Zimbabwe’s Collateral Registry continues to gain momentum as a vital pillar for improving access to credit, with banking institutions and law firms emerging as prominent players in terms of the value of movable assets pledged as security.Made in Zimbabwe branding
Banks recorded a total of ZiG33,998 billion in movable collateral while law firms registered a total value of ZiG52,748 billion on behalf of their clients.
Since its establishment, the Collateral Registry has been instrumental in expanding access to credit by enabling borrowers to use movable property as collateral, aligning with the Government’s financial inclusion agenda.
Latest figures in the RBZ’s Monetary Policy Statement presented last Friday show that as at December 31, 2025, banking institutions recorded a total of ZiG33,998 billion in movable collateral.
Law firms registered a total value of ZiG52,748 billion on behalf of their clients, underscoring growing confidence in the secured transactions framework.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said the Collateral Registry had witnessed steady growth since its launch in November 2022, reflecting increased utilisation of movable assets to unlock financing across the economy.
“The Collateral Registry has recorded a cumulative 8 690 security interest notices in movable assets since commencement in November 2022, comprising 3 352 (37 percent) active security interest notices, and 5 704 (63 percent) expired registrations.
“As at 31 December 2025, there were 3 352 active registrations in the Collateral Registry with a total principal value of ZiG87,541 billion.
“Banking institutions were the major users of the Collateral Registry with 1 648 active registrations, followed by microfinance institutions with 1 421 entries.
“In terms of value of movable collateral, banking institutions recorded a total of ZiG33,998 billion while law firms registered a total value of ZiG52,748 billion on behalf of clients,” reads part of the statement.
“Lending institutions continue to expand the types of movable assets, which qualify as collateral. During the year to December 31 2025, collateral ranged from household goods, private vehicles, trucks and agricultural equipment to shares,” RBZ said.
Although men continue to pledge higher volumes overall, women are actively utilising movable assets, particularly within the lower to mid-value categories, which reflects increasing financial inclusion and confidence in formal lending systems,” RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said in his presentation.
The figures show the critical role being played by the Second Republic’s financial sector reforms in broadening access to credit, particularly for individuals and small to medium enterprises that may not possess traditional immovable property such as land or buildings.
Banking institutions, with 1 648 active registrations, remain the largest direct users of the registry, signalling strong institutional embrace of the movable collateral framework.
Microfinance institutions follow closely with 1 421 entries, demonstrating the registry’s importance in supporting grassroots and SME financing.
Economist Ms Alice Chikonzo described the development as a major milestone in deepening financial intermediation.
“The steady rise in the value of movable collateral registered demonstrates that Zimbabwe’s secured transactions framework is now firmly embedded in the financial s
Ms Chikonzo said strong participation by banks and law firms reflects institutional trust in the registry system.
“When you see banking institutions accounting for over ZiG33 billion and law firms facilitating more than ZiG52 billion in collateral value, it shows that the market has embraced the reforms. This is critical for supporting industrial growth, agriculture and SMEs.”
Ms Chikonzo said the broadening range of acceptable collateral from household goods and vehicles to agricultural equipment and shares is also transforming the credit landscape.
By recognising a wider asset base, lenders are unlocking liquidity within the economy and empowering borrowers to leverage productive assets
“Also, the expansion from traditional immovable assets to household goods, vehicles, agricultural equipment and even shares is transformative. It means entrepreneurs and households can leverage assets they already own to access capital,” she said.
The gender dimension of the data further signals positive strides in financial inclusion.
The Collateral Registry has become a strategic instrument for strengthening credit infrastructure, improving transparency and reducing lending risks.
As utilisation deepens, it is expected to further stimulate economic activity by enabling businesses and individuals to convert movable assets into capital for growth and expansion.-herald
