The part of trade credit insurance we don't talk about enough. In an article for Credit Insurance News Digest, Karl Hague, Founder and CEO of Rezolva, argues that some of the most important credit insurance decisions are made before a claim exists. He says the market focuses heavily on underwriting risk and settling claims, but the critical stage is often the overdue debt period in between, when the outcome can still be changed. Citing an insured overdue debt of almost £140,000 that was ultimately recovered, Karl shows how early intervention can protect cash flow, preserve customer relationships and give brokers and insurers clearer visibility of emerging risk. He notes that successful intervention often leaves little evidence behind: no claim, no loss, and no visible crisis. To read Karl's article, click here.

 

Coface reports that insolvencies are on the rise again. The global business climate is deteriorating, with business insolvencies up 12% in early 2026, driven mainly by a 22% increase in North America. Coface has consequently more than doubled its global insolvency forecast and now expects a 6% rise worldwide in 2026. It expects increases of 8% in the US and France, 7% in Japan, around 5% in Germany and the Netherlands, and more moderate rises of 2% to 3% in Spain, Italy and the UK. Coface says geopolitical tensions, higher supply costs, energy price volatility, high interest rates and heavy corporate debt are worsening the outlook. Construction, chemicals and textiles are identified as the most vulnerable sectors. To read Coface's news release, go to https://www.coface.com/news-economy-and-insights/insolvencies-are-on-the-rise-again-against-a-backdrop-of-a-deteriorating-economic-climate.

 

Export credit risk is becoming less predictable as geopolitical shocks increasingly affect trade mechanics. A new Credendo white paper, Exporting Successfully in a World of Structural Uncertainty, argues that exporters can no longer assess risk mainly through the buyer's financial strength. Payment can also be disrupted by foreign exchange shortages, capital controls, embargoes, transport disruptions, political instability, or regulatory changes. The paper notes that B2B exporters often still need to sell on credit to remain competitive, but each invoice may now carry a wider mix of commercial, political and macroeconomic exposures. Credendo argues that export decisions increasingly depend on whether risks can be identified, mitigated and managed before goods are shipped. To read Credendo's paper, go to https://credendo.com/sites/default/files/media/files/2026-06/1_CREDENDO_BE14-P00001130%20-%20Whitepaper_EN-web.pdf.

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Coface survey highlights decision-making pressures on businesses. Coface's latest survey of 1,250 business leaders in 13 countries found that 68% see slow decision-making as a significant barrier to growth. It also found that 62% believe commercial ambition and risk discipline remain fundamentally at odds, while 59% say feedback from risk teams is often viewed as too cautious or disconnected from market realities. Data issues are also a concern, with 52% reporting fragmented information across markets. Coface says only 12.6% of companies currently take a fully growth-oriented approach, while 77% expect external partners to provide predictive insights to support more proactive decisions. To read Coface's news release, go to https://www.coface.com/news-economy-and-insights/coface-survey-in-the-face-of-uncertainty-making-quick-decisions-is-once-again-becoming-a-critical-issue-for-businesses.

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MSIG USA credit insurance to support US$500 million emerging markets fund. Insurance Business reports that MSIG USA is providing credit insurance for a DEG-led US$500 million fund investing in developing and emerging markets. The article says the cover will help unlock additional private investment and enable DEG, part of Germany’s KfW Group, to expand financing for sustainable projects. The fund is expected to support around 45 investments across financial institutions, infrastructure, project finance and corporate sectors, including renewable energy and financial inclusion. The transaction underlines the role credit insurance can play in helping development finance institutions mobilise private capital and expand lending in emerging markets. To read Insurance Business' article, go to https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/msig-usa-backs-degled-500-million-fund-to-expand-sustainable-investment-in-emerging-markets-581294.aspx.

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Credit Insurance Fundraising
Help Sally Brown raise funds to support Afghan women.

I am Sally Brown, Editor and Founder of Credit Insurance News. I also volunteer as a mentor and teacher to young women in Afghanistan who are continuing their education online in circumstances that most of us can hardly imagine.

The volunteer-led programme I support is helping more than 1,200 Afghan girls and women keep learning, supported by people around the world who believe their education, hopes and futures should not simply be taken away. Among them are 60 exceptional young women who have already earned life-changing opportunities through their own hard work: 40 are due to begin remote internships with international companies, and 20 are preparing to start online Master's degrees with British universities. Almost all of them are still trying to study, apply and work from smartphones.

