Whole Loans vs Securitisation: Weighing the Options
Whole loans offer higher returns, but investors must be aware of the increased risks compared to traditional securitisation.
Both whole loans and securitisation stem from the need for financial institutions to find alternative funding sources and free up capacity on their balance sheets.
The development of these markets has created new opportunities for investors, but the choice between them depends on the investor's risk tolerance.
A solid understanding of the pros and cons of each is essential to make an informed decision.
Securitisation Explained
Securitisation can be thought of as the process where an originator pools loans and raises finance backed by those loans, with the security representing a claim on the income from the loans.
The Securitisation Process
The process comprises three key steps, starting with a company identifying the assets it wants to remove from its balance sheet and pooling them into a 'reference portfolio'.
Understanding the pros and cons of each is essential.
Author's summary: Whole loans and securitisation offer different benefits and risks.