WOMEN IN SECURED FINANCE 2025
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
L
ainie Canfield is a senior product specialist at ABLSoft, a collateral and loan management software platform. With a strong background in asset-based lending (ABL), she helps clients onboard, refine product requirements, and contribute to product development. Lainie began her career in commercial lending, completing the Credit Training program at Union Bank before transitioning to ABL as a field examiner. Drawn to the complexity and creativity of asset-based deal structures, she spent a decade conducting field exams and eventually managing a team of examiners.
LAINIE CANFIELD ABLSoft
In addition to her work in ABL, Lainie co-owns a business with her husband, where she manages accounting and operations. After stepping away from ABL briefly to spend time with her children, she returned to ABL as an account executive and later a portfolio manager, further strengthening her expertise in client relationships and portfolio management. Based in Southern California, Lainie enjoys skiing, hiking, and cruising the beach on her electric bike.
What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? What is the best advice you ever received? My advice to women starting out in the industry is to be confident and trust your instincts. If you have a great idea, share it. If you think a process could be improved, speak up. Your opinion and perspective are valuable. I have observed many talented women hesitate to speak up in meetings for fear of making mistakes. Confidence is essential to career growth. You must believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take up space. The best career advice I ever received came from my dad, who told me to “work as if you own the company.” He meant that I should take pride in my work and always strive for the highest quality, ensuring that anything I produce reflects the same level of care and responsibility I would have if I were the owner. I have followed that principle throughout my career, and it has contributed significantly to my success. How did you approach making a big decision in your career, either moving onto a new organization or role?
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THE SECURED LENDER MARCH 2025
Joining ABLSoft was a significant career decision for me. My background was in secured finance as a field examiner and operations, so transitioning into the software industry was both a new challenge and an opportunity for growth. My past experiences help me understand my clients’ needs, and this role has also given me exposure to product development, which I did not have as a lender and I really enjoy. When making major decisions, I consider three key questions: Does this align with my values? Will it advance my career? Will it improve my work-life balance? If the answer to any of these is no, I reconsider the opportunity. Career growth is important, but so is maintaining balance and happiness.
What role has mentorship/sponsorship played in your career? Mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. I have been fortunate to have several mentors who provided invaluable guidance and support, particularly when making critical career decisions. Their insights, honesty, and encouragement have been instrumental in my professional growth. I have also found great satisfaction in mentoring others, learning just as much from those I have guided as they have from me. The most impactful mentors are those whose values align with your own and who offer candid, constructive advice. While many organizations offer formal mentorship programs, which I highly encourage people to take advantage of, those without access to a mentorship program should proactively look for a mentor they admire and respect. Building strong, supportive relationships is essential for long-term success. How can secured finance organizations attract and retain more women? Over the course of my career, I have seen more and more women enter the secured finance industry. Early on, I was often the only woman in the room, but today I work for a woman-owned business alongside many women in leadership roles. At industry events, I’ve also noticed more female speakers and panelists, reflecting positive progress. Despite this progress, a significant gender gap remains. Raising awareness about the variety of roles available in finance may help attract more women. Many women may overlook careers in finance due to misconceptions about the industry being rigid or mundane. Additionally, offering greater flexibility in working hours to support women with families will be essential in attracting and retaining top female talent.