August 21, 2024

Unlock equity in your portfolio

Investors with existing assets can utilise NAB Equity Lending facilitates to access liquidity. We look at strategies to unlock equity and diversify your investments.

unlock equity

Investors who hold assets from term deposits to equities and managed funds may be interested to know that they can unlock equity from their existing securities through various lending facilities.

This means that they can borrow against their assets without having to close out of the position, and depending on the security held there are options that allow investors to hedge downside risks through a number of risk management strategies.

Gaining access to capital from existing assets isn’t always as simple as selling the entire stake, or breaking a term deposit, as investors may face significant costs and/or capital gains/loss tax consequences.

An alternative is to borrow against securities to gain additional flexibility and access to liquidity.

 

Margin lending

The core concept of margin lending is straightforward, investors use their existing portfolio as collateral to secure a loan, which they can then use to invest into additional investments.

One of the primary benefits of margin lending is the ability to expand and diversify an investment portfolio without the need to liquidate existing assets. This can be particularly advantageous when time-sensitive investment opportunities arise, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) or external business opportunities.

Additionally, there may be various tax benefits associated with interest deductions, negative gearing and/or interest pre-payments. Your tax advisor will be able to guide you through the options.

However, it’s crucial to understand that margin lending is not without risks. The most significant risk is the potential for amplified losses in a declining market.

In addition, as the value of the securities in the portfolio decreases, the loan to value ratio (LVR) increases. If it exceeds the maximum LVR set by the lender, a margin call may be triggered.

To mitigate these risks, investors should consider several strategies.

Firstly, avoid borrowing the maximum amount available. Maintaining a buffer can help absorb market fluctuations without triggering a margin call.

Diversifying investments across different sectors and asset classes can also help reduce portfolio volatility. Regular monitoring of the LVR and maintaining a cash reserve for potential margin calls are also prudent practices.

For those seeking a more structured approach to leveraged investing, NAB’s Equity Builder features a no margin call structure and regular principal repayments. This can provide a more disciplined path to equity accumulation, potentially reducing the impact of market volatility on the investor’s position.

 

Unlocking equity

Investors who are looking to borrow against an existing security, whether it be shares, bonds or funds can look to use their existing security as collateral for a NAB margin loan where we would provide a loan against a specified security with a corresponding loan-to-value-ratio (LVR). This may range anywhere from 40-80% depending on the portfolio composition.

Investors have the option to draw off the equity on a facility and be charged interest for the period the loan is drawn.

A margin loan can also be used for broader business or investment purposes. For example, by lodging your existing approved securities into a margin loan, you could use available funds for business needs such as purchasing vehicles or plant equipment, private equity, venture capital investment or further investment into the market.

Learn more about the options available

 

Mitigating Concentration Risk

Prudent diversification is crucial to protect your hard-earned assets.

An investment portfolio highly concentrated in just a few securities may leave an investor exposed to unnecessary risk. Further, unwinding a portfolio when in need of liquidity can also have potential tax implications. However, there are solutions.

Investors who feel they are under diversified could release equity from their current securities and use a margin loan to purchase a more diversified suite of investments. This will help broaden exposure without having to sell down a concentrated position.

 

Manage downside risks

In addition to diversification, investors can consider additional risk management strategies to protect wealth:

Protective Put Options: Hedge against downside movement by purchasing puts on your holding.

Equity Collars: This refers to selling a covered call and purchasing a put on an existing equity position, which could be used to monetise an existing position.

Both strategies can be explored by NAB wholesale clients via NAB’s Equity Options facility.

Alternative Investments: Consider allocating some funds into uncorrelated investments, such as NAB Equity Referenced Term Investments (NERTIS) and Duel Currency Investments, which are available to NAB wholesale clients.

 

Evaluating your options

Not all solutions are equal. NAB offers several equity lending facilities, each with their own unique features, to learn more about the different products available, wholesale investors can contact the investor desk contact number below.

 

To discover more call 1300 683106 or email us on investordesk@nab.com.au

 

Important information

All information in this article is intended to be accessed by the following persons ‘Wholesale Clients’ as defined by the Corporations Act.

This article should not be construed as a recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investments. The information in this website is general in nature and based on information available at the time of publishing, information which we believe is correct and any forecasts, conclusions or opinions are reasonably held or made as at the time of publishing. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The information does not constitute financial product or investment advice, and no warranty is made as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness. To the extent permitted by law, neither National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937, Australian Credit Licence and AFSL No. 230686 or any of its related entities accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this information.

You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide (available on request) before deciding whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, any of our products. Target Market Determinations for these products are available at nab.com.au/TMD and jbwere.com.au/other/resources. Fees and charges are payable. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request from NAB. Our credit products are subject to eligibility and lending criteria.

All products and services mentioned on this website are issued by National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937, Australian Credit Licence and AFSL No. 230686 (NAB), except wealth advice services, which are provided by JBWere Limited ABN 68 137 978 360 AFSL No. 341162 (JBWere), and nabtrade, which is the information, trading and settlement service provided by WealthHub Securities Limited ABN 83 089 718 249 AFSL No. 230704 (WealthHub Securities). JBWere and WealthHub Securities are wholly owned subsidiaries of NAB.

WealthHub Securities’ and JBWere’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of NAB. NAB does not guarantee its subsidiaries’ obligations or performance, or the products or services its subsidiaries offer. You may be exposed to investment risk, including loss of income and principal invested.

Information correct as at August 2024.

©2024 NAB Private Wealth is a division of National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686. ©2024 JBWere Limited ABN 68 137 978 360 AFSL No. 341162. ©2024 WealthHub Securities Limited ABN 83 089 718 249 AFSL 230704.

 

The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. NAB does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any information in this article which is stated or provided by a third party. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, property, financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article. You may be exposed to investment risk, including loss of income and principal invested.

You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Information Memorandum (IM) or other disclosure document and Financial Services Guide (available on request) before deciding whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, any of our products.

All information in this article is intended to be accessed by the following persons ‘Wholesale Clients’ as defined by the Corporations Act. This article should not be construed as a recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investments.

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