# Cornerstone Licensing

> Stay licensed to operate, in every state

Cornerstone Licensing publishes regulatory licensing data for U.S. businesses: state-by-state licensing laws, bond requirements, fee schedules, application timelines, and how-to guides. Every entry below has a Markdown twin at the same URL with a `.md` suffix. The concatenated full-text dump is at https://cornerstonelicensing.com/llms-full.txt.

## Discovery

- [Full sitemap](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/sitemap.xml)
- [llms-full.txt, concatenated full-text dump](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/llms-full.txt)
- [Homepage](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/)

## Our method

- [The Cornerstone Way](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/the-cornerstone-way): Faster licenses, less effort on your side, fewer mistakes, and fewer headaches. It is the way we combine experienced specialists, intentional AI, and the Atlas platform across one sequenced process.

## State licensing laws

- [Arkansas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ar): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Arkansas. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Ark...
- [California Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ca): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in California. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in C...
- [Alaska Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ak): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Alaska. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Alask...
- [Indiana Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/in): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Indiana. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Indi...
- [Delaware Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/de): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Delaware. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Del...
- [Louisiana Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/la): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Louisiana. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Lo...
- [Illinois Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/il): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Illinois. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Ill...
- [Iowa Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ia): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Iowa. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Iowa.
- [Idaho Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/id): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Idaho. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Idaho.
- [Massachusetts Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ma): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Massachusetts. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors i...
- [Michigan Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mi): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Michigan. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Mic...
- [Maryland Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/md): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Maryland. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Mar...
- [Georgia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ga): Georgia does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Georgia are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable ...
- [Kansas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ks): Kansas does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Kansas are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable co...
- [Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pa): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Pennsylvania. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in...
- [Nevada Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nv): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Nevada. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Nevad...
- [Kentucky Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ky): Kentucky does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Kentucky are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicabl...
- [Missouri Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mo): Missouri does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Missouri are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicabl...
- [West Virginia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wv): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in West Virginia. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors i...
- [New York Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ny): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in New York. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in New...
- [Oklahoma Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ok): Oklahoma does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Oklahoma are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicabl...
- [Puerto Rico Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pr): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Puerto Rico. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Puerto Rico.
- [Oregon Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/or): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Oregon. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Orego...
- [North Dakota Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nd): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in North Dakota. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in...
- [Puerto Rico Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pr): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Puerto Rico. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in ...
- [South Carolina Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sc): South Carolina does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in South Carolina are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and a...
- [Virginia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/va): Virginia does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Virginia are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicabl...
- [Texas Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tx): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Texas. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Texas.
- [Washington Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wa): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Washington. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in W...
- [Wyoming Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wy): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Wyoming. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Wyom...
- [District of Columbia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/dc): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in District of Columbia. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt colle...
- [Alaska Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ak): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Alaska. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Alaska.
- [Colorado Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/co): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Colorado. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Colorado.
- [California Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ca): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in California. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in California.
- [Kansas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ks): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Kansas. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Kansas.
- [Georgia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ga): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Georgia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Georgia.
- [Indiana Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/in): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Indiana. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Indiana.
- [Tennessee Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tn): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Tennessee. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Tennessee.
- [Louisiana Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/la): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Louisiana. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Louisiana.
- [Vermont Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/vt): Vermont does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Vermont are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable ...
- [Massachusetts Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ma): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Massachusetts. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Massachusetts.
- [Montana Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mt): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Montana. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Montana.
- [New Hampshire Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nh): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in New Hampshire. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in New Hampshire.
- [North Dakota Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nd): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in North Dakota. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in North Dakota.
- [Oregon Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/or): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Oregon. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Oregon.
- [Tennessee Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tn): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Tennessee. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Tennessee.
- [South Carolina Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sc): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in South Carolina. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in South Carolina.
- [Virginia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/va): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Virginia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Virginia.
- [West Virginia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wv): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in West Virginia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in West Virginia.
- [Ohio Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/oh): Ohio does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Ohio are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable consum...
- [District of Columbia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/dc): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in District of Columbia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in District of Co...
- [Puerto Rico Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pr): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Puerto Rico. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Puerto Rico.
- [Colorado Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/co): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Colorado. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Colorado.
- [Georgia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ga): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Georgia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Georgia.
- [Illinois Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/il): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Illinois. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Illinois.
- [Kentucky Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ky): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Kentucky. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Kentucky.
- [Michigan Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mi): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Michigan. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Michigan.
- [New Jersey Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nj): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in New Jersey. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in New Jersey.
- [Mississippi Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ms): Mississippi does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Mississippi are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any app...
- [North Dakota Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nd): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in North Dakota. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in North Dakota.
- [Pennsylvania Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pa): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Pennsylvania. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Pennsylvania.
- [Alabama Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/al): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Alabama. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Alaba...
- [Alaska Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ak): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Alaska. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Alaska.
- [Arizona Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/az): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Arizona. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Arizo...
- [District of Columbia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/dc): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in District of Columbia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in District of Columbia.
- [Arkansas Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ar): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Arkansas. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Arka...
- [California Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ca): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in California. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Ca...
- [Colorado Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/co): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Colorado. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Colo...
- [Vermont Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/vt): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Vermont. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Vermont.
- [Connecticut Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ct): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Connecticut. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in C...
- [Delaware Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/de): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Delaware. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Dela...
- [Florida Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/fl): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Florida. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Flori...
- [West Virginia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wv): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in West Virginia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in West Virginia.
- [Georgia Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ga): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Georgia. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Georg...
- [Hawaii Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/hi): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Hawaii. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Hawaii.
- [Idaho Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/id): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Idaho. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Idaho.
- [Illinois Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/il): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Illinois. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Illi...
- [Indiana Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/in): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Indiana. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in India...
- [Iowa Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ia): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Iowa. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Iowa.
- [Kansas Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ks): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Kansas. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Kansas.
- [Kentucky Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ky): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Kentucky. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Kent...
- [Louisiana Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/la): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Louisiana. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Lou...
- [Maine Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/me): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Maine. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Maine.
- [Maryland Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/md): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Maryland. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Mary...
- [Massachusetts Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ma): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Massachusetts. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in...
- [Michigan Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mi): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Michigan. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Mich...
- [Minnesota Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mn): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Minnesota. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Min...
- [Mississippi Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ms): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Mississippi. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in M...
- [Missouri Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mo): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Missouri. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Miss...
- [Montana Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mt): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Montana. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Monta...
- [Nebraska Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ne): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Nebraska. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Nebr...
- [Nevada Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nv): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Nevada. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Nevada.
- [New Hampshire Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nh): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in New Hampshire. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in...
- [New Jersey Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nj): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in New Jersey. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Ne...
- [New Mexico Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nm): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in New Mexico. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Ne...
- [New York Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ny): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in New York. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in New ...
- [North Carolina Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nc): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in North Carolina. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating i...
- [North Dakota Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nd): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in North Dakota. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in ...
- [Ohio Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/oh): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Ohio. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Ohio.
- [Oklahoma Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ok): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Oklahoma. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Okla...
- [Oregon Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/or): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Oregon. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Oregon.
- [Pennsylvania Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pa): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Pennsylvania. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in ...
- [Rhode Island Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ri): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Rhode Island. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in ...
- [South Carolina Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sc): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in South Carolina. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating i...
- [South Dakota Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sd): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in South Dakota. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in ...
- [Tennessee Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tn): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Tennessee. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Ten...
- [Texas Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tx): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Texas. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Texas.
- [Utah Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ut): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Utah. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Utah.
- [Vermont Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/vt): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Vermont. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Vermo...
- [Virginia Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/va): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Virginia. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Virg...
- [Washington Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wa): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Washington. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Wa...
- [West Virginia Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wv): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in West Virginia. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in...
- [Wisconsin Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wi): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Wisconsin. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Wis...
- [Wyoming Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wy): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Wyoming. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in Wyomi...
- [District of Columbia Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/dc): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in District of Columbia. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders opera...
- [Puerto Rico Lending Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pr): Guide to consumer and commercial lending licensing in Puerto Rico. Covers which loan products trigger a license, the state regulator, surety bond and net worth expectations, key statutes, and the application path for lenders operating in P...
- [Montana Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mt): Montana is one of the few states that does not require a money transmitter license. However, businesses are generally still expected to register with FinCEN and comply with federal BSA/AML requirements.
- [Utah Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ut): Utah does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Utah are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable consum...
- [Montana Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mt): Montana does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in Montana are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any applicable ...
- [South Dakota Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sd): South Dakota does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in South Dakota are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any a...
- [Arizona Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/az): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Arizona. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Arizona.
- [Indiana Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/in): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Indiana. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Indiana.
- [Florida Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/fl): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Florida. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Flor...
- [Hawaii Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/hi): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Hawaii. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Hawai...
- [Maine Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/me): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Maine. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Maine.
- [Maine Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/me): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Maine. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Maine.
- [Massachusetts Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ma): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Massachusetts. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Massachusetts.
- [Nebraska Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ne): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Nebraska. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Neb...
- [New Jersey Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nj): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in New Jersey. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in New Jersey.
- [New Hampshire Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nh): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in New Hampshire. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in New Hampshire.
- [North Carolina Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nc): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in North Carolina. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in North Carolina.
- [Pennsylvania Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/pa): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Pennsylvania. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Pennsylvania.
- [Oregon Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/or): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Oregon. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Oregon.
- [Washington Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wa): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Washington. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Washington.
- [Texas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tx): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Texas. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Texas.
- [Wisconsin Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wi): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Wisconsin. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Wisconsin.
- [Alabama Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/al): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Alabama. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Alab...
- [Arizona Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/az): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Arizona. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Ariz...
- [Alabama Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/al): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Alabama. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Alabama.
- [Arkansas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ar): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Arkansas. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Arkansas.
- [Alabama Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/al): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Alabama. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Alabama.
- [Alaska Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ak): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Alaska. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Alaska.
- [Arizona Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/az): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Arizona. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Arizona.
- [Arkansas Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ar): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Arkansas. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Arkansas.
- [Connecticut Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ct): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Connecticut. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Connecticut.
- [California Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ca): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in California. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in California.
- [Connecticut Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ct): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Connecticut. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Connecticut.
- [Colorado Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/co): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Colorado. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Col...
- [Connecticut Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ct): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Connecticut. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in ...
- [Delaware Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/de): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Delaware. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Delaware.
- [Florida Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/fl): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Florida. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Florida.
- [Delaware Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/de): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Delaware. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Delaware.
- [Florida Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/fl): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Florida. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Florida.
- [Hawaii Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/hi): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Hawaii. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Hawaii.
- [Hawaii Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/hi): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Hawaii. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Hawaii.
- [Idaho Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/id): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Idaho. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Idaho.
- [Idaho Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/id): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Idaho. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Idaho.
- [Illinois Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/il): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Illinois. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Illinois.
- [Iowa Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ia): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Iowa. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Iowa.
- [Kansas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ks): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Kansas. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Kansas.
- [Kentucky Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ky): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Kentucky. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Kentucky.
- [Maryland Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/md): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Maryland. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Maryland.
- [Iowa Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ia): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Iowa. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Iowa.
- [Louisiana Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/la): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Louisiana. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Louisiana.
- [Minnesota Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mn): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Minnesota. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Mi...
- [Maine Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/me): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Maine. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Maine.
- [Maryland Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/md): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Maryland. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Maryland.
- [New Hampshire Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nh): New Hampshire does not currently require a state-level license to engage in third-party debt collection. Collectors operating in New Hampshire are still expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and any...
- [Michigan Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mi): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Michigan. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Michigan.
- [New Jersey Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nj): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in New Jersey. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in N...
- [New Mexico Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nm): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in New Mexico. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in N...
- [North Carolina Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nc): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in North Carolina. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors ...
- [Rhode Island Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ri): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Rhode Island. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in...
- [Minnesota Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mn): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Minnesota. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Minnesota.
- [Mississippi Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ms): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Mississippi. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Mississippi.
- [Missouri Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mo): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Missouri. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Missouri.
- [Minnesota Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mn): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Minnesota. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Minnesota.
- [Mississippi Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ms): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Mississippi. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Mississippi.
- [Missouri Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/mo): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Missouri. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Missouri.
- [Nebraska Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ne): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Nebraska. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Nebraska.
- [Nebraska Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ne): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Nebraska. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Nebraska.
- [Nevada Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nv): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Nevada. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Nevada.
- [Nevada Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nv): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Nevada. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Nevada.
- [New Mexico Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nm): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in New Mexico. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in New Mexico.
- [New Mexico Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nm): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in New Mexico. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in New Mexico.
- [New York Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ny): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in New York. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in New York.
- [Tennessee Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tn): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Tennessee. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Te...
- [Wisconsin Debt Collection Laws & Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wi): Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Wisconsin. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Wi...
- [New York Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ny): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in New York. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in New York.
- [North Carolina Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/nc): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in North Carolina. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in North Carolina.
- [Ohio Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/oh): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Ohio. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Ohio.
- [Oklahoma Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ok): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Oklahoma. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Oklahoma.
- [Rhode Island Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ri): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Rhode Island. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Rhode Island.
- [Ohio Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/oh): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Ohio. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Ohio.
- [Oklahoma Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ok): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Oklahoma. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Oklahoma.
- [South Dakota Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sd): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in South Dakota. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in South Dakota.
- [Texas Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/tx): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Texas. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Texas.
- [Rhode Island Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ri): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Rhode Island. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Rhode Island.
- [South Carolina Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sc): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in South Carolina. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in South Carolina.
- [South Dakota Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/sd): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in South Dakota. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in South Dakota.
- [Utah Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ut): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Utah. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Utah.
- [Utah Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/ut): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Utah. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Utah.
- [Vermont Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/vt): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Vermont. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Vermont.
- [Virginia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/va): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Virginia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Virginia.
- [Washington Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wa): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Washington. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Washington.
- [Wisconsin Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wi): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Wisconsin. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Wisconsin.
- [Wyoming Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wy): Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Wyoming. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Wyoming.
- [Wyoming Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/state-laws/wy): Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Wyoming. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Wyoming.

