As we wrap up a turbulent year, Shareholder and Commercial Collections Group Chair Jim Kozelek is taking a close look at what lies ahead. Jim will break down the biggest forces shaping the commercial collections landscape—what’s changing, what’s accelerating, and what your organization needs to prepare for as we head into 2026.
In the commercial space, 2025 was unpredictable to say the least—and 2026 promises more of the same. As the year draws to a close, here are the key factors likely to impact commercial collections in the year ahead!
As businesses respond to continued economic whiplash, their customers, employees, and financial stability will remain under pressure. With consumer debt and default rates rising—and commercial debt following closely—organizations should be asking: Are you ready?
It’s an exciting time for innovation, but the pace of change can feel overwhelming—sometimes even a little “Terminator.” Do you feel it too?
Staying current on state-specific requirements isn’t optional—are you up to speed?
All of this creates both challenges and opportunities. The question is: Do you have a plan for navigating what’s ahead in 2026 and beyond?
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, please connect with Jim at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
In the commercial space, 2025 was unpredictable to say the least—and 2026 promises more of the same. As the year draws to a close, here are the key factors likely to impact commercial collections in the year ahead!
Economic Volatility
Tariffs on electronics, vehicle parts, apparel, lumber, steel, and even coffee had a significant downstream impact on commercial businesses throughout 2025. Rising input costs triggered reduced production, higher prices, slower or delayed sales cycles, layoffs, and shrinking margins—all while inflation continued to strain both companies and consumers.As businesses respond to continued economic whiplash, their customers, employees, and financial stability will remain under pressure. With consumer debt and default rates rising—and commercial debt following closely—organizations should be asking: Are you ready?
Technology
Automation and artificial intelligence are advancing faster than many businesses can implement them. Digital communications, chatbots, self-service portals, automated workflows—these tools offer efficiency and scalability, but also raise important questions: Are they secure? Are they compliant? Is your infrastructure ready to support them?It’s an exciting time for innovation, but the pace of change can feel overwhelming—sometimes even a little “Terminator.” Do you feel it too?
Statutory Overreach
In 2025, California enacted legislation requiring certain commercial debt to be treated similarly to consumer debt. Meanwhile, states like Michigan, New York, and Maryland are considering measures that could extend consumer-level protections to commercial obligations.Staying current on state-specific requirements isn’t optional—are you up to speed?
Consolidation & Planning
Commercial debt collection is becoming increasingly specialized. Non-traditional funding sources (including fintech), private equity involvement, consolidation among credit grantors and financiers, and mergers across agencies and debt-collection law firms are reshaping the landscape. At the same time, fewer professionals are entering the field.All of this creates both challenges and opportunities. The question is: Do you have a plan for navigating what’s ahead in 2026 and beyond?
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, please connect with Jim at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
