Herbert Silverman

Herbert R. Silverman was a leading figure in the commercial finance industry, distinguished attorney and philanthropist. 

A pioneer and innovator in the commercial finance industry,  Silverman was the founding president of the National Commercial Finance Conference (NCFC) (1948-1952) and served as its chairman from 1952-1958. The NCFC—alongside NCARC—was a principal predecessor to today’s Secured Finance Network. During its formative decade, Silverman established the governance, professional standards, and national identity of the commercial finance industry. His leadership helped transform a fragmented post war field into a coordinated national association that would ultimately evolve into SFNet.

When the U.S. found itself mired again in a war – the Korean War, which began in June 1950, Silverman announced a key subject at an October 1950 Conference on “Commercial Finance in a War Economy," ensuring the industry remained relevant. 

In parallel with his association leadership, Silverman played a defining role in the growth of one of the industry’s most influential institutions: James Talcott, Inc. After founding Centaur Credit Corporation, he engineered its 1945 merger with Talcott, joining the executive team of what would become one of the largest and most respected factoring and commercial finance companies in the United States. Silverman rose through senior leadership roles—executive vice president, president (1958), and ultimately chairman and CEO (1961–1973)—guiding Talcott through a period of national expansion and strategic modernization. His tenure helped shape the professionalization and scale of secured finance during the mid 20th century.

Silverman was also a senior advisor to Bank Julius Baer and chairman of the Finance Committee at Helmsley-Spear, Inc, from 1974-1990. 

Silverman received a BA from NYU in 1932, and a JD from St. Lawrence University in 1935. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1935. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he was the founding president of NYU's first all university student body government. 

In addition to his achievements as a business leader, Silverman was a Life Trustee of the NYU Board of Trustees and Medical Center; Honorary Retired Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, NYU; Adjunct Professor of Finance, NYU College of Business and Public Administration, 1973-1978; Professor of Finance, BPA; President, NYU Alumni Federation, 1958-1961; and founding Chairman of the NYU $111 Million Leadership Campaign. Silverman was a recipient of the Golden Medallion for Humanitarian Services, B'nai B'rith and the Albert Gallatin Award, NYU. He was a member of the ABA and New York Bar Association.  

Silverman died on Thursday, August 21, 2003, in New York City.