Which statement on collateral is NOT correct?

The assertion that collateral can be used as the main determinant of a credit decision is not correct because collateral serves primarily as a supplementary factor in the credit evaluation process, rather than the sole basis for decision-making. While it is an important element that provides security to lenders and can mitigate risk, lenders typically consider a variety of factors when assessing creditworthiness, including the borrower's credit history, income, cash flow, and overall financial situation.

Collateral plays a crucial role in securing a loan agreement, as it provides assurance to the lender that they have a tangible asset to claim in case of default. Additionally, collateral's value is evaluated as part of the loan approval process to ensure that it is adequate to cover the loan amount, hence assisting in determining the overall risk associated with lending to the borrower. However, relying solely on collateral without considering other critical aspects would not provide a comprehensive view of the borrower's capacity to repay the loan. Therefore, collateral's function is significant but not exclusive in the context of credit decisions.