Chapter 224

224.725(1r)(c)2.b. b. The date on which the division denies, or issues a notice of intent to deny, the application for a mortgage loan originator license.

224.725(1r)(c)2.c. c. The date on which the division grants to the individual a mortgage loan originator license.

224.725(1r)(c)2.d. d. If the individual’s application is listed on the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry as incomplete, the date that is 120 days after the date on which the individual applied for a mortgage loan originator license.

224.725(1r)(d) (d)

224.725(1r)(d)1. 1. Any person employing an individual who is considered to have temporary authority to act as a mortgage loan originator under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements of this subchapter to the same extent as if that individual were a licensed mortgage loan originator.

224.725(1r)(d)2. 2. Any individual who is considered to have temporary authority to act as a mortgage loan originator under this subsection and who engages in any activity described in s. 224.71 (6) (c) and (d) shall be subject to the requirements of this subchapter to the same extent as if the individual were a licensed mortgage loan originator.

224.725(2) (2) License applications.

224.725(2)(a) (a) Applicants for a mortgage loan originator license shall apply to the division, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the division, and shall pay the fee specified in rules promulgated under sub. (8). The division shall utilize the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry, and the provisions of s. 224.35 shall apply, with respect to mortgage loan originators. Forms prescribed by the division under this paragraph may contain any content or requirement that the division, in its discretion, determines necessary and these forms may be modified or updated as necessary by the division to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

224.725(2)(b) (b)

224.725(2)(b)1. 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., an application shall include the individual’s social security number. The division may not disclose the individual’s social security number to any person except as follows:

224.725(2)(b)1.a. a. The division may disclose the social security number to the department of revenue for the sole purpose of requesting certifications under s. 73.0301 and to the department of workforce development for the sole purpose of requesting certifications under s. 108.227.

224.725(2)(b)1.b. b. The division may disclose the social security number to the department of children and families in accordance with a memorandum of understanding under s. 49.857.

224.725(2)(b)1.c. c. The division may disclose information to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry as provided in s. 224.35.

224.725(2)(b)2. 2. If an individual does not have a social security number, the individual, as a condition of applying for, or applying to renew, a license under this section, shall submit a statement made or subscribed under oath or affirmation to the division that the individual does not have a social security number. The form of the statement shall be prescribed by the department of children and families. Any license issued or renewed in reliance upon a false statement submitted by an applicant under this subdivision is invalid.

224.725(2)(c) (c) Any applicant for a license under this section shall furnish to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry information concerning the applicant’s identity, including all of the following:

224.725(2)(c)1. 1. Fingerprints for submission to the federal bureau of investigation and to any governmental agency or entity authorized to receive this information, for purposes of a state, national, and international criminal history background check.

224.725(2)(c)2. 2. Personal history and experience in a form prescribed by the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry, including the submission of authorization for the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry and the division to obtain all of the following:

224.725(2)(c)2.a. a. An independent credit report from a consumer reporting agency, as defined in s. 100.54 (1) (c).

224.725(2)(c)2.b. b. Any information related to any administrative, civil, or criminal findings by any governmental jurisdiction.

224.725(3) (3) Issuance of license. Except as provided in sub. (6), upon the filing of an application for a mortgage loan originator license and the payment of the fee specified in rules promulgated under sub. (8), the division may issue to the applicant a mortgage loan originator license if the division finds that all of the following apply:

224.725(3)(a) (a) The applicant has never had a mortgage loan originator license revoked in any governmental jurisdiction, unless the revocation was subsequently and formally vacated.

224.725(3)(b) (b) The applicant has not been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, a felony in a domestic, foreign, or military court during the 7-year period preceding the date of the application or, for a felony involving an act of fraud, dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering, at any time preceding the date of the application. With respect to any conviction for which the applicant has received a pardon or expungement of the conviction, the pardoned or expunged conviction shall not result in an automatic denial or revocation of a mortgage loan originator license. The division may consider the underlying crime, facts, or circumstances of a pardoned or expunged felony conviction when determining the eligibility of an applicant for licensure under this paragraph and par. (c).

224.725(3)(c) (c) The applicant has demonstrated financial responsibility, character, and general fitness such as to command the confidence of the community and to warrant a determination that the mortgage loan originator will operate honestly, fairly, and efficiently within the purposes of this subchapter. For purposes of this paragraph, an individual has shown that he or she is not financially responsible if he or she has shown a disregard in the management of his or her own financial condition. In making a finding related to an applicant’s financial responsibility for purposes of this paragraph, the division may consider whether the applicant has current outstanding judgments other than those resulting from medical expenses, has current outstanding tax liens or other government liens and filings, or has, within the past 3 years, any pattern of seriously delinquent accounts.

