Dear DBA Members,

At this critical juncture in our association’s evolution, it’s important to reflect on our industry-leading Receivables Management Certification Program to evaluate its impact and its future development.  Below are a few highlights of what we’ve accomplished in a relatively short time:

  • Launched the Certified Professional Receivables Company (CPRC) program in 2013 with a mandatory March 1, 2016 timeline for debt buying companies
  • Completed four reviews and enhancements to the program
  • Increased our education offerings to meet the needs of individuals seeking their certification and partnered with organizations to provide additional relevant and timely education
  • Expanded the certification program in 2014 to include collection law firms and collection agencies ensuring compliance integration throughout the vertical
  • Demonstrated to regulators, creditors and consumers that the industry is self-regulating and holds itself to a high standard.
  • Received positive feedback from the legislative and regulatory communities opening the doors of communication and giving DBA International a seat at the table in discussions on proposed laws, rules and regulations.
  • Recognized value of the program by banks and other issuers who integrate all or most of the program requirements into their due diligence process.
  • In March 2015, the Michigan Legislature adopted a resolution recognizing and commending DBA International for its certification efforts to protect consumers and creditors
  • More than 85 companies have completed their CPRC certification and 160 individuals achieved their CRCP designation.

You should be proud of the work you do every day and the steps our association has taken to raise and solidify standards of best business practice, improved transparency and consumer protections.

In order to support non-active debt buying member companies who want to remain educated on the ever-changing Industry as well as remain loyal to DBA, the Board of Directors made a recommendation to modify our bylaws as they relate to membership classifications. These modifications will be voted on at the annual Membership Meeting.

What these proposed changes do is create two membership categories for debt buying companies, law firms and collection agencies. A company in these categories can either be a certified member or an associate member.  For debt buying companies, if you are actively purchasing portfolios, you must meet the March 1, 2016 deadline (or two years from membership date for newer members). For those debt buying companies who are not actively purchasing receivables, you will need to meet the following requirements to remain an associate member:

  • Must have an individual in your organization complete the Certified Receivables Compliance Professional certification by March 1, 2017
  • Must not have purchased an account since your last membership renewal
  • When you purchase an account, it must meet all the requirements and standards outlined in the certification program
  • Must complete your company certification within one year of purchasing an account

This change allows DBA International to stay true to the standards set in certification without alienating loyal members who are involved in the community. We will maintain our stance on professionalism, ethics, compliance and education. For associate members, we enable these non-purchasing companies to benefit from DBA International’s efforts including timely communication, quality education, attendance at conferences, advocacy and public relations initiatives.

On behalf of the DBA International Board of Directors, thank you for your loyalty and support as we continue to set the standard for the receivables management industry.

Sincerely,

Kaye Dreifuerst
DBA Board President