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Hypothecation Agreement
I need a hypothecation agreement to secure a loan for my business, using my company's equipment as collateral. The agreement should outline the terms of the loan, including interest rate, repayment schedule, and conditions under which the lender can take possession of the collateral in case of default.
What is a Hypothecation Agreement?
A Hypothecation Agreement lets borrowers pledge assets as collateral for a loan while keeping possession of them - a common practice in German banking and finance. Under German civil law (BGB), these agreements create a security interest without requiring physical transfer of the assets to the lender.
The agreement specifies which assets serve as collateral, the loan terms, and the lender's rights if the borrower defaults. German businesses often use these agreements for equipment financing, inventory-based lending, and trade finance, giving them access to credit while continuing to use their pledged assets in daily operations.
When should you use a Hypothecation Agreement?
Consider using a Hypothecation Agreement when your German business needs financing but can't afford to surrender possession of valuable assets. This arrangement works particularly well for manufacturing companies seeking working capital while keeping their equipment operational, or traders needing inventory-based financing.
The agreement becomes essential when securing loans against movable assets like machinery, vehicles, or stock inventory under German banking regulations. It's especially valuable for growing businesses that need to leverage existing assets for expansion capital, or companies facing seasonal cash flow variations who want to maintain operational continuity while accessing credit.
What are the different types of Hypothecation Agreement?
- Single Asset Hypothecation: Pledges one specific item like machinery or a vehicle - ideal for equipment financing
- Multiple Asset Agreement: Covers a group of related assets, common in manufacturing or wholesale inventory financing
- Floating Hypothecation: Allows the security interest to transfer between changing inventory or receivables, popular with retail businesses
- Fixed-Term Structure: Links directly to specific loan terms with clear expiration dates
- Revolving Hypothecation: Supports ongoing credit facilities where assets secure multiple transactions over time
Who should typically use a Hypothecation Agreement?
- Commercial Banks: Draft and enforce Hypothecation Agreements as primary lenders, setting terms and monitoring compliance
- Business Borrowers: Pledge their assets while maintaining operational use, typically mid-sized manufacturing or trading companies
- Legal Counsel: Review and customize agreements to comply with German banking regulations and civil code requirements
- Asset Valuators: Assess and document the worth of pledged assets for security purposes
- Credit Officers: Monitor ongoing compliance and maintain oversight of hypothecated assets throughout the loan term
How do you write a Hypothecation Agreement?
- Asset Details: Compile complete descriptions, valuations, and ownership documentation for all items being pledged
- Loan Terms: Document the credit amount, interest rates, and repayment schedule from your German bank
- Company Information: Gather current commercial register extracts and signing authority documentation
- Asset Usage Plan: Detail how pledged assets will continue being used in business operations
- Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential changes in asset value and prepare maintenance commitments
- Compliance Check: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that meets BGB requirements
What should be included in a Hypothecation Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names and addresses of lender and borrower, with registration details
- Asset Description: Precise details of pledged property, including serial numbers and location
- Security Terms: Clear statement of the security interest being created under German law
- Loan Details: Specific credit amount, interest rates, and repayment schedule
- Default Provisions: Consequences and enforcement rights under BGB regulations
- Asset Maintenance: Obligations regarding upkeep and permitted use of pledged items
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to German law and jurisdiction
What's the difference between a Hypothecation Agreement and an Asset Purchase Agreement?
A Hypothecation Agreement differs significantly from an Asset Purchase Agreement in German business law. While both involve assets, their core purposes and effects are quite distinct.
- Ownership Transfer: Hypothecation maintains borrower possession while creating a security interest; Asset Purchase transfers full ownership outright
- Duration: Hypothecation typically remains active until loan repayment; Asset Purchase creates permanent transfer
- Payment Structure: Hypothecation secures a loan with regular repayments; Asset Purchase involves a one-time payment or structured purchase price
- Legal Framework: Hypothecation falls under German banking law and security interests; Asset Purchase operates under sales contract provisions of the BGB
- Usage Rights: Hypothecation allows continued asset use by the borrower; Asset Purchase transfers all rights to the new owner
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