Unified Three-Tier Schedule
$100K / $150K / $200K — same schedule for brokers, bankers, and servicers. New applicants start at $100K. Combination licenses available. Bond increase due by March 31.
AR Securities Department§ 23-39-505(f)Same-Day Issuance
Arkansas Mortgage Broker Surety Bond
Secure your Arkansas mortgage broker, banker, or servicer license with a surety bond from Surety One, Inc. — the nationwide leader in mortgage industry surety bonds. Bonds $100,000 to $200,000 based on AR loan volume. 5-year post-license claims tail. Premiums individually determined by credit.
AR Mortgage Broker / Banker / Servicer Bond
$100K – $200K
Unified three-tier by AR volume • 5-year tail • Premium based on credit
Up to $10M AR volume$100,000
$10M – $25M AR volume$150,000
Over $25M AR volume$200,000
Post-License Tail5 years minimum
ObligeeAR Securities Commissioner
TurnaroundSame Day
Get Your Free Quote
Understanding Your Bond
What Is an Arkansas Mortgage Broker Surety Bond?
An Arkansas mortgage broker surety bond is required by the Arkansas Securities Department, through the Securities Commissioner, as a condition of licensure under the Fair Mortgage Lending Act (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 23-39-501 through 23-39-518, § 23-39-505(f)).
Arkansas is unique in using a unified three-tier bond schedule that applies identically to mortgage brokers, bankers, and servicers — $100,000, $150,000, or $200,000. Applicants may even apply for a combination license covering multiple roles under the same bond. The volume calculation differs by type: brokers and bankers use originated/funded loan volume, while servicers use portfolio volume.
Arkansas also features a 5-year post-license claims tail — the bond must cover claims for at least 5 years after the licensee ceases providing mortgage services in the state. This is one of the longest tail provisions in the series, second only to Oregon's 5-year tail, and ensures extended consumer protection.
The Three Parties
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PrincipalThe mortgage broker, banker, or servicer who purchases the bond and must comply with the Fair Mortgage Lending Act.
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ObligeeThe Arkansas Securities Commissioner — the regulatory authority requiring the bond and enforcing the Fair Mortgage Lending Act.
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SuretySurety One, Inc. — the company that underwrites and issues the bond, guaranteeing the principal's compliance with Arkansas mortgage licensing law.
5-Year Post-License Claims Tail
Arkansas's bond must cover claims for at least 5 years after the licensee ceases providing mortgage services, or longer if required by the Commissioner. This means the surety's exposure continues well after operations end — requiring a surety with long-term financial stability like Surety One.
Bond Amount Schedule
Arkansas Mortgage Bond — Unified Three-Tier Schedule
The same three-tier schedule applies to brokers, bankers, and servicers. Volume calculation differs by license type. Bond increases required by March 31.
Mortgage Broker & Banker (Originated/Funded AR Loans)
| Aggregate AR Originated/Funded Loans (Prior Year) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| $10,000,000 or less | $100,000 |
| $10,000,001 – $25,000,000 | $150,000 |
| Over $25,000,000 | $200,000 |
Mortgage Servicer (AR Portfolio Volume)
| Aggregate AR Loans in Portfolio (Prior Year) | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| $10,000,000 or less | $100,000 |
| $10,000,001 – $25,000,000 | $150,000 |
| Over $25,000,000 | $200,000 |
March 31 Increase Deadline
If an increase in surety bond is required based on prior-year activity, the bond must be increased by March 31. Failure to maintain the proper bond amount is grounds for discipline under the Act. If a bond is reduced, the licensee has 30 days to reinstate to the required level. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
Arkansas Licensing Requirements
Key Bond & Licensing Requirements
Arkansas's unified bond schedule, 5-year claims tail, and Securities Department oversight create a distinctive regulatory framework for mortgage professionals.
Securities Department
Arkansas Securities Department (Securities Commissioner). Phone: (800) 981-4429. Email: securities@arkansas.gov. One of few states where a securities regulator oversees mortgage licensing.
Fair Mortgage Lending Act
Ark. Code Ann. §§ 23-39-501 through 23-39-518. Bond requirement: § 23-39-505(f). Implementing rules: 214.00.13 Ark. Code R. § 001. Ensures compliance with state and federal laws.
3 Years Experience + Audited Financials
Principal/officer must have 3 years mortgage lending experience. Banker/servicer: audited financial statements + $25K net worth. No in-state office required. Licensed loan officer at each location.
NMLS Electronic Filing
All applications and bonds filed through NMLS. Bond form must include full legal name including DBA/Trade Name. Applicants must disclose affiliated industry business interests.
Continuous / 60-Day Cancel
Continuous bond. 60-day written cancellation notice by principal, surety, or state. 5-year post-license claims tail. Full bond must be in effect at all times. Aggregate surety liability capped at penal sum.
Consumer Protection
What Does This Bond Protect Against?
Arkansas's bond provides extended consumer protection through the 5-year claims tail and direct suit provisions. The bond covers:
Fair Mortgage Lending Act
Compliance with state and federal mortgage lending laws and faithful performance of all duties. Any violation of the Act that causes harm to a consumer may give rise to a bond claim.
