Why Customer Diversification Matters in Credit Appraisal Vinu: Manu, a borrower has reported strong sales and profits. But nearly 70% of the sales come from one customer. Should the bank be concerned? Manu: Yes. Strong financial performance is important, but excessive dependence on one customer crea...
Understanding the Credit Risks of Family-Owned Businesses Vinu: Manu, many MSME borrowers we deal with are family-owned businesses. Should a banker assess them differently? Manu: The basic credit principles remain the same. But family-owned businesses have certain characteristics—ownership, manageme...
How to Identify Overtrading in Business Borrowers Vinu: Manu, can rapid growth itself become a problem for a borrower? Manu: Definitely. Growth is good only when the business has enough capital and working capital to support it. When sales expand much faster than the financial resources available, t...
The Role of Market Intelligence in Credit Risk Assessment Vinu: We already have audited financial statements, bank statements, GST returns, credit reports, and projections. Why should a banker also look at market intelligence? Manu: Because documents mainly tell us about the borrower. Market intelli...
Evaluating Expansion Plans from a Banker’s Perspective Vinu: Manu, one of our borrowers is planning a major expansion. Sales are growing, profits look good, and the promoter is very confident. From a banker’s perspective, is that enough? Manu: Not really, Vinu. A good existing business does not auto...