## Vertical landing pages

- [How to Start a Collection Agency | Step-by-Step Guide | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/how-to-start-a-collection-agency): Complete guide to starting a collection agency. Learn about licensing requirements, business formation, surety bonds, and filings across all 50 states.
- [Online & Fintech Lending Licensing | All 50 States | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/online-lending-licensing): Licensing for online and fintech lenders. Multi-state consumer and commercial lending licenses, bank partnership analysis, and digital disclosure compliance.
- [Third-Party Collection Agency License | All 50 States | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/third-party-collection-agency-license): Get your third-party collection agency licensed in all 50 states. Expert application preparation, surety bonds, and ongoing filings management.
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- [Custodial Wallet Licensing | Digital Asset Custody Filings | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/custodial-wallet-licensing): Licensing for custodial cryptocurrency wallet providers. Custody classification, money transmitter and virtual currency filings, key management policy, and multi-state sequencing.
- [How to Start a Mortgage Business | Step-by-Step Guide | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/how-to-start-a-mortgage-business): Complete guide to starting a mortgage business. Learn about SAFE Act requirements, NMLS registration, state licensing, surety bonds, and filings across all 50 states.
- [Cryptocurrency Licensing | Digital Asset Filings | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/cryptocurrency-licensing): Cryptocurrency and digital asset licensing across all 50 states. BitLicense, money transmitter filings, AML programs, and ongoing compliance for exchanges, wallets, and stablecoin issuers.
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- [Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Licensing | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/mortgage-loan-originator-licensing): MLO licensing services including NMLS registration, state applications, pre-licensing education, and testing coordination. Get your MLOs licensed fast.
- [Registered Agent Services | All 50 States | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/registered-agent-services): Nationwide registered agent services. Receive legal documents, filing alerts, and annual report reminders in every state where your business operates.
- [Business Entity Formation | LLC & Corporation Filing | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/business-entity-formation): Business formation services for LLCs, corporations, and other entity types. Articles of organization, EIN registration, operating agreements, and foreign qualification.
- [How to Start a Lending Business | Complete Guide | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/how-to-start-a-lending-business): Step-by-step guide to starting a lending business. Learn about licensing, capital requirements, filings, and technology needs.
- [Debt Collection & Debt Buying Licensing | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/arm-debt-collection-and-debt-buying-licensing): Expert licensing services for debt collection agencies, debt buyers, and ARM industry companies. Get licensed in all 50 states with Cornerstone.
- [Multi-State Licensing Programs for Lenders and MSBs | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/multi-state-licensing-programs): Sequenced multi-state licensing programs for lenders, MSBs, and collection agencies. Prioritized state plans, parallel applications, and a single project lead.
- [New York BitLicense | NYDFS Virtual Currency License | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/new-york-bitlicense): New York BitLicense application support. We handle the NYDFS virtual currency filing, capital and custody requirements, cybersecurity program, and ongoing obligations.
- [Student Loan Lender Licensing | Private Student Loans | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/student-loan-lender-licensing): Licensing for private student loan lenders. Navigate state requirements for student loan origination, disclosure filings, and borrower protection regulations.
- [Student Loan Servicer License | All States | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/student-loan-servicer-license): Student loan servicer licensing across all states. Navigate the growing patchwork of state regulations for federal and private student loan servicing.
- [How To Start A Money Transmitter / MSB Business | Step-by-Step Guide | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/how-to-start-a-money-transmitter-business): Complete guide to starting a money transmitter or money services business. Learn about FinCEN registration, state licensing, capital requirements, and BSA/AML obligations.
- [Business Services | Formation, Filings & Reporting | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/business-services): Comprehensive business services including entity formation, beneficial ownership reporting, registered agents, and corporate filings solutions.
- [Collection Attorney Licensing | All 50 States | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/collection-attorney-licensing): Licensing services for attorneys engaged in debt collection. State-by-state exemption analysis, license applications, and multi-state filings management.
- [Credit Grantor Licensing | Sales Finance Licensing | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/credit-grantor-licensing): Expert licensing for credit grantors and sales finance companies. Retail installment licensing, credit grantor registration, and filings in all 50 states.
- [Stablecoin Issuer Licensing | Reserve & Redemption Filings | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/stablecoin-issuer-licensing): Licensing for fiat-backed and asset-backed stablecoin issuers. Issuer classification, reserve and redemption policy, money transmitter and BitLicense filings, and ongoing reporting.
- [Mortgage Licensing | Lenders & Servicers | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/mortgage-licensing): Expert mortgage licensing services for lenders, brokers, and servicers. NMLS management, state licensing, and ongoing filings across all states.
- [How to Start a Crypto Business | Step-by-Step Licensing Guide | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/how-to-start-a-crypto-business): Complete guide to starting a cryptocurrency or digital asset business in the United States. FinCEN MSB registration, state money transmitter licensing, NY BitLicense, BSA/AML, custody, and capital requirements.
- [First-Party Collection Licensing | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/first-party-collection-licensing): Licensing services for first-party collection companies. Navigate evolving state requirements for creditor-placed and outsourced first-party collectors.
- [Compliance Automation for Lenders and Servicers | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compliance-automation): Automated license renewals, bond tracking, NMLS filings, and regulator-change monitoring for multi-state lenders, MSBs, and collection agencies.
- [Passive Debt Buyer Licensing | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/passive-debt-buyer-licensing): Licensing services for passive debt buyers. Navigate state requirements for companies that purchase debt portfolios but outsource collection to third parties.
- [Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Licensing | Cornerstone Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/motor-vehicle-sales-finance-licensing): Licensing for motor vehicle sales finance companies. Dealer financing filings, indirect lending regulatory filings, and state examination preparation.
- [Loan Processing Services for Licensed Lenders | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/loan-processing): Outsourced loan processing for licensed mortgage and consumer lenders. Compliance-checked file prep, document collection, and underwriter handoff.
- [Crypto Broker Licensing | OTC Desk Filings | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/crypto-broker-otc-licensing): Licensing for crypto brokers and over-the-counter desks. Money transmitter filings, custody and settlement analysis, securities and commodities coordination, and AML programs.
- [Louisiana Virtual Currency License | OFI Filing | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/louisiana-virtual-currency-license): Louisiana Virtual Currency Business License support. We handle the Office of Financial Institutions application, net worth and surety requirements, and ongoing compliance.
- [Mortgage Servicer Licensing | All States | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/mortgage-servicer-licensing): Licensing for mortgage loan servicers. State servicing licenses, escrow filings, loss mitigation procedures, and examination preparation across all states.
- [California DFAL License | DFPI Digital Financial Assets Law | Cornerstone](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/california-dfal-license): California Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL) license support. We prepare the DFPI application, build the compliance program, and track the 2026 deadline.

## Industries

- [Financial Services & Lenders](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-financial-services): A coverage stack built for licensed lenders, mortgage originators, MSBs, and the firms supporting them.
- [Attorneys & Law Firms](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-attorneys): Programs built around lawyer professional liability and the operational risks specific to legal practice.
- [Technology & SaaS](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-tech): Tech E&O bundled with cyber for software companies, platforms, and managed-service providers.
- [Construction & Contracting](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-construction): GL, workers' comp, builder's risk, and the surety bonds that pair with them.
- [Healthcare & Life Sciences](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-healthcare): Coverage for medical practices, allied health, and life-sciences operators handling PHI.
- [Professional Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/industry/insurance-professional-services): Consultants, accountants, agencies, and advisors. The policies that protect the work you bill for.

## Services

- [Third-Party Collection Agency Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/third-party-collection-agency-license): License applications and bond procurement for third-party collection agencies in all 50 states.
- [First-Party Collection Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/first-party-collection-licensing): Identify and obtain first-party collection licenses where state law requires them.
- [Collection Attorney Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/collection-attorney-licensing): Multi-state attorney exemption analysis and collection-agency licensing where required.
- [Student Loan Servicer License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/student-loan-servicer-license): Licensing for federal and private student loan servicers across the rapidly evolving servicer-license landscape.
- [Passive Debt Buyer Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/passive-debt-buyer-licensing): Identify states that license passive debt buyers and manage applications, bonds, and renewals.
- [Active Debt Buyer Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/active-debt-buyer-licensing): Full licensing program for debt buyers who collect on their own purchased portfolios.
- [Debt Settlement Company Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/debt-settlement-company-licensing): Debt management and debt settlement company licensing, including trust account and fee-cap compliance.
- [Start a Collection Agency](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/how-to-start-a-collection-agency): End-to-end formation and licensing for new ARM industry entrants.
- [Credit Grantor Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/credit-grantor-licensing): Licensing for businesses extending credit directly to consumers.
- [Consumer Lending Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/consumer-lending-licensing): Multi-state consumer-lending licensing for installment lenders and credit-grantors.
- [Supervised Lender Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/supervised-lender-licensing): Licensing for lenders making loans above the small-loan rate caps in supervised-lender states.
- [Payday & Small Dollar Lending Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/payday-small-dollar-lending-licensing): Payday and small-dollar lender licensing across the patchwork of state regulatory regimes.
- [Commercial Lending Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/commercial-lending-licensing): Business and commercial lender licensing in states that regulate non-consumer credit.
- [Student Loan Lender Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/student-loan-lender-licensing): Licensing for private student-loan originators.
- [Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/motor-vehicle-sales-finance-licensing): Licensing for indirect auto lenders and motor vehicle sales finance companies.
- [Start a Lending Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/how-to-start-a-lending-business): Formation, licensing, and bond procurement for new lenders.
- [Mortgage Lender & Broker Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/mortgage-lender-broker-licensing): NMLS company licensing for mortgage lenders and brokers in all 50 states.
- [Mortgage Servicer Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/mortgage-servicer-licensing): Servicer licensing across the states that regulate residential mortgage servicing.
- [Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/mortgage-loan-originator-licensing): Individual MLO licensing through NMLS, including pre-licensing education and SAFE testing.
- [Mortgage Note Investor Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/note-investors-licensing): Licensing for investors who purchase and hold residential mortgage notes.
- [Money Transmitter License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/money-transmitter-license): Multi-state money transmitter licensing for payment processors, fintechs, and crypto businesses.
- [Cryptocurrency Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/cryptocurrency-licensing): BitLicense, money transmitter, and crypto-specific licensing across applicable states.
- [Business Entity Formation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/business-entity-formation): LLC, corporation, and partnership formation in all 50 states, structured for licensing readiness.
- [Registered Agent Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/registered-agent-services): Registered agent services in all 50 states with regulatory mail handling and digital delivery.
- [Beneficial Ownership Reporting](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/beneficial-ownership-information-reporting): FinCEN BOI reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act.
- [Contract Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/contract-bonds): Performance, payment, bid, and maintenance bonds for contractors of every size, backed by A-rated carriers.
- [Fidelity Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/fidelity-bonds): ERISA, business services, blanket, and employee dishonesty bonds.
- [NMLS Surety Bonds (ESBs)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/nmls-surety-bonds): Electronic surety bonds for mortgage lenders, brokers, originators, and servicers via NMLS.
- [Debt Collector Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/debt-collector-bonds): Collection-agency bonds satisfying state licensing requirements in every regulated state.
- [Lender Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/lender-bonds): Surety bonds for consumer, commercial, and supervised lenders.
- [Insurance Adjuster Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/insurance-adjuster-bonds): Public and independent insurance adjuster surety bonds.
- [Credit Service Organization Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/credit-service-organization-bonds): CSO surety bonds for credit-repair and related service organizations.
- [Money Transmitter Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/money-transmitter-bonds): MTL surety bonds matching state-specific bond schedules.
- [Notary Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/notary-bonds): Same-day notary bonds for every state requiring one.
- [Probate Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/probate-bonds): Executor, administrator, guardian, and conservator probate bonds.
- [Errors & Omissions (E&O)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/errors-and-omissions): Protect your business from claims of professional negligence, errors, or inadequate work. E&O insurance covers legal defense costs and settlements arising from mistakes or failure to deliver services as expected.
- [General Property Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/general-property): Coverage for the building, equipment, inventory, and improvements you depend on.
- [Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employment-practices-liability): Shield your business from employee-related claims including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. EPLI covers legal defense and damages.
- [Workers' Compensation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/workers-compensation): Statutory workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for employees injured on the job. Required in nearly every state for businesses with employees.
- [Directors & Officers (D&O)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/directors-and-officers): Protect your company's directors and officers from personal liability arising from decisions made in their capacity as leaders. D&O insurance covers legal fees, settlements, and judgments.
- [Employee Theft / Fidelity](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employee-theft-fidelity): Cover losses from employee dishonesty, theft, fraud, or forgery. Fidelity bonds and crime insurance protect your business assets from internal threats.
- [Lawyer Professional Liability (LPL)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/lawyer-professional-liability): Specialized malpractice coverage for attorneys and law firms. LPL insurance covers claims of negligence, errors in legal advice, missed deadlines, and conflicts of interest.
- [Umbrella / Excess Liability](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/umbrella-excess-liability): Extend your coverage limits beyond your primary policies. Umbrella insurance provides an additional layer of protection against catastrophic claims that exceed the limits of your underlying liability policies.
- [Start a Mortgage Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/how-to-start-a-mortgage-business): End-to-end formation, NMLS registration, and state licensing for new mortgage lenders and brokers.
- [Start a Money Transmitter Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/how-to-start-a-money-transmitter-business): End-to-end FinCEN registration, BSA/AML build-out, and state licensing for new payment and money services businesses.
- [Start a Crypto Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/how-to-start-a-crypto-business): End-to-end regulatory mapping, FinCEN registration, and state-by-state licensing for new cryptocurrency and digital asset businesses.
- [Background Checks](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/background-check): Compliant, fast, and admissible background-check packages. Authorization links are sent to subjects directly; results route to the right state regulator.
- [Employment Practices Liability (EPL)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employment-epl): Defense and damages for the most common employee-driven claims.
- [Health Insurance & Benefits](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/health-benefits): Group medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits packaged for small and mid-size employers.
- [Professional Liability Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/professional-liability): Also called errors and omissions (E&O), it covers the financial harm a client says your work, advice, or services caused.
- [Cyber Liability & Data Breach Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/cyber-liability): Pay for breach response, notification, regulatory inquiries, and the business interruption that follows a cyber event.
- [Lawyer Professional Liability (LPL)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/attorneys-lpl): Malpractice coverage built around the realities of legal practice.
- [Business Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/business-insurance): The core coverage stack every business needs, assembled around how you actually operate rather than a generic package.
- [Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/errors-omissions): Cover the cost of defending and settling claims that you made a mistake, missed a step, or gave bad advice.
- [Data Liability Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/errors-omissions-data-liability): Coverage for claims arising from how you collect, store, and use third-party data.
- [Employment & Management Liability](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employment): The bundle that protects your leaders, your hiring decisions, and your treasury from internal exposure.
- [Employee Dishonesty & Crime](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employment-employee-dishonesty): Cover losses to your own treasury from internal theft, forgery, and fraud.
- [Tech E&O Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/errors-omissions-tech-eo): E&O purpose-built for technology businesses, software vendors, and platform operators.
- [Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/employment-directors-officers): Personal-asset protection for the people making decisions on behalf of the company.
- [Workers' Compensation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/workers-comp): Statutory coverage for employees injured on the job. Required in nearly every state.
- [General Liability Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/services/general-liability): The third-party bodily injury and property damage policy every business should carry.

## Decision guides

- [Third-Party vs First-Party Collections](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/third-party-vs-first-party-collections): Whether you collect in your own name or under the creditor's name changes which rules apply and which licenses you need. Here is the practical difference.
- [Law Firm vs Licensing Specialist for Collection Agency Setup](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/law-firm-vs-licensing-specialist-for-collections): Setting up a collection agency involves legal questions and a stack of state filings. A law firm and a licensing specialist play different, complementary roles. Here is how the work divides.
- [LLC vs Corporation for a Licensed Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/llc-vs-corporation-for-licensed-businesses): The entity you form affects how a licensed business is taxed, governed, and viewed by regulators during a license application. Here is how an LLC and a corporation compare.
- [Debt Collection License vs Debt Buyer License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/debt-collection-license-vs-debt-buyer-license): If your company collects on accounts, the license you need depends on whether you collect for others or collect on debt you own. Here is how the two license types differ and which one fits your model.
- [In-House Collections vs an Outsourced Agency](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/in-house-collections-vs-outsourced-agency): Deciding whether to build a collections function or hire an agency comes down to volume, control, and the compliance load you want to own. Here is a side-by-side look.
- [Surety Bond vs Cash Deposit](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/surety-bond-vs-cash-deposit): Many license applications let you satisfy the financial-security requirement with either a surety bond or a cash deposit. The choice affects your capital and your paperwork. Here is the comparison.
- [Consumer Lending License vs Commercial Lending License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/consumer-lending-license-vs-commercial-lending-license): Whether you lend to individuals or to businesses changes which license you need and how heavily the loan is regulated. Here is how the consumer and commercial lending licenses compare.
- [License and Permit Bond vs Contract Bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/license-and-permit-bond-vs-contract-bond): Surety bonds fall into broad families, and two of the most common are license and permit bonds and contract bonds. Here is how they differ and which one a given requirement calls for.
- [Fidelity Bond vs Surety Bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/fidelity-bond-vs-surety-bond): The word "bond" covers two very different protections. A fidelity bond protects a business from its own employees, while a surety bond backs an obligation to a third party. Here is the difference.
- [Mortgage Broker License vs Mortgage Lender License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/mortgage-broker-license-vs-mortgage-lender-license): Whether you arrange loans for borrowers or fund them yourself determines which mortgage license you need. Here is how the broker and lender licenses differ and which fits your model.
- [Consumer Loan License vs Sales Finance License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/consumer-loan-license-vs-sales-finance-license): Lending directly to consumers and financing purchases through a merchant are regulated differently. Here is how the consumer loan license and the sales finance license compare and which one your model needs.
- [Cornerstone vs Harbor Compliance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/cornerstone-vs-harbor-compliance): Both firms run multi-state license applications and renewals, but they are built for different buyers. Here is an honest look at where each one fits, so you can choose the partner that matches your business.
- [Money Transmitter License vs FinCEN MSB Registration](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/money-transmitter-license-vs-fincen-msb-registration): Moving money for others usually triggers both a federal registration and state licenses. Here is how the FinCEN MSB registration and a state money transmitter license differ and why most businesses need both.
- [Mortgage Servicer License vs Mortgage Lender License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/mortgage-servicer-license-vs-mortgage-lender-license): Funding a loan and servicing it afterward are separate activities that states license separately. Here is how the mortgage servicer license and the mortgage lender license differ and which you need.
- [Cornerstone vs Nationwide Licensing System](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/cornerstone-vs-nationwide-licensing-system): Nationwide Licensing System is a private licensing service, not the government NMLS. Here is how it compares with Cornerstone, so you can pick the right partner for mortgage and money-services licensing.
- [Supervised Lender License vs Consumer Lender License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compare/supervised-lender-license-vs-consumer-lender-license): Some states split consumer lending into a standard license and a supervised license tied to higher rates. Here is how the two compare and which one your rate structure calls for.

