Proposed Changes In UCC Address Virtual Currency Financing

Virtual currencies continue to gain acceptance in commercial transactions. As a result, financial institutions are beginning to accept such currencies as collateral for financings. Could this become common for independent film productions and other entertainment industry ventures? However, Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) falls short of providing adequate guidance on how to create or perfect a security interest in virtual currencies. This uncertainty, and the consequent risks to lenders, are further exacerbated by the lack of helpful case law and non-uniform state laws. Recognizing this problem, the Uniform Law Commission and the American Law Institute in 2019 organized the Uniform Commercial Code and Emerging Technologies Committee to consider changes to the UCC intended primarily to address “digital assets” (a term used but not defined by the Code drafters), such as some virtual currencies.