Which of the following reasons for denying an applicant a loan violates fair lending laws such as ECOA?

The reason concerning the applicant's recent marital status potentially leading to a change in employment violates fair lending laws, specifically the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). This law prohibits discrimination based on characteristics like marital status, sex, age, and more. Using marital status as a basis to deny a loan suggests that the lender is making judgments based on assumptions related to the applicant's personal life rather than objective financial capabilities.

The ECOA aims to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to obtain credit without regard to personal characteristics that do not pertain to creditworthiness. Therefore, implying that a recent change in marital status could influence an applicant's employment status and subsequently denying the loan based on that presumed instability is discriminatory and not aligned with fair lending practices.

While other factors, such as income levels, age for contract execution, or credit history, are legitimate criteria based on measurable financial factors, using marital status as a basis for denial does not adhere to ECOA guidelines and reflects a bias that is strictly prohibited.