Schuldeisers

Schuldeisers are persons or institutions that are owed money or other performance by a debtor under a contract, loan, or obligation. They may be individuals, businesses, banks, or government bodies. The term covers both contractual lenders and suppliers who have not yet been paid for goods or services delivered.

Creditors are typically divided into secured creditors, who hold a security interest in an asset (such as a mortgage or lien); unsecured creditors, who have no collateral; and preferred or priority creditors, who are entitled to payment ahead of ordinary unsecured claims in insolvency under applicable law. The exact priority rules vary by jurisdiction, but commonly secured claims are paid first, followed by preferred claims, then general unsecured claims.

When debt is not repaid, creditors can pursue remedies including demand for payment, civil proceedings, and enforcement of security interests. In insolvency or bankruptcy, claims are asserted and paid from the debtor’s assets in a defined order according to statutory priorities, with secured creditors usually having the strongest rights to specific collateral. Creditors may also face risks such as floating charges, deficiency after liquidation, and procedural delays.

Creditors also participate in debt restructurings, workouts, and formal insolvency proceedings. They may join creditor committees, negotiate new terms, or accept rescheduling or conversions under a plan approved by a court or regulator, depending on jurisdiction. The activities of creditors are governed by contract law, commercial and insolvency law, and consumer protection rules. They assess risk in lending and credit decisions and are exposed to potential debtor default, interest rate changes, and legal costs.