WASHINGTON–The risk associated with large, syndicated bank loans remains moderate, according to the 2024 Shared National Credit (SNC) Report released by three bank regulatory agencies.

However, the agencies did say weakened credit quality trends continue due to the pressure of higher interest rates on leveraged borrowers and compressed operating margins in some industry sectors.

In a released statement, the agencies also noted that the magnitude and direction of risk in 2025 is likely to be affected by borrowers’ ability to manage interest expenses, real estate conditions, and other macroeconomic factors.

According to the agencies, the 2024 review reflects the examination of SNC loans originated on or before June 30, 2024.  The review focused on leveraged loans and stressed borrowers from various industry sectors and assessed aggregate loan commitments of $100 million or more that are shared by multiple regulated financial institutions.

The Findings

According to the agencies:

• The 2024 SNC portfolio included 6,699 borrowers totaling $6.5 trillion in commitments, an increase in commitments of 1.8% from a year ago.  
• The percentage of loans that deserve management’s close attention (“non-pass” loans comprised of SNC commitments rated “special mention” and “classified”) increased from 8.9% of total commitments to 9.1% year over year.  While U.S. banks hold 45% of all SNC commitments, they hold only 23% of non-pass loans,” the agencies said. “Nearly half of total SNC commitments are leveraged, and leveraged loans comprise 79% of non-pass loans.”