SFNet’s Emerging Leaders Summit 2026, held April 14–15 at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, once again delivered on its mission to bring together the next generation of secured finance professionals for candid conversation, professional development, and meaningful connection. The Summit underscored the strong appetite among rising industry leaders for practical guidance on growth, leadership, and long‑term career success.

This year’s Summit offered attendees two exclusive chances to build high-impact connections with industry leaders. On April 14, attendees enjoyed a joint reception with SFNet’s Executive Committee, Bank CEO Roundtable participants, and SFNet Chapter Leaders. On April 15, Emerging Leaders attendees joined a reception with senior executives from non-bank, lender SFNet member companies who were participating in SFNet’s Independent Finance Roundtable.

The first panel of the Summit, Titans in the Industry: Success, Strategy and What's Next, featured seasoned leaders in secured finance who shared firsthand perspectives on building successful careers, teams, and institutions, as well as the current state of the ABL market. From pivotal career decisions to managing through disruption, panelists reflected on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels and discuss the skills, strategies, and trends shaping the future of the industry.

“Robert Meyers, CEO, Republic Business Credit,  brought together panelists Gen Merritt‑Parikh of Haversine Funding , Amy Barrentine of Regions Bank and Terry Keating of Valley Business Capital, for an energetic and highly relatable discussion on leadership, communication, and career progression, set the tone with thoughtful prompts and active engagement, keeping the conversation focused while allowing space for candid insight and real‑world perspective,” explained attendee Nolan Reichert, vice president, head of originations, Haversine Funding. “What stood out to me most was how passionate the panelists were about both the industry and helping develop the next generation of leaders.” 

“A consistent theme throughout the panel was personal ownership,” Reichert continued. “Panelists emphasized that meaningful career advancement does not happen passively. Barrentine encouraged attendees to be proactive rather than waiting to be chosen, promoted, or handed opportunities.

Barrentine also highlighted the importance of investing in people through coaching, education, and structured development conversations. Building strong teams, she noted, requires intentional effort and a willingness to support growth at every level.

Merritt‑Parikh challenged traditional views of career advancement by reframing growth as something far more dynamic than a straight climb up the ladder. Instead, she described career progression as a lattice fence — built through cross‑functional exposure, expanded responsibilities, and a broader understanding of how all parts of the business fit together.

By building a fuller, 360‑degree view of the organization, she explained, professionals develop the adaptability and perspective that today’s leaders need.

Merritt‑Parikh also offered practical guidance around confidence and communication, reminding attendees that how ideas are delivered can be just as important as the ideas themselves. Leading with the headline, choosing language that conveys conviction, and avoiding verbal or physical cues that minimize one’s message were all cited as small but powerful habits that build credibility over time.

Keating reinforced the value of action and accountability, encouraging attendees to get comfortable being uncomfortable. He stressed the importance of contributing early, volunteering often, and becoming known as someone who can be relied on to move things forward. Listening with intention — not simply hearing words, but truly understanding perspective and meaning — was another hallmark of effective leadership, he noted.

Following the Titans panel and a networking break came The Next Generation of ABL: Careers, Challenges and Opportunities panel. Here, emerging ABL leaders shared real-world perspectives on building a career in ABL. They discussed career paths, critical skills, mentorship, navigating early challenges, and how the ABL market is evolving for the next generation of professionals. This panel featured Joye Lynn, head of Underwriting, Wells Fargo, as moderator and William Kemp, regional sales manager, Republic Business Credit; Candice Peters, AVP, portfolio manager, Valley Bank and Claire McNamara, Director, SG Credit Partners.

Strategic Choices for U.S. Banks in Europe was the topic of the fireside chat during lunch.  Laurens Spelten from NautaDutilh examined available options for U.S. banks' strategic approach to lending in Europe, from local branches to non-bank structures, EU subsidiaries, reverse solicitation, and partnership models and discussed how banks, with proper advisory support, can sustainably continue their European activities within the new regulatory framework that continues to evolve under Capital Requirements Directive VI.

Keynote Speaker Seth Benefield, head of asset-based finance at Bank of America Business Capital then took the stage for  an interactive session focusing on his path to becoming an industry-wide expert and leader of multiple, diverse lines of business at Bank of America, including asset-based lending, and how emerging leaders can help transform the secured finance industry in partnership with senior leaders. Seth was joined by Bobbi Acord Noland, partner at Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP.  

“A major highlight of the conference was an engaging conversation between Bobbi and Seth,” said Will Kemp, SVP, regional manager, Republic Business Credit. “Seth shared candid insights into his career trajectory and discussed how emerging leaders can partner with senior executives to transform the industry, ultimately leaving the room with the punchy, practical advice to be ‘like a dog with a bone’ when pursuing professional goals.”

The Women in ABL: Shaping the Future of the Industry panel offered a candid look at how careers are built across originations, credit, and relationship management. Panelists emphasized that success in asset‑based lending is rooted in execution, consistency, and credibility — not titles or tenure alone. Moderated by Terry Keating, Valley National Bank, panelists included the Emerging Leaders’ Committee co-chair, Eunice Kepka, business development officer, JPalmer Collective; Susan Le Thompson, executive director of Originations, JP Morgan; and Marianna Hannart, FVP business development officer, Valley Bank.

Key takeaways reinforced the importance of visibility, adaptability, and follow‑through. Panelists encouraged attendees to seek sponsorship, not just mentorship, noting that advocacy from senior leaders can play a pivotal role in opening doors and accelerating growth. Non‑linear career paths were framed not as obstacles, but as advantages that can provide unique perspective and resilience.

“The session also addressed persistent industry challenges, including limited diversity and the ongoing challenge of balancing career progression with personal responsibilities,” said Hannart. “While progress has been made, panelists were clear that meaningful change requires action at every level — from individual accountability to leadership commitment and institutional support.”

Liability Management Exercises: Keys to Avoiding Legal Landmines for ABL Lenders was the last panel of the summit.  The panel examined the most common LME structures, including dropdowns, up tiers, and other priming transactions, and how they have played out in recent market deals and litigation. Panelists discussed key lender risk areas, evolving court treatment of sacred rights and ‘effect of’ language, and the practical protections lenders should be negotiating in credit agreements. Bethani R. Oppenheimer, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig moderated and panelists included Mirlande Telfort, partner, Blank Rome; Sarah Frazier, partner, Blank Rome; Dan Ennis, partner, Parker Hudson and Rick Thide, partner, Choate.

“The summit concluded with a clear set of overarching themes that underscored the evolving landscape of secured finance,” added Kemp. “Discussions emphasized the critical importance of honing technical skills while maintaining the mental flexibility to embrace market disruption. There was a strong consensus on the value of intentional networking—both internally within firms and externally across the industry—to build lasting professional foundations. Above all, the event served as a call to action, highlighting the industry’s urgent need for the next generation of leaders to step up and meet today’s complex economic challenges with persistence and innovation.”

Microsoft co-pilot was used in the creation of this article.