Financial stability is a critical risk factor in high-value contracts. If a supplier collapses financially during contract performance, the buying organisation faces supply disruption, increased costs, and reputational risk. Financial assessments help identify vulnerabilities such as high debt, poor liquidity, or over-reliance on limited customers. While profitability, credit scores, and broader capability assessments are useful, the most pressing concern is ensuring continuity of supply. Ethical and responsible sourcing requires buyers to consider the long-term viability of suppliers, not just short-term savings. This aligns with responsible practice, protecting stakeholders, end customers, and the organisation’s own obligations.