Tangible Assets vs Collateral Security: Explained in a detailed and simplified manner! 

In the world of finance, there are two important terms that often get confused: tangible assets and collateral security. While they are slightly related, they aren’t the same thing.

Tangible assets vs collateral security : What’s the difference?

Tangible assets are physical objects that have a monetary value. They can be anything from land and buildings to equipment and inventory. Collateral security, on the other hand, is an asset that is pledged to a lender as security for a loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can seize the collateral security to recoup their losses.

Tangible assets are always collateral security, but collateral security is not always tangible assets. 

For example, a borrower could pledge their house as collateral for a loan, but their house is a tangible asset. However, a borrower could also pledge their stock portfolio as collateral for a loan, and their stock portfolio is not a tangible asset.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between tangible assets and collateral security:

Features	Tangible Assets	Collateral Security
Definition	Physical objects that have a monetary value	An asset that is pledged by a borrower to a lender as security for a loan
Always tangible assets?	Yes	No
Examples	Land, buildings, equipment, inventory	House Stock, Portfolio, Car

Is collateral a tangible asset?

Yes, collateral is almost always a tangible asset. However, there are some exceptions. 

For example, a borrower could pledge their stock portfolio as collateral for a loan, but their stock portfolio is not a tangible asset.

What is a tangible collateral security?

A tangible collateral security means a physical asset that can be used as collateral for a loan. Some collateral tangible assets examples include:

•  Real estate
•  Vehicles
•  Equipment
•  Inventory
•  Accounts receivable
•  Intellectual property

What are the three types of collateral?

There are three main types of collateral:

1.  First-lien collateral: This is the most secure type of collateral. The lender has first priority to seize the collateral if the borrower defaults on the loan.
2. Second-lien collateral: This type of collateral has a lower priority than first-lien collateral. The lender will only be able to seize the collateral if the borrower defaults on the loan and the first-lien collateral is not enough to cover the loan amount.
3.  Unsecured collateral: This type of collateral has the lowest priority. The lender will only be able to seize the collateral if the borrower defaults on the loan and there is no other collateral available.

How to choose the right collateral for a loan?

When choosing collateral for a loan, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. The value of the asset: The value of the asset will determine how much money you can borrow.

2.  The liquidity of the asset: The liquidity of the asset is how easily it can be converted into cash.

3. The risk of default: The risk of default is the chance that you will not be able to repay the loan.

In general, it is a good idea to use tangible assets as collateral for a loan. Tangible assets are usually more valuable and liquid than other types of collateral, and they also carry a lower risk of default. However, there may be cases where using collateral that is not tangible is the best option for you. 

For example, if you do not have any tangible assets, or if your tangible assets are not worth enough to cover the loan amount, then you may need to use collateral that is not tangible.

What is collateral security in startup India?

In India, collateral security is an important requirement for startups to obtain loans from banks and other financial institutions. 

The type of collateral security that a startup can offer will depend on the specific assets that the startup owns. Some common types of collateral security for startups include:

• Real estate: Land and buildings are often used as collateral security for startups.
• Vehicles: Vehicles, such as cars and trucks, can also be used as collateral security.
• Equipment: Machinery and other equipment that is used in the startup’s business can also be used as collateral security.
• Inventory: The inventory that the startup sells can also be used as collateral security.
• Accounts receivable: The accounts receivable that the startup has from its customers can also be used as security.

In some cases, startups may also be able to offer intellectual property (IP) as collateral security. However, IP is not as liquid as other types of assets, so it may be more difficult to find a lender that is willing to accept it as collateral.

The amount of security that a startup needs to offer will depend on the size of the loan and the lender’s risk appetite. 

In general, lenders will want to see that the collateral security is worth at least twice the amount of the loan.

If a startup is unable to offer enough collateral security, it may still be able to obtain a loan from a bank or other financial institution. However, the lender may require the startup to have a personal guarantee from the owners of the startup. 

A personal guarantee is a legal document that makes the owners of the startup personally liable for the loan. This means that if the startup defaults on the loan, the lender can also go after the owners’ personal assets.

FAQs: Collateral Security

What is the difference between a tangible collateral property and a collateral property for education loans?

A tangible collateral property typically refers to physical assets like real estate or vehicles that can be used as security for a loan. On the other hand, collateral for education loans specifically focuses on assets that are relevant to educational purposes.

In the context of education loans, collateral may include documents related to the course, educational certificates, or even future income potential of the borrower. The emphasis is on assets or guarantees related to the educational investment rather than physical properties like real estate or vehicles.

Conclusion

Tangible assets and collateral security are both important terms to understand if you are considering taking out a loan. By understanding the difference between these two terms, you can make an informed decision about the best type of collateral to use for your loan.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the right collateral for a loan:

•  Choose assets that are easy to appraise and value.
• Choose assets that are liquid, meaning they can be easily converted into cash.
•  Choose assets that are not likely to depreciate in value.
• Choose assets that you are willing to lose if you default on the loan.

If you are still not sure which type of collateral is right for you, it is always a good idea to talk to a financial advisor. They can help you assess your financial situation and determine the best option for you.

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