I’m very excited to let you know that the second video podcast in the “SFNet presents In The Know” series is now available.  My guest is David Silverman, Senior Director at Fitch Ratings.  David’s specific coverage includes the retail sector, which is the largest industry segment for the asset based industry. Fitch has a broad practice in retail ratings, covering several dozen large public companies. David also provides private ratings for the debt of a variety of non-public retailers.

David’s expertise provided the perfect setting for our discussion – Titled “Retailing at a Crossroads – as Usual”- focused on how rapidly retailing is changing in response to a variety of factors, including changing consumer behavior in response to concerns over inflation and the potential for a recession, and the continuing supply chain and labor issues.  The consequences of all of these factors have led to wide volatility in financial performance and ratings for retailers, turnover in the C-Suite, and rapidly evolving business strategies. David and I also discussed the inventory issues facing many retailers, and how he anticipates they will be addressed. 

Our Host, Barry Bobrow, explores the current state of the direct lending market and how it is benefiting from the disruptions of the broadly syndicated debt markets, with his guest Randy Schwimmer, founder of the Lead Left (where any friend of Barry's will get free access).