Latest news with #middleMarket
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US Capital Global Grows USA East and West Coast Teams with Four Senior Appointments
As part of its national growth strategy, US Capital Global welcomes Steve P. Wilburn, Ruta J. Laukien, Justina McCaffrey, and Caroline Banzali to strengthen its middle market financing team. Managing Partner Steve P. Wilburn and Vice Presidents Ruta J. Laukien, Justina McCaffrey, and Caroline Banzali. San Francisco, California, USA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- US Capital Global is pleased to announce the expansion of its U.S. team with the addition of four new bankers: Managing Partner Steve P. Wilburn and Vice Presidents Ruta J. Laukien, Justina McCaffrey, and Caroline Banzali. These seasoned professionals bring decades of expertise across investment banking, energy and infrastructure, tax strategy, private capital, and real estate, further strengthening the firm's presence in key domestic markets and enhancing its ability to deliver bespoke financial solutions to clients nationwide. With headquarters in San Francisco and operations in cities such as Miami, New York, Philadelphia, London, Milan, Zurich, and Dubai, US Capital Global is a leading full-service global private financial group. The firm specializes in corporate finance, asset management, and capital formation services for the middle market. 'We're delighted to welcome these exceptional professionals to US Capital Global,' said Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman of the Board of Directors at US Capital Global. 'Steve, Ruta, Justina, and Caroline each bring remarkable industry experience, strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities. Their addition marks a significant milestone in our U.S. expansion and further enhances our ability to serve an increasingly diverse and complex client base.' Steve P. Wilburn joins as Managing Partner of US Capital Global's newly formed Energy and Trade Finance Division. Based in Newport Beach, California, Wilburn brings more than 35 years of leadership in clean energy, infrastructure, defense, and advanced manufacturing. A decorated and combat-wounded U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has directed more than $2 billion in energy and infrastructure projects globally. Ruta J. Laukien, joining as Vice President, brings over 15 years of investment banking experience spanning M&A, healthcare, transportation, and venture capital. She has held senior roles at Bear Stearns, Alantra, and Wofford Advisors, and currently manages investments in European DeepTech and HealthTech. Justina McCaffrey, Vice President, is based in the firm's Palm Beach office and focuses on real estate and private capital transactions. A successful entrepreneur and former federal political candidate in Canada, she sourced over $170 million in qualified deal flow in Q1 2025 alone. Caroline Banzali, Vice President, is a veteran M&A tax attorney and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She has held executive roles at top-tier firms and multi-billion-dollar family offices and has deep expertise in structuring complex deals across entertainment, tech, and consumer sectors. 'These four new appointments reflect our commitment to identifying and empowering exceptional talent in the middle market,' said Charles Towle, COO and Managing Partner at US Capital Global. 'As we continue to grow our national footprint, their leadership and networks will be instrumental in driving new business and delivering outstanding value to our clients.' About US Capital Global Founded in 1998, US Capital Global offers a range of advanced financial solutions, including debt, equity, and investment products customized for middle-market enterprises and investors. The firm oversees direct investment funds while delivering comprehensive wealth management and investment banking services, encompassing M&A strategies and capital raising expertise. Among the notable entities within the consortium are US Capital Global Investment Management LLC, US Capital Global Wealth Management LLC, and US Capital Global Securities LLC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA. To learn more, visit To learn more about US Capital Global, email Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman of the Board of Directors, at . Attachment Managing Partner Steve P. Wilburn and Vice Presidents Ruta J. Laukien, Justina McCaffrey, and Caroline Banzali. CONTACT: Vanessa Guajardo US Capital Global +1 415 889 1010 media@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
2 Reasons to Like CADE (and 1 Not So Much)
Over the past six months, Cadence Bank's shares (currently trading at $31.36) have posted a disappointing 10.4% loss while the S&P 500 was flat. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation. Following the drawdown, is now an opportune time to buy CADE? Find out in our full research report, it's free. With roots dating back to 1885 and a strategic focus on middle-market commercial lending, Cadence Bancorporation (NYSE:CADE) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, retail banking, and wealth management services to middle-market businesses and individuals. Our experience and research show the market cares primarily about a bank's net interest income growth as non-interest income is considered a lower-quality and non-recurring revenue source. Cadence Bank's net interest income has grown at a 20% annualized rate over the last four years, much better than the broader bank industry. Its growth was driven by both an increase in its outstanding loans and net interest margin, which represents how much a bank earns in relation to its outstanding loan book. Tangible book value per share (TBVPS) serves as a key indicator of a bank's financial strength, representing the hard assets available to shareholders after removing intangible assets that could evaporate during financial distress. Cadence Bank's TBVPS increased by 7.3% annually over the last five years, and growth has recently accelerated as TBVPS grew at an incredible 22% annual clip over the past two years (from $14.99 to $22.30 per share). Long-term growth is the most important, but within financials, a stretched historical view may miss recent interest rate changes and market returns. Cadence Bank's recent performance shows its demand has slowed significantly as its annualized revenue growth of 1.3% over the last two years was well below its five-year trend. Cadence Bank has huge potential even though it has some open questions. After the recent drawdown, the stock trades at 1× forward P/B (or $31.36 per share). Is now a good time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Preparing For The CEO Role: Lessons From A Fintech Leader
