Ameriquest founder to work for State Department
By COCO SALAZAR
2/13/2006

One of the wealthiest men in mortgage lending has taken a job working for Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Ameriquest Mortgage founder Roland Arnall for U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, according to a Congressional Record Daily Digest.

The confirmation comes 15 days after Ameriquest announced it agreed to a $325 million settlement -- the second-largest lending settlement in history -- with 49 states to resolve charges of alleged predatory lending.

"We are pleased that Mr. Arnall's nomination to be the Ambassador to the Netherlands has been confirmed by the United States Senate," said Adam Bass, Ameriquest vice chairman, in a written statement. "We take great pride in knowing that our company's founder will be representing our country abroad and know he will serve with honor and distinction."

The mission of the United States in the Netherlands includes providing assistance to American citizens in the Netherlands, providing visa services for temporary visitors and immigrants to the U.S. and promoting strong bilateral ties with the Netherlands -- working "actively to increase cooperation on counter terrorism, enhance U.S. economic prosperity, and fight international crime and drugs," according to the embassy's Web site.

John Adams was the first ambassador to the Netherlands, serving from 1781 to 1788, the government reports.

Article © MortgageDaily.com All Rights Reserved