The Federal Reserve Board eagle logo links to home pageSkip to content


Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices
July 2010

Survey | Full report (PDF)
Table 1 | Table 2 | Chart data
Table 1 (PDF) | Table 2 (PDF) | Charts (PDF)


Table 1

Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices
at Selected Large Banks in the United States 1

(Status of policy as of July 2010)

Questions 1-6 ask about commercial and industrial (C&I) loans at your bank. Questions 1-3 deal with changes in your bank's lending policies over the past three months. Questions 4-5 deal with changes in demand for C&I loans over the past three months. Question 6 asks about changes in prospective demand for C&I loans at your bank, as indicated by the volume of recent inquiries about the availability of new credit lines or increases in existing lines. If your bank's lending policies have not changed over the past three months, please report them as unchanged even if the policies are either restrictive or accommodative relative to longer-term norms. If your bank's policies have tightened or eased over the past three months, please so report them regardless of how they stand relative to longer-term norms. Also, please report changes in enforcement of existing policies as changes in policies.

1. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications for C&I loans or credit lines—other than those to be used to finance mergers and acquisitions—to large and middle-market firms and to small firms changed? (If your bank defines firm size differently from the categories suggested below, please use your definitions and indicate what they are.)

A. Standards for large and middle-market firms (annual sales of $50 million or more):

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

3.5

0

0.0

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

48

84.2

25

83.3

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

7

12.3

5

16.7

2

7.4

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

B. Standards for small firms (annual sales of less than $50 million):

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.5

0

0.0

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

44

80.0

22

78.6

22

81.5

Eased somewhat

8

14.5

6

21.4

2

7.4

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

2. For applications for C&I loans or credit lines—other than those to be used to finance mergers and acquisitions—from large and middle-market firms and from small firms that your bank currently is willing to approve, how have the terms of those loans changed over the past three months?

A. Terms for large and middle-market firms (annual sales of $50 million or more):

a. Maximum size of credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.0

2

6.7

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

48

84.2

25

83.3

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

5

8.8

3

10.0

2

7.4

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

b. Maximum maturity of loans or credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

1

1.8

1

3.3

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

43

75.4

18

60.0

25

92.6

Eased somewhat

13

22.8

11

36.7

2

7.4

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

c. Costs of credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.3

1

3.3

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

28

49.1

12

40.0

16

59.3

Eased somewhat

26

45.6

17

56.7

9

33.3

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

d. Spreads of loan rates over your bank's cost of funds (wider spreads=tightened, narrower spreads=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.0

1

3.3

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

21

36.8

9

30.0

12

44.4

Eased somewhat

32

56.1

20

66.7

12

44.4

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

e. Premiums charged on riskier loans

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

5

8.8

2

6.7

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

46

80.7

23

76.7

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

6

10.5

5

16.7

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

f. Loan covenants

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.0

0

0.0

4

14.8

Remained basically unchanged

46

80.7

23

76.7

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

7

12.3

7

23.3

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

g. Collateralization requirements

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.3

0

0.0

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

50

87.7

27

90.0

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

4

7.0

3

10.0

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

B. Terms for small firms (annual sales of less than $50 million):

a. Maximum size of credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

3.6

0

0.0

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

49

89.1

25

89.3

24

88.9

Eased somewhat

4

7.3

3

10.7

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

b. Maximum maturity of loans or credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

1

1.8

1

3.6

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

48

87.3

22

78.6

26

96.3

Eased somewhat

6

10.9

5

17.9

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

c. Costs of credit lines

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.5

1

3.6

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

34

61.8

16

57.1

18

66.7

Eased somewhat

18

32.7

11

39.3

7

25.9

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

d. Spreads of loan rates over your bank's cost of funds (wider spreads=tightened, narrower spreads=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.3

