Plays an important role in the loading of the cohesin complex on to DNA. Forms a heterodimeric complex (also known as cohesin loading complex) with NIPBL/SCC2 which mediates the loading of the cohesin complex onto chromatin (PubMed:28167679, PubMed:22628566). Plays a role in sister chromatid cohesion and normal progression through prometaphase (PubMed:16802858, PubMed:16682347). Heterodimerizes with MAU2/SCC2 to form the cohesin loading complex (PubMed:16682347, PubMed:16802858, PubMed:21934712, PubMed:28167679, PubMed:22628566). The NIPBL-MAU2 heterodimer interacts with the SMC1A-SMC3 heterodimer and with the cohesin complex composed of SMC1A, SMC3, RAD21 and STAG1 (PubMed:22628566). Binds to chromatin from the end of mitosis until prophase. Belongs to the SCC4/mau-2 family. Extended N-terminus.