We’re proud to share that James Franz, President & Co-Founder of our partners at Culain Capital Management LLC, has been named a 2025 Sentinel Award winner in the ABF Journal’s inaugural Legends & Leaders issue.
The Sentinel Award recognizes standout risk leaders who balance growth and stability in today’s complex lending environment. With over 30 years of experience in ABL and commercial finance, James continues to lead with discipline, integrity, and a hands-on approach to risk management.
As James says,
“The fraudsters just keep getting smarter and smarter. We need to continue to stay the course, stick with the blocking and tackling and the frauds will show themselves.”
Congratulations, James — your leadership is shaping the future of specialty finance.
📖 Read his full profile in the ABF Journal: James Franz | 2025 Sentinel
What is the Sentinel Award?
The Sentinel Award celebrates industry professionals who serve as strategic risk leaders — the individuals who expertly balance growth with discipline, especially in a volatile and fast-changing lending environment. These are the professionals who protect the future of specialty finance through deep experience, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to risk.
A Trusted Leader in the ABL and Factoring Space
With over 30 years of experience in accounting, commercial banking, and asset-based lending, James Franz has consistently proven to be a steady hand in turbulent markets. He co-founded Culain Capital in 2022 to deliver tailored working capital solutions to small and midsize businesses across the U.S. Quickpay Funding, which focuses on 24/7 invoice factoring, is proud to be part of that mission.
James’s approach to risk is refreshingly personal: “I’ve avoided serious losses just by spending the time to meet borrowers face to face,” he told ABF Journal. In an age where technology is often used as a crutch, James believes the fundamentals of credit analysis and relationship building still matter most. “People often tell you things without saying a thing,” he said. It’s that intuition — backed by decades of experience — that sets James apart.
Leading Through Complexity
In his ABF Journal feature, James highlighted the growing threats of fraud and cybercrime, calling them “the greatest risks we face today.” He emphasized that while technology is an essential tool across all areas of lending — from sales to underwriting — it should never replace sound judgment or core risk principles. “Tech speeds things up,” he said, “but we must stay focused on the 5 Cs of credit.”
He also sounded the alarm on the risk of Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) debt that clients may take on after funding begins — a hidden danger that can devastate businesses if not detected early. His advice to lenders and risk professionals? Stay vigilant, meet borrowers in person, and revisit your fraud and cybersecurity plans regularly.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The ABF Journal‘s Sentinels are selected not only for their experience but for their ability to navigate uncertainty while keeping their portfolios strong. James’s leadership embodies exactly that. His strategic insight, commitment to fundamentals, and willingness to “walk away” from risky deals when necessary are the reason Culain Capital — and Quickpay Funding — continue to grow responsibly.
Final Thoughts
At Quickpay Funding, we’re honored to work alongside James and benefit from his leadership. His recognition in the ABF Journal‘s 2025 Leaders & Legends issue is a proud moment for all of us, and a reminder of the value of integrity, experience, and long-term thinking in finance.
