SFNet IMPACT Awards 2025

Nominations are now open for our 2nd Annual IMPACT Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to the secured finance industry. All employees of SFNet member companies—both in the U.S. and internationally—are eligible. Submit your nominations by June 20, 2025.

Award recipients will be honored at a special celebration on November 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, prior to SFNet’s Annual Convention. They will also be recognized in the November issue of The Secured Lender. 

IMPACT embodies the core values and achievements that the SFNet community strives to uphold and promote:

Innovation: Honoring innovative approaches that pave the way for new opportunities and solutions.
Market Leadership: Recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary leadership.
Performance: Celebrating outstanding performance and measurable results that contribute to the success of borrowers, lenders, and the industry as a whole.
Achievement: Highlighting noteworthy achievements that align with SFNet’s mission of putting capital to work.
Customer Focus: Emphasizing the importance of customer-centric strategies and initiatives that prioritize the needs and satisfaction of clients.
Teamwork: Acknowledging the collaborative efforts and achievements of teams to drive positive change and success.

Categories and Criteria (click category title to access its nomination form):

1. Transaction(s) of the Year: This award distinguishes itself from traditional deal showcases by focusing on impact from the borrower's perspective. We seek transactions that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and tangible benefits for the borrower. Borrower consent is essential, and nominees must provide the borrower's name. Any size, type, product, structure of transaction or mix of deal participants is eligible, including but not limited to: bank and nonbank asset-based lending, factoring, private credit, syndicated deals, and supply chain finance.
   
   
2. Leadership in Inclusion: This award recognizes individuals or companies who demonstrate exceptional commitment to creating inclusive environments where all people feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Their leadership is evident in the everyday choices they make to ensure everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.
   
   
3. Chapter(s) of the Year: Chapters play a vital role in advancing SFNet's mission and pillars, including professional development, networking and charitable works. This award celebrates chapters that demonstrate year-over-year growth in engagement, contribute significantly to SFNet's initiatives, host inspiring events, and exhibit vibrancy within their communities
   
   
4. Volunteer(s) of the Year: Volunteers are the backbone of our association, driving the execution of our programs and initiatives. This award honors individuals who exemplify dedication, leadership and commitment to the betterment of the secured finance industry as well as their communities.
   
   
5. Innovator(s) of the Year: We will recognize companies and/or individuals for the development and application of innovative processes, partnerships and technologies that address pressing challenges and advance the capabilities of our industry.

We invite all employees of SFNet national member organizations to nominate deserving individuals, organizations and Chapters.

SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Chair

Betty Hernandez
EVP & Chief Credit Officer
SLR Business Credit

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