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Rehypothecation Failure

Definition

Rehypothecation failure occurs when an institution reuses client assets as collateral for its own borrowings, and then cannot return those assets. This situation arises when a financial entity, having legally or contractually repledged client-owned securities or digital assets, experiences an inability to retrieve or deliver them upon the client’s request. Such failures often stem from liquidity issues, excessive leverage, or the insolvency of the rehypothecating institution. It exposes clients to substantial counterparty risk and asset loss.