REALESTATE25
CRE Loan Modifications
The banking agencies and NCUA have agreed on a final policy statement providing guidance for how financial institutions are to handle troubled commercial real estate loans, giving banks considerable latitude to forbear when borrowers are unable to meet their obligations but are deemed to be able to pay at least some of it over time. The statement was finalized in consultation with state regulators, suggesting most also agree with its provisions and thus establishing a national standard that regulators hope will prevent unnecessary losses and market distress. However, long experience in prior downturns suggests that loan extensions may lead to heightened losses, making it unclear if this policy will ultimately have its desired effect. Should this not prove the case, the agencies’ new policy will insulate banks from near-term loss and reduce credit outflows from sectors particularly dependent on regional banks.