A journey through innovation, resilience, and global trade

Reflecting on 100 Years in the Netherlands

On the topic of the centenary, Marta Nodal explained: “Reaching our centenary marks a hallmark moment, as not many organizations get to reach this milestone.” She acknowledged the Dutch office’s historical significance within Atradius,’ while also highlighting other key anniversaries across the group: from Atradius Germany (70 years) and Atradius US (30 years) to Crédito y Caución Spain (95 years). “These jubilees reflect how we invest in long-term relationships with customers, partners, and employees, while embracing change and innovation”, she added. 

Defining moments of the last 100 years

Marta Nodal highlighted the company’s resilience through economic cycles and its pioneering role in trade credit insurance. Reflecting on the defining moments in Atradius’ Dutch history, the first major milestone came in 1932, when NCM began offering export credit insurance via a government reinsurance agreement, effectively acting as the Netherlands’ Export Credit Agency. “Navigating growth, recession, and recovery while continuing to support our clients has defined who we are”, she said. Marta Nodal emphasized its foundational role in developing trade credit insurance in the Netherlands: “We have helped Dutch enterprises grow by protecting their receivables and fostering confidence in cross-border commerce.”

Technological innovation has also shaped the company’s path. In 1984, Atradius introduced a Honeywell-Bull DPS 88/81 mainframe computer, one of only nineteen worldwide, and later developed the NCM Data Network, allowing clients to independently consult and submit credit limits – a precursor to their today’s customer portal, Atrium. Other milestones include the 2001 merger of NCM and Gerling Credit, the 2004 rebranding to Atradius to reflect global ambitions. In 2010, Atradius became part of GCO, a group that already included Crédito y Caución, when GCO completed the acquisition process. “The name Atradius embodies our reach - the ‘radius’ of global trade”, Marta Nodal explained.

Atradius in the Dutch and global markets

From its beginnings as a monopolist in the Dutch market until the early 1990s, Atradius has grown into the world’s second-largest credit insurer, with 3,500 employees across more than 55 countries and annual revenues of EUR 2.5 billion. Reflecting on this growth, Marta Nodal emphasized the company’s evolution from offering single-transaction export credit insurance to a comprehensive suite of domestic and international products, including surety, collections, and tailored services for SMEs, large companies, and multinationals.

Atradius has played a pivotal role in supporting trade through economic cycles, helping businesses manage risk while identifying new opportunities. Reflecting on this, Marta Nodal highlighted the dual function of trade credit insurance: “Trade credit insurance is about more than protecting against non-payment; it also allows our clients to explore new markets and sectors with confidence.” During the COVID pandemic, Atradius continued to cover viable companies, preventing a potential domino effect of insolvencies. 

Beyond traditional credit insurance, Atradius’ impact extends to the surety market. Atradius Surety, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has become Europe’s market leader in guarantees across sectors such as construction, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, energy, and waste management. “Our tailored surety bonds allow our customers’ partners to enter into business safely, without affecting bank credit limits,” she added. 

The company has also been a strong partner for Dutch SMEs and exporters, going where clients go to provide market intelligence, risk assessment, and credit limits. Since 1932, the Dutch State Business unit has offered governmentbacked export credit insurance, enabling companies to safely undertake high-risk international projects. More recently, Atradius has promoted green exports and extended support to SMEs facing challenges accessing working capital, ensuring that clients can trade confidently and grow sustainably.

Adapting to change, innovation, and digital solutions

“Credit insurance is ultimately about people”, Marta Nodal emphasized, and Atradius has always combined local knowledge with global insights. Over the years, the company has embraced technology such as AI, automation, and data analytics to enhance underwriting, claims management, and customer service. Yet the personal touch remains central, with teams often visiting clients together to fully understand their needs. Reflecting on the company’s innovations, Marta Nodal cited the Global Platform, Modula’s flexible insurance solutions, and digital tools like Atradius Insights, Atrium, Flow, and Credit-IQ. “These solutions help customers identify opportunities, manage risks, and improve cash flow”, she explained, highlighting how Atradius continually adapts to meet evolving client demands in a complex trade environment.

People, culture and traditions

Atradius’ century-long success is rooted in its culture, which Marta Nodal describes as “like a family business”. Collaboration, mutual support, and a growth mindset underpin the organization, supported by the Atradius Academy with onboarding, e-learning, and targeted training programs. 

Hybrid work arrangements, introduced in 2021, strike a balance between flexibility, mentorship, and collaboration. The company also cherishes its traditions, which reinforce culture and create lasting memories for employees and their families. Marta Nodal recalled skating on Amsterdam canals near the historic Keizersgracht office, concerts with the in-house NCM band, Family Days, and annual Sinterklaas visits. “These traditions reinforce our culture and create lasting memories for employees and their families”, she said.

Future challenges, sustainability, and looking ahead

Looking to the future, Marta Nodal acknowledged the increasing complexity of trade environments, including AI, geopolitical risks, and sustainability challenges. Aligned with its parent company GCO, Atradius has embedded ESG into its operations through a Sustainability Master Plan focusing on Good Governance, Sustainable Business, Social Commitment, and Environmental Responsibility. “Achieving net zero and supporting sustainable trade will be critical for the next century”, she emphasized, noting that dialogue with customers and partners is key to this effort. Concluding our discussion, Marta Nodal reflected on Atradius’ enduring mission: “Our goal has always been to help businesses navigate risk and seize opportunities. We remain committed to providing agile, forward-looking solutions wherever our customers do business. At Atradius, we approach the future with a clear sense of purpose, guided by values such as long-term commitment, customer focus, financial strength and responsible innovation. These principles shape how we grow and how we serve. As part of GCO, we share a broader vision that encourages collaboration and sustainable progress and we’re proud to contribute to that journey with balance, energy and ambition.”

To explore how to strengthen your own credit risk strategy, get in touch with us and see how we can help you stay ahead. 

This article was originally published in the November edition of The ICISA Insider as “Atradius celebrates 100 years – A journey through innovation, resilience, and global trade,” highlighting our century-long commitment to supporting businesses worldwide.