• 2026 - London
    Pan-European Credit Management Congress
    London - June 10th & 11th 2026
  • Credit Manager Europe
    The official magazine of FECMA
  • FECMA webinar
    Structurally Aligning Credit and Commercial
    September 18th
  • Best Practices in
    Credit Management
    European Credit Management Guide

Welcome to The FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN CREDIT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS

FECMA was established in 1986 on the initiative of the late Sir Roger Cork, one time Lord Mayor of London and President of the UK Institute of Credit Management as a not-for-profit organisation to promote best practice in credit management across Europe and beyond.

Membership of FECMA is made up of national credit management associations, who share the vision of promoting best practice by sharing their knowledge and expertise across national borders.  

FECMA aims to:

- exchange credit management knowledge, best practice and ethical standards between associations;

- share and promote research and pool the knowledge gained with each associations' own members;

- represent the credit management profession at a European level;

- provide support and guidance for members of all associations;

- support and collaborate with existing associations as appropriate and encourage the creation of credit management associations where none exist.

What is trade credit management?

Trade credit management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the credit extended by a business to its customers. When a company sells goods or services on credit - allowing the buyer to pay at a later date - it assumes a level of financial risk. Trade credit management ensures that this risk is minimized while maintaining healthy customer relationships and cash flow.

Why Is It Important?

Effective trade credit management:

  • Reduces the risk of non-payment and bad debts.
  • Improves financial stability and forecasting.
  • Supports sales growth by enabling customers to buy on credit.
  • Enhances operational efficiency through structured credit control processes.

Key Objectives of Trade Credit Management

  1. Risk Assessment: Evaluate the creditworthiness of customers before extending credit. This involves analyzing financial statements, payment history, and external credit ratings.

  2. Credit Policy Development: Establish clear guidelines on how much credit to offer, payment terms (e.g., net 30, net 60), and procedures for overdue accounts.

  3. Monitoring and Collection: Track outstanding receivables, send reminders, and follow up on late payments to ensure timely collection and reduce bad debts.

  4. Cash Flow Optimization: Balance the need to offer credit (to boost sales) with the need to maintain liquidity and avoid cash shortages.

  5. Customer Relationship Management: Maintain positive relationships with customers by offering flexible yet responsible credit terms, which can enhance loyalty and repeat business.

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FECMA PAN-EUROPEAN CREDIT MANAGEMENT CONGRESS

In addition to regular Management Council meetings, hosted by member associations every six months or so, FECMA has organised Europe-wide conferences (usually referred to as Congresses) in various locations.

The first, in 2013, was held in Budapest, Hungary, followed in 2015 in Brussels, Belgium and in 2018 on the beautiful island of Malta.

The 4th FECMA Pan-European Credit Management Congress was held in Poland on 15th and 16th September, 2021.

The 5th Congress happened in Athens, Greece, on 14th and 15th June, 2023. See you on the 6th Congress soon!



6th pan-european Credit management congress

The 6th FECMA Pan-European Credit Management Congress will take place on June 10th and 11th in Crowne Plaza London Docklands.

2026 is the anniversary year of FECMA. It has been already 40 years when european credit management associations and institutes are connected, enjoying sharing knowledge and experiences.We will celebrate that in the financial heart of Europe - London. The host will be the founding member of FECMA, i.e. Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM).


membership

FECMA is the federation of the national credit management associations and institutes in Europe.

If you a member of one of them (see here the complete list) - you are already part of FECMA familly!

Are you credit or debt collection professional and want to become a member? Contact an association or institute in your country and check how beneficial is membership for you!


FECMA Membership