WELCOME !

Thanks for dropping in for some hopefully great business info and on occasion some hopefully not too sarcastic comments on the state of Business Financing in Canada and what we are doing about it !

In 2004 I founded 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL. At that time I had spent all my working life, at that time - Over 30 years in Commercial credit and lending and Canadian business financing. I believe the commercial lending landscape has drastically changed in Canada. I believe a void exists for business owners and finance managers for companies, large and small who want service, creativity, and alternatives.

Every day we strive to consistently deliver business financing that you feel meets the needs of your business. If you believe as we do that financing solutions and alternatives exist for your firm we want to talk to you. Our purpose is simple: we want to deliver the best business finance solutions for your company.



Thursday, September 19, 2019

Buying A Company? Business Acquisition Loans









Do You Know The Surprising Secret To Buying A Company ?





Properly structured business acquisition financing loans are critical to success in buying a company or business in Canada. As a business owner and financial mgr your goal is to pay the right price and merge that with the financing you need to make your transaction work .

In some cases you might even be executing a merger or even buying a strategic partner or competitor ; in any case finance is key .

A small business acquisition loan is of course outside those large corporations , public and otherwise in Canada , that have the talent and corporate financing that they need. It's the small and medium sized sector that we're focusing on . Those Bay street boys have all the help they need. But in any case a business financing advisor is usually key to closing your deal .

Many business owners and their financial mgrs often try to ' go it alone'. finding later that road is a painful and expensive one, and one that burns some bridges along the way . So how can a qualified business finance advisor help you ?

There are several key areas that an experienced intermediary might assist you in . They include, but are not limited to:

Helping you develop criteria for your decision

Reviewing and assessing all financial info that is available

Possible assistance in pricing and valuation


Most important ? Structuring a small business acquisition loan that makes sense based on assets and cash flow. And business loan rates are important to the overall financing strategy.

Being proactive and have a key sense of timing is always key, coupled with the quality of your financing package - one that will impress either a bank or commercial lender .


What can the business owner or manager expect to pay when it comes to a Success fee or work fees? In the SME sector we suggest a nominal but reasonable work fee and a Success fee in the 1-3% range depending on the complexity of the deal.

In many cases the work fee or ' retainer' as many seem to prefer to call it can easily be negotiated to be deducted from the final Success fee.

It is also advantageous to work with someone who has a sense of your industry - that is important and has value .

In many cases if you have found the ' right deal ' , but without proper financing there is of course ' no deal '.

The amount of debt and cash flow financing depends on several key factors that include sales and cash flow history, quality of assets, and prospects for growth . The amount of capital the buyer and put into the transaction is key , as well as business background experience of owners and mgrs in the business.


Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor
with a track record  of success who can help you buy and finance that company or acquisition.





7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.










Monday, September 16, 2019

Bank Loans & Alternative Business Funding In Canada








Alternative Business Funding Via Non Bank Loan Solutions





Alternative business funding allows many smaller firms to.. get big! For both sales growth and profit margins it's essential to have the proper business financing in place - most business owners and financial mgrs recognize that.


Is the bank the only option . Categorically no, although most business owners for whatever reason view the bank as the only solution - only to be rejected for a variety of reasons, one of which is actually ' size ' believe it or note . While our Canadian chartered banks do a great job in helping to finance large firms they have numerous criteria in place that your firm might not be able to meet.

Banks often focus significantly , especially in the SME sector ( small and medium enterprise ) on the personal credit history of owners and principals. They look for solid and high credit bureau scores , and low scores can impact your firms ability to get a loan.


Alternative funding sources allow business owners to position the business as the major reason to achieve credit approval. Business funding alternatives become more accessible in alternative finance because it's the business under the microscope , not so much the owners.

In some cases banks might even determine an entire industry, example oil , autos etc may for a time be... ' out of favor ' . Canadian business history has plenty of examples of that. Occasionally banks might deem that a major customer of your firm actually creates a 'concentration ' risk.

In today's environment business capital for cannabis firms is in high demand. Banks have been reluctant to address all facets of cannabis financing , although this has ' slowly ' , and we do mean ' slowly ' changing . Alternative funding sources, via non bank commercial finance companies provides finance solutions .

Cash flow is a major factor in assessing business loan potential . Business owners and their financial mgrs should be positioned to address the ins and outs of cash flow, ie sales growth, seasonality, collections, payables mgt etc . Many alternative funding solutions allow you to grow revenues when traditional bank financing is not available .



Solutions for More Business Capital Via Alternative Business Funding Companies


Non bank receivable financing

Inventory financing

Purchase Order Finance

Non bank asset based business credit lines

Tax Credit Financing

Sale leaseback of owned assets


We think you get the picture and you don't necessarily have to take on ' debt ' to address capital and cash flow needs, as many of our above noted solutions simply monetize assets or sales.

Be prepared when you are approaching an alternative business funder - financials, a business plan and info on current lenders is a great start.

