How can you use trend analysis to manage credit risk?
Credit risk is the possibility of losing money due to a borrower's default or failure to repay a loan or other financial obligation. Managing credit risk is essential for any business that lends money or extends credit to customers, suppliers, or partners. One of the tools that can help you manage credit risk effectively is trend analysis. Trend analysis is the process of examining historical and current data to identify patterns, changes, and opportunities that can affect your business performance and decisions. In this article, you will learn how you can use trend analysis to manage credit risk in four steps: assessing your credit portfolio, monitoring your credit indicators, forecasting your credit losses, and adjusting your credit policies.
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Evaluate your credit portfolio:Start by thoroughly assessing the size, composition, quality, and profitability of your credit accounts. Using metrics like default rates and recovery rates helps identify performance trends over time.### *Monitor key indicators:Keep a close eye on both internal and external factors affecting borrowers' ability to repay. Tracking changes in income, expenses, and market conditions allows you to detect early signs of risk.