Bauer Executive Education Launches Commercial Lending School

Business Alliance Financial Services Sponsors Program Designed for Bank & Credit Union Employees

Published on February 22, 2018

The Executive Education program at the Bauer College is launching a Commercial Lending School, working to fill the gap in a shortage of credit analysts and lenders.

The Executive Education program at the Bauer College is launching a Commercial Lending School, working to fill the gap in a shortage of credit analysts and lenders.

Many financial institutions are experiencing a shortage of new credit analysts and lenders, but few are able to commit the resources needed for a traditional credit-training program.

The University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business Executive Education program is launching a Commercial Lending School that provides classes for employees of banks and credit unions. The program is sponsored by Business Alliance Financial Services of Monroe, La.

“Bauer is offering top-quality credit training within a framework that develops and reinforces skills financial institution employees need to function independently as commercial analysts or lenders,” said Gary Randazzo, director of Bauer’s Executive Education department and a clinical assistant professor in marketing.

“To participate, students need to demonstrate basic competency in accounting, particularly financial statements and the principles that govern their construction,” Randazzo said. “If any registrants do not have that level of familiarity with accounting, we suggest they complete Bauer’s Open Enrollment accounting and financial statements courses before joining the class.”

Students will earn a certificate after completing classes split into three consecutive sessions running May through August. Graduates will be encouraged to sit for the Risk Management Association’s Credit Risk Certification (CRC) examination after completing the school.

Candidates applying for the Credit Risk Certification examination should be commercial lending professionals with a minimum of three years of credit risk experience and should be familiar with:

  • Evaluating a client's industry, markets and competitors.
  • Assessing a client's management ability.
  • Completing accurate, ongoing, and timely client financial assessments.
  • Assessing the strength and quality of client/sponsor cash flow.
  • Evaluating collateral values, including collateral inspections.
  • Identifying repayment sources, and structuring and documenting credit exposures.
  • Dealing with problem loans and actions.

Participants will be expected to attend all classes and complete assignments, including independent work designed to be accomplished between sessions. Outside assignments will consist of case-based problems and exercises that link with and reinforce classroom learning.

Dates for the three sessions are Commercial Lending, May 7-11; Risk Management Association Lending Academy, July 9-13; RMA Lending Academy II, August 13-17. More information can be found here.