What is the primary purpose of the Loan Originator Compensation Rule?

The primary purpose of the Loan Originator Compensation Rule is to eliminate compensation structures that create conflicts of interest. This regulation was established to ensure that loan originators are compensated in a manner that aligns their incentives with the best interests of the borrowers. Prior to this rule, some compensation structures could potentially encourage originators to steer borrowers toward loans that may not be in their best interest, simply because those loans offered higher commissions.

By prohibiting certain types of compensation that can lead to such conflicts—like bonuses tied to a higher interest rate or unfavorable loan terms—the rule promotes transparency and fairness in the mortgage lending process. This helps to protect consumers from potentially harmful practices and ensures that loan originators focus on providing products that are suitable for their clients' needs rather than merely maximizing their own earnings.