TSL Feature Articles
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Eyes on the Future: SFNet Welcomes its Youngest President in 80 Years
Nov 4, 2024Robert 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.
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Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Lending Industry
Oct 14, 2024Attorneys 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.
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SFNet 2024 President Barry Bobrow Reflects on a Successful Year
Oct 2, 2024Bobrow discusses the highlights of his tenure as president of SFNet, challenges and opportunities faced, and advice for incoming SFNet President, Rob Meyers. -
Taking Security in Cross-Border Lending: (How Do You Know) the Steps to Take or Whose Law Is It Anyway?
Sep 26, 2024Navigating 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, 2024In 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.
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An Interview with SFNet’s Co-General Counsels: Bobbi Acord Noland and Jonathan Helfat
Sep 17, 2024In 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.
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Unlock the Future of Supply Chain Finance: Join SFNet’s December Conference for Key Insights and Networking
Nov 20, 2024On 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. -
Public Data in Cross-Border Lending
Sep 2, 2024Data 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. -
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. -
Factoring Industry Remains Resilient Amid Economic Shifts
Aug 12, 2024The U.S. economy wrapped up 2023 on a robust note, buoyed by resilient consumer spending and a solid labor market.
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The State of Asset-Based Lending in Q1 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis
Aug 6, 2024The first quarter of 2024 presented a complex landscape for asset-based lending (ABL) and the broader economic context. According to the SFNet Q1 2024 Asset-Based Lending and Confidence Index surveys, the ABL industry exhibited both stability and cautious optimism despite the economic headwinds.
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Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Key Insights from the SFNet Market Pulse Report
Aug 1, 2024As we delve into the second quarter of 2024, the financial landscape is marked by both challenges and opportunities. The latest SFNet Market Pulse Report provides a comprehensive analysis of various economic indicators, trends, and projections that are crucial for stakeholders in the secured finance (notably asset-based lending and factoring) industries. This article synthesizes the key findings and insights from the report, offering a detailed overview of the current economic outlook, credit markets, consumer finances, sector activity, and global economic trends.
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Understanding the Complexities of Recruiting and Retaining Talent
Jul 1, 2024The secured finance industry is feeling the strain as the industry ages and its most experienced executives retire. Here, SFNet members offer their points of view on the challenge.
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Where Are They Now? Catching up with Previous SFNet 40 Under 40 Award Winners
Jun 17, 2024Past SFNet 40 Under 40 Award recipients discuss how the Award affected their careers and offer advice to the next generation.
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Interview with Jeff Dunlop and Maria McGuire of Goldberg Kohn, SFNet Past 40 Under 40 Award Recipients
Jun 5, 2024Earlier this year, Jeffrey B. Dunlop and Maria T. McGuire were named co-chairs of Goldberg Kohn’s Commercial Finance Practice Group. They succeed Michael Hainen, who completed his highly successful nine-year term as the practice group leader at the end of 2023.
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Navigating the Roadblocks: Challenges and Progress in the U.S. Electric Vehicle Revolution
May 1, 2024As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, lenders face an uncertain path forward. The successful transition to EVs will require substantial investment at all levels, from charging technology and coverage to dealership infrastructure. As the effect on total cost of ownership unfolds, the residual value models that underpin the entire industry will need to be redefined, impacting financing and leasing. Lenders to the mobility sector should be prepared for further disruption which will provide either opportunities or create credit challenges as companies navigate this dynamic landscape. -
Armstrong Flooring Bankruptcy: The Alchemy of Creating Value from Accounts Receivable
Apr 25, 2024Finding the right combination of capital resources and strategic knowledge in the sale and restructuring of a business is complicated; but when it works, this seemingly magical process of transformation creates incremental value for all constituents involved in the bankruptcy process. Take the case of Armstrong Flooring, and three affiliated companies, that each filed petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware seeking relief under Chapter 11 on May 8, 2022. -
The Ins & Outs of DEI Fatigue
Apr 11, 2024Since the DEI “field” is a potpourri of research, advocacy, political ideations,
and personal perspectives from multiple fields, it is difficult for people to know which sources of information to trust. One of the latest urgent fascinations that has captured our collective attention is “DEI Fatigue.” -
Ally and Affinity Groups: Helping to Bring Our True Selves to Work
Industry ally and affinity group members and leaders share their stories and discuss how their organization’s groups began and their benefits.
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2024 Threats to Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses – Lenders Beware
How will reduced consumer spending and increased leverage cost stress manufacturing & industrial companies in the year ahead?
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.
Previous TSL Articles
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SFNet ILC Conference Highlight: Lending on Inventory to a Cross-Border Business
May 20, 2025The following is an overview of the Lending on Inventory to Cross-Border Business, held May 13 during SFNet’s International Lending Conference in London. David Morse, partner, Otterbourg P.C. moderated. Panelists included: John Boxall, Managing Director, Hilco Valuation Services Europe; Christopher M. Chubb, Partner, Mayer Brown International LLP; Elena Egorova, Head of Operations, DRUM Advisory; and Frank Husken, Managing Director, Finterface.
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SFNet WISF Conference Speaker, Suzy Welch, on Authentic Leadership, Career Clarity, and the Power of Values
May 7, 2025Suzy Welch will be a featured speaker at SFNet’s Women in Secured Finance Conference, held June 11-12 in New York City. She is an award-winning NYU Stern School of Business professor, acclaimed management researcher, and New York Times best-selling author, most recently with “Becoming You: A Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career,” which is also a #1 bestseller on Amazon. -
Middle Market Lending in 2025: Adjustment Amid Uncertainty
May 6, 2025According to LSEG LPC’s Middle Market Syndicated Stats, 2024 closed strong:
- Total syndicated middle market loan volume reached $159.6 billion, a 32% YoY increase.
- New money issuance totaled $78.8 billion, with refinancings at $80.8 billion.
- Institutional middle market volume hit $24 billion, more than doubling YoY.
- Covenant-lite issuance rose by 117%, reaching $3.5 billion. -
Navigating Change: A Preview of SFNet’s 2025 International Lending Conference with Alister Bazaz
Apr 29, 2025SFNet'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, 2025Austin 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.
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ABL Navigates New Economic Crosswinds
Apr 16, 2025The 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.
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Interview with SFNet’s Emerging Leaders Summit Keynote Speaker Dave Spandorfer, CEO & Co-Founder of Janji
Apr 15, 2025Now 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.
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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.
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Empathy from the C-Suite: Michael Haddad’s Lessons Learned From His Self-Run Job Process
Apr 7, 2025In 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.
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PKF O’Connor Davies Expands Advisory Service Offerings with PKF Clear Thinking Integration
Apr 1, 2025PKF 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.
The Secured Lender
SFNet's The 81st Annual Convention Issue
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