MBIA Inc. generates its primary corporate revenues through its insurance subsidiaries by providing financial guarantee insurance, municipal bond credit enhancement, and structured finance products. Essentially, the company acts as a financial guarantor that insures the timely payment of principal and interest on municipal bonds and other complex structured finance obligations to institutional investors. In exchange for providing this vital credit protection and lowering borrowing costs for municipal issuers, MBIA collects upfront and periodic insurance premiums, complemented by investment income earned on its substantial cash and asset portfolios managed over multi-year cycles.