Rankings and Features FAQ

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What are Scotsman Guide’s Rankings & Features?

Scotsman Guide’s annual Rankings and Features honor the top mortgage professionals and companies in the nation. Since 2010, they have set the benchmark for excellence, providing the industry’s most trusted, comprehensive and verified awards in the mortgage industry. Our commitment to accuracy and recognition makes Scotsman Guide the most respected name in the mortgage industry achievements.  

Why should I submit for the Scotsman Guide Rankings & Features?

Gain nationwide recognition and industry respect with Scotsman Guide’s annual rankings and features. As one of the most trusted brands in the mortgage industry, our rankings and features showcase excellence. Elevate your reputation, build credibility and stand out among top professionals/companies. Whether as an individual or a company, being featured in Scotsman Guide solidifies your place among the industry’s leaders. Plus, the official rankings and features logos serve as a stamp of approval that everyone in the industry associates with greatness.  

What Rankings and Features does Scotsman Guide publish, when are their submission periods and when are they released?

Top Workplaces Feature  

  • Submission period: September 15 – October 31  
  • Released: January 

 

Top Originators   

  • Submission period: January 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: April 

 

Top Women Originators  

  • Submission period: January 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: May 

 

Top Mortgage Lenders 

  • Submission period: March 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: June 

 

Top Wholesale Account Executives 

  • Submission period: March 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: June 

 

Top Private Lenders 

  • Submission period: March 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: June 

 

Top Veteran Originators 

  • Submission period: January 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: July 

 

Top Mortgage Brokers 

  • Submission period: January 1 – 31 annually 
  • Released: September 

 

Top Emerging Stars  

  • Submission period: September 1 – October 15  
  • Released: December 

How do I submit?

For rankings of individuals, we accept two types of submissions Individual and Bulk. Individual submissions are entered by each individual originator or company, while bulk entries are entered by the company and enable them to submit multiple individuals at once (applicable to Top Originator & Top Wholesale Account Executives). 

 

  • Individual submission – Individuals or companies must submit their data and a signed verification form pdf that will be reviewed by our rankings staff 
  • Bulk submissions – Companies submit ALL of their qualified entrants in a Microsoft Excel template provided by Scotsman Guide. These submissions must be accompanied by a single verification form (rather than submitting one for each individual). Bulk submissions are only accepted for the Top Originators and Top Wholesale Account Executives rankings.  

What happens after I submit my entry?

You will receive an email confirmation with submitted data along with a receipt.

What is included in the fee?

The fee covers the costs for processing the submission, creating/publishing the print & online rankings along with ongoing maintenance. The fee DOES NOT include licensing of the ranking or features logos. 

How do I license the use of the official Logo(s)?

Wrights Media is our official licensing partner for logos, plaques and awards. Beware of companies contacting you to sell unlicensed, knockoff awards. If you have questions about the legitimacy of an award solicitation you receive, please contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com and we would be happy clear up any confusion.  

Top Originators

What are the Top Originator rankings?

Since 2010, Scotsman Guide has set the standard for recognizing top residential mortgage bankers and brokers. Our Top Originator rankings are the most trusted and comprehensive in the industry, making them the benchmark of excellence. Being ranked earns you industry-wide recognition and respect from peers, while increasing visibility among clients, realtors, and top professionals who want to work with the best. 

What rankings are included?

Top Originators will be included in ALL the following categories that they qualify for:  

Top Dollar Volume, Most Loans Closed, Top Purchase, Top Refinance, Top Non-QM, Top VA, Top FHA, Top USDA & Top HELOC/Seconds 

 

Top Originators sub-rankings included but not published in April: 

  • Top Women Originators – May in magazine and online 
  • Top Veteran Originators – July in magazine and online 
  • Top Mortgage Broker – April online and September magazine 

What are the criteria to make the rankings?

You must have produced $25 million OR closed 75 loans/units in the previous calendar year. All loans must have originated using your individuals NMLS license. No team submissions accepted. We only accept individuals.  

When is the submission period?

January 1 – 31 annually.  

When are they published?

Top Originator Rankings – April (magazine and online) 

Top Women Originator Rankings – May (magazine and online)  

Top Veteran Originator Rankings – July (magazine and online) 

Top Mortgage Broker Rankings – September magazine (April online) 

What if I worked for two or more companies in the previous year?

Have your company compile the production from your previous employer(s) and combine it with the production from your current company. To be listed under your current company, some of your production must have been originated while at that company during the year we are ranking. (ex 2024 production for the 2025 rankings) 

What are the fees to submit?

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next earlybird deadlines/rates.  

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Top Mortgage Lenders

What are the Top Mortgage Lenders rankings?

Since 2013, Scotsman Guide has recognized the nation’s top residential mortgage lenders, setting the benchmark for excellence. Our rankings are the most trusted and comprehensive in the industry, showcasing the best in mortgage lending. Earning a spot brings industry-wide recognition, strengthens your reputation and increases visibility among clients and top professionals who want to work with the best. 

What rankings are included?

The following categories are included depending on the company’s annual production volumes: 

Top Overall Volume, Top Retail, Top Wholesale, Top Correspondent, Top FHA & Top VA 

What are the criteria to make the rankings?

