The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) recognized Meridian Finance Group as its 2021 Broker of the Year. Meridian also received EXIM’s Broker of the Year award in 2000, 2003 and 2013. This year’s win makes Meridian the second four-time winner of the award. The award was presented during EXIM’s 2021 annual conference, which is being held virtually from Sept. 21 to Sept. 23.

“EXIM appreciates our extensive collaboration with Meridian Finance Group over our many productive years collaborating on behalf of America’s exporters and workers. We look forward to the future as we continue working to ensure the success of U.S. exports — especially from small businesses — to markets across the globe while providing support for American jobs at home,” Ursula Wegrzynowicz, broker account manager for EXIM, who presented the award, said.

“While most of Meridian’s business is underwritten by insurance companies in the private sector, we broker EXIM Bank policies for hundreds of exporters who would not find the credit insurance they need anywhere else,” Gary Mendell, president of Meridian Finance Group, said. “We value our partnership with EXIM and are proud of the work we do together to support U.S. exports. Exporting represents a key component of our nation’s economic recovery, so we need to keep reaching out and help even more U.S. exporters begin taking advantage of EXIM programs.”

Meridian Finance Group specializes in trade credit insurance, with representatives in locations across the United States as well as — with its parent company, Texel Finance — offices in London, Brussels and Singapore. An EXIM-registered broker, Meridian is one of EXIM’s 19 platinum-tier brokers and has been one of EXIM’s top three producers by authorization count and authorization amount.

In fiscal 2020, Meridian produced 235 authorizations, the second-highest number among all brokers. Of these authorizations, 93% were for small businesses. Of new EXIM policies, Meridian produced the second-highest number and the fourth-highest authorization amount.