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Get ready for this year’s US Open Tennis Championships with Barry Bobrow and fellow tennis enthusiast Valerie Mason, Partner at Otterbourg P.C. This special episode features an unfiltered discussion between the two biggest fans in the asset-based lending industry. They’ll share insights into the tournament and the wacky world of professional tennis just prior the start of this year’s US Open on August 30. They’ll also provide their best tips on how to get the most out of your visit to Flushing Meadows. This one’s an ace, be sure to listen! Thank you to Tiger Group for agreeing to be the sponsor of the podcast.  We all value the work Tiger does in our industry and now I value them even more for the support they’re providing for In The Know.

How are retailers and consumer products companies adapting to rapid shifts in consumer behavior, omnichannel pressure, and the rise of AI? In this episode of SFNet presents In The Know, “Consumers Change and Retailers Adapt,” host Barry Bobrow speaks with David Silverman, Senior Director in Fitch Ratings’ corporates group, whose coverage spans a wide range of retail companies, including specialty apparel and hardlines. Because the asset-based market is deeply tied to consumer and retail businesses, understanding these shifts is critical. David brings a broad, market-level perspective on how technology is reshaping the sector, from the internet and omnichannel transformation to today’s growing focus on AI, and what these changes mean for retailers, consumer products companies, and the finance professionals who follow them.

In the latest episode of SFNet presents In the Know, host Barry Bobrow sits down with Jeremy Harrison for a wide-ranging discussion about asset-based lending in the UK and European markets. A legend in the UK ABL industry, Jeremy currently serves as Managing Director and Head of UK Asset-Based Lending at White Oak, a position he assumed in 2025. With over 35 years of experience, Jeremy has held senior roles at prominent asset-based businesses, including ABN AMRO, Bank of America, Lloyds Bank, GMAC, and GE. He has been a driving force in advancing the ABL market in Europe and was part of the team that established SFNet’s Europe Chapter in 2014. Jeremy’s tenure at Lloyds included time based in the United States, providing him with unique insight into both the U.S. and UK ABL markets.

In this episode, host Barry Bobrow has a candid conversation with Holly Etlin of AlixPartners. During a career spanning more than 30 years, Holly has played a central role in some of the most high-profile bankruptcies and restructurings to come to the debt markets. She is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in corporate restructuring, having held senior positions at Deloitte, XRoads, and, for the past 19 years, AlixPartners. Holly specializes in providing high-impact consulting and interim management services for companies in the retail, distribution, and consumer products industries. Her work often involves transaction-based engagements that combine operational insight with capital markets expertise. The discussion ranges from Holly’s historical perspectives on landmark restructurings to her thoughts on how the restructuring process may evolve in the years ahead. She also shares insights about her recent decision to step away from the demanding role of Chief Restructuring Officer as she transitions into an exciting new chapter in her career.

In the next episode of SFNet presents In the Know, host Barry Bobrow talks with Chad Farrell, Managing Director in the Commercial and Industrial business at Tiger Global. Chad is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Tiger’s Commercial & Industrial division, as well as guiding its strategic direction and growth and developing new market initiatives. In a wide-ranging discussion, Chad and Barry talk about the movement in asset valuations resulting from the current economic environment, tariffs and other trends impacting specific industries. They also explore the impact of AI on the valuation business, how banks can best take advantage of appraisal services, and much more.  Chad has over 25 years of experience in the disposition, valuation and auction of machinery, equipment, inventory, and real property, having executed thousands of auctions, selling more than $1 Billion of surplus and distressed assets in the energy, transportation, construction, manufacturing, mining, metals and other industrial sectors.

Mike Scolaro is Group Head of Asset Based Lending at BMO Commercial Finance, a position he has held for over 17 years. He’s an asset-based lending legend, and in 2024 Barry had the honor of presiding over his induction into the SFNet Hall of Fame. He recently announced his imminent retirement from BMO and Barry thought it be a great time to get some unfiltered remarks from someone who is famous for being unfiltered in the first place. They discuss the many changes to the asset-based lending industry over the arc of his career, and share some thoughts on where it’s headed in the future. Mike also gives his passionate views on Notre Dame Football. He say in the wrap-up, “I don’t know why anybody would listen to this conversation”, but we’re sure you’ll find it interesting and insightful.