Michael Praeger is Cofounder and CEO of AvidXchange, a leading provider of accounts payable and payment automation technology. This year, AvidXchange celebrates its 25th anniversary, and I celebrate 25 years of being its cofounder and CEO. Leading a company that pioneered accounts payable automation has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability and growth. Like many pioneers, I faced challenges without a clear roadmap. Navigating uncharted territory required constant learning, a willingness to embrace uncertainty and a commitment to seeking guidance beyond my immediate network. Early in my career, AvidXchange encountered growth hurdles due to our unprecedented business model. My mentors helped me realize that the solutions we needed lay outside my comfort zone. I had to be vulnerable enough to ask for help—not just from advisors but directly from our customers. The key wasn't just asking questions but learning to ask the right questions, a skill that ultimately helped solve some of our toughest challenges. One pivotal moment revealed the need to redirect our business model entirely. Investors had bought into the original vision, making the decision daunting. Yet, embracing uncertainty and making that bold move helped AvidXchange grow into a company generating over $400 million in annual revenue and serving over 8,500 middle-market companies in North America. Over the course of my career, I've learned there's no single roadmap to success. However, three key practices can strengthen leadership: focusing on the core customer, driving innovation and scaling effectively. A 2024 Qualtrics report revealed that 66% of customers don't directly report poor experiences to a company. This underscores the importance of proactively engaging customers. When customers feel valued, they're more likely to share feedback that holds critical insights for business success. Customers are far more than just a market segment or revenue projections—they're partners in your growth. Building genuine relationships with customers can elevate a business from good to great. Fostering these connections builds a customer-obsessed mindset that should resonate across all departments, not just customer-facing teams. From C-suite executives to sales, marketing and product teams, everyone should be equally passionate about solving customer challenges. As a leader, you must continuously pursue innovation, growing alongside your company to drive its continued success. A strong culture of curiosity and improvement is essential—it requires questioning the world around you, seeking inspiration in every opportunity and challenging the status quo. This mentality must be embedded in your company culture. When you prioritize curiosity, innovation and a strong team, you attract others who believe in your vision. Research shows that 66% of CEOs regret not focusing earlier on building their teams. The right people fuel success—by bringing on those who lead with innovation, you strengthen your potential for long-term growth. Scaling a business effectively requires measurable reinforcement across departments to maintain focus and drive progress. A Harvard Business Review study (paywall) found that decisive CEOs—those who make confident, informed decisions—tend to perform better. Establishing operational rhythms fosters alignment. For instance, my teams have used a red-yellow-green status system in meetings to ensure transparency and collaboration, helping move projects from risk to success. This ensures that our results remain on track throughout the year. New CEOs will quickly realize that learning never stops. A genuine curiosity to learn—and the humility to be wrong—are essential leadership traits. My curiosity is fueled by reading and engaging with diverse perspectives, which bring fresh insights to the workplace. I encourage all leaders to stay curious—it's a powerful way to evolve. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Middle Market Firms Rapidly Embracing Generative AI, But Expertise Gaps Pose Risks: RSM 2025 AI Survey
What the survey reveals CHICAGO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 RSM Middle Market AI Survey reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a cornerstone in the operational strategies of middle market organizations across the U.S. and Canada. The report, presented by RSM US LLP ('RSM') – the leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services for the middle market – found an overwhelming 91% of respondents affirmed their organizations' use of generative AI in business practices, marking a notable rise from 77% in the previous year's survey. The survey findings reflect middle market companies' strategic commitment to generative AI implementation. Among those respondents whose organization uses any AI (91%), 79% reported having a defined strategy or roadmap to adopt it, with 37% claiming a well-formulated approach. Among respondents whose organization uses generative AI, one-quarter stated it is fully integrated into their core operations and workflows. The time-saving benefits of generative AI adoption are particularly evident as half of the respondents using it reported streamlining their IT projects, 45% cited time savings in data analytics applications, and 39% experienced efficiencies in customer service processes. 'The adoption rates we're seeing prove that AI is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for middle market firms to remain competitive,' said Sergio de la Fe, enterprise digital leader and partner with RSM US LLP. 