Banker & Credit Risk Specialist at Former Head of SME Banking, a tier-one Ghanaian bank
Two decades on the other side of the loan application.
Meet your expert
Kofi spent 20 years in commercial banking, the last eight running an SME lending book. He explains exactly how banks assess business risk, why most applications fail before anyone reads the business plan, and how founders can prepare a bankable case. He now consults for growth-stage businesses on treasury and debt.
ACIB (Ghana); MSc Finance
Areas of focus
A closer look
The credit committee is not reading your business plan. Here is what it is actually looking at, and why most SME applications are declined before a human sees them.
A twelve-month preparation plan for founders who will need bank finance - starting long before the application.
A well-run distribution business, a persuasive owner and a warning sign I chose to explain away. What a GH₵ 2 million loss taught me about my own bias.
A banker's walk through a profit-and-loss, balance sheet and cash-flow statement - what each line tells a lender about you.
This content shares personal experience for educational purposes. It is not personalised financial, legal or medical advice. Experts are not necessarily licensed to advise on your specific situation; consult a qualified professional before acting.
