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 [...]
As is the case in most ethical scenarios, intent, communication, and action are key. Employee turnover can be costly and disruptive. To mitigate their risk when employees leave and to protect intellectual property and trade secrets, some companies require certain employees to sign noncompete agreements. However, some of these agreements fail because they are overly [...]
Understanding these best practices will help you address an employee's mental health issues, especially within the stressful lending services industry. Forward from Jeff Spiegel, first chair of AAPL’s Ethics Committee and principal of Spiegel Accountancy Corp.: AAPL, as the oldest and largest trade association safeguarding the private lending profession, has a storied history of firsts—one [...]
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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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3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership