6AUGUST 2025Editor's NoteThe Business of Getting Paid in Modern EuropeEurope's international debt recovery service market is not what it used to be. Over the past decade, globalisation and a surge in cross-border trade have reshaped the landscape, turning what was once a niche function into a critical part of international business. As companies push beyond their home borders, the risk of unpaid debts and defaulted receivables has grown, and the need for specialised recovery services has never been clearer.The forces behind this shift are readily apparent. International B2B transactions are on the rise, EU rules are becoming more aligned, and new digital platforms are facilitating faster and more efficient collections. Then came the pandemic, followed by ongoing geopolitical tensions, both of which have heightened financial uncertainty and made skilled recovery firms indispensable.There's real progress to celebrate. European agencies now operate within stronger legal frameworks, with measures such as the EU's Late Payment Directive helping to streamline cross-border action. Technology is also pulling its weight, from advanced analytics to automation and multilingual support, driving productivity while keeping clients reassured.Still, it's not without its hurdles. Regulations shift, jurisdictions clash, and cultural differences demand a careful approach. Add the shadow of GDPR and concerns over heavy-handed practices, and the path to successful recovery becomes a balancing act.The firms leading the way are those doubling down on trust. They're combining legal expertise with local partnerships, leaning on secure, tech-driven systems, and championing ethical practices that strengthen relationships rather than strain them. In a more connected, more complex Europe, they're proving that international debt recovery can be both effective and forward-thinking.This edition features market leaders such as STA International, an award-winning UK-based company with over 30 years of expertise in debt recovery, credit control, and tracing. It also features insights from top industry voices like Hugo Assagra, Group Head of Credit Risk Strategy at OSB Group, and Sotiris Papakonstantinou, Head of Risk Management at Optima Bank. Their perspectives illuminate the market's current landscape, empowering better business decisions for the future.Let us know your thoughts!Copyright © 2025 ValleyMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof.Managing EditorJeff RodriguezEditorial StaffAaron Pierce Ava Garcia Joshua ParkerPearl JohnsonVisualizersRobert Gray SmithKevin Parker *Some of the Insights are based on the interviews with respective CIOs and CXOs to our editorial staffEmail:sales@financialservicesreview.comeditor@financialservicesreview.commarketing@financialservicesreview.com AUGUST 2025, Vol 06 - 18 (ISSN 2835-9771) Published by ValleyMedia, Inc. To subscribe to Financial Services ReviewVisit www.financialservicesreview.com Jeff RodriguezManaging Editoreditor@financialservicesreview.com
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