Credit Risk Management Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Master Your Exam!

Cash is the most commonly used type of collateral in financial transactions due to its liquidity and immediate availability. When cash is pledged as collateral, it provides a clear and straightforward assurance to the lender because it can be quickly accessed or liquidated in the event of a default. This characteristic makes cash a highly preferred form of collateral, particularly in short-term borrowing arrangements.

Securities, while also common in collateral agreements, can fluctuate in value and may not provide the same level of security as cash. Real estate requires more time and effort to liquidate due to market conditions, potentially causing delays in recovering the debt. Commodities, on the other hand, can be subject to price volatility and may not be as easily convertible to cash compared to direct cash collateral. This preference for cash as collateral is especially evident in scenarios like margin loans and repo transactions, where immediate liquidity is crucial.