MLA
Military Lending Act: Enacted in 2006 and implemented by the Department of Defense (DoD), the Military Lending Act protects active duty members of the military, their spouses, and their dependents from certain lending practices. These practices could pose risks for service members and their families, and could pose a threat to military readiness and affect service member retention.
The DoD regulation implementing the MLA contains limitations on and requirements for certain types of consumer credit extended to active duty service members and their spouses, children, and certain other dependents (“covered borrowers”). Subject to certain exceptions, the
regulation generally applies to persons who meet the definition of a creditor in Regulation Z and are engaged in the business of extending such credit, as well as their assignees.
For covered transactions, the MLA and the implementing regulation limit the amount a creditor may charge, including interest, fees, and charges imposed for credit insurance, debt cancellation and suspension, and other credit-related ancillary products sold in connection with the transaction. The total charge, as expressed through an annualized rate referred to as the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) may not exceed 36 percent. The MAPR includes charges that are not included in the finance charge or the annual percentage rate (APR) disclosed under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA).
