Commercial Financing Disclosures
Section § 22800
This law defines various terms related to commercial financing in California. It explains what constitutes an 'account,' which is essentially a right to collect payment on a debt. An 'accounts receivable purchase transaction' involves selling or transferring the rights to future payments. 'Asset-based lending' is when a business receives advances based on payments from customers. 'Commercial financing' covers several types of financial transactions, none intended for personal use. A 'commercial loan' must be $5,000 or more for business purposes.
'Commercial open-end credit plans' allow recipients to borrow money or pay obligations as needed, with charges based on outstanding balances. The law outlines roles for depository institutions and distinguishes 'factoring,' a specific type of accounts transaction for unpaid goods or services.
A 'provider' makes commercial financing offers, whereas a 'recipient' receives offers for financing up to $500,000. The Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation is also noted in relation to these types of transactions.
Section § 22801
This section outlines situations where a specific division of regulations does not apply. These exceptions include financial providers that are banks, lenders governed by the federal Farm Credit Act, transactions backed by real estate, certain large vehicle-related financial deals, and individuals or businesses conducting very limited financing transactions in California.
Section § 22802
This California law requires financing providers to disclose specific financial details to business clients when offering commercial financing. Before finalizing any transactions, the recipient must receive and sign off on this information. The disclosures include the total amount of funds provided, the overall cost, the payment terms, any prepayment policies, and the total finance cost converted to an annual percentage rate.
Section § 22803
This section provides an alternative for certain commercial financing providers involved in factoring or asset-based lending, allowing them to offer simpler disclosures instead of the usual detailed ones. If they give an agreement outlining general terms, they can disclose just a few key pieces of information as an example for potential transactions. These include the amount financed, total cost, estimated term, payment details, prepayment policies, and the cost of financing as an annual rate.
Section § 22804
This law outlines the responsibilities of the commissioner to create regulations for financial disclosures as detailed in other related sections. These regulations must define the terms used, how calculations are made for disclosures, and set guidelines on when and how these disclosures should be presented to people.
The requirements also include how to disclose the annualized rate, which is essentially a yearly percentage of fees and charges. The law specifies how to calculate this rate, when estimates can be used, and the standards for accuracy. Until these detailed rules are officially put in place, providers don't have to follow the disclosure requirements.
Section § 22805
If you are a provider licensed under the California Financing Law, from the moment the commissioner puts new rules into effect, you can be inspected and held accountable for breaking any rules under this law.
Section § 22806
This section states that a provider is not held responsible if the actual Annual Percentage Rate (APR) they charge ends up being different from the Estimated APR they previously disclosed. This protection applies even if the disclosure was made according to rules or opinions issued by regulatory authorities, like the commissioner or the Attorney General, and those rules or opinions are later changed, canceled, or found to be invalid.