Definitions

As used in this Part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Advance fee" means any consideration which is assessed or collected prior to the issuance of a written commitment to make a loan that is binding on the lender, provided that certain conditions precedent are satisfied. (2) "Borrower" means a person obtaining or desiring to obtain a loan of money, a credit card, or a line of credit. (3) "Loan originator or broker" means any person, except any regulated or supervised financial organization, credit union, licensed commercial or consumer lender, insurance company, consumer loan broker, or mortgage broker or lender, provided that the person excepted is licensed or registered with and subject to regulation or supervision by an agency of the United States or any state and is acting within the scope of the license, charter, or other permit, who: (a) For, or in expectation of, consideration paid by the borrower, directly or indirectly arranges or attempts to arrange, or offers to fund or make a loan of money, a credit card, or a line of credit. (b) For, or in expectation of, consideration paid by the borrower, assists or advises a borrower, wherever located, in obtaining or attempting to obtain a loan of money, a credit card, a line of credit, or a related guarantee, enhancement, or collateral of any kind or nature. (c) Acts for, or on behalf of, a loan broker for the purpose of soliciting borrowers. (d) Holds himself out as a loan broker. (4) "Office" means the Office of Financial Institutions in the office of the governor. (5) "Person" means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein. A "person" shall not include an agency or instrumentality established or chartered under the laws of the United States. (6) "Principal" means any officer, director, owner, sole proprietor, partner, member, joint venturer, manager, or other person with similar managerial or supervisory responsibilities for a person who makes or offers to make or broker loans, whatever his job title.