CFG Partners

June 2022 – January 2023

CFG Partners operates in multiple markets throughout the Caribbean including the Dutch Islands, Panama, Trinidad, & Colombia.

Providing local customers financing options; CFG empowers customers to take control of their finances and get funding for immediate needs with a focus on ability to pay.

Finance Associate

 

Facility Management & Reporting

Through multiple debt facilities CFG is able to access funding to support customer growth and continue to expand. Working with multiple jurisdictions, customer types, and specific needs; each facility is unique with lender partners both in the US and local markets.

In July 2023, we successfully finished a refinance of a securitization with Guggenheim. Read more about this process here.

 

Managing and reporting on debt facilities involves monitoring the outstanding debt, ensuring compliance with the terms of the agreement, and maintaining detailed records. This requires a deep understanding of financial principles, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.

Collateral & Liquidity Management

Collateral with CFG refers to receivables held that is utilized to get liquidity through various facilities. Having multiple facilities allows for various avenues of obtaining funds, and determining the most effective route depends o the specific liquidity need.

It’s an interesting cycle of managing collateral and liquidity; where adequate knowledge of the two components go hand in hand to properly manage.

Liquidity Needs Include:
  • Originating loans (growing) with lump sum of funds to be placed to customers immediately.
  • Corporate and branch operations need to be satisfied, i.e.:
    • Accounts Payable
    • Workforce
    • Specific CAPEX, etc.

Ensuring liquidity needs are met require adequate cash flow reporting through Treasury. I had the unique opportunity to develop a weekly Cash Flow Model that projects cash outflows and inflows to ensuring working capital targets were met.

To learn more about this process of creating Financial Models check out this post.

Collateral Management Specifics:

Depending on the lender and facility, there are specific loan requirements that are established. Ensuring the corresponding collateral is properly pledged is needed for compliance.

Credit risk is important to monitor as charge-offs can effect the amount of receivable value pledged (depending on facility). If collateral drops below required levels pledging additional collateral is needed. Depending on concentration limits collateral moves may also be needed to improve credit risk and stay in compliance.

 

Methods of obtaining liquidity include:
  • Sending excess funds from local markets up to corporate
  • From a lender (via a debt facility) utilizing collateral to corporate
  • Releasing excess cash in a facility through various instruments.

A-Pod, Improving workflows through Automation and Processes

Being a part of A-Pod (Automation Pod) allowed me to focus on finding and implementing ways to improve CFG’s workflows and processes across the organization.

Improving processes has numerous benefits and offers a wealth of learning experiences. For CFG it significantly enhanced efficiency, reduced waste, and increased productivity, leading to cost savings and better output quality.

With a focus on improving processes, it also fosters an environment of continuous improvement and innovation, thereby keeping the organization competitive.

 

The learning experiences from process improvement are equally valuable. It cultivates problem-solving skills, a deeper understanding of the work processes, and an appreciation for collaborative efforts. It also provides insights into the complexities of the system and the interdependencies of each process, making it a fruitful endeavor for personal and organizational growth.

 

My favorite initiative that was taken by A-Pod was the implantation of Planful, a smart finance tool for revamping the FP&A department and overall budgeting and reporting process.

Working in Multiple Markets

CFG Partners currently operates 70 locations throughout Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean, having four subsidiary brands.

Providing unsecured consumer loans, CFG provides access to funding options to customers in these underserved markets.

Working in multiple unique finance markets internationally provides several benefits for both CFG and myself.

Diversification

Exposure to international markets can offer a more diversified portfolio, reducing risk and potentially increasing returns.

An attractive incentive for CFG’s Securitization that provided U.S. investors a quality diverse investment vehicle.

Access to growth opportunities

Emerging markets often present faster growth opportunities than established ones. This can lead to potentially higher returns, despite the increased risk.

Understanding global trends

Working in international markets provides a broader perspective on global financial trends, helping to identify opportunities and threats.

International knowledge and experience

Each market has its own unique characteristics and challenges. Working across multiple markets can enhance problem-solving skills and financial knowledge.

Networking

International work allows for the expansion of professional networks across different countries and cultures.

Competitive advantage

The experience and knowledge gained from working in different international markets can provide a competitive advantage in the globalized economy.

CFG’s Brands & Markets

El Sol

Panama

Island Finance

Aruba – Bonaire – Curacao – St. Marteen – Trinidad

Dando

Colombia

CommoLoCo

Puerto Rico

(divested in 2023)