For years, the student loan industry operated in a gray area.
Regulators were vague. Attorneys General were aggressive. And even legitimate businesses were hit with massive lawsuits simply for providing services borrowers actively needed.
Then Angela Mirabella happened.
Her case didn’t just make headlines—it made history. It exposed how flawed the enforcement environment had become and finally created a legal roadmap that any compliant business can now follow.
If you’ve ever been hesitant to re-enter the student loan space because of regulatory fear, this is the post you’ve been waiting for.
The Industry Before Angela: A Landscape of Fear and Lawsuits
Between 2016 and 2021, dozens of student loan document preparation companies were targeted by state and federal agencies. Claims ranged from deceptive advertising to unauthorized access of borrower accounts.
The result? Most operators exited the space. Lawsuits chilled the market. And even companies offering real, value-driven services left rather than risk being made an example of.
Then in 2020, the California DOJ filed a case against Angela Mirabella—one of the most experienced and compliant business owners in the space.
She didn’t settle.
She fought.
And in doing so, she gave the industry something it never had before: legal clarity.
What Happened in the Case: It Never Belonged in Court
Angela faced a daunting 87-count indictment. But the outcome made one thing clear: this case never should have been brought to court in the first place.
Here’s how it ended:
- 24 charges were dismissed outright by the judge
- 62 resulted in no decision
- Only one technical violation related to how her team accessed student loan data was sustained
The court found no basis to pursue any claim related to fraud, fees, or business practices.
Instead, it recognized the company provided legitimate, voluntary services—document prep, IDR support, consolidation guidance—and that borrowers chose to pay for that help.
Why This Matters for You: A Legal Blueprint Now Exists
Angela’s case didn’t just end a legal battle—it created a precedent that benefits the entire industry.
We now have a judge-tested, legally supported model for how to run a student loan service business the right way:
- Charging upfront fees is allowed
- Credit card payments are permitted
- Document prep and coaching services are legitimate and legal
- Transparent operations and well-structured agreements keep businesses compliant
The only cautionary point from the case was around accessing borrower login credentials—something most companies no longer need to do.
Mint Group’s Role in the Case: More Than a Vendor
Angela wasn’t just a client—she was a business owner backed by Mint Group across all key areas of her operation.
We provided customized payment processing, guided her on compliance, and supported customer communication strategies. Our team also managed chargebacks, monitored customer satisfaction, and implemented operational improvements to strengthen the client experience and maintain a clean track record with banks and regulators.
When the legal case began, our support didn’t end. Mint Group founder Kenton King testified in Angela’s defense, presenting data on customer satisfaction, low chargeback rates, and internal compliance protocols.
That evidence helped validate the legitimacy of her business and played a critical role in the case’s outcome.
In short, we didn’t just support a student loan business—we helped prove what a compliant, successful one looks like.
Built-In Compliance, Backed by Experience
To make things even simpler for our clients, Mint Group provides a secure, legal method to access borrower loan information—without logging in to the FSA portal or requesting usernames and passwords.
This approach has been reviewed by legal counsel and aligns directly with the standards clarified by Angela’s case.
Our clients can confidently assist borrowers while avoiding unnecessary compliance risks.
Exclusive Legal Access for Mint Group Clients
Following the case, we secured exclusive client access to the same attorney who helped lead Angela’s defense.
That means:
- Mint Group clients have direct legal insight from the most experienced attorney in the space
- Our internal systems and tools reflect the court’s guidance—keeping you protected
- If questions arise, you have the right people in your corner
You’re not alone in navigating this space—and you’re not guessing about what’s allowed.
The Takeaway: A New Era for Student Loan Services
Angela’s case gave this industry something it had never had before: legal clarity.
If you’ve been waiting for a safe way to enter (or re-enter) the market, the door is open. Demand is high. Competition is low. And the legal framework is in place.
Mint Group has the tools, systems, and legal support to help you grow—safely, efficiently, and with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how to build or scale your student loan service business the right way.