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Guides, explainers, and field notes on FFIEC call reports, UBPR analysis, peer benchmarking, and how to pick the right lender for your scenario. Written for both analysts and operators.
Original guides written by BankingLENS for analysts and operators.
Guide · For analysts
A non-examiner's walkthrough of the Uniform Bank Performance Report. Which pages to read, which to skip, and what to do with what you find.
Read guide →Guide · For borrowers
Most borrowers spray applications at random banks. Here's how to figure out which banks actually lend in your category before you apply.
Read guide →Short, plain-English answers to the questions analysts and operators actually ask. One concept per page.
Explainer
Definition of the Uniform Bank Performance Report. What's on it, how it differs from a call report, where to download one.
Read explainer →Explainer
38 asset-band peer groups, what percentile rank actually means, and why a $400M bank isn't compared to JPMorgan.
Read explainer →Explainer
Formula, benchmarks, what a good number looks like, and the trends that actually matter.
Read explainer →Explainer
Plain-English definition, the formula, regulatory thresholds, and how Tier 1 differs from CET1.
Read explainer →Explainer
Definition, formula, what a good NIM is, and how it behaves through a Fed rate cycle.
Read explainer →Curated external references from the FFIEC, SBA, Federal Reserve, and industry analysts.
External · SBA.gov
The SBA's own page on its 7(a) loan programs, including PLP. The cleanest official source on what preferred-lender status actually changes.
Open on sba.govExternal · Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve's official page on capital requirements. How Tier 1, CET1, and the leverage ratio fit together, plus current thresholds.
Open on federalreserve.govExternal · FFIEC
How the FFIEC defines and computes peer groups in the UBPR. Useful reference for anyone trying to understand percentile rankings.
Open on ffiec.govExternal · Klaros Group
A solid third-party walkthrough of the call report schedules and what to look for. Written by Klaros, a banking consulting firm.
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