show what options were on the table. Save the option comparison in the loan file.

FAQ

Can I get a higher commission on jumbo loans?

Only if the difference reflects loan amount (basis points on principal), not the interest rate or product.

Can I discount my compensation to earn a deal?

MLOs generally cannot reduce their own compensation to offset a pricing concession, except in narrow, documented circumstances.

Does the rule apply to bank-employed registered MLOs?

Yes. Reg Z applies regardless of whether the MLO is state-licensed or federally registered.

Sources

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