Westend Bank | Art financing for collectors, galleries, funds

The international collectors' market thrives on speed, expertise and decisive action – those who recognise the right moment must be able to act.

The availability of capital is often a critical factor, particularly when it comes to high-quality work, exclusive individual items, limited editions and classic cars.

As a leading specialist in the field of asset-backed financing, Westend Bank combines structuring and lending expertise with many years of experience in the collectors' market. We support private collectors, galleries and art funds with tailored acquisition and interim financing to acquire works of art, classic vehicles and other tangible assets in a flexible way that preserves liquidity. We combine standard banking collateral structures with a deep understanding of the specific features of the art and collectors' market – from auction surcharges and gallery purchases to off-market transactions. This allows us to lay the foundation for expanding your portfolio with full financial flexibility – discreetly, efficiently and with international connectivity.

Our Services

Flexible acquisition and interim financing for private art collectors, galleries and art funds and classic cars investors

Loan amounts from EUR 1 million to approx. EUR 5 million with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 40% for artworks

Flexible repayment models – from short-term purchases to medium-term strategies

Valuation by independent art experts with international market expertise

Access to selected art storage facilities with the highest security standards

Possibility of viewings, loans and auction consignments by arrangement

Efficient, transparent financing process with clear structures and short decision-making paths

Revolving credit facilities for ongoing portfolio expansions

Coordination with galleries, auction houses, forwarding agents and insurers

Insurance solutions for works of art and classic vehicles via Westend Assekuranz

Your Benefits

Rapid access to liquidity for auctions, trade fair purchases and off-market transactions

Financial flexibility without divesting key assets

Professional valuation security through external experts

Structured collateral management and transparent contract design

Access to art market-specific expertise and a global network

Utilisation of art as an investment and financing instrument with clearly defined risk

Financing solutions with customised terms and conditions, also for other cultural investments and classic cars

Full discretion and dedicated personal support at the highest level

Scalable solutions for individual works, portfolios and fund strategies

Asset-Based Financing Case Studies:

Our financing examples for works of art and other collections

Art financing for an internationally active entrepreneur

Initial Situation

An internationally active entrepreneur with an extensive private art collection and holdings in innovative, sustainable companies needed additional funding in the form of an art loan. The objective was both to acquire new works of art and to provide the portfolio companies with liquidity for investments, thereby covering short-term liquidity requirements and further diversifying the overall portfolio – without having to sell any works of art.

Financial Solution

Following an initial non-binding assessment by the art experts at Westend Bank, two independent market value appraisals were obtained. Based on these valuations, the bank developed a tailored asset-backed loan as an art loan that considered both the value development of the collection and the strategic goals of the entrepreneur. The loan values were capped at 50% of the respective market value of the artworks. The artworks were pledged in favour of the bank and stored in a secure, insured storage box in a specialised art warehouse. The loan allowed full or partial repayments at any time – with maximum flexibility, without being tied to fixed terms. Westend Bank's art loan thus gives collectors the opportunity to strategically utilise the economic value of their artworks without reducing their collection or foregoing future increases in value.

Classic Car Financing for International dealers

Initial Situation

An internationally active dealer for classic vehicles was planning to expand their trading activities and parts warehouse. The objective was to finance acquisitions, establish an expanded trading structure and potentially enter a third market. Financing was provided in two instalments. To implement the growth strategy, financing was needed that was flexible, asset-based and tailored to the specific characteristics of the classic car market.

Financial Solution

Westend Bank structured an asset-backed loan based on a broadly diversified vehicle portfolio of 35 to 84 historic vehicles in the high-price segment. The valuation was carried out by two independent appraisers; the lower value served as the basis for determining the loan value. The loan-to-value ratio was set at 40%. The vehicles were transferred to secure storage facilities at Westend Bank as collateral and covered by all-risk and fidelity insurance from a reputable insurer. Unscheduled repayments were possible in full or in part at any time. The structured financing provided the dealer with the necessary flexible liquidity to drive forward purchasing, stock build-up and market expansion – while at the same time offering a high level of security and transparency, with the vehicle portfolio serving as a stable basis for the financing.