MLO is short for mortgage loan originator, or more commonly known as a mortgage loan officer. An MLO is a licensed mortgage professional who helps consumers to obtain a mortgage or other home financing. Their job includes advising on the different loan options, rates and terms available from lenders and guiding them through the application process. An MLO is responsible for originating the loan, which is the process of taking a consumer’s loan application, submitting for approval and overall managing the process until the funds are disbursed.