Real-Life Examples Section
Example scenario:
Exposure at default (EAD): $500,000
Recovery amount: $200,000
Collateral value: $250,000
Calculations:
LGD: ($500,000 – $200,000) ÷ $500,000 = 0.60 (60%)
LGD percentage: 60%
Recovery rate: $200,000 ÷ $500,000 = 0.40 (40%)
Expected loss (assuming 5% PD): 0.05 × 0.60 × $500,000 = $15,000
Risk assessment: High severity.
FAQs
1. What is loss given default (LGD)?
LGD is a credit risk metric that measures the percentage of exposure a lender loses when a borrower defaults. It equals 1 minus the recovery rate. For example, 40% recovery means 60% LGD.
2. How is LGD calculated?
LGD = (Exposure at Default – Recovery Amount) ÷ Exposure at Default. For example, ($500,000 – $200,000) ÷ $500,000 = 60% LGD.
3. What is a good LGD?
A lower LGD is better for lenders. LGD below 20% is very low risk, 20-40% is low, 40-60% is moderate, 60-80% is high, and above 80% is severe.
4. What is the difference between LGD and PD?
PD (Probability of Default) measures the likelihood of default. LGD (Loss Given Default) measures the severity of loss if default occurs. Both are needed for expected loss calculation.
5. What is the difference between LGD and EAD?
LGD measures the percentage lost. EAD (Exposure at Default) measures the total amount owed at default. Expected loss = PD × LGD × EAD.
6. What is the difference between LGD and recovery rate?
LGD and recovery rate are complements: LGD = 1 – Recovery Rate. Recovery rate is the percentage recovered; LGD is the percentage lost.
7. How does collateral affect LGD?
Collateral reduces LGD because it provides a recovery source. Secured loans typically have lower LGD than unsecured loans. This calculator includes collateral input.
8. What is expected loss?
Expected loss = PD × LGD × EAD. It represents the average loss a lender expects over time. It is used for loan pricing, provisioning, and capital requirements.