Until recently, shareholders of publicly traded companies had only two real options for accessing equity vested in their stock portfolio. Investors could use their stock(s) as collateral to obtain very limited bank or broker loans. Typically these loans don't allow for a very high loan to value and usually carry full recourse terms. They could go to their brokerage for very restrictive margin loans which require strong credit worthiness, are limited by size or loan to value, also carry full recourse provisions and are subject to margin maintenance and house calls. Owners of restricted stocks are limited ...