NMLS Consumer Access

What Is the NMLS?

The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) is a system of record for non-depository financial services licensing and registration. NMLS was created by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators (AARMR) to improve the supervision of financial services industries.

NMLS is the system through which state-licensed mortgage lenders, originators, and other financial service providers are registered and monitored. Every licensed mortgage company and individual loan originator is assigned a unique NMLS identification number that remains with them throughout their career.

Why NMLS Matters to You

NMLS Consumer Access provides consumers with a free, centralized resource to verify the licensing status and registration of mortgage companies and loan originators. This system helps protect consumers by:

• Transparency: Allowing you to verify that a company or individual is properly licensed before doing business with them.
• Accountability: Providing a public record of any regulatory actions, enforcement orders, or complaints filed against a licensee.
• Consumer protection: Ensuring that mortgage professionals meet minimum education, testing, and background check requirements.
• Nationwide coverage: Providing licensing information across all states where a company or individual is registered.

How to Verify Our Licensing

You can verify Hillcrest Lending's licensing and registration information through the NMLS Consumer Access portal. Here is how:

1. Visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
2. In the search field, enter our company name ("Hillcrest Lending") or our NMLS number (#1964616).
3. Click "Search" to view our licensing details, including the states where we are licensed, our registration status, and any regulatory history.
4. You can also search for individual loan originators by their name or NMLS number to verify that they are properly licensed to originate loans.

Our Registration Details

Filing Complaints Through NMLS

If you have a complaint regarding a mortgage company or loan originator, you can file a complaint through the NMLS system. Complaints can be submitted in the following ways:

• Online: Visit NMLS Consumer Access and use the complaint filing feature.
• State regulator: Contact the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) or the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) directly. Your complaint will be recorded in the NMLS system.
• Directly with us: We take all complaints seriously. You may contact us at corporate@hillcrestlending.com or 949-656-4548.

The SAFE Act

The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) requires all mortgage loan originators to be either state-licensed or federally registered. The SAFE Act mandates that state-licensed loan originators must:

• Pass a written qualification test
• Complete pre-licensure education courses
• Complete annual continuing education
• Submit to criminal background checks
• Submit to credit checks
• Be registered in the NMLS

All Hillcrest Lending loan originators comply with SAFE Act requirements and are properly registered in NMLS.