TSL Feature Articles

When we set out to rebrand the Commercial Finance Association over a year ago, we knew we wanted to build on our proud heritage while looking to the future. That timeless adage “remember where you came from” was at the forefront of our minds as we discussed the new brand. There were many positive attributes that we wanted to preserve as we planned to reposition our value proposition to align with the priorities of our diverse network. 

Michael D. Sharkey is the president of Fifth Third Business Capital. He oversees a nationwide market with regional offices across the United States and Canada. Sharkey is past president and chairman of Secured Finance Network.  He is also past president of the American Brain Tumor Association. Sharkey is a graduate of Rutgers University and J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Here he discusses his long career, the outlook for the industry and Fifth Third’s acquisition of MB.

As with any industry, lending to the business aviation sector comes with its own set of risks. Shelley Svoren of First Republic Bank gives readers the insider’s tips on this industry.

Tim Anderson of Hilco Valuation Services discusses Omnichannel appraisals, which are now more common than traditional brick-and-mortar appraisals.  

Capital One executives discuss how innovation in the food & beverage sector are making it an industry lenders don’t want to ignore.

A Conway MacKenzie executive provides an overview of the construction industry, including its unique cycles. Lending into the construction sector can prove to be a lucrative decision if extensive due diligence is conducted deep into a company’s financials. There are a wide range of factors and potential pitfalls to consider, understand and navigate properly.

Money-laundering statutes, restrictive banking regulations and the stigma surrounding the cannabis industry have caused established banks and well-known independent secured lenders to stay clear, but the possibility of new regulations may ease their fears.

As a leading authority and 25-year veteran of the investment and commercial banking sectors, Dave Kucera, head of Capital One’s Financial Institutions Group, sat with TSL Express’ senior editor to discuss best practices for managing market cycles. Including the commercial banking trends to watch out for in 2023 and key steps financial institutions can take to better navigate the current economic landscape. 

Conference Aims to Set New Strategies for the New World

Now three years since the onset of the global pandemic, the asset-based capital market, like so many others, finds itself at a new beginning. While the economy and environment continue to shift, the asset-based capital community has taken uncertainty into account for its business plans as it marches into a new year. SFNet’s ABCC theme, “The Great Reboot,” is about setting new strategies for a new world.

“We’ve been able to bring together some of the best minds in the space to help us put these changes in context and offer practical implications for our business plans going forward,” Rich Gumbrecht, SFNet CEO, said.  I don’t know if we’ve ever had a more august set of speakers.  You’ll want to take good notes.”

The third quarter saw continued confidence in the asset-based lending market, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network, and that was welcome news as the country wrestles with inflation, rising interest rates and a slowed economy.

SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.  

The third quarter saw continued confidence in the asset-based lending market, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network, and that was welcome news as the country wrestles with inflation, rising interest rates and a slowed economy.

SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.  

“Despite the challenges, the asset-based lending industry remains on solid footing,” said SFNet CEO Richard D. Gumbrecht. “Portfolio performance is strong by historical standards, commitments are up, and lenders anticipate strong demand. Overall, the industry is decently-positioned to weather worsening business conditions and a potential recession.”

Cannabis remains a controlled substance at the federal level, but a number of states have legalized it under state law.  As a result, marijuana-related business (MRB) lending is ripe for growth. However, banks and non-bank lenders are entering this sector with caution. The presenters at SFNet’s 78th Annual Convention in November provided Canadian and U.S. perspectives on this dynamic market.

SFNet’s Annual Convention was held in Austin from November 9-11.  This article provides an overview of the key topics addressed. 

Listening to Convention keynoter Peter Zeihan’s geopolitical perspectives is a reminder of the many global and economic disruptors possible and all that one can’t control. However, in keeping with the event’s theme of "Mastering Disruption, Putting Capital to Work in the New Global Environment,” the breakout sessions triggered healthy discussion about what a new global environment for lending could look like, how data could be more strategically used to protect cross-border interests or prevent fraud, and how new supply chain models are forming. The factoring and asset-based lending sessions presented ways to master their markets while facing recessionary headwinds.

Besides the many opportunities to network with peers and clients, attendees in Austin, TX, could absorb others’ views on economic conditions affecting the industry and dive into niche topics of strategic importance.

The way an organization handles change is critical to its success, particularly during periods of uncertainty. In the year 500 B.C., the Greek philosopher Heraclitus observed that life was in flux, with everything constantly on the verge of becoming something else. He noted that resisting this natural flow was a hindrance to progress and growth in all aspects of life.

Resistance, however, has proven to be a very normal human response to change over the centuries and in organizations today, often manifests itself in the form of the formidable Change-Prevention Committee. 

Food. It’s at the heart of all our lives. We love it – we think about it – we plan it – we talk about it.

Never before has there been so much focus on food: where it comes from, how much it costs and how to keep getting it. Just about all of us who have recently bought groceries think: “Wow – that’s a lot more expensive than it was last year.” When I said that recently to a good friend, she responded that this must be due to inflation and Ukraine. I thought: that is too simple an answer.

In this installment of our series of executive interviews, Charlie Perer sits with Matthew Bjonerud of Cerebro Capital to hear his perspective on the state of the debt capital markets, building a new distribution channel, the future of lending and technology, among other things.

SFNet's Cross-Border Lending Summit - “This Is Not a Drill” – is returning live online event on September 15 and September 22, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET each day. For the 9th year in a row, SFNet is bringing timely and provocative panels addressing issues that challenge asset-based lenders doing cross-border deals. So much has happened in just the last six months: Boris Johnson stepping down, Russia in Ukraine, potential food supply shortages, climate extremes. Companies now must reevaluate supply chains and vendors based in part of geopolitical risk. Not to mention an inflationary environment the likes of which we have not seen in years. In this time of rapid change, SFNet is gathering together industry experts to explore and illuminate the current landscape and what you should be thinking about in the months and years to come.