ABF Journal's Thought Leadership Podcast

What's actually being evaluated when a lender can close a deal in days instead of weeks — and what's the trade-off in risk? In this episode of ABF Journal's Thought Leadership Podcast, Joe Camberato, founder and CEO of National Business Capital, breaks down how his firm has built its entire underwriting process around speed, without giving up discipline. We get into:• Why speed is the...

For the average importer in 2026, inventory is now 15% more expensive than it was just a year ago. But does a higher cost on the balance sheet translate to higher recovery values? In this episode, Rita Garwood sits down with Alex Sutton, Head of Research at Gordon Brothers, to move past the headlines and look at the data. They discuss how persistent tariff volatility is creating a "new normal...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, editor in chief Rita Garwood sits down with two of the leading experts in liability management covenant analysis: Julian Bulaon, head of liability management for Americas Covenants at Octus, and Melissa Kelley, deputy head of the Americas Covenants team and a former LME litigator with nearly a decade of experience in New York and London.   Together, they...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, editor in chief Rita Garwood sits down with Brian Rosa, president of asset finance at Mitsubishi HC Capital America, to explore one of the most significant — and underreported — shifts reshaping the industry: the accelerating collaboration between banks and independent lenders. While headlines have focused on bank retrenchment, Brian argues that the real...

As senior lenders tighten advance rates in the current credit cycle, businesses are facing new hurdles in the capital stack. In this episode, Rita Garwood, Editor in Chief of ABF Journal, sits down with Joe Camberato, Founder and CEO of National Business Capital, to discuss how high-velocity subordinate debt is saving deals. In this episode, we cover: • Where structural friction is occurring in to...

As the M&A market heats up, so does the potential for litigation. In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Frank Dery and Kevin Hagon from Berkeley Research Group (BRG) to dissect their latest report on M&A disputes. While deal volume is rising, the path to a smooth exit is becoming increasingly complex. We dive into why the middle market is c...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, Editor in Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Matt Pencek, National Private Equity Services practice leader at SolomonEdwards, to discuss the shifting landscape of middle-market M&A in 2026.Gone are the days when cheap debt and multiple expansion could paper over integration failures. Matt explains why every basis point of EBITDA margin now depends on...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, host Rita Garwood sits down with Adam Duso (CEO of Second Wind Consultants) and Jason Dinoff (CEO of KCP Advisory and Principal at Cornerstone Business Credit) to discuss the mechanics of out-of-court restructuring under Article 9 of the UCC.As middle-market companies struggle with high interest rates and layered debt stacks, the traditional turnaround i...

Where is private credit headed in 2026? In this episode, ABF Journal Editor in Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Mitch Soiefer, partner and head of lender finance at SLR Capital Partners, to break down the biggest forces shaping the market right now. Mitch shares insight on:• The capital wave reshaping upper mid market cash flow lending• Why specialty finance verticals are gaining momentum• How SL...

Private credit is evolving fast. In this episode, Antares Senior Managing Director Seth Painter joins ABF Journal Editor in Chief Rita Garwood to break down the forces shaping the market. They cover credit performance, bank retrenchment, LP appetite, the rise of private credit CLOs, how investor expectations are changing, why transparency matters, and what could drive a major surge in 2026.If you...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, Editor in Chief Rita Garwood is joined by Marcie Bomberg-Montoya, Partner at Wipfli, to explore how leaders can thrive in an era of relentless change.• Why traditional five-year strategic plans no longer cut it• How to build in agility with rolling planning and quarterly refreshes• The power of storytelling, transparency, and vulnerability in building tr...

The private credit boom isn’t just about direct lending — there’s a whole other side flying under the radar. In this episode, ABF Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Ed Wood and Ross McAdam of L&G Asset Management to unpack the rise of investment grade private credit. They discuss:• The post-crisis evolution that opened new doors for non-bank lenders• Why insurance companies...