Bottom line ? Your business has lots of funding options, traditional and alternative . Seek out a speak to trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success.



7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.





Saturday, September 14, 2019

Business Funding Tactics & Solutions To Help You Win











Recovering From Lack Of Cash In Your Business Funding Needs





Business funding in Canada is all about options. We're focusing specifically on the financing needs of small and medium sized business owners and financial mgrs. Those large companies have the Bay Street gang to take care of them and they probably have all the help they need!

Companies searching for financing typically think in terms of standard bank loans - those loans typically are heavily collateralized and rarely, almost never, are ' unsecured '. Suffice to say that if owners and mgrs are focusing on ' rates ' the banks are of course their best bet - it's a trade off between 'access to capital ' and ' cost of capital' as one of our mentors always says.

Many companies apply ' online ' for fast business funding ; they are looking for quick cash solutions at a reasonable cost - including even options such as crowd funding/angel investors , etc

Tips to Find Funding Companies for Small Business

Is there a better way . There is. First of all , have your numbers ready and be prepared to clearly indicate the amount of cash you need and what you need it for . It should be no secret that info is what will drive the type of financing you need :


Debt


Cash Flow


Working Capital


Business owners typically should be able to demonstrate the use of funds and be able to back that up with a cash flow projections, equipment quote, business plan, etc. Every situation and every type of business financing is a bit different.

There are a number of viable solutions that should replenish or fill your needs for business capital. They include :

Working Capital Loans - Term Loans

Short term cash flow loans - typically one year or less

Equipment Financing

Receivable financing

Inventory finance

Purchase Order Financing

Tax Credit Loans - i.e. SR&ED Program refunds

Non bank business credit lines

A/R financing

Which of those solutions might apply to your company . Be able to demonstrate repayment, appropriate documentation, financials.

Business financing solutions come from both traditional lenders such as chartered banks, as well as non bank business financing commercial lenders .

24 Hours to Improving Business Funding ?


Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor  that has a track record of success in Canadian business funding.




7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !




7 Park Avenue Financial provides value added financing consultation for small and medium sized businesses in the area of cash flow , working capital , and debt financing .



Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.




Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Lack Of Financing ? How To Get A Business Loan










Steps To Proper Business Financing Success







How to get a business loan .. boy do we get that question a lot from new clients ! The reality .. there are in fact more traditional and alternative lenders today than every before . Business funding abounds ! You just have to know how to access that capital whether your firm is a start up, or an existing business.

As we have hinted it's important to know there are different types of lenders and knowing what finance solutions work best for your business needs. And never under estimate the amount of time to take for the business financing you are looking for - and that's applicable to large and small firms alike .


So what are the options in business capital solutions ?


 We can somewhat ' lump ' the different lenders into some key categories:

Large Canadian Banks

The Government ( yes we said ' government ' !)

Commercial lenders - Traditional & Alternative

Important to note that we are talking about business finance solutions that are cash flow and debt and working capital related , On occasion some firms focus on equity type solutions such as ipo's, equity offerings, angel investors, capital pools, etc.

Typical searches for the right finance for your firm revolves around lines of credit, equipment leases/ loans and short or long term working capital solutions.

Never has the boy scout motto of ' Be Prepared ' been more relevant than when it comes to the search for Canadian Business Financing .

Owners and financial mgr's of Canadian firms should focus on a proper package of info - this might include information on ownership, financial statements, current secured lenders , a cash flow /sales forecast , etc.

More often than not a proper business plan will be a major positive , whether you are a start up, buying a franchise, or growing your business with new products/services and clients. That type of document will demonstrate what you need the financing for, how repayment will be made ( lenders love repayment !) and that actual uses of the capital you are borrowing.

Many business people save time and money by working with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who has a full grasp on your business and the financial solutions available.


Higher approval rates come when you are utilizing expert help -look for a
track record of success.






7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !






Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.



Monday, September 9, 2019

The Best Best Business Loan Financing Option to Business Capital












Never Worry About What to Do About Best Business Loan Financing Option Again With These Tips





The best business financing options for business owners and financial mgrs aren't always the obvious ones when it comes to achieving capital needs for your company. If there is any good news in today's highly competitive business environment it that funding options are available for everything from start ups, growing businesses, as well as financially challenged firms.

No secret that many industries have unique financing requirements , and even with industries no company might have the same needs - hence our focus on ... options !

So what in fact drives the need for financing ? It typically comes down to longer term goals of your company, the size of your business, and the overall ' risk rating ' that both traditional and alternative lenders use to provide their capital to your company.

Business owners typically gravitate to term loans - it's a common form of loan that at its basics requires you to make monthly payments over a pre-determined period - typically 2-5 years . These days many clients we speak to are looking for short term
 , typically covering temporary shortfalls or unique situations. These loans are very popular, readily available, and even more good news, quick to close , often in a matter of a week or two .

Those short term working capital loans compete directly these days with traditional banks, who of course have better rates but harder approval criteria . Often no hard collateral is required , just the ' promise ' of the business and business owner to pay . Typically these loans are for 10-20 per cent of your annual sales volume, as a guideline to keep in mind.

