May 2007
Jim LaFontaine on your DFS
Jim LaFontaine (DRT Member) of Compass Bank presented a very interesting overview of what commercial banks consider important when evaluating funding options. He focused his presentation on your “DFS” score or Demonstrative Financial Strength.
Using a combination of your Current Ratio, FICO, Quick Ratio, banks can usually gauge your DFS by seeing how you balance your corporate assets and your personal assets. He made note of the fact that you do want to show income in your business and strong assets in your personal portfolio to achieve a balance picture of how you and your company are performing.
One of the unique aspects of Compass Bank and Jim in particular is the fact that at his level (loans $10M and below), funding answers can usually be answered within 1 to 2 weeks. Jim’s analyst and relationship with the credit review group is very strong and he can move very quickly with tailored loan products.
