TSL Express Daily News

SFNet Secured Finance Certified Professional (SFCP) program, offered to employees of SFNet members, features a robust curriculum of live online courses. Certification criteria are designed to reinforce industry excellence, elevate professional standing, and propel careers forward.  
 
The program is set to become the gold standard in asset-based lending and factoring, offering a prestigious career milestone. Targeted at emerging and mid-career professionals, the program requires mastery of core subjects, evidenced by passing a comprehensive exam. Certified individuals earn an SFCP credential, showcasing their ongoing dedication to professional integrity and industry best practices. 
 
Here, we spotlight one of our first SFCPs, Matthew Begley, chief operating officer at Republic Business Credit.

Congrats on being one of the first in our industry to achieve the SFCP designation. What motivated you to complete the SFCP program?

After close to 30 years in secured finance, I saw the SFNet SFCP program as a way to validate my experience and stay current. I’ve always believed in continuing to learn, and this program offers a practical way to do that while supporting the professional standards of our industry.

Can you provide our readers with some background on your career and your current role in the industry?
I’ve worked in commercial finance my entire career, mainly in asset-based lending, factoring, and trade finance. I’m currently the chief operating officer at Republic Business Credit, where I oversee portfolio management and operations. I’ve also served as president and CEO. Those roles have shaped how I think about developing people and staying involved in the industry.

Can you walk our readers through the classes you took to achieve the SFCP designation?
Over the years I took courses in legal documentation, operations, field exams, underwriting, and financial analysis, many of which I’ve also taught through SFNet. The program offers flexibility through live classes, webinars, on-demand modules, and in-house training, which makes it easier to participate no matter what your schedule.

In your experience, how does achieving the SFCP designation help your professional development?
It reinforces the importance of staying sharp. The coursework gave me a chance to review key areas and pick up new insights. It also sets a tone; senior leaders should be just as engaged in learning as newer professionals.

We know people are wondering about the exam. Can you share your experience?
The exam is broad and covers a lot of ground, but it’s fair. If you’ve done the work in credit, ops, or legal, you’ll recognize the material. It helps to prepare, especially to see how everything connects across roles.

Now that you are an official SFCP, what additional classes will you take in the next two years?
I plan to take courses on fraud, leadership, and industry changes like new tech and risk trends. I’ll also keep teaching and mentoring. Both keep me learning and give back to the next wave of professionals.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
SFCP is a good way to stay accountable to your own development. It also supports the kind of industry we all want to work in, one where people stay informed, involved, and help others grow. SFNet has been a key part of my career, and I’m glad to stay involved.