The nation of Israel is recognized as one of the most advanced economies in the world—a top exporter of oil, diamonds and other precious gems, machinery, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastics, aircraft and chemicals.

Most of us have experienced the all-too-familiar feeling of paying for a product, only to find that it didn’t meet our expectations—whether it was missing parts, damaged or the wrong color. In situations like those, our first instinct was usually to contact customer service for a refund or replacement.

As the credit department works to secure payment and maximize sales, they are occasionally tasked with making tough decisions. While denying credit is often a last resort, credit managers may find that there is no other option.

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) for September 2025 deteriorated 2.6 points to 52.4. “This is the first month that the CMI survey data matches what respondents have been saying in their comments, and it is pointing to significant weakness,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE. “The level of the index is still in expansion, but it is at the lowest level since January 2024.”

United Arab Emirates’s economy is anticipated to grow by 4.9% in 2025, 0.4% more than initial forecasts predicted, with increased oil production and growth in non-hydrocarbon sector fueling growth.

Even after checking every box—financials, references, payment history—there’s always that lingering question for every credit manager: What if? What if the customer fails to pay? What if circumstances suddenly change? For moments like these, letters of credit and bank guarantees aren’t just optional—they’re essential tools to protect a company in an unpredictable world.

This week marks the 106th anniversary of The Finance, Credit and International Business Association (FCIB). Founded in 1919, FCIB has been a trusted resource for international credit professionals, with certification programs that fortify designation seekers’ knowledge of international business, discussion groups that bring together a global network of members and invaluable resources that give insight into the world of credit.

Not every customer has a perfect credit score or strong balance sheet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth doing business with. Marginal customers often stand in a gray area: high potential, but higher risk. The challenge is to identify whether open, unsecured credit can be extended to a marginal customer or whether other tools must be used to create guardrails around the transaction.

More than just a learning experience, NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program transforms participants, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to make greater contributions to the credit profession.