Funder

A Funder refers to a bank, financial institution, or investment fund that provides financing to a corporate or financial institution.
The term is commonly used in the context of structured finance, including:

• acquisition financing and LBOs (Leveraged Buyouts);
• project finance operations (renewable energy assets, industrial plants, infrastructure);
• asset finance transactions (rolling stock, vessels, aircraft, industrial equipment).

For large-scale transactions, several Funders may join forces to share the financial risk, forming a syndicate. This is known as a syndicated loan or syndicated financing.

What is the role of the Funder in this context?

The Funder’s core role is to provide all or part of the financing required by the borrower. Its responsibilities include:

1. Risk assessment and approval

The Funder:

• assesses the risks associated with the transaction;
• validates the financing structure from a credit perspective;
• determines the size of its participation.

2. Providing liquidity for the transaction

Once approved internally, the Funder commits the necessary capital, enabling the borrower to carry out its project or acquisition.

3. A distinct role from that of the Arranger

Unlike the Arranger, the Funder:

• generally does not structure the financing;
• does not take part in the modelling or in the preparation of the financial documentation.

Its role is focused on providing funds.