"Senior Debt" - Definition Senior Debt, or "Fremdkapitalrangfolge", is a term used in capital markets to describe a type of borrowing arrangement where lenders hold a higher priority claim on the borrower's assets or earnings in case of default or insolvency.

In other words, it is a form of debt that ranks senior or superior to other forms of debt in the event of liquidation or repayment. Within the hierarchy of a company's or an issuer's obligations, senior debt is considered to have a greater claim or right to repayment than subordinated or junior debt. This prioritization provides senior debt holders with enhanced security and greater assurance of recovering their principal and interest payments should the entity default. As a result, senior debt is generally associated with lower risk and subsequently lower interest rates compared to junior or subordinated debt. The terms and conditions of senior debt are typically outlined in a legally binding agreement, such as a bond indenture or loan agreement. These documents often specify the repayment schedule, interest rate, and any collateral securing the debt. Thus, creditors providing senior debt benefit from the security of collateral backing the loan, which could include fixed assets, inventory, or receivables, depending on the nature of the borrowing entity. Investors and lenders consider senior debt as a vital component of risk management within their investment portfolio. This preference stems from its priority position in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation, which minimizes potential losses. Additionally, senior debt is favored for its lower interest rates, making it an attractive investment choice for conservative investors seeking stable income streams. In summary, senior debt, or Fremdkapitalrangfolge, refers to a prominent type of debt that carries seniority over other obligations. By prioritizing repayment rights, senior debt enhances creditors' safety and is an essential tool for mitigating risk in capital market investments.