TSL Feature Articles

  • John Silvia Economic Outlook
    Apr 14, 2025
    The announcement of new tariffs by President Trump marks the beginning of a critical and uncertain phase for the U.S. economy. While the full impact is still unfolding, early signs point to a significant economic slowdown, rising prices, and heightened inflation.
  • Aliah Lalani Stronger Than Ever: Women, Work and the Power of Resilience
    Mar 11, 2025
    Featuring insights from PNC’s Eileen Kowalski, Newpoint Advisors’ Carin Sorvik, Hilco’s Ervisa Ismailaj, and KPMG’s Andrea Beirne, this article delves into gender dynamics, and the hurdles women face in male-dominated sectors. Discover how these leaders have thrived and their perspectives on the progress—and remaining gaps—in achieving gender parity.
  • The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership:
    Mar 7, 2025
    Learn from inspiring women executives who prove that empathy, active listening, and relationship-building aren’t just soft skills—they’re powerful strategies for business success, driving profitability, retention, and meaningful connections.
  • Cannabis Lending: Are You Ready to Fire It Up?
    Feb 18, 2025
    When Federal and State laws collide, doing business is complicated and fraught.  In this article, Riemer and Braunstein LLP commercial finance attorneys Lon M. Singer and Lyle P. Stein explore the background, evolution, and emerging landscape applicable to financing  industry – with practical guidance for the cannabis1 both the lending and legal communities.
  • Is Your ABL Collateral Covered? Why Action and Close Monitoring Are More Critical Now Than Ever Before
    Feb 10, 2025
    As the market grapples with increased restructurings and rising bankruptcy costs, asset-based lenders face significant risks if they fail to understand the true position of their collateral within a timely manner.  Across industries, asset values are declining rapidly.  This necessitates more active and frequent collateral and borrowing-base monitoring.  This article explores the challenges and evolving trends across asset classes and the implications for asset-based lenders. 
  • Interview with Otterbourg Attorneys: Over 100 Years of Providing Legal Expertise to the Secured Finance Industry
    Feb 5, 2025
    TSL’s editor-in-chief sat down with Otterbourg attorneys Allen Cremer, Dan Fiorillo, Pauline McTernan and Lena Surilov, to discuss the firm’s secret to success over the past 100 years, what lenders should look out for in 2025 and possible implications of the election. Based in New York City, Otterbourg represents financial institutions (including banks, asset-based lenders, hedge funds, finance companies and insurance companies) and corporations and other business enterprises.
  • David Wisen Headshot Wingspire Capital Continues to Soar After Five Years With Diversified Solutions and a Long-Term View
    Feb 3, 2025
    The Secured Lender’s editor-in-chief sat down with David Wisen, founder & CEO of Wingspire Capital, to discuss Wingspire’s evolution and keys to success as well as his outlook for the future.
  • Celebrating the Achievements of SFNet Chapters
    Dec 17, 2024
    The Secured Finance Network’s 20 Chapters are comprised of professionals with great insight and experience. From golf outings to educational events, several Chapters shared their highlights from the past year. 
  • David Morse photo Part 2 -Taking Security in Cross-Border Lending: (How Do You Know) the Steps to Take or Whose Law Is It Anyway?
    Dec 2, 2024
    David Morse of Otterbourg P.C. explores the key relevant rights of the Secured Lender and “Third-Party Effectiveness”, what happens if the obligor on the receivable is located outside
    of the United States?, Rome I Regulation and more. Part 1 of this article appeared in the September/October issue of The Secured Lender.
  • Appraisers See a Mixed Picture for Valuations
    Nov 18, 2024
    Secured lenders increasingly rely on appraisers for swift and accurate valuations amid rising complexities in asset-based lending. With business bankruptcies up 40% and ongoing supply chain challenges, appraisers must adapt quickly to maintain their vital role in the underwriting process, ensuring lenders receive the critical insights needed to navigate this evolving landscape.
  • Walter Schuppe Faces of Freedom
    Nov 11, 2024
    Walter Schuppe, formerly of Pacific Western Bank, started Faces of Freedom in 2019 to
    express gratitude to and honor the sacrifices and service of U.S. Military veterans and their families. The project uses black and white portraits and oral histories, as told by each veteran, to help connect a face with a personal story.
  • TSL1124_RobertMeyers_InterviewPhoto_150 Eyes on the Future: SFNet Welcomes its Youngest President in 80 Years
    Nov 4, 2024

    Robert Meyers, managing member and president of Republic Business Credit, discusses his over 10 years of SFNet involvement to where he is today, as well as his goals as SFNet’s incoming president, which include creating a larger and more inclusive community to benefit its members and accelerate access to those in need of capital.

  • Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Lending Industry
    Oct 14, 2024
    Attorneys from Mandelbaum Barrett PC explore how the rising cyber threats and stringent regulations facing lenders and the essential strategies for developing robust cybersecurity programs, safeguarding data, and maintaining regulatory compliance in a rapidly changing landscape.
  • TSL1123_BarryBobrow SFNet 2024 President Barry Bobrow Reflects on a Successful Year
    Oct 2, 2024
    Bobrow discusses the highlights of his tenure as president of SFNet, challenges and opportunities faced, and advice for incoming SFNet President, Rob Meyers.
  • morse, david Taking Security in Cross-Border Lending: (How Do You Know) the Steps to Take or Whose Law Is It Anyway?
    Sep 26, 2024
    Navigating cross-border secured financing presents a complex challenge, where choice of law and conflict of law rules create an intricate maze. Unlike straightforward domestic transactions under the Uniform Commercial Code, international financing demands careful scrutiny of diverse jurisdictions’ laws. David Morse of Otterbourg P.C. explores the practical steps lenders must take to secure rights over assets like inventory and receivables across multiple countries to ensure the lender has the benefit of such security. Part 2 of this article will appear in the November/December issue.
  • The Evolution and Impact of Factoring Services Amidst Global Supply Chain Disruptions
    Sep 23, 2024
    In recent years, global supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges, from pandemic-induced disruptions to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. As businesses grapple with these issues, factoring has emerged as a critical solution for managing cash flow and mitigating risks. SFNet members provide insight into how factoring has evolved, its impact on the supply chain, and real-world examples of its effectiveness.
  • An Interview with SFNet’s Co-General Counsels: Bobbi Acord Noland and Jonathan Helfat
    Sep 17, 2024
    In the ever-evolving landscape of secured finance, few roles are as pivotal as that of general counsel for a major industry trade association. For Bobbi Acord Noland and Jon Helfat, this role at the Secured Finance Network (SFNet) has been a journey of leadership, challenge, and growth.
  • Michele Ocejo Unlock the Future of Supply Chain Finance: Join SFNet’s December Conference for Key Insights and Networking
    Nov 20, 2024
    On December 3, SFNet will host its first Supply Chain Finance Conference, at Greenberg Traurig in New York City. Industry leaders and experts will converge to explore the latest trends and insights in supply chain finance. This full-day event will provide invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities, featuring a diverse range of sessions designed to deepen your understanding of the supply chain finance ecosystem.
  • LauraJ_GoldbergKohn Public Data in Cross-Border Lending
    Sep 2, 2024
    Data and precedent play a key role in your ability to structure, negotiate and document lending transactions. In cross-border deals, access to this data is especially essential and can be more challenging to locate. Laura Jakubowski of Goldberg Kohn provides the information you need to arm yourself with vital information. 
  • CharliePerer_2023 headshot_150 Succession: ABL Industry Needs a Plan
    The ABL industry is struggling with succession challenges. Founders are synonymous with their firms, yet many lack succession plans despite good health and changing industry dynamics. The generational shift demands innovation and client-centric approaches. Planning and communication are crucial. Unlike TV drama, ABL leaders must ensure smooth transitions to secure their legacies and firms’ futures amidst industry upheaval.

Click on the link below to meet some of the “difference makers” in the secured finance community. This issue of The Secured Lender celebrates those who are having a profound impact on both their communities and their organizations. 

