A concise framework on how financial institutions can improve their risk assessment systems The subprime crisis in the United States has prompted companies worldwide to improve their lending systems. Credit Risk Assessment: The New Lending System for Borrowers, Lenders, and Investors provides a comprehensive credit assessment framework to show how to classify credit risk in an effective, transparent, and forward-looking manner in order to advance the current system and prevent future financial disruptions. Discussion is included on how this new framework can embrace all relevant factors and business contexts to adequately evaluate and balance risk to lenders and investors and affordability for borrowers. Clark Abrahams (Cary, NC) is Chief Financial Architect at SAS, where he leads business and product development. Mingyuan Zhang (Cary, NC) is a solution architect for SAS Financial Services.