Speakers

Latif is a partner in the firm's Maryland office. He works closely with financial services providers at various stages of growth to develop, maintain and expand nationwide consumer and commercial credit and funding programs. On behalf of investor clients, Latif engages in due diligence of financial service providers, including fintech firms, bank partnership platforms, small business lenders, sales finance companies and legal funding companies. Latif advises legal funding companies on compliance with state and federal law, including issues related to licensing, documentation and recharacterization. He also counsels clients on choice of law issues.

Robert ("Bob") Gage is a partner in Hudson Cook's Michigan office. Bob's practice focuses on a wide range of issues affecting consumer and commercial financial services. He frequently speaks and writes on issues affecting consumer and commercial financial services. In the consumer financial services industry, Bob advises clients on matters relating to licensing, disclosure, servicing, e-commerce, privacy and compliance management. He also assists licensed lenders and finance companies respond to regulatory examinations. Though he concentrates on automobile finance and leasing, he has significant experience with other types of consumer finance program.

Bruce Kropschot is one of the first asked to join the advisory board and he has been active since September 6, 2000. He was named Leasing Person of the Year for 2015. Bruce Kropschot has been active in the equipment leasing industry since 1972 and has been a senior executive of three large leasing companies. In 1986 he founded Kropschot Financial Services, a firm he developed into the leading provider of merger and acquisition advisory services for equipment leasing companies.

Mayor Levy enjoys working together with his colleagues on the Hollywood City Commission as they endeavor to make the City of Hollywood: South Florida’s TOP city to live, learn, work, invest, and play. Mayor Levy thanks his family and the entire community for entrusting him with the privilege of serving as our city’s chief elected official.

Mr. Schneider is the CEO of BasePoint Capital, a leading player in structured direct lending that has extended over $7.4B in committed financings since 2011. He also serves as the CEO and CIO of BasePoint Advisors, a registered investment advisory affiliate. Prior to BasePoint, Eric focused on structured products initiatives at both Omega Advisors and Morgan Stanley.

Herk Christie is the Chief Operating Officer at Expansion Capital Group (ECG), a firm taking pride in providing fast and innovative financial solutions for the small business community. Mr. Christie has been with ECG since 2016 and is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in both consumer and small business lending.

Shane Mahabir is the Founder and President of Funder Intel, a resource, content, and community platform for the business finance industry. Funder Intel offers visitors a way to learn more about the industry, connect with others, find more providers and vendors, keep up with the latest news and trends, grow their brand, and more.

Byron Donalds grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and he is also the proud son of a hardworking and loving single mother. His mother dedicated her time instilling in him that greatness requires sacrifice, which drives him as a devoted family man and United States Congressman. Byron is a graduate of Florida State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and marketing. Byron's career led him to Southwest Florida, where he worked in the banking, finance, and insurance industries. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, Byron represented Hendry County and east Collier County in the State Capitol.

Jim Granat is a President of Small Business Lending and SVP at OnDeck, America’s largest online small business lender. In his role, he is responsible for bringing easy-to-access working capital to more small businesses in the U.S. as well as driving strategic partnerships. With a decade of experience in online marketplaces and lending in both the consumer and small business industries, Jim previously served as President at Lendio and as Chief Operating Officer at FDI Management.

Bruce Miller joined Stephens in 2004 and co-heads the firm's global Specialty Finance investment banking group. Bruce and his team advise public and private commercial and consumer finance companies on M&A transactions, equity and debt capital markets transactions, and other strategic advisory assignments.