Dates & Times
August 25-26, 2026
9am-4pm (Both Days)
Registration Fee
Member Fee: $425
Non-Member Fee: $625
Overview
This two-day seminar follows the consumer lending process from taking the application to making the final credit decision. Using cases/examples and providing sound practices, participants will learn how to better navigate what can be a tricky process. Because consumer lending tends to be one of the most automated lending functions in banking, special emphasis will be placed on recognizing exceptions to established lending policies and practices, and how to properly mitigate these risks – when it makes sense for bankers to intervene and grant a waiver.
We also will explore personal tax returns and developing related personal cash flow, focusing on small business owners and self-employed borrowers. While this program provides a brief overview of various compliance and fair lending regulations, the focus is on the underwriting and loan analysis process beyond compliance.
Topics include:
- Current industry trends:
- Consumer strengthening in terms of total debt levels and also debt service compared to income post-Pandemic
- How interest rates changes and inflation are affecting consumers
- Overview of residential mortgages and home equity lending
- Taking the loan application (or personal financial statement), getting the needed information, and issues with helping the customer complete the schedules
- Myths and realities of credit bureau reports, plus getting beyond weak excuses for poor credit
- A framework for dealing with applicants that have credit issues or a previous bankruptcy
- Credit policy exceptions are serious business – your reasons for granting a waiver must be equally serious
- Overview of collateral issues and considerations
- Beyond the “big three” of credit score/history, debt ratio and loan-to-value: Tips on using other important factors to mitigate risks and underwrite a solid loan
- Update on residential mortgage lending and the basics of the mortgage loan process
- Key issues when dealing with residential construction loans
- Overview of home equity lending and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
- How to compile and construct personal cash flow from tax returns
Who Will Benefit
Branch managers, consumer lenders, mortgage bankers, private bankers, small business lenders, credit analysts, loan review specialists, consumer lending managers and credit officers
Instructor
Richard Hamm has been training bankers for 30+ years, specializing in all phases of commercial lending and credit, including portfolio and risk management, commercial real estate and appraisals, plus selling and negotiating skills. His training work includes our top industry associations (the ABA and RMA), regional banking schools (Graduate School of Banking – Wisconsin, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking – Dallas, and Graduate School of Banking at Colorado, Barret School of Banking – Memphis), numerous statewide banking (Louisiana) and community banking associations, plus individual banks. On the consulting side, he has been involved in director training, loan policy formation, bank formation (start-ups and acquisitions) and related strategic planning. He is based in Huntsville, AL and owns/operates Advantage Consulting & Training after a 22-year banking career including senior positions in lending and credit.
Hotel Information
There is a room block at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 7061 Commerce Circle, Baton Rouge. The group rate is $129+tax per night. Click here to book online or call 225-925-9100 and mention the Louisiana Bankers Group. Reservations should be made by July 25 to ensure availability.
Additional Information
For sponsor information, please click here and select the General and Program Sponsorships button. Scroll down to see the event sponsorship.
Cancellation Policy
Due to commitments we must make, if you must cancel your registration for this program, please do so at least 3 business days prior to the meeting date to avoid a $125 cancellation fee. Any registrant who does not cancel will be billed the full registration fee and sent the materials. Substitutions are welcome at no additional charge.
Sponsorships
General Sponsorships are available for this event at $1250 each. Sponsorship includes one company representative to attend the first day of the school with a sponsor spotlight opportunity and signage. For additional information on sponsoring this program and the registration form, please click here and select the General & Program Sponsorships button. Scroll down to see this event's sponsorship information.