Business Finance Expert Series: "The History of Factoring"

In conventional times factoring ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html ) is one of the most sought- after method to improve the cash flow ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/cash-flow.html ) of a company. When a firm decides to its account receivables to a financial institution then it is termed as factoring. The factor then bears the credit risk for the accounts and finally receives the sum from the customers. It is among one of the most effective and efficient form of financing used these days. Factoring has been in existence since the beginning of trade and commerce. It can be traced back to the period of a Mesopotamian king Hammurabi. However, an extensive use of the concept began in American colonies before the revolution started. During those times raw materials like timber, fur and cotton were shipped from the colonies and before they reached the destination merchant bankers in London and other parts of Europe used to advance funds for the raw material. The practice was very beneficial to the colonists, as they didn't have to wait for the money to begin their harvesting again. Basic work of factors of colonial times is similar to factors of conventional times. They have the same job of making advances against the account receivables in order to help them in continuing with their job even before they are paid for their sale. With the Industrial Revolution the concept of factoring got narrowed down to credit. In the 60's and 70's with an escalation of interest rates there was a surge in private factors. The trend strengthened in 80's with further increase in interest rates and changes in the banking industry. With various expenses and inflexible rules involved with banking, factoring is a safe and easy method for financial expansion and growth. Working capital arranged through factoring is an easy means to cover purchasing, operating and other pay roll costs and provides the much-needed freedom from varied book keeping functions like credits and collections. All these attributes have made 'factoring' a buzzword in the financing market.