Borgenär

Borgenär is a term used in Swedish and other Nordic legal contexts to refer to a creditor—the person or entity to whom money is owed or who is entitled to performance under a loan, credit agreement, or other obligation.

A borgenär’s claim arises from a contract or statutory obligation. Common examples include banks that grant loans, suppliers who ship goods on credit, or individuals who lend money. The debtor, against whom the claim is enforced, is typically referred to as gäldenär in Swedish law.

Rights and remedies available to a borgenär include the right to receive repayment of the principal and any agreed interest, and, depending on the contract and applicable law, costs related to collection and penalties for late payment. If the debtor defaults, the borgenär may seek resolution through negotiations, debt collection efforts, or court action. In cases of collateral, a secured borgenär may exercise rights against the pledged asset to recover the debt.

In insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, borgenärer participate in the distribution of the debtor’s assets according to established priority rules. Secured creditors generally have priority over unsecured ones with respect to collateral, while unsecured borgenärer compete for any remaining assets.

Notes and related terms: The concept is closely related to, but distinct from, guarantees and guarantors; in such arrangements a third party agrees to satisfy the debtor’s obligation if the debtor defaults, which may affect how the borgenär pursues recovery. The term borgenär is commonly used in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish contexts, with the English equivalent being creditor.