Get ready for this year’s US Open Tennis Championships by listening to the fourth installment of Valerie and Barry’s Essential US Open Preview – featuring co-hosts Valerie Mason, Partner at Otterbourg, and Barry Bobrow, Head of Credit Markets for Regions Business Capital. This special edition of "SFNet presents In The Know" podcast features tennis insights from the two biggest tennis fans in the asset based lending industry. Get their unfiltered discussion on the tournament and the wacky world of professional tennis just prior the start of this year’s US Open. They’ll also provide their best tips on how to get the most out of your visit to Flushing Meadows. This year’s tournament begins Sunday August 24.

Private Credit, a product that has been around for decades, has gone through a period of rapid growth and maturation over the past 5 years, and now rivals the broadly syndicated markets in size and scope. Investors of all types from around the world are growing their allocations to private credit. Increasingly large asset managers are seeking to capitalize on this opportunity through a combination of organic growth, strategic partnerships and acquisitions, setting the stage for even more rapid growth and evolution.  To help understand the causes and implications of the growth of this market, Barry Bobrow hosts a conversation with two prominent voices in the private credit market. The first is Erica Frontiero, formerly the Chief Operating Officer for Carlye’s Global Capital Markets and currently serving as a senior advisor and consultant to the LSTA.  The second is Jason Van Dussen, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Debt Capital Markets business Golub Capital. Both Erica and Jason are frequent speakers and spokespeople in the private credit market. We know you will appreciate their insights.

Get ready for this year’s US Open Tennis Championships by watching the third installment of the US Open Tennis Extravaganza – featuring co-hosts Valerie Mason and Barry Bobrow.  This special edition of the In the Know podcast features tennis insights from two of the biggest tennis fans there are. It begins with words of wisdom from Tennis legend and fellow podcaster Rennae Stubbs – and moves on to Valerie and Barry’s thoughts into this year’s draw, their picks for winners, and their tips on how to get the most out of your visit to this year’s US Open. This year’s tournament begins August 26.

The next release in our SFNet presents “In the Know” podcast series is now available. Host Barry Bobrow is joined by his longtime friend Ted Koenig, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Monroe Capital LLC a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets.  Monroe focuses on senior secured loans to leveraged companies, typically with less than $50MM in EBITDA and is one of the largest managers of its kind, with approximately $20 billion in assets under management today. Ted has roots as an asset-based lending attorney in Chicago and over the past 25 years has become a leading figure in the growing world of direct lending. He and Barry cover a wide range of topics including the origins, rapid growth, and future opportunities for direct lending.

In this episode, Barry has a great discussion with his Regions Bank colleague, Alan McKnight, on the state of financial markets. Alan is Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Regions Asset Management, and is responsible for overall investment strategy, portfolio and risk management, portfolio construction, and oversight for approximately $70BN in assets under management and $150BN in assets under advisement at Regions. Alan also serves as the chief spokesperson for Regions on portfolio strategy, asset allocation and overall markets, speaking frequently on outlets such as CNBC and Bloomberg and writing for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money and others.  Alan and Barry have collaborated on several internal market updates and now they bring Alan’s unique insights to you.

In this episode Barry talks with Ian Fredericks, President of Hilco Consumer Retail, about the current conditions in the retail industry, as well as experience gained from recent liquidations. Ian is a member of SFNet’s Executive Committee and has extensive experience working with valuation and liquidation of inventory. Ian joined Hilco in 2011 after a successful career as a stressed and distressed Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring attorney.  Statements and opinions of individual speakers on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employer(s) or the Secured Finance Network (SFNet). Information provided should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax advice, and references to websites or companies should not be construed as endorsements or recommendations. You should consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and irs.gov for current tax rules.

In this episode of SFNet presents In the Know, host Barry Bobrow interviews Lee Shaiman, Executive Director of the Loan Syndications and Trading Association. LSTA is the primary trade association for the leveraged loan market and oversees a wide range of market-related activities, including advocacy and education. The discussion covers the role and primary activities of LSTA and Lee’s perspectives on the health of the market, as well as the outlook for the future direction of the leveraged loan asset class given market and regulatory pressures.

Dan North, Senior Economist for Allianz Trade North America, joins host Barry Bobrow for this informative discussion on a wide range of topics. He shares his views on Fed Policy and the potential for a recession, as well as offering commentary on the health of the American consumer and thoughts on the economic impact of current U.S. political gridlock.

Back by popular demand, podcast host Barry Bobrow and his fellow tennis wonk, Valerie Mason, return for the second edition of their U.S. Open Tennis Championship Extravaganza Podcast. The tournament starts August 28, 2023, and they have a special guest on this episode - but you’ll have to listen to find out who it is. The discussion pulls no punches and is complete with tips for getting the most out of your trip to Flushing Meadows. You won’t want to miss it!