How does a loan against mutual funds work? Eligibility and process to apply for one

No one is immune to emergencies. From medical needs to a sudden layoff, most emergencies are accompanied by a monetary load. This unanticipated load can be serviced in several ways. If you have an emergency fund ready, it could cover some of your needs. In the absence of such a fund, the best option is to secure a loan from a reputed bank. However, personal loans often require a good credit history and may carry a higher interest rate. In such a case, putting up adequate collateral could help. Your mutual fund investment could serve as a good collateral in this scenario.

What is collateral?

Collateral is an item of value that a borrower pledges to secure a loan. It is a mechanism for lenders to safeguard themselves against default. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender may seize the collateral to recover their losses.

Cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and personal property are various assets that might serve as collateral. In rare instances, you may be required to produce numerous forms of collateral to secure a loan. Typically, the value of the collateral is equal to or more than the loan amount, and it is used to minimize the lender's risk and improve your chances of obtaining the loan.

You can benefit from using collateral because it may allow you to obtain a loan with more favorable conditions and interest rates. However, you may lose the pledged asset if you fail to repay the loan.

If you have a low credit score or few assets and the lender wants to reduce the risk of lending money to you, collateral is frequently needed. However, it is also regularly used when you seek a large loan or have a high debt-to-income ratio.

Before deciding to use any asset as collateral to obtain a loan, it is vital to carefully assess the merits and demerits of the asset. In addition, it is essential to comprehend the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, including any penalties or fees related to loan default.

What mutual fund investments can be used as collaterals?

The following are examples of mutual fund investments that can be used as collateral for loans:

Equity mutual funds: These funds invest in shares of publicly traded companies. A fund’s management may focus on a certain industry, such as technology or healthcare, or diversify the fund's assets by investing in other industries.

Bond mutual funds: Debt securities issued by governments, municipalities, and corporations can be purchased through mutual funds.

Money-market funds: These are highly liquid, short-term investments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and treasury bills. The objective of money-market mutual funds is to conserve capital and offer a predictable income stream.

What is the eligibility criterion for taking a loan against mutual funds?

Most financial institutions offer a loan against mutual funds to NRI firms, individual investors, HUFs, and other entities. However, minors are not eligible for such loans. Apart from the type of investor you are, your credit score and the stability of your income, among other factors, determine the loan amount, tenure, and interest rate.

How to apply for a loan against mutual funds?

You can approach any financial institution either through the offline or online mode to initiate the process. After furnishing your identity, income, and ownership proofs, along with all the necessary documents, your application may be approved instantly. The documents required for this process vary depending on the policy of the lending institution.

Do note that you may be required to provide some asset as collateral to ensure that your loan application is considered. The lender has the right to take possession of this asset if you fail to repay the loan. Because mutual funds are considered financial assets that can be sold to pay off the loan, they can be used as collateral to secure a loan.

However, not every mutual fund you are invested in you can be used as collateral. The ability of a mutual fund to serve as collateral is determined, in part, by its type and by the lender's policies. For instance, some lenders might only accept mutual funds traded on a public exchange, whereas other lenders might be willing to accept any type of mutual fund. Another possibility is that the lender will assign a value to the mutual fund and accept it as collateral if its value exceeds a certain minimum threshold.

Conclusion

It is essential to remember that a degree of risk is involved whenever mutual funds are used as collateral to secure a loan. If the value of the mutual fund drops, for instance, because of market volatility, the lender may request additional collateral from you to keep the loan secure. The lender may sell the mutual fund to pay off the loan if you cannot provide additional collateral. This would result in a loss. Therefore, before using mutual funds as collateral for a loan, it is essential to consider the risks and potential consequences carefully. It is always advisable to opt for collateral-free financing during emergencies, especially if the loan amount is not too high.

Note: Views and opinions contained herein are for information purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice/ recommendation to any party or solicitation to buy, sale or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. The recipient should exercise due caution and/ or seek professional advice before making any decision or entering into any financial obligation based on information, statement or opinion which is expressed herein.

Statutory Details: Axis Mutual Fund has been established as a Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, sponsored by Axis Bank Ltd. (liability restricted to Rs. 1 Lakh). Trustee: Axis Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd. Investment Manager: Axis Asset Management Co. Ltd. (the AMC). Risk Factors: Axis Bank Limited is not liable or responsible for any loss or shortfall resulting from the operation of the scheme. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information and opinions contained herein. The AMC reserves the right to make modifications and alterations to this statement as may be required from time to time.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in the future.

Mutual Fund Investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.