• The proposed classification system would be used by institutions and supervisors for the uniform classification of commercial and industrial loans, leases, receivables, mortgages, and other extensions of credit made for business purposes, based on an assessment of borrower creditworthiness and estimated loss severity.
• The proposal would replace the current commercial loan classification categories “special mention,” “substandard” and “doubtful” with a two-dimensional-based framework built upon two distinct ratings:
• Borrower rating – rates the borrower’s capacity to meet financial obligations, and
• Facility rating – rates a facility’s estimated loss severity.
• As proposed, institutions may incorporate this framework into their internal risk rating systems or, alternatively, they may map their internal rating system into the supervisory framework.
• The FDIC encourages all institutions to review the attached Federal Register notice and to comment on their ability to implement the proposed classification system.

Distribution:
FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

Suggested Routing:
Chief Executive Officer
Compliance Officer
Chief Lending Officer

Note:
FDIC Financial Institution Letters (FILs) may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2005/index.html .

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html .

Paper copies of FDIC FILs may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).