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What is Securitization?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Securitization is the process of pooling or bundling various types of debt instruments for the purpose of selling the instruments for cash. As part of the process, the combined value of the bundle of debt instruments is used to convert the pool into a bond issue that can in turn be purchased by investors. Generally, a trustee makes the initial purchase of the bundle, then sells the bond to one or more investors.

The type of debt instruments involved in securitization do not have to be similar debts in order to be included in the bundle. A securitization deal may include such varied debts as mortgages, car loans, or credit card debt. Essentially, the main qualification for inclusion is that the debt instruments included in the bundle will continue to generate income from the payments received on the principle of the debt as well as any interest that is applied to the outstanding balance.

Securitization is the process of pooling or bundling various types of debt instruments for the purpose of selling the instruments for cash.
Securitization is the process of pooling or bundling various types of debt instruments for the purpose of selling the instruments for cash.

A mortgage pool strategy of this type is relatively common. Banks, finance companies, and investor consortiums often engage in the process of securitization. For the individual debtors, a transfer in the ownership of the debt may be completely transparent, or require nothing more than changing the address where the payments are remitted. Generally, a securitization project does not lead to an increase in interest rates.

Banks, finance companies, and investor consortiums often engage in the process of securitization.
Banks, finance companies, and investor consortiums often engage in the process of securitization.

The beauty of using a process of securitization to create an MBS or mortgage-backed security is that the investment will generate a regular flow of revenue over an extended period of time. The investors receive this cash flow from the payments on the interest and principal made by borrowers. The MBS may involve both residential and commercial mortgages.

In the mortgage industry, a lender can place multiple mortgages into one single securitized investment.
In the mortgage industry, a lender can place multiple mortgages into one single securitized investment.

As with any asset-backed security, there is some degree of risk to the investor. Because the bond issues are backed with debt instruments, there is always the chance that one or more debtors will default on the loans, mortgages, or credit card debt. However, investors who regularly include securitization investments as part of their business practices usually take steps to minimize the potential loss from a default, sometimes including some sort of assurance on the part of the trustee in the terms and conditions that apply to the sale. This can help to minimize the chances of holding an illiquid asset and incur a loss on the venture.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Securitization is the process of pooling or bundling various types of debt instruments for the purpose of selling the instruments for cash.
      By: pressmaster
      Securitization is the process of pooling or bundling various types of debt instruments for the purpose of selling the instruments for cash.
    • Banks, finance companies, and investor consortiums often engage in the process of securitization.
      By: Pefkos
      Banks, finance companies, and investor consortiums often engage in the process of securitization.
    • In the mortgage industry, a lender can place multiple mortgages into one single securitized investment.
      By: itsallgood
      In the mortgage industry, a lender can place multiple mortgages into one single securitized investment.