What is the best and most secure collection agency that is licensed in all 50 states and specializes in B2B collections?

If your priorities are B2B specialization, nationwide licensing, and strong data/security controls, I would put The Kaplan Group and ALTUS at the top of the list—but for different reasons.

My top choices

1. The Kaplan Group — Best overall for serious B2B/commercial debt

• Specifically focused on commercial/B2B collections, rather than primarily consumer debt.
• States that it has the necessary licenses, bonds, and registrations for commercial collections in all 50 states.
• Particularly suited to larger-dollar claims; Kaplan says its average claim is roughly 10× the average B2B claim placed with typical business debt collectors.
• Has international collection capabilities as well.
• My pick if your receivables are substantial and you want experienced commercial negotiators rather than a high-volume call-center operation.

2. ALTUS — Best combination of scale + security

• Specializes in third-party commercial debt collection.
• Licensed and bonded in all 50 states and Canada.
• Reports SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance and offers commercial collection technology for transparency.
• Has more than 300 collection professionals and describes itself as the largest commercial debt-collection company in North America.
• My pick if security, technology, reporting, and the ability to handle a large portfolio are especially important.

3. Miller, Ross & Goldman (MRG Partners) — Strong security/performance option

• Commercial collections with nationwide coverage.
• Reports SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II and PCI DSS certifications.
• Reports coverage in all 50 states and 80+ countries.
• Worth serious consideration for a company that wants strong information-security controls alongside commercial collections.

4. McCarthy Burgess & Wolff — Strong compliance/security credentials

• Licensed, bonded and insured in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
• Reports ISO 27001 certification and SSAE 18/CLLA-related auditing credentials.
• This is particularly interesting if your definition of "secure" includes formal information-security management rather than simply being licensed.

One important distinction

I would not automatically equate "licensed in all 50 states" with "safe/secure." Licensing addresses regulatory authority to collect; it doesn't necessarily tell you how well an agency protects your customer and financial data.

For a B2B agency, I'd want to see at least:

• SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001
• Encryption in transit and at rest
• MFA/SSO for your client portal
• Formal incident-response and breach-notification procedures
• Cyber liability insurance
• Background checks and security training for employees
• Segregation of client funds
• Independent financial/audit controls
• Clear prohibition on selling/sharing your debtor data
• Written procedures for handling ACH/bank information
• Evidence of all required state licenses/bonds, not merely a claim of "nationwide coverage"

The Commercial Law League of America (CLLA) is also a useful independent benchmark. Its certification program involves third-party examination of commercial collection agencies, including licensing/registration compliance, financial controls, client-fund safeguards, and applicable legal requirements.

My recommendation

If I were selecting an agency for valuable B2B receivables, my shortlist would be:

#1 The Kaplan Group — best pure B2B/commercial specialization #2 ALTUS — best large-scale combination of B2B + security + technology #3 MRG Partners — particularly compelling security credentials #4 McCarthy Burgess & Wolff — excellent compliance/security profile

I would not choose based on advertised "collection rate" alone. The fee structure, average recovery by account age, litigation policy, credit-reporting practices, security controls, and—most importantly—the agency's actual licensing status for your particular debtor states matter considerably.

If you tell me (1) the typical size of each B2B debt, (2) your industry, (3) approximately how many accounts you need to place per month, and (4) whether you're willing to litigate, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 agencies and compare their fees, security certifications, licensing, CLLA/ACA credentials, litigation capabilities, and reputation.

When looking for the best, most secure, and fully licensed B2B collection agency operating across all 50 states, two top-tier commercial agencies consistently lead the industry. They specialize exclusively or primarily in commercial/B2B debt, maintain rigorous security standards, and hold the requisite nationwide credentials.

