Industry Bodies

Several industry associations and statutory bodies are relevant to practitioners and businesses operating in Australian commercial credit and debt recovery. These bodies set professional standards, deliver training and qualifications, and advocate for the sector with regulators and government.

AICM — Australian Institute of Credit Management

The Australian Institute of Credit Management (AICM) is the peak professional body for credit management practitioners in Australia. It was founded in 1937 and represents credit managers, analysts, collectors and finance professionals across a wide range of industries. AICM provides professional development, nationally recognised qualifications (through its partnership with TAFE NSW), an annual conference, regional events, and the Credit Management journal. Members operate under the AICM Code of Ethics.

AICM's qualifications include the Certificate IV in Credit Management and the Diploma of Credit Management, which are accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). These are widely recognised by employers in the credit and collections industry.

aicm.com.au — AICM

AICM's official website — membership, training, qualifications, events and publications.

AICM — Membership

Individual and corporate membership options, benefits and how to join.

AICM — Training & qualifications

Nationally recognised credit management qualifications and short courses available to practitioners.

IMA — Institute of Mercantile Agents

The Institute of Mercantile Agents (IMA) is an industry body representing debt collection and mercantile agencies operating in Australia. The IMA promotes professional standards, provides training and resources for collectors, and engages with regulators on policy matters affecting the industry. Its members include collection agencies, process servers, field agents and related service providers.

The IMA maintains a Code of Ethics that its members are required to follow, covering fair and lawful treatment of debtors, confidentiality, and compliance with the ACCC/ASIC Debt Collection Guideline.

ima.org.au — Institute of Mercantile Agents

IMA's official website — membership information, industry news, code of ethics and resources for practitioners.

ASBFEO — Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is a statutory office established under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015 (Cth). The ASBFEO assists small businesses and family enterprises to resolve disputes with larger businesses or government agencies, and advocates for favourable policy and regulatory conditions for the small business sector.

In the context of commercial debt, the ASBFEO is relevant where a small business is owed money by a larger business or government entity and is unable to resolve the dispute through negotiation. The ASBFEO can facilitate access to low-cost dispute resolution and can escalate matters where systemic issues are identified. The ASBFEO also publishes research and policy submissions on issues affecting small business cash flow, including payment terms and late payment.

asbfeo.gov.au — ASBFEO

ASBFEO's official website — assistance for small businesses, resources, advocacy and policy submissions.

ASBFEO — How we can help

Overview of the ASBFEO's dispute assistance services and how to apply for help.

ASBFEO — Resources

Research reports, guides and policy submissions relevant to small business owners, including late payment and cash flow.

ARCA — Australian Retail Credit Association

ARCA is the industry association for organisations that use, provide or supply consumer credit information in Australia. It works with members — credit providers, credit bureaus and data providers — to promote responsible use of consumer credit data, and engages with the OAIC on credit reporting regulation. ARCA's membership is primarily large financial services firms rather than small collection agencies, but its publications are relevant to practitioners who deal with credit reporting issues.

arca.asn.au — ARCA

ARCA's website — publications, member resources and policy engagement on consumer credit reporting.

Related Merion resources

• How Merion operates — our approach to compliance, fair conduct and professional standards.
• Trust & Compliance — Merion's security, privacy and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Credit Control Academy — free lessons for creditors on credit management, terms of trade and prevention.