TSL Feature Articles
-
Cannabis Lending: Are You Ready to Fire It Up?
Feb 18, 2025When 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, 2025As 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, 2025TSL’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.
-
Wingspire Capital Continues to Soar After Five Years With Diversified Solutions and a Long-Term View
Feb 3, 2025The 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, 2024The 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.
-
Part 2 -Taking Security in Cross-Border Lending: (How Do You Know) the Steps to Take or Whose Law Is It Anyway?
Dec 2, 2024David 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, 2024Secured 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.
-
Faces of Freedom
Nov 11, 2024Walter 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. -
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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
-
Building the Future of Asset-Based Lending at SLR Capital Partners: An Interview with Mac Fowle and Cedric Henley
Dec 1, 2025
In October, SLR Capital Partners appointed Mac Fowle as president of Asset-Based Lending. In this newly created role, Fowle leads the expansion of SLR's ABL platform by leveraging his more than 20 years of experience in the ABL industry for U.S. middle market borrowers. Fowle reports to Michael Gross and Bruce Spohler, co-founders of SLR, and Cedric Henley, chief risk officer of Specialty Finance. Prior to joining SLR, Fowle served as global head of Asset-Based Lending for J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, responsible for leading the ABL group and supporting client financing needs for Commercial & Investment Banking clients.
Here TSL Express sat down with Mac Fowle and Cedric Henley to discuss the new role and first priorities.
-
Interview with Neil Aaronson, President of Hilco Global
Nov 17, 2025Hilco Global recently announced a strategic transformation designed to position the company for its next stage of growth. The firm has streamlined its 20+ operating companies into two new divisions, Hilco Global Professional Services and Hilco Global Capital Solutions, creating a more integrated platform to deliver comprehensive financial solutions.
As part of this evolution, Neil Aaronson, along with other key executives, will play a central role in driving integration and execution. Here, Neil shares insight into the strategic vision behind the transformation and Hilco Global’s long-term growth goals. -
Strategic Report: U.S. Freight Capacity Shake-Out & Factoring Industry Risk Analysis
Nov 13, 2025The U.S. freight-transportation industry is undergoing one of the most significant structural contractions in its history. Market indicators suggest that up to 600,000 drivers may exit the industry amid suppressed freight volumes, rising operating costs, and persistent margin pressure. This transformation affects the entire transportation ecosystem and poses substantial credit, operational, and fraud risks for factoring companies. -
Navigating the Switch: Practical Considerations in the Transition from Commercial Bank Loans to Private Credit Loans in the Middle Market
Nov 11, 2025Many articles compare syndicated loans and private credit loans as asset classes, often noting the faster execution of private credit lenders and the lower cost of capital in syndicated bank deals. However, these types of articles often skip over the practical challenges that can arise when refinancing a syndicated bank loan with a private credit loan. This article will highlight several of those topics and the related considerations that borrowers in the middle market and lower middle market should keep in mind.
-
Resilient and Strong: Q3 2025 ABL Market Sets Record Amid Macro Uncertainty
Nov 10, 2025
Amid a backdrop of rapidly changing geopolitical risks, trade policy recalibration, rising concern over the labor market and consumer spending and tepid M&A activity, the U.S. asset-based lending market delivered the highest quarterly volume on record excluding the volume relating to LIBOR cessation in 2023.
-
Betty Hernandez: Leading SFNet with Vision and Dedication
Nov 3, 2025Betty Hernandez, executive vice president and chief credit officer, SLR Business Credit, and incoming SFNet president, shares her career journey and extensive involvement with SFNet. She discusses her priorities as SFNet president and vision for the future of the secured finance industry. -
Reflections on Asset-Based Lending with Mike Scolaro
Oct 29, 2025
In the ever-evolving world of secured lending, few voices resonate as deeply as Mike Scolaro, Group Head of Asset-Based Lending at BMO Commercial Bank. Recently featured on SFNet Presents In The Know with host Barry Bobrow, Scolaro, who has announced he will be retiring in the coming months, shared candid reflections on his career, the transformation of ABL, and what lies ahead for the industry.
-
SFNet’s 81st Annual Convention: Building Connections and Strategies for the Future of Secured Finance
Oct 27, 2025Featuring a new Tuesday-Thursday format, with a golf outing on Friday, this year’s SFNet Annual Convention offers unique networking opportunities and timely topical panels to help attendees continue to rise to the challenge. In a time of disruption and transformation, the secured finance community is resilient, innovative, and determined to thrive. The Convention serves as and your opportunity to discover new business prospects, build meaningful connections, and gain critical insights to move your organization forward.
-
The First Brands Collapse: A Cautionary Tale
Oct 14, 2025While lenders have always dealt with “bad or problem loans” as part of the business, the size, complexity and speed in which First Brands collapsed into bankruptcy has rattled lending markets. -
Strategies to Overcome Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) Challenges: Insights and Solutions from Industry Experts
Sep 9, 2025Merchant cash advance (MCA) lending has become a disruptive force in the alternative finance sector, reshaping how small and mid‑sized businesses access capital — and how lenders assess and protect their positions. In a July 29 webinar hosted by SFNet, "Strategies to Overcome MCA Challenges," three leading experts — Richard Simon, partner, Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Marc Mellman, managing director, MCA Stacking Solutions and Stuart Wells, counsel, White and Williams LLP — shared insights on the growth of MCAs, the risks they present, regulatory changes, litigation strategies, and how both lenders and merchants can handle this challenging environment.
The Secured Lender
SFNet's Covention Issue
© 2026 Secured Finance Network
