FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNITED STATES (September 13, 2019) – Mortgage industry veterans Josh Weinberg, Roger Fendelman and Raymond Snytsheuvel have joined forces to launch Firstline Compliance, LLC. The new entity will offer a full suite of mortgage compliance services to independent mortgage banks, credit unions, mortgage technology vendors and other industry service providers.
The partnership merges Weinberg’s, Fendelman’s and Snytsheuvel’s respective backgrounds in regulatory compliance, mortgage operations, risk management, technology solutions and industry relations to offer an unmatched combination of expertise to the residential mortgage industry. Through a collaborative approach, the team will help clients build comprehensive compliance strategies that support their unique business objectives.
Firstline is based on the trio’s shared philosophy that when compliance is incorporated into a company’s workflow early on, it creates a competitive advantage. “We believe in proactive rather than reactive compliance”, explains Josh Weinberg, President. “Compliance is often viewed as too expensive and becomes a band-aid rather than a preventative measure. We’re looking to change that perception.” While compliance is a cost center for lenders, COO Raymond Snytsheuvel explains, “With the right approach, building and maintaining a compliant operation is not as expensive as one might think. In fact, if you keep the engine running smoothly, you will increase profitability”.
However, many lenders have slashed their compliance budgets and have eliminated staff in response to the perception of more relaxed federal enforcement. In reality, the regulatory landscape is gaining momentum and the industry is already feeling the heat. CEO Roger Fendelman explains, “Over the last two years, we’ve seen several states increase their enforcement activities, and if there is a change to the current administration, we can expect the same at the federal level. Many lenders will be left unprepared.”
About Joshua Weinberg
Joshua Weinberg is a nationally recognized speaker, author, consultant, and leader in the mortgage industry. He serves as the president of Firstline Compliance and as the EVP, Compliance for First Choice Loan Services Inc. Josh is the former chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Regulatory Compliance Committee and also served as vice chairman of the Board of Directors for MISMO. Josh works closely with federal and state regulators nationwide and is a member of the ABA’s Residential Markets Committee, the NMLS Registered Institutions working group and an advisory board member and compliance expert for Mortgage Compliance Magazine.
About Roger Fendelman
Roger Fendelman is the CEO of Firstline Compliance and is a managing member of the law firm Garris Horn PLLC, where he is a founding attorney. He was previously the executive compliance leader at Interthinx (now part of First American) where he developed the PredProtect automated compliance solution and oversaw operations. Roger’s earlier experience included operations and legal roles with CitiMortgage and Nexstar Financial.
About Raymond Snytsheuvel
Raymond Snytsheuvel is the COO of Firstline Compliance and of counsel at the law firm Garris Horn PLLC, where he is a founding attorney. He previously held roles as general counsel and compliance officer at several well-known banks and lenders, where he oversaw operational risk management, corporate governance, contract negotiations and audit functions.
Firstline Compliance, LLC is a financial services advisory firm specializing in regulatory compliance for the residential mortgage industry. Founded in 2019, the company is led by industry thought leaders Josh Weinberg, Roger Fendelman and Raymond Snytsheuvel. Firstline Compliance provides routine compliance services and solves complex regulatory issues. Its clients include mortgage bankers, servicers, credit unions and technology vendors. For more information on Firstline Compliance, please visit the company’s website at www.firstlinecompliance.com