1

3.6

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

29

52.7

15

53.6

14

51.9

Eased somewhat

22

40.0

12

42.9

10

37.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

e. Premiums charged on riskier loans

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

5

9.1

2

7.1

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

46

83.6

23

82.1

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

4

7.3

3

10.7

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

f. Loan covenants

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.3

0

0.0

4

14.8

Remained basically unchanged

48

87.3

25

89.3

23

85.2

Eased somewhat

3

5.5

3

10.7

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

g. Collateralization requirements

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.3

0

0.0

4

14.8

Remained basically unchanged

48

87.3

26

92.9

22

81.5

Eased somewhat

3

5.5

2

7.1

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

3. If your bank has tightened or eased its credit standards or its terms for C&I loans or credit lines over the past three months (as described in questions 1 and 2), how important have been the following possible reasons for the change?

A. Possible reasons for tightening credit standards or loan terms:

a. Deterioration in your bank's current or expected capital position

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

11

84.6

3

75.0

8

88.9

Somewhat important

2

15.4

1

25.0

1

11.1

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

b. Less favorable or more uncertain economic outlook

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

2

15.4

1

25.0

1

11.1

Somewhat important

7

53.8

1

25.0

6

66.7

Very important

4

30.8

2

50.0

2

22.2

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

c. Worsening of industry-specific problems (please specify industries)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

4

30.8

0

0.0

4

44.4

Somewhat important

5

38.5

3

75.0

2

22.2

Very important

4

30.8

1

25.0

3

33.3

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

d. Less aggressive competition from other banks or nonbank lenders (other financial intermediaries or the capital markets)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

12

92.3

4

100.0

8

88.9

Somewhat important

1

7.7

0

0.0

1

11.1

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

e. Reduced tolerance for risk

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

5

38.5

1

25.0

4

44.4

Somewhat important

4

30.8

2

50.0

2

22.2

Very important

4

30.8

1

25.0

3

33.3

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

f. Decreased liquidity in the secondary market for these loans

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

7

53.8

1

25.0

6

66.7

Somewhat important

6

46.2

3

75.0

3

33.3

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

g. Increase in defaults by borrowers in public debt markets

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

10

76.9

3

75.0

7

77.8

Somewhat important

3

23.1

1

25.0

2

22.2

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

h. Deterioration in your bank's current or expected liquidity position

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

12

92.3

3

75.0

9

100.0

Somewhat important

1

7.7

1

25.0

0

0.0

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

13

100.0

4

100.0

9

100.0

B. Possible reasons for easing credit standards or loan terms:

a. Improvement in your bank's current or expected capital position

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

28

87.5

19

95.0

9

75.0

Somewhat important

3

9.4

0

0.0

3

25.0

Very important

1

3.1

1

5.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

b. More favorable or less uncertain economic outlook

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

15

46.9

8

40.0

7

58.3

Somewhat important

14

43.8

9

45.0

5

41.7

Very important

3

9.4

3

15.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

c. Improvement in industry-specific problems (please specify industries)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

25

78.1

14

70.0

11

91.7

Somewhat important

5

15.6

5

25.0

0

0.0

Very important

2

6.3

1

5.0

1

8.3

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

d. More aggressive competition from other banks or nonbank lenders (other financial intermediaries or the capital markets)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

2

6.3

0

0.0

2

16.7

Somewhat important

10

31.3

7

35.0

3

25.0

Very important

20

62.5

13

65.0

7

58.3

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

e. Increased tolerance for risk

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

26

81.3

15

75.0

11

91.7

Somewhat important

6

18.8

5

25.0

1

8.3

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

f. Increased liquidity in the secondary market for these loans

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

23

71.9

12

60.0

11

91.7

Somewhat important

9

28.1

8

40.0

1

8.3

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

g. Reduction in defaults by borrowers in public debt markets

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

25

78.1

14

70.0

11

91.7

Somewhat important

7

21.9

6

30.0

1

8.3

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

h. Improvement in your bank's current or expected liquidity position

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

26

81.3

16

80.0

10

83.3

Somewhat important

5

15.6

3

15.0

2

16.7

Very important

1

3.1

1

5.0

0

0.0

Total

32

100.0

20

100.0

12

100.0

4. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for C&I loans changed over the past three months? (Please consider only funds actually disbursed as opposed to requests for new or increased lines of credit.)