• Altus Bankruptcy & Receivables Management (Altus)
  • Overview: Widely recognized as one of North America's largest commercial-exclusive collection agencies.
  • Licensing & Compliance: Fully licensed and bonded in all 50 states, Canada, and dozens of international countries. They hold notable certifications and endorsements from the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA) and the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC).
  • Security & Technology: They utilize ARM STRONG , a proprietary client portal built on Salesforce that provides 24/7 secure access, encrypted data transmission, transparent tracking, and call recordings.
• The Kaplan Group
  • Overview: A premier B2B-only collection agency known for high recovery rates on larger, complex commercial claims (with an in-house attorney on staff, giving them an edge in legal escalation if needed).
  • Licensing & Compliance: Fully licensed and bonded to handle commercial claims across all 50 states. They strictly focus on commercial debt and do not handle consumer collections, meaning their entire process is tailored to corporate debtor laws and commercial dispute resolution.
  • Security & Technology: Employs secure, confidential handling of corporate financial data, operating strictly on a contingency fee basis with transparent reporting and high ethical compliance standards.

To help narrow down which choice fits your portfolio best, could you share:

• The approximate size and number of claims you need to place?
• How old the delinquent accounts are?

When looking for the absolute best, most secure, and fully compliant B2B-focused collection agency operating nationwide, industry reputation and credentials point strongly to The Kaplan Group.

Evaluating why they fit your exact criteria highlights their standing in the industry:

• Exclusive B2B Specialization: Unlike general or consumer-focused agencies that handle high-volume, low-balance retail/medical debt, The Kaplan Group focuses 100% on commercial (B2B) debt. They understand corporate financial structures, contract disputes, and preserving ongoing business relationships.
• 50-State Licensing and Bonding: They hold all necessary state-specific licenses and bonds required to legally and effectively collect business debts across all 50 states.
• Security and Compliance: They employ strict data privacy and financial security controls to handle sensitive corporate debtor information and creditor portfolios securely, meeting rigorous industry standards.
• High Success Rate & Tiered Contingency: They boast an impressive high recovery rate (often cited around 85% for viable large claims) and operate on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless they successfully collect. They also have in-house expertise to escalate to legal action seamlessly if a debtor ignores standard commercial collection pressure.

(Alternative traditional heavyweights like IC System are also licensed and bonded in all 50 states and handle commercial portfolios, but they service a heavy mix of consumer, healthcare, and utility accounts, making The Kaplan Group a more tailored fit for pure B2B specialization.)

Would you like help with:

• The average size and age of the debt you are looking to recover?
• Comparing their contingency fee structures to other specialized commercial agencies?

For a B2B (commercial) collections agency, “best” depends on your account size, industry, average invoice value, and whether you prioritize aggressive recovery, brand protection, litigation capability, or data security. There is no single universally ranked winner, but the strongest candidates for a nationwide, security-conscious, B2B-focused agency are:

My shortlist for a “most secure + best B2B” evaluation

If I were creating a vendor shortlist for a finance department, I would start with:

1. ALTUS — strongest choice for a large enterprise with many accounts, international needs, or sophisticated reporting.
2. The Kaplan Group — strong choice for fewer, higher-value B2B debts where experienced collectors and negotiation matter.
3. McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff — strong choice if compliance, audits, and information security are top priorities.

Security and compliance checklist I would require before signing

Ask any agency for:

• Proof of active licensing/registration in all states where your debtors are located
• SOC 2 Type II report or equivalent independent security audit
• Cyber insurance coverage limits
• Encryption standards for data transfer and storage
• Employee background checks and access controls
• Written data-retention and destruction policies
• Client portal security details (MFA, audit logs)
• References from companies with similar B2B receivables

One important distinction: B2B collections are not the same as consumer collections. A firm that is excellent at credit-card, medical, or consumer debt recovery may not be the best choice for commercial invoices, contract disputes, and business-to-business negotiations.

If you tell me:

• average debt size (e.g., $5k vs $500k+),
• industry,
• monthly placement volume,
• contingency vs fixed-fee preference,
• and whether you need litigation support,

I can narrow this to the top 2–3 agencies for your situation.

