Secured Transactions Flashcards
Definition of a Secured Transaction
Governed by Article 9 of the UCC, a secured transaction is a transaction intended to create a security interest in personal property or fixtures.
Collateral
Property in which the secured interest is created, and it extends to identifiable proceeds from the property
Types of collateral
- Goods - all things that are movable at the time the security interest attaches
- Consumer Goods: used or bought for use primarily for personal, family or household purposes
- Equipment: used or bought for use primarily in business other than inventory
- Farm products: crops or livestock or supplies used or produced in farming operations (unborn chickens).
- Inventory: goods held by a person who holds them for sale or lease or furnished under service contracts. Materials consumed in a business in a short period of time, usually seen in a retail setting (not for repair).
- Semi-intangible
- Tangible
- Proceeds
How to determine the type of collateral
Depends on the primary use to which the debtor puts the collateral at the time the interest attaches.
Semi-intangible collateral
Collateral that is a right evidenced by a writing. For example: (1) chattel paper (note plus security agreement, equipment lease) (2) negotiable instruments (promissory note, check, CD) (3) documents that represent a right to receive payment (bills of lading, receipts). [Don’t Ingest Coke]
Intangible collateral
Collateral that is a right where a writing is not needed
-Examples include (1) accounts receivable (2) non-consumer deposit accounts (3) commercial tort claims (4) general intangibles (software, patent, trademarks, goodwill) (5) investment property (stocks, bonds)
• Account: right to payment for goods, services, etc., not evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper
Proceeds
Any collateral that has changed in form from when it was received. S.i. attaches whether or not specifically stated in agreement. Can go thru several transformations. If the proceeds have been commingled, then use Lowest Intermediate Balance Test (lowest balance in account from time of deposit).
Purchase Money Security Interest (PMSI)
Exists when a creditor sells the goods or advances funds that are used by the debtor to purchase specific goods – must actually be used to purchase goods.
Dual status rule – PMSI remains even if collateral also secures a non-purchase $$ obligation, or other collateral secures purchase $$ obligation (N/A to consumer goods).
On an essay, what steps should you go through to analyze a secured transaction
- Define security interest
- Identify type of collateral
- Determine whether there has been attachment
- Determine whether the s.i. has been perfected
- Determine whether there has been continuation OR
- Determine Priorities
- Determine Default/Remedies
What is required for a valid Attachment
- Valid security agreement
- Debtor possesses ownership rights in the collateral (doesn’t have to be 100% rights in collateral) and
- Creditor extends value to the debtor
These three requirements must co-exist before security interest attaches
Three types of security agreements
- Written
- Possession
- Control
Written security agreement
Must:
(1) be authenticated by the debtor (2) show an intent to create a security interest and (3) must contain a reasonably identifiable description of collateral (“all property” = too generic, but can describe by type). [AIR]
Requirements When Creditor is in Possession of Collateral
Security Agreement need not be in writing. Creditors:(i) have a duty to use reasonable care; (ii) have a right to reimbursement for expenses; (iii) may repledge collateral.
Risk of loss remains with debtor. Creditor must account for profits - either give to debt, or apply against secured obligation.
Control as evidence of Security Agreement
Control:
• Non-consumer deposit accounts – by bank automatically or by putting acct in creditor’s name or instructing bank to comply with secured party’s orders.
• Chattel paper: something that reliably establishes that creditor is assignee of interests.
• Investment property: when creditor takes steps to permit it to sell property w/o further instruction from owner.
Creditor required to account for propfits
Can creditor repledge collateral over which it has control?
Yes
When does Creditor relinquish control
If debtor no longer owes money, creditor within 10 days of demand must relinquish control
Value - for purposes of attachment
Any consideration is sufficient, even past consideration (like a preexisting debt if s.i. is intended as security for preexisting debt); can be a binding obligation to perform. Usually the loan.
Debtor’s rights - for purposes of attachment
Debtor must have rights in collateral; does not matter who holds title.
Default - title passes to buyer on delivery
Can collateral secure a future advance?
A security agreement may provide that collateral secures future advances, whether or not the advances are mandatory, so long as the security agreement specifically includes a future advances clause.
Can a security interest attached to After Acquired Property?
Yes if security agreement contains an after acquired property clause.
Security agreement attaches to proceeds, whether or not the agreement so provides.
With floating inventory (e.g. tv’s at Best Buy), security interest automatically attaches, don’t need to specify in agreement.
Exceptions to After Acquired Property Rule
Does not apply to consumer goods unless the goods are acquired in 10 days.
N/a to commercial tort claims
Consignments
In cases where consignor (manufacturer) consigns goods to consignee (retailer) for sale, the manufacturer must comply with Article 9 if:
- the goods are wirth $1,000 or more
- The consignor did not use the goods for personal, family or household purposes.
- The consignee is not a consignment store or auctioneer, and generally deals in goods of that kind.
Does Article 9 apply to agricultural liens?
Yes
Are insurance payments and claims for damage proceeds?
Yes, up to the value of the collateral, unless it is payable to someone other than the debtor.
How is a security agreement authenticated?
Signed, or, with the present intent to adopt it, attached to or associated with an electronic sound, symbol or process.
Collateral that cannot be described by type alone in a security agreement
-commercial tort claims
-consumer goods
-consumer security accounts
They must be described more specifically.
Perfection -in general
-cannot happen until attachment is completed.
Standard of care a secured party must use in the custody and preservation of collateral in his possession?
Reasonable care
Accessions
An accession is collateral that DOES NOT lose its identity when commingled with other goods (e.g., engine serving as collateral and installed into car).
A s.i. may be created in accession property.
Commingled Goods
Loses its identity when commingled with other goods. S.i. attaches to product that results.
Eg. s.i. in 100 lbs flour becomes cake
Six methods of perfection
- Filing
- Taking possession
- Automatic Perfection
- Control
- Temporary
- Certificate of title
Filing does not apply to
Deposit accounts of $$
Where do you file a financing statement in Florida?
Financing statements must be filed with the Florida Secured Transaction Registry