Loan-to-Value Ratio
The loan-to-value ratio is a calculation that expresses the size of a loan as a percentage of the total market value of the collateral asset. It is the primary tool used by lenders to manage the risk of a loan, as it dictates how much credit can be extended against a specific asset.
For example, a 70 percent loan-to-value ratio means that for every 100 dollars of collateral, the borrower can take out 70 dollars in debt. If the value of the collateral decreases, the ratio increases, potentially approaching the liquidation threshold.
Maintaining a conservative ratio is a common strategy for borrowers to avoid being liquidated during periods of high volatility. Lenders also use these ratios to categorize risk levels for different types of assets, with more volatile assets receiving lower maximum ratios.