SFNet's Independent Finance Roundtable 2026

April 15 to 16, 2026

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#SFNet IFR26

The premier gathering for entrepreneurial finance executives.

The Independent Finance Roundtable is a forum dedicated to senior executives from non-bank, lender SFNet member companies. Building on the success of past gatherings, this event continues to serve as a space where industry leaders exchange perspectives, sharpen strategies, and engage in candid conversations that move the market forward. Get ready for dynamic discussions that address the forces shaping the lending landscape and illuminate the path ahead for entrepreneurial lenders.

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is our official hotel and venue. We have arranged a discounted rate of $299+ tax per night for attendees. To book your room at this special rate, click here. This discounted rate will expire on March 4, 2026.  If you have questions regarding your reservation, contact the hotel’s reservation department at 404-946-9191. 

 Jump to Registration Info 

Agenda*

Wednesday, April 15

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Joint Opening Reception
Join fellow IFR participants and SFNet Emerging Leaders Summit attendees for an relaxed evening reception where you can reconnect with colleagues and begin building relationships with future industry leaders.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
IFR Dinner
5Church Buckhead
3379 Peachtree Rd NE

Thursday, April 16

7:30 am
Registration Opens

8:00 am - 9:30 am
Breakfast, Networking, Introductions & Ice Breakers

9:30 am - 10:30 am
Roundtable Discussion: M&A
A conversation around the latest M&A trends in the specialty finance market with industry leaders involved in recent transactions.

Moderator: Tim Stute, Managing Director and Head of Specialty Finance, Hovde Group
Panelists: TBA

10:30 am - 10:45 am
Networking Break

10:45 am - 11:45 am
Roundtable Discussion: Human Resources
Independent asset-based lenders face unique human resource challenges because they compete for talent against banks, private credit, and fintech firms while operating with leaner teams and less formal infrastructure. This roundtable will focus on practical hiring, training, and retention challenges—especially across junior staff and middle managers—and how workforce configuration (remote/hybrid/in-person) affects outcomes.

11:45 am - 1:15pm

Lunch with Keynote Speaker

Panel: Fraud

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Networking Break

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Panel - AI Latest Developments

3:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Networking Break

3:34 pm - 4:45 pm
When Good Data Goes Bad: The Shelf Life of Field Exam Data
Get an overview of the shelf life of field exam data and the factors that can cause it to become outdated. Our panelists will discuss the impact of regulatory, economic and operational changes on collateral valuation and share practical thoughts for incorporating more current data into credit decisions.

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
IFR Networking Reception

*Agenda is subject to change.

Registration

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 16, 2026: Full refund, minus a 10% administration fee per registration
• After March 16, 2026: No refunds

Reminder
Please take a moment to review our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone.

Register