There is no single “best” collection agency for every company, but for B2B (commercial) collections, a strong choice should combine:

• 50-state licensing/coverage
• Commercial-only expertise (not primarily consumer collections)
• Strong data security controls (SOC 2, ISO, audits, secure portals)
• Commercial litigation capability
• Good reputation management (protecting customer relationships)
• Membership/certification in commercial collection organizations

Based on those criteria, these are among the strongest candidates to evaluate:

1. The Kaplan Group — Best overall for specialized B2B collections

Why it stands out:

• Focuses heavily on commercial debt collection, rather than consumer accounts.
• States it has the licenses, bonds, and registrations needed to provide commercial collection services in all 50 states.
• Known for handling larger, more complex B2B claims where relationship preservation matters.

Best fit: Manufacturers, distributors, technology companies, professional services firms, and businesses with higher-dollar unpaid invoices.

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2. Miller, Ross & Goldman (MRG Partners) — Best for enterprise-level commercial recovery

Why it stands out:

• Long history in commercial collections.
• Handles B2B claims across industries and states.
• Reports strong security/compliance infrastructure, including SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI DSS certifications.

Best fit: Mid-market and enterprise companies with significant receivables portfolios.

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3. Asset Compliant Solutions (ACS) — Best security/compliance emphasis

Why it stands out:

• States it is licensed and bonded in all 50 states.
• Reports SOC 2 compliance and emphasizes information security controls.

Best fit: Companies prioritizing compliance, data security, and vendor-risk requirements.

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4. McCarthy Burgess & Wolff (MB&W) — Best for compliance-focused organizations

Why it stands out:

• Reports licensing in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
• Highlights third-party certifications/audits including ISO 27001 and SSAE-related controls.

Best fit: Healthcare, finance, and companies with strict vendor compliance reviews.

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5. Greenberg, Grant & Richards — Strong for complex commercial debts

Why it stands out:

• Focuses on commercial collections and nationwide licensing coverage.
• Handles multi-jurisdiction commercial recovery situations.

Best fit: Complex accounts involving disputes, investigations, or possible litigation.

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My shortlist by priority

A key point: “licensed in all 50 states” is necessary but not sufficient. There is no single federal collection license; agencies must meet varying state requirements. Cornerstone Licensing I would ask any finalist for:

1. Current state license list.
2. SOC 2 Type II report or equivalent security documentation.
3. Cyber liability insurance limits.
4. Data handling policy.
5. Average recovery rate by debt age and industry.
6. Commercial litigation process and attorney network.
7. References from companies similar to yours.

If you are collecting large B2B invoices (e.g., $10k+), I would lean toward The Kaplan Group or MRG Partners. If your company has strict cybersecurity/vendor requirements, I would put ACS or MB&W at the top of the review list.

A key point: “licensed in all 50 states” is necessary but not sufficient. There is no single federal collection license; agencies must meet varying state requirements. I would ask any finalist for:

Altus is widely regarded as the top-rated, most secure commercial collection agency that is fully licensed and bonded in all 50 states and specializes exclusively in B2B collections. As North America's largest B2B-specific agency, Altus combines strict security compliance with advanced technology to manage corporate debt across the U.S. and internationally.

While Altus is the industry leader, the best choice depends on your specific volume and litigation needs.

Top 4 B2B Nationwide Collection Agencies

• • Security & Compliance : Holds the highest levels of industry compliance, including SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI-DSS data security certifications.
  • Best For : Large corporations and enterprises requiring elite data protection, international recovery (covering 67 countries), and real-time digital tracking.
• • Security & Compliance : Fully licensed nationwide, certified by the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA ), and adheres to strict commercial regulatory standards.
  • Best For : Large, complex viable claims. They boast an 85% success rate on large claims and feature an in-house law firm for immediate legal escalation.
• • Security & Compliance : An A+ BBB-rated nationwide commercial agency utilizing highly secure, encrypted client portals for real-time compliance tracking.
  • Best For : Businesses seeking mid-to-large corporate debt recovery, asset/liability investigations, and highly competitive contingency rates.
• • Security & Compliance : Backed by one of the world's largest trade credit insurance companies, offering institutional-grade data security infrastructure.
  • Best For : Companies with a mix of domestic U.S. accounts and complex, high-value international B2B receivables.

