CLINTON — Rhett Hillard, vice president of Consumer Credit at First National Bank and Trust Company, in Clinton, recently completed the Mortgage Bankers Association program to earn the Certified Residential Underwriter designation.

The advanced curriculum of 45 hours of online materials establishes the standard for professional excellence in residential mortgage loan underwriting. Hillard completed the Level III, which requires two or more years of industry experience and the completion of residential underwriter Level I and II certification, including three timed exams.

The online training helps increase productivity, improve quality and advance decision-making. It covered a range of residential mortgages, from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac requirements, automated underwriting systems, manual underwriting, manufactured and site-built homes and more. In addition, individuals gained insight into current influencing factors, regulations and industry issues.

“I have been leading the effort to expand secondary market lending options for our clients, along with adding consumer lending improvements from online mortgage applications to an enhanced credit card program. As a company, we feel it is important that an industry recognized level of expertise be available to my colleagues and clients,” said Hillard. “To be able to provide that knowledge and leadership to others including other underwriters, loan reviewers, and compliance efforts that come in the future is very rewarding.”

As the leading advocate for the real estate finance industry, the Mortgage Bankers Association represents a comprehensive array of capabilities and tools that enable members to deliver fair, sustainable and responsible real estate financing within ever-changing business environments. Learn more about these programs and more at www.mba.org.