(a) General. The Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner (or his/her designee) may initiate a civil money penalty action against any principal, officer, or employee of a mortgagee or lender, or other participants in either a mortgage insured under the National Housing Act or any loan that is covered by a contract of insurance under title I of the National Housing Act, or a provider of assistance to the borrower in connection with any such mortgage or loan, including:

(1) Sellers;

(2) Borrowers;

(3) Closing agents;

(4) Title companies;

(5) Real estate agents;

(6) Mortgage brokers;

(7) Appraisers;

(8) Sponsored third-party originators;

(9) Dealers;

(10) Consultants;

(11) Contractors;

(12) Subcontractors; and

(13) Inspectors.

(b) Knowing and material violations. The Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner or his/her designee may impose a civil penalty on any person or entity identified in paragraph (a) of this section who knowingly and materially:

(1) Submits false information to the Secretary in connection with any mortgage insured under the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), or any loan that is covered by a contract of insurance under title I of the National Housing Act;

(2) Falsely certifies to the Secretary or submits a false certification by another person or entity to the Secretary in connection with any mortgage insured under the National Housing Act or any loan that is covered by a contract of insurance under title I of the National Housing Act; or

(3) Is a loan dealer and fails to submit to the Secretary information which is required by regulations or directives in connection with any loan that is covered by a contract of insurance under title I of the National Housing Act.

(c) Amount of penalty. The maximum penalty is $12,249 for each violation, up to a limit of $2,449,575 for all violations committed during any one-year period. Each violation shall constitute a separate violation as to each mortgage or loan application.