Is your business taking full advantage of the benefits that come from registering on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)? Do you know how this legislation impacts your operations? If not, it’s crucial to understand how the PPSR can protect your interests, especially in uncertain financial times.

What is the PPSR?

The PPSR is a national online register that allows businesses and individuals to register their security interests in personal property. This includes goods, assets, or any item of value that can be used as collateral. By registering your interests, you gain legal recognition and protection should your customer or debtor default or become insolvent.

Who should register?

Your business may significantly benefit from the PPSR if you engage in any of the following activities:

• Selling goods on credit: If you extend credit to your customers, registering your interest in the goods you’ve sold can help you reclaim them if the customer fails to pay.
• Hiring out assets for long periods: If you rent out equipment or other assets for over two years, registering these assets can protect them if the lessee becomes insolvent.
• Operating with a 2-entity asset protection structure: If your business uses one entity to own assets and another to trade with those assets, registering on the PPSR can safeguard your assets in case of trading difficulties.
• Providing loans and receiving security: If your business offers loans and takes security over assets, registering ensures you have a legal claim to those assets if the borrower defaults.

The risks of not registering

Failing to register your security interests on the PPSR can lead to substantial financial losses, particularly if your customer or debtor becomes insolvent. In such cases, you could lose the right to reclaim your goods or assets, leaving you exposed to significant financial risk.

The benefits of registering

By registering your interests on the PPSR, you gain several crucial advantages if a customer or debtor becomes insolvent:

• Reclaim Unpaid Stock: If your customer can’t pay, you have the right to repossess the stock you’ve sold but haven’t been paid for.
• Recover Your Assets: You can retrieve assets you own that are in the possession of an insolvent debtor.
• Protection Against Unfair Preference Claims: Registering gives you strong immunity from claims made by a Liquidator under unfair preference provisions.
• Improved Payment Recovery: If your customer is selling their business, having a registered interest increases your chances of getting paid.

Take action

Understanding whether your business is affected by the PPSR and how to leverage its benefits is vital for your financial security. Don’t leave it to chance—ensure your business is protected. If you’re unsure whether you need to register or want to learn more about the benefits, please contact us.  We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the PPSR and safeguard your business assets.

Thank you to Andrew McLellan from EDX Registration Services for coming in to present to the team which has helped us produce this guide.