Lombard credit is a financing solution that allows borrowing liquidity by pledging a portfolio of financial assets as collateral. Long used in the world of private banking and wealth management, this mechanism offers investors the possibility of mobilizing capital without having to sell their investments.
Particularly popular with business leaders, investors, and individuals with significant financial assets, Lombard credit makes it possible to meet a cash flow need while maintaining exposure to financial markets.
What is Lombard Credit?
Lombard credit is a loan granted by a financial institution in exchange for the pledging of financial assets held by the borrower.
Rather than selling securities to obtain liquidity, the investor retains their portfolio and uses it as collateral with the bank.
Assets that can serve as collateral generally include:
- stocks;
- bonds;
- UCITS;
- ETFs;
- certain capitalization contracts;
- sometimes certain life insurance contracts depending on the institutions.
The amount of financing depends directly on the quality and value of the assets provided as collateral.
How Does Lombard Credit Work?
The principle is relatively simple.
The borrower pledges a financial portfolio with the bank. Depending on the nature of the assets, the bank determines a financing percentage called the “pledge ratio.”
The more stable and liquid the assets are deemed, the higher the ratio can be.
Pledging of assets
The portfolio remains the property of the investor, but it is pledged for the benefit of the lending institution.
The investor generally continues to receive:
- dividends;
- bond coupons;
- any future capital gains.
The Financing Ratio
Each type of asset benefits from a different financing level.
As an indication:
- money market funds can be financed up to 80% or 90%;
- quality bonds can allow for high financing;
- stocks often benefit from a more conservative ratio;
- more volatile assets may be excluded from the scheme.
Portfolio Monitoring
Throughout the duration of the credit, the bank monitors the evolution of asset values.
If markets fall sharply and the portfolio’s value becomes insufficient, the institution may request additional collateral or a partial repayment of the credit.
Why Use Lombard Credit?
Lombard credit addresses several wealth management objectives.
Avoid Selling Investments
One of the main advantages is to retain investments while obtaining liquidity.
This solution notably helps to avoid:
- exiting the market at an inopportune time;
- losing long-term exposure;
- triggering capital gains tax.
Finance a Project
The funds obtained can be used to finance:
- a real estate investment;
- the acquisition of a residence;
- renovations;
- a cash flow need;
- a wealth management operation.
Optimize Wealth Management
Lombard credit is sometimes used as a wealth optimization tool within a global financing and investment strategy.
What are the Advantages of Lombard Credit?
Rapid Availability of Funds
Lombard credit is often quicker to set up than a traditional loan, as the analysis primarily relies on the quality of the assets provided as collateral.
Maintenance of the Financial Portfolio
The investor retains ownership of their investments and continues to benefit from their performance potential.
Great Flexibility
Repayment terms can be adapted according to institutions and client needs.
Potentially Optimized Taxation
Recourse to credit can help avoid certain asset disposals and thus defer capital gains taxation.
What are the Risks of Lombard Credit?
Despite its many advantages, Lombard credit also presents risks that need to be well understood.
Market Downturn Risk
If the value of the pledged assets decreases significantly, the bank may require:
- additional collateral;
- a partial early repayment;
- the sale of certain assets.
This is referred to as a margin call or collateral reconstitution.
Indebtedness Risk
Like any loan, Lombard credit increases the investor’s level of indebtedness.
The repayment of interest and principal must be anticipated with caution.
Interest Rate Risk
When financing is at a variable rate, an increase in interest rates can increase the cost of credit.
Lombard Credit and Mortgage: What are the Differences?
Lombard credit is often compared to a traditional mortgage, but their logics are different.
Mortgage
The loan is secured by real estate via a mortgage or guarantee.
Lombard Credit
The loan is secured by a financial portfolio.
This difference often allows for quicker setup and greater flexibility in certain wealth management structures.
Who Can Benefit from Lombard Credit?
Lombard credit is generally intended for:
- investors with a substantial financial portfolio;
- business leaders;
- liberal professions;
- private bank clients;
- individuals who have built up significant financial assets.
Each institution sets its own eligibility criteria and minimum amounts.
Lombard Credit and Wealth Strategy
In certain situations, Lombard credit can be a particularly relevant tool.
Financing a Real Estate Investment
It sometimes allows for an acquisition without having to sell a high-performing financial portfolio.
Managing a Transition Period
A business sale, an inheritance, or a wealth management operation can create a temporary need for liquidity.
Preserving an Investment Strategy
Lombard credit avoids jeopardizing an asset allocation built over the long term.
Lombard Credit and Life Insurance
Some banks accept life insurance contracts or capitalization contracts as collateral.
In this case, Lombard credit can be an alternative to a contract advance, depending on the objectives pursued and the conditions offered.
FAQ on Lombard Credit
Lombard credit is a loan granted in exchange for the pledging of a portfolio of financial assets.
Stocks, bonds, UCITS, ETFs, capitalization contracts, and sometimes certain life insurance contracts may be accepted depending on the institutions.
In most cases, yes. The funds can be used to finance various wealth or personal projects, subject to the conditions set by the bank.
The main risks are the decrease in value of the pledged assets, increased indebtedness, and potential margin calls.
No, but it generally requires holding a significant financial portfolio. Minimum amounts vary depending on banks and specialized institutions.
Get Support from a Wealth Management Expert
Lombard credit is a sophisticated wealth management tool that can offer great financial flexibility when used in an appropriate framework. However, its relevance depends on many parameters: portfolio composition, level of indebtedness, wealth objectives, investment horizon, and ability to withstand financial market fluctuations.
Before implementing a Lombard credit, it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive analysis of your situation to evaluate the advantages, risks, and possible alternatives. The wealth management advisors listed on Experts du Patrimoine can assist you in this reflection and help you integrate this type of financing into a coherent wealth strategy. Find a professional suited to your needs now through the Experts du Patrimoine directory.
