Overcollateralization

Overcollateralization

The practice or process of placing an asset as collateral on a loan where the value of the asset exceeds the value of the loan. For example, a person could pledge a farm (worth $10 million) on a loan for $5 million. Usually, however, the value of the asset only exceeds the value of the loan by 10-20%. Overcollateralization reduces the risk for the lender and improves the borrower's creditworthiness. It is used most commonly when a bond issuer wishes to improve its credit rating.