The One Coverage You Probably Don't Have, But Need

Licensing

When Home Equity Investments Become Mortgage Loans: What State Licensing Changes Mean for Providers

As more states bring home equity investment agreements under mortgage lending laws, providers face new licensing requirements and regulatory challenges. Recent developments in Massachusetts, Maine, Illinois, and Connecticut highlight what lenders, fintechs, and investors need to consider when offering these products or expanding into new markets.

Compliance

NYC SHIELD Rule Takes Effect January 1, 2027: What Financial Services Businesses Need to Know

New York City's SHIELD Rule introduces significant changes to debt collection practices, including communication limits, electronic consent requirements, dispute handling, and consumer disclosures. Financial services businesses that collect consumer debts from New York City residents should review their procedures before the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Licensing

Planning to Expand in 2027? Start With a Licensing Roadmap

Planning to expand into new states or launch new financial services in 2027? Learn how to build a licensing roadmap, navigate state-specific requirements, and prepare for a smoother, more efficient expansion.

Licensing

Student Loan Servicer Licensing Laws (What You Should Know)

State-Level Student Loan Servicers Licensing Requirements are on the Rise Over the last 18 months, state-level licensing requirements for student loan servicers have become increasingly in vogue, particularly in blue states with progressive legislatures, governors, and attorneys general. This attempt to intercede in a field already dominated by the federal government (the largest lender, guarantor, [...]

Licensing

Are You Thinking Differently About Who Can Be Your Client?

Are You Thinking Differently About Who Can Be Your Client? I know that many collection agencies are scrambling to keep up with the changing state rules and client decisions about who is considered essential, whether agents can work remotely, and whether/under what circumstances you can engage in proactive outbound collection efforts. I have heard from [...]

Business Formation

TIN vs EIN: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

A TIN is any taxpayer identification number used by the IRS for individuals and businesses, while an EIN is a specific type of TIN assigned only to business entities. Many new entrepreneurs ask: Is a TIN the same as an EIN? The terms are closely related and often confused, but they are not identical. If [...]