Aarti Garg is a rising leader in collateral examination, blending a rigorous Big 4 accounting foundation with a deep-seated passion for the secured lending industry. As the director of operations at Insight Examination Services, Garg transitioned from the minutiae of traditional auditing to mastering the nuances of the “big picture” in asset-based lending. While she was initially drawn to the field through her family’s legacy, she has developed her own fascination with the industry. “I’ve learned to appreciate the greater purpose of our role as collateral field examiners,” Garg explains. “It’s about understanding the unique risks of a business and how they translate into the ABL framework.”
Garg recently demonstrated her expertise by leading a complex collateral exam for a specialty financier in the pawn shop sector. The project presented significant challenges, as the prospect was unfamiliar with ABL requirements and resistant to providing necessary data. Leveraging her deep industry knowledge, she acted as a bridge between the lender and the company, translating “ABL speak” into terms the borrower could understand and appreciate.
Her methodical approach not only addressed the specific risks of the engagement but also turned a difficult process into a mutually satisfying experience for both parties. For Garg, this project reinforced the importance of using specialized expertise to navigate hyper-specific industry risks.
Garg credits much of her professional philosophy to her father and mentor, Sunil Garg, who taught her the fundamentals of accounting through real-world observations. She carries these early lessons into her work today, applying simple yet powerful concepts to even the most complex companies. “One of my earliest memories is learning about sales and dilution just by watching customers at Costco,” she says. By combining this grounded perspective with a commitment to excellence, Garg ensures the reputable firm her father built continues to thrive.
