What is the purpose of filing a financing statement under Article 9?

• A. To perfect a security interest.
• B. To transfer ownership.
• C. To declare bankruptcy.
• D. To dissolve a corporation.

Answer: (A)

In Article 9 lending, filing a financing statement serves to perfect a security interest and give third parties public notice of the lender’s lien on the debtor’s collateral. The financing statement (usually a UCC-1) is filed with the appropriate state office and identifies the debtor, the secured party, and a description of the collateral. This public record helps establish the lender’s priority over other creditors if the debtor defaults or goes through bankruptcy. It does not transfer ownership, declare bankruptcy, or dissolve a corporation. Remember, perfection can occur by other means for certain assets, and financing statements themselves have lifespan rules and can be extended, but the core purpose is to perfect and provide notice of the security interest.