Services
Commercial loan review represents the core of this company, though the firm has expanded its menu of offered services to meet the needs of our clients. The loan review segment of our business grew several years ago to include the analysis of retail and wholesale portfolios, as well as residential mortgage loan review services. We are also often called upon to perform due diligence work to support portfolio purchases, bank mergers or acquisitions. Please read on to learn more about the services provided by Chaston Associates, Inc.
Commercial Loan Review
It is essential that financial institutions are well aware of the quality of their portfolio and identify potentially troubled loan relationships as early as possible. Regular and recurring evaluations of asset quality, internal controls and administrative procedures are fundamental to effective credit risk management. The need for all banks to have independent, qualified loan review was re-emphasized in a revised Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses issued by the FFIEC in late 2006. This guidance asserts that it is… “essential that institutions maintain effective loan review systems…”, given the role critical risk ratings and portfolio assessment play in management’s assessment of reserve adequacy. Chaston provides cost effective outsourced commercial loan review to its clients, operating within engagements specifically tailored to the needs of the institution.
Residential Mortgage Loan & Portfolio Reviews
In response to the needs of our clients, CHASTON has developed a residential mortgage review service which includes loan policy compliance testing and discretionary loan sampling. Clients engage these services to assess existing first mortgage and home equity line portfolios for asset quality as well as underwriting practices & procedures. Our company offers the flexibility to augment and enhance existing review procedures, or establish new programs to suit your institution’s needs.
Consumer and Indirect Loan Portfolio Reviews
The demand for independent analysis of consumer lending activities and portfolios has risen in recent years, in conjunction with the expanding breadth of risk management oversight. For years Chaston has provided its clients with independent assessments of consumer and indirect loan portfolio quality that is focused on underwriting processes, policy compliance and management reporting. Our firm’s appreciation for the efficiencies gained through technology and credit scoring in this industry over the past several years has kept our conclusions meaningful. And our exposure across many diverse “shops” allows for practical, worthwhile recommendations.
Due Diligence
Chaston regularly provides due diligence analysis for financial institutions contemplating portfolio purchases, bank acquisitions and mergers. Often working on short notice, Chaston has provided its clients with timely, concise and insightful assessments of management, asset quality, and potential exposure. Depending upon the needs of the prospective transaction, our independent findings can be drafted in a written report, presented to executive management or the directorate in a manner that facilitates quick but well informed decisions.
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