Frequently Asked Questions
General
What does CSI do?
CSI is an industry leader in collateral analysis. We help lenders manage risk by translating borrower data into clear, lender-specific reports. Our services are customized to match the terms of each agreement. We also support auditors with exam-ready reports and help borrowers meet reporting expectations with ease.
What about confidentiality?
CSI operates under strict confidentiality agreements with lenders. If a borrower or third party requires a separate agreement, we’re happy to accommodate. Data security and privacy are foundational to our process.
How is the borrower involved?
CSI’s interaction with borrowers is determined by the lender. When authorized, we work directly with borrowers to receive files, assist with formatting and ensure timely, accurate submissions. Reports are delivered to lenders, who may choose to share them with borrowers.
How can I view CSI reports?
We provide immediate reporting for review in both PDF and Excel that can be sent via secure email or shared on a secure shared-content website.
What is CSI’s turnaround time?
…Or, how fast can CSI turn around reporting to you! Turnaround times are based on service agreements and lender-defined priorities. Files are queued upon receipt and are typically processed same day to 3 business days, depending on complexity and volume.
Does CSI detect fraud?
CSI does not directly detect fraud. However, our reporting tools may highlight anomalies or red flags, such as duplicate invoices, aging inconsistencies or valuation shifts that warrant deeper review.
How does CSI’s work affect auditors?
CSI’s reports significantly reduce the time auditors spend on calculations and formatting. Auditors can use our outputs to verify borrower numbers, select testing samples, and assess credit risk with greater efficiency. This includes converting cumbersome .pdf, text files, or multiple files into easy-to-use Excel files.
Why should we use CSI?
CSI’s trained analysts process collateral data every day. That focus enables us to catch inconsistencies, apply lender-specific rules and deliver accurate, audit-ready outputs faster and more reliably than internal teams juggling multiple priorities.
Does CSI provide training?
Yes. We offer training for lenders, borrowers and auditors via phone, email, or online sessions. Whether you’re preparing borrower files or reviewing outputs, we’re here to help.
Can CSI interface with financial systems?
Yes. CSI integrates with various accounting and posting systems, including Stucky and ABLE. With proper layout documentation, we can adapt to nearly any system used by borrowers or lenders.
What is AR View?
Microsoft Access relational database that allows user to view client information across Portfolio for their monthly reporting.
AR View can be hosted internally on company network or externally using Microsoft Azure.
What software is required for AR View?
Run-time version of Microsoft Access or full-suite Office, internet connection and browser. Google Chrome works best.
Can CSI convert entire loan portfolios?
Yes. Portfolio conversions bring consistency, efficiency and scalability to collateral reporting. Project timelines vary based on portfolio size and lender engagement, but strong communication accelerates delivery. CSI can also provide lenders reporting materials twice per month (or on request) that include data regarding portfolio-wide exposure and top concentration reporting.
Does the system handle verifications or confirmations?
Yes. CSI’s AR_View system enables lenders to verify borrower receivables. For this service, borrowers may be asked to provide a customer master listing.
File Information
What files or reports are required?
To generate accurate reports, we typically need:
- AR/AP Analysis: Invoice-level AR aging and AP aging for contra
- Inventory Analysis: Listings with item number, description, location, quantity, unit cost and extended cost
Files should be exported directly from borrowers’ accounting systems in a consistent format each month.
How can files be transmitted securely?
Transfer of files for analysis is secured via share sites. We’re flexible and will work within your security protocols.
What file types are accepted?
CSI accepts:
- Excel (XLS, XLSX)
- CSV and tab-delimited text files
- Word documents (DOC, RTF)
- Non-scanned PDFs
- Raw data text file
- HTML files
Scanned PDFs are not accepted. All files must contain selectable, text-readable data.
Processing
Can CSI handle customized ineligibles?
Yes. We handle 99.9% of ineligible collateral calculations, from simple date-based rules to complex, cross-portfolio concentration limits, all tailored to your loan agreements. CSI can also readily calculate ineligibles for Investment and Non-Investment grade customers.
Can CSI separate foreign and domestic exposures?
Yes. We can calculate foreign and domestic ineligibles independently using address data or client-defined tags.
Can CSI work with insurance limits?
Yes. We handle complex insurance-based calculations, including caps, country limits, customer group rules and tracking co-pays or deductibles.
Can CSI handle multi-group deals?
Absolutely. We support consolidated or separate ineligible reporting across multiple companies, divisions or entities, whichever structure your loan agreement requires. CSI can also readily calculate ineligibles for Investment and Non-Investment grade customers.
Can CSI support multiple currencies?
Yes. CSI can convert currencies at the client, invoice or portfolio level based on lender-supplied exchange rate guidance.
Didn’t find the answer you’re looking for?
Call us at 913.680.1015
Email: CSI@collateral-services.com
We’re happy to provide answers, demos or setup help.