SAFE Act Compliance Audits
A SAFE Act audit (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act) tests your Credit Union’s compliance against the regulations. The SAFE Act applies to all financial institutions that offer real estate-secured loans to consumers, such as first mortgage loans, second mortgages, home equity loans, and land loans. A SAFE Act audit is required annually by law.
Internal Policies and Procedures
One significant part of a SAFE Act audit is the review of internal policies and procedures. Our SAFE Act compliance auditors look at your policies and procedures documentation to ensure that your internal processes are adequate to comply with regulations.
This examination also considers the size and complexity of the Credit Union’s mortgage lending activity, and the exam results may offer guidance for changes to internal controls to be more appropriate with the scope of the Credit Union’s mortgage lending.
Mortgage Loan Originator Activities
Our auditors also review your mortgage loan originators’ personal information and the training provided to them, as well as timely registrations and updates. A few things we look for:
-
-
-
-
- Are those employees that are defined as “mortgage loan originators” (MLO) registered before they perform any MLO duties?
- Does the financial institution provide SAFE Act training to mortgage lending staff before registration?
- When it’s time to renew, does the existing staff review the requirements before renewal?
-
-
-
SAFE Act Audit Frequency
The SAFE Act requirements specifically state that a review is to be completed at least annually. That is a minimum frequency.
Testing more frequently may be considered if your Credit Union has a frequent or large personnel turnover or if your Credit Union has implemented new delivery methods such as online mortgage loan applications or online information gathering.
SAFE Act Compliance Audits for Credit Unions
At Griffin & Furman, we offer comprehensive audit services to support your Credit Union’s compliance with the SAFE Act audit requirement. Our team is ready to help your Credit Union meet its regulatory requirements. Give us a call to speak with an experienced staff member today.