Troubled Assets: Legal Insights and Financial Implications
Definition & Meaning
Troubled assets refer to financial instruments, such as residential or commercial mortgages, and any securities or obligations related to those mortgages that were issued before March 14, 2008. These assets may also include other financial instruments identified by the Secretary of the Treasury as necessary for maintaining financial market stability. The term gained prominence during the financial crisis when the government intervened to stabilize the economy.
Legal Use & context
Troubled assets are primarily relevant in the context of financial regulation and economic recovery efforts. Legal practitioners may encounter this term in areas such as bankruptcy law, securities regulation, and financial compliance. Users may need to manage forms related to asset purchases or sales, and US Legal Forms provides templates to assist individuals and businesses in navigating these processes.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A bank holds a portfolio of mortgages issued before March 14, 2008, which have significantly decreased in value. These mortgages are classified as troubled assets, and the bank may seek government assistance to stabilize its financial condition.
Example 2: An investment firm purchases troubled assets during a financial crisis, hoping to profit from their eventual recovery (hypothetical example).