For SBA lenders
Short answer
Yes, a properly filed UCC-1 financing statement is generally sufficient to perfect a lien on most tangible and intangible personal property business assets, but real estate requires a recorded mortgage.
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) governs security interests in personal property. Filing a UCC-1 statement in the appropriate jurisdiction (typically the state where the debtor is located) provides public notice of the lender's security interest, establishing lien priority over subsequent creditors.
For a loan secured by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and general intangibles, the lender files a UCC-1 financing statement with the Secretary of State in the state where the borrower is organized. This filing perfects the lender's lien on these assets.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on collateral & lien requirements
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