Direct Suit by Consumers
The bond provides for suit on the bond by any person who has a cause of action under the Fair Mortgage Lending Act subchapter — allowing direct consumer action against the bond.
5-Year Post-License Tail
The bond covers claims for at least 5 years after the licensee ceases providing mortgage services in Arkansas, or longer if the Commissioner requires — ensuring extended consumer protection.
Aggregate Liability Cap
The aggregate liability of the surety does not exceed the principal sum (penal sum) of the bond. This cap applies across all claims, providing certainty for both surety and claimants.
How It Works
Get Your Arkansas Mortgage Broker Bond in 4 Steps
Surety One makes obtaining your Arkansas mortgage broker surety bond fast and straightforward. Most bonds are issued the same business day.
Apply Online
Complete our mortgage bond application online or call us at (800) 373-2804. There's no cost and no obligation.
Get Your Quote
Our underwriters review your application and provide a competitive premium quote, typically within hours. We work with all credit profiles.
Purchase & Sign
Accept your quote, complete the indemnity agreement, and pay your premium. We prepare the Fair Mortgage Lending Act bond.
Filed via NMLS
Surety One files your Electronic Surety Bond through the NMLS. Your bond satisfies the Securities Department's licensing requirement.
Understanding Your Premium
How Is My Premium Determined?
Your premium — the actual amount you pay — is a percentage of your required bond amount. You do not pay the full bond amount. Your rate is individually determined through underwriting review.
| Underwriting Factor | How It Affects Your Premium |
|---|---|
| Required Bond Amount | Your AR loan volume determines the tier ($100K/$150K/$200K). Higher amounts result in higher premiums. |
| Personal Credit Score | Your FICO score is a primary factor. Stronger credit profiles generally qualify for lower premium rates. |
| Financial Statements | Bankers/servicers must provide audited financials. Personal financial statements typically required for all $100K+ bonds. |
| Industry Experience | AR requires 3 years of mortgage lending experience for the principal/officer. Your history influences underwriting terms. |
| Claims History | Any prior surety bond claims or regulatory actions may influence the terms offered. |
Every Applicant Receives a Personalized Quote
Because premiums are individually determined, the only way to know your exact cost is to apply. Surety One provides free, no-obligation quotes — and we decline no application. We offer non-standard programs for applicants with impaired or limited credit. Apply now or call (800) 373-2804.
Common Questions
Arkansas Mortgage Broker Bond FAQ
AR mortgage bonds are $100,000 (up to $10M AR volume), $150,000 ($10M–$25M), or $200,000 (over $25M). The same schedule applies to brokers, bankers, and servicers. Your premium is a percentage of the required amount, individually determined by credit and underwriting review.
Arkansas requires the bond to cover claims for at least 5 years after the licensee ceases providing mortgage services in the state, or longer if the Commissioner requires. This extended tail provision ensures consumer protection continues well after a company stops operating in Arkansas.
Yes. Arkansas allows applicants to apply for a combination of mortgage broker, banker, and/or servicer licenses. The same three-tier bond schedule applies, though the volume calculation differs: brokers/bankers use originated or funded AR loan volume, while servicers use their AR portfolio balance.
If an increase is required based on prior-year AR loan activity, the bond must be increased by March 31. Failure to maintain the proper amount is grounds for discipline. If a bond is reduced, the licensee has 30 days to reinstate it. The full bond amount must be in effect at all times.
No. Arkansas does not require a brick-and-mortar office in the state. However, licensees must have a licensed loan officer at each licensed location. Applicants must disclose proposed business locations and any beneficial interests in affiliated industry businesses.
Yes. Surety One declines no application. Given Arkansas's $100K–$200K bond amounts, our non-standard programs are especially valuable. We work to find terms that fit each applicant's situation regardless of credit challenges.
The Arkansas Securities Department, through the Securities Commissioner, requires the bond under the Fair Mortgage Lending Act, § 23-39-505(f). The bond is filed electronically through the NMLS. The Department can be reached at (800) 981-4429 or securities@arkansas.gov.
The Surety One Advantage
Why Choose Surety One, Inc.?
Surety One is a national surety leader specializing in the bonding needs of mortgage professionals across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AR Long-Tail Bond Experts
Arkansas's 5-year post-license claims tail demands a surety with long-term financial stability. Surety One's backing through Janus Assurance Re provides the capacity for extended exposure periods.
Same-Day Issuance
Most Arkansas mortgage broker bonds are issued the same business day. Our 24/7/365 underwriting team provides guaranteed same-day feedback on every submission.
A+ BBB Rated
Surety One carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau in both our U.S. and Puerto Rico offices, reflecting our commitment to client satisfaction and ethical practices.
All Credit Accepted
We decline no application. Given AR's $100K–$200K bond range, our non-standard programs are critical for applicants who may face challenges with other surety providers.
Multi-State Expertise
Operating in the South Central region and beyond? We streamline your bonding across all 50 states with a single point of contact, ensuring compliance everywhere.
Free Quotes, No Obligation
Application review and quoting are always free. There is no obligation to purchase. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat to explore your options.
