CRCM Exam: Considerations for Written Adverse Action Notices in Business Loan Applications

Determining Written Adverse Action Notices for Business Loan Applicants

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Question

When helping a loan officer determine whether the bank must give a written adverse action notice to a business loan applicant, what should the compliance officer consider?

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When a loan officer is considering whether to approve or deny a business loan application, they must follow certain regulations set forth by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). One such regulation is the requirement to provide a written adverse action notice to the applicant if their loan application is denied or approved with less favorable terms.

As a compliance officer, it's essential to help the loan officer determine whether an adverse action notice is necessary. In doing so, the compliance officer should consider several factors, including:

  1. Type of Business Entity: The type of business entity can affect the legal liability of the owner(s) and the organization's overall financial standing. For example, a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC) may have a more solid financial foundation than a sole proprietorship. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the type of business entity when determining whether an adverse action notice is necessary.

  2. Length of Time in Business: The length of time a business has been in operation can be an important indicator of its stability and financial health. Lenders may consider businesses with a longer operating history to be more reliable and, therefore, less risky. In contrast, a startup or a company that has been operating for only a short period may be viewed as riskier. Hence, the compliance officer should consider the length of time the applicant has been in business.

  3. Gross Revenue for the Preceding Year: Gross revenue is the total amount of revenue generated by a business before any deductions or expenses are considered. Lenders may use the gross revenue for the preceding year as an indicator of the business's financial strength and ability to repay the loan. Therefore, the compliance officer should consider the gross revenue when determining whether an adverse action notice is necessary.

  4. Current Net Income: The current net income of the business is an important factor to consider when determining its ability to repay the loan. It indicates the amount of income the business has after deducting expenses. The compliance officer should assess the current net income to determine whether the business is financially capable of servicing the loan.

In summary, when helping a loan officer determine whether an adverse action notice is necessary for a business loan applicant, the compliance officer should consider the type of business entity, the length of time the applicant has been in business, the gross revenue for the preceding year, and the current net income. These factors can help determine whether the business is financially capable of servicing the loan and, therefore, whether an adverse action notice is necessary.