ECOA (Regulation B) protects borrowers against discrimination in lending based on all of the following EXCEPT:

The correct choice reflects a misunderstanding of the protections offered under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which prohibits discrimination in lending based on specific personal characteristics. ECOA provides comprehensive protection for borrowers based on several factors, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, and age.

While marital status, religion, and nationality are protected categories, gender and employment status are not considered discriminatory factors under ECOA in the same manner. Employment status does not fall under ECOA's protected characteristics, whereas marital status and gender do.

Thus, the answer that is not explicitly protected by ECOA, based on the categories listed, aligns with the considerations mentioned. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the intent of ECOA in fostering fair access to credit without discrimination based on certain fundamental aspects of identity or circumstance.