224.725(3)(d) (d) The applicant has satisfied the education requirements under s. 224.755 (1).

224.725(3)(e) (e) The applicant has passed a written test that meets the requirements under s. 224.755 (4).

224.725(3)(f) (f) The applicant has met the surety bond requirement under sub. (4).

224.725(4) (4) Surety bond.

224.725(4)(a) (a) Each mortgage loan originator shall be covered by a surety bond in accordance with this subsection. A surety bond of a mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity meeting the requirements of par. (b) and s. 224.72 (4) (am) or 224.722 (1) may satisfy the requirement under this paragraph for a mortgage loan originator who is sponsored by the mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity.

224.725(4)(b) (b) The penal sum of the surety bond shall provide coverage for each mortgage loan originator in an amount that reflects the dollar amount of residential mortgage loans originated by the mortgage loan originator, as determined by the division.

224.725(4)(c) (c) The surety bond shall be in a form prescribed, and satisfy all requirements established, by rule of the division.

224.725(4)(d) (d) When an action is commenced on a mortgage loan originator’s surety bond, the division may require the filing of a new surety bond. If an action results in recovery on a mortgage loan originator’s surety bond, the mortgage loan originator shall immediately file a new surety bond.

224.725(5) (5) License renewal and reinstatement. A mortgage loan originator may apply to renew or reinstate a license issued under this section as provided in s. 224.35 (7).

224.725(6) (6) Denial of application for certain reasons. The division may not issue or renew a license under this section if any of the following applies:

224.725(6)(a) (a) The applicant for the issuance or renewal has failed to provide the information required under sub. (2) (b).

224.725(6)(b) (b) The department of revenue has certified under s. 73.0301 that the applicant is liable for delinquent taxes. An applicant whose application for issuance or renewal of a license is denied under this paragraph for delinquent taxes is entitled to a notice under s. 73.0301 (2) (b) 1. b. and hearing under s. 73.0301 (5) (a) but is not entitled to any other notice or hearing under this section.

224.725(6)(bm) (bm) The department of workforce development has certified under s. 108.227 that the applicant is liable for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions. An applicant whose application for issuance or renewal of a license is denied under this paragraph for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions is entitled to a notice under s. 108.227 (2) (b) 1. b. and hearing under s. 108.227 (5) (a) but is not entitled to any other notice or hearing under this section.

224.725(6)(c) (c) The applicant for the issuance or renewal has failed to comply, after appropriate notice, with a subpoena or warrant issued by the department of children and families or a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and related to paternity or child support proceedings or who is delinquent in making court-ordered payments of child or family support, maintenance, birth expenses, medical expenses or other expenses related to the support of a child or former spouse, as provided in a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857. An applicant whose license is not issued or renewed under this paragraph for delinquent payments is entitled to a notice and hearing under s. 49.857 but is not entitled to any other notice or hearing under this section.

224.725(8) (8) License period; fees. The division shall promulgate rules establishing the license period and the license fees for mortgage loan originators. The fees shall be no less than $250 annually. The rules may not require a license fee for an individual who is eligible for the veterans fee waiver program under s. 45.44.

224.725 History History: 2009 a. 2 ss. 607, 621, 634; 2009 a. 386; 2011 a. 209; 2013 a. 36; 2013 a. 360 ss. 19 to 21, 37 to 41, 44; 2019 a. 65; 2021 a. 239 s. 73; 2023 a. 267.

224.725 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. DFI-Bkg 40 and 41, Wis. adm. code.

224.73 224.73 Relationship between mortgage loan originator and a mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity; branch offices.

224.73(1) (1) Responsibility for mortgage loan originator. A mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity is responsible for, and shall supervise the acts of, a mortgage loan originator or any other person who otherwise acts on behalf of the mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity.

224.73(2) (2) Restriction on mortgage loan originator.

224.73(2)(a) (a) If the division suspends or revokes a mortgage banker’s or mortgage broker’s license or a registered entity’s registration, a mortgage loan originator may not act on behalf of that mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity during the period of suspension or revocation.

224.73(2)(b) (b) A mortgage loan originator may act on behalf of only the mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity with which that mortgage loan originator’s license is associated in the records of the division. A mortgage loan originator’s license may only be associated with one mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity at a time.

