Investor capital is safeguarded through carefully curated transactions and due diligence processes. Additionally, all of transactions utilize credit facilities rather than direct cash, with credit insurance on the SPVs to mitigate the risk of capital loss.
Investor capital is protected in two primary ways: by serving solely as collateral for credit facilities and through the securitization of underlying assets with stringent loan-to-value (LTV) requirements.
Example 1: Revolving Credit Facility for Commodity Trading
In a scenario where an investor's capital is used as collateral for a revolving credit facility in commodity trading, the investor benefits from the continuous flow of returns generated by multiple trading cycles. The capital itself is not directly expended but guarantees the credit line.
The borrower pledges the commodities being traded as collateral under a securities agreement, ensuring that in the event of a default, these assets can be seized.
This arrangement is backed by a minimum 120% LTV, meaning the value of the pledged commodities always exceeds the amount of the credit facility, significantly reducing the risk of capital loss.
Example 2: Standby Credit Facility for Infrastructure Projects
In project finance, particularly for infrastructure projects, an investor’s capital might back a standby credit facility.
This ensures the project's continuity and financial stability without immediate utilization of the investor's funds.
The project itself, including any physical structures and anticipated revenues, serves as collateral.
Detailed covenants in the term sheet further protect the investor by enforcing strict operational benchmarks and financial health indicators. In case of borrower default, the rights to seize the project assets are predefined, with the minimum 120% LTV requirement ensuring that the collateral value always covers the outstanding credit, thus securing the investor's capital.
In both cases, the structured use of credit facilities backed by high-value collateral and robust contractual covenants minimizes financial exposure while providing a clear mechanism for asset recovery. This structured approach ensures that the fund can offer both security and profitability, aligning with the investors' need for reliable, low-risk returns.