For these young women, a laptop is not a luxury. It is the tool that will allow them to attend classes properly, complete assignments, join internships, write applications, communicate professionally and make the most of the opportunities they have fought so hard to reach.

We are raising funds for 60 laptops — one for each of these students.

Any support, however small, would mean a great deal. It will not simply buy a piece of equipment; it will help turn courage, ability and hard-won opportunity into something practical, lasting and real.

To support the campaign, please go to https://givebutter.com/ywtWJv.

To learn more about the charity and its work supporting women in Afghanistan, you can watch this powerful TEDx talk with one of its founders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj2fXR3YP_o&t=2s.

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Congratulations to...​
Marsh BeLux, winner of the TCI New Business Growth Award at the recent Credit Specialties Growth Summit 2026 in Malaga. The award recognises Marsh BeLux's success in driving new business growth in trade credit insurance.

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Aon, WTW and Allianz Trade, winners in the trade credit and political risk insurance categories at the GTR Leaders in Trade Awards.

• Aon was named Best Trade Credit Insurance Broker from a shortlist that also included BPL and WTW.

• WTW won Best Political Risk Insurance Broker from a shortlist that also included Aon.

• Allianz Trade was named Best Trade Credit and Political Risk Insurance Underwriter.

The GTR Leaders in Trade Awards recognise excellence across the trade, commodity, supply chain and export finance markets, as well as technology and innovation. The winners were revealed at the GTR Charity Awards Dinner on 25 June, following the shortlist announcement in February.

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AXA XL PRCB on being recognised by ITFA as Best Comprehensive Non-Payment Insurer.

The award recognises the work of the AXA XL PRCB team across underwriting, risk, claims and operations, and its support for MDBs, DFIs, banks, brokers and other partners operating in a complex global trade environment.

 

Company Watch on winning the award for Credit Data & Analytics Provider of the Year at the Credit Awards 2026, announced during Credit Week in Newport. The award recognised Vigilance™, Company Watch's real-time fraud detection tool for credit and underwriting teams. The system scans Companies House filings as they are made and flags anomalies across five risk areas: financial, statistical, behavioural, operational and rapid succession. The tool is designed to provide early warning of potential fraud or deterioration before exposure develops into a loss.

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New Appointments

Allianz Trade has announced several appointments across its Belux, Northern Europe and UK teams:

• Yannick Vermetten has been appointed Regional Head Financial Institutions Northern Europe, based in the Brussels Metropolitan Area. Yannick was previously Commercial Director at Allianz Trade BeLux, following senior commercial roles with Euler Hermes BeLux. He also has experience in trade credit insurance brokerage with ADD NV and banking with ING.

• Ellis Roudasev has been appointed Commercial Director Trade Credit Belux, based in Brussels. Ellis was previously Commercial Director Surety Belux, following nearly five years as Senior Business Development Manager at Allianz Trade. He also has experience with IGP - International Group Program, Credendo and BNP Paribas Fortis.

• Matthew Tierney has been appointed Senior Commercial Underwriter at Allianz Trade, based in the City of London. Matthew was previously Commercial Underwriter at Allianz Trade, a role he held from April 2023 to May 2026.

• Byron Willetts has been appointed Customer Success Manager B2B E-Commerce, Northern Europe Region at Allianz Trade. Byron has spent more than 22 years with Allianz Trade in the UK and Ireland, most recently as Senior Relationship Manager from 2022 to May 2026. He previously held roles including Account Manager and Trade Credit Risk Underwriter.
   

Attis Credit Solutions Ltd has announced three appointments and promotions across Leeds and Manchester.

• Emma Lyons has become Client Manager at Attis Credit Solutions Ltd, effective 1 September. Emma previously joined Attis as an Account Handler in Leeds, after working as Credit Control Team Leader at Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company. 

• Philip McGivern has become Client Manager at Attis Credit Solutions Ltd, effective 1 September. Philip joined Attis as an Account Handler in Manchester in October 2023, following nearly three years with My Digital.

• Katie Croasdell has been promoted to Client Services Manager. Katie joined Attis three years ago as a Senior Account Handler in Leeds. Katie previously spent 10 years as an Account Handler at Marsh.

Aviso Specialty has appointed Kerin Rathgeber as Head of Trade Credit, based in Australia. Kerin is also Business Development Manager at GSA Insurance Brokers and Director of C-Risk Pty Ltd. She was previously a Trade Credit Insurance Consultant at Receivables Trade Credit Pty Ltd and spent more than seven years as General Manager at JLT Group in Melbourne.

