Asset-Based Lending

Looking for a smart way to access capital for your business? Asset-based lending (ABL) offers a viable solution to give you the money you need to support your growth or operational plans. With asset-based loans, you use your tangible business assets as collateral to secure a loan, whether it be your invoices, equipment, or real estate.

We know that invoice factoring gives you immediate, debt-free financing, but sometimes you may need extra capital to cover larger expenses. Understanding this, some factoring companies have expanded their service offerings so that qualifying businesses can use their invoices (or other assets) to secure a loan.

Discover the perks and features of asset-based lending for SMEs:

Fast Access to Funding

When it comes to asset-based loans, lenders prioritize the value and loan-to-value ratio of the collateral you’re putting up, instead of your company’s creditworthiness. As a result, it’s a breeze for your business to obtain funds in a quick and efficient manner.

Flexible Terms

Asset-based loans boast adaptable terms. Since the loan is backed by valuable collateral, lenders are more inclined to offer adjustable conditions, such as extended repayment periods or revolving credit facilities.

Tailor-Made Financing Solutions

Asset-Based Lending from Factoring Companies

Asset-based lending’s flexible terms pave the way for customizable financing options that cater to your business’s unique needs. The advance rate, or the percentage of collateral value a lender will provide, can be adjusted based on factors such as:

The nature of the assets used as collateral
Your financial stability
The lender’s risk tolerance

In some cases, asset-based loan providers may include covenants or requirements to ensure you adhere to the loan agreement. These covenants can be adapted based on your industry or credit history.

Wide Range of Assets Accepted

In today’s digital age, with many businesses operating online, many companies won’t always have an abundance of traditional property, plant, and equipment (PP&E) assets at their disposal (long-term tangible assets). Fortunately, asset-based lending extends funds against a variety of liquid assets, including marketable securities, inventory, appraised trademarks, and accounts receivables.

Enhanced Security

If you fail to repay your loan, the factoring company (or lender) can repossess the assets you used as collateral and liquidate them to recoup the loan amount. So, to safeguard your finances, many finance companies implement measures that help borrowers avoid defaulting on their loans, including:

Reporting and monitoring
Maintenance covenants
Default insurance
Collateral management services
Loan restructuring
Open lines of communication, support, and guidance

Asset-Based Lending vs. Factoring

If you’re deciding between invoice factoring and asset-based lending, it’s important to understand the difference:

Ownership of Receivables: In factoring, the factoring company takes ownership of your unpaid invoices, making them responsible for their collection. However, with asset-based lending, you retain ownership of the receivables and will still need to collect payments from your customers.
Underwriting Decision: Factoring relies on the creditworthiness of your business’s clients, making it a good option if you have a poor or limited credit history. In contrast, asset-based lending underwriting decisions are based on the payment history of both your business and its clients, as well as the quality and value of the assets you hope to use as collateral.
Commitment Length: Factoring does not require a long-term commitment and can convert invoices into cash within 24 to 48 hours, whereas asset-based lending typically involves loans or revolving credit facilities with terms lasting several years.
Flexibility: Factoring offers more flexibility due to fewer restrictions and less paperwork compared to asset-based lending. There are no restrictions on the use of funds, profitability, acquisitions, etc., in factoring.

Remember that factoring companies can also offer asset-based lending if it’s a better fit for your needs or if you need additional financing on top of your existing factoring agreement.

Take a moment to weigh your options before deciding on which financial solution would be the best for your unique situation. Be sure to use this Factoring Guide to learn more about invoice factoring and the additional services factoring companies can offer, including asset-based lending. Alternatively, get in touch with the Invoice Factoring Guide (IFG) team for help finding the right factoring company for your business. Request a quote today!