* Sees Q1 loss/shr $0.28 to $0.36

* Analysts' view Q1 EPS $0.21

* Sees Q1 provision for loan losses $40-$45 mln

* Shares down 4 pct

April 7 (Reuters) - SVB Financial Group (SIVB.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said it expects to report a net loss for the first quarter due to higher provision for loan losses, sending its shares down more than 4 percent after the bell.

The investment firm said it sees first-quarter bad loan provision between $40 million and $45 million, of which $31 million is attributable to two loans.

SVB had reported bad loan provision of $7.7 million for the first quarter of 2008.

Quarterly results were hurt by a decline in credit quality of some loans, deterioration in investment valuations and lower net interest margin, the company said in a statement.

SVB Financial expects to report a quarterly loss of about $9 million to $12 million, or 28 cents to 36 cents per share.