As remote work has become increasingly popular, credit departments are seeing more and more team members clocking in from different states or countries. Managing a team spread across the world can present unique challenges, but managers have found ways to remain deeply connected with their teams despite the distance dividing them.

Everything in life is a balance—an even distribution of weight that allows someone or something to remain upright and steady. Without balance, even the strongest structures falter. In credit management, the same principle applies. 

The Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation signals that a credit professional has reached the highest level of credit expertise through NACM’s Professional Certification Programs. The designation is earned through a combination of education, credit experience and involvement in professional development. When designation seekers apply to take their CCE exam, they are taking a big step in their credit careers that will benefit them years into the future.

Over the past year, macroeconomic challenges have rattled the global economy and increased risk exposure in business credit. In response, credit professionals have strengthened risk management practices and pursued further education. Certifications, such as those offered through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program, provide a strategic advantage in protecting both careers and companies in a shifting, volatile environment.  

Canada’s trade balance deteriorated in October, according to the Wall Street Journal, marking the country’s eighth deficit in the first 10 months of the year as the nation works to improve domestic investment and lessen the country’s reliance on trade with the United States.

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) slid 2.2 points to 52.8.

Working in credit management requires a finely tuned eye for customer behavior. At times, you can’t help paying extra attention to a customer whose payments have slowed or companies you’ve had an increasingly hard time getting on the phone. But even the most eagle-eyed credit professional will have customers abruptly shut down without warning.

Jason Mott, CCE, corporate credit manager at MFA Incorporated (Columbia, MO), brings nearly three decades of experience in B2B credit. With a strong work ethic, he has woven his passions for agriculture and credit into a distinguished and rewarding career.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jack Clark, CCE, who left us on January 1, 2026. Jack’s contributions to the credit management profession and to NACM were profound and lasting, marked by a rare combination of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and an extraordinary ability to bring people together.