Franklin First Financial Ltd. was the Melville mortgage lender in the 2018 NYDFS order. First Franklin mortgage was the separate business acquired by Merrill Lynch from National City. The word order matters, but documents matter more.
Read the source: NYDFS · November 16, 2018 cease-and-desist order (PDF)
Compare the anchors
For Franklin First Financial Ltd., the verified closure-related record is dated November 16, 2018. For First Franklin mortgage, the acquisition history and March 2008 shutdown are the relevant anchors. Combining those dates creates an inaccurate story.
Do not transfer legal records
A DOJ settlement naming Franklin First Financial Ltd. should not be attached to a First Franklin trust or to the Georgia consumer lender. Read the named parties in the original record.
Continue: First Franklin Mortgage: History and Name Confusion
For borrower questions
Both historical names can appear on old loan materials. The current servicer, rather than a name-similar website, is the source for payment and payoff instructions.
Continue: Old Franklin First Mortgage? How to Find Your Servicer
Frequently asked questions
Are the 2008 and 2018 shutdowns the same event?
No. The sources concern separate identities and dates.
Which company was in the 2017 DOJ settlement?
The announcement names Franklin First Financial Ltd. and specified individuals.
Sources
Read the original documents and company pages behind this guide.
- NYDFS · November 16, 2018 cease-and-desist order (PDF) www.dfs.ny.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
- SEC EDGAR · Merrill Lynch 2007 report and First Franklin acquisition www.sec.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
- New York State courts · 2013 First Franklin opinion www.nycourts.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
- U.S. Department of Justice · February 7, 2017 civil settlement www.justice.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
