Celebrating the Next Generation

of Secured Finance Leaders

SFNet’s 40 Under 40 Awards honor rising professionals whose ideas, drive, and achievements are shaping the future of secured finance and setting new standards for excellence. By recognizing these trailblazers, we celebrate not only individual success, but also the strength, innovation, and progress of the entire industry. Each year’s class inspires colleagues, builds connections, and carries forward a legacy of leadership that elevates companies, clients, and the markets we serve.

The Awards nominations period is Dec. 5-Feb. 6. Winners are recognized in The Secured Lender magazine and at our 40 Under 40 Awards Gala the following June. Nominees and nominators must be employed by an SFNet member organization. Not sure if your organization is a member? Click here to confirm. 

If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to Michele Ocejo at mocejo@sfnet.com. 

NOMINATE NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

When will SFNet announce the winners?

Winners will be announced in late March 2026.

When do nominations begin?

Nominations open in early December.

What are the qualifications for a nominee?

Nominees must be employees of national SFNet members, be under 40 years old at the time of the awards ceremony and work in the secured finance industry.

We are looking for people who are making an indelible impact on our industry. We are also interested in those who exemplify true excellence in their careers and who bring a strong voice and commitment to their profession and to the industry at large. Community service, as well as participation in trade groups, etc. should also be included in the nomination information.

Who chooses the winners?

A panel of judges selected by SFNet reviews all nominations and makes the final selections.

Can I call or email a name instead of submitting a form?

No, all nominations must be submitted through the official awards platform.

Can I remain anonymous?

No

Can I nominate myself?

No, nominators must be the direct supervisor of the nominee.

Can I nominate my boss or would it be better for someone higher up to nominate them? Can I nominate a family member?

A nominator must be a senior leader or manager in the same SFNet member organization as the nominee. All nominations must provide clear, business-oriented reasons for the nomination, regardless of the relationship between nominator and nominee. Yes, you may nominate a family member.

Does it help if many people nominate the same person?

Multiple nominations for the same person do not increase their chances of winning.

Will more than one nominee from the same company be accepted?

Yes, multiple nominees from the same company can be considered.

Can I nominate someone who turns 40 before the cutoff?

No, nominees must be under 40 years old as of the cutoff date.

How does the process work?

After nominations close, judges review submissions and select winners based on merit and contributions to the industry.

What is required of those who are selected?

Winners must provide a photo and profile (see example profiles HERE). We encourage all winners to attend the ceremony.

Can I check on my nominee’s status?

No, SFNet does not provide status updates during the selection process.

Why wasn’t my nominee selected?

With only 40 slots and a large industry, many nominees will not be chosen. Nomination itself is a form of recognition and an honor. We encourage nominators to re-nominate if their candidate was not chosen