A. Demand for C&I loans from large and middle-market firms (annual sales of $50 million or more):

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

13

22.8

10

33.3

3

11.1

About the same

32

56.1

16

53.3

16

59.3

Moderately weaker

12

21.1

4

13.3

8

29.6

Substantially weaker

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

B. Demand for C&I loans from small firms (annual sales of less than $50 million):

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

11

20.0

5

17.9

6

22.2

About the same

31

56.4

17

60.7

14

51.9

Moderately weaker

13

23.6

6

21.4

7

25.9

Substantially weaker

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

28

100.0

27

100.0

5. If demand for C&I loans has strengthened or weakened over the past three months (as described in question 4), how important have been the following possible reasons for the change?

A. If stronger loan demand (answer 1 or 2 to question 4A or 4B), possible reasons:

a. Customer inventory financing needs increased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

8

47.1

7

63.6

1

16.7

Somewhat important

8

47.1

3

27.3

5

83.3

Very important

1

5.9

1

9.1

0

0.0

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

b. Customer accounts receivable financing needs increased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

7

41.2

6

54.5

1

16.7

Somewhat important

9

52.9

4

36.4

5

83.3

Very important

1

5.9

1

9.1

0

0.0

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

c. Customer investment in plant or equipment increased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

8

47.1

5

45.5

3

50.0

Somewhat important

9

52.9

6

54.5

3

50.0

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

d. Customer internally generated funds decreased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

14

82.4

9

81.8

5

83.3

Somewhat important

2

11.8

1

9.1

1

16.7

Very important

1

5.9

1

9.1

0

0.0

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

e. Customer merger or acquisition financing needs increased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

9

52.9

4

36.4

5

83.3

Somewhat important

8

47.1

7

63.6

1

16.7

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

f. Customer borrowing shifted to your bank from other bank or nonbank sources because these other sources became less attractive

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

6

35.3

4

36.4

2

33.3

Somewhat important

10

58.8

7

63.6

3

50.0

Very important

1

5.9

0

0.0

1

16.7

Total

17

100.0

11

100.0

6

100.0

B. If weaker loan demand (answer 4 or 5 to question 4A or 4B), possible reasons:

a. Customer inventory financing needs decreased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

1

6.7

1

16.7

0

0.0

Somewhat important

14

93.3

5

83.3

9

100.0

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

b. Customer accounts receivable financing needs decreased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

2

13.3

2

33.3

0

0.0

Somewhat important

13

86.7

4

66.7

9

100.0

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

c. Customer investment in plant or equipment decreased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

1

6.7

0

0.0

1

11.1

Somewhat important

10

66.7

5

83.3

5

55.6

Very important

4

26.7

1

16.7

3

33.3

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

d. Customer internally generated funds increased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

8

53.3

4

66.7

4

44.4

Somewhat important

6

40.0

1

16.7

5

55.6

Very important

1

6.7

1

16.7

0

0.0

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

e. Customer merger or acquisition financing needs decreased

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

9

60.0

3

50.0

6

66.7

Somewhat important

5

33.3

3

50.0

2

22.2

Very important

1

6.7

0

0.0

1

11.1

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

f. Customer borrowing shifted from your bank to other bank or nonbank credit sources because these other sources became more attractive

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Not important

11

73.3

4

66.7

7

77.8

Somewhat important

4

26.7

2

33.3

2

22.2

Very important

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

15

100.0

6

100.0

9

100.0

6. At your bank, how has the number of inquiries from potential business borrowers regarding the availability and terms of new credit lines or increases in existing lines changed over the past three months? (Please consider only inquiries for additional or increased C&I lines as opposed to the refinancing of existing loans.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

