The reality of participating in Small Business Administration lending programs is that regulatory scrutiny is not a matter of if, but when. For lenders, the government guaranty is often the most valuable asset in the portfolio, but it remains conditional and dependent upon strict adherence to federal regulations.  A compliance audit or review by the ... Read More

The Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) supervises and oversees more than 2,800 7(a) lenders managing over $120 billion in SBA loans. Mistakes in your compliance program can cost you your delegated authority or result in guaranty denials that directly impact your bottom line.  SBA’s oversight and supervision of its lender partners is rigorous and ... Read More

SBA lending offers a powerful tool for financial institutions to expand their portfolios while mitigating risk through the government guaranty. However, that guaranty isn’t automatic. It’s conditional based on strict adherence to the Small Business Administration’s complex regulatory framework.  Failure to maintain compliance can lead to repairs or a full denial of liability, turning a ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/eb030eb6-208e-4d26-9c59-1a98c9c5997f.mp3 At Starfield & Smith, we see one theme every year: lenders who take SBA compliance seriously keep their 7(a) guaranties intact. Those who don’t often find themselves on SBA’s naughty list, facing repairs and denials that could have been avoided with a little more discipline and documentation.  While the holiday season may be festive, ... Read More

The Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, particularly the 7(a) and 504 programs, are vital engines of economic growth.  For lenders, these government guaranteed programs offer significant opportunities but require absolute precision in documentation and compliance. Because these loans involve federal funds and specific statutory and regulatory rules, relying on general commercial counsel who are ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/e6d0d698-131a-4846-b7fe-86695b1b423c.mp3 As SBA loan program rules continue to evolve, one of the most valuable tools available to 7(a) lenders is the SBA Servicing and Liquidation Actions Lender Matrix. While SOP 50 10 and SOP 50 57 remain the primary sources of SBA loan program requirements, the Matrix provides a streamlined, easy-to-use reference that helps lenders ... Read More