Borrowed Funds - Meaning, Features and FAQs

Borrowed funds are funds that a firm borrows from outside sources to give capital to the company. This fund is distinct from the money invested in the firm, known as equity funds. Loans, bonds, overdrafts, and credit cards are all examples of borrowed money.

Most small firms like these funds since they simply have to pay a set rate of interest. Although this is simple, borrowers must pay interest regardless of earnings or losses.

The majority of borrowed money needs recurring interest payments. Though it has the advantage of benefiting from the company's successful profits, the loan amount and interest must be returned in full regardless of the company's returns.

Borrowed Funds Meaning

"Borrowed funds" refers to financial resources obtained by a person, company, or institution by the act of borrowing from external sources, generally in the form of loans or credit. This method includes acquiring a certain amount of money from a lender with a commitment to return the borrowed amount, frequently with interest, over a defined period.

When a person or corporation borrows cash, they are effectively accessing capital that they do not own or hold outright. These funds may be utilized for numerous objectives, such as supporting corporate development, acquiring assets, paying operational expenditures, or managing unanticipated financial demands.

Features of Borrowed Funds

Borrowed funds offer unique characteristics that make them an essential part of financial management. Here are the key features of borrowed funds:

• Borrowing enables individuals and organizations to leverage their existing capital, potentially magnifying their ability to invest or undertake projects.
• It often comes with interest payments, which indicate the cost of borrowing. Interest rates might fluctuate depending on the kind of loan and existing market circumstances.
• It may be utilized for a broad variety of objectives, including company development, education, property purchases, and investment in assets.
• Some loans require collateral, such as assets or property, to secure the borrowed funds. This provides lenders with a form of security in case of default.
• Borrowing introduces financial risk, as failure to repay loans can lead to financial difficulties, including credit damage, asset seizure, or legal actions by lenders.
• Interest payments on certain types of borrowed funds may be tax-deductible, providing potential tax benefits for borrowers.
• It can help individuals and businesses manage liquidity and cash flow, especially during periods of economic volatility.

Various Sources of Borrowed Funds

Borrowed funds can be obtained from various sources, each with its unique terms and conditions. Here are the different sources of borrowed funds:

Commercial Banks:

Commercial banks are one of the most common sources of borrowed funds. They provide loans to individuals and businesses for various purposes, such as purchasing real estate, expanding operations, or meeting short-term financing needs.

Financial Institutions:

Financial institutions, including credit unions and savings and loan associations, offer lending services. They may have specialized loan products tailored to specific needs, such as mortgages or auto loans.

Debentures:

Various forms of debentures exist. They all often have one thing in common: a predetermined rate of interest that must be paid on a monthly basis regardless of the company's earnings or losses. A few stay unsecured but with a higher interest rate, while the majority are secured by charging the assets.

Public Deposits:

These are deposits that the general public will often take on a wider scale. They aid in meeting the company's short- and medium-term demands and do not impose any charges on the company's assets.

Private Investors:

Private individuals or groups of investors can provide borrowed funds through private lending arrangements. These loans may come with flexible terms and interest rates negotiated between the borrower and the investor.

Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms:

Online peer-to-peer lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors. Borrowers create loan listings with desired terms, and investors fund those loans, spreading the risk among multiple lenders.

Corporate Bonds:

Companies seeking substantial funds for expansion or capital projects often issue corporate bonds to raise capital. Investors purchase these bonds, effectively lending money to the company in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount at maturity.

Government Bonds:

Governments at various levels issue bonds, such as treasury bonds and municipal bonds, to finance public projects. Investors buy these bonds, essentially lending money to the government and receiving interest payments over time.

Venture Capital and Angel Investors:

Start-up companies and entrepreneurs may secure borrowed funds from venture capital firms and angel investors who provide financing in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt.

What are the Owner’s Funds?

Owner's funds, often referred to as equity or owner's equity, represent the portion of a business or individual's assets that is owned outright, without any corresponding debt or borrowing. It is the residual interest in assets after deducting liabilities. In simpler terms, owner's funds are the funds contributed by the owner or owners of a business or entity, and they serve as a measure of the true ownership stake in that entity.

Borrowed Funds V/s Owner’s Funds

Two primary sources of funds are borrowed funds and owner's funds (equity). These sources have distinct characteristics and implications, which are summarized in the table below:

How to Show Borrowed Funds in the Balance Sheet

Borrowed funds are typically displayed on a balance sheet under the liabilities section. Specifically, they appear as a separate line item or category known as "Long-Term Liabilities" or "Short-Term Liabilities," depending on the maturity or repayment timeline. These liabilities represent the financial obligations the entity owes to external creditors as a result of borrowing money.