## Questions and answers

- [Do license applications require a background check?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-license-applications-require-a-background-check): Many do. States commonly run background checks and fingerprinting on the owners, officers, and control persons of a business applying for a license, especially in regulated areas like lending, collections, and money transmission. The exact...
- [What is a small loan lender license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-small-loan-lender-license): A small loan lender license authorizes a company to make consumer loans under a state's defined small-loan dollar limit, often with specific rate and fee rules. Many states use this category for lower-balance installment and short-term con...
- [How much capital do I need to start a lending business?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/how-much-capital-do-i-need-to-start-a-lending-business): It depends on the loan products and the states. Beyond the money you lend, states set minimum net worth requirements for many lending licenses, and you will need working capital for licensing fees, surety bonds, technology, and operations....
- [What is a license and permit bond, and why does my license require one?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-license-and-permit-bond): A license and permit bond is a surety bond a government agency requires before it issues a license. It guarantees that you will follow the laws governing the licensed activity and pays valid claims to the public if you do not. The state se...
- [What is a money services business license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-money-services-business-license): A money services business, or MSB, is a company that transmits money or provides services like currency exchange, check cashing, or prepaid access. MSBs register federally with FinCEN and, in most states, also need a state money transmitte...
- [Do I need a license in every state where I collect debt?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-license-in-every-state-i-collect): Generally you need a license in each state that licenses collection activity and where you contact consumers, not only the state where your office sits. Most states regulate collectors who reach their residents, so a multi-state operation ...
- [How long does it take to get a collection agency license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/how-long-does-a-collection-agency-license-take): It varies by state, commonly from a few weeks to several months. The timeline depends on the state's review queue, whether a surety bond and background checks are required, and how complete your application is when you file. Filing in many...
- [Do I need a license to start a debt collection agency?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-debt-collection-license): In most states, yes. A company that collects past-due accounts for others generally needs a state collection-agency license, and many states also require a surety bond before they issue it. A handful of states do not license collectors, so...
- [Should I form an LLC or a corporation for a licensed business?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/llc-or-corporation-for-a-licensed-business): Both can hold a license. An LLC offers flexible management and pass-through taxation with lighter formalities, while a corporation has a board structure and is taxed at the entity level unless it elects S status. For licensing, the bigger ...
- [How much does a collection agency license cost?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/how-much-does-a-collection-agency-license-cost): Costs vary by state and usually combine a few parts: a state application or license fee, a surety bond whose amount the state sets, and sometimes fingerprinting and background-check fees. Because each state prices these differently, a mult...
- [What is a supervised lender license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-supervised-lender-license): A supervised lender license authorizes consumer loans above a state's standard rate threshold, under enhanced regulatory oversight. States that follow a supervised-loan framework use it to permit higher rates in exchange for closer supervi...
- [What is a money transmitter license and who needs one?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-money-transmitter-license): A money transmitter license lets a business move money or sell payment instruments on behalf of others, such as transfers, money orders, or holding customer funds. Most states require it of money services businesses, and applications usual...
- [Do I need a money transmitter license for a crypto business?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-money-transmitter-license-for-crypto): Often yes. Many states treat businesses that transmit, exchange, or custody digital assets for customers as money transmitters, which means a money services business license, a surety bond, and background checks. A handful of states have a...
- [What is the NMLS and do I need to register with it?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-the-nmls-and-do-i-need-to-register): The NMLS is the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, the shared platform states use to license mortgage and many other financial-services companies and individuals. If you originate, broker, or service mortgages, you almost certainly re...
- [Do I need a license to buy debt?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-license-to-buy-debt): In many states, yes. Debt buyers who purchase accounts and then collect on them are increasingly licensed as collection agencies or under a separate debt-buyer category, and a surety bond is often required. A few states treat passive debt ...
- [Do I need to register my business in another state to operate there?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-to-register-my-business-in-another-state): If your company is doing business in a state other than where it was formed, that state usually requires you to register as a foreign entity, called foreign qualification. What counts as doing business varies, but having employees, an offi...
- [What is an annual report and do I have to file one?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-an-annual-report-and-do-i-have-to-file-one): A business annual report is a periodic filing most states require to keep your LLC or corporation in good standing, confirming basic details like your address, officers, and registered agent. Most states charge a fee and set a deadline, an...
- [How long does it take to form an LLC?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-an-llc): It varies by state, from same-day or a few business days to a few weeks for standard processing, and many states offer expedited filing for an extra fee. After the state approves the formation, additional steps like getting an EIN, opening...
- [What is a registered agent and do I need one?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-a-registered-agent-and-do-i-need-one): A registered agent is the person or company you name to receive legal notices and official state mail for your business at a physical address during business hours. Every state requires a registered agent for an LLC or corporation, in each...
- [Do I need a license to collect debt online or by phone from another state?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-license-to-collect-debt-online): Usually yes. Collecting remotely does not avoid licensing; what matters is where the consumer is, not how you contact them. If you email, call, or message a resident of a state that licenses collectors, that state generally expects you to ...
- [How often do I have to renew a business license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/how-often-do-i-have-to-renew-a-business-license): Most state licenses renew on a set schedule, commonly once a year or every two years, and the renewal usually means paying a fee, confirming your information, and keeping your surety bond active. Renewal dates and requirements differ by st...
- [What happens if I operate without a required license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-happens-if-i-operate-without-a-required-license): Operating without a license a state requires can lead to fines, cease-and-desist orders, and in some cases voided contracts or personal liability for the owners. Regulators can also make future licensing harder once there is a violation on...
- [Do I need a license to lend online?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-license-for-online-lending): Usually yes. Lending online does not remove state licensing. Most states require a lender to be licensed where the borrower lives, not where the company sits, so an online lender serving a national market commonly needs licenses in many st...
- [Do I need a California DFAL license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-california-dfal-license): If your business exchanges, transfers, or stores digital assets with or for California residents, you generally need a DFAL license once the law takes effect, unless an exemption applies. Whether your activity is covered depends on your mo...
- [When is the California DFAL compliance deadline?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/when-is-the-california-dfal-deadline): The Digital Financial Assets Law takes effect July 1, 2026. From that date a covered business generally must hold a license to keep operating in California. A business that files a complete application before the deadline may generally con...
- [What is the California DFAL license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-the-california-dfal-license): The California Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL), enacted as Assembly Bill 39, creates a dedicated license for digital asset businesses that serve California residents. It is administered by the Department of Financial Protection and Inn...
- [Do I need a mortgage license in every state where I lend?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-mortgage-license-in-every-state): Generally yes. Mortgage licensing follows where the property and borrower are, so you usually need a license in each state where you originate, broker, or service loans, not only your home state. Each license is maintained through the NMLS...
- [What licenses do I need to start a lending business?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-licenses-do-i-need-to-start-a-lending-business): Most consumer and commercial lenders need a state lending license in each state where they make loans, and the exact license depends on the loan type, the borrower, and the rate. Many states also require a surety bond and, for mortgage len...
- [Do I need a license to lend to businesses?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/do-i-need-a-license-to-lend-to-businesses): Sometimes. Commercial lending has historically been lighter touch than consumer lending, but a growing number of states now license commercial lenders or require disclosures, especially for small-business financing and merchant cash advanc...
- [What is debt collection compliance?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/answers/what-is-debt-collection-compliance): Debt collection compliance is the set of federal and state rules a collector must follow, plus the licenses and bonds states require. It includes the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, state collection statutes, licensing in each ...

## Money transmitter guides

- [What happens if I miss my money transmitter license renewal deadline?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/money-transmitter-license/missed-renewal-deadline): What happens when a money transmitter license renewal deadline is missed, the reinstatement window, late penalties, and how to restore good standing.
- [What should I do if I received a cease and desist for operating without a money transmitter license?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/money-transmitter-license/cease-and-desist-unlicensed): How to respond to a state cease and desist order for unlicensed money transmission, including deadlines, exposure, and the path back to compliance.
- [How do I fix NMLS money transmitter application deficiencies?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/money-transmitter-license/nmls-application-deficiencies): How to read and clear NMLS money transmitter application deficiency items, the common deficiencies, and how to respond before the state's deadline.
- [What happens if my money transmitter surety bond lapses?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/money-transmitter-license/surety-bond-lapse): What a lapsed or canceled money transmitter surety bond means for the license, the suspension risk, and how to replace the bond and refile proof.
- [State Licensing Cost, Timeline & Requirements Index](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-data): Privacy-safe, state-by-state licensing index: government fees, surety bond and net-worth requirements, processing timelines, and renewal cadence, plus machine-readable JSON and CSV.
- [Mortgage licensing licensing cost, timeline & requirements by state](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-data/mortgage): State mortgage lender, broker, and servicer licensing, including NMLS surety bond and net-worth requirements.
- [Money transmitter licensing licensing cost, timeline & requirements by state](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-data/money-transmitter): State money transmitter and money services business licensing, including surety bond and tangible net-worth floors.
- [Debt collection licensing licensing cost, timeline & requirements by state](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-data/debt-collection): State debt collection agency licensing, including surety bond requirements and registration rules.
- [Licensing Cost Estimator](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-cost-estimator): Pick a license type and the states you are entering for an indicative cost and timeline range built from regulator data, with a path to a real quote.
- [Licensing Requirements Comparator](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-comparator): Compare government fees, bond and net-worth requirements, timelines, and renewal cadence across states side by side for a chosen license type.
- [Licensing Requirements Finder](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/licensing-finder): Answer a few questions about your business to find which state licenses you likely need and what each requires.
- [Compliance stacks by industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compliance-stack): The license, surety bond, and insurance each regulated industry commonly carries together.
- [Financial Services and Lenders: compliance stack](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compliance-stack/financial-services): License, bond, and insurance for lenders, mortgage originators, and money services businesses.
- [Construction and Contracting: compliance stack](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compliance-stack/construction): Contract surety bonds and the insurance program contractors carry on public and private work.
- [Attorneys and Law Firms: compliance stack](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/compliance-stack/attorneys): Professional liability, court and fidelity bonds, and licensing for law firms whose practice requires it.

## Education

- [Foundations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations): A guided walk from "what is a license" through bonds, registered agents, formation, and renewals. Plain English, no prescription, brand-agnostic.
- [Why states regulate (and the feds, sometimes)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/why-states-regulate): The split between state and federal oversight, why one activity can trigger both, and what that means for paperwork.
- [What is a surety bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/what-is-a-surety-bond): How surety bonds work, who pays whom when, and why states make them a license condition.
- [Registered agents and certificates of authority](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/registered-agents-and-coas): Two paperwork items every multi-state operator runs into. What they do, when they're needed, and how they connect to licensing.
- [Renewals and staying in good standing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/renewals-and-good-standing): The compounding paperwork of operating in many states, what falls through the cracks first, and what "out of good standing" really costs.
- [How to run a successful regulated business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/running-a-regulated-business): The operating patterns that keep regulated businesses out of trouble for the long haul.
- [When you need a lawyer (and when you don't)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/when-you-need-a-lawyer): The honest line between what a licensing specialist handles and what a regulatory attorney should be looking at.
- [Business formation basics](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/business-formation-basics): Entity type, state of formation, and what each one means for the licenses you'll later go after.
- [Bonds vs commercial insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/bonds-vs-commercial-insurance): Two things that get confused often. They protect different parties and pay out under different conditions.
- [What is a state license](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/foundations/what-is-a-license): A plain-English definition, why states issue them, and how to tell when your business actually needs one.
- [Lending](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending): The end-to-end walk for a lending operator: what a lending license is, the bond piece, how multi-state lending stacks up, and what running a healthy lending shop looks like.
- [Renewals and good standing for lenders](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending/lending-renewals): The repeating work that keeps a lender's portfolio live across many states, and the common failure modes.
- [Bonds for lenders](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending/lending-bonds): How surety bonds attach to a lending license, why the amount varies, and what changes when you add states.
- [Running a healthy lending shop](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending/running-a-lender): The operating habits that keep a lender out of regulator trouble for the long haul.
- [Going multi-state with lending](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending/lending-multistate): What changes when a lender adds the third, fifth, tenth state , and where the operational drag tends to show up.
- [Lending licensing, in plain English](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/lending/lending-101): What a lending license actually authorizes, the per-state cadence, and the common entry points for a new lender.
- [Mortgage](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage): The walkthrough for mortgage operators: company licensing, MLO licensing, NMLS mechanics, bonds, and what running a steady mortgage shop looks like.
- [Running a healthy mortgage shop](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage/running-a-mortgage-shop): The operating habits that keep a multi-state mortgage company out of trouble for the long haul.
- [Mortgage bonds: company and originator](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage/mortgage-bonds): The bond piece for both the company and the individuals it employs.
- [Mortgage licensing, in plain English](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage/mortgage-101): What state mortgage licensing actually covers, the split between company and individual licensing, and the role of the NMLS.
- [Renewals and good standing for mortgage shops](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage/mortgage-renewals): The renewal stack for a multi-state mortgage company, what tends to slip, and the avoidable suspensions to watch for.
- [Going multi-state with mortgage](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/mortgage/mortgage-multistate): What scales cleanly, what does not, and where the operational drag actually lives.
- [Money transmitter](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter): The walkthrough for MSB operators: state money transmitter licensing, FinCEN registration, surety bonds, NMLS multi-state coordination, and what running a steady transmission shop looks like.
- [Bonds and net worth for money transmitters](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter/msb-bonds): How surety bonds attach to an MTL, how the bond amount scales with transmission volume, and how minimum net worth interacts with the bond.
- [Going multi-state with money transmission](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter/msb-multistate): What the NMLS Multistate MSB Licensing Agreement (MMLA) actually does, what stays per state regardless, and where the operational drag really lives.
- [Money transmitter licensing, in plain English](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter/msb-101): What an MTL actually authorizes, how the state regime interacts with FinCEN, and where the common entry points sit for a new MSB.
- [Running a healthy MSB](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter/running-an-msb): The operating habits that keep a multi-state transmitter out of regulator trouble for the long haul.
- [Renewals and good standing for money transmitters](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/money-transmitter/msb-renewals): The repeating work that keeps an MTL portfolio live across many states, plus the FinCEN and call-report cycles that sit alongside it.
- [Debt collection](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection): The walkthrough for collection agencies and debt buyers: state collection-agency licensing, debt-buyer-specific rules, bonds, multi-state stacking, and what running a healthy collection shop looks like.
- [Renewals and good standing for collection agencies](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection/collection-renewals): The repeating work that keeps a collection portfolio live across many states, and the common failure modes.
- [Going multi-state with collection](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection/collection-multistate): What changes when an agency adds the fifth, fifteenth, thirtieth state, and where the operational drag tends to show up.
- [Running a healthy collection agency](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection/running-a-collection-agency): The operating habits that keep a collection shop out of regulator trouble for the long haul.
- [Bonds for collection agencies and debt buyers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection/collection-bonds): How surety bonds attach to a collection license, why the amount varies by state and role, and what changes when a debt-buyer license sits alongside.
- [Collection agency licensing, in plain English](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/industry/debt-collection/collection-101): What a state collection-agency license actually authorizes, where debt-buyer licensing diverges, and the common entry points for a new operator.

## Glossary

- [Good standing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/good-standing): A status confirming the business is current on its annual reports, taxes, registered-agent appointment, and any renewal filings.
- [Doing business as](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/doing-business-as): A trade name a business uses other than its legal name. Often filed at the state or county level so the public knows who's behind the brand.
- [Fingerprinting](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/fingerprinting): Background check step required for many licenses, especially in lending, mortgage, and money transmission. Usually done through a state-approved vendor.
- [Annual report](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/annual-report): A short filing most states require once a year to keep a business entity in good standing. Separate from a license renewal.
- [Mortgage loan originator](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/mlo): An individual licensed to take residential mortgage loan applications and negotiate terms. Licensed separately from the company they work for.
- [Fidelity bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/fidelity-bond): Different animal than a surety bond. Protects a business against employee theft or fraud. Not usually a licensing requirement.
- [E&O insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/e-and-o): Errors and omissions insurance. Protects a business when a professional service it delivered is alleged to have caused a client loss.
- [NMLS](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/nmls): The Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. The shared filing system used for most mortgage and consumer-finance license types across states.
- [Control person](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/control-person): An owner, officer, or director with enough authority over a regulated entity that regulators want to vet them personally, often via background checks and disclosure forms.
- [Surety](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/surety): The company that issues a surety bond and backs the principal's obligation. It pays valid claims to the obligee, then collects repayment from the principal.
- [Obligee](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/obligee): The party a surety bond protects. For a license bond it is the government agency that requires the bond and can claim against it.
- [Principal](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/principal): The business whose performance a surety bond guarantees. The principal buys the bond and repays the surety for any valid claim it pays.
- [Underwriting](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/underwriting): The review a surety or insurer runs to decide whether to issue a bond or policy and at what rate, weighing credit, financials, and experience.
- [Premium](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/premium): What you pay for a surety bond or insurance policy. For a bond it is a fraction of the bond amount set by underwriting, not the full amount at risk.
- [Surety bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/surety-bond): A three-party guarantee. The state requires the bond, the business buys it from a surety, and the state can claim against it if the business harms the public.
- [Indemnity agreement](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/indemnity-agreement): The contract a bond principal signs agreeing to repay the surety for any claim it pays. It is what makes a bond a guarantee, not coverage.
- [License and permit bond](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/license-permit-bond): A surety bond a government agency requires before it issues a license or permit, guaranteeing the licensee follows the law governing the activity.
- [Collection agency license](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/collection-agency-license): A state license most debt collectors need before contacting consumers in that state. Many states require a surety bond before they issue it.
- [Debt buyer](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/debt-buyer): A company that purchases past-due accounts and collects on balances it now owns. Many states regulate debt buyers separately from agencies.
- [General liability insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/general-liability): Insurance for third-party bodily injury or property damage tied to your operations, plus related legal costs. It excludes employee injuries.
- [Workers' compensation insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/workers-compensation): Insurance that pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job. Most states require it once you have employees.
- [Professional liability insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/professional-liability): Insurance for claims that your professional services or advice caused a client financial harm. Also sold as errors and omissions (E&O) coverage.
- [Certificate of insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/certificate-of-insurance): A one-page document proving you carry an active policy, with coverage types, limits, and dates. Clients and landlords often require one.
- [Additional insured](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/additional-insured): A party added to your policy so it shares the protection, common when a client or landlord requires it in a contract.
- [Deductible](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/deductible): The amount you pay out of pocket on a covered claim before the insurer pays the rest. A higher deductible usually lowers the premium.
- [LLC](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/limited-liability-company): A business entity that blends pass-through taxation with limited owner liability and light formalities. Regulators vet its members as control persons.
- [Corporation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/corporation): A business entity owned by shareholders and run by officers and directors. Regulators vet its officers, directors, and major shareholders.
- [State license](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/state-license): A state-issued authorization for a regulated activity inside one state. Most regulated businesses need a separate license per state where they operate.
- [Registered agent](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/registered-agent): A person or company that accepts service of process and official mail on a business's behalf in each state where the business is registered.
- [Resident agent](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/resident-agent): A registered agent that physically resides in the state. Some states use this label instead of registered agent.
- [Certificate of authority](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/certificate-of-authority): A state filing that lets a company formed in one state legally do business in another. Often a prerequisite for a state license.
- [Bond amount](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/bond-amount): The most a surety will pay on a valid claim, set by the state or obligee that requires the bond. Also called the penal sum.
- [FDCPA](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/education/glossary/fdcpa): The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It governs how third-party collectors may contact consumers, on top of state collection licensing.

