SFNet IMPACT Awards 2025
In This Section
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):
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
FAQs
How do I submit a nomination?
Click a category title to access the nomination form for that category. Contact Michele Ocejo at mocejo@sfnet.com with any questions about the nomination process.
What is the judging process?
Once nominations close, a panel of judges—comprising SFNet members—will review all submissions and select honorees in each category. We are committed to recognizing a group of winners that reflects the diversity of our industry.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be notified in early August with a public announcement following.
What is required of those who are selected?
After winners are notified, the editorial team will request material for a profile in the November issue of The Secured Lender. Winners are encouraged to attend the Awards ceremony on November 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, just prior to SFNet’s 81st Annual Convention.


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