LOAN COMMITTEE

A lending or management committee of a bank or lending institution that evaluates and subsequently approves or rejects any loan applications, which cannot be approved by the initial loan officer. The committee makes sure the loan meets standard lending policy and statutory obligations by looking at the applicant’s financial statements and credit information. If the applicant meets the set criteria, the loan committee will agree to fund and disburse the loan through a binding commitment. Its decisions are strongly influenced by present economic trends, and often by the prevalent image of the individual firm's industry.