The number of inquiries has increased substantially

1

1.8

1

3.3

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has increased moderately

16

28.1

10

33.3

6

22.2

The number of inquiries has stayed about the same

33

57.9

17

56.7

16

59.3

The number of inquiries has decreased moderately

6

10.5

2

6.7

4

14.8

The number of inquiries has decreased substantially

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

Current fiscal and financial strains in Europe may have adversely affected the outlook for companies headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries. Questions 7-8 deal with changes in your bank's lending policies towards European firms and their affiliates and subsidiaries over the past three months. In addition, developments in Europe may have affected the demand for credit from U.S. banks by European firms and their affiliates and subsidiaries. Questions 9-12 deal with such changes in demand. Please answer the following questions about European firms and their affiliates and subsidiaries regardless of the locations of the affiliates and subsidiaries.

7. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards and terms for approving applications for C&I loans or credit lines—other than those to be used to finance mergers and acquisitions—from nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

1

4.5

1

5.6

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

1

4.5

0

0.0

1

25.0

Remained basically unchanged

19

86.4

16

88.9

3

75.0

Eased somewhat

1

4.5

1

5.6

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

22

100.0

18

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 31 respondents answered “My bank does not make C&I loans or extend credit lines to nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

8. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards and terms for approving applications for loans or credit lines—other than those to be used to finance mergers and acquisitions—from banks headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

1

4.5

1

5.6

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

18.2

4

22.2

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

16

72.7

12

66.7

4

100.0

Eased somewhat

1

4.5

1

5.6

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

22

100.0

18

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 31 respondents answered “My bank does not make loans or extend credit lines to banks headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

9. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for C&I loans from nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries changed over the past three months? (Please consider only funds actually disbursed as opposed to requests for new or increased lines of credit.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

2

9.5

2

11.8

0

0.0

About the same

18

85.7

14

82.4

4

100.0

Moderately weaker

1

4.8

1

5.9

0

0.0

Substantially weaker

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

21

100.0

17

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 32 respondents answered “My bank does not make C&I loans to nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

10. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for loans from banks headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries changed over the past three months? (Please consider only funds actually disbursed as opposed to requests for new or increased lines of credit.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

1

5.0

1

6.3

0

0.0

About the same

19

95.0

15

93.8

4

100.0

Moderately weaker

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Substantially weaker

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

20

100.0

16

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 33 respondents answered “My bank does not make loans to banks headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

11. At your bank, how has the number of inquiries from nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries regarding the availability and terms of new credit lines or increases in existing lines changed over the past three months? (Please consider only inquiries for additional or increased C&I lines as opposed to the refinancing of existing loans.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

The number of inquiries has increased substantially

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has increased moderately

4

19.0

4

23.5

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has stayed about the same

16

76.2

12

70.6

4

100.0

The number of inquiries has decreased moderately

1

4.8

1

5.9

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has decreased substantially

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

21

100.0

17

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 32 respondents answered “My bank does not extend credit lines to nonfinancial companies headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

12. At your bank, how has the number of inquiries from banks headquartered in Europe and their affiliates and subsidiaries regarding the availability and terms of new credit lines or increases in existing lines changed over the past three months? (Please consider only inquiries for additional or increased lines as opposed to the refinancing of existing loans.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

The number of inquiries has increased substantially

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has increased moderately

3

13.6

3

16.7

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has stayed about the same

19

86.4

15

83.3

4

100.0

The number of inquiries has decreased moderately

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

The number of inquiries has decreased substantially

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

22

100.0

18

100.0

4

100.0

For this question, 31 respondents answered “My bank does not extend credit lines to banks headquartered in Europe or their affiliates or subsidiaries.”

Questions 13-14 ask about commercial real estate (CRE) loans at your bank, including construction and land development loans and loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate. Question 13 deals with changes in your bank's standards over the past three months. Question 14 deals with changes in demand. If your bank's lending standards or terms have not changed over the relevant period, please report them as unchanged even if they are either restrictive or accommodative relative to longer-term norms. If your bank's standards or terms have tightened or eased over the relevant period, please so report them regardless of how they stand relative to longer-term norms. Also, please report changes in enforcement of existing standards as changes in standards.

13. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications for CRE loans changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

7.0

0

0.0

4

14.8

Remained basically unchanged

52

91.2

30

100.0

22

81.5

Eased somewhat

1

1.8

0

0.0

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

14. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for CRE loans changed over the past three months?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

1

1.8

1

3.3

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

6

10.5

6

20.0

0

0.0

About the same

39

68.4

20

66.7

19

70.4

Moderately weaker

9

15.8

3

10.0

6

22.2

Substantially weaker

2

3.5

0

0.0

2

7.4

Total

57

100.0

30

100.0

27

100.0

Questions 15-16 ask about three categories of residential mortgage loans at your bank—prime residential mortgages, nontraditional residential mortgages, and subprime residential mortgages. Question 15 deals with changes in your bank's credit standards for loans in each of these categories over the past three months. Question 16 deals with changes in demand for loans in each of these categories over the same period. If your bank's credit standards have not changed over the relevant period, please report them as unchanged even if the standards are either restrictive or accommodative relative to longer-term norms. If your bank's credit standards have tightened or eased over the relevant period, please so report them regardless of how they stand relative to longer-term norms. Also, please report changes in enforcement of existing standards as changes in standards.

For the purposes of this survey, please use the following definitions of these loan categories (note that the loan categories are not mutually exclusive) and include first-lien loans only:

15. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications from individuals for mortgage loans to purchase homes changed?

A. Credit standards on mortgage loans that your bank categorizes as prime residential mortgages have:

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

3.6

0

0.0

2

7.7

Remained basically unchanged

48

87.3

24

82.8

24

92.3

Eased somewhat

5

9.1

5

17.2

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

55

100.0

29

100.0

26

100.0

B. Credit standards on mortgage loans that your bank categorizes as nontraditional residential mortgages have:

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

9.1

1

6.3

1

16.7

Remained basically unchanged

19

86.4

14

87.5

5

83.3

Eased somewhat

1

4.5

1

6.3

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

22

100.0

16

100.0

6

100.0

For this question, 33 respondents answered “My bank does not originate nontraditional residential mortgages.”

C. Credit standards on mortgage loans that your bank categorizes as subprime residential mortgages have:

Responses are not reported when the number of respondents is 3 or fewer.

16. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for mortgages to purchase homes changed over the past three months? (Please consider only new originations as opposed to the refinancing of existing mortgages.)

A. Demand for mortgages that your bank categorizes as prime residential mortgages was:

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

2

3.6

0

0.0

2

7.7

Moderately stronger

19

34.5

12

41.4

7

26.9

About the same

18

32.7

7

24.1

11

42.3

Moderately weaker

13

23.6

9

31.0

4

15.4

Substantially weaker

3

5.5

1

3.4

2

7.7

Total

55

100.0

29

100.0

26

100.0

B. Demand for mortgages that your bank categorizes as nontraditional residential mortgages was:

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

5

22.7

3

18.8

2

33.3

About the same

12

54.5

9

56.3

3

50.0

Moderately weaker

4

18.2

4

25.0

0

0.0

Substantially weaker

1

4.5

0

0.0

1

16.7

Total

22

100.0

16

100.0

6

100.0

For this question, 33 respondents answered “My bank does not originate nontraditional residential mortgages.”

C. Demand for mortgages that your bank categorizes as subprime residential mortgages was:

Responses are not reported when the number of respondents is 3 or fewer.

Questions 17-18 ask about revolving home equity lines of credit at your bank. Question 17 deals with changes in your bank's credit standards over the past three months. Question 18 deals with changes in demand. If your bank's credit standards have not changed over the relevant period, please report them as unchanged even if they are either restrictive or accommodative relative to longer-term norms. If your bank's credit standards have tightened or eased over the relevant period, please so report them regardless of how they stand relative to longer-term norms. Also, please report changes in enforcement of existing standards as changes in standards.

17. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications for revolving home equity lines of credit changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

52

92.9

26

89.7

26

96.3

Eased somewhat

4

7.1

3

10.3

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

56

100.0

29

100.0

27

100.0

18. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for revolving home equity lines of credit changed over the past three months? (Please consider only funds actually disbursed as opposed to requests for new or increased lines of credit.)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

1

1.8

1

3.4

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

6

10.7

5

17.2

1

3.7

About the same

41

73.2

21

72.4

20

74.1

Moderately weaker

7

12.5

2

6.9

5

18.5

Substantially weaker

1

1.8

0

0.0

1

3.7

Total

56

100.0

29

100.0

27

100.0

Questions 19-24 ask about consumer lending at your bank. Question 19 deals with changes in your bank's willingness to make consumer loans over the past three months. Questions 20-23 deal with changes in credit standards and loan terms over the same period. Question 24 deals with changes in demand for consumer loans over the past three months. If your bank's lending policies have not changed over the past three months, please report them as unchanged even if the policies are either restrictive or accommodative relative to longer-term norms. If your bank's policies have tightened or eased over the past three months, please so report them regardless of how they stand relative to longer-term norms. Also, please report changes in enforcement of existing policies as changes in policies.

19. Please indicate your bank's willingness to make consumer installment loans now as opposed to three months ago.

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Much more willing

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Somewhat more willing

13

24.5

7

26.9

6

22.2

About unchanged

39

73.6

19

73.1

20

74.1

Somewhat less willing

1

1.9

0

0.0

1

3.7

Much less willing

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

20. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications for credit cards from individuals or households changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

35

92.1

16

84.2

19

100.0

Eased somewhat

3

7.9

3

15.8

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

38

100.0

19

100.0

19

100.0

21. Over the past three months, how have your bank's credit standards for approving applications for consumer loans other than credit card loans changed?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

1

1.9

1

3.8

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

44

83.0

20

76.9

24

88.9

Eased somewhat

8

15.1

5

19.2

3

11.1

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

22. Over the past three months, how has your bank changed the following terms and conditions on new or existing credit card accounts for individuals or households?

a. Credit limits

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

11.4

1

5.3

3

18.8

Remained basically unchanged

29

82.9

16

84.2

13

81.3

Eased somewhat

2

5.7

2

10.5

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

35

100.0

19

100.0

16

100.0

b. Spreads of interest rates charged on outstanding balances over your bank's cost of funds (wider spreads=tightened, narrower spreads=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

11.4

1

5.3

3

18.8

Remained basically unchanged

30

85.7

17

89.5

13

81.3

Eased somewhat

1

2.9

1

5.3

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

35

100.0

19

100.0

16

100.0

c. Minimum percent of outstanding balances required to be repaid each month

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

5.7

0

0.0

2

12.5

Remained basically unchanged

32

91.4

18

94.7

14

87.5

Eased somewhat

1

2.9

1

5.3

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

35

100.0

19

100.0

16

100.0

d. Minimum required credit score (increased score=tightened, reduced score=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

8.6

0

0.0

3

18.8

Remained basically unchanged

30

85.7

17

89.5

13

81.3

Eased somewhat

2

5.7

2

10.5

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

35

100.0

19

100.0

16

100.0

e. The extent to which loans are granted to some customers that do not meet credit scoring thresholds (increased=eased, decreased=tightened)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

4

11.1

0

0.0

4

25.0

Remained basically unchanged

31

86.1

19

95.0

12

75.0

Eased somewhat

1

2.8

1

5.0

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

36

100.0

20

100.0

16

100.0

23. Over the past three months, how has your bank changed the following terms and conditions on consumer loans other than credit card loans? (Please assign each term a number between 1 and 5 using the following scale: 1=tightened considerably, 2=tightened somewhat, 3=remained basically unchanged, 4=eased somewhat, 5=eased considerably.)

a. Maximum maturity

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

1

1.9

0

0.0

1

3.7

Remained basically unchanged

51

96.2

25

96.2

26

96.3

Eased somewhat

1

1.9

1

3.8

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

b. Spreads of loan rates over your bank's cost of funds (wider spreads=tightened, narrower spreads=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

