{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-officer","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/loan-officer","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"loan-officer","term":"Loan officer","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"This is the banking professional who guides you through the loan application process, helps structure your deal, and acts as your primary contact with the lending institution.","what_it_means":"Your loan officer is key to a smooth 7(a) acquisition. They'll help you compile necessary documents, understand financial requirements, and navigate the lender's internal processes. Choose an experienced loan officer with a strong track record in SBA business acquisition loans.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-officer","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"lender","term":"Lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/lender"},{"slug":"preferred-lender","term":"Preferred Lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/preferred-lender"},{"slug":"underwriting","term":"Underwriting","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/underwriting"},{"slug":"business-acquisition-loan","term":"Business acquisition loan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-acquisition-loan"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What is the role of an SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) in my loan process?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-is-the-role-of-an-sba-business-development-officer-bdo-in-my-loan-process"},{"question":"What specific factors trigger affiliation for size standards based on common management, officers, or directors?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-specific-factors-trigger-affiliation-for-size-standards-based-on-common-management-of"},{"question":"How are common officers or shared key employees between businesses evaluated for affiliation under SBA size standards?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/how-are-common-officers-or-shared-key-employees-between-businesses-evaluated-for-affiliati"},{"question":"Beyond common officers/directors, how does a lender assess affiliation through \"shared key employee functions\" for SBA size standards?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/beyond-common-officers-directors-how-does-a-lender-assess-affiliation-through-shared-key-e"},{"question":"What specific scenarios involving shared directors, officers, or key employees constitute 'common management' triggering affiliation for SBA size determination?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-specific-scenarios-involving-shared-directors-officers-or-key-employees-constitute-co"},{"question":"Does an SBA loan have better terms than a regular bank loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-an-sba-loan-have-better-terms-than-a-regular-bank-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Loan officer","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-officer","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}