2024-01-31

Department of Banking and Securities Order Regarding First National Mortgage & Investment, Inc.

The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities issued an order against First National Mortgage & Investment, Inc. for violating the Mortgage Licensing Act and federal Anti-Money Laundering regulations. The company failed to disclose its NMLS unique identifier on business cards and neglected to provide independent testing for its AML program between May 2019 and October 2023. FNMI agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and implement corrective actions, including updating advertisements and establishing independent AML testing, while waiving its right to a hearing or appeal.

Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities logo

United States

Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities

Click to view thumbnail

FILED 2024 JAN 31 AM 11:37 PA DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND SECURITIES 0007

  1. On October 18, 2023, an examiner from the Department commenced a routine off-site ., examination of FNMI. Advertising - Unique Identifier
  2. Pursuant to Section 6135(a)(S) of the MLA, FNMI is required to disclose their Nationwide Multistate Licensing System ("NMLS") unique identifier on company business cards.
  3. From in or about May 13, 2019, until October 18, 2023, FNMI failed to disclose their NMLS unique identifier on company business cards as required by Section 6135(a)(5) of the MLA. Bank Secrecy Act-Anti-Money Laundering Program
  4. Pursuant to 31 CFR Part l029.210(b)(4), FNMI is required to provide for independent testing to monitor and maintain an adequate Anti-Money Laundering ("AML") program, including testing to dete11nine the compliance of the company's agents lU1der the AML program.
  5. From in or about May 13, 2019 .• until October 18, 2023, FNMI failed to provide for independent testing to monitor and maintain an adequate AML program as required by 31 CFR Part 1029.210(b)(4). Authority of the Department·
  6. Section 6138(a)(4) of the MLA authorizes the Department to issue orders as may be necessary for the enforcement of the MLA.
  7. Section 6 ! 40(b) of the MLA authorizes the Department to issue· a fine of up to $10,000 per offense against a person who is in violation of the MLA. VIOLATIONS
  8. FNMI was in violation of Section 6135(a)(5) of the MLA when it failed to disclose their unique identifier on company business c11rds.
  9. FNMI was in violation of 31 CFR Part 1029.210(b)(4), when it failed to provide for independent testing to monitor and maintain an adequate AML program. 2

RELIEF 14. Fine. FNMI agrees to pay a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000). Payment is due within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of the Order as defined in paragraph 22 below. The fine payment shall be made through the Depa1tment portal at https://www.portal.dobs.pa.gov. 15. Corrective Action. a. Upon the Effective Date of this Order, FNMI shall include their NMLS unique identifier on all advertisements. b. Upon the Effective pate of this Order, FNMI shall prnvide for independent testing . of their AML program. c. FNMI shall comply with the MLA at all times. FURTHER PROVISIONS 16. Consent. FNMT hereby knowingly, willingly, voluntarily and irrevocably consents to the entry of this Order pursuant to the Department's order authority under the MLA and agrees that it understands all of the terms and conditions contained herein. FNMI, by voluntarily entering into this Order, waives any right to a hearing or appeal concerning the terms, conditions and/or penalties set forth in this Order. 17. Consumer's Rights. This Order shall not limit or impair any consrnner's rights under the MLA. 18. Publication. The Deparhnent will publish this Order pursuant to its authority in Section 302.A.(5) of the Depaitment of Banking and Securities Code. 71 P.S. § 733-302.A.(5). 19. Entire Agreement. This Order contains the whole agreement between the parties. There are no other terms, obligations, covenants, representations, statements, conditions, or otherwise, of any kind whatsoever concerning this Order. This Order may be amended in writing by mntual agreement by the Office and FNMI. 3

  1. Binding Nature. The Department, FNMl, and all officers, owners, directors, employees, heirs and assigns of FNMI intend to be and are legally bound by the terms of this Order.
  2. Counsel. This Order is entered into by the pa1ties upon full opportunity for legal advice from legal counsel.
  3. Effectiveness. FNMI hereby stipulates and agrees that the Order shall become effective on the date that the Office executes this Order ("Effective Date").
  4. Other Enforcement Action. a. The Department reserves all of its rights, duties, and authority to enforce all statutes, rules and regulations under its jurisdiction against FNMI in the future regarding all matters not resolved by this Order.· b. FNMI acknowledges and agrees that this Order is only binding upon the Department and not any other local, state or federal agency, depattment or office regat'ding matters within this Order.
  5. Authorization. The parties below are authorized to execute this Order and legally bind their respective parties.
  6. CounterRarts. This Order may be executed in separate counterparts and by facsimile or electronic format.
  7. Titles. The titles used to identify the paragraphs of this document are for the convenience of reference only and do not control the interpretation of this document. WHEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, including the recital paragraphs, the Department of Banking and Securities, Compliance Office and First National Mortgage & Investment, Inc., intending to be legally bound do hereby execute this Consent Agreement and Order. 4

Redacted Redacted