Commercial Lending Schools

Build the judgement that stronger commercial lending decisions require.

Built by lenders for lenders, the ABA Commercial Lending Schools prepare professionals to navigate growing responsibility, increasing complexity, and higher-stakes credit judgement with confidence. Through real-world learning, peer collaboration, and practical application, you’ll return ready to contribute at a higher level and deliver greater value to your institution.

Explore the schools

From refining loan structuring judgement to developing successful lending teams, the Commercial Lending Schools offers a connected development path for early-career and seasoned lenders.

Financial Statement Analysis Workshop

April 17-18, 2027
This pre-school workshop is designed for those needing to master the core skills of utilizing loan documentation to assess loan viability.

Explore Workshop

Commercial Lending School - Foundational

April 18-23, 2027
For early-career lenders who need to hone fundamentals for better loan structuring – Develop acumen in cash flow, repayment ability, underwriting, credit analysis and more.

Explore Foundational

Commercial Lending School - Advanced

April 18-23, 2027
For experienced lenders who need to lead profitable portfolio strategy and lending teams, and develop the credibility and confidence to align strategy with your bank’s broader priorities.

Explore Advanced

School Highlights

Why You Should Attend

Access a national peer network

Build a lifelong network with lenders and credit risk professionals from across the country to pressure-test your strategy with peers who aren’t your direct competition.

Lending insights specific to today’s challenges

From our exclusive commercial loan simulation to only-at-CLS electives to tailor your development, our curriculum is built from ABA’s connections to lenders on the pulse of our complex environment.

Cost-effective lending development

Bridge your training gap and build lending expertise, decision-making and judgement skills that take years on the job to learn in just one week.

What People Are Saying

"I had a wonderful experience at ABA Commercial Lending Schools and gained new insights on the most relevant topics related to commercial lending."

"ABA Commercial Lending School was an excellent way to firm up my foundation for all aspects of commercial lending as well as meet and work with bankers from all over the country. The instruction and experience were invaluable to me as a lender."

"I really enjoyed ABA CLS. It brought in bankers from all across the nation, and it was neat to get their perspectives on banking in their areas of the country."