At some point in your lending career, you will be tempted to grow just because you can. An unexpected deal lands in your lap, capital is available, and the logic seems airtight. More loans mean more revenue. But before you hire another underwriter or raise another round, consider the framework that Abbas Jessa, founder of [...]
A data warehouse doesn’t create more reports; it gives private lenders the foundation to scale, measure performance, and spot risk early. You already have the data. The information for every loan you’ve originated, every draw request you’ve funded, every borrower who paid late or defaulted is sitting somewhere in your systems. The problem is that [...]
Pressure found Shaye Wali early—and never left. Long before boardrooms and balance sheets, it was waiting for him on the tennis court. That same discipline now guides how he builds Baseline Software, turning every pivot into part of a continuous rally he has no intention of losing. If you want to know who someone really [...]
The country’s long-term housing deficit is pushing investors toward ground-up construction, and private lenders are providing the fast, flexible capital powering it. Borrowers who once came to private lenders for fix-and-flip loans are now asking about a slightly different type of financing meant for more sophisticated real estate investors. These investors are eyeing ground-up construction [...]
In a trailblazing entrepreneurial journey, a former investment banking analyst channeled his expertise into a groundbreaking venture with the goal of transforming the private lending landscape with innovative technology that empowers lenders. In 2014, I was at a career crossroads. My first job as an analyst at Morgan Stanley after graduating from Tulane was interesting, [...]
Integrating AI into private lending operations will likely increase profits, allowing companies to to hire additional staff, develop new products, and expand into new markets. When ATMs were introduced more than 50 years ago, there was widespread fear that bank tellers would soon be out of jobs. Yet, the number of bank teller jobs has [...]
Nominations are open until August 30, 2026, with voting from September 7-30, 2026. We’ll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2026 nomination and voting process here.
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