What term refers to the individual who represents the borrower to the lending institution?

The individual who represents the borrower to the lending institution is known as a loan officer. This role involves working directly with borrowers to guide them through the loan application process and assess their financial situations.

A loan officer acts as the primary point of contact for borrowers seeking loans and is responsible for reviewing loan applications, collecting necessary documentation, and providing information about various loan products. They serve as an intermediary between the borrower and the lender, ensuring that the borrower understands the terms and conditions of the loan and helping to facilitate communication throughout the lending process.

The other roles, while related to the lending process, do not fit this specific function. A loan originator typically refers to the entity or person who initiates the loan and may include loan officers but is broader in definition. A loan underwriter evaluates the risk of lending the money to the borrower and makes decisions on loan approvals, while a loan processor prepares the necessary paperwork and manages the administrative tasks associated with the loan. Each of these roles plays a critical part in the overall loan process, but the loan officer is specifically tasked with representing the borrower in dealings with the lender.