In an industry where decisions can have significant financial implications, mere competence is often not enough to inspire confidence. Credit managers must strive to cultivate a unique brand of “credit”-ability—a combination of expertise, integrity and professionalism that sets them apart as trusted partners in risk management.

Since the early 2000s, artificial intelligence has revolutionized business, creating new roles and boosting productivity. However, its lack of human elements like creativity and emotional intelligence has increased the demand for workers with specialized skills and knowledge. Through NACM’s six-level Professional Certification Program, credit professionals can acquire credit knowledge as well as the technical and soft skills required in credit management.

Tight macroeconomic policies in Colombia within the last two years are likely the cause of a reduction in domestic and external imbalances seen mainly in 2021-22. The Colombian economy is expected to grow 1.8% as inflation slows 5% this year, and the central bank plans to cut its interest rate to nearly 8%, according to Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla.

The short answer is yes, the credit community can still find value in financial statements. But we may need to reconsider the way in which we think about financials.

Rising labor costs, new environmental regulations and a mixed outlook on construction volume present significant challenges to the industry. However, declining fuel costs and controlled inflation offer some relief.

Credit applications serve as the initial safeguard against risk. Risk reduction begins immediately upon receipt of a customer’s credit application, either digitally or on paper. But the role of credit applications in the customer onboarding process has evolved over time. Previously, credit applications served to establish a binding contract, but now, alternative methods may be used for this purpose.

One-on-one meetings offer a special forum for detailed discussions and personalized support. However, few organizations offer comprehensive guidance or training for managers to hold these individual employee meetings.

The short answer is yes, the credit community can still find value in financial statements. But we may need to reconsider the way in which we think about financials.

While the U.S. economy seems to have avoided a recession, the forecast for 2024 remains mixed. It is no secret that inflation, labor shortages and geopolitical tensions all contribute to current economic conditions. Despite these factors, real GDP growth is expected to bounce between expansion and contraction for much of this year—showing the U.S. has reached a soft landing.