Nonperforming Loan (NPL)

What Is a Nonperforming Loan (NPL)?

A nonperforming loan (NPL) is a loan in which the borrower is in default due to the fact that they have not made the scheduled payments for a specified period. Although the exact elements of nonperforming status can vary depending on the specific loan's terms, "no payment" is usually defined as zero payments of either principal or interest. The specified period also varies, depending on the industry and the type of loan. Generally, however, the period is 90 days or 180 days.

How a Nonperforming Loan (NPL) Works

A nonperforming loan (NPL) is considered in default or close to default. Once a loan is nonperforming, the odds the debtor will repay it in full are substantially lower. If the debtor resumes payments again on an NPL, it becomes a reperforming loan (RPL), even if the debtor has not caught up on all the missed payments.

In banking, commercial loans are considered nonperforming if the debtor has made zero payments of interest or principal within 90 days, or is 90 days past due. For a consumer loan, 180 days past due classifies it as an NPL.

A loan is in arrears when principal or interest payments are late or missed. A loan is in default when the lender considers the loan agreement to be broken and the debtor is unable to meet his obligations.

Types of Nonperforming Loans (NPLs)

A debt can achieve nonperforming loan status in several ways. Examples of NPLs include:

Official Definitions of Nonperforming Loans (NPLs)

Several international financial authorities offer specific guidelines for determining nonperforming loans.

The European Central Bank Definition

The European Central Bank (ECB) requires asset and definition comparability to evaluate risk exposures across euro area central banks. The ECB specifies multiple criteria that can cause an NPL classification when it performs stress tests on participating banks. The ECB has performed a comprehensive assessment and developed criteria to define loans as nonperforming if they are:

An addendum, issued in 2018, specified the time frame for lenders to set aside funds to cover nonperforming loans: two to seven years, depending on whether the loan was secured or not. As of 2020, eurozone lenders still have approximately $1 trillion worth of nonperforming loans on their books.

A nonperforming loan (NPL) is one in which payments of either interest or principal have not been made for a set number of days (for whatever reason).

The International Monetary Fund Definition

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also sets out multiple criteria for a nonperforming loan classification.

The IMF has defined nonperforming loans as those whose:

There is no standard or "accepted" definition of NPLs in place, as it can vary by country or lender.

Nonperforming Loan (NPL) vs. Reperforming Loan (RPL)

Nonperforming loans are those in default. Reperforming loans are those that were once nonperforming and are now performing again. The reperforming loans were once delinquent for at least 90 days and are now performing again.

Reperforming loans are often loans where the borrower has filed for bankruptcy and has continued to make payments as a result of the bankruptcy agreement. Such an agreement generally allows the borrower to become current on the mortgage via a loan modification program.

Example of a Nonperforming Loan (NPL)

A nonperforming loan, for example, is one where a borrower goes into default. John, for example, lost his job and cannot make payments. His loan has gone over 90 days past due and the bank now considers it nonperforming. The bank would shift the loan to their nonperforming list.

Nonperforming Loan (NPL) FAQs

What Happens to Nonperforming Loans?

Nonperforming loans can be sold by banks to other banks or investors. The loan may also become reperforming if the borrower starts making payments again. In other cases, the lender may repossess the property the satisfy the loan balance.

What Are the Causes of Nonperforming Loans?

Nonperforming loans tend to occur during economic hardships when delinquencies are high. They happen when the borrower fails to make a payment for a long period of time (such as 90 to 180 days).

Why Do Banks Sell Nonperforming Loans?

Banks may sell nonperforming loans to focus on the loans that bring in money each month. Selling the loans at a discount may be more beneficial than trying to collect money from a delinquent borrower.

Who Buys Nonperforming Loans?

Other banks or distressed debt investors may consider investing in nonperforming loans, as well as real estate investors.

How Do You Solve a Nonperforming Loan?

Solving a nonperforming loan involves getting back on track with payments. This is generally done with a loan modification agreement through the lender.

The Bottom Line

The number of nonperforming loans tends to rise during economic uncertainty. These loans are the ones where borrowers stop (or cannot) make a payment. The loan goes to NPL status if no payment is received for a set period of time (usually 90 or 180 days — depending on the lender).