Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Securities lending definition

Securities lending is related to short selling, and is usually conducted between brokers rather than individual investors. An investor borrows securities with the view of selling them immediately, and then buying the securities back at a lower price.

Importantly, when securities are borrowed, ownership is transferred to the borrower. The borrower, in turn, must put up collateral in return for the securities being loaned out.

The purpose of securities lending is to maximise value from the securities a firm holds. The lender is assured the security will be returned, regardless of the outcome, and benefits from the fees agreed under the securities lending agreement which formalises the deal. The borrower has the opportunity to make money from shorting the securities, keeping any profit left after returning the security and paying the fees. However, the borrower is also liable to any losses if the shorting strategy doesn't work.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - Y

See all glossary trading terms

Help and support

Get answers about your account or our services.

Get answers

Interested in opening an account with us? Call 0800 195 3100 or send an email to newaccountenquiries.uk@ig.com.

We’re available from 8am to 6pm (UK time), Monday to Friday

Want to check on your application’s progress? Email us at newaccounts.uk@ig.com.