Art lending is growing as wealthy individuals use their valuable art collections as collateral to secure loans, allowing them to access liquidity without selling their prized possessions, according to Bloomberg. With art sales slowing and auction values declining, more collectors are turning to this option to navigate uncertain market conditions.
Deloitte estimates that outstanding art loans could exceed $36 billion in 2024, up from $29 billion to $34 billion in 2023. Major U.S. banks are expanding their art-lending services to attract and retain affluent clients, offering a stable alternative as financial markets face volatility.