What is a Lombard loan?
A Lombard loan allows you to finance a project without selling your financial assets. Discover how it works and when it may be relevant.
A specific type of financing
A Lombard loan is a financing solution based on a simple principle: borrowing against your financial assets as collateral.
Unlike a mortgage, which is secured by real estate, a Lombard loan is typically backed by:
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a portfolio of securities,
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invested assets,
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or other financial holdings.
How does a Lombard loan work?
A Lombard loan is based on pledging financial assets.
In practice:
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you pledge assets to the bank as collateral,
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the bank grants you a credit line,
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the amount available depends on the value and type of pledged assets.
Your assets remain invested, but they serve as collateral for the financing.
When can a Lombard loan be used?
A Lombard loan can be used in various situations, including:
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financing a project without selling investments,
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accessing liquidity quickly,
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optimising overall wealth management.
It is a flexible tool, often used as part of a broader wealth strategy.
Advantages of a Lombard loan
A Lombard loan offers several benefits.
Preserving your investments
It allows you to:
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avoid liquidating financial assets,
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maintain exposure to financial markets.
Access to liquidity
A Lombard loan can generally be arranged relatively quickly.
This makes it suitable for short-term or opportunistic financing needs.
Flexibility of use
The available credit can be used for different purposes, depending on your needs.
Risks to consider
A Lombard loan also involves risks that should be carefully assessed.
Market sensitivity
The value of the pledged assets may fluctuate.
In the event of a market downturn:
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the collateral value decreases,
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the bank may request additional guarantees (margin call).
Leverage effect
Using borrowed funds secured by financial assets can amplify:
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potential gains,
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but also potential losses.
A prudent approach is essential.
Integrating Lombard financing into your overall strategy
A Lombard loan should not be considered in isolation.
It should be part of a broader reflection including:
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your overall wealth situation,
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your risk tolerance,
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your financial objectives.
The objective is to balance liquidity, performance and security.
A Lombard loan is a flexible financing solution that allows you to use your financial assets as leverage without selling them. When used appropriately, it can be an effective tool within a broader wealth strategy, while requiring careful attention to market-related risks.
Discover Lombard loan solutions with Piguet Galland
Want to know more ? Contact a Piguet Galland advisor