Allison assists mortgage lenders, servicers and secondary market investors in navigating the CFPB’s consumer financial laws and regulations and has substantial experience with state mortgage licensing on a nationwide basis. 

In her practice concentrated on federal and state compliance issues related to consumer financial services, Allison advises participants in the primary and secondary mortgage markets, including financial institutions, mortgage lenders and servicers, banks, REITS and investment banks.

She counsels clients on consumer financial laws and regulations applicable to the origination, servicing, and purchasing of mortgage loans, including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act, Homeowners Protection Act (HPA), Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Allison has extensive experience in state mortgage licensing on a nationwide basis, providing licensing advice related to residential, business-purpose/fix & flip and commercial mortgage loans to mortgage lenders, brokers, servicers, debt collectors and investors in whole loans and mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). She is also experienced in the requirements of the the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

In mergers and acquisitions involving mortgage industry participants, Allison acts as regulatory counsel, providing strategic advice on federal and state change of control requirements and licensing guidance in asset sales. She also conducts regulatory due diligence of target companies on behalf of investors.

She provides counsel on federal agency and investor requirements, including FHA, VA, RHS, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.

Relevant Experience

• Evaluated numerous scenarios under RESPA Section 8’s anti-kickback provisions, including marketing services agreements, co-marketing arrangements, affiliated business arrangements, desk rentals, lead sales and related arrangements.
• Advised a REIT on state licensing and regulatory compliance issues applicable to the purchase of “fix and flip,” single-family rental, and multifamily loans.
• Advised a business-purpose residential mortgage lender on state licensing requirements.
• Counseled a bank on requirements under Regulation Z’s Loan Originator Compensation Rule related to bonuses for mortgage loan originators.
• Assisted a secondary market investor with a comprehensive mortgage loan due diligence script covering various review areas such as credit/underwriting, regulatory compliance, and valuations.
• Counseled a secondary market purchaser on the applicability of certain consumer regulatory requirements to home equity line of credit (HELOC) products.

• In residential and business-purpose mortgage loan warehouse and repurchase facilities, evaluated representations and warranties related to regulatory compliance.
• Acted as regulatory counsel for an investment management firm acquiring an interest in a mortgage services provider.
• Assisted an investor with identifying and obtaining state licenses required to purchase and hold MSRs and structuring an excess servicing spread transaction.
• Advised a hedge fund in structuring a multiphase investment in a state-licensed mortgage company and assisted with obtaining the required state and federal regulatory approvals.
• Reviewed a mortgage lender’s website, advertising and marketing materials for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Bar Admissions

Education
JD, Wake Forest University School of Law, 2006BA, University of Virginia, 2003