Trade Finance

The 21st century has witnessed swift change in every sphere of the human endeavour. Regulatory re-alignment, digitalisation and economic and political developments have contributed to paradigm shift in banking, trade, finance and the shipping industry virtually transforming the landscape. International Trade Finance is an essential tool for bankers, exporters/importers, shippers, consultants, teachers and students navigating the procedures of international trade finance. The book addresses basic topics relating to international trade including letters of credit mechanism, collections of bills, trade customs and practice. New to this revised edition, it covers SWIFT updates, supply chain system, UKEF, Blockchain technologies, the implications of BREXIT, NAFTA, Mexico, Canada and other bilateral agreements and their implications, the US sanctions, terrorist financing and anti-money laundering provisions, and a check list to control financial crime risks in trade finance. The extended metaphor of the book is that of an arm chair tour covering fundamentals to the nuances of the hard core of the subject matter and enabling the readers to deal with complicated implementation issues in a forthright and comprehensive fashion.

Trade Finance provides a much-needed re-examination of the relevant legal principles and a study of the challenges posed to current legal structures by technological changes, financial innovation, and international regulation. Arising out of the papers presented at the symposium, Trade Finance for the 21st Century, this collection brings together the perspectives of scholars and practitioners from around the globe focusing on core themes, such as reform and the future role of the UCP, the impact of technology on letters of credit and other forms of trade finance, and the rise of alternative forms of financing. The book covers three key fields of trade finance, starting with the challenges to traditional trade financing by means of documentary credit. These include issues related to contractual enforceability, the use of "soft clauses", the doctrine of strict compliance, the fraud exception, the role of the correspondent bank, performance bonds, and conflict of laws problems. The second main area covered by the work is the technological issues and opportunities in trade finance, including electronic bills of exchange, blockchain, and electronically transferable records. The final part of the work considers alternative and complementary trade finance mechanisms such as open account trading, supply-chain financing, the bank payment obligation, and countertrade.

This second edition represents a substantial revision to the first edition first published in 1999. Readers will find this book an update of the adoption of UCP–600 and new practices of the services by ECIC and major trade promotion institutions in Hong Kong. Major differences between Incoterms 2000 and 2010 will also be discussed. Published by City University of Hong Kong Press. 香港城市大學出版社出版。

Trade and Receivable Finance provides the definitive practical guide to the evaluation and mitigation of risk and the financing of international trade. This authoritative manual is built upon more than 42 years of experience in the trade and receivables finance market and carries the endorsement of The London Institute of Banking and Finance. The contents are comprehensive incorporating clause examples, specimen documents, financier checklists and diagrams. The traditional method of commercial lending assessment places primary importance on the ability of the borrower to repay the financier. However, this form of evaluation often results in insufficient credit appetite to release the required level of financial support for a company involved in cross border trade. When a trade-related proposition is properly evaluated so that the transactional risks are fully understood and mitigated to an acceptable level, and the source of repayment is identifiable and considered reliable, a well-structured trade and receivables finance facility reduces the risk of default when compared to conventional lending products and can generate additional credit appetite. This book will become a constant ‘go-to’ companion for transaction banking teams, bank relationship managers, specialist client-facing trade and invoice finance specialists, middle and back office trade advisory personnel, credit analysts, alternative market financiers, export development agencies and credit insurers. The techniques described in this book are applied to an extensive range of international trade scenarios inThe Trade and Receivables Finance Companion: A Collection of Case Studies and Solutions (Palgrave, 2020).

The vast majority of international trade is supported by some form of trade financing: a specialized, sometimes complex form of financing that is poorly understood even by bankers and seasoned finance and treasury experts. Financing Trade and International Supply Chains takes the mystery out of trade and supply chain finance, providing a practical, straightforward overview of a discipline that is fundamental to the successful conduct of trade: trade that contributes to the creation of economic value, poverty reduction and international development, while increasing prosperity across the globe. The book suggests that every trade or supply chain finance solution, no matter how elaborate, addresses some combination of four elements: facilitation of secure and timely payment, effective mitigation of risk, provision of financing and liquidity, and facilitation of transactional and financial information flow. The book includes observations on the effective use of traditional mechanisms such as Documentary Letters of Credit, as well as an overview of emerging supply chain finance solutions and programs, critical to the financing of strategic suppliers and other members of complex supply chain ecosystems. The important role of export credit agencies and international financial institutions is explored, and innovations such as the Bank Payment Obligation are addressed in detail. Financing Trade and International Supply Chains is a valuable resource for practitioners, business executives, entrepreneurs and others involved in international commerce and trade. This book balances concept with practical insight, and can help protect the financial interests of companies pursuing opportunity in international markets.

What affects the supply of oil? How important is the weather in determining grain prices? Why has the price of copper skyrocketed? This unique book analyses the economics of key commodity groups, including energy, agriculture and metals. It examines the supply/demand fundamentals of several major and minor commodities, physical characteristics, production and consumption patterns, trade flows and pricing mechanisms. It also explains the main tools used to hedge price risk, such as futures, options and swaps. This second edition has been fully revised and restructured, and contains four new chapters, including oil refining, electricity and price risk management for energy, metals and agricultural commodities This book is an indispensable reference text for students, academics and those working in the commodity business.

With the existence of the World Trade Organization, North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Union, trade continues to play a crucial role in an ever-globalizing economy. Technology and economic integration will only continue to foster the growth of trade. Exporting and importing used to be limited to large corporations, but now even small businesses can explore opportunities in international markets. Methods of organizing, financing and managing risk in trade are explored in the pages of this text. The authors also examine critical topics such as logistics and insurance, international commercial banking, and exchange rates. This book takes a practical approach, making it a worthwhile read to experienced traders and learners alike. Gain a competitive advantage and navigate business challenges with the lessons in The Fundamentals of Trade Finance.

Designed for use by anyone involved in international sales, finance, shipping and administration, The Handbook of International Trade and Finance provides a full explanation of the key areas of international trade - including risk management, international payments and currency management. It is an essential reference source that will help to reduce risks and improve cashflow, identify the most competitive finance alternatives, structure the best payment terms, and minimize finance and transaction costs. Coverage includes: trade risks and risk assessment; methods of payment; currency risk; export credit insurance; trade finance; and terms of payment. Designed for all businesses, regardless of size and business sector, the book also describes the negotiating process from the perspectives of both the buyer and the seller - providing valuable insight into the complete financing process.