Lucy Csizmas has been a pioneer of asset-based lending business development for nearly three decades, serving as an inspiration to women in the industry by leading by example both with her professionalism and results. Among the first women in a management role in investment banking in the late 1980s, she faced many biases as a new banker. She believes she overcame such biases by “walking the talk” with the right amount of focus, knowledge, hard work, perseverance and performance.

Csizmas has more than 25 years of experience in the ABL industry, beginning her ABL career at Fremont Financial. She’s since held various senior business development roles at firms such as Marquette Business Credit and SLR Business Credit, leading to her current role as the director of business development for Edge Capital Lending.

Throughout her career, Csizmas has provided value-added financing solutions to lower middle-market companies in the manufacturing, distribution, retail/e-commerce and service industries that need a non-traditional form of senior debt financing. She has also emphasized sharing her knowledge base from decades of challenging cycles with her colleagues and referral sources.

“I strive toward providing thoughtful options to my referral network as well as prospective borrowers in order to create value when needed,” Csizmas says.

Csizmas prioritizes transparency, communication and collaborative efforts as well as creative thinking. She never just says “no” to an idea but is more forward-thinking with an “if, but, for” mindset. She also consistently seeks to create optimal outcomes for all parties while protecting the downside risk in any transaction.

In the near and far future, Csizmas plans to continue contributing to the success of Edge Capital and sharing her knowledge and experience with her community and her team, which consists of other dynamic women in positions such as CEO, CCO, underwriting director, portfolio managers and more, as well as women in key roles at other firms who are also driving the ABL industry forward.