For SBA lenders
Short answer
Many routine servicing actions, such as minor collateral releases, subordinations of liens, and extending maturity dates up to specified limits, can be performed by delegated authority lenders without prior SBA approval.
The Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix specifies which actions require prior SBA approval and which can be performed unilaterally by lenders, especially those with delegated authority (e.g., PLP lenders). This streamlines servicing for common scenarios.
A borrower needs to replace an aging piece of equipment that is part of the collateral. If the new equipment is of equal or greater value and secured with a first lien, a PLP lender can likely release the old equipment's lien and secure the new without prior SBA approval.
Lenders must strictly adhere to the Servicing and Liquidation Actions Matrix. Taking an action without required SBA approval can jeopardize the guaranty or lead to a repair.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 57 - 7(a) Loan Servicing and Liquidation
Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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