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Ethics & Fraudhard18% of exam

An MLO learns that a competing lender is offering significantly better terms to the same borrower. The MLO's lender cannot match these terms. What is the MLO's ethical obligation?

Correct Answer

D) Inform the borrower about the competing offer and advise them to consider it

MLOs have a fiduciary duty to act in the borrower's best interest, which includes providing information that helps borrowers make informed decisions. Even if it means losing the loan, ethical obligations under the SAFE Act require MLOs to prioritize the borrower's financial welfare over their own compensation interests.

Answer Options
A
Withhold this information to protect their commission
B
Offer unauthorized concessions to match the competitor
C
Try to discredit the competing lender without factual basis
D
Inform the borrower about the competing offer and advise them to consider it

Why This Is the Correct Answer

MLOs have a fiduciary duty to act in the borrower's best interest, which includes providing information that helps borrowers make informed decisions. Even if it means losing the loan, ethical obligations under the SAFE Act require MLOs to prioritize the borrower's financial welfare over their own compensation interests.

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