Hilco Global’s Capital Solutions Division is on the move — and Ian Fredericks is here to tell you why. In this episode, ABF Journal Editor-in-Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Global Capital Solutions Americas, to unpack what ORIX's acquisition means for the company’s strategy, capital structure, and future growth. Learn how Hilco is reshaping its organizational model,...

ABL lenders are facing new valuation risk as tariffs disrupt global trade and asset pricing. In this ABF Journal podcast episode, Editor in Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Andy Blumenstock, Managing Director at Hilco Valuation Services, to break down how capital-intensive transportation assets — from aircraft to railcars to vessels — are being repriced, restructured and rethought. He also discus...

In this episode of the ABF Journal Podcast, Damien Dwin, Founder & CEO of Lafayette Square, sits down with ABF Journal Editor in Chief, Rita E. Garwood, and makes a powerful case for reshaping private credit. He explains why non-sponsored, middle-market companies in working-class communities represent the biggest untapped opportunity in domestic investing today. Dwin shares how Lafayette Squar...

The latest episode of the  ABF Journal  podcast is live — and this one’s essential listening. Andre Hakkak, CEO and founder of White Oak Global Advisors, joins  ABF Journal  Publisher Lisa Rafter to discuss why now is the moment for asset-based clarity. From the shifting dynamics in private credit to the evolution of asset-backed securities, Andre pulls back the curtain on the real drivers behind...

Discover how to master the sales process in asset-based lending with the ABF Journal Podcast. This week, Mike Colloton, Vice President - Asset Based Lending at First Business Bank, shares actionable strategies for: Building strong referral relationships Tailoring financial solutions for unique client needs Thriving in competitive sales environments Whether you're an industry veteran or curious abo...

ABF Journal sits down with Paul Schuldiner and Mike Wells from Rosenthal & Rosenthal who share the details behind their acquisition of Accord Equipment Finance and what it means for the future of their company—and the equipment finance industry.

Today’s podcast tackles an important and timely topic: automation in credit infrastructure. Stuart Wall, Co-Founder and CEO of Setpoint examines the key benefits of automation, such as efficiency, accuracy and cost reduction, while also diving into the critical question of how to balance automation with human oversight. This podcast will help you understand how automation is reshaping risk managem...

Private asset managers have been replacing traditional banks in many types of lending. At the same time, consumer lending has risen to all-time highs. What are the implications of these trends for asset-based lenders and how can ABL leaders adjust their risk management strategies accordingly to adapt to these trends? Jay Stone, CEO of Hilco Receivables explores these questions and more in today’s...

Earlier this year, Ares Management, one of the largest players in the asset and investment management space, announced its foray into the equipment finance space, as funds managed by its alternative credit strategy launched Ansley Park Capital, a new entity designed to deliver financing solutions in the large-ticket sector. In a joint podcast from Monitor and ABF Journal, we we sat down with Joel...

We all want the world to be a better place. Beyond volunteering our time or donating to worthy causes, what else can the commercial finance industry do to further that goal? This podcast, a joint collaboration between Monitor and ABF Journal, provides a look into a commercial finance company that has created wins for its borrowers, the community it serves and its own bottom line. Sponsored by Mits...

How have rising interest rates affected capital raising? Has M&A activity picked up this year? What does the market look like for recapitalizations? Deborah Smith, co-founder and CEO of The CenterCap Group, a boutique real estate investment bank, joined the show to answer these questions and more from both a real estate and general market perspective.

In today's asset-based finance world, technology is often cited as a difference maker for financing providers, but technology can encompass a vast range of things. What specific technology solutions are actually out there and what can they actually do to help ABF providers (and, perhaps more importantly, what can't they do right now)? Jeremy Tsui, the CEO of Finley, joined the show for thi...

The banking world endured multiple shockwaves this year with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank. To sort through the debris, Ric DiMonte, president of law firm Robbins DiMonte, joined the show to discuss the unique circumstances of these bank runs, how bank and non-bank ABL firms have and should adjust, and why he is still confident in the regional banking...