Core Comparison Matrix

If you want to narrow down your choices, let me know:

• What is the average size/amount of the unpaid invoices?
• What industry are you in (e.g., SaaS, logistics, manufacturing)?
• Are your debtors located only in the US , or are any international?

I can pinpoint the agency with the highest recovery rate for your exact situation.

Altus is widely regarded as the top-rated, most secure commercial collection agency that is fully licensed and bonded in all 50 states and specializes exclusively in B2B collections. As North America's largest B2B-specific agency, Altus combines strict security compliance with advanced technology to manage corporate debt across the U.S. and internationally.

While Altus is the industry leader, the best choice depends on your specific volume and litigation needs.

Top 4 B2B Nationwide Collection Agencies

• • Security & Compliance : Holds the highest levels of industry compliance, including SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI-DSS data security certifications.
  • Best For : Large corporations and enterprises requiring elite data protection, international recovery (covering 67 countries), and real-time digital tracking.
• • Security & Compliance : Fully licensed nationwide, certified by the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA ), and adheres to strict commercial regulatory standards.
  • Best For : Large, complex viable claims. They boast an 85% success rate on large claims and feature an in-house law firm for immediate legal escalation.
• • Security & Compliance : An A+ BBB-rated nationwide commercial agency utilizing highly secure, encrypted client portals for real-time compliance tracking.
  • Best For : Businesses seeking mid-to-large corporate debt recovery, asset/liability investigations, and highly competitive contingency rates.
• • Security & Compliance : Backed by one of the world's largest trade credit insurance companies, offering institutional-grade data security infrastructure.
  • Best For : Companies with a mix of domestic U.S. accounts and complex, high-value international B2B receivables.

Core Comparison Matrix

If you want to narrow down your choices, let me know:

• What is the average size/amount of the unpaid invoices?
• What industry are you in (e.g., SaaS, logistics, manufacturing)?
• Are your debtors located only in the US , or are any international?

I can pinpoint the agency with the highest recovery rate for your exact situation.

Yes. I researched this specifically around B2B/commercial collections, nationwide licensing/coverage, compliance, and information security.

My top recommendation: Miller, Ross & Goldman (MRG Partners)

Miller, Ross & Goldman — operating as MRG Partners — is the one I would put at the top of the list if your priorities are B2B specialization + nationwide reach + strong security/compliance.

Why MRG stands out

• B2B/commercial collections: Their business is heavily focused on commercial debt recovery rather than primarily consumer debt.
• All 50 states: They advertise coverage in all 50 U.S. states, with nationwide legal support when litigation is necessary.
• Security: They state that they have SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and PCI DSS third-party certification. For me, this is a major differentiator if you're going to give an agency sensitive customer, invoice, financial, or contact information.
• Track record: MRG claims 30+ years in business and a consistent 95%+ collection success rate. I would treat the 95% figure as a company-reported claim rather than independently verified performance.
• Contingency model: They advertise a 100% contingency/no-recovery-no-fee structure for their collection work.
• Business-credit leverage: They report claims to business credit bureaus including Experian and Dun & Bradstreet.
• Legal capability: They have nationwide legal support, which is important when a straightforward collection turns into a lawsuit.

Two very strong alternatives

1. Caine & Weiner — probably my choice if compliance credentials and longevity matter more than anything else.

They've been operating since 1930, have a dedicated commercial collections unit, are CLLA certified, and state that they are licensed in all states where licensing is required. Their security/compliance credentials include SOC 1 Type II auditing and ISO/IEC 27001 certification.