 

AXIS (AXIS Capital) has appointed Edward Williams as Senior Underwriter - Credit and Political Risk, based in London. Edward joins from Allianz Trade in North America, where he was Senior Underwriter, Specialty Credit. He previously held underwriting roles with Allianz Trade in London, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Ironshore Insurance.

 

Bondaval has appointed Alexia Parmentier as Co-Group Chief Underwriting Officer, based in London.

Alexia joins from Allianz Trade, where she spent nearly 14 years in XoL underwriting roles. She was Global Head of XoL from June 2021 to June 2026, after serving as Head of XoL Northern Europe from January 2017 to June 2021 and Manager, XoL Underwriting from 2012 to 2017. Before joining Allianz Trade, she worked at AIG as Corporate Manager from 2005 to 2012 and at Aon Risk Services as a Broker from 2002 to 2005.

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Coface has appointed Simon Neill as Senior Account Manager, Mid Market. Simon joins from UK Credit Insurance Brokers, where he worked as an Account Manager from February 2022 to July 2026. He was previously a Client Executive at Aon, and held Client Advisor and Account Manager roles at Acumen Credit Insurance Brokers Ltd. 

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Credendo has appointed Makary Olczak as Underwriting Lead, based in Poland. He joins from Eurobond International Kft., where he spent five years as Senior Credit Risk Analyst. Makary also brings trade credit insurance experience from Atradius in Australia and Poland.

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DUAL Europe has appointed Frank Masteling as managing director of DUAL Benelux, while retaining his existing role as head of European trade credit. Frank brings more than 30 years of international experience in financial services and trade credit insurance across underwriting, risk management and commercial leadership. He previously led special products across multiple regions at Atradius and served as Chief Underwriting Officer, Head of Europe and later Managing Director at Nexus Trade Credit.

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Everywhen has appointed Luke Chapman as Account Executive. Luke joins Everywhen from Xenia Broking, where he worked as an Account Manager for more than seven years. Before that, he spent over ten years at Coface, holding roles including Customer Relations Executive, Claims Account Handler and Sales Support Co-ordinator.

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HDI Global US has appointed Amy Shinkman as Credit and Political Risk US Lead. Based in Washington Amy joins from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, where she served as Vice President of Export Credit Insurance. Before joining EXIM, Shinkman held positions with AIG and Atradius in London and Singapore.

 

QBE Insurance has appointed Aycan Sen as Trade Finance Solutions , Senior Underwriter, based in the UK.

Aycan joins from The Fidelis Partnership, where she was Political Risk Senior Underwriter. She previously spent more than three years at Mizuho as Vice President, Export Credit Agency Finance, following roles with Wilben Trade and the Berne Union, where she was Export Credit Insurance Committee Manager.

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Texel Group has named William Shaw as Chief Executive, succeeding Andy Lennard, who remains Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Texel Foundation. William was promoted to Deputy CEO in 2024, after leading Texel Asia in Singapore, and has been with Texel for more than two decades.

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WTW has made two appointments:

• Tim Smith joins WTW as Director, Strategic Investments and Network Expansion, based in London. Tim joins from Marsh Trade Credit, where he spent more than 38 years and held a series of senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Managing Director , Global Practice Leader from January 2016 to June 2026. His earlier roles included International Practice Leader, EMEA Practice Leader, UK and Ireland Practice Leader, and Client Executive.

• Hilal Doganoglu joins WTW as Multinational Client Director. Based in Munich, Germany, Hilal joins WTW from Aon, where she spent more than 11 years in senior client-facing roles, most recently as Senior Key Account Manager / International Client Partner and Senior Account Manager, Global Clients. 

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Zurich Insurance has appointed John Joseph as Senior Underwriter, Trade Credit. Based in London, John joins Zurich from AmTrust International, where he worked as Underwriter, Mortgage and Credit. Before that, he spent almost nine years at AIG as a Senior Underwriter. Earlier in his career, John worked as a Senior Credit Analyst at Equinox Global Limited and as a Credit Analyst at RK Harrison.

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Retirement

John Cockshutt has announced his retirement after 37 years in trade credit insurance.

John began his career in 1989 with ECGD, which later became Atradius Credit Insurance, where he held a variety of roles before being appointed Area Manager. In 1997, he moved to Willis, joining as an Account Executive and later become Credit Branch Manager in Leeds.

He went on to spend eight years as Business Director at TL Risk Solutions Ltd before joining W Denis in 2010. Since then, John has led W Denis Credit Risks Ltd as Director for 16 years.

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