Insights
ABL Intelligence From the Inside
Expert perspectives on asset-based lending from Donald Clarke — SFNet Hall of Fame inductee, author of the first ABL textbook, and 40+ years of deal execution experience.
What Is Asset-Based Lending? A Borrower's Complete Guide
Asset-based lending explained from a borrower's perspective — real advance rates, collateral types, how borrowing bases work, and when ABL is the right financing structure for your business.
Read ArticleWhy Your ABL Deal Got Declined — And How to Fix It
Most ABL deals don't fail because of the business. They fail because of how they were presented. Here are the three reasons deals get declined — and how to fix each one.
Read ArticleHow to Choose the Right ABL Lender for Your Business
Not all ABL lenders are the same. Banks, independent shops, factors, PE-backed lenders — each has different minimums, advance rates, and risk appetites. Here's how to find the right fit.
Read ArticleAsset-Based Lending in 2026: Market Trends Every CFO Should Know
The ABL market is expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2026. Private credit competition, PE firms embracing ABL, and digital collateral management are reshaping the landscape.
Read ArticleThe ABL Credit Package: What Lenders Actually Want to See
A step-by-step breakdown of what goes into a credit-committee-ready ABL package — financial statements, borrowing base certificates, collateral analysis, projections, and deal narratives.
Read ArticleABL Field Examinations: What Every Borrower Needs to Know
Field examinations are the lender's eyes on your business. Learn what ABL field examiners look for, why lenders require them, and how to prepare so your deal moves forward without surprises.
Read ArticleAccounts Receivable Financing vs. Factoring: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Accounts receivable financing and factoring both use your invoices to generate cash — but they work very differently. Learn the key differences in structure, cost, ownership, and when each is the right fit.
Read ArticleAsset-Based Lending for Turnaround and Distressed Companies
When cash flow lenders walk away, asset-based lending steps in. Learn how ABL provides lifeline financing for turnaround situations — DIP lending, distressed refinances, and what lenders need to see.
Read ArticleThe SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program: What ABL Borrowers Need to Know
The SBA's 7(a) Working Capital Pilot program now supports asset-based lending for small businesses up to $5M. Learn how it works, who qualifies, and how to access this government-backed ABL option.
Read ArticleABL Borrowing Base Monitoring: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Borrowing base monitoring is the lifeblood of every ABL facility. Learn how it works, why lenders require it, common pitfalls that restrict availability, and best practices for maintaining a clean borrowing base.
Read ArticleTariffs and Trade Policy: How They Affect Your ABL Inventory Collateral
Tariff volatility is reshaping how lenders value inventory collateral. Learn how trade policy changes affect your ABL borrowing base, advance rates, and what you can do now to protect your borrowing capacity.
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