The International Factoring Association (IFA) introduced new membership categories and benefits. Starting Jan. 1, companies not directly engaged in providing factoring services will be eligible for Ally Membership. Ally members are friends of factoring, such as asset-based, equipment, purchase order and inventory lenders, as well as lender’s funding banks and firms, attorneys and service providers.

“The changes to IFA membership aim to streamline our membership structure, providing greater value and flexibility for our members,” Tania Daniel, executive director of the IFA, said. “We are confident that these updates will contribute to a more dynamic and engaged IFA community.”

The Ally Member designation will allow IFA members to search for potential partners who provide complementary products and services to the factoring industry. In addition, Ally Members will now also be eligible for exclusive member benefits, such as member rates for events, free webinars, complimentary job board listings, access to health insurance benefits, published press releases, an IFA Ally Member logo and more.

The IFA is also updating the name and benefits associated with its Preferred Vendors, who will now be recognized as Preferred Ally Members. The IFA vets Preferred Ally Members through an application process that includes providing current IFA members as references. Preferred Ally Members must also offer discounts or benefits exclusive to IFA members. Preferred Ally Members will receive the same benefits as Ally Members plus additional benefits, such as a monthly IFA membership list with contact information and the ability to publish educational articles and blogs in the IFA’s e-magazine and on factoring.org.

In addition to the new Ally and Preferred Ally member benefits, the IFA introduced enhancements to its IFA membership with additional benefits, such as free webinars and complimentary job board listings.