Program areas at CSBS
Conference of State Bank Supervisors (csbs), on behalf of State regulators, owns and operates nmls, an online licensing, registration, and supervisory platform that brings regulatory efficiency and accountability to the mortgage industry and other nonbank financial services providers. Nmls operations began jan. 2, 2008. Congress recognized the value of the new system and that july codified nmls in the secure and fair enforcement for mortgage licensing act of 2008, enacted to enhance consumer protection and reduce fraud through required minimum standards for the licensing and registration of state-licensed mortgage loan originators (mlos). Known as the "safe act," the law calls on the states to implement and enforce these standards, requiring mlos to meet pre-licensure and annual continuing education requirements. State-licensed financial services companies and mlos must maintain an active license through nmls, while federally regulated depository institutions (e.g., banks and credit unions) and the mlos they employ must maintain an active registration. Congress mandates that State licensees and federal registrants must renew their mortgage State license and federal registration, respectively, on an annual basis. In 2023, nearly 556,000 companies and individuals used nmls: more than 280,379 state-licensed companies and individuals maintained their licenses in nmls. The majority of these companies are from the mortgage industry, while the remaining one-third are from the money services, consumer finance and debt industries. More than 556,190 additional mlos working in depository institutions maintained their license or registration through nmls, and 3,845 financial services companies are licensed in nmls. In 2023, csbs began a multi-year effort to modernize nmls and deliver an improved user experience for State regulators and industry professionals - those who rely on nmls the most. The first phase of nmls enhancements is expected to be completed in 2024.
Conference of State Bank Supervisors (csbs) provides annual operating support to the csbs education foundation (the foundation), a related 501(c)(3) educational foundation, to assist the foundation in carrying out its mission.
The government relations function of Conference of State Bank Supervisors (csbs) is the responsibility of the policy and supervision division. The division covers legislative issues and advocacy, regulatory policy, Bank supervision practices and coordination, nonbank supervision, and consumer protection. The work of the division focuses on the diversity of the banking industry, tailoring regulation, and the agenda of new federal agency principals. Staff also engages on efforts to enhance the effectiveness of State supervision of banks and nonbank entities, including financial technology, or fintech, companies. We dedicate considerable time and resources to assisting the states in the coordination of multi-state supervision of the nonbank mortgage industry with the consumer financial protection bureau. Collectively, our goal is to ensure the State financial regulatory system is strongly represented in the formation of federal public policy. We meet this goal by maintaining regular contact with State Supervisors to be aware of current issues and coordinate best practices for the benefit of the system.
The communications department promotes the organization's priorities through strategy and infrastructure; the communications team manages and strengthens csbs's voice, messaging, and identity across audiences through speaking engagements, media relations, editorial content, and digital marketing, including the csbs website and social media channels.