Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 167E, § 4

(a) Each bank shall adopt and maintain comprehensive written loan policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit under section 3 that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices and are appropriate to the size, nature and scope of the bank's operations.

(b) The loan policies shall establish prudent loan underwriting standards that clearly and measurably address, at a minimum: (1) maximum loan to value, loan amount, loan maturities, and debt to income requirements; (2) collateral and appraisal requirements; (3) application and loan approval requirements; and (4) loan administration procedures. The written loan policies shall be reviewed and approved annually by the bank's governing board.

(c) The commissioner may by directive, guideline or regulation, establish additional minimum safe and sound lending requirements.