Managing Expectations of Investment Performance
As your investment is progressing, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While Yieldstreet offers investments that ideally will perform in-line with expectations, it is important to note that not all investments will perform as anticipated. Yieldstreet expects that some loans will indeed experience defaults, and the risk of default is generally greater with loans that target higher-yield returns from borrowers who may not be able to obtain more traditional bank financing. In alternative lending, it is therefore particularly important for lenders to protect against potential default scenarios in order to mitigate risk where possible and maximize potential recoverability where necessary. We work to do exactly that, so that when defaults do occur, our investors can trust in our ability to act swiftly and in their best interest to minimize losses — and, where possible, return principal.
Past investment performance, as we all know, is no indicator of future performance. That is as true with a lender’s past performance managing defaulted loans as it is reporting returns from loans that are repaid according to expectations. Since inception in April of 2015, Yieldstreet has funded over $1 billion across 170+ investment offerings.
Risk Management
Like any investment, offerings on Yieldstreet carry risk, which should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Prospective investors are expected to read the stated risk factors for each offering. While we seek to minimize risk by evaluating opportunities before proceeding to an offering – often in consultation with outside partners and advisers, and from there by requiring the collateral by which our investments are backed — all investments carry a certain level of risk. Those risks are set forth in detail in the offering documents and we urge investors to take them to heart.
As of the close of Q1, we are aggressively addressing 14* defaulted offerings (involving 10 borrowers). Each situation varies in complexity and timing. However, in all instances, we are working tirelessly to help us achieve a favorable outcome.
Read up on how to be an informed investor on Yieldstreet, and find answers to any questions about diversification, risks, and other considerations by visiting our FAQ.
Working with Borrowers
In the first instance, we look for opportunities to work with borrowers who cannot meet their obligations in accordance with the stated loan terms. We seek to understand the circumstances they are facing, and to negotiate accommodations that may increase their ability to repay the loan. Extended payment terms sometimes make the difference. The target maturity date listed on Yieldstreet offering documents is inclusive of any extensions of the loan term that may be available. It is thus our expectation that the investment will mature within the target duration, but it is also possible that the Borrower may pay back a loan sooner or much later than the stated maturity.
Communication on Active Investments
Should a formal default occur, Yieldstreet, as the Manager of each investment, remains committed to acting in the investors’ best interest in all instances and will work diligently where appropriate with our asset managers, advisers and industry contacts, toward a resolution. Depending on the particular situation, the workout, restructuring, forbearance and/or legal proceedings, can take time – this is often a sequential process, and can be a protracted one. It’s important to note there may be months of limited information to share with investors until there is a clear path forward with the intention of maximum principal recovery.
However long the process takes, Yieldstreet will actively pursue our rights on behalf of investors. Depending on the circumstances, we may find it best to work with the Borrower toward a resolution. Or, after assessing the situation with our origination partner, we may find it to be most prudent to take a more aggressive approach. You can refer to our default loan process for a detailed look at how we assess default scenarios. Regardless of the work-out strategy, our investors can rely on us to act in their best interest at all times and to provide updates along the way. Updates may vary in substance as it may take time for the situation to unfold and for us to gain clarity.
Investors can expect an update for each investment they have participated in on a quarterly basis. To manage expectations, updates typically go out within 60 days after quarter-end.
Starting on April 30, 2020, we will send monthly updates to all investors in defaulted offerings. If we do not have any meaningful update from the prior month – which may often be the case – we will say so and provide our best current estimate when we expect to learn more.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
This communication and the information contained in this article are provided for general informational purposes only and should neither be construed nor intended to be a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any security or otherwise to be investment, tax, financial, accounting, legal, regulatory or compliance advice. Any link to a third-party website (or article contained therein) is not an endorsement, authorization or representation of our affiliation with that third party (or article). We do not exercise control over third-party websites, and we are not responsible or liable for the accuracy, legality, appropriateness or any other aspect of such website (or article contained therein).
What's Yieldstreet?
Yieldstreet provides access to alternative investments previously reserved only for institutions and the ultra-wealthy. Our mission is to help millions of people generate $3 billion of income outside the traditional public markets by 2025. We are committed to making financial products more inclusive by creating a modern investment portfolio.
2 Represents an net annualized return, using an internal rate of return (IRR) methodology, with respect to the matured investments shown in your Portfolio experience, utilizing the effective dates and amounts of subscriptions and distributions to and from the investments, net of management fees and all other expenses charged to the investments.[read more]