Asset-based lending (often referred to as “ABL”) is a form of commercial lending designed to finance safely the working capital needs of a borrower whose cash flow currently may not support debt repayment. Like other commercial loans, cash flow is the primary repayment source for an asset-based loan but with stronger reliance on the company's assets as collateral and firmer control over the receipts of the collateral’s liquidation.
Collateral typically available to secure the asset-based loan includes accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, general and specific intangibles, real estate, and other assets. Because working capital support is the primary objective of most asset-based loan facilities, accounts receivable and inventory generally are the bank's core collateral. Personal guaranties, often secured, can be taken.