Question 7
Hassan Saidy is considering various options of financing his business. He was advised to approach his banker for either a loan or overdraft.
- State four differences between the two financing options suggested.
 - State six conditions Hassan Saidy is required to meet for his banker to grant him a loan.
 
Observation
Most candidates who attempted the question did well. However, some candidates did not state the difference on same base.
The expected responses to the question include:
(a) Differences between a loan and an overdraft
No.  | 
      Loan  | 
      Overdraft  | 
    
1.  | 
      A loan is for a stated sum of money  | 
      A customer is allowed to issue a cheque for more than his credit balance  | 
    
2.  | 
      It is a long-term liability.  | 
      It is a current liability.  | 
    
3.  | 
      The rate of interest is fixed for the length of the loan.  | 
      The rate of interest varies during the period of taking an overdraft.  | 
    
4.  | 
      It is granted to anybody who satisfies the conditions for the loan.  | 
      It is granted to current account holders only.  | 
    
5.  | 
      It requires collateral security.  | 
      It does not require collateral security.  | 
    
6.  | 
      A separate account is opened.  | 
      A customer’s current account is used for the overdraft.  | 
    
7.  | 
      A guarantor is needed to obtain a loan.  | 
      A guarantor is not needed to obtain an overdraft.  | 
    
(b) Conditions Hassan Saidy is required to meet for his banker to grant him a loan
- The business/project Hassan Saidy wants to undertake must be viable.
 - The volume of his business transactions/turnover with the bank would be considered.
 - The type of collateral security provided by Hassan Saidy must be over and above the worth of the loan being applied for.
 - The integrity of Mr. Saidy or his reliability to repay the loan would be considered/The nature of his business liability would also be considered.
 - The net worth of Hassan Saidy’s business would be considered.
 - The government policy regarding the subject matter of the loan would determine the possibility of granting the loan.
 - The length of time required for the repayment would be considered.
 - The purpose for the loan vis-a-vis the total cost of the project would be considered.
 - Hassan Saidy must provide a guarantor who is also a customer to the bank.