MBIA, Inc.

MBIA, Inc.

A private corporation that guarantees principal and interest payments on debt securities and some asset-backed securities. Founded in 1974 upon the merger of several casualty insurance companies, MBIA originally specialized in guaranteeing municipal bonds. It has since expanded to other investment vehicles such as corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. Clients are issuers who pay a fee to MBIA in exchange for the insurance. MBIA insurance typically guarantees the highest possible credit rating and lowers the overall cost of the issue.

MBIA, Inc.

A private corporation that provides financial guarantees and investment management products and services. MBIA was formed as a consortium of five casualty insurance companies in 1974 to guarantee principal and interest payments on municipal debt. It has since expanded its scope to guarantee structured asset-backed and mortgage-backed transactions, corporate bonds, and obligations of financial institutions. Borrowers pay MBIA a fee and, in return, issue debt that receives a higher rating and carries a lower interest rate.