Whether you're securing a loan against valuable assets or understanding your obligations as a borrower, our team is here to help you protect your interests every step of the way. With our expertise, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have the right legal support to safeguard your financial arrangements.
A debenture is a versatile financial instrument that provides powerful security for lenders, encompassing both fixed and floating charges. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of a loan and grants lenders a secured interest over the borrower’s assets.
This type of agreement is common in business financing, offering protection while enabling borrowers to access necessary capital.
Fixed vs floating charges within a debenture:
Fixed charge: Secures specific, identifiable assets such as property or machinery. These assets cannot be sold or transferred without the lender’s consent, giving the lender a priority claim in the event of default.
Floating charge: Provides security over assets that are not fixed, such as stock, inventory, or receivables. The borrower can continue using these assets in day-to-day operations until a trigger event, such as insolvency, crystallises the charge into a fixed one.
At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we specialise in drafting and negotiating robust debentures that offer clear and comprehensive protection for lenders, while ensuring borrowers understand their obligations. We tailor our approach to fit the specific needs of each transaction, safeguarding your interests from start to finish.
Mortgages: Secured lending solutions for property transactions
Mortgages are a common form of secured lending where the loan is backed by immovable property, such as land or buildings. This arrangement provides lenders with a direct interest in the property, offering security while enabling businesses to leverage valuable assets for growth and investment.
Our expertise in mortgage transactions:
Drafting & reviewing agreements
We ensure all terms are clearly defined, protecting your interests throughout the process.
Due diligence
We conduct thorough property searches and title checks, identifying potential risks before agreements are finalised.
Regulatory compliance
We handle all legal requirements, including Land Registry filings and compliance with relevant lending codes.
Whether you’re securing a commercial property loan or need expert advice on an existing mortgage, we provide tailored, practical support to streamline the process and protect your interests at every stage.
Charges: Tailored security solutions for diverse assets
Charges, whether fixed or floating, are essential tools in securing loans or other forms of credit. Unlike the charges within a debenture, standalone charges are used independently in specific loan agreements, offering direct security without the broader framework of a debenture.
Fixed charges (Standalone)
A fixed charge creates a direct interest in a specific asset, such as a property, vehicle, or equipment. It provides lenders with priority over this asset, which cannot be sold or transferred without their consent. This type of charge is ideal for assets that are stable and unlikely to fluctuate in value.
Floating charges (Standalone)
A floating charge offers flexibility by securing assets that change over time, such as stock or receivables. The borrower can continue using these assets as part of their normal business operations. The charge only crystallises (becomes fixed) when a predefined event occurs, such as a default or insolvency.
We offer comprehensive advice on the creation, registration, and enforcement of both fixed and floating charges. Our team ensures that your security interests are properly documented and enforceable, giving you peace of mind whether you are lending or borrowing.
Deeds of priority: Managing competing interests
In complex financial transactions involving multiple lenders, conflicts can arise over who has priority to claim repayment. This is where deeds of priority come into play. A deed of priority is a legal agreement between lenders that sets out the order of priority for repayment, ensuring clarity and reducing the risk of disputes.
Expert advice on drafting deeds of priority:
Our team at Anthony Gold Solicitors is experienced in negotiating and drafting deeds of priority that protect your interests. We ensure that:
Clear terms are established
The deed clearly outlines the ranking of each lender’s claim, preventing confusion and mitigating risks in the event of borrower default or insolvency.
Equitable treatment
We strive to secure fair and reasonable terms for all parties involved, balancing the interests of senior and junior lenders.
Compliance & enforcement
Our team ensures that the deed is properly executed and legally binding, making it enforceable if disputes arise.
By handling the complexities of deeds of priority, we provide peace of mind and a secure framework for your financial transactions.
Words from our clients
The solicitor that provided my consultation was extremely thorough. Had a solid and confident understanding of the laws and the required steps needed to conduct certain activities with or without representation. The solicitor also followed up in writing with all the possible government documents that may possibly be needed. Not sales-driven or pushy to get the business but rather genuine and helpful.
