SFNet Europe: Chapter & NextGen Events - Manchester
October 8, 2026 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM (GMT Daylight Time)
Manchester
Commencing with a NextGen Networking Lunch for professionals under 40 leading into the Chapter Event. During the afternoon there will be three expert panel discussions, closing with a networking drinks reception.
Programme:
1230-1400: NextGen Networking Lunch
1400-1800: Chapter Event
- Panel 1: Market Update
- Comfort break
- Panel 2: Assets, Deception and Risk: Case Studies in ABL Fraud
- Comfort break
- Panel 3: The Future Relevance of Invoice Discounting and Asset-Based Lending
- Closing remarks followed by a Networking Drinks Reception
Panel 1: Market Update
- Kim Hughes, Head of Asset-Based Lending, Skipton Business Finance
- Frank Husken, CEO, Finterface
- James Tarleton, Partner, Finance, Addleshaw Goddard
- Moderator: Julian Osborne, Director, Debt & Capital Advisory, PwC
Panel 2: Assets, Deception and Risk: Case Studies in ABL Fraud
Fraud rarely succeeds through a single failure. It exploits gaps between information, assumptions and verification. This session uses real-world case studies to turn those failures into practical lessons for identifying, assessing and managing fraud risk in ABL, including:
- Where fraud fits into the categories of risk
- A trade finance Ponzi scheme: Sinclair Investment Holdings v Versailles Trade Finance
- The largest UK hire purchase fraud: Arena Television v Yeowart
- A summary of risk factors and lessons
- Harold Brako, Finance Litigation & Disputes Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
- Simon Mills, Barrister, Radcliffe Chambers
Panel 3: The Future Relevance of Invoice Discounting & Asset-Based Lending (ABL)
In this interactive session, the expert panel will be asking and debating the following questions:
- What do you see as the biggest change in the ABL and invoice discounting market over the next 3–5 years?
- Where do you expect AI and technology to have the largest impact in our business?
- Where do you expect to see ABL opportunities in the remainder of Q4 and into HY1 2027?
- Emma Lister, Managing Director, Debt Advisory, FTI Consulting
- Ian Flaxman, Head of Growth Finance, Allica Bank
- Rachel Heighington, Head of SME Restructuring, Shawbrook
- Moderator: Philippa McCarthy, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
Pricing:
- SFNet Europe Members - no charge
- NextGen professionals under 40 - no charge
- Guest of an SFNet member £29
- Non-members £39
Note: programme is subject to change.
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