A syndicate is an organization of two or more entities created to handle a large transaction that would otherwise be impossible or difficult to be managed by a single entity. Syndicates are considered corporations or partnerships due to tax implications. They can be formed locally or internationally and can be temporary or permanent.

Each syndicate has to be formed legally in compliance with all the governing laws and regulations. Moreover, considering what’s at stake, you must work only with lawyers who have experience with syndication. You can check this recommended site.

Types Of Syndicates

Syndicates typically comprise entities in the same industry. Some of the common types of syndicates include: 

• Business Syndicates

Here, two or more business entities create a syndicate to manage a specific project. Each entity brings on board its resources and expertise and shares the risk associated with the project. Companies in the same industry form a syndicate to operate jointly in a project that is risky but also profitable. Syndicates are usually formed by companies that share common interests. Companies create syndicates to strengthen their market presence and position. They are common in real estate, where several investors form an alliance to develop large projects. 

•  Finance Syndicates

Banks and other financial institutions often create syndicates to pool resources to lend to a single borrower who needs colossal funding. The loan is referred to as a syndicated loan. This mostly occurs in corporate lending when corporations seek large amounts of funding for acquisitions, mergers, or buyouts. Each lender is only exposed to the portion of their loan.

Investment banks also form underwriting syndicates to sell new stocks or debt securities to investors or the public. When the issue is too massive for a single entity to handle, an underwriter syndicate is formed so that the resources of all participants may be used and the risk is spread across the syndicate. The banks then handle the transactions jointly. The bank that leads the venture is known as the syndicate manager. The syndicate winds up its business 30 days after completion of the venture. Some syndicates are, however, not temporary, especially those that involve venture capitalists who co-invest and share joint payoffs.

•  Insurance syndicates

Just like other syndicates, insurance syndication is also about spreading risks. The syndicates can be temporary or permanent, depending on the undertaking. For instance, if you are a lead insurance company, you bring in other players on board if you can’t meet the insurance needs of a company that has many employees or expensive assets. 

A huge project may also require different types of insurance covers that one firm may be unable to handle. In such instances, insurance firms form a syndicate where each member takes on a particular cover and a portion of the risk. The risk apportionment is not always equal. A temporary insurance syndicate can be disbanded once a project is complete. 

Purposes Of Forming A Syndicate

Syndicates are formed for various reasons, some of which are:

• To Raise Capital 

Some projects require significant financing, which may be impossible for a single entity to get or invest in. Syndicates enable members to pool resources and have joint investments in a project. 

•  Share risks

A project that calls for a syndicate usually carries substantial potential risks—insurance risks, legal risks, and other forms. With a syndicate, this risk is spread across the board, and each member shoulders risk equivalent to their investment portion.

•  Bring in Diverse Expertise

Massive projects demand different expertise that one entity may not be equipped to offer or handle on its own. A syndicate enables each member to contribute to a specific area as all members work together. The diverse expertise enables the needs of the project to be accomplished and the project to be completed successfully.

•  Gain 

Syndicates come with high risks but also potentially high profits. Members of a syndicate invest in projects to gain both financially and improve their market presence. A successful project will have high payouts, and the participants will get more recognition in the market.

How Does It Work

Syndicates work pretty much the same as far as the concept is concerned. For instance, in loan syndication, many banks or financial institutions put their money in a common pool to finance a single loan for a borrower. One contract is drawn with each member of the syndicate bearing exposure equal to their portion of the loan.

One institution, the lead, is tasked with getting other banks (members) on board and is also responsible for collateral assignments, overseeing documentation, and distribution of the loan repayment. 

In a business syndicate payout, once the project is complete, you’ll first receive your investment amount. Then the profit will be spread according to each member’s investment percentage.

Conclusion

When you join a syndicate, you don’t have to commit to investing in all the deals. Lead investors will invite you to participate in different projects, which you can choose on a deal-by-deal basis. You’ll weigh which investments suit you.