Some achievements speak for themselves. For the fourth consecutive year, Mark Cohen, Founder and CEO of Cohen Financial Group, has been named the #1 Mortgage Broker in the United States by Scotsman’s Guide ,the mortgage industry’s most authoritative ranking. He also retains his title as the #1 NonQM Originator in the nation for the fifth straight year.
In 2025 alone, Mark closed $933,705,193 in loan volume across 692 loans. That follows $790 million in 2024, $743 million in 2023, and $751 million in 2022. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he has originated more than 30,000 loans totaling over $18 billion, and remains the only mortgage broker in the U.S. to average $1 billion in annual originations for more than a decade.
Why NonQM Expertise Matters
The #1 NonQM designation is one Mark has now held for five consecutive years, and it’s not a coincidence. Non-Qualified Mortgage lending serves borrowers who don’t fit the conventional agency mold: the self-employed, real estate investors, foreign nationals, and high-net-worth individuals with complex financial profiles. It requires deep product knowledge, strong lender relationships, and the ability to structure deals others walk away from.
Bank statement loans, DSCR loans, asset depletion — these are the tools Mark and his team have mastered, and the results show it.
Built on Relationships, Driven by Results
Over 76% of Cohen Financial Group’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals. That number tells you everything about how this firm operates. Mark’s reputation isn’t built on volume alone, it’s built on showing up for clients when it matters most, navigating complex transactions, and closing loans others couldn’t.
“We show up every day committed to excellence, and these rankings reflect that commitment.”— Mark Cohen, Founder & CEO, Cohen Financial Group
Whether you’re purchasing a home, refinancing, investing in real estate, or exploring NonQM options, Cohen Financial Group has the expertise and lender network to get you to the closing table. Apply now or call 310.777.5401.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use a mortgage broker or go directly to a bank?
For most borrowers, especially those with complex financial profiles, a broker has a significant advantage. A bank can only offer its own products. A mortgage broker has relationships with dozens of lenders, which means more options, more competitive pricing, and someone working on your behalf rather than the bank’s. The difference is especially pronounced for self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and jumbo loan buyers whose situations don’t fit a standard template.
Do mortgage brokers get better rates than banks?
Often, yes, because they create competition. When a broker submits your file to multiple wholesale lenders simultaneously, those lenders compete for your business. Banks have no such incentive. A top broker with deep lender relationships can also access wholesale pricing that isn’t available to consumers directly, which can translate to meaningfully lower rates over the life of a loan. See today’s rates.
What is a NonQM loan and who is it for?
A Non-Qualified Mortgage (NonQM) is a home loan that falls outside conventional agency guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They’re designed for borrowers whose income, employment, or financial profile doesn’t fit a traditional W-2 mold, including self-employed individuals, real estate investors using DSCR financing, high-net-worth borrowers with significant assets but variable income, and foreign nationals. NonQM loans aren’t subprime; they’re a sophisticated financing solution that requires a broker with real expertise to structure correctly.
How is a mortgage broker paid?
Mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan closes, not by charging the borrower out of pocket. This is called a lender-paid compensation model. In some cases, borrowers may opt for a borrower-paid structure in exchange for a lower rate. Either way, the broker’s compensation is disclosed upfront and regulated by federal law, so there are no surprises. Read more in our mortgage FAQ.