International banking entrepreneur Christian Reuhmer, keynote speaker at DataPro’s 4th International Rating Webinar, shared invaluable insights aimed at setting a new agenda for bankers in today’s evolving financial landscape.

Reuhmer emphasised that the true celebration in banking should happen not when a loan is disbursed, but rather when it is successfully repaid, and the intended impact is fully realized. “Too often,” he noted, “celebration occurs when financing is provided, but the real achievement is in a successful outcome.”

According to Reuhmer, the core mission of bankers is to support growth in the real economy. This means working closely with SMEs and corporate clients, a role he believes is both essential and highly rewarding. “Helping these companies succeed,” he said, “is what ultimately drives bankers’ success.”

To fulfill this mission, Reuhmer stressed that bankers must look beyond a company’s marketing and PR to understand its true strength. This requires robust financial skills—such as the ability to analyze operations, interpret financial statements, and make accurate forecasts about a company’s future performance.

Reuhmer also highlighted the crucial role that Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) play in this ecosystem. “Rating agencies embody the need for deep financial expertise and a clear understanding of a company’s financial health. Their assessments provide a trusted, reliable product that banks can leverage to support informed decision-making,” he explained. He noted that CRAs and banks share a common goal: to help businesses succeed by offering credible insights into their long-term potential.

For developing countries like Nigeria, Reuhmer underscored the importance of finding better ways to finance domestic companies. “Banks and investors must become more comfortable assessing local businesses, and that’s where CRAs come in,” he stated. He pointed out that many companies seeking funding—typically between $200,000 and $2 million—are looking to build new factories, expand their product lines, or scale their reach. It is essential, he argued, that these businesses find the capital they need within local markets.

Reuhmer also called attention to the role of credit ratings in managing credit risk, not only before loan approval but throughout the loan’s lifecycle. “Approving and disbursing a loan is the easy part,” he said. “The real work begins with ensuring repayment, and that’s where ongoing monitoring and updated ratings are crucial.”

In summary, Reuhmer’s presentation provided a thought-provoking vision for Bankers, calling for deeper financial insight, a focus on the real economy, and a collaborative approach with Credit Rating Agencies. His message was clear: the path to sustainable growth lies in supporting the companies that drive it.