## Client reviews

- [Cornerstone Licensing client reviews](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/reviews): Real customer reviews and testimonials for Cornerstone Licensing, with verified ratings where available.

## Articles

- [Put Your Licensing & Compliance Needs in Our Hands](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/put-your-licensing-compliance-needs-in-our-hands): At Cornerstone Support, Inc. we have one simple mission - to help your business succeed. Which is why we have a dedicated team committed to your specific needs, providing quality service and expertise, which leads to a more successful futu...
- [The CFPB Against Everybody: What we can Learn From the Latest Civil Action](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-cfpb-against-everybody-what-we-can-learn-from-the-latest-civil-action): In March of 2015, the CFPB filed a civil action against a host of defendants. Caught up in this legal net were several alleged debt collection agencies, a host of payment processors, and a technology vendor. The CFPB alleges that "debt col...
- [Reg F Imputed Permission to Contact by Email](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/reg-f-imputed-permission-to-contact-by-email): Reg F imputed permission to contact by email Agencies and debt buyers would like to take advantage of all forms of collection communication. In order to effectuate collection by e-mail, it may not be practical to independently establish pe...
- [Regulatory Updates In Massachusetts](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/regulatory-updates-in-massachusetts): Cornerstone received a note from the Chief Director for Mortgage Examinations this week, including regulatory updates for Massachusetts. The information received contained the following message: One of the key objectives for the Division o...
- [4 Things You Need to Attract the Best Employees](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/4-things-you-need-to-attract-the-best-employees): We all want to have the best collectors and employees at our agency. You want employees that get the job done while remaining compliant and those that just bring a good vibe to the office. How do you do that? Here are 4 things you need to ...
- [The Changing Landscape for Collection Agencies](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/changing-landscape-collection-agencies): A Greek philosopher notably observed that the only constant in life is change. And so goes the collection industry. Just when collection agencies thought they could breathe a collective sigh of relief after implementing Regulation F, new s...
- [U.S. Supreme Court Holds Debt Purchaser Not Subject to FDCPA](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/u-s-supreme-court-holds-debt-purchaser-not-subject-to-fdcpa): Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that the FDCPA does not apply to debt purchasers collecting on its own debt. The decision was regarding Santander Consumer USA Inc. who was collecting on acquired defaulted loans from CitiF...
- [Do Minority Ownership Changes Impact Licensing?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/do-minority-ownership-changes-impact-licensing): Changes to the ownership structure of a licensed collection agency occur for a variety of reasons and are a regular part of the corporate life cycle. Unfortunately, the statutory regulations for the majority of jurisdictions prohibit the t...
- [CFPB's Statement on Data Security Signals new Compliance Concerns](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-data-security-statement-signals-compliance-concerns): Insufficient data protection or information security can violate the prohibition against unfair acts or practices according to a circular released last week by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This position is not new, as ...
- [Do You Have a Fully Developed Cybersecurity Approach?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cyber-security-approach2): People, Processes, and Computer Technology: Three Essential Parts of Your Security Program to Protect Non-Public Personal Information. Introduction: Information Security is a Program, Not a Product "If you think security is a technology pr...
- [Cornerstone Unveils New Look](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cornerstone-unveils-new-look): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [What Auto Groups Need To Know About Debt Buying](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-auto-groups-need-to-know-about-debt-buying): Debt Buying For Auto Groups As a debt buyer looks to start purchasing debt there are several factors to consider. Will the buying entity purchase and outsource? Will the buying entity purchase and collect themselves? Where is the debt? Whe...
- [NMLS Renewal Season: Tips and Best Practices](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/nmls-renewal-season-tips-and-best-practices): Best Practices When Dealing With The NMLS Renewal season is upon us. As the year comes to a close, it's important to ensure that all licenses managed on the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) are renewed within the de...
- [6 Key Changes To Nevada's New Collection Agency Licensing Act](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/nevada-senate-bill-276-collection-agency): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [Governor Signs Amendment Regarding Student Loan Servicing Laws](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/governor-signs-amendment-regarding-student-loan-servicing-laws): Update: California Governor Makes Law Change favoring Debt Collectors On Friday September 14, California Governor, Jerry Brown, signed into law Assembly Bill 38. This amendment to the "California Student Loan Servicing Act" clarifies that ...
- [Hurricane's Florence Impact on North Carolina and Collections Activity](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/hurricanes-florence-impact-on-north-carolina-and-collections-activity): North Carolina: Collections Activity Impacted in the Wake of Hurricane Florence On September 17, 2018 North Carolina Department of Insurance Commissioner, Mike Causey, has issued an amended order to NCGS58-2-46, providing for state of disa...
- [Private Education Debt New York](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/private-education-debt-new-york-sb-5056): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [Artificial Intelligence in Lending](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-lending): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [Wisconsin: Financial Services Proposed Legislation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/wisconsin-proposed-legislation-in-financial-services): Explore Wisconsin's proposed financial reforms with SB 668, AB 948, & SB 859, set to revamp licensing and regulations for service providers.
- [New Jersey: New Data Privacy Law](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/new-jersey-new-data-privacy-law): New Jersey enacts new Data Protection Act, effective Jan 16, 2025, setting comprehensive consumer data privacy standards for businesses.
- [Debt Collection Laws](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-laws): *As of this writing - these are accurate. Cornerstone Support is not responsible for decisions based on this web content - please consult legal counsel before implementing based on information in this guide* Debt Collection Laws If you're ...
- [New Bond Amounts for North Dakota](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/new-bond-amounts-for-north-dakota): North Dakota SB 2093 has been signed into law. This increases the bond requirement for collection agencies and money brokers to $50,000. Cornerstone has been in contact with the regulators within the North Dakota Department of Banking & Fi...
- [Open Banking and Its Transformative Effects on Fintech in the US](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/open-banking-and-its-transformative-effects-on-fintech-in-the-us): Open banking in the US is on the cusp of overcoming a significant regulatory challenge, poised to redefine the Fintech landscape by enabling secure data sharing between banks and third-party providers, with consumer consent at its core. Th...
- [Spring is Here and a Proposed Debt Collection Rule is Imminent](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/spring-is-here-and-a-proposed-debt-collection-rule-is-imminent): More than five years after it issued its Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) appears poised to issue its proposed debt collection rules. The first hint that this was imminent came in the ...
- [Navigating the New FTC Safeguards Rule: Essential Compliance Tips](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/navigating-the-new-ftc-safeguards-rule-essential-compliance-tips): The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule, a mandate under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, plays a crucial role in ensuring that financial services, including those beyond traditional banking sectors like debt collection, uphold strin...
- [Compliance Corner: Updates to FTC's Safeguards Rule](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/compliance-corner-updates-to-ftcs-safeguards-rule): The FTC has now updated its Safeguards Rule to add breach notification requirements. It plans to host a new public database of instances in which consumers' nonpublic information has been subjected to unauthorized access. Effective May 13,...
- [US Supreme Court Upholds CFPB Funding: Key Consequences](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/us-supreme-court-upholds-cfpb-funding-key-consequences): In a landmark US Supreme Court ruling, the legal foundation and operational funding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) were unequivocally upheld, marking a decisive moment for regulatory oversight in the financial sector. T...
- [How Would Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez's Legislation Impact the ARM Industry?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-would-sanders-and-ocasio-cortezs-legislation-impact-the-arm-industry): How Would Capping Credit Card Interest Rates Affect the ARM Industry? On May 9, 2019, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and freshman Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced legislation that would levy restrictions on the inte...
- [Minnesota Debt Collection Reforms](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/minnesotas-debt-collection-reforms): Minnesota Governor recently signed into law Senate Bill 4097 introducing a series of reforms for Debt Collection relating to collection agency licensing, coerced debt, medical debt limitations, property exemptions, and wage garnishment. Th...
- [Rhode Island Introduces Comprehensive Data Privacy Law with Key Exemptions](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/rhode-island-introduces-comprehensive-data-privacy-law-with-key-exemptions): On June 28, Rhode Island became the nineteenth state to enact a comprehensive consumer data privacy law. The "Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act" (Senate Bill 2500) was enacted and will take effect on January 1, 2026...
- [Trends and Challenges in the Debt Buying Industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/trends-and-challenges-in-the-debt-buying-industry): The debt buying industry plays a crucial role in the financial ecosystem, providing liquidity to lenders and enabling the recovery of unpaid debts. As this sector evolves, it faces several significant trends and challenges. This article de...
- [Rhode Island Requires Student Loan Servicers to Register](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/rhode-island-requires-student-loan-servicers-to-register): Rhode Island's "Student Loan Bill of Rights," requires that student loan servicers register with the state. The Bill of Rights calls upon the attorney general and state Department of Business Regulation to examine business practices and en...
- [Compliance Corner: An Apple a Day Isn't Keeping Changes to Laws Affecting Medical Debt Away](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/compliance-corner-an-apple-a-day-isnt-keeping-changes-to-laws-affecting-medical-debt-away): While the August 12, 2024 deadline for comments on the proposed rules published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") is quickly approaching, the landscape for vendors of all sorts working on the revenue cycle side of health...
- [Significant Amendments to New York City Debt Collection Rule](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/significant-amendments-to-new-york-city-debt-collection-rule): On August 12, 2024, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) unveiled significant amendments to the city's Debt Collection Rule, marking a crucial development for businesses involved in debt collection within t...
- [New Money Transmitter Licensing Requirements Under the MTMA](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/new-money-transmitter-licensing-requirements-under-the-mtma): Recent updates to money transmitter regulations under the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act (MTMA) mean that several states have revised their licensing requirements significantly. If you operate in the financial services or vir...
- [Post Judgment Interest: How Much Can Collectors Charge?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-much-interest-may-collectors-charge-post-judgment): Disclaimer: The following is not intended to be, nor should it be used as legal advice. Please consult your compliance team before charging post judgment interest. Collecting monetary judgments can be a costly and time-consuming process bu...
- [The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks in the Financial Services Industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-growing-threat-of-cyber-attacks-in-the-financial-services-industry): As digital technologies advance, the financial services industry faces increasing risks from cyber threats. Banks, insurance firms, and fintech companies, which handle vast amounts of sensitive data and financial transactions, have become ...
- [Key Compliance Priorities for Mortgage Servicers in 2024](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/key-compliance-priorities-for-mortgage-servicers-in-2024): The mortgage servicing industry is constantly evolving, and the regulatory landscape is no exception. Staying compliant with the latest regulatory changes is both challenging and critical. In 2024, an increase in consumer protection focus,...
- [Invoice Manipulation: The Coverage Insureds Never Knew They Needed](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/invoice-manipulation-coverage-the-coverage-insureds-never-knew-they-needed): The newest cyber threat that is challenging corporate America are invoice scams and invoice manipulation. Companies of all sizes are being targeted by cyber "bad actors", commonly known as hackers and cyber thieves. Invoice scams & manipul...
- [Lessons Learned About Branch Licensing from States' Covid-19 Response](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/lessons-learned-about-branch-licensing-from-states-covid-19-response): Lessons Learned About Branch Licensing from States' Covid-19 Response One unexpected outcome of the coronavirus pandemic has been a renewed interest in location specific licensing for debt collection. Each state has the right to enact its ...
- [Preparing for the CFPB's 'Small-Dollar' Lending Rule](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/preparing-for-the-cfpbs-small-dollar-lending-rule): The regulatory landscape for payday lenders, auto title lenders, and high-cost installment lenders is facing a pivotal moment. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s "Small-Dollar" Rule - designed to protect consumers from harmf...
- [Compliance Corner: No Place Like Home? Fine-Tuning Your Remote Work Strategies](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/compliance-corner-no-place-like-home-fine-tuning-your-remote-work-strategies): Unbelievably it has been almost five years since the world undertook one of the largest work-from-home experiments ever. Ready or not, in the days and weeks following the World Health Organization's March 2020 declaration that COVID-19 was...
- [Navigating CFPB's Proposed Rulemaking: Key Insights for Data Brokers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/navigating-cfpbs-proposed-rulemaking-key-insights-for-data-brokers): The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that could reshape the landscape for data brokers and consumer reporting practices. These proposed changes, underpinned by expanded ...
- [District Court Holds that Under Barr v. AAPC it Lacked Subject Matter Jurisdiction Over All TCPA Claims for Calls Made Prior to July 6, 2020](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/district-court-holds-that-under-barr-v-aapc-it-lacked-subject-matter-jurisdiction-over-all-tcpa-claims-for-calls-made-prior-to-july-6-2020): Written by Nadia Adams In Stacy Creasy, et al. v. Charter Communications, Inc., No. CV 20-1199, 2020 WL 5761117 (E.D. La. Sept. 28, 2020) (Creasy), a putative class action, the plaintiffs accused defendant Charter Communications, Inc. of r...
- [Fair Lending: Increased Scrutiny on Algorithmic Decision-Making](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/fair-lending-increased-scrutiny-on-algorithmic-decision-making): As lending institutions increasingly embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and alternative credit scoring models, regulators are focusing on ensuring these tools uphold fair lending principles. These advanced technologies promise more preci...
- [Newsletter: February 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/newsletter-february-2025): INDUSTRY NEWS CFPB FEBRUARY SNAPSHOT If you haven't been keeping up with the constant stream of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) updates, here's a quick overview of the key developments this month. The CFPB saw major upheaval, w...
- [How Regulators Are Addressing Digital Payments in the Crypto Era](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-regulators-are-addressing-digital-payments-in-the-crypto-era): As cryptocurrencies continue to redefine how we transfer value, regulators at the federal and state levels have been working hard to keep up. From traditional money transmitters to crypto exchanges, businesses in the space are facing a gro...
- [Dissecting the Final Debt Collection Rule: What You Need to Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule): The CFPB Publishes the Remainder of its Final Debt Collection Rule - Here's What You Need to Know By: Caren D. Enloe The FDCPA defines a consumer as any natural person obligated or allegedly obligated to pay a consumer debt. Section 1006.2...
- [March 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/newsletter-march-2025): INDUSTRY NEWS OFAC EXTENDS RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS TO 10 YEARS Effective March 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will require organizations to retain records of OFAC-related transact...
- [State Licensing Challenges Facing Debt Collection Agencies in 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/state-licensing-challenges-facing-debt-collection-agencies-in-2025): Debt collection agencies face a dynamic regulatory landscape in 2025. Several states have recently overhauled licensing requirements or introduced new rules, forcing agencies to adapt quickly. Compliance teams must track changing laws, mee...
- [Finding Shelter in the Storm](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-4): Using the Bona Fide Error Defense with the Final Debt Collection Rule By: Caren D. Enloe The FDCPA provides a bona fide error defense for debt collectors who can show by a preponderance of the evidence that their violation was not intentio...
- [Are You Licensed to Collect Federal Student Loans? What to Know Before May 5](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/are-you-licensed-to-collect-federal-student-loans-what-to-know-before-may-5): The U.S. Department of Education has announced that federal student loan collections will resume on May 5, ending a long pandemic-era pause. This includes the reinstatement of wage garnishments and other collection measures for defaulted b...
- [What is Debt Collection Licensing?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-debt-collection-licensing): The Basic average American consumer is about $90,460 in debt. This is bad news on an individual level, but it's just as bad for the lenders, especially if the debtor becomes delinquent on paying the loan back. After all, if you lent that m...
- [Multi-Factor Authentication: A Must-Have for Cyber Coverage](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/multi-factor-authentication-cyber-coverage): Over the last 18-24 months the rate of ransomware attacks has skyrocketed in both frequency and severity, driving significant changes in the cyber insurance marketplace. In years prior, cyber submissions were simple and it was easy to obta...
- [Defaulted Mortgage Loans and Licensing Risk](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/mortgage-default-licensing-requirements): As residential mortgage loans move from performing to non-performing status, the regulatory landscape shifts in ways that mortgage professionals can't afford to ignore. Servicing a current loan and managing a delinquent one are treated ver...
- [Licensing Rules for Non-Traditional Mortgage Products](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-rules-for-non-traditional-mortgage-products): The non-traditional mortgage market is expanding rapidly - driven by borrower demand, market gaps, and investor interest. From home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to hard money loans, these products offer flexibility and opportunity. But ...
- [May 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/may-2025): INDUSTRY NEWS STUDENT LOAN SERVICING RESTARTED - VERIFY YOUR LICENSES With federal student loan collections back in effect since May 5, wage garnishments and other enforcement measures are once again in force. A standard debt-collection li...
