SFNet's Emerging Leaders Summit 2026
April 14 to 15, 2026
Atlanta, GA
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#SFNetLeaders26
SFNet's Emerging Leaders Summit is where the next generation of secured finance professionals comes together to connect, learn and grow. You'll find thought-provoking discussions, opportunities to engage with industry visionaries, and valuable connections with peers who share your drive and ambition.
Summit attendees will have two exclusive chances to build high-impact connections with industry leaders. On April 14, enjoy a joint reception with SFNet’s Executive Committee, Bank CEO Roundtable participants, and SFNet Chapter Leaders. On April 15, we'll hold a joint reception with senior executives from non-bank, lender SFNet member companies who are participating in the Independent Finance Roundtable.
CLE and CPE credits will be available at this conference.
See Who Is Coming to the Summit
The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is our official hotel and venue. We have arranged a discounted room rate of $299+ tax per night for attendees. To take advantage of this rate, click here. The discounted rate is extended toMarch 30, 2026. If you have questions regarding your reservation, contact the hotel’s reservation department at 404-946-9191.
Agenda*
Tuesday, April 14
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Joint Reception at The Americano
Sponsored by Gordon Brothers
Join fellow Summit participants, SFNet's Executive Board, Bank CEO Roundtable attendees, and SFNet Chapter Leaders at The Americano, located on the hotel's lobby level. Enjoy a relaxed evening reception where you can connect with colleagues and meet industry titans.
6:30 pm
Group Trip to Atlanta Braves Game
Limited seats - add this $150 event when you register for the conference*.
Make your Summit unforgettable with an exclusive night at the ballpark! Join fellow attendees for a premium game-day experience watching the Atlanta Braves play the Miami Marlins from Dugout Reserved Seats at Truist Park. Enjoy free ice cream and popcorn in Chipper's Corner Dugout Lounge and an added $20 to use anywhere in the park. Roundtrip transportation included.
- Departure: Bus pickup at 6:30 pm from the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta.
- Return: Bus parking area is along Windy Ridge Parkway (map), near the stadium entrance.
- *No refunds for this activity will be issued after March 25.
Wednesday, April 15
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Registration
Sponsored by Cost Reduction Solutions
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Breakfast and Networking
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Titans in the Industry: Success, Strategy and What's Next
A panel of seasoned leaders in secured finance share firsthand perspectives on building successful careers, teams, and institutions, as well as the current state of the ABL market. From pivotal career decisions to managing through disruption, panelists will reflect on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels and discuss the skills, strategies, and trends shaping the future of the industry.
Moderator: Robert Meyers, President, Republic Business Credit
Panelists: Amy Barrentine, Head of Originations, Regions Business Capital
Terry Keating, Business Head, Valley National Business Capital
Gen Merritt-Parikh, CO-CEO & President, Haversine Funding
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Networking Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Next Generation of ABL: Careers, Challenges and Opportunities
A panel of emerging ABL leaders share real-world perspectives on building a career in ABL. They will discuss career paths, critical skills, mentorship, navigating early challenges, and how the ABL market is evolving for the next generation of professionals.
Moderator: Joye Lynn, Head of Underwriting, Wells Fargo Capital Finance
Panelists: William Kemp, Regional Sales Manager, Republic Business Credit
Claire McNamara, VP-Underwriting, Mountain Ridge Capital
Candice Peters, AVP, Portfolio Manager, Valley Bank
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch and Fireside Chat—Strategic Choices for U.S. Banks in Europe
As Europe's regulatory framework continues to evolve under Capital Requirements Directive VI, cross-border banking is entering a new phase. This session examines available options for U.S. banks' strategic approach to lending in Europe, from local branches to non-bank structures, EU subsidiaries, reverse solicitation, and partnership models and discusses how banks, with proper advisory support, can sustainably continue their European activities within the new regulatory framework.
Moderator: Laurens Spelten, Associate, NautaDutilh
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Keynote Speaker Seth Benefield
A fireside chat with Seth Benefield, Head of Asset-Based Finance, Bank of America Business Capital, and Bobbi Accord Noland, Partner, Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP.
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Networking Break
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Women in ABL: Shaping the Future of the Industry
Sponsored by JPalmer Collective
This session highlights the perspectives of emerging women leaders on building successful careers in ABL. Panelists will share candid experiences on career development, mentorship, and the challenges that still exist across roles and institutions. The conversation will also emphasize the shared responsibility of gender equality across leadership, peers, and institutions alike.
Moderator: Terry Keating, Business Head, Valley National Business Capital
Panelists: Marianna Hannart, FVP Business Development Officer, ABL, Valley Bank
Eunice Kepka, Business Development Officer, JPalmer Collective
Susan Thompson, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Networking Break
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Liability Management Exercises: Keys to Avoiding Legal Landmines for ABL Lenders
Sponsored by Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
Liability management exercises have become a defining feature of today’s restructuring landscape, and ABL lenders are increasingly on the front lines. This panel will examine the most common LME structures, including dropdowns, up tiers, and other priming transactions, and how they have played out in recent market deals and litigation. Panelists will discuss key lender risk areas, evolving court treatment of sacred rights and ‘effect of’ language, and the practical protections lenders should be negotiating in credit agreements.
Moderator: Bethani R. Oppenheimer, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Panelists: Dan Ennis, Partner, Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP
Sarah Frazier, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Kevin O’Malley, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Rick Thide, Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Joint Reception
Sponsored by Rouse Services
Round out the Summit with a chance to meet senior executives from non-bank, lender SFNet member companies who are attending our Independent Finance Roundtable.
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Group Dinner - location TBA
*Agenda is subject to change.
Thank you to our conference sponsors
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Pricing
Member pricing applies to employees of SFNet member organizations. Not sure if your company is a member? Click here to confirm.
Cancellation policy
All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Email requests to Betty at BLam@sfnet.com.
- Registration open - March 15, 2026: Full refund, minus a 10% administration fee per registration
- After March 15, 2026: No refunds
Please take a moment to review our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone.
Member Price: $250
Non-Member Price: $350
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