Trade Finance
Trade finance plays a vital role in facilitating international trade by providing financing solutions and risk mitigation services to businesses engaged in cross-border transactions. From small exporters to multinational corporations, trade finance enables companies to manage cash flow, mitigate risks, and expand their global reach.
STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SB L/C)
A written undertaken giving to a beneficiary (the party with whom you have entered into a contract with for the supply of goods) that in the event of your inability to meet the specific financial obligations stated in the contract, will satisfy that obligation on behalf of the beneficiary to the applicant , after which the beneficiary reimburses to the issuing bank/applicant for the payment made.
DOCUMENTARY LETTER OF CREDIT (L/C)
This is an undertaken given to the supplier on behalf of the buyer that payment would be made for goods upon delivery within a stipulated time. An importer who uses the Letter of Credit reduces the risk of having to pay for goods in advance, thereby saving him the situation of having to pay for goods not consistent with the terms stated in the Letter of Credit.
TRANSFERABLE LETTER OF CREDIT
A Transferable Letter of Credit enables the transfer of payment to be made directly to the Supplier(s) if the Letter of Credit's beneficiary is a middleman.
BACK TO BACK LETTER OF CREDIT
This is a new letter of credit opened based on an already existing, nontransferable credit used as collateral. A Back-to-Back Letter is used when the beneficiary (client) does not wish to divulge certain information deemed sensitive. A trader receives a letter of credit from the buyer and then opens another letter of credit in favour of the Supplier, thus, the first letter of credit serves as collateral for the second letter of credit.