What Is a Bank Guarantee?
A bank guarantee is a type of financial backstop offered by a lending institution. The bank guarantee means that the lender will ensure that the liabilities of a debtor will be met. In other words, if the debtor fails to settle a debt, the bank will cover it. A bank guarantee enables the customer, or debtor, to acquire goods, buy equipment or draw down a loan.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A bank guarantee is when a lending institution promises to cover a loss if a borrower defaults on a loan.
- Parties to a loan choose direct guarantees for international and cross-border transactions.
- The guarantee provides additional risk to the lender, so loans with such a guarantee will come with greater costs or interest rates.
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Understanding Bank Guarantees
A bank guarantee is when a lending institution promises to cover a loss if a borrower defaults on a loan. The guarantee lets a company buy what it otherwise could not, helping business growth and promoting entrepreneurial activity.
There are different kinds of bank guarantees, including direct and indirect guarantees. Banks typically use direct guarantees in foreign or domestic business, issued directly to the beneficiary. Direct guarantees apply when the bank’s security does not rely on the existence, validity, and enforce ability of the main obligation.