Use Claude to Research Credit Policy Questions

What This Does

Claude can quickly explain DSCR calculation methodology debates, summarize regulatory guidance (OCC, FDIC call reports, stress testing requirements), clarify GAAP accounting questions that affect spreading, and help you understand unfamiliar industry-specific financial metrics, without waiting on a senior analyst or searching through 50-page guidance documents.

Before You Start

• You have Claude.ai open (free account works for research questions)
• You have a specific question or topic in mind

The Prompt Patterns

Understanding a regulatory requirement

I'm a commercial credit analyst at a community bank. Explain [regulatory topic] in plain language — specifically what it means for how I should [underwrite / document / structure] a loan in this situation:

[Describe your specific situation]

What does the OCC / FDIC / Fed guidance say about this? What are the key compliance considerations I should document in my credit file?

Clarifying financial accounting for spreading

I'm spreading financial statements for a [business type] borrower. I encountered [accounting item] on their balance sheet / income statement and I'm not sure how to treat it for credit analysis purposes.

Item: [describe it]
Amount: $[X]

Should this be included in EBITDA? How do lenders typically treat this? What questions should I ask the borrower's accountant?

Industry-specific metrics I don't recognize

I'm analyzing a [specific industry — e.g., skilled nursing facility / convenience store chain / auto dealership] for a commercial loan. The key financial metrics used in this industry are different from standard C&I analysis.

What are the primary credit metrics lenders use for this industry? How is leverage typically measured? What occupancy / utilization metrics matter? What is a typical DSCR range for creditworthy borrowers in this sector?

Example Situations

• "What's the difference between DSCR calculated on a global vs. entity-only basis, and when does my bank need to run global?"
• "A borrower has a large amount of owner distributions on their cash flow statement. Should I add these back to EBITDA or treat them like debt service?"
• "FDIC guidance on criticized assets: what makes a credit 'Special Mention' vs 'Substandard'?"
• "My borrower operates in cannabis. What are the federal banking compliance issues I need to document?"

Tips

• Claude is good for conceptual understanding, not binding legal guidance. Verify anything that affects a credit decision with your compliance team or credit policy manual.
• Ask follow-up questions: "Can you give me an example of how this would look in a credit memo?" or "What documentation should I keep in the file?"
• Use it during the analysis phase to get up to speed on unfamiliar industries before you build your spreading model

Claude can explain concepts and summarize guidance, but your bank's credit policy and compliance team govern actual decisions.