Collateral

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Collateral'

Properties or assets that are offered to secure a loan or other credit. Collateral becomes subject to seizure on default.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Collateral'

Collateral is a form of security to the lender in case the borrower fails to pay back the loan.

For example, if you get a mortgage, your collateral would be your house. In margin trading, the securities in your account act as collateral in the case of a margin call.

Related Definitions

  • Asset-Light Debt

    A corporate debt that has less than the usual amount of collateral, which is normally 30% or more of the company's value. With asset-light debt, that number is much lower, with many ...
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  • Bailment

    The contractual transfer of possession of assets or property for a specific objective. In bailment, the deliverer of the asset is the bailor, and the receiver is the bailee. In a ...
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  • Loan Stock

    Common or preferred stock shares that are used as collateral to secure a loan from another party. The loan will earn a fixed interest rate, much like a standard loan, and can be secured ...
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    • Non-Recourse Debt

      A type of loan that is secured by collateral, which is usually property. If the borrower defaults, the issuer can seize the collateral, but cannot seek out the borrower for any further ...
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    • Overcollateralization - OC

      The process of posting more collateral than is needed to obtain or secure financing. Overcollateralization is often used as a method of credit enhancement by lowering the creditor's ...
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    • Lien

      When a creditor or bank has the right to sell the mortgaged or collateral property of those who fail to meet the obligations of a loan contract.
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    • Borrowed Capital

      Funds borrowed from either individuals or institutions. Borrowed capital can be used in a number of ways. Investors use borrowed capital to increase their potential investment returns; ...
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    • Unsecured Loan

      A loan that is issued and supported only by the borrower's creditworthiness, rather than by some sort of collateral.
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    • Belt And Suspenders

      A term used to mean conservatism and safety in lending practices. Belt and suspenders has been used to describe cautious bankers who demand loan policies be very strictly adhered to. ...
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    • Additional Collateral

      Additional assets put up as collateral by a borrower against debt obligations. Additional collateral is used to lessen the risk to the lender. Creditors might require extra collateral in ...
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