224.73(3) (3) Transfer by mortgage loan originator.

224.73(3)(a) (a) A licensed mortgage loan originator may apply, on forms and in the manner prescribed by the division, to transfer association to another licensed mortgage banker or mortgage broker or a registered entity. The division shall promulgate rules establishing a fee for a transfer application under this subsection.

224.73(3)(b) (b) A mortgage loan originator may not act on behalf of a mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity until the mortgage loan originator’s license association has been transferred to that mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity in the records of the division.

224.73(5) (5) Mortgage loan originators and branch offices.

224.73(5)(a) (a) A mortgage loan originator shall be assigned to and work out of a licensed or registered office or branch office of the sponsoring mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity. This office shall either be the mortgage loan originator’s residence or be within 100 miles of the mortgage loan originator’s residence.

224.73(5)(b) (b) At each branch office of a mortgage banker or registered entity at which residential mortgage loans are originated for the mortgage banker or registered entity or for another person, and at each branch office of a mortgage broker, there shall be at least one licensed mortgage loan originator assigned to and working out of the office. If an individual is identified as a branch manager for the office, either in the records of the division or in the records of the mortgage banker, mortgage broker, or registered entity, the individual must be licensed as a mortgage loan originator.

224.73 History History: 1987 a. 359; 1987 a. 403 ss. 182, 256; Stats. 1987 s. 440.73; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 27 s. 6594; Stats. 1995 s. 224.73; 1997 a. 145; 2003 a. 260; 2009 a. 2; 2013 a. 360.

224.73 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. DFI-Bkg 40, Wis. adm. code.

224.74 224.74 Division’s review of the operations of a mortgage loan originator, mortgage broker, mortgage banker, or registered entity.

224.74(1) (1) Call reports; audits.

224.74(1)(a) (a) Mortgage call report. Each mortgage banker, mortgage broker, and mortgage loan originator licensed under this subchapter, and each registered entity, shall submit to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry reports of condition, which shall be in such form and contain such information as the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry may require.

224.74(1)(b) (b) Audit requirement for mortgage bankers. Each year, no later than 6 months following the end of its most recently completed fiscal year, each mortgage banker shall submit a copy of an audit of the mortgage banker’s operations during that fiscal year. An audit under this paragraph shall be conducted by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The financial statements in the audit report shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

224.74(1)(bm) (bm) Reviewed financial statements for mortgage brokers. Each year, no later than 6 months following the end of its most recently completed fiscal year, each mortgage broker shall submit a copy of the mortgage broker’s reviewed financial statements for the mortgage broker’s operations during that fiscal year. The reviewed financial statements shall include a balance sheet, an income statement, and a written statement by an independent certified public accountant attesting that he or she has conducted his or her review in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and professional standards of the American Institute of CPAs.

224.74(1)(c) (c) Audits requested by the division. The division may request that a mortgage banker or mortgage broker obtain an audit of the mortgage banker’s or mortgage broker’s operations if the division has reason to believe that the mortgage banker or mortgage broker may not have sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations to its clients or investors or to other persons directly affected by the activities conducted by the mortgage banker or mortgage broker under the license issued by the division. If the division requests an audit under this paragraph, the mortgage banker or mortgage broker shall have the audit completed no later than 90 days after the date of the division’s request. The mortgage banker or mortgage broker shall submit the audit report to the division no later than 5 days after the date on which the audit is completed. An audit under this paragraph shall be conducted by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The financial statements in the audit report shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

224.74(2) (2) Examination and investigation.

224.74(2)(ag) (ag) The division may at any time, on its own motion or upon complaint, conduct inquiries, investigations, and examinations of licensees under this subchapter, or of persons required to be licensed under or otherwise subject to the provisions of this subchapter, including doing any of the following:

224.74(2)(ag)1. 1. Examining, accessing, receiving, or using any books, accounts, records, files, documents, or other information relating to the condition or affairs of a mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker.

224.74(2)(ag)2. 2. Interviewing or examining under oath any mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker, any of the members, officers, directors, agents, employees, contractors, or customers of the mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker, or any other person whose testimony the division deems to be relevant. The division may direct, subpoena, or order the attendance of a person to provide testimony under this subdivision and may direct, subpoena, or order the person to produce books, accounts, records, files, and any other document the division deems relevant to the inquiry, investigation, or examination.

