Diploma in Lending Skills

The Diploma in Lending Skills is a bespoke qualification developed and awarded by the Chartered Banker Institute for NatWest Commercial Banking. The overall aim of this Lending Skills programme at Diploma level is to enhance learners’ credit skills by applying credit knowledge to challenge customer assumptions, assess the quality of the management team and demonstrate judgment to make informed decisions. On completion of this Lending Skills programme, learners are able to: Critically evaluate the customer’s business model by analysing key financial and non-financial drivers, and identifying and assessing key risks and issues from the perspective of both the customer and the bank Undertake a balanced assessment of the skills and effectiveness of the customer’s management team, including succession plans and future strategy Analyse financial information, including key ratios, to identify business trends and risk factors, linking this to the underlying business and non-financial analysis Assess repayment capacity by critically evaluating budgets and forecasts, using sensitivity analysis and challenging key assumptions Differentiate between a wide range of financing options to develop appropriate funding structures that meet customer needs and effectively manage risk Determine and clearly articulate a balanced credit decision, including appropriate conditions and financial covenants.