Annual ABL & Factoring Survey Points to Strong Industry Growth

Secured Finance Network Research Indicates Economic Growth & Strong Asset Quality

NEW YORK May 24, 2018 -- U.S. businesses continued to grow in 2017, as reflected by increased borrowing during the year, the Commercial Finance Association announced today. According to the Commercial Finance Association's 2017 Annual Asset-Based Lending and Factoring Survey, asset-based lending year-end commitments were up 8% over 2016. Outstandings increased 12% over the previous year.

Entrepreneurial lenders saw strongest growth with a 36.7% increase in outstandings in 2017 compared to 2016.The average new commitment for this segment of the industry grew 25.4% year over year.

This data indicates borrowers have an increased need for capital to support expanding levels of inventory and accounts receivable, which is a positive sign for the economy.

Overall factoring volume, domestic and international, also grew in 2017 compared to 2016. This growth can be attributed to a reported 6.9% increase in domestic factoring volume. In 2017 international factoring accounted for 7.9% of total factoring volume down from 8.3% in 2016.

“The robust increase in commitments and outstandings, as well as factoring volume, are good news for both the industry and the economy,” said David Grende, Chair of Commercial Finance Association's Data Subcommittee and President & CEO of Siena Lending Group.

“Commercial Finance Association's Annual Asset-Based Lending & Factoring Survey provides our stakeholders with vital data they need to understand key marketplace trends. It also underscores the critical role

secured lenders and factors are playing in fueling economic growth,” said Richard D. Gumbrecht, Commercial Finance Association CEO.

The Annual Asset-Based Lending & Factoring Survey is conducted for the Commercial Finance Association by Westat, an independent market research firm.

About the Commercial Finance Association

Founded in 1944, the Commercial Finance Association is the international trade organization representing the asset-based lending, factoring, trade and supply chain finance industries, with over 250 member organizations throughout the U.S., Canada and around the world. Commercial Finance Association provides education, networking opportunities and industry advocacy to the global commercial finance community.