1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Ethics (“Code”) establishes the standards of professional conduct expected of all members of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association (“CMLA”). It applies to all business activities related to mortgage lending, servicing, brokering, and related financial services.

2. Integrity and Honesty
Members shall:

• Conduct all business with honesty, integrity, and good faith.
• Provide accurate, clear, and truthful information to consumers, investors, regulators, and business partners.
• Avoid misleading statements, deceptive practices, or material omissions in any communications.

3. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Members shall:

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing mortgage-related activities.
• Maintain all required licenses, registrations, and continuing education.
• Cooperate fully and promptly with lawful regulatory examinations and inquiries.

4. Fair and Responsible Lending
Members shall:

• Treat all applicants fairly and without discrimination in accordance with applicable fair lending laws.
• Support responsible lending practices, including adequate assessment of a borrower’s ability to repay.
• Avoid predatory, abusive, misleading, or exploitative lending practices.

5. Transparency and Disclosure
Members shall:

• Clearly disclose loan terms, costs, risks, and borrower obligations in plain language.
• Ensure all marketing and advertising materials are accurate, balanced, and not misleading.
• Promptly correct any material errors, misrepresentations, or misunderstandings.

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Members shall:

• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of consumer and business information.
• Use personal and financial data only for legitimate business purposes.
• Implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.

7. Conflicts of Interest
Members shall:

• Avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise professional judgment or objectivity.
• Disclose any actual or potential conflicts to affected parties in a timely manner.
• Refrain from accepting gifts, compensation, or incentives that could improperly influence business decisions.

8. Professional Competence and Conduct
Members shall:

• Maintain a high level of professional knowledge, skill, and competence.
• Act with professionalism, courtesy, and respect toward consumers, colleagues, and competitors.
• Avoid any conduct that could bring discredit to the CMLA or the mortgage lending profession.

9. Ethical Competition
Members shall:

• Compete fairly and lawfully.
• Respect the intellectual property and proprietary information of others.
• Avoid false or disparaging statements about competitors.
• Uphold the requirement that recruiting is strictly prohibited at all CMLA events. 

10. Reporting and Enforcement
Members shall:

• Report suspected violations of this Code or applicable laws to the CMLA.
• Cooperate fully with ethics reviews investigations, or disciplinary proceedings.
• Understand that violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or revocation of membership.

11. Commitment to Ethical Standards
Membership in the CMLA signifies a commitment to uphold this Code of Ethics and to foster ethical, transparent, and responsible mortgage lending practices across the industry.


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