See Profiles


Previous TSL Articles

  • bazaz, alister Navigating Change: A Preview of SFNet’s 2025 International Lending Conference with Alister Bazaz
    Apr 29, 2025
    SFNet's International Lending Conference, held in London on May 12-13, 2025, is attended by a dynamic community of global lenders, innovators, and dealmakers in the heart of London. We sat down with the chair of the International Lending Conference Planning Committee, Alister Bazaz, head of International Asset Based Lending & Asset Based Digital Innovation at Bank of America, to discuss the planning process and the event.
  • Austin Financial Services and Stearns Bank Enter New Strategic Joint Venture
    Apr 22, 2025
    Austin Financial Services, Inc. (AFS), a leading nationwide provider of asset-based lending (ABL) solutions, announced it has entered into a new strategic joint venture with Stearns Bank, a well-capitalized, employee-owned financial services institution committed to helping small businesses, entrepreneurs and communities reach their full economic potential.
  • ABL Navigates New Economic Crosswinds
    Apr 16, 2025
    The Secured Finance Network (SFNet) has released its Q4 2024 Asset-Based Lending Index and Lender Confidence Index, offering a snapshot of a resilient ABL market.  SFNet’s Data Committee has also published an overview of the market drawing from SFNet’s 2024 Annual ABL Survey, syndicated market data from LSEG LPC, and new macroeconomic insights from KeyBridge Research. This article examines where ABL stands—and where it’s heading—as the lending landscape adapts to a higher-stakes economy.
  • Dave Spandorfer Interview with SFNet’s Emerging Leaders Summit Keynote Speaker Dave Spandorfer, CEO & Co-Founder of Janji
    Apr 15, 2025

    Now in its 8th year, the Emerging Leaders Summit is a dynamic conference designed to unite professionals with 6-15 years of experience in secured finance. This year’s keynote speaker is Dave Spandorfer, CEO & Co-Founder of Janji, a start-up apparel organization that links runners with exploring and giving back. We sat down to speak with Spandorfer to discuss the history of the brand, the role funding from Assembled Brands played in its growth, and its commitment to social impact.  

     
  • Gen Merritt-Parikh Empowering or Overshadowing? Balancing Technology and Expertise in ABL

    When asked, “Is technology empowering or overshadowing expertise in asset-based lending?” the answer is simple: Yes.

    We’re in an era where technology’s efficiency and human expertise should work together, and if balanced thoughtfully, we can absolutely have both. But this requires intention. As we lean into technology, we must preserve the critical thinking that defines the art of ABL.

  • Michael Haddad Empathy from the C-Suite: Michael Haddad’s Lessons Learned From His Self-Run Job Process
    Apr 7, 2025

    In this installment of our executive interview series, Charlie Perer sits down with past SFNet president Michael Haddad to discuss the current commercial finance hiring market and his unique, self-directed approach to securing his next leadership role, among other topics.

    For those who haven't been following, Michael has been sharing insightful weekly updates on LinkedIn about his personal journey in finding his next opportunity.

  • PKF O’Connor Davies Expands Advisory Service Offerings with PKF Clear Thinking Integration
    Apr 1, 2025
    PKF O'Connor Davies announced that its subsidiary, PKF Clear Thinking, integrated under the PKF O'Connor Davies name, effective January 29, 2025. TSL Express’ senior editor sat down with Stuart Kessler, senior advisor at PKF O’Connor Davies and Jonathan Moore, partner-in-charge of Advisory Services at PKF O'Connor Davies, to discuss the integration and how combining the expertise of both firms creates added value.
  • Mastering the Art of Communication: Strategies for Building Stronger Business Relationships
    Mar 24, 2025
    In an era when technology and business move faster than ever, mastering communication is key to professional success. SFNet’s webinar, “The Art of Communication,” held March 4, brought together secured finance industry professionals at various career stages to discuss the evolving communication landscape in 2025. Panelists explored best practices for balancing technology with human connection, choosing the right mode of communication for different scenarios, and improving overall efficiency and productivity.
  • Recognizing Excellence: Women in Secured Finance Profiles
    Mar 19, 2025
    In our annual Women in Secured Finance issue of The Secured Lender we recognize and celebrate more than 40 remarkable women in the secured finance industry.
  • TSLExpres_BobSeidenberger Selling with Experience: Bob Seidenberger on His New Role at Franklin Capital and Market Outlook
    Mar 13, 2025

    With almost 40 years in commercial finance, including recent roles at Bridgeport Capital and Bay View Funding, and a strong commitment to helping businesses secure working capital, Seidenberger brings substantial industry knowledge to Franklin Capital’s senior team. Here we sat down with Seidenberger to learn more about his new role at Franklin Capital and his predictions for the industry this year.