This week, Partner Eric Worthington and Counsel Kayla Culver connect with Scott Suhoza, Managing Director of Fund Finance at Capital One. Scott is based in Charlotte and has twelve years of fund finance experience. Prior to joining Capital One earlier this year, he spent more than a decade in fund finance at a leading global financial institution specializing in the origination, underwriting, portfolio management and reporting of cross border, multi-jurisdictional subscription facilities for leading alternative asset managers worldwide.
Scott has an LLM from Emory School of Law, a JD and MBA from Western New England University, and a BS from Clemson University.
Tell us a little about your background and how you initially got your start in fund finance?
After law school, I was fortunate enough to land my first job at a law firm in a growing fund finance practice. On one of my first days, I happened to be assigned to the corner office when a senior associate stopped by to welcome me to the team. He introduced himself, offered to teach me the industry and help me learn the ropes, and then immediately gave me my first lesson: "The new guy doesn't get the corner office."
What started as a light-hearted joke quickly turned into one of the most important professional relationships of my career. That senior associate [Wes Misson] is now the Global Managing Partner - Finance at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. Wes invested an incredible amount of time teaching me not just the technical aspects of fund finance, but how to build trusted client relationships, and how to approach the profession with humility.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have that kind of mentorship so early in my career. Wes and the entire team I worked with were—and continue to be—deeply invested in my development and success today. I remain incredibly grateful for the time they spent teaching, challenging, and encouraging me.
What types of transactions is Capital One focused on?
Capital One's Financial Institutions Group (FIG) serves a broad range of clients across the non-bank financial ecosystem, asset managers, fintechs, and specialty finance companies. Our goal is to provide thoughtful financing and treasury solutions that help clients manage liquidity, support growth, and execute on their strategic objectives.
While my focus is on subscription credit facilities for the leading alternative asset managers, the breadth of FIG's platform extends well beyond fund finance. We also provide asset-based warehouse lending across both commercial and consumer asset classes, and partner across the commercial bank to provide securitization and capital markets solutions. Increasingly, our conversations with clients extend well beyond a single subscription facility as sponsors look to consolidate banking relationships and partner with institutions that understand their business holistically.
What are some ways Capital One differentiates itself from other lenders in the market?
I think what truly differentiates Capital One is our people. We have an exceptionally experienced team, with many of our underwriters having worked together for more than a decade. That depth of institutional knowledge gives us a deep understanding of the complexities of fund finance and allows us to evaluate opportunities thoughtfully and deliver practical, well-informed credit solutions.
We're also deeply client-focused. No two sponsors are alike, and we take the time to understand each client's strategy, investor base, and long-term objectives rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. That enables us to structure solutions that work for both the client and the bank while building relationships that extend well beyond a single transaction.
What do you think matters most to funds when choosing a lender?
I believe sponsors want a lender they can trust to execute and remain a reliable partner across multiple market cycles. Competitive terms certainly matter, but consistency, responsiveness, and certainty of execution often matter just as much.
In my experience, the strongest banking relationships are built during challenging markets, under tight deadlines, and in complex situations. Any lender can be competitive when markets are healthy and liquidity is abundant. What distinguishes a true banking partner is the ability to provide thoughtful advice, deliver when it matters most, and stand by clients through changing market conditions.
At the end of the day, fund finance is still very much a relationship business, and the strongest relationships are built over years—not individual transactions.
How do you see the fund finance market changing over the next year?
I expect the fund finance market will continue to evolve alongside the broader private capital industry. We're seeing continued growth in separately managed accounts, increasingly customized fund structures, and financing solutions designed around the unique needs of individual sponsors rather than standardized products. As sponsors continue to diversify strategies, investment vehicles, and investor preferences, I expect financing solutions will become increasingly bespoke. As that trend continues, lenders will need to bring greater flexibility and a more thoughtful approach to structuring transactions.
I also think technology will continue to improve the efficiency of how we execute transactions. Advances in AI and automation should streamline diligence, documentation, and other administrative processes, allowing lenders and sponsors to spend more time focused on solving complex problems, providing strategic advice, and delivering value to clients.
That said, if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's to be careful making predictions in fund finance. I never thought I'd see the day where roles were reversed and sponsors were actively soliciting lenders—but then again, I never saw CRD VI coming either.
In your experience, what do you think it takes to be successful in fund finance?
I think success in fund finance starts with building a reputation for being someone others want to work with. This is a small industry, and you'll cross paths with the same sponsors, lawyers, bankers, and advisors throughout your career. People remember how you handled a difficult transaction, whether you followed through on your commitments, and how you treated others along the way.
Technical expertise is essential, and the industry is constantly evolving, so you can never stop being curious. The best professionals I've worked with are the ones who ask thoughtful questions, stay humble, and are always looking to learn something new.
Finally, enjoy the relationships. One of the things I appreciate most about fund finance is the people. Some of my closest friendships have come from this industry.
What do you do when you are not closing credit facilities?
Having a young daughter has definitely changed how I spend my free time—in the best possible way. These days, our free time largely revolves around her, whether that's exploring Charlotte, finding a new park or playground, or simply enjoying time together as a family.
Whenever we have the opportunity, we also love escaping to Lake Lure. Being just a couple of hours away makes it an easy weekend getaway, and there's nothing better than spending time on the water, enjoying the mountains, or sneaking in a round of golf. After a busy week, it's the perfect place to disconnect, recharge, and make memories together as a family.