Hannah Schregardus entered the asset-based finance industry seeking a change from branch banking and a more intellectually challenging role. While she admits she “did not actually know what asset-based financing was” when she took her first role, she quickly found that the field offered the rigorous path she was seeking. Over the past decade, her perspective has evolved from mastering the technical mechanics of lending to embracing the ever-changing landscape of middle-market finance. “I find that each new deal, each new transaction, and the ever-changing landscape of the industry allow for continued growth,” Schregardus says.
Now a vice president and ABL asset manager at Truist Bank, Schregardus recently demonstrated her expertise while at a former employer during a bankruptcy case involving a large customer in 2025. Facing an incredibly high-pressure environment, she worked closely with the client, the bank group and the owners to navigate the restructuring. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring a positive outcome; the company emerged eight months later with a significantly de-levered balance sheet. Simultaneously, the bank preserved a valuable treasury relationship and strengthened the terms of its agreement. “The company was able to clean up its balance sheet and de-lever significantly,” she notes, showcasing her ability to protect institutional interests while supporting a client’s survival.
A firm believer in professional accountability, Schregardus credits her career trajectory to a senior mentor who taught her that individuals must be the primary architects of their own success. “I am the only one who can take charge of my career,” she explains. “While others can help pave the way or provide opportunities, I am the only one who can take the actual steps to grow and learn.” This philosophy of self-determination drives her to proactively seek out growth opportunities in the asset-based finance space, ensuring she remains a key contributor to the bank’s success in a competitive market.
