This paper presents empirical evidence from a representative sample of Tunisian firms on the importance of loan officers in the production of 'soft information' by opposition of 'hard' information, testing whether firm borrowers have a relationship with their bank or with their loan officer. To...

The quantity and quality of information generated through the development of lending relationships influences the bank's decision concerning granting of credit. Indeed, the need for a strong guarantee and the setting up of an adequate interest rate are not the only means that allow creditors to...