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Commercial Paper

Definition

Commercial paper is a short-term, unsecured debt instrument issued by corporations to meet immediate funding needs. These promissory notes typically have maturities ranging from a few days to 270 days and are sold at a discount, with the difference between the purchase price and the face value representing the investor’s return. It serves as a crucial component of money markets, providing companies with a flexible and cost-effective method for managing working capital. Its issuance relies heavily on the issuer’s creditworthiness.