Review: BARDO Annual General Meeting 2019
On 21st and 22nd May 2019, the BARDO members met for their annual general meeting in Hamburg. They appreciated the educational lectures, constructive discussions – and they welcomed new members.
Still disappointing: Revocatory Action / Cancellation of suspect transactions (clawback)
The conference started with a lecture by lawyer Dr. Klaus Matzen about the recurring challenges concerning the cancellation of suspect transactions (clawback). Even after the legislative reforms, the question of additional claims by administrators still challenges customers, insurers and us alike.
Also Dr. Matzen came to the conclusion that the legislative authority – despite all the improvements – has created a difficult situation here, which makes it easy for the administrators to continue to challenge receivables from insolvent companies. The vast majority of court cases currently end in a settlement. Concerned companies sometimes have to face harsh judgments which lead to unexpected repayments over a period of up to four years. So far improvements are not in sight, risks still remain.
In discussion: Collaboration with trade credit insurers
With a keynote speech Frank Otto, member of the Executive Board, introduced the next topic: “How do we treat each other – concerning the BARDO brokers and the trade credit insurers?”
All attendant insurers that were especially invited to the annual meeting were glad to be part of the discussion, which all members considered to be very open and positive. The result of the debate was that only constant communication can enhance collaborations. Thus, we are on a good way to a prosperous coexistence – in the interest of our customers.
Day 2: The development of our BARDO Association
The second part of the annual conference dealt with the development of BARDO. CEO Albrecht Max Vater reported about the financial situation, the number of members and the content and issues that are currently being discussed. The participants were given an insight about the survey initiated by BARDO concerning the satisfaction of the brokers with their trade credit insurers. The presentation of initial results was followed by an active and controversial discussion about the configuration of future surveys.
Further topics of our meeting:
- Hettich & Schorr GmbH represented by Michael Schorr and Wirtschafts-Assekuranz Finance Broker GmbH represented by Rainer Gräfe are two new members from Hamburg.
- The present members declared approval of action of the BARDO executive board, the auditors had approved the financial figures without any objections.
- Our former president Helmut Piplack became honorary president.
His successor is Cengiz Horn from GGW Kreditversicherungs-Makler GmbH.
Main focus on Broker’s qualification
Last but not least Prof. Dr. Andreas Del Re (Bundesverband Credit Management e.V./ BvCM), spoke in the afternoon about the BvCM credit management training opportunities.
There are significant opportunities for junior staff members. The day ended with a working lunch.
BARDO e.V. was pleased to have had such a successful annual meeting and would like to thank all participants who travelled to Hamburg.
Report: Frank Otto, Executive Board