Global debt collection, decoded.
Every year, we analyze thousands of international debt collection cases across markets, industries, and jurisdictions. Oddcoll Wrapped 2025 is our way of opening the books and sharing the patterns, insights, and hard truths behind cross-border debt recovery.
No fluff. Just data, experience, and what actually works.
9 years in a row: higher recovery rates
Consistency beats luck.
For the ninth consecutive year, Oddcoll has increased its overall recovery rate. This isn’t driven by shortcuts or aggressive tactics, but by continuous refinement of local partner networks, smarter case routing, and faster action after invoice maturity.
Sustainable results come from process — and the data proves it.
+17% higher recovery for returning clients
Loyalty pays off — literally.
On average, our recurring clients recover 17% more compared to what they achieved with their previous international debt collection providers. Familiarity with the client’s invoicing structure, communication style, and customer relationships significantly improves outcomes.
The more we know your business, the better we perform.
Where debtors pay — and where they don’t
Geography matters.
Based on 2025 data, debtors in Sweden, Norway, and Finland are the most likely to pay once a case is initiated. Clear regulations, strong payment culture, and predictable enforcement play a major role.
At the other end of the spectrum, Africa — followed by parts of Asia — shows the lowest payment frequency, often due to legal complexity, weaker enforcement, or limited debtor traceability.
Speed matters: first action within 5 hours
Time kills recovery — speed saves it.
On average, the first contact action (email, letter, or phone call) from a local debt collection agency in the debtor’s country happens within 5 hours of case upload.
This rapid response dramatically increases recovery probability and signals seriousness to the debtor before excuses, disputes, or avoidance strategies have time to develop.
Big debts, big numbers: the Gulf states
High value, high potential.
The highest number of recovered claims above €50,000 occurred in the Gulf states. Here, the average claim size is four times higher than the global average.
While cases may be fewer in volume, their financial impact is substantial — making correct local handling absolutely critical.
Legal action isn’t equal everywhere
Some courts move slower than others.
Two of the most challenging countries for legal escalation are Saudi Arabia and India. Procedural complexity, timelines, and enforcement unpredictability mean that legal action must be carefully evaluated before proceeding.
Strategy matters more than force.
Spain: think twice if time matters
If you need cash flow soon, choose wisely.
In Spain, legal debt collection processes often exceed 12 months. If your goal is to recover funds within the next year, judicial action should generally be avoided unless the claim size clearly justifies the delay.
Out-of-court solutions remain the fastest route in most cases.
Earlier cases = higher recovery
The clock starts at due date.
Our data is clear: the sooner a case is submitted after invoice maturity, the higher the chance of recovery. Delays weaken leverage, allow disputes to escalate, and reduce debtor responsiveness.
Early action isn’t aggressive — it’s smart.
Active customers pay more often
Relationships matter.
If the debtor is still an active customer, recovery chances increase significantly compared to cases where the commercial relationship has already ended. Ongoing business ties create pressure, incentives, and reputational considerations that work in your favor.
Debt collection works best when it supports — not destroys — commercial relationships.
One takeaway from Oddcoll Wrapped 2025
International debt collection isn’t about geography alone. It’s about timing, strategy, local expertise, and understanding human behavior behind the numbers.
And the data confirms it — again.
Want to see how these insights apply to your unpaid invoices? Learn more about how debt collection works at Oddcoll and if you are in need of debt collection, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
