The discourse surrounding cryptocurrencies has piqued the interest of fund houses and registered investment advisors and has become a topic of conversation in more general settings. Bitcoin’s allure has captured widespread interest, but the inherent volatility and complexities of direct trading can deter even the most eager investors. Crypto funds and ETFs recognized the challenges and barriers within the cryptocurrency market and have provided a simpler route by mirroring Bitcoin’s price swings. One firm, Valiant Finance, stands out for providing an alternative to how investors engage with Bitcoin mining. Valiant Finance is at the intersection of finance and technology to develop institutional-quality alternative investment solutions for the new economy. It integrates technological innovation with financial acumen, creating opportunities for accredited investors that simultaneously benefit the communities it operates in. Central to Valiant Finance’s innovative approach is its digital mining fund, which provides crucial financing support to a captive Bitcoin mining operator. It facilitates the growth of this sector by directing investors’ funds to robust and scalable mining operations. This financial product is as a significant innovation, generating cash flows for investors through monthly payouts from the productivity of Bitcoin mining operations, a pioneering achievement in the industry. “What excites me the most is how we’ve transformed access to Bitcoin mining. We’ve turned it into a cashflow business for seasoned investors and anyone looking to diversify into crypto with less of the typical risks associated with volatile market prices,” says Sean Campbell, managing director/head of distribution at Valiant Finance, sharing his enthusiasm.
Managing a dental practice can be challenging, but it can be an opportunity for success and growth with the proper support. This is where CFO Dental Partners comes in - a firm at the forefront of providing top-notch CFO consulting and fractional CFO consulting services to dental practices across the United States. The company’s services are tailored to assist dental practice owners and clinicians better understand their financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement. The purpose is to allow owners to make informed decisions about their practice’s operations, increasing efficiency and productivity. CFO Dental Partners understands dental practice owners’ and clinicians’ unique challenges when managing their business operations and finances. Dental practitioners can focus on delivering quality patient care, while CFO Dental Partners takes care of the financial aspects of their practice. “We have identified the types of dental practices most likely to benefit from our services and our solutions caters to their unique financial needs. This approach sets us apart from most virtual CFO service providers,” says Daniel Richards, CEO of CFO Dental Partners. CFO Dental Partners stands out for their collaboration with other financial professionals associated with dental practice owners, including bankers, tax professionals, and financial planners. It works with practice owners’ tax team, financial advisor, attorney, or practice coach to develop a comprehensive plan, outlining a future direction. These professionals often seek to support dental business owners but are much more effective with the data and help from CFO Dental Partners. Dental Partners acts as an intermediary and facilitates the information exchange necessary for the efficacious implementation of tax strategies, investment planning, and related activities.
Ken Kaplan, Founder & Managing Partner
Kaplan CFO Solutions is a leading provider of CFO services, offering seasoned CFOs, both in-person and remotely, to companies across the USA on a contract basis. What makes the firm an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes is its team of experienced professionals who function as powerful allies, trustworthy managers, and—when a client needs it—a confidant and peer, providing guidance to achieve financial goals and thrive in today’s competitive business environment. One of the key benefits of collaborating with Kaplan CFO Solutions is gaining on-demand access to its team of senior-level CFOs who have a deep understanding of the financial landscape and the unique challenges that SMBs face. Drawing knowledge from their experience, they specialize in providing accurate and timely financial insights along with strategic guidance and planning that helps businesses make informed decisions and improve their financial performance. “Compared to employing a full-time CFO, our solutions enable relatively small businesses to acquire a financial expert at a fraction of the expense,” says Ken Kaplan, founder and managing partner of Kaplan CFO Solutions. The CFO solutions company has three models–embedded, project and board leadership engagement–through which it primarily provides its services. In its unique embedded engagement service, a Kaplan CFO works as part of a client’s management team and offers experienced financial leadership on-site. The CFO, as a senior management member, is remunerated through the client’s standard payroll process, which effectively eliminates the high expenses that come with hiring a full-time C-suite executive. On the other hand, for small companies that are not seeking an interim CFO or large enterprises whose permanent CFO needs to outsource one or more projects, Kaplan CFO Solutions’ project engagement model is an ideal solution.
Charlie House, Finance Director - Finance Business Partner IT at AutoZone
Lisa Tanner, Director, Global Credit Collections, Nidec Motor Corporation
Yanic Croteau, Global SVP Information Technology at Brookfield Renewable
Small firms' opportunities and threats are unique, as finding out what the future holds for funding startups and growing businesses is necessary.
Private credit, loans to corporate borrowers by non-bank lenders, has gained media attention as it introduces new participants
Navigating the New Landscape of Specialty Finance
Thelandscapeofspecialtyfinanceisever-evolving, characterized by innovative approaches to funding and investment that cater to niche markets and unique financial needs. Over the past year, several key trends and developments have emerged, shaping the future of this dynamic sector. Fintech has been a game-changer in the specialty finance industry, offering new solutions and enhancing existing ones. The integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain has streamlined processes, improved risk assessment, and provided better customer experiences. Fintech companies are leveraging these technologies to offer personalized financial products, automate underwriting processes, and ensure faster, more secure transactions. Alternative lending continues to grow as traditional banks tighten their lending criteria. Specialty finance firms are filling the gap by offering tailored loan products to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and individuals with non-traditional credit profiles. Peer-to-peer lending, invoice financing, and merchant cash advances are becoming increasingly popular, providing businesses with muchneeded capital to fuel their growth. Structured finance has seen significant growth, with more investors seeking higher yields and diversification. Collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), asset-backed securities (ABS), and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are attracting attention as they offer attractive risk-adjusted returns. Specialty finance firms are innovating in this space, creating new structured products that cater to a broader range of investors. The specialty finance industry is at the forefront of financial innovation, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the market. The integration of technology, growth in alternative lending, emphasis on ESG, regulatory compliance, and the rise of private credit are shaping the future of this sector. As specialty finance firms continue to innovate and expand their offerings, they play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and providing essential financial solutions to underserved markets. In this edition, we have featured Valiant Finance. The company is at the intersection of finance and technology to develop institutionalquality alternative investment solutions for the new economy. It integrates technological innovation with financial acumen, creating opportunities for accredited investors that simultaneously benefit the communities it operates in.