It would be interesting to see how much time is being spent on each of the functions of lending in financial institutions in the current economic environment. I think it would be fair to say that as little as two years ago a great deal of time was spent on the pricing discussion, along with credit quality. Now, the sense is that there is much more time being spent on problem credits with little time being spent on the pricing side of the equation. Tools are needed to assist in the pricing decision which will allow the time needed for problem loan resolution. This is another argument for the use of a good, comprehensive loan pricing model. The Hurdle Group at www.hurdlegroup.com, of which I am a partner has developed an on-line model to provide do just that.
Phill Rowley