It’s no secret that companies across industries are grappling with the ripple effects of shifting supply chains, severe weather events, rising costs and mounting tariffs. This economic volatility can significantly impact businesses by creating unpredictability in customer behavior, supply chains and financial planning. 

The certification program is a valuable resource for credit managers worldwide. Sankar Nair, CICP, senior credit analyst at Daikin Middle East and Africa FZE (Abu Dhabi, UAE) sought his Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation to deepen his expertise in credit and trade finance.

Earning a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs takes perseverance and dedication. It allows professionals to commit to deepening their understanding of business credit and best practices. For Vimal Patel, CCE, director of credit at OneSource Distributers (Oceanside, CA), earning his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation was an opportunity to challenge himself to learn more about the credit profession and refine his skills. 

Despite its improvements, Saudi Arabia’s economy still struggles—hindered by oil dependency, high youth unemployment, fiscal sustainability challenges and fluctuating oil revenues. However, itseconomic reform plans, particularly Vision 2030, have improved the quality of life for their citizens and residents by expanding opportunities for growth, fostering greater global integration and enhancing governmental efficiency.

In business-to-business (B2B) credit management, the sheer volume of data—from financials and payment histories to market trends—can overwhelm teams. Data automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can transform these tasks, rapidly processing and analyzing critical information. By cutting down manual work, these tools enable faster, more accurate credit decisions while minimizing risk, making credit management smarter and more efficient. 

President Trump’s trade war is officially on. However, in an extraordinary reversal just hours after they were set to go into effect, the President delayed the implementation of extremely harsh reciprocal tariffs on over 60 countries. That leaves in place the April 4th 10% across-the-board tariffs but gives the world time to breathe and react.

Economic turmoil is straining cash flow for many businesses, while market instability continues to rise. In this climate, economic forecasts that provide perspectives into the health of the B2B world are increasingly valuable, as credit professionals rely on this information to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.

Earning a professional certification can be a transformative milestone in a credit professional’s career, opening doors to career growth and advancement. In recent years, hiring managers have increasingly valued certifications over traditional four-year college degrees. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program helps both new and experienced credit professionals gain the practical knowledge and skillset needed to stand out and thrive in the B2B credit industry. 

The decision to pursue a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs is a big one and the journey can be long, but the opportunity to refine your skills and grow professionally makes the big step worth it.