A pledged asset is an asset used by a lender to secure a debt or loan and can include cash, stocks, bonds, and other equity or securities. A pledged asset is collateral held by a lender in return for lending funds. Pledged assets can reduce the down payment that is typically required for a loan as well as lowering the interest rate charged.
Key Takeaways
- A pledged asset is a valuable asset transferred to a lender to secure a debt or loan.
- Pledged assets can reduce the down payment typically required for a loan.
- The asset may also provide better interest rates or repayment terms for the loan.
- The borrower retains ownership of the assets and continues to earn interest or capital gains on those assets.
How Pledged Assets Work
The borrower will transfer the title of a pledged asset to the lender, but the borrower will still maintain ownership and use of the valuable possession. Should the borrower default, the lender has legal recourse to take ownership of the asset pledged. The borrower retains all dividends or other earnings from the asset during the time it is pledged. Some loans contain a negative pledge clause or covenant that limits the borrower from using the pledged asset to secure other loans.
The asset is collateral for the lender in the event of borrower default. However, for the borrower, the pledged asset could help considerably with gaining approval for the loan. Assets can include cash, stocks, bonds, and other equity or securities.
Using the asset to secure the note may let the borrower demand a lower interest rate on the note than they would have had with an unsecured loan. Typically, pledged-asset loans provide borrowers with better interest rates than unsecured loans.
Once the loan is paid off and the debt is fully satisfied, the lender transfers the pledged asset back to the borrower. The type and value of pledged assets for a loan are usually negotiated between the lender and borrower.
Pledged-Asset Mortgage: A Game Changer
Homebuyers can sometimes pledge assets such as securities to lending institutions to reduce or eliminate the necessary down payment. With a traditional mortgage, the house itself is the collateral for the loan. However, banks usually require a 20% down payment of the value of the note so that buyers do not end up owing more than their home’s value.
Also, without the 20% down payment, the buyer must pay a monthly insurance payment for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Without a significant down payment, the borrower will likely also have a higher interest rate. The pledged asset can be used to eliminate the down payment, avoid PMI payments, and secure a lower interest rate.
For example, let’s say a borrower is looking to buy a $200,000 house, which requires a $20,000 down payment. If the borrower has $20,000 in stocks or investments, they can be pledged to the bank in exchange for the down payment.
The borrower retains ownership of the assets and continues to earn and report interest or capital gains on those assets. However, the bank would be able to seize the assets if the borrower defaulted on the mortgage. The borrower continues to earn capital appreciation on the pledged assets and gets a no-down-payment mortgage.
Smart Moves: Using Investments for a Pledged-Asset Mortgage
A pledged-asset mortgage is recommended for borrowers who have the cash or investments available and don’t want to sell their investments to pay for the down payment. Selling the investments might trigger tax obligations. The sale may push the borrower’s annual income to a higher tax bracket resulting in an increase in their taxes owed.
Typically, high-income borrowers are ideal candidates for pledged-asset mortgages. However, pledge assets can also be used for another family member to help with the down payment and mortgage approval.
Qualifying for a Pledged-Asset Mortgage
To qualify for a pledged-asset mortgage, the borrower usually needs to have investments that have a higher value than the amount of the down payment. If a borrower pledges security and the value of the security decreases, the bank may require additional funds from the borrower to make up for the decline in the asset’s value.
Although the borrower retains discretion for how the pledged funds are invested, the bank may impose restrictions to ensure that the pledged assets are not invested in financial instruments deemed risky by the bank. Such risky investments may include options or derivatives. Further, assets in an individual retirement account (IRA), 401(k), or other retirement accounts cannot be pledged as assets for a loan or mortgage.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Benefits and Risks
The use of pledged assets to secure a note has several advantages for the borrower. However, the lender will demand a specific type and quality of investments before underwriting the loan. Additionally, the borrower is limited in the actions they may take with the pledged securities. In dire situations, if the borrower defaults, they will lose both the pledged securities and the home they purchased.
Pros:
- A pledged-asset loan allows the borrower to retain ownership of the valuable possession.
- Borrower avoids tax penalties or capital gains taxes from selling the assets.
- Pledging assets avoids large loan down payments and PMI, if applicable.
- The borrower may receive a lower interest rate on the loan or mortgage.
- The borrower continues to earn income and must report the gains from their investments.
Cons:
- The ability to trade the pledged securities might be limited if the investments are stocks or mutual funds.
- The borrower could lose both the home and the securities in the event of default.
- By not making a down payment, loan interest is paid on the full price of the property.
- If the pledged securities decline in value, the lender may demand additional funds.
- Pledging assets for the loans of a relative carries default risk since there is no control over the borrower’s repayment.
Who Owns Pledged Collateral?
If you pledge your assets as collateral for a loan, you will still own the pledged collateral. If you fail to make payments according to the terms of the loan, the lender could seize the collateral and you would no longer own it at that time.
Car as Collateral: Is It Feasible?
You can use a car as collateral for some personal loans. You must have equity in the car, or value that is paid off. If you have trouble getting a personal loan due to bad credit, you may consider using your car as collateral. However, if you cannot make the payments, the lender will be able to repossess your car to pay off the loan.
The Bottom Line: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Pledged collateral can provide a number of benefits, but there are risks to consider as well. If you are considering using collateral for your mortgage, consider consulting a financial advisor who can guide you through the options and their potential impact on your financial situation.
Related Terms: Collateral, Secured Loan, Interest Rate, Down Payment, Capital Gains.
References
- Wells Fargo Advisors. “Securities-Based Borrowing”.
- Charles Schwab Bank. “Schwab Bank Pledged Asset Line”.
- Morgan Stanley Home Loans. “Pledged Asset Feature”.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What is Private Mortgage Insurance?”
- Experian. “What Can Be Used for Collateral for a Loan?”
