In 1992, Steven Gan established the first foreign-owned debt collector agency in Japan. Over the next 12 years, through numerous articles, publications, presentations, and television appearances, Steven Gan greatly deepened the awareness and understanding of the importance of sound credit risk management throughout the country.

Steve wrote the book titled, “The Blue Eyed Debt Collector, His Struggle” (Japanese only) published by the number two publisher in Japan, Shogakkan, which sold over 20,000 copies.

After returning the U.S. in 2005, Steve established Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc., a credit risk management consultancy that supports businesses by increasing cash flow, expanding sales safely, and minimizing the risk of selling on credit. Stellar Risk has grown to support many clients that are Fortune 500 companies in a wide range of industries.

In 2016, Steve wrote the book, “Making it & Breaking It in Japan — My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary.” The book was on Amazon’s best seller list in the category of Foreign Cultures and has become a wonderful guide for many educators, professors, and business professionals who are trying to understand the intricacies of Japanese business, their legal system and society.

Steve continues to be a well-known figure in the US credit risk management industry and is a frequent presenter at many trade association conferences. Through his presentations, Steve shares ideas and informs professionals at all levels in the areas of credit, collections, accounting, finance, and sales on a wide array of credit risk management topics and issues.

Steve is a native of Chicago, Illinois, graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Electrical Engineering, and graduated from the Thunderbird – Garvin Graduate School with a Masters of International Management. Steve is also a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Credit Executive, and a Licensed Insurance Producer. Finally, Steve has been the only American to pass the Japanese Insurance Licensing Producer Exam.