Government guaranteed start up loans are also popular. The government is committed to billions of dollars in these loans every year in Canada. Repayment is long, and covers 3 asset categories you can finance - equipment, leaseholds, and even real estate! The downsize - those great rates and terms and flexibility come with an application process that can be cumbersome if you don't have the expertise of an experienced Canadian business financing advisor.

Businesses run day to day on credit lines , typically secured by receivables and inventory . Asset based lenders provide non bank lines that offer generous borrowing margins.

Other immediate sources of business funding include:

Receivable Financing


Purchase Order funding


Equipment Leasing



Investigate the options that best suit your firms immediate needs . Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success.






7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !






Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

How to Get Capital To Start A Business with a Government Business Loan













Are You Looking For The Best Government Business Loan to Capital To Start A Business









Government Small Business Loan Financing is a solid way to end the worry around start up loans and lack of capital when starting or buying a business in Canada.

The Small to Medium enterprise ( ' SME'' ) is a great utilization of the popular business finance program. When you think of the worry and risk that comes with starting or buying a business surely financing ranks right up there ! It might just be time to start worrying.

Solutions to start up capital are found via the federal government , in particular the Industry Canada offering. Loan amounts have recently been increased to 1 Million dollars, but the vast majority of these loans tend, in our experience, to be the in 500k and less range.

The business owners ability to qualify simply revolves around the right documentation and your ability to fast track basic issues around your loan proposal. It is without this knowledge that many of the recipients feel frustrated in achieving financing success.

Is the Govt loan program a solid option - we let our clients decide . But when traditional financing is tight and many forms of business finance are simply unattainable start up loans via govt assistance are definitely a major option to consider.It's simply a case of knowing the rules, and as we've said in the past, creating a short roadmap to business finance success.


HOW TO GET SMALL BUSINESS GOVERNMENT LOANS



So why are some of those business folks we've talked about worried or frustrated in the small business loan progress. In reality it helps to have an advisor assist you ensuring you are accessing and qualifying the right amount of funds. You want to ensure you are working with a seasoned business financing advisor who has had success and has expertise in the govt loan process. Validate those credentials .. allowing you to ultimately save a lot of time and money


In our experience there is a lot of myth or misinformation around the program. Here's the truth around some of those myths and misinformed issues.

Anyone legally allowed to borrow in Canada is eligible for the program . You should ensure you can substantiate a reasonable net worth and good credit standing . Experience in your industry certainly helps!

Clients always want to know what is eligible for financing under the program . In fact only 3 asset categories apply - equipment, leaseholds, and even real estate . By far the 2 most utilized categories are equipment and real estate.

Bottom line ? Stop worrying and spend some time getting the real ' skinny ' on business financing offered by the government . Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success on making the program work for you.


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Can't Finance Software ? You Can Now !












Financing Business Software Investments For Better Cash Flow





Software business financing for your investments into applications also comes with often a significant expense. Not only the cost of those solutions but the maintenance and support and updates around those products bring additional cost . The good news? Software can be leased and financed through the right
software finance company
.


The reality is that many of the same similarities business owners recognize around equipment lease and finance come with the same benefits when you finance applications . The key? Using the right firm , as many firms are unfamiliar , and therefore risk averse to financing this business asset - an ' intangible'.

The irony. Simply that contrary to popular opinion software as an asset often has more value than a depreciating asset . Naturally your business doesn't ' own' the applications you are financing and the financing is simply a mechanism to pay for your investment.

Other key points ? The right to use the software comes with no right to the intellectual property surrounding the developers rights in the code. A good example - Microsoft's Excel package. We use these spreadsheets at home or in the office but Microsoft of course owns it.

In past times lenders struggled with how to collateralize and register security around the financing of the software- but that is now easily handled as lenders register a simply ' PPSA ' under the Personal Property Security Act .

The heart of our financing issue here is the true value of the software to your business. You run your business on it - ie sales management programs, office software, manufacturing software, etc. Lease payments are made since these assets are indispensable to the value and ongoing concern of the business. Unless companies are liquidated in total bankruptcy most lessors and finance firms recover fully on their software leasing - Source - Journal of Equipment Leasing



Also key to the software financing issue is that many software firms offer maintenance, support, and updates around their product. This enhances the lenders asset as it is used for longer lengths of time, and often constantly upgraded. Quite frankly it becomes less obsolete than computer hardware!

Many software lessors and lenders also finance the service and maintenance contracts associated with their customer’s software acquisition.


In summary, software lease financing is available and should be considered by every business owner in the same context as a capital equipment finance transaction. The computer hardware industry has grown with leasing, and the software industry is doing that also. The same considerations an owner gives to lease vs. buy apply to a software finance acquisition.


Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record who will help you ensure your software acquisitions can be adequately financed under the best rates, terms and structures that make sense for your company.







7 Park Avenue Financial :

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Click Here For 7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL website !






Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.