- [Crucial Conversations for a Smooth Transition to Reg. F](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-5): Crucial Conversations for a Smooth Transition to Reg. F By Caren D. Enloe With the CFPB having decided to leave the effective date of the Debt Collection Rule as November 30th, the push is on for debt collectors to ensure their compliance ...
- [June 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/june-2025): COLORADO UPDATES MONEY TRANSMITTER LICENSING Colorado has adopted the Model Money Transmission Modernization Act (MTMA), set to take effect August 6, 2025, replacing the state's existing money transmitter licensing framework. The updated l...
- [The New Rules of Earned Wage Access: Licensing in 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-new-rules-of-earned-wage-access-licensing-in-2025): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [The ARM Industry Reaches an Inflection Point - Reg F Anticipated to Drive More M&A Activity](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/inflection-point-more-ma-activity): In Q3 2021, CAS witnessed ARM players dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to prepare for the implementation of Regulation F on November 30, 2021. This is a massive regulatory overhaul that will have reverberations across th...
- [To Outsource or In-Source? The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Outsourced Compliance Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/top-5-reasons-cornerstone-licensing): The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Outsourced Compliance Licensing Companies in heavily regulated industries are often surprised at the breadth and complexity of their compliance requirements, especially licensing and the tasks re...
- [Beyond Licensing: What States Expect from Non-Bank Lenders Post-Approval](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/navigating-non-bank-lenders-consumer-lending-license-requirements): Obtaining a consumer lending license is a major milestone for non-bank lenders - but it's only the beginning. Once licensed, lenders must meet a host of ongoing state-level obligations that require operational discipline and proactive plan...
- [7 Tips for Launching a Successful Lending Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/7-tips-to-start-a-lending-business-successfully): Thinking of starting a lending business? The lending industry offers vast opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to navigate its complexities. Whether you're interested in consumer loans, business financing, or real estate funding, unders...
- [July 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/july-2025-regulatory-updates): NYC DEBT COLLECTION RULE DELAYED AGAIN The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has postponed the implementation of its amended debt collection rule, originally slated to take effect October 1, 2025. This marks...
- [What Is Debt Collection Insurance?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-debt-collection-insurance): Insurance is critical for protecting the investment you've made in your business. This is especially true when starting a collection agency or debt buying firm. While there is not a single specific product for debt collection insurance, th...
- [Compliance Corner: What Regulators May Expect You To Know About the AI Tools You're Using in Your Collection Agency](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/compliance-corner-what-regulators-may-expect-you-to-know-about-the-ai-tools-youre-using-in-your-collection-agency): As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the financial services landscape, collection agencies are increasingly integrating AI tools to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and improve consumer engagement. However, with i...
- [August 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/august-2025): NEBRASKA COMBINES INSTALLMENT LOAN & SALES ACTS INTO SINGLE STATUTE Effective October 1, 2025, Nebraska will combine the Installment Loan Act and the Installment Sales Act into a single statute: the Nebraska Installment Loan and Sales Act....
- [Licensing Challenges for Non-Traditional Mortgage Products](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-challenges-for-non-traditional-mortgage-products): The New Frontier in Mortgage Innovation Shared equity agreements, reverse mortgages, rent-to-own models, and novel securitization structures are reshaping the mortgage landscape. These products promise flexibility for consumers and new gro...
- [Helpful Insights for Debt Buyers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/helpful-insights-for-debt-buyers): 5 TIPS FOR MITIGATING RISK WHEN BUYING DEBT The regulatory landscape in the debt industry is ever-changing, so it's critical that all players, including debt buyers, understand and implement the proper policies and technologies, and partne...
- [Expert Guidance: How Navigating Regulatory Requirements Can Transform Your Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/expert-guidance-how-regulatory-compliance-consulting-can-transform-your-business): Transform your business with expert regulatory compliance consulting. Mitigate risks, ensure efficiency, & achieve strategic advantage.
- [Collection Agency Registration vs. Licensing: What's the Difference?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/collection-agency-registration-vs-licensing-whats-the-difference): Need collection agency registration? Get expert guidance on the process, NMLS, state laws, and compliance to operate legally. Avoid fines.
- [All that Glitters is Not Gold: The CFPB and the State of Maryland on Charging "Pay-to-Pay" Fees](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold): In January, 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "Bureau") launched an initiative to examine situations in which Americans are charged billions in junk fees. In support of this initiative, the Bureau published a request for ...
- [Addressing the Wire Transfer Scam Threat](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/wire-transfer-scam-threat): Business Email Compromise Schemes Threaten Funds Transfers As updated statistics from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center show, business email compromise (BEC) schemes increasingly put funds transfers at risk. Between June 2016 and D...
- [Licensed to Collect: What You Need to Know About Agency Regulations](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensed-to-collect-what-you-need-to-know-about-agency-regulations): Do collection agencies have to be licensed? The answer is yes in most jurisdictions, but the rules vary dramatically depending on where you operate. In both Canada and the United States, collection agencies face a complex web of licensing ...
- [Finding Your Perfect Fit: Top Compliance Management Solutions](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/top-compliance-management-solutions): Transform compliance chaos to clarity. Explore leading compliance management solutions to mitigate risk and boost efficiency.
- [Only Make Privacy Promises You Can Keep: Data Security and Cyber Readiness - Top Regulatory Priorities](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/data-security-and-cyber-readiness-top-regulatory-priorities): Regulatory Focus on Cyber-readiness is Expanding Much regulatory attention at both the federal and state levels is focused on non-banks' cyber-readiness. In August, 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its circula...
- [What is to Become of the CFPB? How will the ARM Industry Respond?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-will-become-of-cfpb): It took only three months for the dust to settle after the West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency [i] ("EPA") decision by the United States Supreme Court for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB" or "Bureau") to see tw...
- [Stay Ahead of the Game: A Proactive Approach to Regulatory Standards](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/stay-ahead-of-the-game-a-proactive-approach-to-regulatory-standards): Master proactive compliance management. Shift from reactive to strategic advantage, mitigate risks, and future-proof your business.
- [What Is an LLC? Definition, Pros & Cons, and How to Start One](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-an-llc): Learn what an LLC is, its pros and cons, and the steps to form one - plus how it compares to other business types.
- [The License to Collect: A Step-by-Step Guide to Agency Bonding](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-license-to-collect-a-step-by-step-guide-to-agency-bonding): Unlock success! Discover exactly how do collection agencies become licensed and bonded. Navigate regulations and ensure compliance.
- [One Year into Regulation F: Reflecting on Its Impact So Far](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/one-year-into-regulation-f): We are about one year into the implementation and enaction of Regulation F upon the accounts receivable industry. From the scramble to prepare model validation notice letters by November 30, 2021 to the present, has it played out as you ex...
- [12 Key Requirements of the FTC's Updated Safeguards Rule](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/12-key-requirements-of-the-ftcs-updated-safeguards-rule): Ensuring the protection of personal and financial information is critical in today's digital age, where cyberattacks and data breaches are all too common. Financial institutions that do not take adequate measures to safeguard customer info...
- [S Corporation Explained: Benefits, Drawbacks & Formation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/s-corporation-explained-benefits-drawbacks-formation): An S corporation (S corp) is a special tax classification under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code that allows eligible small businesses to avoid double taxation by passing income, losses, deductions, and credits directly to shareho...
- [Paying Yourself from an LLC: Draws vs. Payroll Explained](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/paying-yourself-from-an-llc): Find out if LLC owners can use payroll, how draws work, and when S corp or C corp status changes how you pay yourself.
- [Disregarded Entity: Meaning, Taxes, and LLC Rules](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/meaning-taxes-and-llc): Understand disregarded entities, how SMLLCs are taxed, EIN rules, W-9 guidance, and when to elect corporate status.
- [The Evolving Landscape of Debt Buying Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-evolving-landscape-of-debt-buying-licensing): The Debt Buyer's Guide to Navigating the Licensing Labyrinth It has been said, "there is no cookie cutter definition of a debt buyer." The concept of a debt buyer is a complex one, with an ever-widening spectrum of potential licenses and r...
- [First-Party vs. Third-Party Collections: Key Differences in Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/first-party-vs-third-party-collections): Learn key differences in licensing for first-party vs. third-party debt collections, compliance rules, and state regulations.
- [TIN vs EIN: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/tin-vs-ein): 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 c...
- [September 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/september-2025): NY LLC TRANSPARENCY ACT TAKES EFFECT IN 2026 Starting January 1, 2026, the New York LLC Transparency Act (NY LLCTA) will require most LLCs formed in or registered to do business in New York to disclose detailed beneficial ownership informa...
- [Wisconsin Earned Wage Access Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/wisconsin-earned-wage-access-services-sb-579): Cornerstone unveils a new look and website as the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary
- [Enhanced Consumer Protection for Medical Debt](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/enhanced-consumer-protection-for-medical-debt): The early weeks of 2024 indicate a busy year ahead for state consumer protection legislation, especially regarding initiatives to assist consumers with medical debt. An increasing number of U.S. states, including Michigan, Arizona, South C...
- [Who Qualifies as a Supervised Lender?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/who-qualifies-as-a-supervised-lender): Learn who qualifies as a supervised lender, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations.
- [The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Debt Collection for Startups and Small Businesses](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/outsourcing-debt-collection): Cash flow is the lifeblood of every startup. When customers delay or default on payments, even the most innovative ideas can stall. Founders often face a critical challenge: Should we collect overdue invoices ourselves, or hand them off to...
- [January a Record-Breaking Surge in Consumer Complaints and Suits](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/january-a-record-breaking-surge-in-consumer-complaints-and-suits): In January 2024, there was an unprecedented spike in consumer complaints and lawsuits lodged with the CFPB. Everything from Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuits to Fair Credit Rep...
- [November 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/november-2025): MA DEBT COLLECTION AND SERVICING RULES REVISED The Massachusetts Division of Banks has updated its debt collection and servicing regulation, which is now fully reorganized and incorporates key portions of CFPB Regulation F. Debt collectors...
- [December 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/december-2025): CA DATA BROKER REGISTRATION AND DELETION RULES TIGHTENED California's Privacy Protection Agency has issued an enforcement advisory clarifying how data brokers must register under the Delete Act ahead of the launch of the state's new Delete...
- [January 2026](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/january-2026): NY STATEWIDE DEBT COLLECTION LICENSING BILLS RETURN New bills in New York, Assembly A5537 and Senate S4271, would create a statewide licensing requirement for third-party collection agencies, debt buyers, and other covered entities collect...
- [Money Service Business: A Spring Cleaning Checklist](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/money-service-business-a-spring-cleaning-checklist): With a cease and desist order recently issued on a major money service business (MSB), it would be prudent to prepare for heightened regulatory scrutiny in the industry. Facing strict state and federal requirements, MSBs are recommended to...
- [March 2026](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/march-2026): FCC PROPOSES CALL CENTER ONSHORING, ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, AND ANTI-ROBOCALL MEASURES On March 26, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission voted to launch a new rulemaking focused on offshore call centers and the role they play in custom...
- [California Delete Act: DROP Deadline and Data Broker Rules](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/california-delete-act-drop-deadline-and-data-broker-rules): Property managers in Maryland are running into a question that is getting more attention and creating real operational risk. Does collecting rent, especially when a tenant is past due, trigger Maryland's collection agency licensing require...
- [April 2026](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/april-2026): NY BNPL LICENSING FRAMEWORK ADVANCES WITH DETAILED REQUIREMENTS Following earlier movement to regulate Buy Now, Pay Later products, New York regulators are now advancing a proposed rule that outlines how the framework would operate in prac...
- [Data Privacy Laws: Implications for Fintech and Debt Collection](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/data-privacy-laws-implications-for-fintech-and-debt-collection): As the digital landscape continues to evolve, data protection laws have become the foundation in fortifying consumer privacy and reshaping how businesses manage and protect personal information. The enactment and subsequent amendments of t...
- [CFPB Issues Interpretive Rule on Buy Now Pay Later Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-issues-interpretive-rule-on-buy-now-pay-later-services): In an era where the convenience of digital transactions intersects with the needs of immediate gratification, the rise of buy now pay later (BNPL) services has reshaped the financial landscape. These services, offering an alternative to tr...
- [CFPB Releases Supervisory Highlights Focusing on Debt Collection and Loan Servicing Practices](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-releases-supervisory-highlights-focusing-on-debt-collection-and-loan-servicing-practices): The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released its Supervisory Highlights, shedding light on practices in debt collection and loan servicing practices. These findings encompass auto and student loan servicing, debt colle...
- [Strategic Responses to Brokered Loan Modifications in California](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/strategic-responses-to-brokered-loan-modifications-in-california): The commercial and consumer lending landscape in California is currently facing significant challenges due to a recent decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. This ruling has impacted brokered loans, stripping them of their exemption...
- [The Intersection of Licensing and Cybersecurity](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-intersection-of-licensing-and-cybersecurity): As fintech companies expand, managing licensing and cybersecurity compliance has become a critical challenge. With regulatory bodies tightening cybersecurity requirements, firms must align their security frameworks with licensing demands t...
- [Outsourcing - Does it Make Sense?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/outsourcing-does-it-make-sense): It is interesting to me the number of conversations that I have with agencies regarding the basic tenets of outsourcing. While my conversations are specifically related to licensing, more often than not I find myself walking through the mo...
- [KG Prime to Launch for the ARM Industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/kg-prime-to-launch-for-the-arm-industry): Mike Ginsberg, of Kaulkin Ginsberg, recently announced a new service for companies and individuals in the ARM industry. KG Prime. He wrote an article for insideARM explaining the service and its benefits. A Call to Action for Accounts Rece...
- [Court Upholds Decision on Authority of FTC in Data Security Cases](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/court-upholds-decision-on-authority-of-ftc-in-data-security-cases): The following article was originally posted on acainternational.org The Federal Trade Commission enforcement holds companies accountable for protecting consumers' privacy and data security under the FTC Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for t...
- [Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/stumbling-blocks-or-stepping-stones): The landscape we face as professionals in the collections and recovery industry reminds me of growing up in New Hampshire. One of the lasting impressions for visitors to the state is the number of stone walls that line many fields and road...
- [First Time Attendance at the HFMA ANI Conference](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/first-time-attendance-at-the-hfma-ani-conference): Last week I wrote about one of the two major conferences we recently attended, the 2016 ACA International Convention & Expo. At the end of June I also attended the HFMA ANI Conference in Las Vegas. While Cornerstone Support has been a cons...
- [From the Desk of the Regulator](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-regulator): Idaho - Major improvements to Collection Agent Filing Process The Idaho Department of Finance and Access Idaho have made MAJOR improvements in the way Idaho Collection Agency Licensees will report their agents that will significantly reduc...
- [Ransomware on the Rise](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/ransomware-on-the-rise): Written by: Lara K. Forde, Esq., CIPP/US Matt Peranick, CIPP/US, CIPP/CA Ransomware is now the number one security concern for businesses. Estimates from the FBI put ransomware on pace to be a $1 billion dollar source of income for cyber c...
- [3 Reasons You Need E&O Insurance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/3-reasons-you-need-eo-insurance): Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance is designed to protect a company in the event of a lawsuit stemming from their normal business activities. Also known as professional liability insurance, E&O coverage is especially important in the highl...
- [Annual Report and License Renewal: Are Both Required?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/annual-report-and-license-renewal-are-both-required): In the collections industry paperwork, requirements and deadlines are a big part of the business. Compliance is key to remaining in good standing. We're often asked about the difference in annual reports and license renewals. First, we nee...
- [Updates to Colorado's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/updates-to-colorados-fair-debt-collection-practices-act): On April 3 the Colorado General Assembly held a hearing and updates are coming to Colorado's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Here's what you need to know: Colorado is proposing to do away with its Collection Agency Board, replacing it ...
- [Maryland Transitioning to NMLS](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/maryland-transitioning-to-nmls): Effective August 1, 2017 the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (OCFR) will transition all licenses under its authority to the NMLS licensing system. The mandatory transition of all licensees begins on August 1, 20...
