History and Background on the Credit Research Foundation?

The Credit Research Foundation was formed on March 17, 1947 to specifically develop and deliver education, research and training to the business credit community. The first annual meeting with 115 members in attendance took place on May 16, 1949 at which time 525 new members registered.

Today, operating as an independent organization under the direction of it's 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 and Oracle for the credit and AR applications.

Membership in The Credit Research Foundation is open to all those individuals and businesses that have a vested interest in the credit, accounts receivable and customer financial relationship.

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

The value of CRF is communicated 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 we offer.CRF Premier and Corporate members receive all these and more at no additional charge with their membership.
• Organizing three national conferences each year.
• Providing statistical research studies on the professional practices for the administration and operation of the credit and A/R functions.
  • Since 1960 CRF has compiled the Quarterly Survey of Domestic Trade Receivables & Annual Bad Debt Supplement. These metrics have been the most recognized and referenced measurements in the field of receivables management.
  • Benchmarking the credit and accounts receivable function. The most comprehensive Compensation Study published in this area. Many firms have accepted this survey as the source for benchmarking the KPI's of the Credit and A/R function.
  The most validated and respected Compensation Study. 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 world-wide 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.