Professional growth in a shifting trade landscape: The value of CICP 

A credit professional’s role is a multi-faceted one. On top of assessing and mitigating risk, collaborating with departments and building relationships with customers, they have to adapt to company-wide and industry changes. Most recently, tariffs, severe weather events, disrupted supply chains and rising costs have created an unpredictable trade environment for businesses. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program offers the essential knowledge and guidance for credit professionals to survive even the most challenging of periods. 

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. “I pursued my CICP designation to strengthen my foundational understanding of international credit practices and enhance my professional credibility,” Nair said. “I wanted to add value to my role by staying current with global credit standards and best practices.” 

The course deepened Nair’s understanding of international credit risk, documentary collections and export credit insurance. “The designation has significantly enhanced my ability to evaluate international credit risks and communicate more effectively with stakeholders, including banks and global clients,” Nair said. “It’s also made me a stronger candidate for leadership roles. I’ve already started seeing increased recognition and more strategic involvement in decision making within my organization.” 

Despite his challenges, Nair followed a structured study plan over three months, balancing his preparation alongside a full-time job and family responsibilities. “I also discovered my ability to stay disciplined and focused under pressure, which has boosted my confidence in managing complex credit portfolios,” Nair said. 

For credit professionals, earning a certification is both rewarding and professionally fulfilling. “Adding CICP after my name gives me a sense of pride and professional identity,” Nair said. “It’s a visible marker of my commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the field of credit. I strongly encourage anyone in the field of credit to pursue it—not just for the recognition, but for the knowledge and perspective it offers.” 

✏️Study Tips: Create a realistic study schedule and stick to it. “Focus on understanding the concepts rather than memorizing and use practical examples to relate the material to your day-to-day work,” Nair said. “If possible, form a study group or engage with other candidates—it really helps to discuss ideas and clarify doubts.”