Ryhmäluoton

Ryhmäluoton, often translated as group credit or syndicate loan, is a form of financing where a loan is provided by a group of lenders to a single borrower. This collective lending arrangement is typically managed by one or more lead banks, known as arrangers or agents, who negotiate the terms of the loan with the borrower and then invite other financial institutions to participate.

The primary reasons for using a ryhmäluotto include the borrower's need for a large sum of money that a single bank might be unwilling or unable to provide, or the desire to diversify funding sources. For lenders, participating in a syndicate loan allows them to share the risk associated with a large loan. It also provides an opportunity to participate in significant transactions without committing excessive capital.

The loan agreement in a ryhmäluotto is standardized and covers all aspects of the borrowing, including the principal amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, covenants, and fees. The agent bank is responsible for administering the loan, including distributing funds, collecting payments from the borrower, and distributing them to the participating lenders. Ryhmäluotot are common for large corporate financing, project finance, and acquisition financing.