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Financial Services Review: Specials Magazine
In today’s financial landscape, where large corporations often dominate, Vanderbilt Financial Group (VFG) stands apart by embracing a personalized, entrepreneurial approach to wealth management. With a forward-looking mindset and an unwavering commitment to innovation, VFG is rapidly gaining attention as a top choice for financial professionals seeking a firm that understands the industry’s challenges while providing the flexibility and tools needed to succeed. At the heart of VFG is its visionary leader, Steve Distante, a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning financial services, farming, filmmaking, and authorship. Since childhood, Distante has viewed business through a unique lens, seeing challenges as opportunities to innovate. His vision for VFG is simple yet powerful: to create a firm that combines the strength of a large organization with the personalized attention of a boutique service. Entrepreneurial Spirit Meets Financial Expertise Under Distante’s leadership, Vanderbilt Financial Group has cultivated a reputation for operating with an entrepreneurial mindset. With a strong management team in place, VFG employs a strategic system known as MAP (Management Action Programs) to ensure that each decision aligns with long-term goals. Distante is known for his forward-thinking approach, always looking five years ahead to anticipate what will be most beneficial for the firm and its team. “We’re not just looking at the next quarter or year,” says Distante. “Our goal is to provide opportunities that will help our financial professionals grow their businesses long-term, no matter where they are in their careers.” This future-focused vision has led to a strong commitment to technology and innovation. VFG has integrated artificial intelligence and data analytics into its business model, helping the firm navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape. The Vanderbilt Concierge Assistant Program: A Unique Offering One of Vanderbilt Financial Group’s standout features is the Vanderbilt Concierge Assistant Program (VCAP), a groundbreaking initiative designed to support financial professionals with a dedicated team that streamlines operations and enhances productivity. VCAP provides assistance with business operations, marketing campaigns, and client analytics, ensuring professionals have the tools and expertise needed to succeed. Unlike many financial firms where onboarding can be a cumbersome process, VFG’s transition team ensures a seamless and efficient integration. The firm’s state-of-the-art platforms enable quick and secure asset transfers, significantly reducing the stress of switching firms. Once onboarding is complete, financial professionals gain access to the concierge service, which continues to provide guidance and support, allowing them to focus on growing their practice. This level of service is a key differentiator in an industry where many financial professionals feel like just another number. At Vanderbilt, the emphasis is on fostering a supportive environment where professionals can thrive rather than merely survive within a rigid corporate structure.
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, yet many struggle to access working capital and equipment financing for growth. Traditional banks and financial institutions tend to extend credit more favorably to large businesses due to their established commercial credit history, stable earnings, time in business, and lower risk exposure. These unwritten requirements often make it difficult for small businesses to secure financing. While these high-value partnerships drive significant revenue to lenders, the small business sector is equally crucial for the U.S. economy. Capital MBS addresses this gap by offering specialized equipment financing, working capital, and commercial real estate loans tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “We provide businesses with multiple financing options while protecting their credit scores and saving them valuable time,” says Yaro Yarema, Founder of Capital MBS. Unlike banks that conduct hard credit inquiries—potentially lowering personal and business credit scores—Capital MBS lending partners use soft credit pulls to assess credit without negative impact. This is especially beneficial for businesses that have faced multiple rejections, have below-average credit scores, or are at risk of being over-financed. Acting as a marketplace, Capital MBS connects businesses with the right lenders, whether they need low-risk financing from traditional institutions or alternative lending solutions for higher-risk cases. Specialized Equipment Financing for Business Growth Many industries, from manufacturing to logistics, rely on specialized equipment to operate efficiently. Capital MBS helps businesses secure funding for machinery, trucks, trailers, food processing machines, and landscaping and construction equipment. It offers competitive financing solutions through a diverse network of lenders—including banks, credit unions, and private lenders. A key focus area is the trucking industry, where Capital MBS has helped numerous clients expand their fleets by financing new and used vehicles and trailers. Flexible financing structures include, but are not limited to, equipment loans, lease-to-own, dollar buyout, sale-lease-back, vendor financing, and floor financing. Businesses can obtain essential equipment while maintaining financial stability, which is key for growth.
