Arizona Commercial Mortgage Banker Surety Bond

The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions is tasked with the oversight of licensure and regulations of mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, commercial mortgage brokers and commercial mortgage bankers. A commercial mortgage banker is defined as a person that originates or services commercial mortgage loans through direct or indirect offering or negotiating of commercial mortgage loans.

Arizona Statutes Chapter 9 Article 1 defines the licensing of mortgage bankers. Commercial mortgage brokers must apply for a license and surety bond prior to offering mortgage related services. The surety bond ensures compliance of state and federal laws and faithful performance of duties.

Surety Bond Requirements:

A $25,000 surety bond is required if applicant investors are limited solely to Institutional Investors, all others require a $100,000 surety bond.

License Requirements:

1. Application checklist requirements.
2. Complete the application through the NMLS system and pay the applicable filing fee, processing fee and FBI criminal background check fee.
3. Obtain a commercial mortgage banker surety bond
4. Provide copies of the following if applicable: if any questions were answered “Yes” on the disclosure statement, provide supporting documentation and explanations for each; if using trade name or dba name, attach a copy of your Certificate of Trade Name registration.
5. Provide a State certified copy of applicants formation documentation such as a corporate charter or articles of incorporation, or articles of organization and operating agreement, or partnership agreement.
6. Provide a copy of an Arizona issued Good Standing Certificate or Certificate of Authority.
7. Provide the most current CPA audited financial statement or that of the parent company. The CPA must include an opinion of the fairness of the presentation, a balance sheet prepared within the past six months and certified by the applicant (a more recent balance sheet may be required), a statement of operations and retained earnings, and a statement of changes in financial position and any notes (if applicable). If the applicant’s exclusive contracts are with institutional investors, provide a current financial statement or one from a parent company. The financial statement will need to include a certified balance sheet from the preceding six months. If the applicant has already begun business operations, a statement of operations, retained earnings, a statement of changes in financial position and any applicable notes is required.
8. If applicant will maintain business files electronically, they must contact licensing@azdfi.gov.
9. Provide verification of experience for any person responsible (includes qualifying person). This can include past or current employer letters on company letterhead and must include job description, dates (month, day & year) of employment.
10. Provide personal financials for each person with a voting share of more than 20%.
11. Provide documentation of citizenship or alien status.
12. Complete an Attestation form MU2 for each individual listed with control of the company.
13. Pay applicable fees for individual FBI Criminal Background Checks for any direct owners having more than a 20% voting share, qualifying individuals.
14. Provide a copy of the lease agreement, sublease or rental agreement for the company. The copy must be sent directly to AzDFI.

How Much Will an Arizona Mortgage Banker Bond Cost?

The premium that you pay for an Arizona Commercial Mortgage Banker Surety Bond is dependent on credit and the bond amount required. Premiums start at .75% of the bond amount with good credit. Contact our Surety Bond Specialists for a free quote that fits your specific situation.

Did You Know?

Arizona commercial mortgage banker licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. Get more Arizona licensing renewal information here.

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