5

9.4

2

7.7

3

11.1

Remained basically unchanged

42

79.2

21

80.8

21

77.8

Eased somewhat

6

11.3

3

11.5

3

11.1

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

c. Minimum required down payment

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.7

1

3.8

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

47

88.7

22

84.6

25

92.6

Eased somewhat

3

5.7

3

11.5

0

0.0

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

d. Minimum required credit score (increased score=tightened, reduced score=eased)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

2

3.8

1

3.8

1

3.7

Remained basically unchanged

48

90.6

23

88.5

25

92.6

Eased somewhat

3

5.7

2

7.7

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

e. The extent to which loans are granted to some customers that do not meet credit scoring thresholds (increased=eased, decreased=tightened)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Tightened considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Tightened somewhat

3

5.8

1

4.0

2

7.4

Remained basically unchanged

48

92.3

24

96.0

24

88.9

Eased somewhat

1

1.9

0

0.0

1

3.7

Eased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

52

100.0

25

100.0

27

100.0

24. Apart from normal seasonal variation, how has demand for consumer loans of all types changed over the past three months?

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Substantially stronger

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Moderately stronger

9

17.0

6

23.1

3

11.1

About the same

31

58.5

16

61.5

15

55.6

Moderately weaker

12

22.6

4

15.4

8

29.6

Substantially weaker

1

1.9

0

0.0

1

3.7

Total

53

100.0

26

100.0

27

100.0

25. Over the past three months, how has your bank changed the size of credit lines for existing customers with the following types of accounts? Please consider changes made to line sizes during the life of existing credit agreements as well as changes made to line sizes upon renewal or renegotiation of existing agreements.

a. Home equity lines of credit

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

50

92.6

26

96.3

24

88.9

Decreased somewhat

4

7.4

1

3.7

3

11.1

Decreased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

54

100.0

27

100.0

27

100.0

b. Consumer credit card accounts

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

2

5.3

1

4.8

1

5.9

Remained basically unchanged

30

78.9

17

81.0

13

76.5

Decreased somewhat

6

15.8

3

14.3

3

17.6

Decreased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

38

100.0

21

100.0

17

100.0

c. Business credit card accounts

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

3

7.3

1

4.5

2

10.5

Remained basically unchanged

36

87.8

20

90.9

16

84.2

Decreased somewhat

2

4.9

1

4.5

1

5.3

Decreased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

41

100.0

22

100.0

19

100.0

d. C&I credit lines (excluding business credit card accounts)

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

6

11.5

5

19.2

1

3.8

Remained basically unchanged

40

76.9

19

73.1

21

80.8

Decreased somewhat

6

11.5

2

7.7

4

15.4

Decreased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

52

100.0

26

100.0

26

100.0

e. Commercial construction lines of credit

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

36

73.5

18

78.3

18

69.2

Decreased somewhat

10

20.4

3

13.0

7

26.9

Decreased considerably

3

6.1

2

8.7

1

3.8

Total

49

100.0

23

100.0

26

100.0

f. Lines of credit for financial firms

 

All Respondents

Large Banks

Other Banks

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Banks

Percent

Increased considerably

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Increased somewhat

1

2.6

1

4.8

0

0.0

Remained basically unchanged

32

82.1

17

81.0

15

83.3

Decreased somewhat

4

10.3

2

9.5

2

11.1

Decreased considerably

2

5.1

1

4.8

1

5.6

Total

39

100.0

21

100.0

18

100.0


1. The sample is selected from among the largest banks in each Federal Reserve District. In the table, large banks are defined as those with total domestic assets of $20 billion or more as of March 31, 2010. The combined assets of the 30 large banks totaled $6.7 trillion, compared to $7.0 trillion for the entire panel of 57 banks, and 10.5 trillion for all domestically chartered, federally insured commercial banks.

Return to text

Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey release dates | Surveys and reports


Home | Publications and reports | Economic research and data
Accessibility | Contact Us
Last update: August 16, 2010