Experience CRF

History and Background on the Credit Research Foundation

The Credit Research Foundation was formed on March 17, 1947 by members of the National Association of Credit Management to specifically develop and deliver education, research and training to the business credit community. It was formally incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on January 3, 1949. The first annual meeting with 115 members in attendance took place on May 16, 1949 at which time 525 new members registered.

See the CRF Original Tax Exempt Certificate, the Original Articles of Incorporation and the Minutes of the First Meeting of the Board of Trustees of CRF

Today, operating as an independent organization under the guidance of its own Board of Trustees, the Credit Research Foundation continues to represent a body of knowledge emphasizing the impact and contribution of the credit function on individual businesses and the national economy. CRF is recognized as the leader in meetings, reports, surveys, books and other material that provide valuable information on new techniques and trends in credit, accounts receivable and customer administration and practices.

CRF is also a resource for the information technology applications to support the credit, accounts receivable, and customer management functions as the host of several major technology user groups including SAP, Oracle and PeopleSoft for the credit and AR applications.

Projects that are of general value and interest to the members of the Foundation and the business credit management profession are evaluated and prioritized by the CRF Research Committee prior to being undertaken to ensure the most up-to-date and qualified resources can be applied to the project.

The value of CRF membership is achieved through volumes of original material on specific subjects. CRF is a prolific publisher of relevant books and monographs specifically designed for the credit and receivables management function. The Publications section of this website provides information and the opportunity to purchase all the valuable publications and a free customer financial analysis program offered to members. CRF Premier and Corporate members receive all these and more at no additional charge with their membership.

CRF Membership also includes:

• Participation in national conferences each year known as CRF Forums.
• Providing statistical research studies on the professional practices for the administration and operation of the credit and A/R functions.
• The National Summary of Domestic Trade Receivables and Bad Debt Study - Since 1960 CRF has compiled this quarterly survey and an annual bad debt report. These metrics have been the most recognized and referenced measurements in the field of receivables management; and the standard by which American businesses measure their performance.
• Benchmarking the credit and accounts receivable function. The CRF produces the most comprehensive statistical benchmarking study available. Examining over 75 metrics, this tool is the most valuable statistical assessment offered for B2B credit and AR organizations.
• The most validated and respected Compensation Study for the B2B credit and AR field. CRF's Compensation Study has been produced biennially for over 30 years, specifically designed for the credit and AR functions.
• Establishing measures of risk and portfolio reporting. Many of CRF's performance metrics have been developed by CRF and have become worldwide standards for measuring performance in credit and AR management.
• A database of senior credit professionals that represent an information clearinghouse for members to have available as an invaluable information resource.
• The Credit and Financial Management Review. A quarterly compendium of articles on theory, strategy, laws, economics and best practices in credit and financial management.