Glossary · Reading the business
Readily marketable asset
In short
An asset easily converted to cash at its fair market value. For an SBA loan, lenders look for these as strong collateral.
What it means in a deal
These are assets like publicly traded stocks or bonds. While rare in small business acquisitions, if the seller has them and they're part of the deal or available as personal collateral, they significantly strengthen the loan's collateral base and reduce perceived risk.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Readily marketable asset
- What criteria justify a lender waiving a lien on readily marketable personal assets from a guarantor?
- When can a lender waive the requirement for a lien on readily marketable personal assets of a guarantor?
- Can personal marketable securities (stocks/bonds) be used as collateral if business assets are insufficient?
- Can pledged marketable securities, like stocks, serve as additional collateral for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Is a blanket lien on all business assets always required for a 7(a) loan, regardless of loan size or asset value?
- What is the difference between an asset and stock purchase in a buyout?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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