Commercial Factor Q&A: Oscar Rombolà Discusses IFA’s New Chapter Committee
Oscar Rombolà of eCapital shares his perspective as he enters his second term as an International Factoring Association advisory board member, detailing the expansion of chapters across the globe, reflecting on his first term and shedding light on what’s to come for the association’s new committee structure.
Returning for his second term as an advisory board member at the International Factoring Association, Oscar Rombolà, managing director at eCapital, spoke with Commercial Factor, about his new role as chair of the IFA’s new chapter committee, which is one of several pillars in the association’s new committee structure. Oscar Rombolà shared his thoughts on building new chapter committees in new regions nationally and abroad his excitement for the expansion of the IFA.
What were you most proud of helping the IFA accomplish during your first year as an advisory board member?
Oscar Rombolà: In an ever-challenging world of business, keeping up with the industry is most important. I had the honor of serving as an advisory board member in the past for two terms. I was asked to serve again, this time, to navigate the changes at the association and to create a chapter committee.
We are currently working on many projects to update the association and to create relevant material for the ongoing seminars and the annual conference. I am very excited to see new committees being created, such as NextGen, chapter committees and more. It is essential to listen to newcomers to the industry and their ideas, projects and new perspectives. Technology has become an essential part of the industry as well as a competitive edge. Meeting with the other board members, discussing ideas and projects, enrich us all as professionals and individuals. We do not operate in a vacuum. We are part of a trillion-dollar industry based on risk. Education is essential and continuing to develop relations allows us to become stronger as a community.
What do you hope to accomplish in your second year on the board and how will you help achieve those results?
Rombolà: We have been working on seminars, in-person as well as virtually. The combination of these two types of sessions will help us develop some data on popularity and willingness to attend from the membership base. This new paradigm has put us in the position of creating new ways of promoting material and analyzing topics as they refer to the most suitable way of presenting them, virtually or in-person.
“Chapter committees are in the process of being revised, we have developed a package of information for individuals wanting to create their own chapters within their region. We are currently talking to colleagues who see the importance of networking with local factors. We hope to grow the chapter committee consistently cross the United Sates, and then internationally.
What was the process of creating the chapter committee with the IFA like?
Rombolà: At the beginning, it was challenging, as some chapters were created with the freedom to run under the premise that they will follow IFA National standards. This endeavor, unfortunately that was not the case. We had to take some drastic measures, but I trust these challenges are behind us and we can move forward with our plans. We are as strong as our members and a clear message will assist us to reach our goals. We continue to develop the initial package of information; agreements are in place and several talks have been held with potential new chapter directors. More to come!
What does it mean to you to be on the advisory board and now being the chair of the chapter committee?
Rombolà: It is an incredible honor to continue to support the industry. Myself and my company have always been great supporters of the IFA. We have no doubt the industry needs a strong advocacy like IFA and AFA at the national level in Washington.
What will the focus of the chapter committee be?
Rombolà: Phase I will be a revision of the current chapters. Phase II will include an information package. Phase III will be promotion and Phase IV will be the creation of a new chapter in the U.S. or internationally.
What are your goals for the committee in its first year and how will you help achieve those results?
Rombolà: We are currently looking for volunteers to assist us in identifying potential regions where a chapter is needed. We hope to increase the number of chapters to 10 in the first year. We already have several inquiries and potential regions.
Who else will be on the committee and how can people get involved?
Rombolà: I had the pleasure of working with great committees over the years. We intend to add a couple of positions to the committee, so interested professionals can contact me directly.
How have the IFA chapters grown in the last few years and are you expecting the organization to add any new ones in the near future?
Rombolà: To this point, there were no formal planification on the chapter’s growth. Tania Daniels and the team at IFA had decided to restructure this part of the association, and together, we will create quality and sustainable growth.