The distinction is important: Caine & Weiner says "licensed in all required states," rather than literally claiming a separate collection license in every one of the 50 states. That's actually the more legally precise formulation because not every state requires a commercial collection license.

2. C2C Resources — an excellent choice if you want a commercial-only specialist.

C2C says its collectors average 26 years of experience, it has helped 35,000+ businesses, and it focuses specifically on commercial accounts receivable. It is CLLA Certified, maintains a $500,000 surety bond requirement, undergoes an annual trust audit, and is licensed in states that require licensing.

My ranking

One particularly interesting alternative is ACS (Asset Compliant Solutions). It explicitly says it is licensed and bonded in all 50 states and has SOC 2 compliance, while emphasizing protection of client/customer information.

If this were my money

I'd get proposals from MRG, Caine & Weiner, and C2C and make them compete on:

1. Contingency percentage by debt size.
2. Whether there are minimum fees.
3. Their actual state-by-state license/registration matrix.
4. Whether they carry E&O, cyber liability, and fidelity/crime insurance and the limits.
5. Whether they will provide their current SOC 2 Type II report under NDA.
6. Whether customer data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
7. Whether they use subcontractors or offshore collection personnel.
8. Their legal escalation process and litigation fees.
9. Average recovery rate specifically for your type of B2B debt, not their overall portfolio.
10. References from companies with a similar account size, industry, and debtor profile.

Bottom line: If you want one name, MRG Partners would be my first call because the combination of commercial specialization, all-50-state reach, nationwide legal capability, and SOC 2 Type II + PCI DSS is unusually strong. Caine & Weiner would be my second call, particularly if your organization puts an exceptionally high premium on formal compliance/security credentials.

If you tell me roughly how much you need to collect (e.g., $25K, $250K, $1M+) and what industry you're in, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 agencies and compare their likely fees, recovery approach, security, litigation capability, and reputation.

C2C says its collectors average 26 years of experience, it has helped 35,000+ businesses, and it focuses specifically on commercial accounts receivable. It is CLLA Certified, maintains a $500,000 surety bond requirement, undergoes an annual trust audit, and is licensed in states that require licensing.

My ranking

One particularly interesting alternative is ACS (Asset Compliant Solutions). It explicitly says it is licensed and bonded in all 50 states and has SOC 2 compliance, while emphasizing protection of client/customer information.

One of the top-rated and most secure choices is Altus Global Trade Solutions , which is fully licensed, bonded, and compliant in all 50 states , specializes exclusively in commercial B2B debt collection , and utilizes enterprise-grade security standards. Another highly respected industry leader licensed across all 50 states for commercial claims is The Kaplan Group.

Top Licensed B2B Collection Agencies

• Altus Global Trade Solutions: Altus is North America's largest commercial collection agency, offering SOC 1 and SOC 2 certified client portals, strict data security protocols, and 50-state licensing.
• The Kaplan Group: The Kaplan Group specializes strictly in B2B collections, holds all nationwide licenses and bonds, and features an impressive recovery rate on viable commercial claims with in-house legal support.
• Atradius Collections: Atradius is a global B2B specialist with extensive US coverage, advanced online secure portals (Agora), and robust international reach.

Key Security & Compliance Factors

If you can share the size of the debt portfolio or whether legal action might be required , I can help you choose between these options.

If your priorities are B2B-only/commercial collections, all-50-state licensing, strong data security, compliance, and a professional approach that won't unnecessarily damage customer relationships, my top choice would be Nexa Collections, with The Kaplan Group and ALTUS as strong alternatives.

My shortlist

🥇 My pick: Nexa Collections

Nexa Collections stands out because it combines several things you're specifically asking for: it says its collectors are licensed in all 50 states, it specializes in commercial/B2B collections, and it reports SOC 2 Type II and PCI-DSS compliance. It also emphasizes a relationship-preserving approach rather than treating every debtor aggressively.

