The Chettiars kept lists of individuals who were slow in paying their loan instalments. The fourth column from the left, 'Amount due on date of death', indicates the amount the Chettiar would claim from his client’s next of kin or guarantor should the client pass away before fully settling his debt. These clients were mainly operators of small businesses—Chinese, Eurasians and Indians—who had to produce evidence of secure employment and favourable references to obtain a loan.
