Member Spotlight: Proud new CICP 

NACM’s Professional Certification Program gives members an opportunity to deepen their understanding of different areas of credit management. FCIB’s Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation is earned by first completing an intensive 13-week course focusing on global credit and risk management and passing the CICP exam.  

Xinshuo (Cecil) Zhang, CICP, credit manager for CFMOTO Powersports Inc., (Plymouth, MN), pursued his CICP designation to help him manage his company’s dealer and retail financing globally. For Zhang, whose company works internationally in the off-road vehicle manufacturing industry, this course instilled in him a newfound confidence when it came to tackling complicated financial challenges.  

“I felt that this designation would provide me with the necessary tools to manage our complex credit operations more effectively,” Zhang said. “Specifically, the knowledge about country risk, currency risk, and the Five C’s of Credit (Character, Capacity, Capital, Conditions, Collateral) was crucial for my role.” 

The course explores international credit and the importance of evaluating unique factors like country, sovereign, currency and foreign exchange risks when making credit decisions. Applying what he learned in the course to his company’s global operations has already improved their processes and outcomes.  

Earning the designation was a huge step in Zhang’s career and a testament to his hard work and dedication. “I was so proud of this accomplishment that I printed out the certification and put it on my office desk,” Zhang said, “I also added ‘CICP’ to my business title immediately after being certified.” 

💡Study Tip: “Make sure to read not only the course textbook but ALL course materials.”