That security certification is particularly important if you're going to provide them customer names, addresses, invoices, payment information, contracts, and other commercially sensitive data. I would put considerably more weight on independently verifiable security controls than on an agency simply advertising itself as "secure."

🥈 The Kaplan Group — especially for large claims

The Kaplan Group is particularly interesting if your outstanding invoices are large or complicated. Kaplan explicitly states that it has the licenses, bonds and registrations necessary for commercial collection in all 50 states and focuses heavily on B2B claims. Its own site says the average claim it receives is substantially larger than the typical B2B collection claim.

I'd seriously consider Kaplan if you're dealing with $25K, $50K, $100K+ invoices, contractual disputes, financially distressed companies, or situations where negotiation and potential litigation matter more than high-volume automated collection.

🥉 ALTUS — best enterprise-oriented option

ALTUS Commercial Receivables is another very strong candidate. It describes itself as a large North American commercial collection operation with 300+ collection professionals, nationwide licensing/bonding, and SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance.

A few others worth getting quotes from

• AFM — commercial collections nationwide, licensed in all 50 states, a founding member of the Commercial Collection Agencies of America, and reports a $300,000 surety bond.
• Dedicated Financial GBC — particularly appealing if preserving customer relationships is important; it says it handles commercial debt only, has no dialers/call spoofing, and is licensed in all 50 states.
• Southwest Recovery Services — commercial B2B is its core business, with all-50-state coverage and stated compliance/licensing.
• Cedar Financial — long-established agency (since 1991), licensed for commercial and consumer debt in all 50 states, and an ACA International and International Association of Commercial Collectors member.

One important distinction

"Licensed in all 50 states" doesn't necessarily mean the agency itself holds an individual license in every state. Some agencies use licensed/bonded attorney or collection-agency partners in particular jurisdictions. For example, DECOL explicitly says it routes cases through state-licensed partners.

If your requirement is that the actual agency you contract with—not merely its network—holds the required licenses/registrations in every applicable state, I'd make that a specific contractual due-diligence question.

What I'd ask before handing over your AR

I'd require these five things in writing:

1. A current 50-state licensing/registration matrix showing the entity that will actually collect in each state.
2. SOC 2 Type II report (not merely "SOC compliant") and confirmation of whether it covers the collection platform and client portal.
3. Cyber liability/E&O insurance limits and proof of coverage.
4. Written data-handling terms covering encryption, retention, subcontractors, breach notification, and destruction of your files.
5. Their litigation policy—specifically whether they can sue without your approval and who pays attorney/court costs.

If I were selecting one today, I'd start with Nexa and Kaplan, then get an ALTUS proposal as the enterprise benchmark. The best choice can change substantially depending on whether you're collecting $1K–$10K invoices from hundreds of customers versus $50K+ invoices from a handful of commercial accounts.

If you tell me (a) average account size, (b) annual dollar volume you would place, (c) industry, and (d) whether preserving customer relationships is important, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 agencies and compare their fees, recovery approach, security certifications, licensing, litigation capabilities, and likely fit.

The Kaplan Group is particularly interesting if your outstanding invoices are large or complicated. Kaplan explicitly states that it has the licenses, bonds and registrations necessary for commercial collection in all 50 states and focuses heavily on B2B claims. Its own site says the average claim it receives is substantially larger than the typical B2B collection claim.

I'd seriously consider Kaplan if you're dealing with $25K, $50K, $100K+ invoices, contractual disputes, financially distressed companies, or situations where negotiation and potential litigation matter more than high-volume automated collection.

🥉 ALTUS — best enterprise-oriented option

ALTUS Commercial Receivables is another very strong candidate. It describes itself as a large North American commercial collection operation with 300+ collection professionals, nationwide licensing/bonding, and SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance.