As with any trader in any market, SG traders need to be aware of securities lending. In short, securities lending is a process by which one party, usually a broker-dealer or institutional investor, lends security to another party in return for cash collateral. This simple definition belies the complexities of this $2 trillion per day market, but understanding the basics is essential for all SG traders. We’ll explore the basics of securities lending and discuss some critical considerations for those trading in SG. For those who want to try securities lending, do so on Saxo markets.

What securities lending is and how it works

Securities lending is a way for investors to generate additional income from their portfolios by lending out securities they own to other investors. In return, the lender receives cash collateral from the borrower, typically used to fund the purchase of other securities or meet margin requirements. The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates securities lending to protect lenders and borrowers from fraud and abuse.

Under SEC Rule 15c3-3, broker-dealers must provide customers with written disclosures regarding the terms of any securities loan and obtain customer approval before entering into a loan agreement. The rule also requires that customers be informed of their right to recall loans and receive a prompt notification when their securities are recalled. In addition, the rule prohibits broker-dealers from lending securities to customers who do not have a reasonable belief that they will be able to repay the loan.

There are two types of securities lending transactions: short sales and collateralized loans. Short sales facilitate the sale of securities that the borrower does not own. In a short sale, the borrower sells the security and agrees to repurchase it at a later date. The difference between the cost at which the security …