# FAQ ### Getting Started & Eligibility
Who is eligible to borrow? USD.AI lends to neoclouds and AI infrastructure operators with installed, revenue-generating GPU hardware. The protocol does not finance speculative hardware, purchase orders alone, or general business loans. All loans are collateralized directly against the physical assets.
How do I get started? Visit [GPUloans.com](https://gpuloans.com) and fill out our [intake form](https://www.gpuloans.com/contact). Borrowing is not publicly self-serve. The team will conduct initial diligence before presenting loan terms.
How long does the loan process take? The full process, from initial inquiry through purchase order, hardware build, shipping, installation, and escrow release, typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on deal complexity and hardware lead times.
Why aren't there more loans? The loan process takes from a few days to several months depending on complexity. In these early stages, the protocol is being deliberately prudent to ensure robust underwriting. The process involves two main stages: (1) Underwriting — evaluating the business, assets, and legal structure; (2) Install — receiving hardware, installing, and verifying.
### Loan Structure & Risk
What is an SPV and why do I need one? A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a bankruptcy-remote legal entity that holds your GPU assets separately from your operating company. This is a standard requirement for all USD.AI loans; it protects the collateral from your broader balance sheet and is a core part of what makes the loan structure enforceable.
How many loans are live? Check the current status of all loans at [app.usd.ai/reserves](https://app.usd.ai/reserves).
What happens to my operations if I default? In the event of default, USD.AI works collaboratively with the borrower to find a buyer for the hardware. This process is supported by partnerships with IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) firms who can physically retrieve and resell the GPUs if needed, and Barkr's value reinsurance coverage protects against unexpected hardware depreciation. Your datacenter operations are not automatically disrupted.
What is a DSRA and how much do I need to fund it? A Debt Service Reserve Account is a reserve retained at closing, typically around 10% of the gross loan amount, to cover interest payments in the event of a shortfall. Borrowers who fund their DSRA in USDai are eligible for a reduced interest rate.
GPUs depreciate fast. How is that risk handled? Through conservative credit structuring: \~75% LTV (25% equity cushion), amortizing loan structures (\~36 months), focus only on installed revenue-generating GPUs (not speculative hardware), and the existence of an active secondary market supporting recovery in liquidation scenarios. The protocol underwrites GPUs as productive infrastructure with near-term cash flow, not as long-duration assets held for appreciation.
### Legal, Structure & Partners
Who is behind USD.AI? USD.AI is governed by the USD.AI Foundation, a Cayman Islands Foundation Company that holds the protocol's intellectual property and represents all stakeholder interests. The Foundation is the shepherd of governance and the parent entity of GPU Finance Ltd. USD.AI Foundation is also the current approved Tokenizing Agent for GPU loans. Permian Labs is the technical and operational service provider — the team that built the original protocol and continues to provide engineering, deal origination, and operational services.
Why is my hardware being monitored by Aravolta? Aravolta's real-time hardware monitoring is a standard component of every USD.AI loan. It provides the protocol with ongoing visibility into collateral health (usage, uptime, and location) throughout the life of the loan. This is required as part of the underwriting and servicing infrastructure, not optional.
What is the role of Wilmington Trust in my loan? Wilmington Trust acts as the independent Escrow Agent, holding your loan proceeds in a segregated sub-account until hardware is installed, verified, and all escrow conditions are met. They provide a neutral, regulated custody layer between capital commitment and fund disbursement.
What is a bridge lender and do I need one? A bridge lender provides short-term gap financing between your purchase order and the permanent USD.AI debt takeout. Not all borrowers require a bridge — it depends on your hardware procurement timeline and equity structure. The USD.AI team will advise on whether a bridge is needed during the underwriting process.