Loan Review/Credit Analyst - Banking

Hello everyone,

Frequent reader here and new user. I have started my first job as a Loan Review Analyst at a regional bank. I graduated with a BBA in Finance from a super non-target.

The job entails assigning risk ratings to loans (non-accrual, non-performing, etc) and mainly cash flow analysis of firms to calculate debt service requirements/ratios. Some collateral analysis is also included in there and we just basically have to see whether the borrower will be able to repay their loan(s).

My question is: what kind of other things am I qualified to do after, say 1-2 years experience here? I’m honestly just trying to keep all my options open right now in terms of future job prospects. I would eventually like to work at a BB but after I get some decent/relevant work experience and get into a good MBA program.

Again, I’m interested in a lot of finance related positions and just want to see how I can use this kind of background elsewhere.

Thanks!

17 Comments
 

You should do some research (WSO, M&I, google search) on the world of commercial and corporate banking and think about trying to lateral to a bigger bank after a year or so and then keep working your way up, collecting solid experience and well-recognozed name brand banks on your resume to give yourself the best shot for an MBA.

Whats the general region and size of the bank that you work for and what size companies do you work with? Does your bank offer any formal credit training program that you went through?

 
The KidYou should do some research (WSO, M&I, google search) on the world of commercial and corporate banking and think about trying to lateral to a bigger bank after a year or so and then keep working your way up, collecting solid experience and well-recognozed name brand banks on your resume to give yourself the best shot for an MBA.

Whats the general region and size of the bank that you work for and what size companies do you work with? Does your bank offer any formal credit training program that you went through?

Absolutely. I spend a lot of time reading on those sites (especially this one). I saw an atricle on Corporate Banking but I dont know how difficult it will be to do the lateral move (I'm thinking going to BofA or Wells Fargo later).

Its a regional bank in Texas. The biggest loan/credit I've reviewed is $5,000,000. Not too exciting and no formal training at all.

 

David Tepper (HF king) started as a credit analyst before getting his MBA, there is potential afterward.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 
yeahrightDavid Tepper (HF king) started as a credit analyst before getting his MBA, there is potential afterward.

It seems like its a decent start (at least for me, given my current conditions/options). I just wanted to know how it is viewed for other positions/divisons and within banking & finance. I keep seeing posts like these but no real solid info.

 
Best Response
debitocredito
yeahrightDavid Tepper (HF king) started as a credit analyst before getting his MBA, there is potential afterward.

It seems like its a decent start (at least for me, given my current conditions/options). I just wanted to know how it is viewed for other positions/divisons and within banking & finance. I keep seeing posts like these but no real solid info.

I think if you could manage to work your ass off for a year or so and learn a ton to make up for no training, start networking, and then try to lateral to a larger bank's commercial banking office in a big city (Dallas or Houston if you want to stay in Texas) then you will open up more future opportunities for yourself... you're not going to jump directly from what you're doing now into corporate banking, but even if you can network your way into MM commercial banking team at WF, BOA, JPM, Citi, etc you'll have the name brand, be working on work on bigger deals, possibly convince them to let you join the training program, etc.

Also its an expensive option and not for everyone, but have you considered the MSF route to rebrand yourself and get OCR?

 

For sure, that's more or less what I was thinking I could do. I have thought about the MSF but from what I hear, I'm also competing with undergrads (with probably better resumes) for the same entry-level positions. Would I be expected to go back to school for an MBA? I honestly am leaning more towards MSF to simply set myself apart (more MBAs then MSFs in the industry I assume?) as it is significantly more focused on just finance.

 
debitocreditoFor sure, that's more or less what I was thinking I could do. I have thought about the MSF but from what I hear, I'm also competing with undergrads (with probably better resumes) for the same entry-level positions. Would I be expected to go back to school for an MBA? I honestly am leaning more towards MSF to simply set myself apart (more MBAs then MSFs in the industry I assume?) as it is significantly more focused on just finance.

If you're really considering an MSF you can PM if you want... I'm finishing up my program now so I can give you an idea of what might work for you based on your background and goals

 

First of all if you don't mind me asking what bank it is? You can PM me. I ask because I am in the exact same situation, except I'm about a year ahead of you.

I just put in my notice at a regional bank based in west texas, where I work as a Loan Review Analyst.

To answer your question on what you will be able to say in 1-2 years, it will depend on how the department is structured, how they allocate their capital (which relates to their rating system among other things), if they are heavy in acquisitions (regional community banking is eat or be eaten), and the actual type of reviewing you will be doing i.e. documentation, financial, loan convenants, underwriting review, et al. Also, it depends on what you do after the review. Some departments have more corrective responsbilities, such as restructuring, and some just pass it on to the Commercial Loan Officer. If you want more details on what you can put on resume, or what I have put on mine I can give you more insight. What it boils down to is exposure, like IB, PE, or HF, the smaller the bank the more exposure you have to all the processes (and less pay). The upside is if you enjoy the community/commercial banking, it is easy to move after you have year underbelt, and there is room to move within the bank.

In regards to exit ops, its just as everyone says on this site. Network, Network, and Network. I was luckly to make my way down to Houston, and get an offer as an Underwriter for a much bigger bank in their MM group. I was only able to get an interview because of the people I knew their, not because of my qualifications.

Hope this clears some things up.

 

I would like to know as well. Lotus, what exactly do credit analysts do? Is it very market intensive? Also, what is structured credit? Thanks

I am looking to other alternatives because I know there has to be more than just being a financial analyst at a BB.

Thanks!

 

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