Non-Information Asymmetry Benefits of Relationship Lending

Prior studies focus on information asymmetry as the primary source of relationship lending benefits. This study assesses the benefits of relationship lending in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), wherein loan credit risk plays nearly no role in the lending decision. Relationship firms, those that receive PPP loans from lenders with whom they have a past relationship, receive economically significantly larger loans and faster approvals than transaction firms, those without such relationships. PPP lenders tend to prioritize relationship firms mainly due to concerns arising from the increased risk of default associated with borrowers' pre-crisis debt---in line with evergreening motivation. However, these benefits come with costs. Firms are more likely to violate the program's rules when a relationship exists