The SFNet Women in Secured Finance Conference, held June 10-11 in New York City,  offered far more than a discussion of credit markets, lending trends, and restructuring strategies. It was a gathering of accomplished professionals who shared their experiences navigating industries that have traditionally been male-dominated, while offering a powerful reminder that success is not measured solely by transactions closed or portfolios managed, but by the impact we leave on others.

The conference opened on Wednesday evening at the office of Paul Hastings, LLP.  After opening remarks from SFNet CEO Richard D. Gumbrecht, attendees joined in celebration as SFNet awarded a charitable contribution to Paulie and Pals, an organization supporting children with autism that is run by SFNet member Denise Albanese and supported by the SFNet New Jersey Chapter. Thereafter, the spirit of celebration continued as old friendships were renewed, new connections were formed, and conversation flowed against the backdrop of the New York twilight.

Following a memorable opening evening, attendees returned eager to dive into a full day of candid discussion of the forces shaping today’s credit markets and the evolving role of women across the secured finance landscape.

Setting the tone for day two was the inspiring story of Cheryl McKissack Daniel and her pioneering family, who, in the face of systemic and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, managed to create a lasting legacy. McKissack Daniel held the crowd enthralled while she gave a brief synopsis of her family’s history and the impact she has made as a part of it.   

One particular statement, made early on in her address, was especially poignant for attendees: “Legacy is not what we inherit. It's what we expand.” McKissack Daniel reflected on how representation creates a sense of belonging, noting that when women and minorities see themselves reflected in leadership, they are less likely to question whether they belong.  She ensured a culture of inclusivity by being the architect of the projects she spearheaded. She recognized that the structure of a project changes when diverse leadership is at the top and can provide access to capital and opportunity that might otherwise remain out of reach for many stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of not just being a mentor, but also being a sponsor for the next generation, noting that mentors offer guidance and advice, while sponsors create opportunities. It was a powerful address and a fitting foundation for the conversations that followed. Throughout the day, themes of access, opportunity, mentorship, and leadership continued to surface in different ways, reinforcing many of the lessons from her keynote. Attendees were given copies of her book, The Black Family Who Built America.

Credit Markets Enter a New Phase

The first panel for the day was the highly anticipated “Markets in Motion: Capital, Credit, and Competition in 2026.” The panel was moderated by Nicole Becker (Citi) and included the insights of Cheryl Carter (Siena Lending Group), Janet Jarret (Gordon Brothers), Lauren Murphy (Wells Fargo Capital Finance), and Kate Paul (BMO Bank N.A.).

Panelists described an asset-based lending market that remains healthy and competitive despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility. Competition among lenders remains intense, pricing pressure has increased, and borrowers are increasingly focused on flexibility, execution certainty, and speed. Non-bank lenders continue to gain traction by offering faster decision-making and reduced regulatory burdens. Artificial intelligence was also discussed as a potential catalyst for greater underwriting efficiency, lower transaction costs, and expanded access to data-driven decision making. Overall, optimism remains present, but panelists emphasized the importance of refining and reinforcing underwriting guardrails to help ensure a soft landing.

Beyond the market outlook itself, panelists explored how the role of lenders continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive environment. While pricing remains important, borrowers today are placing greater value on responsiveness, creativity, and certainty of execution. As private credit and non-bank lenders continue to gain market share, traditional institutions are being challenged to differentiate themselves through deeper client relationships and strategic expertise. Panelists noted that success in the current environment requires balancing growth ambitions with disciplined underwriting, while remaining nimble enough to meet the changing needs of borrowers. The discussion highlighted a common theme that would surface throughout the conference: adaptability remains one of the most valuable assets for both individuals and institutions.

The panel was followed by a breakout roundtable discussion in which participants were invited to share their own insights and experiences regarding A.I., fraud, private credit competition, cross-border regulations, and career aspirations.  Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn from the diverse perspectives of their peers and noted that the discussions fostered meaningful networking opportunities and new professional connections.

Purpose, Reinvention, and the Courage to Pivot

While the morning sessions focused on market conditions and industry trends, the afternoon shifted the conversation to the people behind the transactions and the personal journeys that shaped their careers. “Pivoting with Purpose: Redefining Career Paths, Success, and Mindset” was an extremely popular panel in which five incredibly accomplished leaders shared their own career journeys. The session was moderated by Elizabeth van Schilfgaarde (NautaDutilh) who led panelists Kennedy Capin (Core Vision Strategies), Angela Fiorentino (AmeriFactors Financial Group), Laurence Guguen (BNP Paribas), and Jennifer Palmer (JPalmer Collective) in discussion.   

The panelists shared professional journeys that rarely followed a straight line. Many speakers described the pressure early in their careers to fit a predetermined mold of leadership. Several panelists noted that confidence is rarely something we are born with; rather, it is built through experience, preparation, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable situations. Over time, they discovered that embracing discomfort ultimately led them to greater confidence and a stronger sense of authenticity. Authenticity was framed not as a personal preference, but as a leadership advantage that builds trust and inspires others.  This authenticity often led to several speakers redefining traditional definitions of success that no longer aligned with their personal goals.

Many of the panelists credited sponsors with helping them during moments of change in their personal and professional lives. The women who built the ladders before them allowed them the opportunity to advance into roles they may not have otherwise pursued on their own.  A key takeaway was that we have a responsibility to support and elevate others in the future so that we can continue to drive meaningful change within the industry.

The conversations encouraged attendees to give themselves permission to redefine success throughout different stages of life and career, embracing reinvention and growth. That theme of adaptability would prove to be a fitting lead-in to the conference's final panel, which explored how businesses and lenders can navigate periods of uncertainty and change.

Preparing for a New Distressed Cycle

The conference concluded by shifting from leadership lessons to market realities through a timely discussion on restructuring and distressed situations. “Navigating Troubled Waters: The New Distress Playbook” was moderated by Bethani Oppenheimer (Greenberg Traurig) and included Rachel Murray (Moelis & Company), Marija Pecar (Paul Hastings LLP), and Michele Riccobono (Wells Fargo) as panelists. 

These industry experts discussed the challenges that may emerge as companies face upcoming debt maturities, elevated borrowing costs, and continued economic uncertainty. While panelists agreed that widespread distress has yet to materialize, they emphasized that lenders and borrowers alike should be preparing now for a potentially more challenging environment ahead.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of early action and open communication. Panelists noted that companies often wait too long to address emerging issues, reducing the number of available solutions. Borrowers who engage lenders and advisors early are generally better positioned to preserve value and navigate difficult situations successfully. The conversation also highlighted the increasingly collaborative role lenders play, serving not only as providers of capital but as strategic partners in helping businesses identify paths forward.

The panel concluded with a reminder that every economic cycle presents both challenges and opportunities–a theme that echoed many of the leadership lessons discussed throughout the day. Successful outcomes often depend on preparation, flexibility, and a willingness to have difficult conversations before problems become critical. Whether through refinancing, operational improvements, amendments, or formal restructuring efforts, the most effective solutions are typically those focused on preserving long-term enterprise value and positioning businesses for future success.

Looking Ahead

As the final panel wrapped up, attendees were left with much more than a market outlook or a collection of networking contacts. The day's conversations had woven together lessons on leadership, resilience, opportunity, and the responsibility to create pathways for others. Perhaps most importantly, attendees were reminded that meaningful careers are rarely built alone—they are shaped by mentors, sponsors, colleagues, and communities willing to invest in the success of others. The SFNet Women in Secured Finance Conference demonstrated that today's industry leaders are focused on more than transaction execution and portfolio performance. They are equally invested in building organizations, careers, and networks that create lasting impact. Whether discussing access to capital, career reinvention, evolving credit markets, or navigating future challenges, a common thread emerged throughout the conference: success is not simply about what we accomplish ourselves, but about the opportunities we create for others. For attendees, the conference served as both a market update and a leadership blueprint—one grounded in resilience, authenticity, adaptability, and the belief that lasting impact comes from lifting others as we advance. As Cheryl McKissack Daniel reminded attendees at the start of the day, legacy is not what we inherit; it is what we expand.