- [4 Ways to Get the Most out of Trade Shows and Conferences](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/4-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-trade-shows-and-conferences): We try to attend a conference or trade show at least once per month. This keeps us up to date on the latest in the industry and allows us to constantly connect with many industry partners, clients, and friends. Attending an industry event ...
- [You Can't Outsource Risk](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/you-cant-outsource-risk): Since the burden of compliance flows upstream and you can no longer simply outsource risk downstream it is now imperative that credit grantors and debt buyers understand the state licensing requirements of all their downstream partners and...
- [Debt Collection Bonding Requirements in New York City](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-bonding-requirements-nyc): A question we hear on a regular basis regarding collections in New York City is, "Is there a surety bond requirement that accompanies the license requirement?" The broad answer is "yes" - there is a debt collection bond requirement in NYC....
- [New Colorado Website Requires Updated Communication to Consumers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/colorado-website-updated-communication): Communication with Colorado Consumers must reflect the new website: www.coag.gov/car Greetings, It has recently come to our attention that some collection agencies may be using an outdated website address in communication with Colorado con...
- [Licensing 101](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-101): No two licensing projects are exactly alike. In order to develop the licensing strategy that couples the technical requirements imposed by the states with the intangible benefits of properly positioning you in a very competitive market, th...
- [Maryland Bond Amounts Set to Increase January 1, 2019](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/maryland-bond-amounts-set-to-increase-january-1-2019): Maryland Bond increase will impact new licenses and renewals effective January 1, 2019. The Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation announced this week that there are mandatory inc...
- [Overcoming the Overreach of Call-Blocking on Legitimate Business Calls](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/overcoming-the-over-reach-of-call-blocking-on-legitimate-business-calls): The Daily Impact of Call Blocking and Labeling By Molly Weis As a collections organization using the voice channel to connect with your consumers, establishing a trusted connection is your bottom line. Yet, due to the increased measures pu...
- [Collection Automation Technology to Improve Efficiency While Prioritizing Compliance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/collection-automation-technology-to-improve-efficiency-while-prioritizing-compliance): How to Modernize and Automate Your Collections Practice With Advanced Fintech Running a successful collections or receivables business by only sending letters and making manual phone calls is becoming increasingly difficult. While many bus...
- [Top 10 Reasons Licenses Get Rejected](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/top-10-reasons-licenses-get-rejected): Top 10 Reasons Debt Collection Licenses Get Rejected If you think a "do-it-yourself" process of licensing a collection agency is a walk in the park, then I have some terrible news for you. The application process can be extremely daunting,...
- [Colorado Student Loan Servicers Act Takes Effect](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/colorado-student-loan-servicers-act-takes-effect): S.B. 19-002 (the Colorado Student Loan Servicers Act) was signed into law on May 13, 2019 and took effect on August 2, 2019. Among other things the law generally requires servicers of student loans owed by Colorado residents to be licensed...
- [Empathy: The Quality Every Debt Collector Needs?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/empathy-the-quality-every-debt-collector-needs): The buzzword is everywhere you look - so what it is the big deal about empathy in customer service, and why does it matter in debt collection? Influencer mogul Gary Vee talks a lot about empathy. He even named one of his companies after it...
- [LinkGen: Opening the Opportunity to Grow Your Business!](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/linkgen-opening-the-opportunity-to-grow-your-business): In business, having the right conversation with the right person at the right time is one of the biggest challenges for growing a thriving organization. Businesses work hard to build quality products or services that can meet their clients...
- [Staying Current in Today's Regulatory Environment](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/elections-have-consequences): "Elections have consequences." As we close in on another election day this November, very few would disagree with that statement. While the statement implies a winner and a loser, that hasn't been the case in debt collection. We deal with ...
- [Massachusetts Joins Nevada in Suspending Debt Collection Activities](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/massachusetts-joins-nevada-with-a-suspension-of-debt-collection-activities): Massachusetts Temporarily Suspends Debt Collection Calls Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has filed an emergency addendum that has prohibited calls from debt collectors for "ninety (90) days following the effective date of this ...
- [California's Debt Collection Licensing Act Moving Closer](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/californias-debt-collection-licensing-act-moving-closer): Insights from ARM Industry Representatives close to California's SB 908 The year 2020 has brought unprecedented days of difficulty on a level that hasn't been seen since the ten plagues swept through the land of Egypt. If you can remember ...
- [DCA Produces NYC's Foreign Languages Services Documentation Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/dca-produces-nyc-foreign-languages-services-documentation-requirements): DCA Produces NYC's Foreign Languages Services Documentation Requirements On June 27, 2020 new rules from New York City's Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) took effect that, among other things, require debt collectors (first and third pa...
- [California to Become the 35th State to Require Licensing for Debt Collection](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/california-is-poised-to-become-the-35th-state-to-require-licensing-for-debt-collection): Update: Newsom Signs Laws impacting Debt Buying and Collecting in California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two laws changing the landscape of debt collection in California. SB 908 results in a "Debt Collection Licensing Act" that provid...
- [Adjusting Procedures for Deceased Consumers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-3): Adjusting Procedures for Deceased Consumers By: Caren D. Enloe Section 1692a(3) defines a consumer as any natural person obligated or allegedly obligated to pay a consumer debt. The final debt collection rule interprets the definition of a...
- [Debt Collection Licensing is Coming to California. Are You Ready?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-licensing-california): Debt Collection Licensing is Coming to California. Are You Ready? Beginning January 1, 2022, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) will require all debt collectors operating in California to be licensed un...
- [What Is a Debt Collection & Buying License?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-a-collection-agency-license): Each US household in debt owes an average of $155,622, or more than $15 trillion in total. What's more, debt is increasing. This number is 6.2% higher than last year. A key component that helps recover money that would be lost in the econo...
- [Medical Debt is Top of Mind for Law Makers and Law Enforcers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/medical-debt-is-top-of-mind-for-law-makers-and-law-enforcers): An Apple a Day Might Keep the Doctor Away, But Medical Debt is Top of Mind for Law Makers and Law Enforcers ... For companies providing revenue cycle services to healthcare providers - services including coding, billing, collections, exten...
- [Understanding Insurance: How to Best Protect Your Collection Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/understanding-insurance-how-to-best-protect-your-collection-business): The global cyber insurance market is expected to grow by 25 percent in the next six years. That indicates the serious risk your business faces from surging cyber threats and data breaches. Do you operate a collection agency, and you want t...
- [The Supreme Court Charts a New Course for Regulatory Scrutiny: Is the CFPB Next?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold-2): In one of the last decisions issued from its 2021-2022 term, the Supreme Court in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") found that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act with respect to carbon emissions l...
- [ARM Deal Activity Slows as Companies Evaluate Their New Normal](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/arm-deal-activity-slows): By, Michael Lamm, Managing Partner, Corporate Advisory Solutions, LLC In Q3 2022, merger and acquisition deal volume in the Accounts Receivable Management (ARM) vertical experienced one of the slowest quarters since the start of the pandem...
- [Understanding Surety Bonds in the Financial Services Industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/understanding-surety-bonds-in-the-financial-services-industry): Surety bonds are a fundamental tool used within the financial services industry for licensing and permitting processes. This article delves into the concept of surety bonds, how they differ from insurance, and their significance in obtaini...
- [Cyber Insurance: Protecting your Business from Rising Digital Threats](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cyber-insurance-protecting-your-business-from-rising-digital-threats): In the last year, cyber criminals delivered a wave of cyber-attacks that were highly coordinated and far more advanced than ever before. Simple endpoint attacks became complex, multi-stage operations. Ransomware attacks hit small businesse...
- [Protecting Your Business: Cyber Insurance, Fatigue, and Tailored Solutions](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/protecting-your-business-cyber-insurance-fatigue-and-tailored-solutions): Cyber insurance has become an essential form of protection in today's digital landscape. With the rapid increase in cyberattacks and the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, it is crucial for businesses to have comprehensive coverage ...
- [New Minnesota Data Privacy Law: What You Need to Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/new-minnesota-data-privacy-law-what-you-need-to-know): As the digital landscape evolves, Minnesota makes significant legislative advancements to protect consumer rights and ensure the secure handling of personal data. With the enactment of new privacy legislation, a spotlight shines on the obl...
- [Adapting to New Licensing Requirements for Digital-Only Financial Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/adapting-to-new-licensing-requirements-for-digital-only-financial-services): The rise of digital-only financial services - such as fintechs, online lenders, and neobanks - has significantly disrupted traditional financial sectors. These innovative businesses leverage technology to offer banking, lending, and paymen...
- [State-by-State Licensing Challenges in Money Transmission](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/state-by-state-licensing-challenges-in-money-transmission): In the world of money transmission, one of the most persistent and complex challenges is meeting the myriad of state-specific licensing requirements. Unlike federally regulated industries, money transmission is governed primarily at the st...
- [What Money Transmitters Need to Know About FinCEN's New AML Rules](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-money-transmitters-need-to-know-about-fincens-new-aml-rules): The world of money transmission has always been heavily regulated, but new anti-money laundering (AML) requirements coming from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) are pushing money service businesses (MSBs) to raise their ga...
- [Municipal Oversight in Debt Collection: City Level Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/city-debt-collection-licensing): Introduction: Local Rules with National Impact When most debt collectors think about licensing, they look to state-level requirements. But some of the country's most active consumer protection efforts are happening at the city level - and ...
- [Mortgage Servicer Licenses and Beyond: What Secondary Market Participants Must Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/mortgage-servicer-licenses-and-beyond-what-secondary-market-participants-must-know): Mortgage industry executives and risk officers must navigate a patchwork of state licensing rules when participating in the secondary market for mortgage loans. Unlike loan originators, these secondary market participants - such as mortgag...
- [When Is a State Consumer Lending License Required?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/when-is-a-consumer-lending-license-required-consumer-lending-license): Understanding Licensing Triggers Across Products and Jurisdictions Navigating the U.S. regulatory landscape as a non-bank lender isn't simple. State licensing requirements vary widely and are often triggered by factors that go beyond just ...
- [Announcing Cornerstone's New Licensing Management Tool, Atlas](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cornerstone-licensing-introduces-atlas-a-modern-streamlined-portal-for-faster-clearer-licensing-work): Cornerstone Licensing Introduces Atlas - A Modern, Streamlined Portal for Faster, Clearer Licensing Work
- [Scaling Smart: When and Why to Transition Away from Sponsor Bank Dependency](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/moving-beyond-sponsor-banks-the-money-transmitter-license-advantage): The fintech ecosystem has grown at a remarkable pace, reshaping how consumers and businesses move, store, and access money. From peer-to-peer payments and digital wallets to embedded finance platforms, the infrastructure powering these sol...
- [Georgia's Debt Collection Rules: Unlicensed and Unbothered?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/georgias-debt-collection-rules): Do collection agencies have to be licensed in Georgia? The answer might surprise you: No, Georgia does not require collection agencies to obtain a state license. This makes Georgia an outlier in the debt collection industry, where most sta...
- [Licensing Non-Performing Mortgage Loans: Triggers, Vendors, and State Pitfalls](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/master-mortgage-licensing-for-non-performing-loans): Why default changes licensing exposure When a mortgage goes from current to delinquent, the work you do can shift - from servicing (collecting scheduled payments, escrow administration, statements) into collection (seeking repayment of a p...
- [Sole Proprietorship: Definition, Meaning, Advantages, and How to Start One](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-a-sole-proprietorship): A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business ownership in the United States. It is a business owned and operated by a single individual, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business. If you've ever...
- [Do Credit Grantors Need State Licenses? What You Should Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/do-credit-grantors-need-state-licenses): Credit grantors are the backbone of lending in the United States, powering consumer purchases and business expansion. They provide the funding that allows borrowers to buy homes, cars, and everyday goods, while helping businesses secure wo...
- [2025 IRA Contribution Limits: What You Need to Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/2025-ira-contribution-limits): Knowing the 2025 IRA contribution limits is crucial for retirement planning, tax savings, and staying compliant with IRS rules. Whether you're an individual saver or a small business owner, these annual limits determine how much you can se...
- [Sole Proprietorship vs LLC: Deciding the Right Business Structure for U.S. Entrepreneurs](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-llc-deciding-the-right-business-structure-for-u-s-entrepreneurs): Compare LLC and sole proprietorship structures, taxes, and liability to choose the right one for your business.
- [Maryland Rent Collection in 2026: 7 Licensing Risks Property Managers Must Avoid](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/maryland-rent-collection-licensing-2026): Property managers in Maryland are running into a question that is getting more attention and creating real operational risk. Does collecting rent, especially when a tenant is past due, trigger Maryland's collection agency licensing require...
- [May 2026](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/may-2026): COLORADO AI DECISIONING LAW REPLACED Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-189 on May 14, 2026, repealing and replacing the state's earlier AI law with a narrower framework governing automated decision-making technology used ...
- [Enhancing Mortgage Compliance and Risk Management with AI and Automation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/enhancing-mortgage-compliance-and-risk-management-with-ai-and-automation): As the mortgage lending industry navigates complex compliance requirements and heightened scrutiny, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are emerging as transformative tools. AI-driven solutions offer the potential to reduce operati...
- [Medical Debt: A 2024 Year-End Legislative Overview](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/medical-debt-a-2024-year-end-legislative-overview): This year, the landscape of medical debt collection is undergoing major transformation. Significant new federal and state legislation is redefining how collectors can pursue medical debts, driven by increasing concerns about consumer prote...
- [Avoiding the Pitfalls of Losing Good Standing Status: A Guide for Businesses](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/avoiding-the-pitfalls-of-losing-good-standing-status-a-guide-for-businesses): Maintaining good standing status is essential for any LLC or corporation aiming to operate effectively and safeguard its legal and financial health. Good standing signifies that an entity has met its legal and regulatory obligations, inclu...
- [Key Regulatory Updates for Lenders in 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/key-regulatory-updates-for-lenders-in-2025): 2025 brings significant regulatory changes affecting both consumer and commercial lenders. New laws and rules - from enhanced consumer protections to stricter capital standards - are in motion, requiring lenders to track new legislation, c...
- [Lending Business Models: Licensing & Startup Guide](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/lending-business-models-licensing-startup-guide): Choosing the right lending business model is essential - whether you're launching a new lending business or expanding into alternative finance options. The lending industry offers a wide range of models, from traditional bank loans to newe...
- [Passive Income or Active Risk? Rethinking the Role of Passive Debt Buyers in a High-Scrutiny Market](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/passive-income-or-active-risk-rethinking-the-role-of-passive-debt-buyers-in-a-high-scrutiny-market): The Myth of the Hands-Off Buyer In the debt buying industry, a common assumption has been that "passive" debt buyers - those who purchase portfolios but outsource all collections - can take a hands-off approach with minimal regulatory risk...
- [April 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/april-2025): UTAH UT AI DISCLOSURE LAW ENACTED Effective May 7, 2025, Utah's new law requires businesses and licensed professionals using generative AI in consumer interactions to provide clear disclosures. In regulated industries - including financial...
- [Protect Your Business with the Right Insurance Solutions](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/protecting-your-business-debt-collection-insurance): In the debt collection and debt buying industry, insurance isn't optional - it's critical. From frivolous lawsuits to sophisticated cyber-attacks, agencies face constant risks in today's litigious and digital environment. The right coverag...
- [Cornerstone Licensing Services Unveils New Interactive Mortgage State Licensing Map Empowering Lenders and Brokers Nationwide](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cornerstone-licensing-services-unveils-new-interactive-mortgage-state-licensing-map-empowering-lenders-and-brokers-nationwide): Free, real-time state-by-state map tool delivers state-specific licensing and bond requirements in a single click - fully integrated with our Licensing Portal.
- [Money Transmitter Licensing Guide for Fintech Startups](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/money-transmitter-licensing-guide-for-fintech-startups): For early-stage fintech startups, navigating the world of financial regulation can overwhelm. One critical hurdle many face early is obtaining a Money Transmitter License (MTL). Whether you're building a payment app, a crypto platform, or ...
- [Debt Collection Agency License: Key Steps to Licensing Success](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/collection-agency-license-debt-collection-license): What Is a Collection Agency License? A collection agency license, often referred to as a Debt Collection License, is a state-issued permit that authorizes businesses to collect debts - whether on behalf of others or through purchased debt ...
