Private lending has entered an era where information abundance creates both strategic advantage and ethical instability. Lenders today can access traditional public records, aggregated datasets, scraped online content, behavioral indicators, predictive risk models, and vendor-generated borrower profiles whose sourcing and methodologies are rarely disclosed. The distinction between verified fact, probabilistic inference, and speculative noise has [...]
AI-driven systems for nonconsumer lead generation, underwriting review, and credit decisioning are becoming embedded in how private lenders source business-purpose borrowers, assess risk, and deploy capital efficiently. But the more these systems become integral to your operation, the more accountability grows too. The challenge is not only whether an activity is legally permissible, but whether [...]
The association is pairing a mandatory high-level screening for new members with a voluntary in-depth verification option for companies seeking to signal additional transparency. As private lending grows in scale and visibility, so does the responsibility to protect the integrity of industry professionals. AAPL is taking a proactive step in that direction with two important [...]
Shortcuts and workarounds inside lending firms are opening the door to systemic abuse. A common misconception is that fraud in lending originates primarily from borrowers, such as falsifying income or inflating property values. However, unethical practices within lending institutions often create fertile ground for fraud to flourish. Examples of concerning practices include coaching borrowers on [...]
Stop lawsuits before they start by putting every fee change in writing. Principled lenders occasionally find themselves navigating ethical gray areas—not through malice, but through oversight, ambiguity, or the breakneck pace of deal flow. As compliance demands continue to evolve and competition intensifies, it becomes easier than ever to unwittingly stray from ethical commitments you [...]
AAPL’s Ethics Committee reviewed its code violation reporting requirements and internal handling procedures—here are the results. The American Association of Private Lenders established the industry’s frst Code of Ethics in 2015, requiring members to maintain standards of conduct a level above “not breaking the law.” Although these guidelines may seem like common sense to many, [...]
Consider these protocols for when to charge default interest and how to develop a default interest policy. Many lenders have provisions in their loan contracts to charge a higher interest rate if a borrower defaults on their loan. The default interest remains in effect until the loan is again current. When determining the rate, it’s [...]
By understanding and addressing background check best practices, lenders can navigate the process effectively, make informed lending decisions, and maintain compliance with applicable laws. Background checks can be an important tool in business-purpose lending, providing lenders with critical information to make informed decisions about a borrower’s creditworthiness and character. These checks help lenders evaluate various [...]
Gender identity discrimination, fee transparency, and prompt communications were topics for recent discussion and change. Private lenders’ unique position within the larger finance industry has allowed for greater nimbleness, flexibility, and a crucial level of self-agency in operations and strategy. To maintain that advantageous—but not assured—differentiation among borrowers, investors, and industry partners, private lenders must [...]
Transparency is key when an adverse event occurs. The worst has happened. You have had a significant adverse event that may affect your company’s financials and threatens the very existence of your company. If you are a fund manager, what do you tell your investors? How much do you tell your investors? What steps do [...]
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.
VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS & SESSION BREAKS // Early-risers will appreciate plentiful coffee and a selection of pastries, protein, and more – along with the opportunity to talk shop in a quieter atmosphere. Session breaks feature an energetic environment with a variety of snacking options.
AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY // For those who hate to say goodnight, each year a few sponsors plan a little something extra to wrap up your day … or help segue from all-business to all-fun. We’ll mark the party as official and provide information about how to attend.
AAPL APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more! Download now!
Grand Prize – Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission to Power Room event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st, 2023)
2nd Place – 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership