The Secured Finance Network’s 20 Chapters are comprised of professionals with great insight and experience. From golf outings to educational events, several Chapters shared their highlights from the past year. 

Atlanta
The SFNet Atlanta Chapter focuses on bringing value to its members, sponsors and community.  With support from its 36 sponsors, the Chapter is able to offer high-quality networking and educational events all while giving back to the community through financial donations and philanthropic efforts.  The Atlanta Chapter’s membership has grown over 30% in the last five years, with its emerging leaders membership almost doubling in that same time.  The Chapter hosts a diverse calendar of events from networking and education events to baseball and golf outings. It participates in joint events every year with various TMA and SFNet Chapters throughout the Southeast, helping to expand its reach within the Southeast region.  SFNet Atlanta is focused on growing its membership among emerging leaders and women. The Atlanta Chapter of Women in Secured Finance will participate in its first Charity Tennis & Pickleball event to support the fight against breast cancer, and they hope for it to be an annual event. In addition, its annual golf tournament raises over $5,000 for local charities and chapter members volunteer over 50 hours a year for Cure for Childhood Cancer.  Understanding the need to encourage the next generation of secured lenders, the Atlanta Chapter is active in the college community, conducting six guest lectures at Kennesaw State University.  The Chapter looks to expand this program to other local institutions.  The board is dedicated to the continued growth and success of the Atlanta Chapter and bringing value to the next generation of leaders.  



Europe
The SFNet Europe Chapter recently launched its inaugural Women in Secured Finance (WISF) program, marking the beginning of a new initiative for the Chapter’s 160 members. The event, which was graciously hosted at Norton Rose Fulbright’s London office on August 21, highlighted the Chapter’s commitment to fostering growth and connection among its members, nearly a quarter of whom are women. The kick-off event was a speed networking session that drew nearly 70 participants. Attendees were divided into two groups: those with less networking experience, eager to develop their skills, and those more comfortable with networking, willing to share their expertise. There were multiple five-minute, one-onone sessions, allowing for dynamic exchanges, followed by a drinks reception that provided additional networking opportunities. The Atlanta Chapter’s Emerging Leaders Casino Night at Greenberg Traurig The Europe Chapter held its inaugural Women  in Secured Finance event at Norton Rose  Fulbright’s London office. This event is just the first of many formats planned under the WISF program. Future sessions will focus on key industry updates, personal branding, thought leadership, and, of course, more networking opportunities.

Attendees were also provided with valuable networking tips, such as the importance of preparation— understanding expectations, knowing your business, tailoring your approach to specific events, and effectively introducing yourself. Other tips included the significance of first impressions, starting a conversation using the 30/70 rule, employing the FACE technique, and the importance of following up after an initial meeting. Plans are already underway for future WISF events, not only in London, but also in other
key industry locations across Europe. The SFNet Europe WISF program is co-led by Paula Langridge, head of UK Asset-Based Lending at Bank of America, and Alex Dunn, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. Their leadership is expected to drive the program’s success and expand its impact across the continent.

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