The practice of lending entails banks and other lending organizations taking on some risk. This is because there is always the possibility that the borrower would not repay the funds given, resulting in a loss for the lender.

So, how do financial institutions handle this? There are two possibilities.

Lenders must first determine the creditworthiness of borrowers. They must also secure the risk with collateral.

 

Collateral Loan

A collateral loan is a sort of secured loan in which the borrower commits a specific asset, such as a home or financial security, in exchange for loan approval. If they are unable to repay the lender, the lender can obtain ownership of the borrower’s collateral and reclaim the loan amount.

The value of collateral can be utilized to negotiate loan terms such as tenure, interest rate, and loan amount when it comes to collateral loans. As a result, when it comes to collateral loans, the borrower frequently receives higher sums and has more options.

 

Collateral types that are approved in the Philippines

Here are some examples of collateral you can use to secure a loan.

 

Property

Filipinos use this as one of the most popular sorts of collateral. Among other things, the property can be the borrower’s house and lot, business property, residential lot, condominium unit, or car.

If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender will seize the property and sell it for less than what it is worth.

 

Equipment

Equipment employed in a company’s operations can also be used as collateral. Heavy equipment, such as a machine, training equipment, and office equipment, are common examples.

 

Cash protection

Cash can also be used as collateral by borrowers. To do so, they must obtain a loan from a bank with whom they have an active account.

They are giving the bank the right to the cash in their active account in order to reclaim the loan amount.

 

Finance for inventory

When a borrower secures a loan, he pledges his stock, raw materials, finished items, or any inventory.

 

Finance for invoices

In this case, the lender will provide the borrower with a loan secured by the borrower’s future invoice.

 

Collateral for blanket liens

If a debtor does not pay, a blanket lien allows banks and lenders to seize any form of collateral they own.

In theory, this offers lenders a legal claim to the assets used as security.

 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Collateral Loans

The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of collateral lending.

 

Benefits:

1.  It makes it easier for people with bad credit to secure a loan.

Banks are notoriously stringent in their approval procedure, making it difficult for borrowers with poor credit scores to obtain loans. Banks can become more flexible with the approval process by using collateral because it reduces their risk.

 

2.  Lower interest rates are available to borrowers.

The risk faced by lenders is smaller with a collateral loan. This means they can discount interest rates based on the value of the collateral.

Borrowers can also benefit from increased negotiation power because the collateral allows them to determine their own terms.

 

3.  Borrowers may be eligible for additional funds.

The amount a borrower can get is determined on the value of the collateral. As a result, depending on the collateral pledged, the borrower can get larger amounts and benefit from longer terms with collateral loans.

 

4.  It can help you improve your credit score.

When a loan is repaid on time, a borrower’s credit score improves. This can assist in the development of good credit. This will come in handy if the borrower needs to apply for another loan in the future.

 

Drawbacks

1.  In comparison to unsecured loans, the process is more difficult.

When it comes to collateral loans, the borrower must declare the value of the pledged collateral as well as whether or not it is subject to any other obligation. Both the borrower and the lending institution may find this to be a laborious and time-consuming process.

 

2.  Borrowers can lose their homes.

If the borrower does not pay, the lender has the right to seize and sell the property. This is why borrowers should always save aside adequate money in case they are unable to repay their debt.

 

3.  Borrowers must have a valued asset to qualify.

If a borrower has a low credit score, he can only acquire a loan if he has collateral. However, if the applicant lacks sufficient assets, obtaining a loan will be difficult.

 

Thoughts

Collateral is a time-tested and extensively utilized form of security for obtaining loans, and it provides lenders with lower risk and borrowers with better loan terms. However, many people are unable to obtain credit that would allow them to improve their life by expanding their businesses, pursuing educational opportunities, or purchasing a home due to a lack of collateral.

This is especially true for last-mile borrowers who either lack the formalization and comprehension of the sophisticated paperwork needed of them or do not own assets that can serve as security.