- [Licensing Readiness for Lending Startups: Building Infrastructure Before Market Entry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-for-lending-startups): For venture-backed and tech-enabled lending startups, licensing for lending startups isn't a box to check later - it's the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you're launching a BNPL product, installment loans, or a new persona...
- [License-Ready from Day One: A Practical Guide for Debt Collection Startups](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-startup-guide): Launching a debt collection venture - whether a tech-driven fintech or a traditional call-center outfit - means entering one of the most highly regulated pockets of U.S. financial services. States watch collectors closely because the work ...
- [Beyond the Collection License: When Debt Buyers Need Lender or Servicer Licenses](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/understanding-debt-buyer-licenses-and-lender-requirements-debt-buyer-licenses): Why a Collection License Isn't Always Enough For decades, debt collection firms have assumed that once you have a collection agency license, you're cleared to operate. But the reality is more complicated. Regulators are increasingly lookin...
- [Decoding the MSB License: What Every Money Services Business Needs to Know](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/decoding-the-msb-license): An msb license is a regulatory requirement for businesses providing financial services like money transfers, currency exchange, or check cashing. Here's a quick overview: MSB License Quick Facts: Federal Registration: Required with FinCEN ...
- [Masters of Regulation: What Regulatory Specialists Actually Do](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-regulatory-specialists-really-do): Regulatory compliance specialists ensure organizations follow all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. They bridge complex regulatory requirements and daily business operations, helping companies avoid costly violations wh...
- [Your Crypto Journey: Securing the Right Licenses for Your Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/securing-the-right-licenses-for-your-business): MSB license crypto requirements are critical for cryptocurrency businesses in North America. Here's what you need to know: Quick Answer for MSB License Crypto: Canada: Register as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FINTRAC - free registr...
- [What Exactly is a Money Services Business? Your MSB Explained](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-exactly-is-a-money-services-business): Money services businesses are non-bank financial institutions providing essential services like money transfers, currency exchange, and check cashing. They serve millions of people worldwide, especially those without traditional bank acces...
- [Beyond the Buzz: Navigating Regulations in Fintech Innovation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/beyond-the-buzz-navigating-regulations-in-fintech-innovation): Navigate the complex world of regulatory compliance for fintech. Learn strategies to build a strong program & gain a competitive edge. Regulatory compliance for fintech has become the make-or-break factor that separates thriving financial ...
- [Unlocking Crypto Regulations: What Every Business Needs to Know About MTLs](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/unlocking-crypto-regulations-what-every-business-needs-to-know-about-mtls): Navigate the complex world of MTLmtl license crypto. This guide covers federal & state rules, application steps, and compliance for your crypto business.
- [Registered Agent LLC: Why Every Business Needs One](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/what-is-a-registered-agent): When forming a limited liability company (LLC), most entrepreneurs focus on the basics - choosing a business name, filing Articles of Organization, and securing licenses. But one crucial requirement that is often misunderstood or overlooke...
- [Articles of Organization: The Complete Guide for LLCs](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/articles-of-organization-the-complete-guide-for-llcs): When you start a limited liability company (LLC), one of the most important steps is filing your Articles of Organization. This document is the legal foundation of your LLC. It officially establishes your business with the state and allows...
- [Surety Bond Brokers: How They Help Agents and Businesses Thrive](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/surety-bond-brokers-how-they-help-agents-and-businesses-thrive): Discover how surety bond brokers support insurance agents, simplify compliance, and strengthen business relationships.
- [LLC vs Inc: Understanding the Differences Between an LLC and a Corporation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/llc-vs-inc): Starting a business is one of the most exciting steps you can take as an entrepreneur. But before you launch, you'll need to choose the right legal structure. For most small businesses in the United States, the decision usually comes down ...
- [The Changing Compliance Landscape for Consumer Lenders](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-changing-compliance-landscape): Explore evolving compliance rules for consumer lenders, CFPB updates, and strategies to stay compliant in 2025 and beyond.
- [Specialty Licensing Services: How Agencies and Financial Firms Grow with Compliance-First Support](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/specialty-licensing-services): Why Licensing Is More Than Red Tape Financial services companies and insurance agencies operate in industries where growth depends not only on product offerings but also on the ability to navigate complex compliance landscapes. Expanding i...
- [Licensing Challenges for Mortgage Servicers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-challenges-for-mortgage-servicers): Mortgage servicers play a central role in the housing finance system. They collect borrower payments, manage escrow accounts, respond to customer inquiries, and step in with loss mitigation or foreclosure processes when borrowers fall behi...
- [Business Liquidation: A Practical Exit Strategy for Small and Mid-Size Business Owners](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/business-liquidation-exit-strategy-small-mid-size-owners-liquidation): Learn how business liquidation works, when to use it, and the steps to close a company effectively.
- [October 2025](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/october-2025): MULTISTATE PRIVACY ENFORCEMENT SWEEP TARGETS NONCOMPLIANT BUSINESSES Attorneys general from California, Colorado, and Connecticut, along with the California Privacy Protection Agency, have launched a coordinated investigation into companie...
- [February 2026](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/february-2026): NYC ADOPTS SWEEPING DEBT COLLECTION RULE AMENDMENTS New York City has finalized a broad set of changes to its local debt collection rules, expanding obligations for collection agencies, debt buyers, and original creditors once they engage ...
- [15 Licensing Application Process Facts That Delay Approvals](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/15-licensing-application-process-facts-that-delay-approvals): Most licensing delays come from small misses. A payment method that does not work, a stale certificate, the wrong signature, a missing ownership detail. These are the things that slow down filings, trigger deficiencies, and force teams to ...
- [Credit card holders pay Rs 6,000 cr 'extra'](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/credit-card-holders-pay-rs-6000-cr-extra): CHENNAI, MAY 3 (The Financial Express - India): Credit card holders in India, who pay the highest rates of interest in the world, have been ripped of Rs 6,000 crore as 'extra charges' by banks in a span of ten years, according to a rights ...
- [How Ownership Changes Affect Your Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-ownership-changes-affect-your-licensing): Changes to the ownership structure of a licensed ghostwriter schweiz occur for a variety of reasons and are a regular part of the corporate life cycle. Unfortunately, the statutory regulations for the majority of jurisdictions in Switzerla...
- [Are Your Windows Dirty?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/are-your-windows-dirty): Fingerprints, smudges, bug guts, and even dog-slobber are all familiar hallmarks of dirty windows. But what about bar codes? Or a corporate logo? Words, letters, or numbers? Ever see these later items obscure your window? If not, then mayb...
- [Selecting a Specialized Insurance Agent](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/selecting-a-specialized-insurance-agent): In recent months, we have spoken with an alarming number of collection agencies and debt buyers who bought (or nearly bought) E&O policies based on questionable advice from their insurance agent. Incredibly, some of these insurance agents ...
- [Licensing 101: With The National List of Attorneys](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/licensing-101-with-the-national-list-of-attorneys): Cornerstone Support has partnered with The National List of Attorneys to do a blog series on licensing. Cornerstone Support is a licensing service provider to the collection industry. You can learn more about The National List of Attorneys...
- [Bonds: What's the Catch?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/bonds-whats-the-catch): I gave a client a quote on his collection agency bonds last week and he did a double take, asking "What's the catch?" The quote was 33% less than what he currently pays. I assured him there was no catch. I am proud of the service and value...
- [Changes of Control: Cornerstone Series #2](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/changes-of-control): Cornerstone Support has partnered with The National List of Attorneys to do a blog series on licensing. Cornerstone Support is a licensing service provider to the collection industry. You can learn more about The National List of Attorneys...
- [The Facts: Licensing Your Branch - Cornerstone Series #3](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-facts-licensing-your-branch-cornerstone-series-3): The National List of Attorneys has partnered with Cornerstone Support to do a blog series on licensing. This is the third blog in that series. Cornerstone Support receives frequent requests from agencies in need of assistance related to th...
- [Monthly Debt Collection Complaints Decline](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/monthly-debt-collection-complaints-decline): WebRecon reports an increase in year-to-date consumer litigation cases, but the Telephone Consumer Protection Act continues to produce low numbers. Complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed against debt collectors declin...
- [Outsourcing: Does It Make Sense? - Cornerstone Series #4](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/outsourcing-does-it-make-sense-cornerstone-series-4): The National List of Attorneys has partnered with Cornerstone Support to do a blog series on licensing. This is the fourth blog in that series. Cornerstone Support is a licensing service provider to the collection industry. They offer an a...
- [5 Steps to Business Success](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/5-steps-to-business-success): What's the definition of business success? The answer: there is no right answer. Success is defined and determined by you. What's important to your business? Is it profitability or revenue growth? What about customer satisfaction and loyal...
- [Choosing the Right Vendor for your Business](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/choosing-the-right-vendor-for-your-business): Does it seem like every time you turn around there are more vendors to choose from when it comes to your business? It's a job in itself to choose your next vendor partner. However, having the RIGHT vendor is critical to the success of your...
- [The Collector Hero](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-collector-hero): Remember your childhood hero that you always looked up to? Maybe it was Superman, an athlete or even a rock star. The debt collection industry can be a tough one, but just like your childhood hero, this industry has heroes. In most offices...
- ["You're Fired!"](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/youre-fired): "What?? How did this happen?!" You've worked your tail off for this client. You've always been first or second in batch track performance, and you get along great with the recovery manager. OK, so you seem to be getting sued more often and...
- [Handling a Change in Ownership](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/handling-a-change-in-ownership): Changes to the ownership structure of a licensed collection agency can occur for a variety of reasons and are a regular part of the corporate life cycle. Unfortunately, the statutory regulations for the majority of jurisdictions prohibit t...
- [How to Ensure Your Collection Notices are Safe and Compliant](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-to-ensure-your-collection-notices-are-safe-and-compliant): Collection notices communicate important information to your customers about their debt. It's a basic and standard tool in the credit and collection industry, but comes with a few challenges. It's critical that collection agencies make sur...
- [Collecting Without a License? Penalties Can Be Painful!](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/collecting-without-a-license-penalties-can-be-painful): Last November, the Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement authorities around the country announced Operation Collection Protection - the first coordinated federal-state initiative to target deceptive and abusive debt collection...
- [Observations from the 2016 ACA International Convention & Expo](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/observations-from-the-2016-aca-international-convention-expo): In the last month, I have attended two major conferences - the 2016 ACA International Convention & Expo and HFMA's ANI 2016 Convention. Cornerstone Support has been a consistent attendee and exhibitor at the ACA Convention for nearly 20 ye...
- [Minimize Your Risk of Cyber Attack](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/minimize-your-risk-of-cyber-attack): As cybercrime becomes an even greater issue, collection companies are coming under increased scrutiny by their clients. Creditors are forwarding sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) to their collection partners, entrusting t...
- [The Future of Debt Buying?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-future-of-debt-buying): Are you wondering what the future of debt buying will look like and what you need to do to prepare? Mike Gibb, Administrator of AccountsRecovery.net, wrote a compelling and provocative article on July 26: How Debt Buying Will Change in the...
- [CFPB's recent Outline of Proposed Rules - Initial Reaction from Industry Experts](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpbs-recent-outline-of-proposed-rules-initial-reaction-from-industry-experts): On July 28, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its long anticipated Outline of Proposed Debt Collection Rules at a Field Hearing on Debt Collections. InsideARM polled 15 leading experts in the ARM industry to sample t...
- [How to Engage Your Employees](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-to-engage-your-employees): A recent study revealed that in the past year, only 32% of employees felt engaged at work. This means a large majority of employees simply show up to work, finish their tasks, and leave without gaining anything personally. If you're a busi...
- [Ransomware - Putting Your Company, Your Clients and You at Risk](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/ransomware-putting-your-company-your-clients-and-you-at-risk): Columbia Ultimate (now part of the Ontario Systems family) posted an interesting article on its blog in April about "ransomware" and how it can affect your agency and your clients. What is ransomware? Just what it sounds like. "Ransomware ...
- [NMLS - Electronic Surety Bonds](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/nmls-electronic-surety-bonds): On September 12, 2016, NMLS began receiving and tracking Electronic Surety Bonds (ESB) through the System. Currently, eight states have publicly announced adoption of ESB in 2016, with additional states planning to announce soon. See the E...
- [WebRecon introduces "The Litigant Exchange"](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/webrecon-introduces-the-litigant-exchange): By using a common repository for litigation and pre-lit demand data, and with others doing the same, all will benefit from each other's experiences with litigious consumers to further cut the incidence of litigation and pre-lit demands. In...
- [Montana Division of Banking Requires Consumer Loan License For Collections](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/montana-division-of-banking-requires-consumer-loan-license-for-collections): The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions has issued the following opinion: "It is the opinion of the Division that the provisions of the Act continue to apply to an entity that acts as a servicer by receiving or accepting...
- [Why You Should Understand Your Company's Purpose](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/why-you-should-understand-your-companys-purpose): What's the true purpose of your business? It's not to make money (although let's be real, we all really want that). The purpose is not your mission, values, or even your vision. But it IS a combination of all of these.. plus some. The true...
- [The Difference Between Claims Made and Occurrence Policies](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-difference-between-claims-made-and-occurrence-policies): Understanding the wording that is used in your insurance policy can make a big difference for your business. Whether or not your policy covers you depends on this wording and the period of time that your policy covers. An insurance policy ...
- [How to Create a Culture of Change Management](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-to-create-a-culture-of-change-management): From the October 7 issue of AccountsRecovery.net Daily Digest Change management is becoming more important at collection agencies, as they seek to develop processes for efficiently managing an overflow of information that requires updating...
- [Rule 68 - Dead or Alive?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/rule-68-dead-or-alive): Can an unaccepted Rule 68 offer of judgment be used to strip a Federal Court of subject matter Jurisdiction? A divided U.S. Supreme Court recently answered the question, no, in Campbell-Ewald Co. v. Gomez, 136 S. Ct. 663 (U.S. 2016). Artic...
- [4 Ways to Lower Your Cyber Security Risk](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/4-ways-to-lower-your-cyber-security-risk): Did you know: 50% of small businesses have been breached in the past 12 months. (According to a report by Keeper Security and the Ponemon Institute) Data breaches are increasing at an alarming rate. Businesses, especially small businesses,...
- [Hired Auto Coverage - Are You Covered?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/hired-auto-coverage-are-you-covered): Have you ever purchased a new toy for your kids, an expensive camera for a spouse, or even a new power tool for yourself, only to realize upon opening that you overlooked the "batteries not included" note on the box? Similar oversights wit...
- [3 Factors to Consider When it Comes to CFPB Compliance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/3-factors-to-consider-when-it-comes-to-cfpb-compliance): The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, was launched with a goal of protecting consumers in financial transactions with banks and lending institutions. However, its reach has extended much further. Not all businesses are aware o...
- [The One Coverage You Probably Don't Have, But Need](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-one-coverage-you-probably-dont-have-but-need): You have taken steps to protect your agency against consumer lawsuits, but what about the potential threat from within your organization? The number of lawsuits against employers for hiring and firing decisions, or even discrimination, con...
- [From the Desk of the Regulator - Arizona](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/from-the-desk-of-the-regulator-arizona): There are some major changes happening with the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions. Here's what you need to know: 1. Arizona has transitioned to NMLS to manage Collection Agency Licenses. Each company holding an AZDFI Collection ...
- [Top 4 Characteristics of Collection Agents](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/top-4-characteristics-of-collection-agents): Is your agency planning on hiring a collection agent? How do you ensure you've found the right person for the job? A recent ACA International survey showed what specific characteristics and skills collection agencies are looking for in pot...
- [How to Effectively Communicate as a Debt Collector](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-to-effectively-communicate-as-a-debt-collector): Communication methods are rapidly changing and it can be difficult to keep up. And as a debt collector, you generally must communicate to an increasingly diverse population. There are always going to be issues that make communication chall...
- [4 Steps for Collectors to Remain Compliant](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/4-steps-for-collectors-to-remain-compliant): The debt collections industry is increasingly regulated. Collectors have the task of representing many different people and must ensure that all actions are compliant. One important area of compliance is consumer communication. Collectors ...
- [The NYDFS Cybersecurity Approach Marks a Radical Shift for Financial Institutions](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-nydfs-cybersecurity-approach-marks-a-radical-shift-for-financial-institutions): Guest Writer: Kim Phan and Roshni Patel with Ballard Spahr The New York Department of Financial Services ("NYDFS") has issued new cybersecurity regulations that went into effect on March 1, 2017. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo described th...
