Trade Finance Solutions

Trade finance covers a range of products designed to support businesses that trade across borders, importing goods, exporting products, or managing international payment flows. The common thread is reducing risk for both buyer and seller, and bridging the cash flow gap created by international payment cycles.

It is a specialist area, and the right structure depends on the nature of your trade, your supplier relationships, and the countries you are dealing with.

Letters of Credit (LC)

A guarantee from a bank that payment will be made to a supplier once specified conditions are met. Reduces risk for both parties in international transactions as the supplier knows they will be paid; the buyer knows they will receive the goods as agreed.

Documentary Collections

A lower-cost alternative to letters of credit for established supplier relationships, where the bank acts as an intermediary in the exchange of documents for payment.

Import Finance

Funding to cover the cost of imported goods from the point of purchase through to the point of sale. Bridges the gap between paying your overseas supplier and receiving payment from your domestic customers.

Export Finance

Funding to support businesses exporting goods, typically bridging the period between shipping and receiving payment, which can be extended in international trade.

Foreign Exchange

Efficient management of international payments to reduce currency risk and transaction costs.

Trade finance is an area where businesses often use the wrong tools because they are unaware of the right ones. We regularly see businesses using personal or business credit limits to fund international purchases, an expensive and often inadequate solution when a dedicated import finance facility would be both cheaper and more appropriate.

We also see businesses exposed to currency risk that could be managed more effectively with the right FX arrangement alongside their trade finance facility.

Trade finance requires specialist lenders and specialist knowledge. We work with a panel of providers who understand international trade, and we will assess the specific nature of your trading relationships before identifying the right structure.

We will also consider whether trade finance, supply chain finance, or a combination of both is the most appropriate solution for your specific model.

All commissions are disclosed before you commit to anything.