For SBA lenders
Short answer
Many routine servicing actions, such as minor modifications to repayment terms, collateral substitutions of equal value, or interest rate adjustments within allowed parameters, can be taken by an authorized lender without prior SBA approval.
The Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix (or SOP 50 57) details which actions fall under a lender's delegated authority. These typically include actions that do not materially increase the risk to the SBA or change the basic terms of the loan authorization, reflecting prudent lending standards.
A borrower requests a one-time deferment of one principal and interest payment due to a temporary cash flow issue. If the lender determines this is a prudent action and within their delegated authority, they can approve it without seeking SBA's prior consent.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix
SOP 50 57 - 7(a) Loan Servicing and Liquidation
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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