- [How to Prepare for License Renewals](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-license-renewals): June is a big month for license renewals for collection agencies, debt buyers, and attorneys. These license renewals can be complicated and time-consuming. States are continually changing their regulations and application requirements maki...
- [4 Reasons Collections Agencies Shouldn't Handle Their Own Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/4-reasons-collections-agencies-shouldnt-handle-their-own-licensing): Maintaining your state licenses can be a complicated and time-consuming process. States are continually changing statutory regulations and application requirements making it difficult to stay informed. On top of that, penalties can be seri...
- [Reduce Lawsuits and Increase Collections with Words That Work](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/reduce-lawsuits-and-increase-collections-with-words-that-work): Guest Post by Mary Shores Think of a time when you had to call consumer service. How did you feel before you made the call? What about during the call, and after you hung up? Many would say we experience frustration, anger, disappointment,...
- [Oregon Licensing and Compliance Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/oregon-licensing-and-compliance-requirements): On August 2, 2017, the governor of Oregon signed into law a bill amending Oregon's collection licensing and compliance statutes and creating new obligations for debt buyers. Most of the new provisions will go into effect January 1, 2018. P...
- [Supreme Court Ends Theory of Liability under FDCPA](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/supreme-court-ends-theory-of-liability-under-fdcpa): On May 15, the U.S. Supreme Court put to rest a theory of liability under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA or Act). This has a major impact on both the credit and collections industry as well as bankruptcy practitioners who r...
- [Why Start a Company in a Regulated Industry?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/start-company-regulated-industry-guest-post): We are nearing the end of the sales pitch, and the exec I'm speaking to is almost convinced. I feel it: he likes the product and likes the innovation but he has to ask; he can't let me off the hook. He leans forward and looks me right in t...
- [Licensing as Debt Buyer: Who to Trust?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/who-to-trust): Debt Buyer Licensing Requirements by State Although knowing how to license as a debt buyer has always been a challenge, it certainly isn't getting easier. The list of potential licenses that might apply to debt buyers is continually expand...
- [Why Do I Need Errors and Omissions Insurance?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/errors-omissions-insurance): Mistakes happen. It's true in every facet of life, and that includes business. Unfortunately, any professional can be sued or held liable for mistakes made in the course of conducting business. In our highly litigious society, errors and o...
- [Outsourcing: Why Should I and How Do I?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/why-how-outsource): Why Do I Need To Outsource? I'm always fascinated by the number of conversations that I have with agencies regarding the basic tenets of outsourcing. While my conversations are specifically related to licensing, more often than not I find ...
- [Maryland Bonds in NMLS](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/maryland-nmls): The state of Maryland is one of the states that has transitioned many of their bonds to NMLS. They are strongly encouraging current licensees to adopt the electronic bond format and requiring that all new applications be electronic. Look a...
- [Outsourcing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/outsourcing): The number of conversations I have with agencies regarding the basic tenets of outsourcing is interesting. While most conversations are specifically related to licensing, more often than not, I find myself talking through the more general ...
- [Debt Collection Licensing Strategy](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-licensing-strategy): First The agency should identify the states where they are currently communicating with or anticipate communicating with debtors. The statutes are consistently clear among the respective jurisdictions that communicating with a debtor, whet...
- [When is Safe Harbor Language Not a Safe Harbor?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/when-is-safe-harbor-language-not-a-safe-harbor): Section 1692g requires debt collectors to disclose, among other things, the "amount of the debt" a consumer owes. See 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a)(1). While seemingly simple, this requirement can become thorny when the amount of the debt is subjec...
- [What Does it Mean to be Compliant in Today's ARM Industry?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/armindustrycompliance): Back in 1964, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Jacobellis v. Ohio. The case, which centered around the First Amendment, involved the manager of a theater in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, who wanted to show a film, "The Lovers." ...
- [The Facts: Licensing Your Branch](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-facts-licensing-your-branch): Cornerstone Support receives frequent requests from agencies in need of assistance related to their state collection licenses. While requests come from agencies with an array of licensing concerns, one we often assist with is branch licens...
- [California updates Student Loan Servicing Laws](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/california-updates-student-loan-servicing-laws): Update: California Governor Makes Law Change favoring Debt Collectors On Friday September 14, California Governor, Jerry Brown, signed into law. This amendment to the "California Student Loan Servicing Act" clarifies that debt collectors w...
- [Connecticut to License US Locations Only](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/connecticut-to-license-us-locations-only): Update regarding new law: Connecticut to take a NO ACTION POSITION for Qualified Collection Agencies Earlier in August we reported that Connecticut had signed into law an Act that, among other things, stated that the Connecticut Department...
- [Launching Your Collections Career](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/launch-your-collections-career): Best Practices from a Seasoned Debt Collector Bill Plunk has been in business as CimCo (which is short for "the check is in the mail company") for over 20 years as a commercial collector. Prior to CimCo, Plunk worked for three years with a...
- [How Will a Supreme Court Shift Impact the Collection Industry?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cyber-security-approach): As Kavanaugh Looks to Replace Kennedy on the Supreme Court, What Will be the Impact on the Collection Industry? By Caren D. Enloe (originally posted on Minnlawyer.com) When news broke that Justice Kennedy would be retiring after a thirty-y...
- [5 Compelling Reasons To Outsource Collections Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/5-compelling-reasons-to-outsource-collections-licensing): What are the Benefits of Outsourcing Collections Licensing? Navigating the landmines of state license regulations requires an abundance of time and focused energy to stay current and compliant. Licensing requires that you keep your eye on ...
- [Navigating Corporate Changes for Debt Collection Licensing](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/navigating-corporate-changes-for-debt-collection-licensing): Is your company going through changes that may require actions to maintain your collection licensing? Here are some of the most common corporate changes that could impact your collection licensing: Navigating Changes Cornerstone Support ha...
- [Connecticut to License US Locations Only - Update](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/connecticut-to-license-us-locations-only-update): Update: Connecticut Dept of Banking clarifies collections permissions for agencies who have a Non-USA main location with a USA branch Public Act 18-173, requires that any licensable Connecticut activity be conducted from an office located ...
- [Near Shore Call Center: 5 Reasons To Use As A Collection Strategy](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/benefits-of-using-a-nearshore-call-center-as-part-of-a-collection-strategy): Top 5 Reasons to Use a Near Shore Call Center as Part of Your Collection Strategy In the quest to be a competitive collection agency or debt buyer there are many aspects to consider. A consideration that may not be immediately obvious, but...
- [Making Wise Collection Actions Around Disasters](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/launching-your-collections-career): 2018 had more than it's share of disasters. North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia were all hit hard with notable flooding and wind damage as two hurricanes, Florence and Michael, slammed the Southeast. In the west, forest fi...
- [Grow ARM Revenue Through Data Security Compliance](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/grow-arm-revenue-through-data-security-compliance): Gain a Competitive Edge with Data Security Compliance The complexities of operating an Account Receivable Management (ARM) organization can be quite daunting, especially considering today's technology-centric world. Data security and compl...
- [New York Passes Litigation Impacting Student Loan Servicers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/nydfs-article-14-a): Update: New York Releases the Student Loan Servicer License Application On August 1, 2019 New York State's Department of Financial Services announced, "Student loan servicers must submit their licensing applications through the Nationwide ...
- [D.C. to Begin Implementation of Annual Report Requirement for Student Loan Servicers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/d-c-to-add-annual-report-requirement-for-student-loan-servicers): On April 29, 2019 the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) of the Government of the District of Columbia issued Bulletin 19-BB-02-04/29 which applies to licensed student loan servicers servicing student education loans in...
- [Failure to Renew a Background Check for Every Collector Will Risk Loss of Minnesota License](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/failure-to-renew-a-background-check-for-every-collector-will-risk-loss-of-minnesota-license): Cornerstone Support launches 'Collector Check' in anticipation of Minnesota's Collector Background Screening Requirements When renewing a collection license in Minnesota an agency must legally attest to completing the Minnesota collector b...
- [PA Court Case Emphasizes the Necessity of Licensing for Debt Buyers](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/pa-court-case-emphasizes-the-importance-of-debt-buyer-licensing): Ruling Upholds the Necessity of Licensing Prior to Collection on Purchased Debt An interesting case has developed in Pennsylvania between a debt buyer and a borrower owing a deficiency balance on a repossessed automobile. The case, Wyche v...
- [A License Game Board](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/license-game-board): The licensing process for collection agencies is an intricate and complex process - so much so, you can create an entire board game about it! Luckily for you, Cornerstone support is here to help you win the game. Our collection licensing s...
- [Cyber Liability Insurance- What Does it Cover?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cyber-liability-faq): Understanding Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage By now, you've heard the reports and fallout from the recent breach of millions of consumer records from a medical billing agency. Suddenly, those seemingly distant stories of hackers and cy...
- [Nevada Lifts Citizenship Requirement for Collection Agencies](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/nevada-lifts-citizenship-requirement): In Nevada, there is now no requirement to be a citizen of the United States or to be lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States for collection agency applicants. The requirement was removed on June 14, 2019 when Nevada Gover...
- [Student Loan Servicer Regulations for Maine, New Jersey and Maryland](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/student-loan-servicer-regulations-for-maine-new-jersey-and-maryland): Maine and New Jersey Join States Requiring Student Loan Servicer Licenses; Maryland Adds Designee Requirement On June 20, 2019 Maine Governor Janet Mills signed into law LD995. The law introduces a license among other requirements as part ...
- [Student Loan Servicer Licensing Laws (What You Should Know)](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-tangled-web-of-student-loan-servicer-licensing-laws): 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 progressiv...
- [Cornerstone Specialist to Run Her First Marathon](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cornerstone-specialist-to-run-her-first-marathon): Jennifer Kim, one of Cornerstone's licensing specialists, is training for her first marathon in Savannah, GA on November 2. Jennifer, who graduated from UGA, spent the first part of her career life as an elementary teacher. She left teachi...
- [CollectProtect: A Difference Maker in Malpractice Insurance for Collection Attorneys](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/collectprotect-a-difference-maker-in-malpractice-insurance-for-collection-attorneys): Cornerstone is excited to announce the launch of CollectProtect, a new lawyer professional liability/malpractice program created to fit the needs of collection law firms. Some of the coverage features include specified coverage for FDCPA c...
- [ARM Firms Can Reduce Exposure with PCI DSS Scope Reduction](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/arm-firms-can-reduce-exposure-with-pci-dss-scope-reduction): It's no longer news that protecting personal and financial information is paramount to the well-being of any individual or organization - and this is especially relevant within the ARM industry where sensitive information (ie financial, he...
- [CISA Prepares US Companies for Iranian Cyber Attacks](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cisa-prepares-us-companies-for-iranian-cyber-attacks): 2020 Begins With Cyber Threats from Iran In light of heightened tensions with Iran, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently issued a warning for potential state-sponsored ...
- [Two of USA's Largest Population States are Closing in on Collection Legislation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/two-of-usas-largest-population-states-are-closing-in-on-collection-legislation): California (40 million residents) and New York (20 million residents) have taken steps in 2020 to introduce legislation leading to regulation and licensure of collection agencies. Each state under predominantly Democrat leadership will loo...
- [Utah Court Weighs in on Debt Buyer Licensing Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/utah-court-weighs-in-on-debt-buyer-licensing-requirements): The question of whether a debt buyer is required to be licensed as a debt collector has been settled in the state of Utah A court case in Utah has brought centerstage the issues surrounding whether a debt buyer must be licensed the same as...
- [Illinois Issues a Provisional Statement for Collection from Home](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/illinois-issues-a-provisional-statement-for-collection-from-home): Illinois has replied to Cornerstone Support's request for more details on sending the notice to the state: "With regard to Executive Order 10's remote work notice and IDFPR's guidance, if an individual agent is working remotely and the bri...
- [10 Security Tips for Working Remotely](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/10-security-tips-for-working-remotely): Editors Note: In recent weeks many companies were thrust into a situation where they were forced to work remotely or temporarily close the doors. To learn more about the need to manage privacy and security remotely, we sought out wisdom an...
- [Are You Thinking Differently About Who Can Be Your Client?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/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 remotel...
- [The Real ROI of Collection Strategy](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/real-roi-collection-strategy): The Real ROI of Collection Strategy Almost everyone I talk to in the industry rates innovation as a top priority, especially today. The economy will recover, but your strategies will determine how well you do. Not long ago, in my former ro...
- [Why Debt Collection is Good For the Economy](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/why-debt-collection-is-good-for-the-economy): Debt collection struggles to get good press. News outlets love to promote debt collection horror stories that give a black eye to an industry that otherwise serves a very good purpose for our economy. The bad actions of a few unscrupulous ...
- [Mastering the Art of "Nibbling"](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-nibbling): The most common tactic used in negotiation by debt collectors is called "nibbling." Just as a mouse nibbles away at a piece of cheese, one teensy bite at a time until it's gone, nibbling is asking for small items, one at a time, and gettin...
- [Will Hunstein Require a Reset?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/will-hunstein-require-a-reset): Last month, the entire ARM industry was caught by surprise when the Eleventh Circuit held that a debt collector's transmittal of information to a third-party letter vendor violated Section 1692c(b) of the FDCPA. Hunstein v. Preferred Colle...
- [The Final Debt Collection Rule is Here and Focuses on Communication Methods](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/the-final-debt-collection-rule-is-here-and-focuses-on-communication-methods): The Final Debt Collection Rule is Here and Focuses on Communication Methods - Here's What You Need to Know By: Caren D. Enloe On October 30, 2020, the CFPB published its long awaited Final Debt Collection Rule (the "Rule") which is intende...
- [Consistency and Timeliness are Key](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/consistency-timeliness-are-key): Consistency & Timeliness are Key How accurate is your current licensing information? Licensees must report accurate and current information when filing registrations and licenses. To ensure accurate information, several states require thei...
- [Is it time to rethink your agency name given the CFPB's Limited Content Voice Message Rules?](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/is-it-time-to-rethink-your-agency-name-given-the-cfpbs-limited-content-voice-message-rules): Limited Content Messages and Your Company's Name By John Bedard, Jr. Click here to request help with a name change or dba On October 30, 2020, the CFPB published its years-in-the-making amendment to Reg F ("the Rules") to implement the FDC...
- [Avoiding the Traps of Debt Validation Notices](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-2): Picking Apart the Validation Notice Requirements Under the Debt Collection Rule By: Caren D. Enloe With the CFPB undergoing leadership changes, one thing that remains clear about the Debt Collection Rule is that collection agencies should ...
- [Cornerstone's Strategic Assessment Services](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cornerstone-strategic-assessment-services): As you are aware, each state has the right to enact its own set of debt collection laws and requirements. Most jurisdictions have very different licensing and registration requirements. Failure to comply with state licensing and registrati...
- [2021 Cybersecurity Risks & Trends for the ARM Industry](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/2021-cybersecurity-risks-trends): By its very nature, the ARM industry is founded on data and information management. Whether assets or accounts are considered on a macro or micro basis, businesses ranging from debt collection and debt buying, to collection law firms, and ...
- [Considerations when Completing the California Debt Collection License Application](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/debt-collection-licenses-california-application): Considerations when Completing the California Debt Collection License Application As previously reported, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has begun to accept applications on September 1, 2021 for deb...
- [Get your Questions Answered about the California Debt Collection License Application](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/answered-questions-california-license-application): Part 1 - Everything You Need to Know about the California Debt Collection License Application - September 2, 2021 Part 2 - California Debt Collection Licensing Application Q&A - October 4, 2021 Click here to rely on the experts for this li...
- [The Final Countdown to the Effective Date: Ten Tips for a Smooth Implementation](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-7): The Final Countdown to the Effective Date: Ten Tips for a Smooth Implementation By Caren D. Enloe On November 30th, the CFPB's Debt Collection Rule (the "Rule") will take effect. While the industry has spent most of the past two years prep...
- [Reconciling the "Rule" Requirements with State Requirements](https://cornerstonelicensing.com/blog/cfpb-debt-collection-rule-6): Reconciling the "Rule" Requirements Where the Rubber Meets the Road By Caren D. Enloe For the past year, the industry's attention has been focused on the Debt Collection Rule (the "Rule"), its changes, and the new expectations it will plac...