Collaterals (/kəˈlæt.ər.əlz/) is spelled with two "L's" and one "T". The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa vowel sound, represented by the symbol "ə". The second syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound, represented by the symbol "æ". The final syllable is pronounced with an "s" sound, represented by the symbol "z". The word refers to securities or assets pledged as security for a loan or debt, or to any supplementary material that reinforces a main topic or argument.
Collaterals, in the context of finance and lending, refer to assets or securities that a borrower pledges as security for a loan. These assets act as a form of guarantee or assurance for the lender, ensuring that they can recover their funds in the event of default by the borrower. Collaterals serve to mitigate the risk associated with lending by providing legal recourse that allows the lender to seize and liquidate the pledged assets to recover the outstanding debt.
Common types of collaterals include real estate properties, vehicles, stocks, bonds, or any other valuable asset that can be monetized. The value and liquidity of these assets play a crucial role in determining the amount of money a borrower can obtain, as well as the terms and conditions of the loan, such as interest rates and repayment timeframes.
It is important to note that collaterals are usually held by the lender until the borrower fully repays the loan. If the borrower fails to fulfill their repayment obligations, the lender has the right to initiate legal proceedings to seize and sell the collateral, thereby recouping a portion or the entirety of the outstanding debt.
Collaterals provide a level of security to lenders, making it less risky for them to extend credit to borrowers. On the other hand, borrowers may benefit from lower interest rates or higher borrowing limits if they are able to offer valuable collaterals to back their loan applications.
The word "collaterals" has its roots in Latin. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin term "collateralis", which is a combination of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and the word "latus" meaning "side". The literal translation of "collateralis" is "alongside". Over time, the term evolved in meaning and usage, particularly in the financial context, to refer to assets or guarantees offered by a borrower to secure a loan.