In this new episode of the Never Overdue Podcast, Jean Paul Van Damme speaks with Arnaud Snyers, CEO of ING Commercial Finance. What was once seen as a last resort has now become a smart, flexible, and sustainable way to finance liquidity and growth. They discuss the true power of factoring, digitalization in the order-to-cash process, and how sustainability is increasingly finding its way into finance. Looking for a solid dose of insights on cash management, factoring, and strategic transformation? This episode is a must-listen.
Listen to the full episode, also available on Spotify, and always stay one step ahead!
Why you shouldn’t miss this podcast
Factoring: from last resort to smart leverage
Factoring has undergone a true metamorphosis in recent years. What was once considered a stopgap solution for companies in acute liquidity distress has evolved today into a strategic and flexible instrument for healthy financing. Arnaud emphasizes that companies of all sizes use factoring to bridge the gap between expenses and incoming payments.
It’s not just about accelerating the collection of outstanding invoices, but also about structurally improving the working capital position. Invoices represent valuable collateral that, when managed well, leads to competitive financing terms. As Arnaud beautifully puts it:
“A well-maintained invoice portfolio is like a well-maintained house for a mortgage loan — it makes the whole thing reliable and stable in value.”
Digitalization as a catalyst for growth
A recurring bottleneck in the world of factoring is the lack of standardized data and information flows. Arnaud emphasizes that exchanging data between client and bank is often complex due to the proliferation of ERP systems. However, the upcoming e-invoicing mandate offers perspective.
Digitalization not only ensures faster processing but also provides more security and traceability. If a customer digitally confirms that a delivery was correctly received and the invoice is correct, a bank can be almost 100% certain of payment — a dream scenario for pre-financing. In that future vision, companies will have the ability to send their invoice for pre-financing with one click, including optional credit insurance.
Sustainability and factoring: more than just a hype
Although sustainability isn’t the first association with factoring, the theme is increasingly coming up in the financial world. Arnaud outlines how factoring can also contribute to a more sustainable ecosystem. Think of financing terms that improve when a company operates sustainably or works with certified products, such as PEFC-labeled wood.
Additionally, factoring makes it possible to finance inventory as well, allowing companies to organize their supply chain more efficiently and sustainably. It’s no longer just about invoices at the end of the process, but about an integrated management of the entire production chain.
About our guest:
Arnaud Snyers is CEO of ING Commercial Finance and has been active in the world of commercial finance for over 20 years. He has broad experience in legal, sales, and management roles within ING and is also chairman of PEFC Belgique, an organization dedicated to sustainable forest management. His unique combination of legal knowledge, financial insight, and sustainable commitment makes him an exceptional voice in the field.
Why listen to this episode?
What are our takeaways from this conversation? The modern CFO combines data and digitalization with human skills like communication and strategic insight. Joost Vanhecke shows how you, as a financial leader, can truly help make a difference – not just on the balance sheet, but also in culture and client relationships.
His perspective on tools like Excel, his vision on leadership within finance, and his approach to credit management are relatable and simultaneously inspiring for everyone active in the world of finance, SaaS, or entrepreneurship. A conversation packed with insights that stick.
