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Investments are risky, and investments in debentures may be as likely to default as we often see in the news. If the debentures we bought defaulted on, what would we do to get our money back? This time, ACU PAY will tell you about how to deal with defaulting on debentures and how to get the money back.
When we invest in our debentures, we will be a “Creditor” and have a consistent return in the form of interest. Therefore, one factor that should be considered in this investment is the risk of default. The debentures with a high probability of default tend to offer high-interest rates to compensate for the risks to investors. There are two types of default on debentures: technical default and actual default.
When there’s a default, we have an agent who claims damages to the bondholders called “Bond Representative” This person will also be the center for providing information to investors. Representatives of bondholders may need to hold a bondholders’ meeting to obtain approval for various actions such as extending the repayment period, suing for debt repayment, or foreclosure of collateral.
Even if we have a bond representative to help us, when there is a default, we must be prepared to protect our rights and interests as in the following;
1. Find the debenture certificate
In case of a default, it is important to find the debenture certificate. After purchasing the debentures, we will receive the certificates. We should keep them safe and ask for them without a reserve copy of the certificate. We must use them as a proxy on the date of our claim.
2. Know who is the “Bond Representative”
Normally, each debenture has a bond representative who is appointed by the issuer to monitor whether the issuer fulfills its obligations. If the debenture issuer defaults, they will play a key role in setting up a bondholders’ meeting to reach their conclusions and claim damages for us on behalf of bondholders.
Thus, knowing who the bondholders are is important because the bond representatives are like bodyguards who take care of our interests. We have to follow up with information from the bond representatives who will be sent by registered mail to explain the situation and procedures.
We can view the information of the bond representatives from the Factsheet summary of instrument characteristics or on the Filing page, or we may search on the SEC Office’s website.
3. Know which type and model of our debentures are
Once we know that the debentures we buy defaulted on, we need to look at what kind of debentures we’re holding because each debenture has a different order of repayment.
If we hold a debenture, we as the creditors will be paid off first. If we hold an ordinary share, the owner or the holder will be the last group to receive the money after repayment.
Debentures that will be repaid in order before and after are debentures insured, uninsured debenture and not be subordinated, and uninsured and subordinated.
4. Prepare oneself when the compulsory performance occur
The bond representatives will assist in litigation, foreclosure of collateral, or foreclosure of debts on behalf of all debenture holders and will be responsible for all outstanding debts to be paid off by the debenture issuer as soon as possible. The names of all debenture holders will appear on the latest list, and we, as bondholders, should provide documentation on the holding of the debentures if confirmation is required.
5. Monitoring progress on foreclosure of collateral or foreclosure of debts and information.
We can monitor the progress of Compulsory payment of debt from the bond representatives and should monitor information closely and conscientiously as there may be real and false information, and study additional laws such as bankruptcy corporations because if they go into legal proceedings, we will understand the process.
When the debentures default, we still have a chance to get a refund. Therefore, to ensure a smooth refund process, we should prepare for the above procedure and keep an eye on the information.
Lastly, investments will be risky. Although debentures are less risky than other stock investments, there may be risks such as default. Therefore, before each investment, you need to look at the risks and returns that you can accept.
