SFNet’s DEI Committee, in conjunction with Rutgers University and underwritten by the Secured Finance Foundation and Wells Fargo, released the results of the first-ever DEI Survey, which provides a comprehensive perspective on the current state of diversity, equity and inclusiveness among SFNet member companies.

SFNet’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness Committee seeks to build diversity, equity and inclusion within SFNet member companies, the industry and community. It also strives to identify the issues and create awareness of the challenges, provide resources for improvements and demonstrate sustained measurable positive outcomes throughout the SFNet community. The Committee, which launched in 2021, quickly got to work on a groundbreaking DEI benchmarking study of the secured finance industry, the results of which were revealed during a members-only webinar held on June 28. If you missed the webinar, please go to www.sfnet.com and click on Webinars under Events and then choose Previous Webinars on the right. Sponsors of the webinar were Otterbourg P.C., Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP and Wells Fargo.

The Survey, created in conjunction with Rutgers University and underwritten by the Secured Finance Foundation and Wells Fargo, provides a first-ever comprehensive perspective on the current state of diversity, equity and inclusiveness among SFNet member companies. The outcomes reveal insights and tools to drive continuous improvement and provide a baseline to mark improvements in hiring, retention, advancement and increasing engagement of diverse professionals within our institutions and the SFNet community.

“This landmark study is part of a systemic approach SFNet member companies are taking to strengthen our ability to fulfill our purpose of putting capital to work,” said Richard Gumbrecht, SFNet CEO. “The mindful practice of applying DEI principles needs to be embedded in how we do business. Shedding morelight on where we are today in that journey is an important step forward.”

SLR Business Credit’s Betty Hernandez, who is chair of the DEI Committee, said, “Each SFNet member firm is on its own journey towards diversity, equity and inclusion. I encourage all members to review the survey results for insights into where our industry is on this journey. Are we on the right path towards not just diverse hiring practices, but also equity and inclusion?”

“The findings of this survey in many ways confirmed what we thought going in, but surprised us in a few areas,” said Terry Keating, CEO, Access Capital, and a DEI Committee members. “One thing that is clear to me, the industry and its member companies are actively working on change and shaping a more balanced and equal future for our most important resource: our people.”

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