'While 88% of those using generative AI said it has impacted their organization more positively than expected, 92% reported experiencing challenges during AI implementation rollouts, demonstrating how complex and multi-faceted the integration process is. We found that respondents cited hurdles around data quality, skills gaps, and governance that companies must proactively address through strategic planning and investments.' Unlocking Efficiency and Innovation Through AI A driving force behind generative AI's widespread adoption is its ability to boost productivity and operational efficiency across the middle market. By automating routine tasks, generative AI enables employees to redirect their efforts toward higher-value work that demands human ingenuity and creativity. Key findings from RSM's survey highlight how organizations are using generative AI: Organizations are actively integrating AI into a variety of operational areas to drive innovation and efficiency. Among those using generative AI: Data Quality and Expertise Deficits Hinder Optimal Implementation Despite strong enthusiasm for generative AI adoption across the middle market, the survey results also highlight significant challenges organizations face in optimizing these technologies. Key challenges identified in the survey include: Even among firms that considered themselves prepared, the AI implementation process was rarely without obstacles: 'While generative AI has opened up new frontiers of productivity across operations, it's crucial that businesses don't lose sight of the human element,' emphasized Rhys Morgan, Consulting partner and North American CIO Services lead. 'AI works best when complementing human ingenuity – companies must upskill their workforce and implement rigorous oversight and AI governance measures to fully capitalize on AI's potential while mitigating risks.' Despite these formidable challenges, 70% of middle market firms using generative AI recognized the need for external support to maximize the full potential of their AI solutions. This acknowledgment, coupled with a willingness to invest in AI consulting services, signals a commitment to overcoming hurdles through strategic partnerships. Notably, of the 76% who have a dedicated budget for generative AI investments, 47% use it for AI consulting services. North American Perspectives: Contrasting U.S. and Canadian AI Journeys While middle market firms across North America are embracing generative AI, RSM's report reveals notable differences in experiences and preparedness between Canadian and U.S. companies: As the artificial intelligence revolution charges forward, these nuances underscore how geographic and geopolitical contexts can shape organizational attitudes and readiness. The AI journeys of U.S. and Canadian middle market companies seem to be charting distinct, though parallel, trajectories amid the challenges and opportunities presented by these transformative technologies. Bridging the AI readiness gap The survey's findings reflect a clear trend: while adoption is accelerating, many middle market companies are still navigating the complexities of AI strategy, integration and governance. In response to these evolving needs, RSM has committed $1 billion over the next three years to technology and AI innovation—including investments in digital infrastructure, advanced AI capabilities and talent development. These efforts aim to enhance RSM's ability to guide clients through AI transformation while accelerating its own use of responsible AI across service lines. The full report can be found here. Methodology The survey, conducted by Big Village, included 966 respondents with 762 in the US and 204 in Canada. Qualification for survey participation required respondents to have decision-making authority, be part of a decision-making group, or have significant influence on technology investments at their organization. The survey was conducted online from February 21 through March 4, 2025. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.2%. About RSM US LLP RSM empowers middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth. Our unique middle market perspective makes RSM the natural choice for growth-oriented, internationally active organizations seeking relevant insights and tailored, innovative solutions for a complex and changing world. With a global reach spanning more than 120 countries, we instill confidence in a world of change by bringing the full power of RSM to make a lasting impact on our clients, colleagues and communities. For more information, visit like us on Facebook, follow us on X and/or connect with us on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RSM US LLP
Globe and Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
AXA XL targets Canadian middle market with new insurance offering
TORONTO , /CNW/ -- AXA XL is expanding insurance offerings in Canada with the official launch of its Canada Middle Market business. The announcement follows AXA XL's appointment in September 2024 of Arti Rawal as Chief Underwriting Officer – Middle Market, Canada . Ms. Rawal is charged with building the Middle Market team and developing products to support the business expansion in Canada . "We're open for business," Ms. Rawal declared. "We're excited to start working with new clients and brokers, because we know that they have a lot to gain from the multiline insurance coverage provided by our experienced underwriters and backed by AXA XL's financial strength, suite of products and risk management capabilities." AXA XL will be offering multiline coverages for middle market clients in Canada , which include property, general liability, umbrella and commercial auto. AXA XL will initially work with a limited number of brokers in British Columbia , Alberta and Ontario with plans to expand to additional broker partners in the future. James Lee , Chief Agent and Head of Client & Distribution, said AXA XL's expansion into the Canadian middle market aligns with the company's desire to be a true risk management partner and provide value beyond the insurance policy. "Risk is growing more complex for all size businesses," Mr. Lee said. "By tailoring our insurance products and services to the middle market, we can help clients that might otherwise not have the resources to better face into risk." Follow AXA XL on LinkedIn ABOUT AXA XL AXA XL provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit AXA XL 'Facing into Risk' We're 'Facing into Risk'. Innovation has always kept the world moving forward, but it comes with risk. As a re/insurer, we believe that we must step up, face into risk and push the boundaries so that our clients can continue to drive progress. It is this belief that has inspired our new campaign, 'Facing into Risk'. Discover our solutions for business :
