Mortgage Brokers Unite to Influence the Future of Lending

In April 2025, over 150 mortgage professionals convened in Washington, D.C., for the Broker Action Coalition’s (BAC) third annual Advocacy in Action conference. This event marked a significant step in the industry’s efforts to influence legislative and regulatory decisions impacting mortgage brokers nationwide.​

A Unified Voice for Mortgage Brokers

Brendan McKay, co-founder and chief advocacy officer of BAC, emphasized the organization’s mission to establish a lasting presence akin to major industry groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). “Our goal is to advocate for mortgage brokers consistently, regardless of leadership changes,” McKay stated.​

The conference highlighted collaborative efforts between brokers, lenders, and organizations like the MBA to push forward critical legislation. A prime focus was the reintroduction of a bipartisan bill aimed at banning predatory trigger leads practices where consumer credit information is sold without consent, leading to unsolicited offers and potential confusion for borrowers.​

Advocating for Veterans

A significant portion of the conference addressed the challenges veterans face in the mortgage process. Gay Veale, a retired Air Force veteran and chair of BAC’s veteran homeownership initiative, pointed out widespread misinformation about VA loans. “Many veterans and industry professionals lack understanding of VA loan benefits,” Veale noted.​

Mike Alberico, a broker from North Carolina, echoed these concerns, highlighting instances where veterans are steered toward less favorable loan options due to ignorance or predatory practices. He advocates for an “informed consumer choice” disclosure for VA loans, similar to existing FHA loan disclosures, to ensure transparency and dignity for veteran borrowers.​

Emerging Leaders and Industry Growth

The conference also showcased the rise of new leaders in the mortgage brokerage space. Scott Valins, founder of Go Rascal, a Brooklyn-based brokerage, has expanded his team from five to nearly 300 loan officers in under three years. Valins emphasized the importance of brokers taking an active role in shaping industry policies, stating, We’re becoming an equally prominent channel to retail lenders. If we want to shape the future, we can’t wait to be invited in.

Conclusion

The Advocacy in Action conference underscored the mortgage broker community’s commitment to influencing the future of lending. Through unified efforts, advocacy for veterans, and the emergence of new industry leaders, brokers are positioning themselves as key players in shaping policies that affect their profession and the clients they serve.​