TCM Sweden: Strong Local Presence, Backed by an International Network

During the TCM Group AGM 2025 in London, we spoke with Helena Sundman, International Collection Manager at TCM Sweden. For TCM Belgium and the other partners within the network, these international gatherings are the perfect opportunity to meet local colleagues in person, discuss cases, and exchange experiences. Behind every case are not only figures and facts, but also context, culture, and people. And that is precisely what makes the difference in international debt collection management.

From Student Employee to International Collection Manager

Helena is a familiar face within the TCM Group. She has been working in the debt collection industry since the age of sixteen, initially alongside her studies and later as a full-time professional. Today, she manages the international collection department at TCM Sweden, a well-established member of the network.

Founded in 1983, TCM Sweden joined the TCM Group in the 1990s. This strong local foundation, combined with an international perspective, makes TCM Sweden an ideal partner for the recovery of unpaid invoices in Sweden.

Disputes in Sweden: No Strict Deadlines

What immediately stands out when comparing the recovery of unpaid invoices in Sweden with Belgium? It is the absence of a strict deadline for disputing an invoice. While in Belgium, a B2B invoice must generally be disputed within a reasonable period, typically before its due date, the situation in Sweden is different: invoices can be disputed up until a court judgment has been issued.

This creates a level of flexibility on the one hand, but also a degree of uncertainty for creditors on the other. Fortunately, the strong cultural expectation that debts should be paid means that many cases in Sweden are resolved amicably, an advantage that Helena specifically highlights.

Kronofogden: A Faster Route to Legal Enforcement

What is very similar to the situation in Belgium? Sweden also has its own expedited legal recovery procedure: the Kronofogden, which is comparable to the Belgian IOS procedure or the French Injonction de Payer (IP).

This procedure enables creditors to obtain an enforceable title for undisputed claims quickly and at relatively low cost. If the claim is disputed, however, the case is transferred to the ordinary court system and proceeds through traditional legal proceedings.

Innovation and Regulation: AI & the NPL Directive

Like other European TCM partners, TCM Sweden is preparing for the implementation of the European NPL (Non-Performing Loans) Directive, which introduces new rules governing the recovery of non-performing credit agreements. At the same time, the company is actively exploring new AI-driven solutions to streamline internal processes and proactively respond to evolving client needs.

Conclusion: Local Expertise as the Key to Success

And thanks to partners such as TCM Sweden, TCM Belgium is able to support its clients in Sweden with an approach that is legally sound, culturally informed, and focused on achieving results.