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What does a California Financing Law broker license generally authorize the broker to do?

Correct Answer

C) Broker loans to lenders licensed as finance lenders, subject to CFL restrictions

DFPI CFL guidance treats finance lending and finance brokering as activity-specific authority. A CFL broker brokers loans to finance lenders and remains subject to CFL limits.

Answer Options
A
Broker loans to any unlicensed private lender without further review
B
Originate residential mortgage loans without individual MLO licensing
C
Broker loans to lenders licensed as finance lenders, subject to CFL restrictions
D
Avoid California branch, record, and report requirements

Why This Is the Correct Answer

DFPI CFL guidance treats finance lending and finance brokering as activity-specific authority. A CFL broker brokers loans to finance lenders and remains subject to CFL limits.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: Broker loans to any unlicensed private lender without further review

3% is below the actual maximum. While a broker could charge 3%, the maximum allowed is 5%.

Option B: Originate residential mortgage loans without individual MLO licensing

The CFL does not impose a flat-fee cap; it uses a percentage-based limitation.

Option D: Avoid California branch, record, and report requirements

There is a statutory maximum under the CFL. Broker fees are not unlimited.

Memory Technique

CA -> ca-cfl-finance-lenders-brokers-licensing-records-reports

Exam Tip

CFL questions often test whether the person is lending, brokering, doing MLO activity, using a branch, meeting residential mortgage net worth and bond requirements, keeping records, filing reports, or facing DFPI examination/enforcement authority.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Using a national baseline answer when California has agency-specific DFPI or DRE requirements
  • -Confusing CFL, CRMLA, covered-loan, usury, servicing, and DRE endorsement rules
  • -Relying on legacy California state-exam or education assumptions instead of current NMLS source pages
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