Our Client
Invaluable help and advice from Patrick Gilmour. Would highly recommend.
Our Client
The solicitor that provided my consultation was extremely thorough. Had a solid and confident understanding of the laws and the required steps needed to conduct certain activities with or without representation. The solicitor also followed up in writing with all the possible government documents that may possibly be needed. Not sales-driven or pushy to get the business but rather genuine and helpful.
Our Client
I’ve been working with Patrick Gilmour to resolve a legal matter that has been extremely stressful for many months. Patrick was brilliant and very kind I would 100% recommend this company. Thank you both for everything.
Jose Kelly
Guarantees & independent legal advice
Guarantees are a common element in secured lending, particularly in commercial financing. They serve as additional security, where a third party (the guarantor) agrees to cover the borrower’s obligations if they default.
However, guarantees can lead to conflicts of interest, especially when the guarantor is closely connected to the borrower.
Providing independent advice for guarantors
It’s crucial for guarantors to receive independent legal advice, separate from the advice given to the borrower or lender. This ensures that guarantors fully understand:
Their legal obligations: The scope of their commitment and the potential consequences if the borrower defaults.
The risks involved: Including the possibility of personal liability and the impact on their own assets.
The terms of the guarantee: We ensure that the guarantee is clear, fair, and enforceable, protecting the guarantor from unexpected liabilities.
At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we provide detailed, independent advice to guarantors, helping them make informed decisions and reducing the risk of disputes later on. Our focus is on ensuring that all parties are aware of their rights and obligations, making the transaction as smooth and secure as possible.
What is the difference between a debenture and a mortgage?
When is independent legal advice required for guarantors?
What are the legal implications of signing a personal guarantee for a business loan?
What risks should a borrower be aware of when offering a fixed charge on their assets?
What happens if a guarantor cannot fulfil their obligations under the guarantee?
What is the difference between a debenture and a mortgage?
A debenture secures a loan against a company’s assets, often including both fixed and floating charges. A mortgage, however, secures a loan specifically against immovable property like land or buildings.
When is independent legal advice required for guarantors?
Independent advice is needed when someone acts as a guarantor to ensure they understand their obligations and potential risks, making the guarantee legally binding and reducing disputes.
What are the legal implications of signing a personal guarantee for a business loan?
Signing a personal guarantee makes you personally liable for the debt if the business can’t pay. This may put your personal assets, like property or savings, at risk.
What risks should a borrower be aware of when offering a fixed charge on their assets?
A fixed charge gives the lender priority over specific assets, which may be sold if you default. It limits your control over the asset, requiring lender consent for its sale or use.
What happens if a guarantor cannot fulfil their obligations under the guarantee?
If a guarantor can’t pay, the lender can pursue their personal assets. This may lead to legal action or, in severe cases, bankruptcy proceedings.
What is the difference between a debenture and a mortgage?
A debenture secures a loan against a company’s assets, often including both fixed and floating charges. A mortgage, however, secures a loan specifically against immovable property like land or buildings.
When is independent legal advice required for guarantors?
Independent advice is needed when someone acts as a guarantor to ensure they understand their obligations and potential risks, making the guarantee legally binding and reducing disputes.
What are the legal implications of signing a personal guarantee for a business loan?
Signing a personal guarantee makes you personally liable for the debt if the business can’t pay. This may put your personal assets, like property or savings, at risk.
What risks should a borrower be aware of when offering a fixed charge on their assets?
A fixed charge gives the lender priority over specific assets, which may be sold if you default. It limits your control over the asset, requiring lender consent for its sale or use.
What happens if a guarantor cannot fulfil their obligations under the guarantee?
If a guarantor can’t pay, the lender can pursue their personal assets. This may lead to legal action or, in severe cases, bankruptcy proceedings.