A warning for loan buyers

Attempts to establish standard terms and codes of practice for the trading of distressed corporate debt have been spurned so far by the London market. Buyers of loans who don't read the fine print can find themselves with unexpected legal obligations. By Christopher Stoakes.

The market in trading distressed corporate debt, a necessity born of the last recession, looks here to stay. But attempts to instil standard market practice have so far failed to establish a consensus. This may not matter now. But the point at which it will ­ the next economic downturn ushering in a wave of corporate defaults ­ will be too late. For those in charge of debt-trading desks, this is the time to make sure that existing documentation and procedures provide adequate protection, especially in a market where the speed of dealing and the thin margin on any particular trade may make it impracticable to obtain legal advice every time.

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