In The Know

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.

In this episode, host Barry Bobrow is joined by his friends Maria Dikeos and CJ Doherty of Refinitiv for a timely and detailed discussion of leveraged debt markets for the first half of 2023. As Maria and CJ point out, deal flow has been negatively impacted by the slowing economy and higher interest rates. Broadly syndicated volume is down significantly in 2023 vs 2022. However, the market is still active and is showing recent signs of strength on numerous transactions. They also discuss the dramatic expansion of direct lending. The conversation finishes up with a detailed overview of the asset-based lending market in the first half of the year. This episode makes extensive use of data slides. To download the slide deck, click here.

In this episode, Jennifer Palmer engages in a detailed discussion with Quinn Emanuel partner Katie Lemire, who previously oversaw enforcement and consumer protection at the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).  Katie breaks down for listeners the role of the NYDFS and provides a rare firsthand account into its regulation of cryptocurrency.  Katie then summarizes the recent NYDFS enforcement action against Robinhood.  Finally, Katie provides two very basic reminders that can protect listeners from cybersecurity issues.

For this episode, host Barry Bobrow is in discussion with Trevor Williams on the sidelines of the SFNet 78th Annual Convention, November 2022 in Austin, Texas. Trevor is the former chief economist of Lloyds and currently has his own consultancy advising corporations and financial institutions on global economic issues. They cover the world in this conversation discussion, from China to Europe to the United States. Trevor’s unique perspective is both informative and optimistic – you won’t want to miss it.

In this episode, Barry Bobrow engages in a detailed market talk with Maria Dikeos and CJ Doherty of Refinitiv. Armed with Q3 market data they discuss the dramatic falloff in volume in the broadly syndicated markets for loans and bonds. They also examine the equally dramatic rise in the direct lending market that has somewhat filled the gap. Then they look at the asset-based market, which was on record pace through Q3 after setting a new annual record in 2021. Finally, Barry, Maria and CJ look forward to Q4 and beyond with some predictions on market direction which will complement the latest SFNet Market Pulse Report and its 2023 outlook. This podcast makes extensive use of slides so we recommend you download the slides, which are available in the episode description on the SFNet presents In The Know web page.

Every day we are reminded of the impact of inflation and rising interest rates on two industries that are heavily represented in most asset-based loan portfolios, housing and building products. To better understand current trends in these industries, host Barry Bobrow talks with Gary Michel, former Chairman and CEO of JELD-WEN Holding, Inc., a leading manufacturer of windows and doors. In addition to his work at JELD-WEN, Gary has had a long career in residential and commercial construction-related markets from his many years with Ingersoll Rand. Gary offers great insights and shares his thoughts on the next steps for these critical markets.

In this special episode, Barry Bobrow talks with the CEO of the Secured Finance Network and long-time colleague, Rich Gumbrecht. This Inside Look at SFNet tells a tale of dedication through the turbulent times of recent years. With initiatives in advocacy, mentorship and career development, information resources, and a wide array of both in-person and virtual events, SFNet continues to lead through adversity. Rich talks about all that SFNet does for both its members and the secured finance industry. Barry and Rich also discuss SFNet’s upcoming 78th Annual Convention, which takes place Nov. 9-11, 2022, in Austin, TX.

Barry Bobrow and Steve Tanzi, President Hilco Advisory Solutions at Hilco Global, discuss how companies can address all of the issues in their supply chains that have resulted from the pandemic and its aftermath. Steve has over 25 years of industry and consulting experience supporting companies with their transformational efforts by leveraging his knowledge of supply chain and operations. He offers great ideas for both companies and their lenders in evaluating the risks they face in their supply chains.

Joining Barry for this discussion is Kathy Dick, Founder and CEO of Salt of the Earth Consulting. SOTE is a consultant on risk management and regulatory issues for financial institutions that leverages Kathy’s many years in senior roles with as a regulator and as a consultant. Kathy and Barry discuss the most recent banking Stress Tests, which highlight the strength of the U.S. banking system and the emerging concerns by regulators regarding the impact of a potential economic downturn on bank capital buffers. Kathy gives her recommendations to banks for strengthening their relationships with their regulators and offers her unique perspective on the most common misperceptions that bankers and regulators have about each other.

This podcast has nothing to do with business or markets. Most people who know Barry understand that his passion for asset-based lending is surpassed only by his passion for tennis. In honor of the US Open Tennis tournament that starts August 29, 2022, he has recorded a special edition of SFNet presents In the Know with his good friend and fellow tennis wonk – Valerie Mason of Otterbourg. It’s a great preview of the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, and an insider’s guide to getting the most out of attending the tournament at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center.  Not to ruin the surprise but they have a special introduction by another famous tennis tandem – the Bryan Brothers.  Hope you enjoy this. Thanks to Valerie Mason for joining Barry on a great tennis journey. And thanks to Hilco Global for their sponsorship of the SFNet presents In the Know series.

For this fascinating discussion, host Barry Bobrow is joined by David Chmiel, Managing Director of Global Torchlight, a UK-based political risk consulting business. David’s unique perspective on geopolitical events is on full display in the conversation, which moves from recent developments in Taiwan and China to Ukraine war-related issues and finishes with the UK leadership succession. David and Barry go over the current political issues and connect them to potential economic and business impacts. 

I’m very excited to let you know that the second video podcast in the “SFNet presents In The Know” series is now available.  My guest is David Silverman, Senior Director at Fitch Ratings.  David’s specific coverage includes the retail sector, which is the largest industry segment for the asset based industry. Fitch has a broad practice in retail ratings, covering several dozen large public companies. David also provides private ratings for the debt of a variety of non-public retailers. David’s expertise provided the perfect setting for our discussion – Titled “Retailing at a Crossroads – as Usual”- focused on how rapidly retailing is changing in response to a variety of factors, including changing consumer behavior in response to concerns over inflation and the potential for a recession, and the continuing supply chain and labor issues.  The consequences of all of these factors have led to wide volatility in financial performance and ratings for retailers, turnover in the C-Suite, and rapidly evolving business strategies. David and I also discussed the inventory issues facing many retailers, and how he anticipates they will be addressed. 

Our Host, Barry Bobrow, explores the current state of the direct lending market and how it is benefiting from the disruptions of the broadly syndicated debt markets, with his guest Randy Schwimmer, founder of the Lead Left (where any friend of Barry's will get free access).

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!

In this podcast Maria Dikeos of Refinitiv joins host Barry Bobrow for a discussion of the Q2 and first half of 2022 leveraged debt and asset-based markets. After a record 2021 for syndicated asset-based lending volumes, it would have been reasonable to expect the market to fall off, as it has for all other credit markets in 2022. As you will hear, that is definitely not the case, with asset-based volume having a record six-month level. Maria and Barry make extensive use of data slides for their discussion.To download the slide deck or watch the full video, join us at SFNet: https://www.sfnet.com/home/industry-data-publications/in-the-know