In-Depth Recap: American Lending Conference 2025

Overview of the Event

From March 21–22, 2025, the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino in Las Vegas hosted the American Lending Conference 2025 (ALC). Bringing together private lenders, mortgage professionals, real estate investors, fund managers, fintech leaders, and compliance experts, ALC is recognized as one of the most influential gatherings in the private credit and alternative lending space. This year’s agenda delved into key themes—ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) in underwriting to the emergence of new capital sources and the importance of compliance amid shifting regulations.

Beyond Global Management (BGM) took center stage as an Emerald Sponsor, signaling the firm’s commitment to pushing boundaries in real estate- and credit-focused investment solutions. Not only did BGM sponsor the conference, but Managing Partner Norman Morales also joined expert panels to share best practices for structuring private lending deals, deploying AI-driven analytics, and forming strategic partnerships across the industry.

Why This Conference Matters

Attendees often describe ALC as “two days that can reshape your entire year.” For private lenders and real estate financiers, it’s an opportunity to:

• Network directly with large-scale investors, fellow lenders, and service providers;
• Benchmark emerging technologies and compliance frameworks;
• Spot new sectors of growth—such as construction lending, non-QM mortgage products, and creative capital raising strategies;
• Adapt to macroeconomic changes like rising interest rates, inflation, and evolving borrower demands.

In essence, the event caters to those seeking to stay ahead in a market undergoing rapid digitization and increased oversight by regulatory bodies.

Key Themes and Panels

1. AI & Big Data in Lending

One of the most prominent discussions revolved around artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven underwriting. Speakers underscored how AI-enabled solutions now reach beyond simple borrower credit checks, instead providing:

• Automated underwriting that adapts to both traditional and nontraditional borrower profiles;
• Predictive analytics for default forecasting and loan performance monitoring;
• Risk identification using real-time data on market shifts and changing consumer behavior;
• Fraud detection algorithms to spot irregularities or suspicious patterns in borrower applications.

During one session, a fintech executive Shaye Wali of Baseline highlighted how advanced platforms are reducing manual review times and improving loan quality through continuous machine learning. Panelists also cautioned that rising data dependency calls for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive borrower and investor information.

2. Construction Lending & Development Financing

A dedicated panel explored construction lending—covering everything from single-family home development to large-scale commercial projects. Lenders on this panel cited the complexities of underwriting new construction:

• Budget overruns and the importance of “line-item detail” in budgeting;
• Progress monitoring via site inspections and real-time reporting, sometimes using mobile apps or drone technology;
• Managing cost fluctuations of raw materials and labor (highlighted given ongoing supply chain challenges);
• Draw schedules and ensuring each stage of construction is properly funded and documented.

Experts shared that while construction loans can yield higher returns, they demand rigorous due diligence and continuous oversight. This resonates with the broader market trend toward specialized products that cater to borrowers with complex development needs.

3. Compliance & Regulatory Considerations

Across multiple transcripts, compliance stood out as a recurring theme. With heightened scrutiny on private credit and nonbank lenders, the sessions emphasized:

• Navigating new regulations from federal agencies and state-level requirements;
• Ensuring transparency when attracting investors, particularly under SEC guidelines for private offerings;
• Implementing internal controls for data protection and anti-fraud measures.

Various presenters noted that compliance must be embedded in every stage of a loan cycle. Whether originating new credit lines or raising capital from accredited investors, lenders who integrate strict compliance protocols are more likely to earn long-term trust.

4. Non-QM and Innovative Mortgage Products

Another popular topic was the rise of non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) products. Panelists highlighted how such products can fill gaps left by traditional banks, catering to self-employed borrowers or those with unique income structures. Speakers from Deephaven Mortgage and other specialized lenders explained how they use alternative documentation, custom underwriting guidelines, and sometimes AI-based scoring models to serve this fast-growing market. Discussions also touched on how non-QM products can be securitized or sold in secondary markets, although regulatory oversight and careful risk management remain essential.

5. Capital Raising & Managing Investor Relations

In several conference sessions, attendees debated the best ways to attract and retain capital for private lending. Managing Partner Norman Morales of Beyond Global Management contributed insights on forming real estate credit funds, balancing diversification with yield targets, and deploying modern analytics to reassure investors. Specific takeaways included:

• Building trust by offering transparent reporting, especially regarding loan portfolio performance and default rates;
• Leveraging synergy between private lenders and larger institutional backers who seek higher yields;
• Considering multiple capital sources (hedge funds, family offices, high-net-worth individuals) to ensure stability;
• Using new tech for client onboarding and investment tracking, reinforcing the idea that accessible data fosters investor confidence.

6. Macroeconomic Context & Risk Management

With interest rates still elevated and inflation concerns persisting, many attendees were eager to discuss risk management strategies:

• Interest rate hedging to stabilize returns and protect margins;
• Portfolio diversification across regions, asset classes, or loan types;
• Stress testing for “what if” scenarios, from abrupt market shifts to localized property downturns;
• Due diligence that goes deeper than credit scores—factoring in local market conditions, borrower track records, and exit plans.

Speakers stressed that lenders who remain vigilant and agile—updating their policies in real time—will stay profitable despite the economic headwinds.

Beyond Global Management’s Role & Impact

Beyond Global Management’s involvement as an Emerald Sponsor signified its proactive approach to engaging with the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders. Throughout the event:

• BGM showcased its data-centric approach to structuring private lending vehicles, highlighting case studies on AI-based borrower assessments.
• Norman Morales joined panel discussions to demonstrate BGM’s expertise in raising capital for private credit funds and forging collaborations with both local and institutional partners.
• One-on-one sessions with attendees allowed BGM representatives to connect with potential co-lenders, technology vendors, and equity investors—reinforcing a network that can lead to new deals and innovative product offerings.

Attendees and fellow sponsors alike praised BGM for bringing fresh perspectives to topics like compliance and risk modeling, and for underscoring the significance of robust analytics in every facet of private lending.

Looking Ahead

Throughout ALC 2025, a consistent message emerged: private lending and real estate financing are poised for unprecedented transformation. The combination of macroeconomic pressures, AI-driven innovation, and regulatory reform means that complacency is no longer an option. Participants agreed that industry players willing to adapt, collaborate, and invest in technology solutions will enjoy a competitive advantage.

For Beyond Global Management, the conference yielded actionable insights, strategic connections, and renewed motivation to drive innovation in private lending. In the coming months, BGM plans to:

1. Refine its AI-enhanced underwriting tools to streamline borrower evaluation and improve risk forecasting;
2. Expand investor-facing technology, offering transparent, data-rich dashboards for better decision-making;
3. Collaborate with new strategic partners discovered at ALC 2025, focusing on areas like non-QM mortgage products, construction loans, and advanced compliance software;
4. Educate stakeholders on best practices gleaned from the event through thought-leadership articles, webinars, and presentations.

Final Thoughts

The American Lending Conference 2025 validated the momentum in private credit, highlighting cutting-edge solutions and pressing industry challenges alike. From AI-enabled underwriting to new capital formation strategies, the industry’s evolution is accelerating. Beyond Global Management’s active participation as an Emerald Sponsor and thought leader underscored the firm’s dedication to shaping a more agile, transparent, and tech-savvy future for private lending.

For more insights or collaboration inquiries, please reach out to Beyond Global Management or visit their website at beyondgm.com. The firm welcomes further dialogue on any of the topics covered at ALC 2025—from compliance to construction financing to AI-based analytics.