Glossary · Insolvency

Secured Creditor

A creditor whose debt is backed by a security interest over the debtor's property, giving it priority over unsecured creditors for that asset.

What security provides

A secured creditor is a creditor that holds a security interest over some or all of a debtor's property, such as a charge, mortgage or registered security. If the debtor cannot pay, the secured creditor can generally look to the secured asset to recover what it is owed. This puts secured creditors in a stronger position than unsecured creditors when it comes to that particular property.

In an insolvency

When a company or individual becomes insolvent, secured creditors usually rank ahead of unsecured creditors in relation to their security, and may appoint a receiver or enforce their security to realise the asset. This is general information only and not legal or financial advice. The contrasting position is set out at unsecured creditor.

Plain-English help

Confused by the jargon?

Our team explains your options in plain English — and recovers what you're owed, commission-only.