The invention relates to a layered double hydroxide comprising a charge-balancing organic anion, wherein the charge-balancing anion is a monovalent anion comprising at least one hydroxyl group, and which comprises less than 20 wt % boehmite. Claimed are also an aqueous slurry, a water borne coating, a composite material and a master batch comprising the said layered double hydroxide as well as the use of the said layered double hydroxide in paper making processes and as stain blocking agent in water borne coating applications.