Multiple choice

'Sub-prime' refers to

  1. lending done by banks at rates below PLR

  2. funds raised by the banks at sub-Libor rates

  3. group of banks which are not rated as prime banks as per Banker's Almanac

  4. lending done by financing institutions including banks to customers not meeting with normally required credit appraisal standards

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Sub-prime lending refers to lending (including mortgages) made to borrowers who do not meet the standard creditworthiness criteria - typically lower credit scores, insufficient income documentation, or higher debt-to-income ratios. This sector was at the center of the 2008 financial crisis. Sub-prime does NOT refer to lending below PLR, sub-Libor rates, or non-prime bank classifications.