Chapter 8 Basic considerations in granting credit facilities
1. purpose of the credit: it is the object of the borrowing. The bank must consider carefully whether the credit is most suitable to the borrower’s need. For what the bank is concerned with is that the loan shall generate sufficient profit and cash-flow desired by both the borrower and the banker, most banks tend to decline loan proposals which are highly speculative.
2. Repayment schedule

the borrower must be able to service the debit. The banker will examine, in general, the possible sources of income of the borrower and, determine whether there will be sufficient cash-flow over the term of the loan to service the debt.) The customer is normally required to submit detailed financial statements that will substantiate his capability to generate adequate funds to repay the loan.
3. Amount of the loan granted: It depends on his business capacity. The banker may examine the corporate customer’s financial statements of assets and liabilities in order to determine the precise amount to be borrowed. These statement indicate the customer’s financial position. A bank should never lend a customer more than a quarter of his own resources or financial assets.
4. Term of loan: The term of the loan is an essential factor in assessing credit risk. The longer the term of the loan, the higher the risk exposure due to the increasing chance of unfavourable long-term economic and political changes. The bank should make some judgment on the future course of the economy and the political environment so that it is well prepared if, in fact, the expected risks materialize.
5. Credit risk assessment: Depending on the size of the loan, a banker should employ the credit risk assessment in order to determine the credit worthiness of potential customers.
1) current risk assessment: this assessment evaluates possible economic and political risks.
2) Potential risk of default assessment: this assessment involves the evaluation of the risks relating to the size of the credit, and type of security provided by customers.
A bank would issue guidelines to staff responsible for loan applications concerning the maximum risk the bank should bear for any particular type of loan.
6. Market analysis: before making any lending decision, the banker must check the economic/market prospect of the goods/services the customer is producing. The banker may visit the production plant or the operation site and make a judgement on the borrower’s experience, ability and integrity in running his business.
7. Pricing of loans: the bank has to calculate its own costs of providing loans to customers. The margin indicates the possible credit risk that the loans may bear. The rate depends on various factors: size of the loan, financial strength of the borrower and nature of security offered by the customer. The higher the possible risk involved, the higher the margin over the prime rate to be charged to the loan.
8. Collateral: it refers to security provided by a borrower to offset the apparent weaknesses of a loan. These weaknesses include inadequate capital, certain risks and uncertainty arising from market conditions. Collateral should be considered as a protection rather than as a source of repayment. Collateral should be the last item to be considered in loan approval.
9. Character of the borrower: it refers to the borrower’s determination to repay the loan. It can be assessed by examining his track record.
10. Capacity: it indicates a customer’s ability, financial strength, and legal capacity to borrow. As a limited company to borrow, the banker should have the legal authority under the memorandum and articles of association to borrow.
11. Capital: it refers to the cushion of assets for repayment of the bank’s advances in the event of the borrower experiencing financial difficulties. A strong capital base will demonstrate the customer’s ability to repay his loans. It also indicates the customer’s commitment to sustaining production capability in securing future income.
Sound bank lending-some points to remember
1. It is safer to lend small amounts to many customers rather than large amounts to a few customers.
2. Try to find out as much credit information as possible from any sources about the customers.
3. Short-term loans bear less risks than long-term loans.
4. The customer’s financial statements should be obtained and analyzed.
5. Make sure that the interest rate agreed with a customer reflects the degree of risk involved.
6. During the life of a loan, systematic and constant review of account should be conducted, loan performance and repayment records should be monitored.
7. Ascertain the value of a security and obtain safe title.
8. Do not borrow short and lend long. Pay attention to liquidity in loans both at the outset and at periodic reviews.
9. Never lend money solely against security, even though its realizable value may well exceed the loan amount
[此贴子已经被作者于2006-6-25 12:59:28编辑过]