Core Features of Structured Finance and Why They Matter in Capital Markets
Structured finance is a method used to raise money by turning financial assets into investment products . It is often used when normal bank loans are not enough or do not fit a company’s needs. The key features of structured finance help manage risk, improve funding access , and attract different types of investors. In simple terms, structured finance gathers financial assets, places them into a structured system, and sells them to investors. The income from those assets is then used to pay the investors. Below are the main features that define structured finance. Conversion of Assets into Securities A central feature of structured finance is the conversion of assets into securities. Financial institutions collect assets such as mortgages, auto loans, or credit card balances. These assets generate regular payments from borrowers. The institution then transforms these payments into tradable securities. This process allows investors to buy the right to receive future cash flows. B...