Published Mar 27, 2026 4 min read

Introduction

Liquidity needs can arise unexpectedly, whether for personal emergencies, business expansion, or debt consolidation. For many investors, selling their long-term investments to meet immediate financial requirements feels like a compromise on their wealth-building goals. However, there is a smarter alternative—borrowing against your long-term investments. A loan against securities (LAS) allows you to access funds without selling your portfolio. This financial solution enables you to retain ownership of your investments, continue earning market returns, and meet your short-term liquidity needs seamlessly. 

Many investors sell their investments when they need liquidity. However, there may be a way to access funds without liquidating your portfolio.  

A loan against securities allows you to leverage your financial assets to access liquidity while continuing to remain invested. Apply Now 

What is short term investment?

Short-term investments are financial assets designed to provide quick returns within a short period, typically less than three years. These investments are highly liquid and are often used to meet immediate financial goals or emergency expenses. 

Unlike long-term investments, which focus on wealth accumulation over an extended period, short-term investments prioritise accessibility and lower risk. Common examples include fixed deposits, treasury bills, and liquid mutual funds. 

For investors who need quick access to cash, short-term investments can be useful. However, for those with long-term assets, leveraging them for a loan can be an equally viable option to meet liquidity needs without disrupting their financial plans. 

How borrowing against investments works?

Loans against securities (LAS) are a structured financial solution that allows investors to pledge their long-term investments as collateral to secure a loan. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how this process works: 

  1. Pledging your financial assets: You can pledge listed shares, mutual funds, insurance policies, or other eligible financial assets as collateral. 
  2. Determining the loan amount: The lender evaluates the current market value of your pledged assets and offers a loan amount based on a percentage of their value (often 50–80%). 
  3. Accessing funds: Once approved, the loan amount is disbursed, and you can use it for any legitimate financial need. 
  4. Retaining ownership: You continue to own the investments and benefit from market returns, dividends, or interest income. 
  5. Repayment terms: Flexible repayment options allow you to repay the loan conveniently without disturbing your financial strategy. 

It is crucial to understand the loan terms, including interest rates and the risk of asset liquidation if repayment defaults occur. 

Types of investments you can use for short term loans

Several financial assets can be pledged as collateral for loans against investments. These include: 

  1. Listed shares: Stocks traded on recognised exchanges are commonly used for LAS due to their liquidity. 
  2. Mutual funds: Equity and debt mutual funds can be pledged for loans, offering flexibility. 
  3. Insurance policies: Certain policies with surrender value can be used as collateral. 
  4. Fixed deposits: FDs held with banks or NBFCs can also serve as security for loans. 

Each asset type offers unique advantages, such as liquidity, market returns, or steady interest income, making them ideal for leveraging during financial emergencies. 

Why investors use long-term investments for short-term loans?

Long-term investments are typically intended for wealth creation over time. However, they can also serve as reliable assets for securing short-term loans. Here is why investors prefer leveraging long-term investments: 

  • Dual-purpose assets: Long-term investments can act as both wealth-building tools and sources of liquidity. 
  • No disruption to financial goals: Borrowing against investments ensures that your long-term financial plans remain intact. 
  • Continuous returns: You can still earn market returns, dividends, or interest income while repaying the loan. 

Your investment portfolio can serve more than one purpose. Beyond building long-term wealth, it may also help you access funds when financial needs arise. Apply Now 

Benefits of taking a short-term loan using investments

Here are the key benefits of borrowing against your investments: 

  • Retain ownership: Continue to own your investments while accessing liquidity. 
  • Market growth participation: Benefit from potential market appreciation and dividends. 
  • Quick access to funds: Loans against securities are processed quickly, often within 24–48 hours. 
  • Flexible repayment options: Choose repayment terms that suit your financial situation. 
  • Minimal documentation: The process requires fewer documents compared to other types of loans. 

When should you use investments for short-term loans?

Loans against investments are ideal for scenarios such as: 

  • Financial emergencies: Cover unexpected medical bills or urgent expenses without liquidating assets. 
  • Business needs: Fund capital requirements, expansion plans, or operational costs. 
  • Debt consolidation: Pay off high-interest debts effectively using lower-cost loans against securities. 

Short term loan using investments vs selling investments

Factor Borrowing against investments Selling investments 
Liquidity Quick access to funds Immediate cash 
Ownership retention Yes No 
Market growth retention Yes No 
Impact on financial goals Minimal High 

Shape 

Key risks of borrowing against investments

While loans against investments offer numerous benefits, there are risks involved: 

  • Market volatility: The value of pledged assets may fluctuate, affecting the loan-to-value ratio. 
  • Margin calls: If asset values drop significantly, you may need to pledge additional securities or repay part of the loan. 
  • Repayment defaults: Failure to repay the loan on time could lead to asset liquidation. 

Eligibility criteria for short term loans using investments

To be eligible for a loan against investments, you typically need to meet the following criteria: 

  • Age: 21 to 90 years. 
  • Indian residency. 
  • Ownership of eligible financial assets, such as listed shares or mutual funds. 

Documents required to borrow against investments

The documentation process for loans against investments is straightforward and typically includes: 

  • Demat account details showing shareholding. 
  • Valid KYC- documents. 

Why loan against securities is a smart alternative to breaking investments?

Here are key reasons why LAS is a better choice than redeeming your investments: 

  • Retain your long-term wealth-building strategy. 
  • Access liquidity quickly with minimal documentation. 
  • Continue earning market returns and dividends. 

Many investors choose to leverage mutual fund investments instead of redeeming them during temporary financial needs. This approach allows them to maintain their long-term investment strategy while accessing funds when required. Apply now to get started 

Conclusion

Loans against investments are a smart financial solution for investors seeking short-term liquidity without compromising their long-term financial goals. By leveraging your portfolio, you can access funds quickly, retain ownership of your assets, and continue to benefit from market growth. 

Your investment portfolio can be more than just a wealth-building tool. With the right financial strategy, it may also help you meet short-term liquidity needs without disrupting long-term financial goals. Apply Now 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does taking a loan against my investments stop my dividends or interest?

No, your dividends or interest income typically continue unless specifically restricted in your loan agreement. 

How much can I typically borrow against my portfolio?

Loan amounts depend on the value and type of securities pledged, often up to 50% of the market value.

What happens if the market value of my investments drops significantly?

You may need to pledge additional securities or repay part of the loan to maintain the loan-to-value ratio within 7 working days.

Is it better to sell my investments or take a loan against them?

Loans against investments allow you to retain ownership and benefit from potential market growth while addressing liquidity needs.

How long does the approval process take for an investment-backed loan?

The process is typically fast, with approvals and fund disbursals often completed within 24–48 hours after submitting all required documents. 

Are there any restrictions on how I use the loan amount?

The process is typically fast, with approvals and fund disbursals often completed within 24–48 hours after submitting all required documents. 

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (BAJAJ FINANCE) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.