A Lombard loan is borrowing secured against a diversified investment portfolio. One of the key advantages is that investors are able to retain their ownership and authority over the portfolio. This means they can benefit from any future performance gains, while simultaneously opening up a range of other financial opportunities.

This type of finance was pioneered by the Lombards, a community who conquered Italy in the 6th century and settled in Lombardy. At the time, this region covered most of Italy before being scaled back to the north of the country. By the 16th century, this style of banking was prevalent across Europe. While the banking sector has moved on, the name stuck and Lombard loans continue to play a part. To explain how they work, we answer a few of the questions we are frequently asked below:

1. What can Lombard loans be used for?

Alongside diversifying an investment portfolio, we find Lombard loans are used for a variety of other reasons – an entrepreneur’s business needs, a family emergency or, perhaps, another unforeseen event that requires immediate access to cash. This is the case even if it is likely that the loan will be paid down relatively quickly, such as through the receipt of an insurance claim or annual bonus. We have also provided Lombard loans to enable parents to loan or gift to their children, to help them buy a home, for example, without needing to sell their investments. Clients have also used them to fund the purchase of homes where it is difficult or expensive to get finance on the property itself, e.g. for second homes abroad.

2. What investments can back these loans?

In today’s world of finance, these loans are available against diversified, high quality portfolios which include ‘liquid’ investments that are priced and traded on a daily basis. Investors can borrow against both discretionary investment management services and execution-only investment portfolios held with a bank.

We can also lend against non-diversified portfolios, for example, against a single blue-chip holding that a client might have, for instance with share options accumulated during their employment. While this is not Lombard lending per se, it can provide a client with liquidity for many purposes, including to diversify their holdings and build a portfolio.

There are some restrictions on the type of investments clients may use as security, for example, Alternative Investment Market (AIM) stocks, which can be more volatile, are not acceptable.

3. Can you borrow against investments held in ISAs and personal pensions?

It is not possible to borrow against investments held in ISAs for regulatory reasons. A self-invested personal pension (SIPP) is itself able to borrow (up to 50% of its net value), but this will depend on the scheme administrator and the purpose of the loan and, as such, it is not a vehicle or wrapper that we could provide Lombard loans against.

In practice, the majority of Lombard lending is secured against a borrower’s ‘general’ investment account, i.e. investments not held in a tax-efficient wrapper.

4. Can Lombard lending be combined with property finance?

Yes, and while a Lombard loan can be much easier and cheaper to set up than one using property as security, there are often circumstances where clients take out both types of finance.

A Lombard loan alone would avoid the need for a surveyor to conduct a valuation, as well as the additional conveyancing fees that typically accrue for a loan secured against property. Although we would encourage all buyers to have a building survey carried out when buying any property.

At the same time, they can be used to fund renovations that will increase a property’s future value, but where this uplift isn’t reflected in the current valuation and is limiting the level of borrowing achievable against the property itself. Also, Lombard lending is invariably swifter and more cost-effective than securing a bridging loan.

Where a loan is being used primarily for the purpose of purchasing a rental property, it may be possible to claim tax relief on some or all of the interest applied on the loan.

5. How much can I borrow and how much will it cost?

We typically lend up to 50% of the current market value of a diversified portfolio. This gives us plenty of scope to ensure that a portfolio’s volatility does not force a difficult conversation, where we would either need to have some of the loan repaid or have additional security provided.

In terms of costs, the loan margin depends on a variety of factors and we may also charge an arrangement fee. Lombard lending facilities typically tend to be cheaper than the equivalent loan secured against property.

6. What other assets can be used as security?

Lombard loans are backed by high quality, diversified and liquid investment portfolios only. If you’re borrowing against a yacht, a classic car or a piece of art, for example, these require asset-backed lending facilities. This is a specialist form of financing we don’t provide at Nedbank Private Wealth as the market for many of these assets is extremely subjective. In addition, loans such as these often require the asset itself to be taken as security and, in some cases, such as art, held in storage until the loan is repaid, which would typically add additional costs. Alternatively, there can be restrictions placed on the collateral’s usage, meaning the enjoyment of your asset could be curtailed.

7. What happens if my underlying assets fall in value?

When taking out a Lombard loan, you should always keep the risks in mind, particularly when using the proceeds to buy additional investments (whether these are shares, funds or physical property). Leverage and flexible financing are a double-edged sword, not least as asset prices can go either way. While it might not be envisaged at the outset that a diversified portfolio would fall significantly in value, it can and does happen from time to time.

Anyone looking to borrow should be aware of the risks and ramifications of this happening, and only borrow if they are comfortable with these. In practice, this might mean either applying for a smaller loan to allow greater ‘headroom’, having additional assets in place to be able to reduce the loan, or providing additional collateral, or a combination of these.

8. What other risks are there?

It is also worth bearing in mind the impact of any taxes on your investment which could include income tax on dividends, capital gains and possibly inheritance tax. Professional advice should be sought on how these may impact your individual circumstances.

Finally, it is important to ensure you have sufficient income to service the loan, this is particularly pertinent in a world of falling investment returns, dividends and property yields.

Whether you are about to borrow for a specific purpose in the near future or are planning for something that might be 12 to 18 months – or more – down the line, it is always a good approach to discuss lending options in advance with your professional advisers, including your private banker. Taking a proactive approach will give you, as a prospective borrower, the most valuable commodity of all – time. And the period can be used to consider the options available to you and find the best, most efficient and suitable way forward.