ABSTRACT
In Germany, 330 of 550 debt collection agencies – which carry on 80–85% of all the debt collection business in the country – are members of a nation-wide business association: the Federal Association of German Debt Collection Agencies. The need to improve the business ethic standards of the debt collection industry, inter alia by separating the ‘black sheep’ from the other members of the industry, as well as by improving their public image, are the main motives which led debt collectors to form national business organisations. The aims of business organisation are to foster professional cooperation and information exchange between the members, provide information on professional problems, vocational education and dispute resolution facilities between members, and represent the professional interests of the same before the general public, governmental bodies, courts, etc. In 1994, some Credit Services Association members established a second association, the Institute of Licensed Debt Practitioners, the members of which are not companies but individuals.
