Cole Taylor Business Capital (CTBC), a division of Cole Taylor Bank, announced the hiring of two new employees in its underwriting group. The additions are intended to facilitate CTBC’s continued geographic expansion. Joining the firm are Christopher Soupal, senior vice president, underwriter, and Stephen Beriau, assistant vice president, underwriting analyst. Both will be based in Rosemont, IL at the company’s headquarters.

Soupal joined CTBC most recently from RedRidge Finance Group where he was a managing director responsible for managing the sourcing, negotiating, credit evaluation, and documentation of all potential transactions and investments. He attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and is a member of the Commercial Finance Association.

Beriau joined CTBC from Bibby Financial where he held the positions of operations manager, underwriter and Internal/External auditor. While at Bibby, he was a supervisor and manager of risk assessment and operations for loans in the Western region of the United States. Beriau is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with these key additions to our team” said Michael Sharkey, president of CTBC. “Both Chris and Stephen bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to CTBC and they will make a great addition to our family. We understand the importance of growing our underwriting capacity to accommodate the expansion of our sales force. The continued growth of the CTBC team demonstrates Cole Taylor’s commitment to asset-based lending. Our goals are to deliver creative financing solutions and provide outstanding service throughout the life of the relationship.”

Cole Taylor Business Capital is the asset-based lending division of Cole Taylor Bank. Cole Taylor Business Capital seeks asset-based lending opportunities in the $5 million to $50 million range.