Whereas before the economic crisis loans were granted almost 'on demand', this has now become a complex process that affects not only the bank but also, and at least as much, the investor. The loan approval process has changed, particularly in terms of its complexity and costs. This book will focus on what exactly lies behind this approval process. It aims to give investors a certain understanding of a bank's guidelines and requirements and, above all, to explain why a bank needs to carry out such extensive checks. This work outlines how the environment for banks in the area of lending has changed and why a bank requires or must require all this information from an investor before actually granting a loan. In addition, it explains what risks a bank is trying to hedge with this knowledge and how investors can speed up the process through active participation and, above all, preparation.