224.74(2)(ag)3. 3. Direct or order any licensee under this subchapter to make or compile reports or other information, in a format directed by the division, that the division considers necessary to carry out any investigation or examination under this subchapter, including any accounting compilation or other loan transaction data, list, or information.

224.74(2)(ag)4. 4. Examine, access, receive, and use any other records, documents, or other information that the division deems relevant to the inquiry, investigation, or examination, regardless of the location, possession, control, or custody of the records, documents, or information, including any of the following:

224.74(2)(ag)4.a. a. Criminal, civil, and administrative history information, including conviction information and nonconviction information to the extent permitted by law.

224.74(2)(ag)4.b. b. Personal history and experience information, including credit reports obtained from a consumer reporting agency, as defined in s. 100.54 (1) (c).

224.74(2)(ar) (ar) In making any investigation or examination authorized under this subchapter, the division may control access to any documents and records of the licensee or of any other person under investigation or examination. The division may take possession of the documents and records or place a person in exclusive charge of the documents and records in the place where they are usually kept. During the period of control, no person may remove or attempt to remove any of the documents and records except with the consent of the division or by court order. Unless the division has reasonable grounds to believe the documents and records have been or are at risk of being altered or destroyed for purposes of concealing a violation of this subchapter, the licensee or owner or custodian of the documents and records shall have access to the documents and records as necessary to conduct its ordinary business affairs.

224.74(2)(b) (b) The division shall prepare a report for each investigation or examination conducted under this subsection. These reports, and correspondence regarding these reports, are confidential, except that the division may release these reports and correspondence in connection with a disciplinary proceeding conducted by the division, a liquidation proceeding, or a criminal investigation or proceeding. In addition, any information from these reports or correspondence may be provided to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry and is not confidential to the extent specified in s. 224.35 (4) (b) and (c).

224.74(2)(c) (c) The division may require a mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker who is investigated or examined under this subsection to pay to the division a reasonable fee for the costs of conducting the investigation or examination. A mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker shall pay these costs to the division within 30 days after the division demands payment of these costs.

224.74(3) (3) Additional division authority. To carry out the purposes of this section, the division may do any of the following:

224.74(3)(a) (a) Retain attorneys, accountants, and other professionals and specialists as examiners, auditors, or investigators to conduct or assist in the conduct of investigations or examinations.

224.74(3)(b) (b) Enter into agreements or relationships with other government officials or regulatory associations to improve efficiencies and reduce regulatory burden by sharing resources, standardized or uniform methods or procedures, and documents, records, or information obtained under this section.

224.74(3)(c) (c) Use, hire, contract, or employ public or privately available analytical systems, methods, or software to examine or investigate any licensee or other person subject to investigation or examination.

224.74(3)(d) (d) Accept and rely on investigation or examination reports made by other government officials, in this state or elsewhere.

224.74(3)(e) (e) Accept audit reports made by an independent certified public accountant for the licensee or another person relevant to the investigation or examination and incorporate any such audit report into any report of the division.

224.74 History History: 1987 a. 359; 1987 a. 403 ss. 182, 256; Stats. 1987 s. 440.74; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 27 s. 6595; Stats. 1995 s. 224.74; 1997 a. 145; 2009 a. 2; 2013 a. 360; 2015 a. 195 s. 83; 2023 a. 267.

224.75 224.75 Record-keeping requirements for licensees.

224.75(1) (1) Required records; loan application or servicing documents.

224.75(1)(a) (a) Fee record system. A mortgage banker or mortgage broker shall establish and maintain a record system which shows all fees which a mortgage banker or mortgage broker charged a residential mortgage loan applicant or a mortgagor in connection with a residential mortgage loan. The record shall show the application or disposition of those fees.

224.75(1)(b) (b) Loan application record system. A mortgage banker or mortgage broker shall establish and maintain a record system containing all of the following information for each residential mortgage loan application:

224.75(1)(b)1. 1. The application date.

224.75(1)(b)2. 2. The name of the applicant.

224.75(1)(b)3. 3. The address of the property to be mortgaged.

224.75(1)(b)4. 4. The disposition of the application and the reason for the particular disposition.

224.75(1)(b)5. 5. The type of loan.

224.75(1)(b)6. 6. The name of the mortgage loan originator.

224.75(1)(b)7. 7. The loan amount.

224.75(1)(c) (c) Loan application documents. A mortgage banker or mortgage broker shall maintain for each residential mortgage loan application all of the following documents, if used by the mortgage banker or mortgage broker in connection with the residential mortgage loan application file: