Steady confidence in the asset-based lending market marked the fourth quarter, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network. Lenders maintained a positive outlook despite persistent inflation and rising interest rates. SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.

Ready Capital Corporation announced today that as of the first quarter of 2023, it exceeded $10 billion in bridge originations, comprising over 500 loans, since the launch of its bridge program in 2015.

HSBC Holdings plc's (HSBA.L) U.S. unit has hired dozens of Silicon Valley Bank bankers led by David Sabow, who most recently led the technology and healthcare banking segment for the California-based bank that collapsed last month.

Continuing its expansion with hands-on experienced process improvement experts, Susan Stanley has been named Associate Director of Hilco Performance Solutions (HPS), a management consulting firm that consists of operational and financial experts in the areas of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales & Customer Experience, Organizational Design, and M&A. An operating company of Hilco Global, HPS helps clients simplify and streamline business processes and improve operational efficiencies.

Blue Owl Capital Inc. ("Blue Owl") (NYSE:OWL) today announced the launch of its Strategic Equity Strategy with the hiring of Chris Crampton as a Managing Director. Crampton brings nearly two decades of experience as a private markets investor, having previously served as a Partner and Head of Services and Industrials private equity investing within the Merchant Banking and Asset Management Divisions of Goldman Sachs.

Gridiron Capital, LLC (“Gridiron Capital”), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, is pleased to announce that Sean Crane has joined the team as Gridiron’s newest Operating Partner. Crane’s 28 years of experience as a seasoned executive will further strengthen Gridiron’s Centers of Excellence capabilities and add value to the firm’s Thematic Areas of Expertise sourcing strategy.

A designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of missy and junior women’s clothes needed a partner — and fast — to meet the shipping needs of its spring and summer collections. The company turned to Republic Business Credit to stitch together the necessary financing.

Second Avenue Capital Partners (SACP), a best-in-class alternative to traditional sources of capital, announced the completion of three recent transactions in the furniture, home furnishings, and beauty sectors. The new financing arrangements include a $10 million credit facility for a growing RTA furniture manufacturer, a $25 million term loan for a national retailer of home goods, and a $10 million credit facility for a beauty brand developer.

Armory Securities, LLC is pleased to announce that the assets of O Olive & Vinegar have been sold to Colavita. The transaction closed in April 2023. Armory served as exclusive M&A advisor to Lifecore for the transaction. O Olive & Vinegar is a leading artisanal varietal wine vinegar and California organic extra virgin olive oil brand.

Great Rock Capital, an asset-focused commercial finance company specializing in middle market lending, today announced that it has provided $45 million of liquidity through a senior secured credit facility to an internationally recognized cosmetics company.

Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB), a full-service mutual bank with a customer-first approach and over $6 billion in assets, today announced that it has provided $15.3 million in financing to ROC USA® since 2021. Headquartered in Concord, NH, ROC USA is a nonprofit organization on a mission to make quality resident ownership viable nationwide and to expand economic opportunities for homeowners in manufactured (mobile) home communities.

Georgia Banking Company (GBC), a leading Atlanta-based community bank, announced today the establishment of its new Payments & Technology Banking Group to cater to the complex payment needs of businesses. The new group will provide high-volume payments, complex treasury solutions, technology partnership and other corporate banking services.

Culain Capital Funding LLC, a specialty finance firm focusing on responsive and efficient funding solutions for small and medium sized businesses in the United States announces the completion of a $2,000,000 Accounts Receivable Factoring Facility with a Specialized Healthcare Solutions Company.

Continuing its expansion with hands-on experienced process improvement experts, Susan Stanley has been named Associate Director of Hilco Performance Solutions (HPS), a management consulting firm that consists of operational and financial experts in the areas of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales & Customer Experience, Organizational Design, and M&A.

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBI), the parent company of Texas Capital Bank, today announced that David A. Youngberg Jr. has joined the firm as managing director and chief credit officer, effective immediately.

First Eagle Alternative Credit (“FEAC” or the “company”), a $21 billion alternative credit platform of First Eagle Investments, today announced that it has agented a $30 million FILO term loan to West Marine, an omnichannel provider of aftermarket products and services to the boating, fishing, sailing, and watersports markets in the US, to support the company’s execution of their business strategy.

First Business Bank is pleased to welcome Ed Sloane as consultant to its bank consulting team after retiring March 31, 2023 from the role he held for over seven years as chief financial officer of First Business Financial Services, Inc., parent company of First Business Bank.

Wells Fargo & Company’s (NYSE: WFC) Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), today announced that Rachel Goldin Jinich will lead Specialty Real Estate Finance (SREF) within its Commercial Real Estate (CRE) group and oversee all SREF teams, including Hospitality Finance, Seniors Housing, Manufactured Housing, and Specialty Capital. Rachel succeeds Christopher Jordan, who will retire on June 30, 2023, following 35 years of service at Wells Fargo.

Golub Capital BDC, Inc. ("GBDC") (Nasdaq: GBDC, www.golubcapitalbdc.com), a business development company, today announced that it originated $157.4 million in new middle-market investment commitments during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Barings, one of the world’s leading investment managers, today announced it had served as lead agent for a senior secured facility to support private investment firm Ethos Capital’s investment in Newforma, Inc. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Newforma is a leading collaboration platform helping companies deliver complex architectural, engineering, and construction projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.