  • Company must be licensed by NMLS 
  • All loans must be originated under company’s NMLS 
  • Residential property types only 

When is the submission period?

Submissions are accepted March 1 – 31 annually.  

When are the Top Mortgage Lenders rankings published?

They are published in June online and in the magazine 

What are the fees to submit?

Submission fee is $999 

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next early-bird deadlines/rates.  

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Top Wholesale Account Executives

Top Wholesale Account Executives

What are the Top Wholesale Account Executives rankings?

Scotsman Guide’s Top Wholesale Account Executives rankings are the most trusted and comprehensive in the industry, showcasing the best AE’s in wholesale lending. Earning a spot brings industry-wide recognition, strengthens your reputation and increases visibility among clients, brokers and top professionals who want to work with the best.  

What rankings are included?

Top Overall Rankings by Volume (may break out Top Non-QM, Top VA & Top FHA) 

What are the criteria to make the rankings?

You must have produced $100 million OR closed 200 loans/units in the previous calendar year.

When is the submission period?

Submission period open March 1 – 31 annually.  

When are they published?

Top Wholesale Account Executives Rankings are published online & print magazine in June annually 

What are the fees to submit?

Individuals $249 

Bulk $1499 

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next early bird deadlines/rates.  

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Top Private Lenders

What are the Top Private Lenders rankings?

Scotsman Guide’s Top Private Lenders rankings are the most trusted and comprehensive in the industry, showcasing the best in private lending. Earning a spot brings industry-wide recognition, strengthens your reputation and increases visibility among investors, brokers and top professionals who want to work with the best. 

What rankings are included?

Top Overall Volume, Top Bridge, Top Term, Top Fix-and-Flip, Top Rental, Top Construction, Top DSCR & Top 5+ units and Commercial loans (non-multifamily) 

What are the criteria to make the rankings?

  • Company must be the lender of record on loan documents/closing statements 
  • Only residential property types – SFR, 1-4 Units 
  • NOO/Investment/Business Purpose Loans only 

When is the submission period?

Submission period is open March 1 – 31 annually. 

When are they published?

Top Private Lenders Rankings are published online in the magazine in June annually 

What are the fees to submit?

Submission fee is $999 

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next early-bird deadlines/rates.  

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Top Emerging Stars Feature

What is the Top Emerging Stars Feature?

Scotsman Guide’s Top Emerging Stars feature recognizes the rising talent shaping the future of the mortgage industry. This prestigious recognition highlights standout professionals making an impact early in their careers. Earning a spot boosts your credibility, enhances your visibility and sets you apart as a leader on the rise bringing you recognition from industry peers, mentors and top professionals. 

What is included?

Basic Nomination – Top Emerging Stars only appears in online feature 

Premium Nomination – Top Emerging Star appears in the magazine AND in a prominent position in the online feature 

What are the criteria to make the rankings?

  • Individual must be a under the age of 40 
  • Production Volume & Performance – loan origination volume, number of closed loans and overall impact. 
  • Industry Influence – leadership, innovation and contributions to the mortgage industry. 
  • Career Growth – rapid professional advancement and demonstrated success. 
  • Peer & Client Recognition – reputation among colleagues, clients and industry professionals.  
  • This feature highlights young professionals making a significant impact and shaping the future of mortgage lending. 

When is the submission period?

Submission period for the Top Emerging Stars is September 1 – October 15 annually 

When are they published?

Top Emerging Stars are published online the magazine in December annually 

What are the fees to submit?

Basic nomination fee $799 (appears in online feature only) 

Premium nomination fee $1,499 (appears online AND in the magazine) 

 

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next early-bird deadlines/rates.

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Top Workplaces Feature

What is the Top Workplaces Feature?

Scotsman Guide’s Top Workplaces feature recognizes mortgage companies that set the standard for excellence in workplace culture, employee satisfaction and industry leadership. This prestigious recognition highlights organizations that foster innovation, support career growth, and create an environment where professionals thrive. Earning a spot enhances your company’s reputation, attracts top talent, and solidifies your position as a leader in the mortgage industry. 

What rankings are included?

Basic Nomination – Top Workplace profile only appears in online feature 

Premium Nomination – Top Workplace profile appears in the magazine AND in a prominent position in the online feature 

Scotsman Guide’s Top Workplaces feature honors mortgage companies that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction and industry leadership. Companies are evaluated based on: 

  • Employee Satisfaction & Engagement – positive workplace environment and team morale. 
  • Company Culture & Leadership – strong values, innovation, and commitment to growth. 
  • Career Development & Benefits – opportunities for advancement and employee support. 
  • Industry Reputation – recognition among peers, clients, and top professionals. 

When is the submission period?

Submission period for the Top Workplace’s Feature is September 15 – October 31 

When are they published?

Top Workplaces is published online and in the magazine in January annually 

What are the fees to submit?

Basic nomination fee $799 (appears in online feature only) 

Premium nomination fee $1,499 (appears online AND in the magazine) 

 

Early-bird pricing is available annually. Contact rankings@scotsmanguide.com for next early-bird deadlines/rates.  

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