**Singapore**: CRIF has introduced a new Tariff Impact Assessment Score to help businesses in Asia evaluate how US tariff actions affect credit profiles and operational risks, offering early warnings and strategic guidance to mitigate trade-related vulnerabilities amid shifting global markets.
In a recent development that responds to changing trade dynamics, CRIF, a prominent global provider of credit bureau and business information solutions, unveiled its new Tariff Impact Assessment Score in Singapore on 29 April 2025. This innovative feature aims to evaluate the potential repercussions of US tariff actions on various Asian economies, particularly in relation to companies’ credit profiles.
The Tariff Impact Assessment Score is designed to enhance CRIF’s existing suite of business information tools, providing clients with a structured approach to assess the effects of tariffs on creditworthiness, cash flow, and operational resilience. Novi Rolastuti, the Regional Head of Sales for Business Information Services in Asia at CRIF, remarked that the score aims to deliver “early, actionable insights into trade-related vulnerabilities.” Rolastuti emphasised the importance of being able to anticipate risks and build resilience in the face of rapidly changing global trade dynamics, highlighting that the tool enables businesses to take proactive measures, such as rebalancing supply chains or adjusting trade strategies.
The score is integrated into CRIF’s business information reports, representing a dedicated section that signals potential tariff-related vulnerabilities. This scoring model employs a multi-dimensional approach, influenced by several key factors:
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Industry Affiliation: CRIF’s analysis includes scenario-based evaluations across different countries to pinpoint industries most susceptible to US tariffs, thus helping companies understand sector-specific risks.
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Company Size: The assessment takes into account the size of the company, recognising that larger enterprises might have more resources to shift production or explore alternative markets, whereas smaller firms may face increased exposure.
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Company-specific USA Exposure Investigation: Analysts conduct direct investigations to determine a company’s reliance on US trade relationships, assessing how much exposure it has to cross-border clients and suppliers.
The scoring model combines public trade data, proprietary research, and a structured investigation methodology to present a clear picture of tariff sensitivity. Companies operating in countries or sectors with significant export shares to the US or enduring trade deficits are identified as facing higher tariff-related risks.
The Tariff Impact Assessment Score is positioned as an integral part of CRIF’s strategy to aid businesses in managing risks while uncovering potential growth opportunities through a phased approach:
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Early Warning (1–3 months): This phase involves monitoring emerging risks such as payment delays and identifying vulnerable clients or suppliers.
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Risk Escalation (3–6 months): During this period, real-time alerts are issued to notify businesses of escalating credit risks so they can begin contingency planning.
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Adaptation Phase (6–12 months): Businesses receive guidance on rebalancing their portfolios, sourcing alternative suppliers, and pursuing new growth avenues.
This new feature is particularly beneficial for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and businesses driven by exports, helping them to manage credit and trade risks effectively in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
CRIF, established in 1988 in Bologna, Italy, has a significant operational footprint, functioning in 37 countries across four continents. The organisation serves over 10,000 banks and financial institutions, 90,000 business clients, and 1 million consumers daily, with a robust presence in Asia from its regional headquarters in Singapore.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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