Accord Financial Corp. [TSX: ACD] has long been a trusted partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across North America, offering tailored financing solutions that support companies through growth, transition, and challenge. With over four decades of industry experience, the firm has cultivated a reputation for agility, expertise, and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Headquartered in Toronto, it delivers a suite of financial services designed to enhance liquidity, enabling companies to unlock working capital and accelerate their ambitions. From asset-based lending to specialized financing for film and media, Accord’s diverse offerings reflect its commitment to solving real-world business problems with practical and efficient funding options. Whether a company is scaling rapidly, undergoing a management buyout, restructuring or facing unpredictable disruptions, the firm steps in with smart capital solutions that prioritize speed, flexibility, and client needs. Its financing approach is rooted in leveraging a company’s assets—such as accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment—to generate the liquidity required to move forward. Tailored Services That Address Real Business Needs Accord’s financial solutions are designed to be accessible and customizable, ensuring they align with the specific realities of each business. One of its flagship offerings is Asset-Based Lending (ABL), where companies can borrow against assets like receivables, inventory, or machinery, often securing facilities between $1 million and $20 million. This service is especially effective for businesses experiencing rapid growth or those in transition due to acquisition or restructuring. The firm also offers factoring solutions under its AccordExpress platform, which is geared toward Canadian SMEs. Through this model, companies can receive up to 90 percent of the value of their invoices upfront, helping smooth cash flow when receivables are slow to convert. Accord’s factoring facilities range from $500,000 to $2 million, and the process is streamlined for fast decision-making and deployment. Accord extends its financial support through equipment and inventory financing, helping businesses acquire or leverage assets to enhance performance and liquidity. This solution is valuable for companies that need to modernize equipment or handle large orders without tying up cash flow. Small business financing is another vital service area, with flexible loans and leases tailored for enterprises needing less than $250,000 or significantly more, depending on the scope and structure of the operation. In addition, Accord supports niche sectors like film and media production through specialized financing that ensures producers have access to the funds they need throughout a project’s lifecycle. This industry-specific focus is part of the firm’s broader commitment to understanding and serving a diverse portfolio of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and professional services.
CXO INSIGHTS
Unraveling the Dynamics of Commercial Real Estate: Navigating a Changing Landscape
Dylan Sproul, Vice President, Capital Markets & Investment Sales, Transwestern
Dealing With Global Tax Compliance
Sergio Vazquez, Transfer Pricing Director, CEMEX
Liquidity Risk Management in Banking-Be Prepared
Charles Levingston, Chief Financial Officer, EagleBank
The Importance of Organizational Alignment: Strategy, Environmental Understanding, and Unifying Processes for Success
Michael Dotto, Director, Voya Financial
Building Resilient Supply Chains Amid Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainty
Joao Galvao, Managing Director - Head of Transaction Banking Corporate Sales, Americas, Standard Chartered Bank
The changing role of finance, and FP&A in the modern business environment
Christina Homburg, Global Head of M&A, Marley Spoon
Shaping Comprehensive Insurance Solutions With Vision And Expertise
Stacy Mammen, Broker Director, American International Group (AIG)
IN FOCUS
Connecting Investors to Opportunities: The Role of Broker-Dealers
Broker-dealers provide investors in financial markets with expert guidance, access to diverse investments, liquidity, efficient trade execution, and security.
EDITORIAL
Shaping the Future: Leading Broker-Dealer and Business Loan Services
The financial services industry in the United States is undergoing a powerful transformation. Innovation, agility, and a renewed commitment to client success are redefining how firms operate and create value. At the heart of this shift are broker-dealers and business loan providers, whose roles have evolved well beyond their traditional functions to support a more dynamic and resilient financial ecosystem. What was once primarily transactional has become increasingly strategic. Today, the focus is on building systems that foster long-term growth and meaningful relationships. Value is no longer measured solely by the services provided, but by how those services help people and businesses move forward with clarity and confidence. Broker-dealers are leading much of this progress. They are equipping financial advisors with the tools, support, and independence required to serve clients more effectively. The firms that are embracing technology, strengthening risk management, and refining their service platforms are redefining what it means to be a broker-dealer today. With flexible infrastructure, powerful analytics, and comprehensive compliance systems, they are creating an environment where advisors can thrive and deliver deeper value to their clients. At the same time, business lending is experiencing a transformation of its own. Companies are no longer just searching for funding. They are looking for financial partners who understand their challenges and can see their potential. Business loan service providers are responding with faster approval processes, a broader range of financing options, and digital-first models that make capital more accessible. These innovations are helping businesses of all sizes secure the resources they need to expand, adapt, and succeed in an unpredictable economic landscape. As the landscape continues to evolve, the firms that lead with innovation, adapt with purpose, and stay grounded in client needs will shape the future of financial services. Their work is not only moving the industry forward—it is helping people and businesses thrive in a new financial era. In this edition, we spotlight Vanderbilt Financial Group (VFG) a leader in impact-driven wealth management. We also feature Clayton Dexter, Underwriting Manager and Vice President at ANB Bank, and Steven Shafer, Treasury Innovations Team Manager at Bremer Bank, who share their perspectives on financial innovation and strategic investment. These industry leaders offer valuable insights into key opportunities and trends shaping the future of finance.
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